After a year plus of virtual meetings and Zoom socials, it feels like face to face get togethers are a bit weird and wonderful at the same time. As the Vice President of Membership for FY22 one of my focus areas was in person events that could reconnect the RMS membership as well as welcome new members. As a new member of the section myself, I was excited to have the opportunity to plan and execute in person events and meet my new SWE group.
The first in person event for the Rocky Mountain section since March of 2020 was held on Sunday August 29th 2021 at the Anthem Community Park in Broomfield. This was an ideal location for our FY22 Welcome Picnic! The picnic structure was large with plenty of tables and ample space to mingle and keep comfortably distant. We had around 20 RMS members attend and some even brought their family or pets (Photo 1). The weather was warm, breezy, and sunny making for quite a lovely afternoon. The section provided drinks and
The first in person event for the Rocky Mountain section since March of 2020 was held on Sunday August 29th 2021 at the Anthem Community Park in Broomfield. This was an ideal location for our FY22 Welcome Picnic! The picnic structure was large with plenty of tables and ample space to mingle and keep comfortably distant. We had around 20 RMS members attend and some even brought their family or pets (Photo 1). The weather was warm, breezy, and sunny making for quite a lovely afternoon. The section provided drinks and
Photo 1: RMS members socializing at the park on a sunny afternoon
some snacks which were quickly supplemented by items brought by the members. It didn’t take long for the amount of food to far surpass what the attendees could consume. Which in my experience is the sign of a successful gathering. A few new members attended and quickly made connections among the attendees. I personally enjoyed reconnecting with many SWE members I’ve known for years through society level roles and meeting new to me local SWE members. The 3 hours we had together flew by with never a break in the conversations or laughter.
Fast forward a few months and the holidays were quickly approaching and the weather, although delayed, was turning colder. The section leadership and members participated in a short survey to determine what type of social event we should hold before the turn of the year. By a large margin, a holiday themed craft based get together on the weekend was the top selection. This meant finding a suitably large venue to allow for both crafting and adequate distancing of attendees. he Superior Community Center had just the space we needed and was open in mid-December.
Saturday December 18th at 1pm twelve RMS members gathered to make Christmas tree ornaments at the Winter Social aka Crafternoon. With holiday music playing in the background and plenty of hot chocolate, sparkling cider and sugary treats to keep up our energy we set to work. Each attendee was provided the supplies to make two different ornament styles, which could be accessorized to meet each person’s aesthetic (Photo 2). As you can see the creativity of the group was impressive with each ornament distinctly unique.
Saturday December 18th at 1pm twelve RMS members gathered to make Christmas tree ornaments at the Winter Social aka Crafternoon. With holiday music playing in the background and plenty of hot chocolate, sparkling cider and sugary treats to keep up our energy we set to work. Each attendee was provided the supplies to make two different ornament styles, which could be accessorized to meet each person’s aesthetic (Photo 2). As you can see the creativity of the group was impressive with each ornament distinctly unique.
Photo 2: Sample of some of the ornaments created by RMS members at the Winter Social
As with the summer event, the conversations flowed easily, snacks were consumed and SWE connections were made and deepened. Although we were all masked up, the smiles were evident on each face (Photo 3). I’m not sure what to call the magic that seems to happen when people sit down and craft together. You may not know the person sitting beside or across from you but it doesn’t take long before you are chatting away like old friends. Spending an afternoon during the busy holiday season casually chatting and flexing my creative muscles was so refreshing. In the half a year I’ve been the VP of Membership I’ve been blessed to join such a welcoming and engaged group of SWE members and meet so many of you at our events. Thank you all and I hope to see you at a social event this spring.
Photo 3: Crafternoon attendees showing off their ornaments
By: Ashley Pietz (RMS VP of Membership)
RSS Feed
