Newcomers' Club St.John's, Newfoundland

June 2009

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Wednesdays June 10th and 24th , July 8th, 22nd, August 12th and 26th at 10:15 am Morning Coffee at The Rooms, the easiest meeting place for true newcomers.

You will always find a friendly contact at one of the Wednesday coffee mornings. The coffee mornings provide the best informal way to meet other members, connect with kindred spirits, or suggest themes for future socials or new activities. If the present gathering cannot satisfy your curiosity the following ladies are always ready to answer questions regarding the Newcomers’ Club and our activities: Ann G. 739-0416 Basia 726-1611 Hana 738-0266

Craft Group
All activities of this group will resume in the second part of September. Details will be in our September issue of the Signal.

Book Notes
Tuesday June 9th at 10:00 am End of the Year Pot Luck Lunch at Andrea’s. All are welcome to come to the meetings. Call Andrea for details.

June Social
Monday June 15th at 6:30 pm. As always, our June general meeting takes place in the
evening. This year we are pleased to hold the dinner at the historic Crow’s Nest (709) 753-6927 where we will gather at 6:30pm prior to a tasty sit down dinner catered by Red Oak Catering at 7:00pm.

Please call Basia to reserve the main course of your choice. The Newcomers’ Club will treat all diners to a complimentary glass of wine and cover the cost of gratuity for the always impeccable service.

All participants are asked to bring a wrapped small inexpensive item suitable for Small scale patio or urban gardening which will be raffled off at the end of the evening. Seeds, gardeners’ gloves, planters, hand lotion, anything that will make it easier to create a small summer wonder in our backyards during the all too short summer season will be appreciated.

AROUND TOWN
See the City of St. John’s Welcomes You site for all the cultural events the season offers. The Scope and The Telegram newspapers as well as the Roger’s community listings provide information about local clubs and places of interest.

Not to be missed in June is the Newfoundland Screech Comedy Festival from Wednesday, June 10th to Sunday, June 14th, as well as 2 performances of Cirque du Soleil June 26th and 27th.

The dinner theatre fare at the former Masonic Temple is always enjoyable and continues throughout the summer.

You must catch at least a glimpse of pods of whales following the caplins, as well as icebergs in June.

Every two years the City of St. John’s plays host to Festival 500 which features performances by many national and international choirs at various venues in the city from July 5th to 12th. If you prefer Jazz, check out the Jazz and Blues Festival.

In August you will have a chance to enjoy a day at the pond, cheering for your favorite crew at the Annual Royal Regatta, planned this year for Wednesday August 5th, weather permitting.

Shakespeare by the Sea (and in the Park) will keep you busy week ends at the amphi-theatre of the Bowring Park. We have not even touched on out of town possibilities, so be adventurous and google away.

Lunch and May Social

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Our lunch this month takes place at the new Chinese restaurant, Bird's Nest, 16 Stavanger Drive. We have reserved a small room for our group, this coming Friday, May 22nd at 12:00 noon.

Our social takes place on the following Monday, May 25th at 10:30am at Presentation Motherhouse at Cathedral Square. There is parking in front of the Motherhouse as well as in front of the Basillica next door, or the nearby Rooms. No admission is charged by the Presentation Sisters, however, they kindly offer one sister as our tour guide, and our small voluntary contribution would most likely be appreciated.

Any questions will be answered by Hana at 738-0266

Activities in March and April 2009

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Wednesdays - Morning Coffee at The Rooms

March 4th, 18th
April 1st, 15th and 29th at 10:15 am

You will always find a friendly contact at one of the Wednesday coffee mornings. The coffee mornings provide the best informal way to meet other members, connect with kindred spirits, or suggest themes for future socials or new activities. If the present gathering cannot satisfy your curiosity the following ladies are always ready to answer questions regarding the Newcomers’ Club and our activities:
Ann G. 739-0416, Jamie 722-5915, Basia 726-1611, Hana 738-0266

Thursdays - Craft Group

March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
April 2nd, 9th , 16th, 23rd, and 30th join our at 12:30 pm

at the home of Estella P. The meetings last about 2 hours.

Book Notes

Tuesday, March 10th - at 9:30 am
at Randi’s. The book for this month is Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea.

Tuesday, April 21st. - at 9:30 am
at Carol F.'s, 15 British Sqr. The selection for April is Elizabeth Murphy’s Imperfect Librarian.
All are welcome to come to the meetings.

MARCH SOCIAL

Monday, March 16th at 11:00 am at Basia’s.

The theme for our March Social is (not quite surprisingly) all things Irish. Basia’s main course will be waiting and supplemented by participants’ delectable potluck contributions inspired by St. Patrick’s Day traditions. Please, wear something Irish and share stories of Irish luck, lore and customs connected to St. Patrick’s Day.

APRIL SOCIAL

Monday April 6th

Details about the Club’s Monday April 6th Social featuring a talk by one of our own, Jamie Stockton, will be finalized by April Fool’s Day, and you can find out about the plans at the first Morning Coffee of April.

