Admin

Building Community! I'm off to the AR Point Store!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Retired Broker/Owner AZ Broker BR030809000

Every since I was a young girl I've been building community spirit.  I came by this naturally as both my parents were that way. They taught us  kids the importance of giving back to our communities. Over the years I've sat on countless leadership boards, board of directors, networking groups, you name it!  It is very fulfilling looking across a room and seeing a group of folks we've gathered laughing and enjoying each others company. Much like the photo above!!  We've hosted so many parties over  the years for small and huge groups and continue to do so to this day!

When I thought about opening the Point Store this year I knew that one of the things on  my bucket list was to create a new network from all people we know and enjoy and they'll have an opportunity to invite their friends as well.  Not quite sure what we'll name the group yet.  I'm waiting for the inspiration to hit me!!  Maybe you'll have some fun ideas for me!!

The point of the group is going to be to have fun - and yes, I know you're surprised by that coming from me 😊  I've got all kinds of ideas for events in my mind all ready.  And some of them are going to cost a few dollars so I'll need to use up some of my points! A bunch of them - no pun intended!

 

The first meeting will be at our home at the end of October this year - Fall Roundup!  It  will be a Cowboy themed event and we'll even have some roping contests going on plus of course corn hole matches.  And of course the grills will be ready to cook some tasty cowboy fixings.  One of my favorite foods to make is a Cowboy Cheese Burger Pie!!  Yummy!  And it's so easy too! I'll share  that recipe another time.

I've have lots of other ideas for events too!   Such as trying out new restaurants in town (because we have A LOT of them opening up), going to museums, going to plays and concerts,  book club meetings,  cooking lessons from our chef members. wine tasting trips up North, site seeing trips, enjoying a scenic lake trip on the Dolly Steamboat - see above photo! And much, much more....

Again we expect about 30 or 40 members to join - who knows - could be more.  And  if that's the case I'll be needing to hire  my local chef friend, Chef T, to cater the events, like we used to for years. And OMG she makes incredible food!  So you see, I'll be needing lots of points to spread around all this cheer!   And if you're going to be in town, do let me know ahead of time  and we'll plan an event in honor of you!   We do that for our own Carol Williams every year and enjoy doing so!

 

 

It's time to spread joy around our communities!!!

Posted by

Comments(16)

Show All Comments Sort:
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Anna,

Count me in! Sounds like a great way to spread AR points around. It would be a great, well attended event!

Jun 24, 2025 04:38 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Absolutely Dorie Dillard Austin TX  you're welcome to join us anytime!  You would so enjoy this group of people - so fun and always something new happening  too!

Jun 25, 2025 11:02 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Anna= I can tell how much better you're feeling!!! And, thank goodness. This platform, through purchases and rebuilding of the platform, continues to thrive because of the members...the sense of community, and  members like YOU. 

Jun 24, 2025 05:15 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Kathy Streib yes I am feeling better, thanks! Final surgery is in 3 weeks once I get  through that and 2 months or of recovery I'll be up and around and getting in trouble again!  And it does take a community to build and keep a strong family together. And that is you my dear friend++++ 💛

Jun 25, 2025 11:04 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I have met a bunch of AR members over the 18+ years I have been on this site, and I don't think it would be a good idea to have any ropes or anything sharp at these Round-Ups ......... LOL

Jun 24, 2025 05:39 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

OMG George Souto - so funny. And I agree with you! 

Jun 25, 2025 08:20 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

You cracked me up with this one George Souto !!   No knives, just ropes for roping the steer head!  Thanks for the smiles 😊

Jun 25, 2025 11:06 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OMG, I love this, Anna! Hey, I want to be Carol Williams' + 1 when you have your next gathering - how fun would that be?!!! 

Seriously, I love your dedication to 'community.' We are very similar in much that we do - our business plans, our dedication to family and community, etc. I can totally see how this idea is going to pan out, Anna! And, I believe this is a great idea for a future challenge... #JustSayin'  😉

Jun 24, 2025 08:51 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS you and Ray are always welcome at our home!! You'd love the Fall Roundup. We had one 2 years ago and it was such a blast - especially watching people try to rope a steer!  And yes, we are very much alike - full of you know what- and the best at it!  Keep on keeping on.  And yes to the idea on another challenge when I'm back in the sadde again sometime in the fall.

