Who's New in Madison, Inc.
Where new faces become old friends.

The Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Published on November 19, 1998
? 1998- Madison Newspapers, Inc.

Kathy Bruckbauer has had 22 addresses in the past 39 years.

Debbie Benner has been around, too. She and her family have moved 13 times in 25 years -- including three times (and three states) in two years. The two found solace and new friendships in the newcomers group "Who's New in Madison."

The social organization, founded in 1935, has more than 325 members of all ages. Its goal is to help newcomers get acquainted and to promote friendships through social activities. And they have quite a few of those activities.

There's an afternoon book club, groups for antiques, bridge, bowling, euchre, cross country, skiing and tennis as well as a couple's gourmet club, an investment club and more.

Bruckbauer says she and her husband, Fred, moved a lot at the beginning of their life together because he was playing professional baseball with the Washington Senators, now the Minnesota Twins. He now works for John Deere.

``We've lived in Montana, North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, Florida and now Wisconsin,'' says the 60-year-old Bruckbauer, who settled down here in 1993. ``My neighbor told me about the club, and I joined. I can't say enough about the group.''

``It's a mind set,'' she says of their frequent moves. ``I've learned through the years that you have to make an effort to make friends. It's up to you.''

Benner's husband, Kevin, works in human resources for Kraft. She says their gypsy-style life began years back, when he was in the Army.

``The kids didn't always handle it well,'' the 44-year-old mother of two says. ``But we make the most of it. My husband says it's hard for him, too, uprooting the family so often. But he's my life and I'll do it for him.''

The day after the family moved into their Seminole Hills home, a neighbor knocked on the door to tell her about ``Who New in Madison.''

For Benner, it meant a shoulder to cry on. ``The women in the club understand the ups and downs of moving,'' she says. ``They've been there and know how I feel.``All my friends here are either neighbors or members of the club. It's wonderful.''

Benner says the club offers a nice variety of interest groups. She's involved in the bowling, golf and cross country skiing groups. And she and her husband go to the wine and cheese get-together every month.

Kimberly Hazen is publicity chairperson for the group. She and her husband, Jay, moved here from Janesville four years ago after he bought a dental practice on West Washington Avenue. Her real estate agent told her about the group.

She says the organization holds a fashion show and holiday bazaar each year, among other things. Members also target a charity each year and take collections for it at each monthly meeting.

Anyone new to the Madison area is invited to join. ``You have to be here less than two years,'' Hazen says. ``Or you can wait until each September, which is amnesty month when anyone can join.''

Yearly dues are $15. One can attend two monthly meetings -- which are usually luncheons with a guest speaker -- without any obligation to join.