AROUND TOWN

See the City of St. John’s Welcomes You site for all the cultural events the season offers (and Winter Spring Active Guide) . The Scope and The Telegram newspapers as well as the Roger’s channel feature listings of events planned by various institutions and societies. Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club opened on Kenmount Rd. and may be worth a visit for some much needed humour. The Kiwanis Music Festival takes place in March and should be as enjoyable as ever.

The Torbay Museum and Torbay Recreation will be holding two workshops:

March 28th - Who Are You - The Newfoundland Genealogical Society is conducting a workshop on how to start researching your family history. Kinsmen Centre 1 – 4 pm. Free.

April 25th – Revisit an old traditional cloth making. Renowned felter Bonnie Johnstone is coming from the Southern Shore to teach felting. The project will be a wall hanging to take home. Kinsmen Centre, 11am - 5 pm. Cost is $30.

IMPORTANT LAST WORD

The weather was truly unpredictable this month and provided ample opportunities for exercise, mainly that of heavy lifting… The falling snow was rarely of the pleasing powder variety, but mostly rather wet and heavy. Students missed a lot of school making their scholastic February even shorter, and the Newcomers missed out on one of their two monthly Coffees at The Rooms, due to the Museum’s closure. Our newest members may not be familiar with the possibility of experiencing all four seasons in one day… Please, never underestimate the weather warnings and always check if the venues of our meeting are actually opened prior to leaving your cozy homes.

Activities January 2008

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We are still alive and kicking, but there was just no time to update the site. So finally some news on our activities for this month:

January Social, Thursday, January 8th at 10:00 am is scheduled at an unusual time because our guest speaker is only available at this particular time and date. Do not miss this opportunity to learn about yoga and its benefits for mind and body. Be inspired and change your life for the new year.

Thursdays January 15th, 22nd, and 29th join our Craft Group at 9:30 am at the home of Estella

Book Notes:There will be no book club meeting this month due to the unavailability of the chosen book. All are welcome to come to the meeting on February 17th (details to follow in the next month’s listings), when we shall discuss both Perfect Night to Go to China and Cloud of Bone.

Wednesday January 7th, and 21st at 10:15 am Morning Coffee at The Rooms.
You will always find a friendly contact at one of the Wednesday coffee mornings. The coffee mornings provide the best informal way to meet other members, connect with kindred spirits, or suggest themes for future socials or new activities. If the present gathering cannot satisfy your curiosity the following ladies are always ready to answer questions regarding the Newcomers’ Club and our activities:

Ann 739-0416 Hana 738-0266

AROUND TOWN
If the present global economic climate gets you down, one effective remedy may be a ticket to the Revue 2008 staged at Art and Culture centre. The show has decades old tradition, and travels through all 6 provincial A&C Centres to sell out crowds. Your chance is on any of the following dates: January 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17. For other shows, concerts and happenings check out the free publications, the Rogers community TV Channel and The City of St. John’s Welcomes You web site.

According to the poet Samuel Butler (1612-1680), “Great actions are not always true sons of great and mighty resolutions.” It stands to reason then, even if you are one of the few who did not make any resolutions for the New Year, you may still accomplish something wonderful. Most of us break the resolutions we make under the influence of the bubbly, anyhow.

Have a great year, Newcomers!

Craft Morning

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When?
Every Thursday morning from 9.30 am till noon.

Where?
In the upstairs Community Room at Sobey's on Merrymeeting Road.

This year again we would like to have a craft group. Last year we worked on some fun projects and this time we will carry on with more "crazy quilting" along with other interesting craft activities, like plain quilting, embroidery or possibly some beading. Working with cardboard, paper and lots of glue too for notebook making. Michael's has supplies for small or large notebook making but if you do not want to purchase these, shoebox cardboard is very usable too for this.
We hope to see you at our first craft meet on the 18th September.

Upcoming Events

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September 8th. Welcome Coffee at 9:30 am. A social to welcome New members and renew friendships after summer vacations.

September 9th. Book Club at 9:30 am.

September 17th. Morning Coffee at the Rooms, 4th Floor, 10:15- 11:30 Open to any Newcomer.

September 22nd Hike and Hot Tub Social, 10:00 - 2:30 in Bay Roberts. An opportunity to go for an easy hike with beautiful vistas, light refreshments and enjoy the Hot Tub (hope for good weather). RSVP. Car pooling.

September 26th - Out For Lunch. Place to be announced. Call Charisse.

October 1st and 15th Morning Coffee at The Rooms 10:15 - 11:30.

October 20th - October Fest Social more details to follow.

Coffee Morning

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It's Coffee Morning again and this time we even might have one out-of-town member to meet up with. One of our regulars will be at the Café for all of you who are free on Wednesday morning, 30th July, to join her at the Rooms Café for a coffee.

She will be there between 10.15 and 11.30

Hope some of you will make it.

If you are new in town and want to meet up with a friendly group of other newcomers, come along to this informal meet-up. We'd love to see you there.

DINNER THEATRE AT THE MASONIC TEMPLE

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Spirit of Newfoundland has a new home at the Masonic Temple.

