Newcomers' Club is for all comers

By Paul Imse

Barcroft News Staff

 

Didn't Newcomers used to kick you out after three years? How come Therese St. Hilaire (who moved here in 1955) is a member? What's going on here?

The story began about 10 years ago when Joe Pisciotta was president of Newcomers. He and other members started asking why they should force out people who were active and involved. Pisciotta noted that, as people worked together on the July 4th Fireworks and Labor Day Games, they built friendships, and didn't want to be forced to leave. "It was an antiquated rule," Pisciotta said, "and we just did away with it.".

Amon Nixson, current Newcomers President, added, "Newcomers has two important goals. First, we want to help our newest neighbors feel welcome and get them involved. Second, we want everyone -- of whatever age-- to have fun."

Pisciotta, who is now the Membership co-chair with Leigh Gonzalez, noted that the Newcomers actively reach out to everyone to involve them in our community. He said, "We even consider a current resident who buys a new (Barcroft) house to be a Newcomer."

"We believe it is very important to involve and serve everyone in the community for us to succeed as an organization," Nixson said, drawing upon the institutional knowledge, skills and commitment of longer term residents allows the Newcomers to excel. That's why everyone is welcome to join Newcomers."

Nixson said Newcomers is always trying to involve new residents in the leadership because they are what the organization is about. Even so, "drawing upon the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of our 'not-so-Newcomers' helps us flourish."

 

The Newcomers' Club 2003 Calendar

March 15          Wine Tasting at the Nixson's, 3408 Greentree, 6:30 p.m.

April 26             Bunny Bowl (Family event at local bowling lanes)

May 17              Sand Day Weenie Roast

June 21              Dinner & Dancing at Fort Myer Officers' Club

July 4                 Fireworks, 9:15 p.m.

Sept. 1               Labor Day Games, with LBA

Sept. 20             Barge Party

Oct. 19               Dinner Out and Officers' Elections

Nov.                                TBA

Dec . 13             Holiday Gift Exchange Party