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Group welcomes moms to the neighborhood

New neighbors league gives women opportunity to make friends in new city.

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By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer 9:23 AM Thursday, May 28, 2009

SPRINGBORO — When a family moves to another city, the person who is probably affected the most is the mother, according to Amy Walsh.

“A move is most difficult, but it’s most difficult on the mom,” Walsh said. “It’s hard for her to get acquainted with the new area and establish new friendships.”

One thing that made Walsh’s move from Detroit, Mich., to Springboro in 2007 a little easier was the New Neighbors League of Dayton. The nonprofit social organization helps women who have recently moved into the Dayton metropolitan area adjust to their new surroundings by offering activities and opportunities for friendships with other women.

The league gets together at least twice a month. Meetings called Morning Coffees take place the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at Dorothy Lane Market, 740 N. Main St., Springboro. The next Prospective Members Coffee is 10 a.m. June 4 at DLM.

Walsh, who is a mother of two school-aged boys, said when a family moves to another city, the mother feels like she has to take care of everybody else in the family first. Eventually, Walsh said, “you’re kind of itching for female companionship.”

Walsh said she joined the league quickly, but it took a while for her to participate in the activities.

“It has kept me going and alive and doing things,” Walsh said.

Walsh, who is now the league’s director, said the group is privately operated and gets its members by subscribing to databases of new homeowner lists.

The league then sends letters to the homeowners. Sometimes, the group is contacted by someone who just happens to stumble upon its Web site.

There is an annual $25 membership fee.

Most of the organization’s members live in Springboro, Centerville, Bellbrook and Beavercreek, Walsh said. However, Walsh said the group is “totally open to the Dayton area.”

The league maintains about 180 members, but Walsh estimates 50 are active.

The group plans such activities as bowling, Bible study, euchre and other social outings.

However, the members also like to help local charity organizations. For example, in June, Walsh said the league will volunteer at Hannah’s Treasure Chest in Centerville, which provides clothing, furniture and toys to local children in need.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

To learn more

For more information about the New Neighbors League of Dayton, call Amy Walsh at (937) 831-0334; e-mail at newneighborsdayton@gmail.com; or visit www.newneighbors dayton.com

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