The Newcomers' are invited to book tickets for their new production

PACING MASON
on Friday, July 25

Anyone interested can contact the company directly at www.spiritofnewfoundland.com or call 579 3023 for more detailed information.

A table for 10 has been tentatively reserved for the evening; when booking your seats, please, mention the Newcomers'. If you can’t make it for this particular performance, you have more chances all through the summer. The popular company offers two other dinner theatre shows to satisfy even the most discerning audiences.

The menu is provided by the expert chefs of Restaurant 21. Visitors welcome.

Out to Lunch

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Let's get together for lunch on Wednesday July 9th, 12 noon at the Spa At The Monastery, 63 Patrick Street. They have a lovely little restaurant with a nice patio if the weather cooperates.

Please RSVP to Andrea D. by Monday July 7th. or e-mail Ann G. Her e-mail address can be found in the blog header.

Coffee Morning

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The next Newcomers' Coffee Morning will take place on Wednesday, July 16th at The Rooms–Café, from 10:15am to 11:30am.

Ann G. will be there to welcome you. She is looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Check this post for links to The Rooms.

Keeping in touch

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Our monthly Coffee Mornings found a permanent host in The Rooms restaurant. No need to pay admission and free parking for 3 hrs. Our next Coffee Morning takes place on May 28th at 10:15 AM. Bring your friends, visitors from away or potential new members. Look for further dates in our June Newsletter and blog updates.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND TRAVELS

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The St. John’s Haunted Hike starts up again in June and runs through September. This is an “ambulatory theatrical tour through the historic and haunted streets of St. Johns downtown core, with old-fashioned storytelling at its dramatic and spine-tingling best”. Call 709-685-3444 for more information or visit .

Cathedral Crypt Tea Room: The Cathedral Crypt Tea Room will be open from the first week of July until the first week of September, on weekday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. The Crypt is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a Newfoundland tea after sight-seeing around town. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is itself a beautiful historic building and is open for viewing during the summer months. It is located on Gower Street between Cathedral Street and Church Hill. Enter The Crypt through the parking lot at the back of the church.

Shakespeare by the Sea: All shows are in the St. John’s Cabot 500 Theatre, Bowring Park. The theatre is located behind the playground in the west end of the park, just west of the swimming pool. All shows are weather dependent. Please call 576-0980 on show day for weather related inquiries or visit their website.

Random Passage Movie Set: The movie set for Random Passage at New Bonaventure, 14 km. from Trinity, is well worth a visit. There are tour guides who will explain how it was constructed,etc. The site provides a fascinating and realistic insight in to early outport life. There are signs along the highway from the Trinity turnoff. You park at the Church and it is a short walk to the site.

L’Anse aux Meadows: There you will find a Viking village called Norstead, where you can see how the Vikings lived. It is wonderful to be able to go inside the houses and interact with the Vikings. They have a blacksmith, carpenter, and a boat builder to name but a few citizens, and you can chat to the Chief and his wife, or the weaver. You can also taste delicacies cooked the way their forefathers did such as mussels and caribou stew. The Vikings proved to be very friendly and it was a great way to bring history alive.

Middle Cove Beach A great place for a morning or afternoon get away, or a spur of the moment picnic. This is a pebble beach approximately 10 minutes (driving) from St. John’s, in between Torbay and Logy Bay on Route 30. With a spectacular ocean view and nestled between cliffs that are home to various seabirds, it’s a natural wonder that’s close to home. There have been many sightings of whales there as well. Pack up the kids, some food and drink, pails and shovels, and an extra set of clothes. Around 15th August there will be a pottery event on the beach. Check your local newspaper for the exact date. Clay pieces will be baked in kilns erected on the beach and are for sale then. Have fun!

Baccalieu Trail to Brigus, Spaniards Bay, Salmon Cove & Northern Bay Sands:
Travel on the TransCanada highway west for about 1 hour to route 70. Travel north about 14 kilometres to the Brigus turnoff. Historic Brigus is the birthplace of northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. His former home, Hawthorn Cottage, is a national historic sight and well worth a visit. Brigus also hosts the blueberry festival each August. In Spaniards Bay pottery enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at Fairy-Tale Pottery located on the main highway. If you have a full day to spend, carry on to Harbour Grace, headquarters for a famous pirate of the 17th century, Peter Easton. In 1932 Amelia Earhart left Harbour Grace to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. You will also find the oldest stone church in Newfoundland here.

Signal Hill Tattoo, starting July 2
This Pageant features military drills, music and manoeuvres of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Foot, c.1800. Performances on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 3 pm.

Railway Coastal Museum, 495 Water Street, Web Site: www.railwaycoastalmuseum.ca

Newman Wine Vaults, Water Street, 739-7871
This place is just past downtown going west towards Mount Pearl. University students give a tour and historic talk on the shipping trade that brought fermented wine to Newfoundland for storage. Very interesting and samples too.

