Newcomer tip: Young Affiliates of the Mint
Last night I checked out a happy hour thrown by Young Affiliates of the Mint – a group long known as a way for people ages 21-45 to network, make new friends and get involved in the community.
When my friend and I walked in to Brio Tuscan Grille, a new spot on Piedmont Row near SouthPark, we saw a massive group of people surrounding the bar and spilling out onto the outdoor patio under heat lamps. It took us a little while to figure out that the Young Affiliates were primarily the people on the patio.
This was my second event with this group, and I have found that it’s difficult to meet new people at these things unless you are willing to go up to someone, introduce yourself and insert yourself into their conversation. That can be daunting, so newcomers would probably be most comfortable attending these events with a friend. Look for the nametags – those are the officers, and it’s an easy conversation-starter to ask them to tell you more about how the group works.
Shaun Kruse, the group's incoming president, pointed out that another way to meet people is to start volunteering on the group’s committees who plan the wine tastings, art events, parties and more. That's how he got started, he said.
Membership in the group costs $60 for individuals or $90 for households, and benefits include free or reduced admission to the group’s events, free admission to the Mint Museums, invitations to special events, a newsletter, museum shop discounts and more.
But you don’t have to be a member to check out one of the happy hours and see what you think – the next one is March 14, 6 p.m. at Mimosa Grille, 327 S. Tryon St. in uptown.
When my friend and I walked in to Brio Tuscan Grille, a new spot on Piedmont Row near SouthPark, we saw a massive group of people surrounding the bar and spilling out onto the outdoor patio under heat lamps. It took us a little while to figure out that the Young Affiliates were primarily the people on the patio.
This was my second event with this group, and I have found that it’s difficult to meet new people at these things unless you are willing to go up to someone, introduce yourself and insert yourself into their conversation. That can be daunting, so newcomers would probably be most comfortable attending these events with a friend. Look for the nametags – those are the officers, and it’s an easy conversation-starter to ask them to tell you more about how the group works.
Shaun Kruse, the group's incoming president, pointed out that another way to meet people is to start volunteering on the group’s committees who plan the wine tastings, art events, parties and more. That's how he got started, he said.
Membership in the group costs $60 for individuals or $90 for households, and benefits include free or reduced admission to the group’s events, free admission to the Mint Museums, invitations to special events, a newsletter, museum shop discounts and more.
But you don’t have to be a member to check out one of the happy hours and see what you think – the next one is March 14, 6 p.m. at Mimosa Grille, 327 S. Tryon St. in uptown.
posted by Leigh at
11:48 AM
3 Comments:
I heard Madam Tusades wax museum is interested in coming to Charlotte; Could you imagine a wax figure full size of Queen Charlotte and Robert E. Lee and maybe other figures of the Past and present. How eciting is that Madam tusades WAX MUSEUM
A wax museum? Sorry. Not exciting at all. But here is a different museum idea, a little more intellectually stimulating: Johnson & Wales could begin a small gallery/museum displaying "food images in the arts," which, for centuries, has been a major aesthetic force in the visual and literary arts (including, of course, film). Exhibits would change regularly. J&W gets some credit. Citizens learn about a broad range of arts.
Willard B. Moore
MooreMbay@carolina.rr.com
Johnson & Wales is a amazing museum!!! is so esthetic. The art exposition is educational and exciting
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