Meet the Executive

Meet the Executive and Members of the Club’s Standing Committees – the diverse and multi-talented group of women volunteers who run our dynamic club!

2025-2026 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President – Anne Winters

I was born and raised in Calgary, AB but I have lived in BC on and off since 1982 when I left home to go to UBC at the tender age of 18! I lived in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria then back to Calgary for a few years where I met my husband, Derek, and then to Kelowna. While vacationing in Comox to visit my sister in July 2021 we enjoyed the glorious scenery, sunshine, and temperate weather. In the meantime back in Kelowna it was 46 degrees and the smoke was as thick as pea soup! So we asked ourselves – why are we not living in Comox? We put our house up for sale as soon as we got home and by September 2021 we were happily starting our new life as Islanders. Someone told me I should check out this group called “Newcomers” so I did and that has been the best decision I’ve made since I’ve moved here. I have been welcomed by a wonderful and generous group of ladies. I’ve had plenty of laughs partaking in a wide variety of actives and even tried some new ones like Dragon Boating. In 2 years I have developed a wide network of friends that I can count on to help me prune a weird bush in my garden, or explore the town while on a scavenger hunt, or enjoy a good rousing game of Scrabble! I want to help other ladies new to our community feel as welcome as I have been. I am excited and look forward to another great year with the Comox Valley Newcomers!

Vice President – Sue Clarke

I was born in Cork, Ireland and our family moved to Victoria just before I turned 13. High school and University was all Victoria, so I do consider myself an ‘island’ girl. After a career in banking that moved me around the province and had me travelling the country, I retired in 2020 and Jason and I moved to the Valley – and we haven’t looked back! I joined Newcomers’ in Nov 2021 and I feel so grateful for the ladies I have met and the friendships I have made. Newcomers’ is an amazing organization, made all that much greater by the members

Vice President – Carla Hall

Prairie girl to West Coast gal! I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I completed my Human Ecology degree with a major in Child Development at U of M and moved to Vancouver in 1997. I completed my Montessori Training at the Montessori Centre of British Colombia where I worked for 22 years as a Primary Montessori Directress, first in Vancouver then in Delta. My husband and lived in Tsawwassen for 20 years before coming to the Comox Valley in late Fall of 2022. We absolutely fell in love with this little slice of paradise every time we would come to visit family living in Courtenay. I joined newcomers in January 2023 knowing it would be a great way to connect with woman from all walks of life. It was easy to step forward to help in the Hospitality position as I greatly enjoy the various social aspects of this amazing group.

Treasurer – Robyn Neff

B.C. girl through and through! I was born in Fernie, B.C. and did the “B.C. Tour” with my family as my father was R.C.M.P. By the time I was 12, I had lived in 5 different communities. Settling in Tsawwassen for the next decade, I was able to attend U.B.C. and graduated with a degree in Economics. I went on to pursue a career in the Financial Sector for the next 31 years, and was given the opportunity to travel and work all over B.C. for my very own “B.C. Tour”! I retired in Kelowna in 2020 and my husband Mike and I decided to move to Vancouver Island as it was the only areas within B.C. that neither of us had ever lived. We chose the beautiful Comox Valley for a myriad of reasons but the “Newcomers’ Club” was high on the list. I enjoy golfing, cycling, hiking, skiing, playing cards and mahjong. I love this community and feel fortunate to have met so many amazing people!

Secretary – Kim Grimmer

I was born in Germany but grew up in the southwest of the UK, near Bath. I’ve been a registered nurse since 1994, and over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore a variety of nursing roles that have enriched me both professionally and personally. While serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF), I met my husband, and we had the opportunity to be posted all over the UK, as well as enjoy three memorable years in sunny Cyprus. After leaving the RAF, we often talked about the idea of another adventure, and in August 2024, we decided to take the leap and move to the Comox Valley.

Arriving in the Valley with no connections, I joined the Newcomers Club in October 2024 to meet others in the community. Since then, I’ve met so many wonderful people and joined several groups and activities, including the book club and mahjong group. These have been fantastic ways to learn new skills, build lasting friendships, and continue expanding my horizons.

Since arriving, I’ve also been improving my skiing skills, and I’ve discovered snowshoeing and tubing at Mount Washington. As summer approaches, I’m looking forward to exploring activities on the water, such as dragon boating and kayaking, while taking in all the beauty this valley has to offer.

The Newcomers Club has played a key role in helping me settle into life here in the valley, offering a welcoming space to connect and feel part of the community. It has been a huge help in discovering the local area, introducing me to hidden gems and activities I might not have found on my own. I’m truly grateful for the warm and friendly welcome I’ve received from everyone in the club and look forward to the many more fun experiences we’ll share in the weeks and months ahead!

