Smaller group activities make for friendly experiences
By Denise Stewart
Welcome Club President
When you are looking to expand your circle of friends and eager to enhance your social life, it can be intimidating to walk into an event that has dozens of people with whom you are unfamiliar. Most people agree that a smaller gathering makes it a more comfortable experience to begin the process of introducing yourself to new acquaintances and expanding your interests.
That is one of the benefits of the Welcome Club of Scripps Ranch. You can begin with a smaller group of local women who meet regularly to share interests and enjoy each other’s company. In these interest groups, longtime community members are likely to see a familiar face, while newcomers have an easy way to make connections.
As new relationships grow, you can comfortably join the club’s larger, more festive gatherings and expand your circle of friends. At Welcome Club, you set your own pace and choose the activities that best fit your lifestyle.
Welcome Club offers a variety of smaller groups that meet regularly. Craft Club, Bunco, Bridge, Games, and four Book Clubs bring members together each month to share common interests. The Off the Ranch Walking Group is planning its third scenic tour for October. As a member, you can choose the activities that best fit your interests and schedule.
Welcome Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Scripps Ranch Community Center. Each general meeting begins with dessert and social time, giving members a chance to reconnect and welcome new acquaintances. A brief update on activities and club news follows, then a guest speaker presents a program of interest to members.
At the September meeting, Scripps Ranch Theatre staff described the plays members can attend this season. Later that week, club members who enjoy theater gathered for a potluck before attending the season’s first play.
One of Welcome Club’s favorite larger gatherings took place this month at Sonya Bolton’s home. Coffee and brunch treats filled the kitchen table and encouraged relaxed conversation among members.
Another larger Welcome Club gathering, known as a TGI, was held this month in Lynnell Hallock’s backyard. The outdoor potluck brought members, husbands and friends together for a summer celebration.
At the end of the month, the Gadabouts group will travel to Coronado’s Lamb’s Players Theatre for a musical journey through American history. The group may also enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the island’s restaurants before or after the performance.
To learn more about Welcome Club, including its history, activities and membership opportunities, visit Scrippsranchwelcomeclub.com. Contact information is available on the website for anyone who would like to connect with a member and learn more.