First impressions are lasting impressions, and the Hospitality Committee uses early visits with new residents to offer a warm welcome, lots of information and some practical support as new residents move into University Village.
On moving day, a committee member leaves a map of University Village, a Welcome to Our Community card and a Hospitality calling card. A phone call follows, then a visit in which the new resident receives a Hospitality bag overflowing with information about UV communication and services, the library and the store; opportunities at Cal Lutheran University; and contacts for
resources in Thousand Oaks and the surrounding area. Each month, Trader Joe‘s generously contributes bags containing coffee, cookies, snacks, oatmeal, and ingredients for a quick meal, perhaps pasta and marinara sauce – comfort and convenience for first days in this new home.
Sometimes the first conversation includes surprises. Jan Strawn, the efficient current chairman, tells of discovering that a new resident had lived on the same street, a couple of blocks away, and they had never met before. The chat also offers continuing contact – dinner in the dining room, where other introductions are made, and perhaps attending a first Town Hall meeting together.
These front-line greeters were first organized, in February 2008, by Mary Ann Bang and Ann Motte, who still serve. Committee members are selected for their friendliness, knowledge about our community and their innate gift of hospitality. They foresee a continuous opportunity, as UVTO people move out of their units and the next occupants arrive – hospitably welcomed and soon to become new friends. Council liaison Ken Warkentien says, "The committee is sincere, creative in its organization, very hospitable – their committee name really sticks."