Children’s events chair Rula Baki,
President Candi Miletic
Moving to a new town can be stressful and sometimes lonely, but the Manhasset Plandome Newcomers Club can help make the transition a smooth one. The Newcomers Club is a nonprofit organization that hosts events to help residents make friends, socialize and feel connected to the Manhasset community. “It can be daunting to try and make new friends in a new place,” says Maryanne Richter, treasurer of the club, “but this is a nice support network.” It’s an adjustment for the whole family, children included. “When you move to a community, it’s great to meet new people going through the same transition,” says children’s events Chair Rula Baki. “The children are going through the transition too and it’s good for them to meet other kids going through the same thing.”
The great thing about the club, though, is that it’s not just open to people who moved to Manhasset recently. The club helps new and not-so-new residents get to know each other. “You don’t have to be new to Manhasset to join,” says President Candi Miletic. “It’s open to all residents of Manhasset.” The club hosts many different type of events, including couples nights, kid’s nights, ladies’ nights and even a men’s night. There’s an event for everyone (click here to see more photos).
Some upcoming events are Men’s Night Out at Edison’s Ale House on Plandome Road on Feb. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m, wine tasting at Barrel & Grape on Northern Blvd. on March 5, ladies’ night of painting and wine at Abrakadoodle in Roslyn on March 12, a couples event on March 21, pottery making for children at Muddworks in Great Neck in late March or early April, and a couples bowling night in early May. For more details check Facebook or the website at www.manhassetnewcomersclub.com.
Past events include a ladies’ three course cooking class at Sur La Table, movie day and pizza for the kids at Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington, couples happy hour at Louie’s Oyster Bar & Grille in Port Washington, children’s chocolate making at Chocolate Works in Manhasset and a book club. The Newcomers Club usually has two events every month from late September through June.
The club also helps new families get information about local businesses in Manhasset, Port Washington and the surrounding towns. It’s a great way to learn about different local restaurants and businesses.
The year culminates in the club’s progressive dinner in late June, their biggest and most popular event of the year. Couples come to a host home for appetizers and cocktails, then go to one of several host homes for a catered dinner. Finally, everyone regroups at a third home for drinks and dessert. The event fosters a way to meet new people.
The club charges dues to help cover the cost of events. The dues are $50 per family for each of the first three years and $30 per year thereafter. Members receive invitations to events and a newsletter several times a year, detailing upcoming events. First timers are encouraged to attend an event before joining.
The Newcomers Club was established almost 50 years ago and is still going strong as a great community and social resource in Manhasset.