Sights along route 10
Bay Bulls & Witless Bay: Drive along route 10 south of St. John’s for about 1 hour for some excellent hiking, whale and bird watching .
The Colony of Avalon: A favourite of our family is the Colony of Avalon located in the town of Ferryland, a one hour drive south from St. John's. There is an Interpretation Centre, Gardens of plants favoured in 17th century, a Conservation laboratory and our favorite, the Archaeological Dig. The dig consists of six sites uncovering the remains of the English colony founded in 1621 by Sir George Calvert, who later became the first Lord Baltimore. Visitors can view archaeologists and the field crew as they uncover legacies of the past.
The Cape Race Lighthouse: An impressive old lighthouse in a beautiful location which went into operation in 1856. Visitors can still enter and climb around the stairs that wrap around the walls up to the light. Did you know… Cape Race was the only land based point to receive the Titanic’s distress call.
Avalon Wilderness Area: Home to a herd of over 5,000 Newfoundland caribous.

Summer Swimming Holes

Topsail Beach is a Provincial Park about 20 minutes from town, straight out Topsail Road. When you get very close to the ocean watch for a sign on your right to lead you down to the water. There are washrooms and a small playground, a pond swimming area which is great for air mattress floating as well as ocean swimming. Fairly easy to keep an eye out for kids but you always have to be careful of the tides. The beach/ sitting area is rocky but not uncomfortable. There is no shade to be found to escape the sun but because you are on the ocean the breeze keeps you cool.
Butter Pot Provincial Park is also a campground only 20 minutes from town, west on the TCH. The exit is well marked and there is a small per vehicle day use charge. The pond has a sort of sand beach and a grassy area to spread your blankets. Many people show up with there coolers and BBQ’s and settle in for the day. Can sometimes be a little crowded. A good place to go if you want to do a bit of hiking before you enjoy the water.
Marine Drive Park is located on Pouch Cove Line, route 21, about 30 minutes from town. This park has a per person day charge. There are water slides, boat rentals, playground , picnic tables, washrooms and a canteen. The fresh water lake has a beach with some sand and the surrounding area is grassy. This park can also get a little crowded and therefore stressful if you are trying to keep an eye out for your kids. The kids enjoy it here but it can get pricey with the waterslides, boats and canteen.
Holyrood Park is located on the Holyrood access road, exit 36 off the TCH, about 25 minutes from town. You will pass the Willows golf course on your right and just further on your left is the swimming area. The admission charge is $1.00 per person. This is actually a dammed up river with a bridge to access both banks. The area is grassy and offers some shade. One side is shallow and great for small children; the other side is deeper with a dock area. This is a relatively small swimming hole and therefore easy to keep track of your kids. Never very busy, this is my favourite swimming spot.

The CAPLIN are coming!
We are soon approaching caplin and whale-watching season here in Newfoundland. Caplin are a small, silvery fish who spend most of their lives offshore but come inshore to spawn. Spawning takes place on beaches in June and July. This is truly a sight to behold as thousands of sparkling silver bodies throw themselves onto the beaches. Wildlife is attracted to this food source, such as other fish, seabirds, eagles and ospreys. Perhaps most notably for us, whales are attracted to one of their major food sources, so once the caplin arrive you know the whales won’t be far behind!
The caplin arrive on our beaches during typical “caplin weather” ie foggy, misty, dank, damp days in early morning or evening. Wander along to places, such as Middle Cove, and you will see many people on the beach harvesting the fish. It’s a great time to take the kids fishing - a sure-fire success for them.
Traditionally caplin were spread on gardens as fertilizer but they were also eaten. They taste good fried whole in butter. Dried salted caplin are a traditional Newfoundland snack roasted on a stick over a campfire. I have also heard of people stringing them up along washing lines to dry and then pickling them in the juices left over from the saltfish.
Newfie saying: “Foolish as a caplin” meaning “a very silly person”.

Whale-watching
Soon after the caplin arrive on the shores of Newfoundland, the humpback whales arrive in the surrounding waters. In the northwest Atlantic, the humpbacks winter in the Caribbean, where they mate and calve. A newborn will typically weigh around 2 tons and measure 5m in length. When it is weaned, around 11 months, it will be about 8-9m long and will be fully mature at 11m, by which time it will typically weigh around 30-40 tons. A female humpback usually calves every 2 years and can live for 30 years. In April the whales begin their journey north to the feeding grounds around the waters of Newfoundland . Around the Avalon, sightings are very common from June to August.
Whales are fascinating mammals to watch. They breach (leap into the air), lobtail (strike their flukes on the surface of the water), they lie on their sides and roll over, waving their huge flippers in the air. The undersides of the flukes have unique patterns of black and white, so it is possible to recognise individual animals. There are many opportunities to whale-watch in Newfoundland. There are numerous vantage points all around the coast and some of us are lucky enough to be able to watch from our own homes.
Whale-watching boat trips can be taken Bay Bulls with : Gatherall’s tel. 334-2887, O’Briens tel. 753-4850 or Mullowney’s , tel. 1-877-783-3467. You could even try sea-kayaking with Stan Cook, tel. 1-888-747-6353.

