North Brunswick Newcomers Club Helps Weave Common Threads

Story By Stephanie Grace Meyer

Photography By Logan Wallace

New residents of Brunswick County seem to be arriving every day. The friendly atmosphere, affordable housing, rich history and continually growing business are just some of the many reasons people flock to this area. With such an influx of new residents, it’s no wonder the North Brunswick Newcomers Club (NBNC) has increased its membership twenty-fold in less than three years. What makes North Brunswick Newcomers Club so popular seems to be the same reason the area itself is so popular — an enriching

community that continues to grow.

“It’s about getting to know your neighbors,” says Alice Razzano, club president and a four-year Brunswick County resident. “Getting to know your neighbors and acclimating them to the area.”

From its humble beginnings in January of 2006, North Brunswick Newcomers Club has evolved into a thriving social community that helps familiarize newcomers with the area. Original founder Jayne Harkins began with only a handful of her fellow residents, about six people. Soon, there was a membership of about 15. Then things really took off.

“The last official count was 116,” says Linda Wells, membership chair. “But more are always signing up.”

With such growth and success in such a short time, the club stands as a testament to just how rapidly this area is expanding. According to the United States Census Bureau, from April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2008, the population of Brunswick County increased 41 percent. The club has brought in new members from every corner of the United States.

“I would say that about 50 percent [of members] are from out of state,” says Chris Warnecke, vice president of hospitality.

The driving forces for the club are the several activities groups that are offered as a way of connecting residents with common interests. Members also are encouraged to start new activities groups, if there is something they are interested in that is not offered. The most popular groups include book clubs, travel and day trips, theater, poker, bridge, movies and Sunday cocktails. These groups provide many social networking opportunities and allow residents to take advantage of some of the local attractions.

“It’s amazing how many people you meet,” says Razzano.

Even more amazing, observes Meg Smith, member and last year’s president, is when members who have never met outside the club realize they have common ground. With newcomers from all over the United States, several members have found that they share hometowns, have worked for the same companies or have even lived in the same neighborhoods. Finding common interests, and in some cases, common backgrounds, helps members forge lasting friendships.

“It’s really nice to see new people and find out how many common threads there are,” says Smith.

These friendships sometimes inspire members to stick with the club even after their newcomer title  fades.

“Some people stick around,” says Smith. “and some of them move on because they no longer feel they need [the club] to make friends.”

Those who do stick around can take a step further in their membership by participating in board elections and by running for an office. The club’s board, which is reestablished each year, has ten offices: president, vice president of programs, vice president of hospitality, secretary, treasurer, activities chair, membership chair, newsletter chair and two historians. New officers for the season are announced during the installation luncheon in June.

Aside from social networking, familiarization with the local area is a large part of being a member of NBNC. New members receive goody bags filled with local information, including maps and coupons to local businesses. Not only does this help acquaint the newcomers with local businesses and resources, it allows these companies to reach out to their target customers.

Another aspect of club involvement includes monthly meetings, which are held on the second Friday of every month at Zion United Methodist Church in Leland. These meetings begin with a half-hour of socializing, then the board members get down to business discussing committee reports and planning upcoming events. Each meeting also involves a guest speaker, which have included notable North Carolinians like local author Philip Gerard and WECT co-anchor Frances Weller.

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