STANDING COMMITTEES (alphabetically):

Activities Chair – Janess Iverson

I arrived in the Comox Valley following my retirement from Northern Health Authority in 2022. My decision to relocate to this area did not take much thought or time. The “valley” ticked off all the boxes. It offered loads of green space, the ocean right at the front door, great cycling weather, an abundance of the Art just to name a few. I spent my first year settling into my new home and getting my bearings around the area. It was September 2023 on the advice of a neighbor, that I attended my first Comox Valley Newcomers’ Club meeting. I remember walking into the meeting room and being taken aback by the sheer number of people there that evening; then very quickly realized how much opportunity for having fun and forming new friendships was in that room.

Community Engagement – Michele Smith

Born in Calgary but moved to the lower mainland at a young age where I was raised. My husband, (originally from UK) and I met overseas while we were both working in the middle east. I have had some incredible travel opportunities and experiences. Of course, when it came time to settle down after my travel nurse adventures, I brought my husband to BC and sold him on the beauty that surrounds us. We brought up our 3 wonderful boys in Langley who are now scattered in BC and Alberta. We decided it was time for another adventure so in the summer of 2023 we came to Comox. We were drawn here from the many camping trips as a family to Miracle Beach as well as knowing the valley is an outdoor playground.

I am so grateful to be living in such an incredible community. I joined newcomers 6 weeks after arriving. I love the good energy, activities offered and all the new things I need to learn to do! Looking forward to meeting so many more of you!!

Communications Chair – Barb Lohrmann

I was born and raised in Toronto, and, like many Torontonians, had a house in the city and a cottage in the country. The cottage was my favorite place to be. That led to two lifestyle preferences: 1) most of my leisure activities would be outdoors, and 2) when I grew up, I would live in a much smaller city than Toronto.

For my outdoor activities, the usual cottage fun of swimming, boating and hiking led to scuba diving and many dives around Ontario, both coasts, and a few other interesting places. Other outdoor adventures would follow. Lifestyle preference #1 established.

When I left home to go to University, I chose the University of Guelph 100 km west of Toronto. Upon graduation, I moved to Victoria, B.C. Lifestyle preference #2 established!

In Victoria, my outdoor activities became focused on riding motorcycles. We explored old logging roads and trails on dual sport bikes and explored roads near and far on road bikes. Somewhere in the mix, I took up golf and tried cross-country skiing. 35 years ago, when I came to ski at Mt. Washington, I fell in love with the Comox Valley! And started looking for an opportunity to move here. Last year I finally did!!!!!

I had met a few Newcomer alumni in Victoria, so joining Newcomers in the Comox Valley was a no-brainer! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful welcome and friendship. As one of the members of the Standing Committees for 2024/25, I look forward to meeting many more of you and enjoying your company while participating in some of the many outdoor and indoor activities the club coordinates!

Communications Newsletter – Jeanie Cassidy

I recently relocated from Ottawa Ontario. I have been visiting family in the Comox Valley for many years. With a pull between many, long time friends in Ottawa where I grew up, and family ties in both Comox and Vancouver, I have finally made the decision to live on beautiful Vancouver Island. My career implementing health information systems around Canada, the US and Australia fed my interest in travel. I often spend time in Australia and so moving to the island probably means I’ve found my middle ground.

Communications – Social Media Coordinator – Natalie Townsend

Born and raised in Vancouver, I stumbled upon Comox valley while attending the Vancouver Island music festival. When my life changed direction I started looking to move to the Island with my furry friends and found a home here in Comox. A few months after I moved here, my parents moved to the valley and my mom suggested we attend a Newcomers meeting, I have so enjoyed the guest speakers and hope to join in on some of the events. I made a friend at the first meeting and look forward to connecting with many more.

Community Wins – Rebecca Whyman

Originally from Ontario, I moved to the Comox Valley in the Fall of 2023 after 30 years of living in Vancouver. I joined the Newcomers shortly after my arrival, and in a few short months, through people I met there, have joined not just Newcomers’ activities, but also others offered around the Valley. I am very happy to be here in the Valley, and a member of the Newcomers.

Community Wins – Janina Lapp

I came to Canada in 1982 from Poland escaping communist regime that was in power there at that time. My first profession (acoustic engineer at the Opera House) was definitely not in demand here, so I went back to school and became a medical diagnostic sonographer. I truly enjoyed working in this field for 36 years in Ontario, mainly Toronto area. About two years ago one of my two daughters and her husband moved here to Comox. As I recently retired, I came here for a visit and fell in love with the Island and life style it offers. Shortly, my husband and I packed the car with bare necessities and our dog and drove here from Wasaga Beach, Ontario in the summer 2023. I joined CVNC in September – great decision. I love hiking, walking and the other activities it offers. My other passion is volunteering for the animals and environmental protection, so obviously, MARS is the choice. Life is great on the Island.