May 2008 Newsletter excerpt

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Newcomers Annual Year End Dinner A Garden Party

At The Bungalow, Bowering Park Monday, May 26th 2008 6:30 pm Reception 7:30 pm Dinner
Cost: $ 35.00

In keeping with tradition our final social of the 2007-2008 Newcomer year will be an evening filled with friendly faces, good food and a few surprises. This year’s theme is “Garden Party” and our venue is the beautiful Bungalow in the heart of Bowring Park.

The park was officially opened on July 15, 1914 with the planting of a Linden tree by the Duke of Connaught. All are invited and encouraged to attend this social as we often don’t get a chance to see much of each other over the summer months lovely dinner will be prepared by Red Oak Catering and the menu selections are on a separate page at the end of the Newsletter. Each guest will receive a complimentary drink ticket and a cash bar will be available. Mark the date on your calendar, find a sitter if needed and spend an evening with friends.

If wish to attend, please RSVP to Andrea D. no later than Monday May 21st. Be sure to enclose your cheque for $35.00 made payable to Newcomers’ Club of St. John’s together with a copy of your menu choices.

Message from the President

Hooray, hooray it’s the first of May!

Isn’t it wonderful to have virtually all the snow gone and the early flowers blooming? Now the green grass is starting and buds on the trees are starting to swell. Spring is officially underway. We surely were blessed with wonderful weather for our April Social at “On Ocean’s Edge”. Thank You to Andrea Deutsch and Basia Price for the sweets and everyone who lent helping hands. This year’s May Social will certainly have unique undertones with no new Executive to introduce or to take over. The future of Newcomers’ will be interesting to see exactly how it plays out beginning in the fall. I still have hope that the familiarity we all enjoy will be missed, and a group of members will take over making sure ladies meet new friends and get to know St. John’s. I hope to see all our members at the last Social on May 29th. It sounds like a fun spring evening and will end the year in a big way

Ann Graham, President

St. John’s Newcomers’ Club Cruise

June brings along warmer and sunnier days, as well as pods of whales. Gatherall’s offer wonderful 1 ½ hr large catamaran cruises ideal for puffin and whale watching leaving from Bay Bulls to Gulls Island.
Newcomers’ Club is organizing a cruise either at 9:45 am on Saturday June 21, or June 28, 2008.
All family members and or visiting friends are welcome. More details at Gatheralls
In order for our group to receive a discounted rate, we need 30 participants. If you are coming to our May social, consider registering for this June event. Otherwise call Hana with your preferred schedule by May 27th, so that we can reserve the cruise. We will go on the day majority of our members prefer. It could mean going out with a bang in case no new executive is voted in at the end of May, or a lovely start for the summer and planning for Newcomers’ future. Hope to see you all.

Morning Coffee

Wednesday May 14th, 10:00 – 11:30 am

At the provincial Museum“The Rooms”- Café.
Join Newcomer friends for a visit and purchase a
coffee or tea and snack if you desire. This location
should simplify issues with arranging a hostess
each month. Invite any new friends or neighbours
to St. John's to our informal get together.

If you are new in town and feel kind of lost or just in the mood for meeting people,
this is a time you should mark in your calendars.

Interest Groups

Community Volunteers

The National Quilting Conference ‘Quilting on the Edge' is being held at Memorial University Campus from June 2^nd through until June 8^th 2008. The organizers are looking for volunteers to help with the conference.

Get Together Crafts
As always, we meet every Thursday morning from 9:30-12:00 at the Sobey’s community room on Merrymeeting Road.

Please join us! Bring your own project or get inspired.

Out to Lunch

May 23^rd 12 noon

The Pantry, 70 Clinch Cres.

RSVP by May 21^st

The Pantry is a lovely little spot just behind the Janeway Hospital with all proceeds going to programs of the Autism Society. We booked this restaurant earlier in the year but had to cancel because of snow. Perhaps this time we’ll be blessed with a hint of green in the trees and a few spring flowers.

Moms & Tots

Summer is the best time of the year in Newfoundland, please let me know if you are interested in meeting between June and August. Since I will be here, we can still meet at parks and beaches!

By being a convener, an executive and interviewing for Meet the Member, I have met many people. I was shy at first but in the end I enjoyed meeting many nice people. I met a lady for coffee for the first time to interview her.

She is now my very good friend. I encourage people to get involved and make the best of their time in Newfoundland.

Asuka D.

Book Notes

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Wednesday May 7^th 9:30 am

The Road by Cormac McCarthy received a rating of 7.2 with 8.5 as a high and 5 as a low. The bleakness of the post apocalyptic setting makes for a rather dark read but not necessarily depressing. Father and son hold on to the belief that there are other “good guys” on the road. The writing style also mimicked the “sparseness” of the book. The ending was good as it gave hope and some closure to the story. Most found it to be hard to put down once they got started.

*Please note that May’s meeting is on a Wednesday and not a Tuesday. See you then.

