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

Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI)
Published on May 5, 2001
? 2001- Madison Newspapers, Inc.

With the past decade marking an astounding 14 percent population increase in Dane County, a growing number of area newcomers are seeking out organizations to help them meet people, find services, and generally adjust to their new surroundings.

Who's New in Madison is the premier organization of its kind in Dane County and has provided newcomers a social opportunity for more than 65 years. It is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote friendships by engaging in a wide range of social activities. Organized in 1935 by women of the Madison YWCA, Who's New served to entertain by elaborate proportions.

Early organizers held formal teas at the UW-Madison chancellor's residence, while the President of the University toured the campus with the group each month. Occasionally, these gatherings would be held at the Governor's Mansion and hosted by Wisconsin's first lady.

Entertaining, however, changed with the times when fewer newcomers were interested in attending "stuffy teas" and sought more informal activities. The board agreed that group money would be better spent helping needy people or donating to a worthy cause in the area.

Who's New today serves as a purely social group, helping newcomers develop a network of friends through its more than two dozen activity groups -- including seven bridge clubs, golf, cross-country skiing, bowling, two book clubs, a couples gourmet club and an antique study group.

Current enrollment exceeds 300 and continues to grow. Members are primarily female, although spouses often enjoy participation in group activities throughout the year.

Kimberly Hazen, 36, is the current president of Who's New and one of the youngest members of the group. She moved to Madison in 1993 and found out about the organization through her real estate agent. "The hardest part about moving was leaving good friends. The annoying part about moving is leaving a doctor you trust, a hair stylist that knows your style and a grocery store you know like the back of your hand," said Hazen. "What Who's New did for me was give me a great group of people whom I could talk to and get suggestions for the things I needed to find in Madison."

Sheila Tuber, former president, found an immediate home in Who's New when she moved to the area in 1997. "It makes all the difference in making you feel that you have friends right away," she said. Tuber, who relocated six times before settling down in Madison, knows the significance of newcomer's groups. "It's very important in making you feel like you belong," she said.

Although Who's New is primarily a social group, the organization hosts two fund-raisers each year for a chosen charity. A holiday bazaar in December and a spring auction in May generate money for that charity. This year, Who's New will donate profits from these events to the Respite Center, a Dane County organization aimed to prevent child abuse by providing support to families who are experiencing stressful or emergency situations.

This year's Spring Auction will be held at Nakoma Golf Club on Thursday. Items up for bid will highlight the donations and services of current Who's New members. A group luncheon will be held prior to the auction and prospective members are invited to attend.

New members are required to have moved to Madison within the past two years, although every year in September, the club offers an amnesty month in which anyone can join. Members of Who's New can remain in the organization as long as they like once they have joined.

"It feels good to be part of an organization that has no ulterior motives," said Hazen. "Who's New is a way for people to meet each other and create lasting friendships. I certainly have."