Longtime and newer Windcrest residents rub elbows during the quarterly Windcrest Welcome reception Oct. 26 at the Windcrest Civic Center. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

Lucy Gale and her fiancé moved to Windcrest from north central San Antonio last November. A short time later Gale received an invitation from neighbor about a January event in which newer residents would get a grand public welcome of sorts, complete with free food and goody bags. It was also a chance to mingle with fellow newcomers, established residents and local civic organizations.

“It was so surprising to get an invite to the event, which I loved. It was very lively. You got to meet so many people in one place at one time. I had never heard or been part of something like this,” Gale recalled.

The event was the inaugural Windcrest Welcome reception sponsored by the Windcrest Proud Committee, a concept born out of a town hall meeting. Gale was among 60 people to attend. She enjoyed the visit so much she joined the Proud Committee, only contributing more enthusiasm to a citizens’ group whose members are earnest about promptly getting new residents involved in the community.

The Proud Committee organizes quarterly gatherings at the Windcrest Civic Center, each featuring a specific theme. Committee members and other volunteers dispatch invites to new residents who are recorded by the city through utility connections.

While emphasis is put on newcomers, all residents are encouraged to attend. The latest Welcome reception held Friday carried an Oktoberfest theme. From the looks of things, the mantra from the movie “Field of Dreams” comes to mind: “If you hold the reception, everyone will come.”

Attendance grows with each passing event. Committee Chairwoman Diane Woods estimated more than 150 people provided a festive atmosphere. Plenty of eats and beverages. Local members of the Polka Lovers Klub of America putting on the moves outdoors. Visitors getting rather insightful with each other in a game of Human Bingo.

“It starts out as something for new residents, giving them a taste of what Windcrest is about. But as you can, longtime residents come out. Everyone has a fun time,” said committee member Brenda Sharp, who along with husband Jim moved from Converse to Windcrest four years ago.

“We just felt it was time to move. We love it here. This (civic center) is a beautiful place to have events like this,” Jim Sharp said.

“People are so excited and thankful about these receptions that they look forward to the next one. They mark it on their calendars,” Gale added.

The Proud Committee works not only with various city departments, which also have strong representation at the receptions, but also area businesses and civic groups that contribute resources to support such elements as refreshments and door prizes.

Additionally, the committee has launched “Let’s Do Dinner,” another way for smaller groups of residents to meet and get better acquainted over a meal. The dinners involve up to eight diners at a host’s home. Each month different diners take part at a different home and have responsibility for a part of the meal.

The committee updates the citizenry with photos and information on the city’s Website: www.ci.windcrest.tx.us as well as in the city newsletter. The next Welcome reception is scheduled for Jan. 25. For more information about Windcrest Proud, call Woods at 650-5336.