Dear Fellow Newcomers,
As president of Newcomers of Great Falls this year, I am excited to serve in a position that I never imagined I would hold when I joined Newcomers a little over three years ago. Welcome to all who are experiencing our wonderful community for the first time.
So often, it's the smallest courtesies and thoughtful acts that make all the difference between being comfortable or not in a new environment. The Newcomers of Great Falls group provides some of those touches that make our community feel warm and comfortable when we first arrive.
Open to all residents with a Great Falls address, or those residing in the Great Falls/Langley High School district, we have about 200 members and offer many activities. These include Cook Book Cooking Club, Book Group, Bridge Club, Moms and Tots Play Groups, Bunco, Wine Tasting, Golfing, Cultural Tours and Antiquing and Craft Shows. You can view our Web site at www.greatfallsnewcomers.com or telephone our voice mail, 703-326 4382, for more information.
Our organization was a great help to my family and me as we adjusted to our new home when we moved here from Hong Kong. Living here was so different, but with the help of Newcomers, we settled right in. Here, we have experienced a sense of community and friendship, which is the Great Falls tradition.
Our group is very proud to support local charities with fund-raising and hands-on work. We have supported Camp Fraser, Lift Me Up, and Volunteer Emergency Families For Children this past year. Through our fund-raising, we have been able to provide new showers and toilets for Camp Fraser. We raised enough money to provide feed and care for a horse, Valentine, at Lift Me Up. Being a member of Newcomers is a great way to become involved with local charities.
Newcomers also supports our "hometown" celebrations. We sponsored and provided volunteers for a moon bounce at the Spring Festival and organized the Baby Parade and a frisbee toss at the July Fourth celebration. At Halloween we help bring the community together by setting up a Haunted House at the Village Center. These events delight the old and young alike. My children — Kenneson, 13, and Kendra, 18 — have really enjoyed helping with the July Fourth and Halloween celebrations. My husband Ken and I have enjoyed meeting many Newcomers and their spouses through some of the Newcomers social events, and I look forward to another year of Newcomers full of friendships, fund-raising for our charities and participating in community events. Come join us and experience what we have to offer.
Sincerely,
Barb Chen
President, Newcomers of Great Falls