It seemed like we had a similar crowd ! ... at our new approach for having one casual evening meeting a month. Though somewhat crowded, the outside patio venue at the Peggy Kinanne's had great weather and fellowship. We'll recall that one of the beliefs of Rotary is that through building friendships and acquaintance among us, we become even more productive in giving service to our communities -- relationship, trust and understanding help us work better together. An informal pole of several members said generally they were glad they had come and getting to talk and know other Rotarians better. They also shared some reflections/advice for our board as we move forward. As for this photo, it actually typifies the crowd at the two-day event which followed -- The Mane Event/Taste of Arlington. For a summary of sample comments and the attendance figures (including potential members), Read more...Some reactions included, -- "just a delightful evening with fellow Rotarians", -- I was "curious and came to support something new the club is trying", -- "gives more time to get to know every better than at a regular meeting", -- more and extended time for conversations and inclusion with other members than the table format of the luncheon meetings usually provide, -- "lots of laughter and smiles", -- provides a chance to visit that a busy schedule doesn't always permit. Some advice and reflection included -- a venue with more room, so as not to intrude on other patrons, -- hopefully our administrative costs were proportionate to turn out and facility amenities, -- there was also a little preference for the noontime gatherings. Turnout was 26 members and two guests (potential members), and the match game to connect members to each other was well received...as was the door prize !
Earlier in the club's existence, there would occasionally be a club fellowship get-together held in a member's backyard with a similar outcome -- in summer, swimming pool fun, barbequing, and casual conversation.