CONCH NEWSLETTER
June/July, 2008

As we begin a new CONCH year, I would like to report to you on the current and planned events and activities for the coming year, and discuss the present and near-term status of CONCH, given the happenings of the past two months.

As you all know, Newcomers voted in May to delete the five year rule limiting membership in that group to five years. Since Newcomers has been the primary source of new members for CONCH, many have wondered what the future of CONCH might be.

First of all, let me say that CONCH will continue as a separate club, and there are no plans, now or in the foreseeable future, for any merger with Newcomers. I emphasize this point because there have been rumors that such a merger is contemplated. Let me say again, there will be no merger.

CONCH and Newcomers have, for the past few years,combined like activities where it made sense to do so, and will continue this in future. In such cases, there will be contact persons from CONCH and Newcomers for each activity.

Also, as in the past, on special events (e.g., travel) being run by either CONCH or Newcomers,members of the other group will be invited to participate on a space-available basis. For the most part, however, each organization will operate independently, and I am looking forward to an active, exciting and interesting year for CONCH.

BOARD ACTIVITIES

The new CONCH Board met on June 3 to discuss transition matters, and set the agenda for the coming year. (For the membership of the Board, please see the CONCH web site.)

In addition to discussing these matters and planning for upcoming meetings and events, I informed the Board that I was appointing a Special Committee on the Future of CONCH, which would consist of the Board members, plus two other CONCH general members, Kay Sacramone and Julius Lempner. The Special Committee is chaired by Vice-Chairman Gerry McDowell, and its mission is to determine what steps need to be taken now (this year) and in the future to keep CONCH a viable organization, given the recent change in the by-laws of the Newcomers.

The Special Committee had its first meeting on June 6, and will report on its activities at the September 8 CONCH meeting.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

June 19 Picnic in the Park
More than 130 CONCH and Newcomers members enjoyed a great day at Brooks Park in Harwich at this welcoming picnic. Dona Webber and her committee did an outstanding job in planning and organizing a delightful day, meal,music, and bocce for an appreciative crowd. It was an outstanding start to the year. Many, many thanks to Dona, her husband, John, the committee and all who helped make this such a great event! See photos

October 16 Cocktail Party
Our opening cocktail party will be held on Thursday, October 16. Mary Bain and Sue Granai have generously volunteered to host this annual CONCH event. Our thanks to both Mary and Sue.

Holiday and Valentine Luncheons
We have as yet no dates or hosts for our December Holiday Luncheon or our Valentine Luncheon. We would appreciate any CONCH members who would like to volunteer to run these events. It's not as hard as you may think, and there will be plenty of people who will help out. Raise your hand! Anyone interested please contact me at dohrm7@msn.com.

North End Market Tour
Dona Webber is planning a Market Tour of the North End of Boston for Thursday, October 23. Further details and a flyer will be forthcoming on this.

The CONCH brochure and membership application will be sent to all present and prospective members in early August. We will also update the members on any happenings between now and then. Be sure to check our website, conchcapecod.com for all the latest information on CONCH people and happenings. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at the above e-mail address or phone number.

Have a good summer!

Dick Doherty, Chairman

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