Newcomers to celebrate 60th anniversary with special event

The Alexandria Area Newcomers Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special event on Wednesday, October 10 at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center near Alexandria.

The event is being held to celebrate the bonds formed by those who have passed through the doors of the Newcomers Club.

Doors open with social hour at 6 p.m. with program and entertainment to follow. Club members and alumni are invited to attend.

Cost is $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door. Reservations can be made by September 30 by contacting Linda Mills at lmills81@gmail.com or (763) 226-6158.

ABOUT THE CLUB

Sixty years ago, with the help of Mrs. Harold Stemsrud, Mrs. Ronald Rice and Mrs. Russell Anderson, a project was inaugurated to welcome new residents to the community.

This project, which was an outgrowth of the Community Council, eventually became what is known today as the Alexandria Area Newcomers Club.

The first meeting was attended by 21 women. Today, membership has grown to more than 100.

Today's bylaws remain similar to the original bylaws. Even dues haven't changed much. Dues were originally $2 per year with a membership period of two years compared to a $15 fee for a three-year membership today.

Many people and businesses have helped the Newcomers Club achieve its goals of developing friendship and citizenship among new female residents of the community.

Without the generous support of the community, starting with the American Legion, which donated its facility for the first meetings; local media, which has publicized club details; and all businesses that have donated door prizes over the years, Newcomers would not be thriving after 60 years.

In response to that support, the club has reciprocated by donating to various charities and non-profit organizations throughout the area, including The United Way, Wings, Kids Against Hunger, Toys For Tots, Douglas County Adopt-A-Highway, and most recently, Habitat For Humanity and the Women Build Project.

Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Nelson Gables in Alexandria. Meetings include door prizes, various programs and a relaxed atmosphere in which to get to know others better.

Over the past 60 years, the club has had Christmas dinner dances, holiday parties, summer picnics, game nights, Beetles game outings and book sales, to name a few events.

Members also get involved in special interest groups such as walking, biking, snowshoeing, cooking, card playing, dinner outings, mommy and me activities and others.

For more information about the club, contact Toni Apse at (651) 485-1803 or e-mail tmapse@yahoo.com.

Tags: newcomers club, life, events