Hospitality – Lyne Cere

I was born and raised in Maniwaki, Quebec. That’s where I took my first steps as a nurse and met my spouse, with whom I’ve been for 45 years. We left Maniwaki for the Montreal area in 1985, where we stayed until retirement. Our only son fell in love with Western Canada and a young woman he met during his travels, and decided to settle there. When our retirement time arrived, as well as that of our grandson, followed by the arrival of a granddaughter, we decided to move to Parksville, where we stayed for eight years before choosing to join the Courtenay/Comox community. I joined the Comox Newcomers group in January 2024 and was infected by the happiness virus, because that’s what this wonderful group of women brings to each of us. This year, I will be happy to welcome each of you upon your arrival at the monthly Monday meeting at the Filberg Centre. My goal is to be able to give back to everyone what I received when I first arrived.

Hospitality – Michele Labelle

I am grateful to call the Comox Valley home with my partner Gilles and dog Eddie.

I love nature and am happy to live a calmer way of life, after spending 38 years in Vancouver. I graduated from SAIT in Calgary in 1985, started a career as a Respiratory Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital.

My passion for yoga and travel intrigued me to become an instructor and I’ve led many local and international yoga retreats including ones in India, Tahiti and Bali. I taught in several yoga studios, schools, in-patient hospital programs and volunteered with Yoga Outreach for 8 years at Burnaby Youth Secure. I am excited to share my newest endeavor as a certified Wellness coach to support people who have had difficult transitions or loss.

Membership Chair – Jody Murray

I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and after meeting my future husband when I was 29, I moved to the Vancouver area with him a year later. After 18 years we moved to Kelowna and after 7 years, we moved from Kelowna to the Comox Valley in May 2022. What a great decision that was! After only being here a couple of months, I went on a Friday morning walk with the Newcomers to see if I thought I might want to join. There was no question after that walk! I joined the club that July and it was the best thing I could have done. I have met so many people through the club and have enjoyed such events as appetizer nights, book club and Ladies Who Lunch. There are so many great women in this club and you would be hard pressed to not find some type of activity that interests you. I am looking forward to being on the Executive for my last year with the club and being able to welcome all the new members that join.

Membership Nametags – Judy Dahl

I was born and raised on a farm in Central Alberta. I completed my Education degree at the University of Calgary, and then taught at various locations for 9 years, some of which were in Australia and New Zealand. In 1980 we moved to Edmonton where I completed my Masters of Library and Information Science. In 1985 I moved to Red Deer where I worked as a teacher, teacher-librarian, curriculum specialist and vice-principal for the next 27 years. When I retired I moved to Port Moody on the lower mainland to be closer to my daughter and her family. They moved to Courtenay in 2022, and I followed them over in 2023. Since joining Newcomers in Sept of 2023, I have enjoyed getting to know many wonderful people through participating in activities that I love which include hiking, walking, snowshoeing, skiing, socializing over coffee or a glass of wine, and travelling whenever possible.

Webmaster & Privacy Officer – Laura Stoicescu

I grew up in Romania, I was 20 years old when the dictatorship regime was finally thrown out in 1989! I met my husband, Dumitru, in Romania, and worked as a management consultant in Romania and the UK. We moved the Canada in 2001, first in Vancouver, then in Tsawwassen. I continued to work as a project management professional for large information technology and utilities companies. When I was 49 years old, I experienced a major stroke, and my focus shifted from working to stroke recovery and advocating for stroke survivors. We moved to the Comox Valley in September 2023. We joined the local tennis club, and a wonderful friend introduced me to the Newcomers’ Club! I quickly met many more welcoming and supportive women in the club, and love participating in the brisk walks, hiking, gardening, and book club activities. I look forward to continue exploring the Valley for years to come!

Webmaster & Privacy Officer – Joanne McMurdo

I was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta and lived in Edmonton for the past 50 years. After retiring from nursing, I moved to the Comox Valley in the fall of 2024, after numerous visits to decide if this is where I want to be. I had heard of the Comox Valley Newcomers long before I moved as being one of the best clubs to join. I looked forward to serving on the executive, and joining in all the many activities that newcomers has to offer.

Welcome & Life Events – Laurie Porter

Moved from North Vancouver to the Comox valley in 2021. Love the outdoors,
skiing, hiking and biking. Always enjoy meeting new people so looking
forward to doing the welcoming calls for new members.

Welcome & Life Events – Lisa Batycki Downs

BC born and raised, I spent my high school and university years in Victoria. At the age of 28 I was lured away from Vancouver Island by love and the beautiful Okanagan. I spent my career working in healthcare information management in various capacities, with the last 24 years living in South Surrey. My husband and I always knew we would come back to the island and in the summer of 2021 we visited friends here…and I decided that this was THE PLACE to be. We moved here in January 2023 and I joined Newcomers the next month. I love the Comox Vally and all the activities (indoors and out) that I participate in with amazing women that I have met and will continue to meet through this wonderful club.