New members join active members at the January Newcomers’ Brunch.
Jan Race
Almost one year ago, in February 2018, the PebbleCreek Democratic Club held its very first Welcome Gathering for new members in the Chianti Room Lounge. Since that initial gathering, we have moved on to welcoming our new members with social events held in the homes of the club’s Social Committee members. On January 20 our sixth and largest gathering to date was held at Shari and Roger Baer’s lovely home.
In all, 16 new members and 12 old-timers shared a wonderful several hours getting to know one another in a more intimate setting. Our “Greeter for the Day” welcomed one couple at the door and upon learning their unusual last name, realized it was one of their family members from Eugene, Oregon!
Past events were usually afternoon socials serving wine and hors d’oeuvres. For the January party, the Social Committee switched to a Sunday brunch serving beautifully arranged bagels, cream cheese with lox, tomatoes and red onions, frittatas, deviled eggs, fruit trays, blueberry muffins, donuts, cakes and other treats from our local bakery, coffee, tea and flowing mimosas.
It’s sometimes difficult for newcomers to “break into” a well-established group. We have tried to help assist our newcomers through these gatherings and, from the feedback we receive, we know they enjoy the opportunity to meet new people one on one. They also had the chance to sign up for activities and committees in which they were interested. As we say, they enter the door as guests and leave as friends.