Newcomers Cub Gives Five Decades of Service

Examples of the generous spirit of the Newcomers and Neighbors Club can be found time after time around town, whether it’s the support of an all-accessible playground at Bartlem Park; the town’s “Adopt-a-Family” holiday program or a financial gift to the Cheshire Fuel Bank; this local group does much more than welcome new residents to town.

The club has about 80 families who are members of the civic organization that has a deep conviction for giving. Few civic organizations have a PayPal button on their website that lets visitors make a donation directly to the Cheshire Fuel Bank, but the Newcomers club does. Last April, they presented a $300 donation to the town for the assistance program.

During the holidays, they were part of town-wide effort to provide gifts for more than 200 individuals and families in Cheshire.

The club, which celebrates its 50th year anniversary this year, also creates opportunities for members to socialize in a number of ways. You may see folks deep in conversation during their monthly book club meeting at Main Street Caffe or gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.

At their recent Winter Warmer event at Tatzza’s on Thursday evening, plenty of visiting was taking place.  

While the event had a social theme, members were happy to discuss their dedication to community involvement. “There’s a lot of need in Cheshire,” said club President Club president Kristi Hayes. She believes the group's community involvement is something to feel good about.

It's the kind of club where everyone knows your name, said member Sandhya Desmond. “Yes, it sounds like Cheers, but it's true of the group,” she said. Desmond compared the club to a real neighborhood, but one that covers the entire town.

“Everyone knows everyone,” said Catherine Takizawa. When she moved to Cheshire, she felt the club would be a good way to meet her new neighbors. The club, however, doesn't just attract newcomers, said membership chairwoman Karen Telese. “There’s a fair amount of people who join after living here,” she said.

The group’s name was recently changed from simply “Cheshire Newcomers Club,”  to "Cheshire Newcomers & Neighbors Club," Telese said, to better reflect their membership. 

Jill Gromko was a member of a similar group in New Hampshire so she looked for a similar opportunity in Cheshire, she said. Being new to town, and having twins, Gromko said she also thought the group would be a good way for her children to find new friends.

Former Prospect resident Cindy Russell said she joined more than 10 years ago after moving to town. Takizawa has been a member almost that long and said she stayed involved because the club provides so many activities.

“The club goes in whatever direction they want to go in,” said Hayes.  Their monthly events include kids’ playgroups, a men’s activity for the male members and wine tastings for the adults. There’s also an annual picnic and a children’s carnival at the high school.

For more information on Cheshire Newcomers & Neighbors, you can go to their website at www.CheshireNewcomers.com