By: Edir Coronado
With work, family, and the everyday hassle of dealing with the intricacies of life, it is hard to imagine making new friends past your college years. Social media and daily interaction at one’s workplace might create the illusion of friends, but it might be rare for those Facebook friends to actually get together for a night out. These social life complications are magnified when you arrive in an unfamiliar town. A person might have daily interactions with several people throughout the week, but rarely do they find themselves with the opportunity to hold a meaningful conversation that might lead to a genuine friendship.
Since the 1950’s The Scotch Plains- Fanwood Newcomers and Neighbors organization, a nonprofit social club, have been bringing people together and creating bonds among fellow citizens. On October 19th the Newcomers and Neighbors held their annual Fall Meet and Greet event at the Darby Road Restaurant. At first glance an outside observer might conclude that attendees were longtime friends, but some guests were newcomers, like Callie Campbell, who just moved to the area 2 months prior. Her story is a unique one, Callie was originally from the area, but has been away for 10 years, including 2 years in Hong Kong. The experience of living out of the country can be rewarding, but disorienting when moving back. Callie, who is expecting a child, was excited to attend her first event with the Newcomers and Neighbors group, just two months living in her new neighborhood.
Kelly Gilson is from Weehawken, her and her husband are first time homeowners. Gilson joined the group before she moved to Fanwood and just two months in town, she has already attended 5 events. She started off by going to the book club events.
Natalie Duncan has a similar situation; she recently moved to the area in May and bought a new home. The Fall Meet and Greet event, was her first function, but “not my last,” said Duncan. She moved from the nearby town of Cranford.
The Fall Meet and Greet was a success. Throughout the year the organization hosts several events centered on a variety interests. Whether it is sports, book club, or a night out, the Scotch Plains – Fanwood Newcomers and Neighbors organization has something for everyone.
Meeting new people isn’t the group’s only activities; the organization is also involved in community service projects. They host book and blood drives, support veterans and military service members through “Holiday Mail for Heroes”, and other projects like “Project NIght Night,” where the club provides essential items to Raphael’s Life house in Elizabeth, a transitional living residence for homeless pregnant women and new moms ages 18-23. For more information about the club please visit www.spfnewcomers.com.
