WELCOME?
by Darcie Gore
There have been some interesting conversations lately in the clubhouse and around the pool regarding people leaving an activity early. There seems to be two reasons cited:
1. There wasn’t enough room at the tables or seats were being ‘saved’ for someone. It’s really a shame if a resident of Glenbrooke, especially a new resident, didn’t feel like they could stay.
2. The second issue brought up was start times. When an activity is listed in the schedule as starting at 1:00PM or 6:00PM people come to find games all ready under way. Thus the person arriving on time feels left out.
I really feel sad if homeowners don’t feel welcomed in the Lodge. Personally, I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to reach out to neighbors and be inclusive in all of our activities.
On the other hand, I also understand how you bond with certain people and look forward to a weekly game with them. It is easy to arrange to meet at a certain time to resume last week’s challenge.
I admit I don't know the answers.
I just bring this with the hope of having a dialog about it. Maybe people will be more aware that it is often difficult for someone to decide to try a new activity - especially if they are by themselves and new to the community.
Someone suggested drawing numbers and being seated that way. Another person suggested rotating tables/players after each game or hand. As we grow, this is bound to come up more frequently.
What would you suggest so that everyone feels welcomed?
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Good points, Darcie.
I think it's been discussed before that a 'hospitality' committee or group might be a good idea where the members offer to act as a sponsor new residents for a little while, based on their interests, and invite them to share their table or attend an event so that they get introduced to others in the community. Maybe even as a subset of the Mingles?
My goodness, where are our Manners? I have seen this several times and have seen Regina break it up when she was around. I'm sure it's something most just hadn't thought about and how a newcomer would feel in that situation. Humor me and let me make a few suggestions...take them or toss them as I'm sure there are many more out there. We have to have some starting point.
"A Welcoming Committee" that delivers a folder or letter with the web site information, all current activities with meeting times. Info that as they unpack how to recycle boxes within the community, furniture that doesn't fit in your new home, how to advertise for sale or offer giveaways on the web site, info about walking your dog, leash laws, Neighborhood Watch Group, current list of contractors their neighbors have used and recommend. Many not using a computer would be the reason for a letter being given.
This doesn't address the closed table syndrome however
...that's a toughy!
Both of the above are good suggestions.
There are people who arrive Glenbrooke time (around 15 to 20 minutes early) and when the table is full they start playing cards or Mexican Train. It is hard to tell people they can't start their game early until a certain time or who they can who they must play with as then they won't come to the lodge and just get together at one another houses.
I agree we need to make sure anyone who comes in before the start time feels welcome and offer to split up to tables of four or suggest taking turns playing hands if there is an odd number of players. Most of the games have started playing with partners and some feel if they don't have a partner set before hand they won't be able to play which has been the case lately and you just hate to see a person say "it's ok - I have things to do at home". You know they wouldn't have come down if they didn't expect to be able to participate but coming up with a solution is really a tough one.
I believe they way they do it on Mexican train is if a person is late they just join in and take the highest persons score which works great. Now we just need to work on the card playing solution.
You're right....good suggestions, but we'll find a solution, just have to keep thinking. I don't usually play cards when I go down there, just maybe visit with someone else that's on the sidelines like me. There have been a couple of times that someone dropped in, but left, said they were just looking around, but I didn't get the idea that was the case. Trying to put myself in their place and what I would expect & do. If someone stopped and welcomed me, maybe made a few introductions and mentioned the snack table, help yourself and please come join us next week, we play at 6 p.m., sometimes even start early, etc. I think I would be ok with that. I guess it's ALL in how welcomed I felt. I know that I wouldn't expect you to stop playing your games, but would try to get there earlier next time............it's all in "if I felt welcomed and was acknowledged".
The closed tables I was speaking of above were at different events than card games.
Great suggestions. As we know 'situations' will only worsen as our community grows. I've also thot a group could be formed that would offer new residents a 'friendly' face plus phone nos. to call when they're interested in attending events, cards, classes, etc. to act as an introduction. I would absolutely volunteer for this. I understand that people who've been in Glenbrooke for sometime, are just discovering this website! A letter w/all of this kind of info would benefit everyone! As to starting times, it's crazy! As we've all witnessed, if an event starts at 6 pm, people are in line by, at least, 5:30 pm!! I still don't understand how people my age can act so unwelcoming, have they never been on the other side! JMO!
We are all (most) being placed in a different situation here in Glenbrooke and it's partly a learning process. We had card games at our homes, dinners, etc.; it started when all the guests arrived. Each guest was greeted upon arrival and made welcome.
and.... I'm waiting for the ten lashes from them!
IMO, we can't ask the Gore's or Glaser's to solve this problem after all the hard work, not to mention the expense, they have put forth trying to bring the community together. They'll be wanting to be put on the payroll next thing we hear. LOL
It seems pretty easy to me.......funny what a big smile, Hello, my name is...blah, blah, blah can do! This is kid stuff...we're beyond that, hopefully.
Awareness is the first step. Because I am now aware that some feelings have been hurt, I will make more of an effort to welcome everyone and be more flexible in play. I will also TRY and remember my name tag, it does help new people - and those of us that have memory problems.
Maybe we need to review this article again....Is this "Trivia" game a welcoming to all residents or a select few? Has the door been closed to new residents?