Debbie Sorensen, a member of the Recreation Committee, remembers moving to Bella Vista and being greeted by the Welcome Club. She is still friends with people she met through the club.
But the club dissolved a few years ago, when there were few people moving into the city. Now, with home sales on the rise, no one has replaced the Welcome Club. Sorenson took on the assignment.
The first Meet and Greet Coffee Gathering will take place at Riordan Hall from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4. Everyone who is new to Bella Vista is invited, including renters, she said. They will be served coffee, cookies and information.
Sorensen has gathered six or seven volunteers, including some members of the Recreation Committee, to host. POA General Manager Tom Judson and his assistant Kyndell Ardoin will be present. So far, about 13 newcomers have signed up.
"The goal is for the new residents to understand what the amenities are in Bella Vista and how to use them and access them," she said. "It's hard for people to understand the amenities and what they have to offer."
Everyone will introduce themselves and say where they are from. Newcomers from the same area often form the first friendships, she explained.
She expects to have handouts available including an up-to-date list of clubs in the area.
It's primarily a POA event, she said, so she hasn't invited a city representative. That might change in the future.
This Meet and Greet is the first of a series, she said. She plans to hold the event each quarter and already has one scheduled for June. Once renovations are complete at the Country Club, the event will probably move there, she said.
To sign up for the event, contact Sorenson at [email protected].
General News on 02/22/2017