Newfoundland Corner by Hana Semerad

Mists in May, heat in June

Well, the number of canceled flights in the Atlantic region on March 18^th is sufficient proof it was no Sheila, but rather Patrick and Sheila, so the foggy and wet days of last week end of April should not be a great shock to us. The return of the cooler temperatures is due to the higher than usual number of icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. I hope you were able to see the spectacular berg in Pouch Cove (see Tony’s photo below), whose sharp peak looked like a sail of a tall ship from the approach via Torbay. However, the few sunny and warmer days last week did help clear nature of most of the snow piles, our lawn’s colour is changing from drab bleak dirty brown to tweed speckled with green of new grass blades. Even some courageous tulip bulbs survived the yo-yo effects of thaws and timidly push new plants through the softened earth. Pretty soon may poles will appear, and the mayflowers, which will encourage a lot of grassing among the many teenage Grade XII Prom attendees.

The seniors adhering the local traditions will try to collect May water obtained by melting snow that falls in May, used for medicinal purposes; people will try anything to make the notion of actual snow fall in May more tolerable. Sorry, unless it can restore eye sight to the blind it will not do as an excuse for winter’s overstaying its welcome. Let us hope that if there is any more snow in May, it is but a light dusting not requiring any more muscle power, or worse yet the use of a snow blower, and we will be able to sweep the snow away with a broom In any case, be very careful and use your old broom. Under no circumstances are you to buy a new broom in May, to find out why go to your usual source quoted below, or wait for the June newsletter.

The following are definitions of some colloquial expressions from the Dictionary of Newfoundland

and Labrador which Hana used in the April Newsletter:

If the first days in April be foggy, rain in June will make the grass boggy – Foggy weather in early April indicates a rainy June.

floption – state of confusion

get out and push – that’s unbelievable!

dwy – snow, snow flakes

far as ever a puffin flies – a long distance

February Social

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February 18th

Accept an invitation of the
Anna Templeton Centre for Craft, Art, and Design
at 278 Duckworth Street.
Tour and explore this architectural jewel built in 1849
and renovated in the fall of 2007.
The Centre was designated a National Historic Site in 2001.

If you are new in town or a member of the club:
Join us for a glass of punch, a few nibbles and good company and conversation.
After the tour and social, the Centre will be offering an introductory workshop to hand felting. Work with loose wool fibers and learn to create a sheet of felt. This soapy technique easily turns raw sheep wool into beautiful fabric, warm and cozy. It can be used to make hats, mittens, scarves, purses and decorative touches.

Social 9:30 – 11:00
Workshop 11:00 -12:30

Cost: 5$ for the social, $15 for the workshop, includes materials and taxes.
Advanced registration required.

RSVP to Sharon by February 15th indicating attendance or to the president (phone # in the header).

December 2007 Social

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A Night Just for You

at the Ryan Mansion

Take a few hours to rejuvenate your soul
by celebrating the season with friends by the fire.
Join us at the historical Ryan Mansion, 21 Rennies Mill Road,
for drinks and song and a few nibbles on
Monday, December 10th,

from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m

The evening is15$ person. Please, respond by December 7th to Sharon L.

Some driveway parking in front and back of house. Additional parking at Rawlins Cross.

Manuels River Walking Trail

2007-11-25T19:41:00.001-03:30

In case you are looking for a nice trail that brings you to the ocean in about an hour, try the Manuels River trail in Conception Bay South. It is a relatively sheltered trail and there is lots to see along the river until you arrive at the ocean in Worsley Park.

You can find a description of the trail here: Manuels River Natural Heritage Society.

Halloween at the Moms and Tots interest group

2007-11-24T18:23:00.001-03:30

Sorry, for not updating on a more regular basis lately.

Before it is time to post the invitation to the December Social though, at least here are two Halloween photos from our Moms and Tots interest group that Asuka kindly provided.

September 2007 Social Announcement

2007-09-02T16:44:00.001-02:30

Wine, Cheese and Good Company

At Sharon’s home

Monday, September 17th, 2007, 6:30 p.m.

Please join us for an evening of

wine, cheese, good company and sunshine (hopefully)

as summer draws to a close

and our Newcomers’ Club schedule heats up!

Please bring your ideas of things you would like to do,

explore, visit or experience this year in Newfoundland.

We are always up for an adventure or an “evening in” with good friends.

Newcomers' Club Membership

2007-09-02T16:43:00.001-02:30

Annual Membership 2007-2008

The annual fee for Newcomers is only $25.00 and the membership form is included in the newsletter. Newcomers’ welcomes all of you that are new to St. John’s and interested in joining the club. Membership forms can be obtained and payment can be handed in at the September Social.

Message from the president

2007-09-02T16:37:00.000-02:30

As I sit at my desk jotting down thoughts, I find myself in a state of denial. It does not seem possible that September is here and it is time to think of settling into our fall routines. I always feel somewhat like a squirrel, scurrying around trying to finish outdoor projects, and preparing our “nest” for family and the upcoming colder weather.

