Town Crier Articles

 

Our New Town neighborhood is a diverse community of individuals comprised of young professionals, students, families, retirees, and a growing number of Baby Boomers leading the way in the new “Unretirement Movement.” This is not a revelation, of course.  As a “planned community,” just such diversity was the vision and goal of New Town’s Developer, and almost from the beginning, the tie that bound New Town’s diverse neighbors together were social gatherings, community events, seasonal neighborhood activities—and special interest clubs and social committees. None of these events or entities are ever the main focus of a community’s HOA Board, to be sure; but a good HOA Board knows the value in nurturing these grassroots gatherings, clubs, and happenings among its neighbors. They are nothing less than signs of a thriving and happy community whose residents are committed to each other--and to the greater good.

 

At present, New Town has a number of clubs and small groups meeting regularly to talk, interact, and enhance ties within the community.  Listed below are the current clubs and their contacts - also found on the website Pool & Clubs page.  All operate independently from the New Town Residential Association—and a good many more would be welcome.

 

The New Town community has three book clubs, to date. Our newest of general topics and life in New Town, began last July, by residents Blanche Scharf and  Ginny Fisher. Sadly, none of them are actively open to new members at this time—but here is your opportunity!  Book Clubs can be generic or highly selective. Are you a Jane Austin fan? A devotee of Ray Bradbury? Is there a specific genre that you are drawn to? Sci-Fi- Fantasy, Southern Gothic, the Supernatural? Forensic mysteries? The same would serve for those who love poetry or folklore. Perhaps you enjoy discussion on contemporary works of a specific theme. The possibilities are vast, and any New Town resident is welcome to form a new book club—or any club--and recruit for it by contacting the Communications Committee via their email address at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com.

  

A new gardening club has formed and is open to all residents of New Town. Beautifying our common areas with plantings is one goal, but other activities might include embarking on horticultural field trips, attending garden related educational events, or enjoying social outings, happy hours, or other forms of socialization and fun. Please email neverendinggardenparty@gmail.com or call Kelly at 757-713-5755 if you are interested in learning more. 

 

The Retired Men's Club meets for lunch on the fourth Thursday of the month to talk about what's going on in New Town and in the larger community. (Note: The group has been dormant during the Covid pandemic. Resurrecting it would be welcome.).

 

Meets for lunch on the first Tuesday of the month at a New Town restaurant for conversation and informal discussion of what's happening in our community. Contact Angela Lesnett at alesnett@verizon.net 

 

So, what club or committee might you add to the above?  Do you have an interest or a skill that you would like to promote or share with your New Town neighbors? Have you been toying with the idea of getting a group together to pursue a topic in depth via a small group that would be like-minded?  Below are some ideas for new community clubs and committees. Come and create those ties that bind! All you need do is put your thoughts together and reach out to your Communications Committee at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com. The Committee is ready and willing to help you get the word out and the crowds in!

 

Club Ideas:

 

Film Club: Are you interested in vintage films or a specific film genre? Perhaps getting a Film Club going would be of interest to you, engaging others while enhancing your own enjoyment and knowledge of the medium. 

 

Photography Club: There’s no place like New Town for picture taking. Get a club going to exchange methods and ideas about the art—and to capture your neighbors and your community for posterity.  Your Communications Committee is always looking for “Life in New Town” pics to post.

 

Quilting/Crocheting Clubs:  Quilting is a great American art.  Quilters gathering together to share tips and innovations—and a mutual love for their craft—would enrich all involved.

 

Gym/Exercise/Walking Club: We all know the value of exercise—but not everyone is drawn to it, naturally.  Get some friends together regularly to cheer you on! If you have a regular group, let us know so that we can invite others to the fun.

 

Breakfast Club:  Coffee, company, and little nosh is never a difficult thing to make a habit of.

 

Birdwatching/Wildlife Club:  Take advantage of our setting and our walking trails—and that old pair of binoculars gathering dust since you moved in. New Town wildlife is diverse--and regular trips with those like-minded to the Peninsula’s many parks and waterways can be a fun way to enhance your discoveries. 

 

Have the above club ideas got you thinking?  Once again, just reach out to your Communications Committee via their email address at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com for support getting the word out. Create a new tie that, in goodwill and New Town fellowship, will help further bind us into the fun and socially committed community that we are. 

 

For a sneak peak at the positive and beautiful impact the Never Ending Garden Party has already had on our community, see below: