2009 Activity Descriptions

Anything But Bridge
For those who enjoy games but don’t participate in bridge, this activity provides fun for the game players.  The host or hostess selects the game or games for a particular afternoon or evening session.
Contact Persons: Delena Previd - 430-1057 and Gloria Lempner - 432-3069

Book Clubs *
The book clubs are popular groups to join and there are established groups from each past year of newcomers which continue to meet. New groups are usually formed in Sept./Oct. of each year. They are open to both men and women members of Newcomers and CONCH although few men have expressed an interest in joining. The groups meet monthly at different members homes. Book selection is flexible and voted upon by the group from recommendations of the members. The club may decide on a mix of fiction/nonfiction or focus on one theme for the year. Book choices are usually made a few months in advance. Discussion is led by whoever recommended the book. The hostess prepares coffee (decaf), tea and a light dessert (does not have to be homemade) which is enjoyed by all before, during or after the meeting. The meeting lasts one to two hours depending on the amount of socializing which seems to increase the longer members know each other. This is a great opportunity to meet and get to know new people as well as read and discuss books that are not you usual reading style.
Contact Person: Susan Buoniconti - 945-1834

Bowling *
Enjoy bowling and "eating out" at a choice of local restaurants on either Monday or Tuesday evenings. We bowl at the Orleans alleys and meet at 5:15 PM.
Contact People:
Monday Night - CONCH (Newcomers invited):
Nick and Morag Geraci 945-3053
Tuesday Night - Newcomers (CONCH invited): Stuart and Nancy Black 430-1362
Gerry and Jeanne MacEchern 432-9146 and Bob and Sue Pleines 430-1042

The Breakfast Club
Members go out for breakfast once a month. Each month a different member will take responsibility for organizing a breakfast outing, including selection of a restaurant, setting a time and date, communicating with our Breakfast Club membership by email or telephone, and making arrangements with the restaurant. Signups will be on first-come-first serve.
Volunteers to lead the first few breakfast gatherings were the following:
October 2009 --Donna and Bill Jordan -- The Optimist
November 2009 --Anne-Marie and Paul Adams-- Bonatt’s
December 200 --Sharon and Jan Oudermool -- Nonnies
January 2010 --Ray and Kay Sacramone TBD
February 2010 --Arlene and Pat Bowler TBD
April 2010 --Charlie and Marcia Moeder TBD
Contact: Bill Jordan, 945-4455

Bridge (Couples Contract)
For those who enjoy contract bridge, this activity permits couples to play an afternoon or evening of bridge. The schedule permits couples to schedule bridge at a mutually convenient time. The overall scores are gathered and accumulated by the coordinator with fun prizes awarded at years end.
Contact Person: Jo Molnar 430-8552

Cross Country Skiing
The purpose of the group is to ski on Cape Cod with friends whenever there is snow. Last year we skied at golf courses, ocean beaches and parks. Since the Cape is fairly flat (except for Eastward Ho golf course) the skiing is easy. We usually end our day of exercise with a stop at a local restaurant. Since the snow is unpredictable most trips are scheduled at the last minute. When we have a storm I will send out an email by 8:30 AM and tell the meeting place and start time. It would be very helpful if you respond to my message if you plan to ski. There will be some occasions when the Group Leaders, Mark and Patti McGrath, will be unavailable to ski. If you don't hear from us by 8:30 AM, ski on your own or with other friends. If you don't own X-C equipment you may rent it at Eastern Mountain Sports (508.362.8690) on Rt 132 in Hyannis. They open every day at 9:00.
Contact Person: Mark McGrath 430-3775

Day Travel
This committee plans, develops, and implements travel opportunities that will appeal to the members of CONCH. Each trip is planned to create an extraordinary travel experience to local and regional areas including points of interest, shows, and musical concerts. Members are encouraged to signup for trips at the meetings or through the CONCH website.
Contact Person: Dona Webber - 430-4587 - JWEBBER269@aol.com

Golf, Men*
If you are a skilled golfer looking for a friendly game or if you played thirty years ago and not much lately, we've got the 'club' for you! Newcomers and Conch men tee off on Tuesday mornings,usually in Harwich or Chatham, but several times a year at other Cape courses. Sign-up to be on the list and play when you can. All skill levels are welcome.
Contact Person: Paul Greenough 945-4732

Golf, Women*
Welcome Newcomers and CONCH Golfers!! This is a relaxed group of nine hole golfers, whose purpose is to play, have fun and meet new people. We play on Wednesday's at the Chatham Seaside Golf Course. All skill levels are welcome. You do not need a handicap to play, but should have played enough golf to be able to keep up with the groups and you should have some knowledge of the rules and etiquette of golf. The group is on the links April through October with some of the hearty players continuing through the winter months.
Contact People: Grace De Leonardis - 430-2187 and Maureen Langille 945-8725

The Gourmet Group is organized as a series of culinary events for women who share an interest in gourmet cuisine within a social setting. We learn about food preparation, sample ethnic flavors and have fun getting to know one another.
Contact: Mary Ann Ryer 432-0684 and Janebeth Chapman - 432-1357

Hiking Highlights *
Hiking Highlights is a casual introduction to hiking and outdoor activities in the wonderful lower Cape Cod area. These hikes, which will all have a theme, will be between two and three miles in one and a half hours. The emphasis will not be on a cardio vascular workout but the enjoyment of our off-the-beaten-path trails that have great scenery, historic significance or some other highlight. See list of hikes and directions. Final instructions will be emailed, so you must put your email on the list.
Contact Persons: Mark and Patti McGrath - 432-3775

