67°
Katie Harris cannot imagine life without the Newcomers Club of New Canaan, and she's hoping other new residents in town will feel the same way.
"The club is so well-known that you can't go two steps without someone saying, 'You've got to join Newcomers,'" she said.
Just about every person who has moved to town since 1957 has been referred to the Newcomers Club, a social organization that hopes to give new residents a positive start in their New Canaan lives.
Harris joined Newcomers shortly after she and her family arrived more than two years ago from New York City. She did not know many people, and the club helped her find things to do when she didn't have a lot of time. Harris said her involvement has produced many friendships.
"A lot of people have so much going on when they move in," said Harris, the club's president. "It makes people's transition to town a lot easier."
It was similar for Jennifer Gallagher, the club's publicity chair, when she came to New Canaan after living in London for a few years. "Before the kids are old enough to join proper schools, you can get bogged down with raising the kids or working," she said. The group helped Gallagher and Harris make friends with other parents and set up play dates for their children. "It gives moms a chance to socialize and kids a chance to play with kids their own age," Harris said.
The club's biggest event is its biennial Homes for the Holidays House Tour, which takes visitors through historically significant homes that are decorated by interior designers. Last year's tour raised $55,000 with the proceeds being donated to several area charities.
Newcomers will host a Family Fall kickoff party Sept. 26 at the New Canaan Nature Center.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.
