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Community Corner

Simsbury Newcomer's Club Holds a Meet and Greet

And you don't have to be a newcomer to join.

The first misconception one may have about the Simsbury Newcomer’s Club is that it is just for newcomers, and second, that being part of the club is temporary and you have to move on after you are no longer deemed a newcomer.

There are others — the club is only for those who live in Simsbury and if you miss a Meet and Greet, you can’t be in the club.

Those misconceptions were dispelled Wednesday morning at the when the club held a Meet and Greet reception with coffee, tea, donuts and daffodils.

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“Some are new to town and some have been here for twenty years,” said Joanne Alfieri, publicity officer for the club and long-time member.

“We have no regular meetings, but instead we have activity groups. Some are for couples, some are for women only and some are for men. Our club touches on everything from family activities, civic concerns groups, wine ... to things like book groups in the daytime and evenings. The groups are organized but not regimented.”

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“It is a nice cross section of people," she said.

There is plenty to do, said Alfieri, adding the beautification committee needs people. That group helps fill the planters in town and maintain them. A needlework group meets every week at a club member’s house.

In addition to those options, you can start your own activity group.

“This is how the club grows and changes. Play groups have formed. The club is for the members and it is geared toward their interests,” she said.

Rebecca Toti, who recently moved to Simsbury and is a native of Los Angeles, said “Simsbury was our number one town to move to when we were shopping around. I grew up coming here for summers visiting my grandma. I knew this is the place I wanted to live.”

When asked about how she liked it so far, Toti said, “I’m going to buy a snow blower for next year, but we really like it.”

Cheryl Sojkowski of Simsbury has been in the club for more than 10 years, since her children were small. “I enjoy it because it is time for me, something I do for myself. It gave me a chance to get out and meet new people.”

Charmaine Glew, a resident and chairperson of the Simsbury Public Library Board of Trustees, is also a member of Newcomers and has been for a long time. She stopped in at the Meet and Greet along with Susan Singer, from Simsbury, who is a part of the welcoming service Neighbor to Neighbor.

“I can give them places to go to find things, for example a watch battery. I am one of the first people you meet when you move into town. People can call me if they want a visit or if they want to be a business sponsor of the program,” said Singer of Neighbor to Neighbor.

Likewise, Robin Magwood, who is new to Simsbury from Maryland, came to meet people and check out the club. She had a few questions like who is a good orthodontist, where is the best place to get your hair done, and where can a teenager go for driver’s education.

“It’s quaint,” said Magwood when asked about her impression of Simsbury. “It is very New England and pretty ... It is challenging to find things, so I use my GPS a lot."

Having moved to Simsbury from France about five years ago, Mariann Kalogeros is currently the nominating officer for the club. “I find people who are ready to step up and take positions in the club,” she said.

“I like that it is so active. There is something in this club for everyone. I participate in and like "Wine and Women," Bunco and a book group. I come to holiday parties, but I never played paddle tennis in my life,” Kalogeros said with a smile.

This was echoed by Carol Fine a realtor from Canton, who recently joined. “I like that there is a diverse group of people and that it provides social activities. It is a great way to get to know people, especially since a lot of people don’t have family here and don’t know anyone.”

Another member, Randi Stamboulis, has lived in Simsbury for two years. Moving from Glastonbury she said, “It’s a way to meet new people. It can be isolated here, if you don’t have neighbors, friends, you get stuck in the house, especially in winter. When you move from the other side of the river, your friends don’t always want to travel.”

“It is nice to know there are groups out there and you are not alone,” added Stamboulis. “Once you talk to people, you see they have similar stories.”

The Simsbury Newcomer’s Club is a non-profit organization that has more than 130 members. For $24 a year you can participate in any of the activities as well as receive a membership directory and a monthly newsletter. Visit www.SimsburyNewcomersClub.org to check out the calendar of events and for more information email membership@simsburynewcomersclub.org or call 860-595-9492. For Neighbor to Neighbor see www.ntnoa.com.

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