In-Home Dining
Join In-Home Dining if you would like to share four evenings a year of delightful dining with friends old and new in a small group setting.  You will host dinner once and be “contributing guests” at the other three dinners. Substitutes are needed and must sign up at the beginning of the dining schedule.
Contact Persons:Ray and Kay Sacramone 432-4718 and John and Blanche MacMullan 945-5579

Kayaking *
From the end of May till the end of September, Newcomers and CONCH members launch on Thursday mornings into the rivers, ponds and inlets of Chatham and surrounding costal areas. The two hour trips, geared to the skills of novice or intermediate paddlers, may be followed by a swim and lunch. E-mails before each trip give directions, times and what to expect.
Contact Persons: Dick Huelsmann 430-2024 Dave Brown 432-0012

Knitting *
Sit and Knit meets the first Monday and the third Tuesday of each month with other knitters of all skill levels who are anxious to share techniques and ideas. Learn about trendy new yarns and get help if you are stuck. Knitters meet at the homes of members from 10:00 to noon.
Contact Person: Linda Smith - 945-0905

Mah Jongg *
The mah jongg activity group will accommodate players who wish to take beginner classes, and those who already play and are looking for a group. We maintain and email list of all players who sign up to be used as a source for subs for an existing group. An open Mah Jongg get-together where all CONCH and Newcomer players gather to play around with their peers or more experienced players is held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Chatham Community Center, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., second floor room to the right. Drop-ins welcome. Mah Jongg is also played on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. at the Harwich Community Center ($1.00 fee).
Contact Persons: Regina McDowell - 945-1632 and Mary Ann Ryer - 432-0684

Men's Cooking *
Several groups of men gather once per month to enjoy an evening meal at a rotating host home , and participate in lots of good conversation and camaraderie. Mens cooking is not intended to be a gourmet dining group, nor it is it intended to be competitive in any way. However, creativity along with favorite or perhaps new recipes are shared with the others of the group. The members of each group rotate hosting the dinner with the host cooking the entree and other contributing members preparing and cooking other parts of the meal: appetizer(s), vegetables, starch, salad, and dessert. Wine is also included as desired, but the activity is not intended to be a wine tasting group. The meeting schedule is determined by the group which typically has 6 to 9 members. It is understood that some members may depart for warmer climates during the colder months.
Contact People: . Jim Rappolt 430-6169 and Charlie Moeder 432-4192

Nurses Group *
A group of professional nurses meet to discuss selected health topics of interest to the group on the second Monday of the month from September through June. Open to members of both CONCH and Newcomers.
Contact Person: Ginny O’Halloran - 430-1909

Petanque*
Perhaps when traveling in France you saw the game of patanque being enjoyed in the town square. The aim of the game is to place your boule nearest to the coche and to keep you opponent's boule away. Each Monday and Wednesday, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, petanque is played at Brook's Park in Harwich and you are invited to join in! No pervious experience is needed. Equipment is provided. Come and enjoy!
Contact Person: Francois Marin 508-430-8623

Political Discussion *
We are an eclectic nonpartisan group of people with widely differing points of view on many, it not all, subjects and a good sense of humor. We get together every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, September through June, from 2:30-4:30 pm at the Eldredege Public Library, Main Street, Chatham, to talk and share opinions about international, national, state and local issues. Our discussions are lively but respectful and civilized. Unlike the British House of Commons, name-calling and personal insults are not permitted. When several individuals wish to speak at the same time, the moderator recognizes participants in turn as their hands are raised. To maintain order, instead of pounding a gavel, the moderator may shout "time out" or vigorously shake the small dinner bell from Franklin's variety store. In December, we have a holiday party. Its purpose is to socialize rather than to talk politics. A picnic in June is our last event of the year. Participants are invited to bring a dish and a spouse or guest. This, too, is designed as a social event.
Contact Person: Eve Dalmolen - 430-7485

Singles Group*
Singles Group Have fun meeting other single members of the Newcomers and CONCH Clubs! We're planning several interactive get-togethers to meet new friends and enjoy each other's company. "As we learned in kindergarten, when you go out into the world, hold hands and stick together!" Join others who may want to participate in various club activities, but hesitate to go alone. We welcome couples or married singles who are interested in our activities; line dancing for example. Feel free to invite friends or family to attend an event they would enjoy. To participate in an activity; please sign-up in advance or respond to e-mails and notices. March/April Activities
Contact Persons: Kathy Teahan - 430-1369

Tai-Chi *
Gerry McDowell teaches this weekly class in Tai-chi Ch’uan, a centuries old Chinese exercise. It is practiced today for health and wellbeing. Although it is done very slowly, the form provides a stimulating workout that strengthens the lower body and balance. The beginners class covers the first 16 postures of Cheng Man ching's tai chi form. The intermediate class continues the learning to the full 37 postures. Sessions are held at the Chatham Community Center Aerobics Room on Tuesdays at 8:00 - 8:45 am for beginners and 8:45 - 9:00 a.m. for intermediate students. Students celebrate Chinese New Year with a banquet at a restaurant, and an end of year pot luck brunch. Contact :Gerry McDowell 945-1632
Contact Person: Gerry McDowell 945-1632

Woodworking *
Whether your work area is a dedicated shop or a temporary, cleared space in a basement of garage, you might want to join the Woodworkers on the first Thursday of the month. Meetings are often demonstrations of woodworking techniques and are held in members' home workshops. Members with a variety of skill levels, share the common interest of loving to work with wood.
Contact Person: Steve Patzman 432-0665

Come join our club and enjoy the activities and friendships of life on the Cape!