[jblum315]

The TOTV lunch party at Crisper's today was really fun. Big crowd, lots of good conversation. I was hoping Gracie would show up but she didn't. Busy, busy, busy Gracie, maybe next time, huh?

[jane032657]

I look forward to being there in November! Finally!

[bandsdavis]

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

[Barefoot]

We've been using Crispers since we started the luncheons in 2007. Perhaps it is time to consider a change.

The idea of using Crispers was to have a casual location where people could walk around and mingle, cocktail-party style. That usually works better outside on the patio than inside. Where people didn't have to worry about bringing food and munchies and drinks. Where people could arrive early or late. Where no-one would be responsible for food or entertainment and it would be easy-peasy for everyone involved. I think it is sometimes better to have individual tables and then people might feel more comfortable "visiting" other tables.

Originally Posted by bandsdavis

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

[tainsley]

Originally Posted by bandsdavis

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

It was a good time yesterday at Crispers! Nice crowd and some new faces. Sorry about the seating. Wasn't expecting so many. We usually meet outside on patio but due to heat we stayed inside. As Barefoot suggested individual tables might be a better idea when we are inside and then we get just mingle. Anyone feeling segregated please accept my apologies and look forward to seeing you in September!

[Shirleevee]

So nice to see all the newbees.......

[jblum315]

Hi, Shirleevee, it was so nice to meet you

[Yorio]

Originally Posted by bandsdavis

OK, let me make a suggestion. We were there also, and had a great time talking with Steve, Paul and Gail, but I must admit to feeling quite segregated from the rest of the group. There was one long table where perhaps 20 people were able to sit and talk. Paul, Gail, Sue and I had to sit at another table a ways from the larger group, with really no way to communicate with the rest, other than perhaps to stand behind the other table and try to talk that way; awkward at best. Steve was nice enough to come over and join us, and we had a great time. But, it seems to me that the purpose of these meetings is to meet a number of different people, which given the layout today, was difficult. Has it ever been considered to meet somewhere that provides the opportunity to mingle, rather than just sit at tables? Perhaps at a rec center. We were looking forward to meeting more people, but that just didn't seem possible under the circumstances of the layout.

B.

We faced the same situation when we attended the first get-together and unfortunately, I don't know the right answer. It's sort of like in high school luncheons where old friends want to be with old friends. I don't think it's willful but very hard to break in to the group. Now that we have been a so called "old timer", we don't mind welcoming newbies but nothing to indicate they are new or old. At our neighborhood garage parties, I make it a point to introduce newbies to the old group but don't know how to do this at TOTV. Perhaps we need an organizing group that will have a reception for signing in for newbies with their e-mail addresses and newbie name tag so long time group can make it a point to welcome them to the group and their tables.

[LittleDog]

I concur that it is sometimes hard to get to talk to everyone because of the setup at Crispers. One suggestion may be to meet in a restaurant that has a private dining area such as Perkins or Golden Corral as an example. I don't know whether this would facilitate more interaction. If we had a room in a rec center we could certainly hold a round table discussion but there would be no food unless you brought your own.

Another thought would be after a certain time frame you would move so that you would be talking to other couples sort of like glorified speed dating. That might also work.

Just some suggestions.

John

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by jrheydt

I concur that it is sometimes hard to get to talk to everyone because of the setup at Crispers. One suggestion may be to meet in a restaurant that has a private dining area such as Perkins or Golden Corral as an example. I don't know whether this would facilitate more interaction. If we had a room in a rec center we could certainly hold a round table discussion but there would be no food unless you brought your own.

Another thought would be after a certain time frame you would move so that you would be talking to other couples sort of like glorified speed dating. That might also work.

Just some suggestions.

John

One of the good things about the patio at Crispers and the gathering being at three o clock. A lot of folks don't want to eat then and most will order a drink. They don't seem to mind. But restaurants are in business to make money and having to eat...kind of interupts the general getting to know each other with the ordering and the serving and the sitting in a "regular" restaurant.

Most of us "oldies" will go around and shake everyone's hand individually because we know who is new and who is "old". (pardon the expression) and try to get a little interaction going. We just kind of bring our chairs in a big circle on the patio and although it is so hot we can kind of communicate.

Good job Tainsley. The heat was horrific yesterday and the cool interior was the place to be. I am sorry I missed it and I am sorry that our dear Mayor, KathieI wasn't there. She goes way back and knows everyone

I am glad that new ones are hosting, everyone appreciates your efforts
It is a sweet and wonderful thing to meet the folks you have already gotten to know on TOTV.

[2BNTV]

Glad to hear everyone had a good time.

[cquick]

I am just sorry I missed it (again). I thought I could pop over after the closets were finished, but I painted in Patrick's bedroom instead.....Maybe we'll be more settled in Sept.....I had such a good time the first time I came.

[jimbo2012]

I'm looking forward to going next month if things fall into place.
In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins.

On the Internet if one person mentions something it affects many more -
so new folks should not feel awkward mingling.

Also to meet inside without food perhaps a bar setting with a separate room may work.

Is there anyway a county club could work.

[graciegirl]

In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins.


Well now.

Boy Howdy!

[Patty55]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

In reading this I might suggest a different color name tag for virgins.


Well now.

Boy Howdy!

WHITE seems the obvious choice.