You were right with your suggestions they just di...

You were right with your suggestions they just didn t go far enough. Getting together annually is not often enough to develop community relationships.

It can be intimidating and also may not feel important to attend a social or HOA meeting. I try to reach all newcomers and invite them to go with us or plan to meet us at a social event. Recently I asked one couple their thoughts on whether that was beneficial. Their reply was that they would not have attended in the absence of the personal invitation. There is a big difference between notifying newcomers of an event and inviting them to attend with you.