Now is a good opportunity to think of our personal time and decide where we want to focus our attention. Take note of the interest groups, including the new ones being offered this year. Make sure you sign up for any you are interested in so you will be notified of upcoming activities. The sign up sheets will be at Hi Tea, as well as our kick off Social.

Although I don’t want to rush the month away, I am truly looking forward to the Social, it will be an enjoyable, informal evening where you can catch up with old friends and make new friends too. This will be an evening not to miss.

There are lots of new ideas and locations for the Socials for the year. I won’t spoil the surprise, but be sure to reserve the evening of October 9^th for an all new activity to the Newcomers’ Club. One I am positive you will all enjoy.

Hope to see you on September 5^th at Hi Tea, and the 17^th at the Social, so we can visit and get the year off to a great start.

Ann G.

President, St. John's Newcomers'Club

Interest Groups September 2007

2007-09-02T16:33:00.000-02:30

There is something special about September; it always feels like it should be the first month of the year. Many of you are now looking for something to do now that you are back from your holidays or entertaining family and guests who have come to visit you here in Newfoundland.

It’s time to get back on track after the long and lazy, hazy days of summer!

Whether you are new to Newcomers or have been a part of the group for awhile, we would like to ‘WELCOME’ you back for the 2007-2008 year and would like to share some news about some of the Interest Groups that will be up and running this year.

GET-TOGETHER CRAFTS convened by Estella will commence on Thursday, September 13^th at the SOBEYS’s on MerrymeetingRoad from 9:30 AM to Noon. The Craft Group plans to meet at the same location and same time every Thursday from September 13^th until the end of May 2008.

The kick-off event will be an introduction to Crazy Quilting techniques demonstrated by Estella. It will also be a time to be involved in the planning of future activities put on by the Craft Group. Estella has some other interesting craft ideas that she would like to share with everyone but is also looking for other crafters’ ideas too. So come out and learn about this fun group at their first meeting on September 13^th!

BOOK NOTES convened by Andrea D. commences on Tuesday September 11^th at Andrea’s home and the first book everyone will be digging into is Human Beans by Ron Pumphrey. Other book selections and home venues will be chosen after the sign-up sheets have been reviewed from the September social; this way a new member will also be able to have some say in the book choices for the coming year. If you love to read but also enjoy sharing your thoughts with others then BOOK NOTES is the interest group for you!

GOLF GROUP convened by Vivien and assisted by Anne P. has been going strong all summer and the ladies will continue to swing their clubs at the CLOVELLY Golf Course on Stavanger Drive, St. John’s during the month of September and quite possibly, even October (weather permitting) every Tuesday morning. Tee-Off times will be emailed to you a few days ahead. If you are not on the Golf Club email list but want to be or want to know more about the Golf Group then contact Vivien or Anne right away. FORE!

TENNIS GROUP convened by Sandie would like to hear from Newcomer members interested in swinging your racket at the Greenbelt Tennis Club http://www.greenbelttennis.com

The Club is located at 114 Newtown Rd in St. John’s and where already, a few Newcomers have been playing tennis for a few years now! The club has 4 outdoor courts and 6 courts under the bubble; so, if tennis is your game then contact Sandie today and find out how you can get involved with this ‘swinging’ group’ this coming season!

WINTER WALKERS – “this is not just a walk in the park!” convened by Anne P. will commence Tuesday, October 2.

If you want to join a group of ladies who like to take to the local trails and Memorial University’s THE WORKS indoor track (on inclement weather days), then this is the group for you. Often after an invigorating walk the ladies will take the time to go for some refreshments or a light lunch! Dust off your walkers and pump up your cardio by joining these walkers every Tuesday starting in October.

The first ‘hike’ of the season will meet in the Holiday Inn car park at the corner of MacDonald Drive and Portugal Cove by 9:30AM SHARP!

If you require more details please do not hesitate to contact Anne

**TWO NEW INTEREST GROUPS starting up in the fall will be “Out To Lunch” and

“Mom & TOTS”

*OUT TO LUNCH convened by Andrea D. is an interest group that was popular a while back now and is returning due to popular demand! Take time to enjoy the local fare in and around St. John’s. One day a month the group will meet for good food, company and conversation. To get your name into this group call Andrea right away and find out more about the first luncheon of the year.

*MOMS & TOTS convened by Asuka is a new group designed for the ‘at home Mom’ with pre-school children looking for a day out with other Moms and their children. Asuka plans on hosting the first gathering at her home sometime in October and then with the help of all the Moms, plan other events and outings for once a month. If you are a Mom looking to meet other Moms with their children, then call or email Asuka now!

‘We trust that many of you will want to come out and be a part of one or more of these groups!’

In the meantime, we are still seeking out a member who may be interested in convening the COUPLES’ ACTIVITIES GROUP. This was a group that attempted to bring not only the Newcomer women together for an evening event but their spouses or significant others too.

We are also still looking for a member who may be interested in convening the COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS GROUP. Over the years, this group has helped with the Naomi Centre, various Cancer Society events, Make Christmas for a Needy Family.

