When you move, what do you miss most? Most people might imagine they miss the bursting light of the sunset’s glow they could see from their front porch. Then again, they remember fondly the smell of hydrangeas, rose, or lilies sprayed around the house in their garden. They miss the feel of the water on their feet in the little creek through the woods out back. Mostly, however, these memories take on their intense meaning because they weren’t really appreciated when we lived there. Now that they are lost, they loom high in every thought we have about our current condition: newcomer. And yet, and yet. …
What makes us change our mind about our new homes? Kind people. Hospitality. If we find we are accepted in our new neighborhood, then suddenly positive thoughts gradually replace our sense of loss. How does this happen?
Genuine friends are rare. What’s not rare is reaching out to those who have no friends in the new area. Hospitality. Coming from a family that moved constantly because her dad was a soldier, one Athenian always seemed to mentally have one bag packed. Of course, you come to the day when you hope you never have to move again. That’s when a ‘Welcome Initiative’ is so valuable. How should such local initiatives work?
They need to be genuinely available. There should be signs at public places on how to find and contact them. Social media should be employed to let people know how to meet others. All people new to an area need to feel welcome. All of these folks have a reason for seeking such groups. This owl has fluttered down to Madison where new residents from Ukraine sponsored a get-acquainted bake sale. It was held in the community social room of a housing development. I really enjoyed the pastries I’d never heard of before! More so, I met people from other parts of the world I’d never even imagined I’d visit. In short order, we shared stories of our lives, our customs and our hobbies. We now have friends we can reach out to who are often the kindest and most thoughtful people around.
Why can’t a city or small town in Limestone County organize such meetings, every other month? A guest speaker could be arranged and social outreach groups could be on hand to offer assistance if needed. It would not break the bank to have coffee and doughnuts available for those who would be given an introduction to the new neighborhood. We’d be building community and people would feel welcome. In fact, in some neighborhoods there was such a thing as a welcome wagon. Welcome wagons came to a newcomer’s house. (It wasn’t a wagon, of course, but rather a car, a basket and a person bringing the basket!) A representative of the new community would bring small gifts to help in practical matters of getting settled. Screw drivers, picture hangers, tape measures were some of the items any new family never has readily available. Most helpful were the addresses, phone numbers and contact people of dozens of local social committees. If you needed help with a disabled child, you got the number. If you wanted to join a shooting club, or swim in a wellness center, or enroll your son or daughter in the local baseball teams, a real person would so advise you. From such a representative you’d find out when the next public welcome meeting was scheduled. At such get-togethers the new family could meet local police, government and fire officials, not to mention others. In the welcome wagon basket would be discounts to local pharmacies, restaurants, or free gifts just for coming by.
Perhaps the finest event ever created by military organizations was the ‘hail and farewell’ tradition. At these, those departing would say few words, and those arriving would be introduced. One felt as if a first step to belonging has just occurred. We can do this. We should do this.