March 2004

The Medicine Hat Newcomers Club

With the exception of some time away for university and some travel, I have lived in Medicine Hat most of my life. I place little thought regarding where I will go out for supper or what I will do for entertainment. I know what I like to do and where I like to do it. In fact, Medicine Hat is full of people who are well versed in their city. Yet, those people new to the Hat are not so well advantaged. They must blindly navigate a city foreign to them. They must venture into an unknown abyss. For some, this leads to loneliness and reluctance to go out. For others it means time spent exploring with a brave heart searching for somewhere to belong. For these people, these newcomers to our city, there is somewhere they can turn that will resolve their needs for socializing, for getting to know our fair city and for getting to know others who are in a similar situation.

Since 1985, Medicine Hat has been home to the Newcomers Club of Medicine Hat. According to club president, Bob Bildfell, the Newcomers Club specifically works "to introduce people that are new to Medicine Hat to all the facilities in Medicine Hat." The club is open to anyone new to the city and the club works hard to help their individual members become comfortable with their new life in Medicine Hat.

The Newcomers Club holds regular gatherings that include summer golf, winter bowling, ladies' luncheon, men's luncheon, dinner club, card games, barbeques and other such activities. Members are encouraged to head up organizing committees, as this places that person in a position where they are required to search out and explore what is available in the city.

Although the club is always about having fun, there is also a serious element. Twice a month the club gets together and makes heart pillows for Calgary's Foothills Hospital open-heart surgery patients. The production of these heart-shaped pillows came about after a member had undergone surgery. The pillows are donated to the hospital with the condition that Medicine Hat patients requiring a pillow are to have priority.

This non-profit organization holds get togethers downstairs at the library the fourth Monday of the month. They run September through June, with the exception of December, when they hold a Christmas party. Prospective members are welcomed to attend any club gathering before they decide to join. At which time a twenty-five dollar per year family membership fee is required. Newcomers of all ages are invited and encouraged to join.

What strikes me most is that the Newcomers Club is not run by veterans of the city, but instead is organized by people who themselves are newcomers, as a club membership can only be held for up to five years. This club is truly about like helping like. For further information regarding the Medicine Hat Newcomers Club contact Bob at 580-2812.

Questions for me? Please e-mail BeKean@telusplanet.net