Meeting New People

[sweetp2u]

Hi everyone! We just bought a house in a small town and I feel so isolated.Looking for ways or ideas on how to meet new friends with similiar interest.My neighbors are all elderly except for 1 and they are a little wild.There are practically no things to do in the town but we are next to Gettysburg PA.I enjoy Bears,Prim decorating having people over for dinner,fleamarkets,auctions,gardening,baking,craft s,and a million and one other things.The few people I do know are either using me or have nothing in common with me so my hubby says to find ways to meet new people.If anyone out there is 27-40(female only) and lives close I would love to share some emails and maybe get together for tea sometime.Any suggestions on how to meet new people are greatly apprecited!

[sandieluvsbears]

Welcome Sweetp2u, Have you tried any groups at your church? I noticed you like teddy bears, we have a teddy bear thread here,Ill post the link. Stop in and meet us teddy bear lovers here at FC.

http://www.familycorner.com/forums/s...257#post227257

I collect teddy bears (have over 3,000) love to do all kinds of crafting, LOVE flea markets DH (as a hobby) sells and collects fanasy knives and swords at a local flea market. Sorry I dont live near PA but you can PM me with your email addy and Ill send you mine. Hope to see you over on the teddy bear thread
Hugs Sandie

[leolight]

hi sweetp2u...that is difficult...i've moved around a bit so I can understand...if you would like to do something with neighbors, you could invite them over for tea or cake...however, you mentioned that they are elderly so you might want some different ideas.

sandie's idea about joining a church group is good. Another thing I would suggest since you live in Gettysburg is to volunteer at the civil war battlefield center...you would probably meet a lot of locals and out-of-towners there...and learn alot about us history

Other things I was thinking about when I read your email were...

-join a local gym...you can take classes and meet some cool people that way
-see if your local newspaper, library, etc. has a book club...and you can join one...
-Gettysburg has a pretty good college...I'm sure that some people take evening classes...you might want to look into some of those.
-another good way to meet people is by getting a dog and walking it at a park or in the neighborhood...you'd be surprised how many people you meet that way!

Good luck...I'm sure things will get easier soon!!

[sweetp2u]

Wow those are some really great ideas I never thought of I always thought of a book club but never knew where to find one,I'll check our local library. There's a YWCA around the corner walking distance,I'm not much for the gym but have been thinking of joining their walking group in the Spring(Once it warms up BRRRRR!) The Tourist center sounds like a neat idea,I'll definatly check that out,I love Gettysburg and all the history it's like stepping back in time.I've also thought of taking a part time job at Boyds Bear Country in the Cafe I figured I'd meet lots of people with similiar interest there.http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace?Bears/TeddySunflower.gif

[sandieluvsbears]

Oh Im sooooo jealous!!!LOl!! I would love to live near Boyds Bear
Country!!!! I know I would definatly qualify for a job there. We arent too far from the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Vermont,but its far enough that I cant go there all that much!!Do you collect Boyds bears ? Thats what I mostly collect now, but I have alot of every kind of bear, not to mention everything in my house is all bear themed!! I just did one window in all teddy bear suncatchers!
Hugs Sandie

[Melanie]

Do you have school age kids? If so, your kid's school is one of the best places to meet other moms. If not, try other public places such as the library or church. Call your nearest park district or community college and sign up for one of the classes.

Good luck!
~Melanie

You sound like a perfect candidate for the county extension offices adult clubs. Call your court house or university and ask. Sort of 4H for grown ups. I have kids I am enjoying 4H asmuch as they are.

[Sammi1961]

Have you thought about doing volunteer work? Places to try are hospitals (the gift shop), area agencies, or even schools. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and it gives you a chance to share an interest. What about maybe starting a book club? You could post ads around town to see if there is an interest. Are their any children's play groups near you? What about attending any local performances that small towns sometimes offer. I live in a small town that has a local theater group and though I don't have the courage to perform on stage I like attending the performances. They also have live music concerts in our park or in the local theater which if your town has anything similar would be a place to socialize. (These activites are often free or very cheap) Also taking a class or workshop might be an idea. Often high schools offer adult classes and workshops in all kinds of things from fly tying and basket weaving to calligraphy or sign language. Is there a community college near by? Taking a class there might also be a chance to make new friends. Hope this helps.

[Beckingham]

A community theatre group is a great place to meet people. I noticed it was suggested in a previous post and thought I'd elaborate on the idea a bit. Even if you don't want to act I'm sure you'd be needed and welcomed to the group. Actors are only one part of the theatre. The other jobs involved are just as important. People are needed to direct, prompt, do costumes, props, makeup, advertising, public relations, manage the stage, run the lights and sound...If any of this sounds like fun to you, maybe you should find a theatre group. I belong to our local group and we always have a blast. Is there a community choir where you are? I have met many people through our choir.

What about volunteering with a children's group, such as Girl Guides? They are always looking for new members.

Just some ideas...

Good luck!

Jennifer

[stardust12]

Sweetp2u you picked the best site on the net when looking for friends, what about penpals? I go thru Harrisburg about every other month, I go to Baltimore to visit my sister. I think you are probably about 3 hours from me. All the ideas are good ways to make friends, if your looking for friends there are a whole bunch of friends right here these women will help you with anything, they all make you feel good and very cherished I thank God everyday for my friends right here on FC.

Love ya,
Rosey