Here’s an opportunity for the ladies in Newcomers’ to give back to the community they are living in. We are sure many of you will want to help with the countless projects we have been known to support in the past BUT we are really in need of someone who is passionate about taking on this group and guiding the other members along.

Please contact me right away regarding either of these two interest groups by email through our president.

Finally, if you are interested in convening an Interest Group that doesn’t yet exist, then we are interested in YOUR input too.

Over the summer, a list called LOOK WHO SHARES YOUR INTEREST was sent to all current NEWCOMER members. On this list were over 25 other interest group ideas that members had said they were interested in participating in with other members. These are interest groups just waiting to blossom but will only start running if one of our members decides to become its convener!

“So, what does a Convener do?” you may be asking yourself.

The Convener’s role is to see that the Interest Group meets regularly.

The Convener plays an important role in the success of the Newcomer’s Club!

The Convener is responsible for the organization of the interest group by setting up the dates and times for their meetings with the help and input from the interest groups’ members. Think of yourself as the ‘Captain of the Team’ but the ‘Team’ is also there to help you run and organize the interest group too. Remember that the Convener can always contact the Second Vice-President at any time for assistance in setting up the Interest Group too. You are never alone and on your own!

The Convener is responsible for a newsletter advertisement each month from September to May that promotes and gives details about their Interest Group.

Sign Up Folders will be set up at the first Newcomer’s Social of the new season on Monday September 17^th and they will also be available at all monthly meetings for any Newcomer member that may be joining during the year.

In the meantime, feel free to contact the Conveners of the Interest Groups highlighted in this month’s Signal right away if you want to know more now; no need to wait until September 17^th to join an Interest Group!

I look forward to hearing from some of you soon regarding your interest in becoming a convener and I look forward to meeting many more of you at some of the already up and running Interest Groups and other special events in the coming year!

Happy September!

Brenda J. B.

2^nd Vice President, St. John’s Newcomer’s

May Social Announcement

2007-05-27T19:28:00.000-02:30

Year End Dinner

At The Keg, 135 Harbour Drive

on Monday, May 28, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Here we are again at the end of another “Newcomers year” and I for one can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.

Unfortunately, this function will be the last event for me personally, as my family and I are relocating to Houston, Texas.

Newcomers has been a great experience, and I have met so many wonderful people that I will never forget. Chances are good that we will be back someday, however, so you never know!

I sincerely hope that everyone will be able to join us for our Year-End Dinner which will take place on May 28^th at the Keg, at 6:30 p.m.

There will be no regular Social fee charge as we will be ordering individually off the menu.

You can check out the Keg’s great menu choices at Keg Steakhouse Dinner Menu.

To go along with our Newfoundland theme we will be having games, prizes, and traditional Newfoundland music. It promises to be a really fun evening- so mark your calendars! This will also be a great opportunity to say goodbye to those members who are moving on to other locations.

Please RSVP to me by May 21, 2007.

Don’t miss it!

Heather B.

1^st Vice-President

April Social

2007-05-27T19:22:00.000-02:30

Sorry for the tardiness in putting in the pictures for the last social.

We enjoyed each others company as always, savoured the delectable lunch and were enlightened about caloric intakes of our favourite beverages.

April Social Announcement

2007-04-22T21:59:00.000-02:30

Lunch and Learn:

Rethink Your Drink

At the Blackmarsh Road Dominion
Monday, April 23, 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Cost: $12.00 in advance

Think of your favourite beverage. Maybe it’s a steaming cup of coffee on a cold morning, a glass of orange juice with your breakfast, or perhaps an ice-cold Coke after a hard workout.
For me it’s a Starbuck’s Java-Chip Frappucino Grande!

Which drink do you think has the most health benefits? Water? Tea? Carrot Juice?
Join us for our April Social Meeting, as we enjoy a delicious lunch and explore the wide world of beverages. You will be amazed at how much our drink choices affect our health and well-being, and you may never look at your favourite drink the same way again. ☺

Due to the nature of this event we had to have RSVP’s and your payment by April 19th.
If you did not respond in advance, there will be no meal prepared for you, but you are still very welcome to attend.

In case you need directions on Monday or are lost, you can call 746-8897. If you need a ride, please contact Heather. She will be able to tell you who from your neighbourhood or area will be attending and could help you out.

March Social

2007-04-22T21:41:00.000-02:30

Here are a few pictures from the March Social, just in time before the April one.
Brenda was filling in for Karen as membership person. Once you had paid your dues, you could sample the goodies and socialise. Andrea made a very nice cake which had -of all ingredients- olive oil in it paired with grapes. As odd as this sounds, it really was delicious.

Luckily Carol-Ann was well enough -after a bad cold- to facilitate the meeting together with Andrea.

Everyone was brooding over the questions posed about how we would react in certain situations, what we felt would be the closest description etc.

To Carol-Anne's surprise it turned out that all four colours are represented fairly evenly within our club, which should make for quite a dynamic group.

At the end of the interesting session, each colour group had to select a song that would fit the mood of that particular colour. So we even got to listen to musical performances.

It was a fun morning. A big "Thank you" goes to all who helped organise this meeting.