Jun 25, 2025 11:08 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Have fun Anna, what a great idea for the points store. YOU and Cindy Lauper (Girls just wanna have FUN! Jeff

Jun 24, 2025 08:58 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hey Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI half or so of the group is guys and trust me - guys know how to have fun!  You should join us sometime - you'd have a blast!  I can see you roping that steer right now!!

 

 

Jun 25, 2025 11:11 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

totally luvin' the Viking helmets!!! Loved this post!!

Jun 24, 2025 09:05 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

We've had that helmet for years and the guy who has it on in the photo ALWAYS picks that one to wear Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD !!  Doesn't matter what time of year.....he's all  Viking helmet!  Which reminds me I need to call him next - so thanks! 😊

Jun 25, 2025 11:13 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Anna - whether it's gathering bunches of bananas, peeling (err, I mean feeling) experiences of many sorts or lots of different stuff - there is a point involved in the activity.  When it is discovered, fun is a part of it, one needn't look too far to find YOU.   🍌🍌🍌

Jun 25, 2025 02:48 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Michael Jacobs thankfully I got that spirit from my Mom!  I bet you didn't know there was a fun gene!  Yup there is and I got A LOT of them!!  Join us sometime!!  

Jun 25, 2025 11:14 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Anna. I am always in awe of how you organize such wonderful get-togethers. I grew up in NY City and it was not something I saw a lot of in terms of community get-togethers. I've lived next door for years to people I never laid eyes on in NYC, London, Paris, San Francisco. I'm all in to your planned events! And, of course, if I come your way, you'll be the first to know.

Jun 25, 2025 04:23 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I might just do that one day without saddling up!

Jun 25, 2025 12:00 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Wow Nina Hollander, Broker it's hard to imagine not even knowing ones neighbors. Very, very different from how I grew up.  And you know you're always welcome in our home!  Saddle up and come on out to the Valley of the Sun!

Jun 25, 2025 11:15 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - Your creative spirit is much needed on ActiveRain and in life. Group name? What about The Banana Nut Bread Bunch?

Jun 25, 2025 04:28 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Patricia Feager as is yours my dear friend!  You bring a lot to the party! As for the name thinking  more along the lines of  something jazzy and upbeat. (not my nickname) Just not coming to me yet.

Jun 25, 2025 11:18 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Love it! Give Chef T a call because I think that's going to be needed!

Jun 25, 2025 05:13 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

You know Kat Palmiotti we talked about just that last night and we are going to call her and make sure she'll be available.  She is so awesome!!

Jun 25, 2025 11:18 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hey Anna,
All of your gatherings are amazing, and the Fall Round-up will be no exception. I might be able to be there and, yes, Debe Maxwell, CRS I would love you to be my Plus 1. 😊

Jun 25, 2025 07:58 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Now that would be a blast Carol Williams !  Remember to bring your cowgirl gear in your traveling shop!   And we'll both have to practice our roping skills! See you and Debe Maxwell, CRS next fall!!

Jun 25, 2025 11:20 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello, Miss Anna "Banana" Kruchten this building community has so much appeal

🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌 I like it a lot. Great way to spend those AR points.  Count me in! 

Jun 25, 2025 08:22 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Awesome Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist you would so enjoy this group of folks.  Upbeat, fun loving and up for all kinds of new ideas!  They all bring so much to each party or event. It's been a blast  all these years!

Jun 25, 2025 11:22 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this inspiring post, Anna "Banana" Kruchten! I really appreciate your passion for building community and the fun ideas you have lined up. It’s clear you put heart into everything you do, and I’m excited to see your plans come to life. 😊 Keep spreading that joy!

Jun 25, 2025 03:21 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thanks Lew Corcoran that's my job - spread joy!!

Jun 26, 2025 09:38 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

And you'd pull this off very well!  With your parent's history it's no wonder you're so good at hosting events with lots of friends!  I've been blessed to see you in action and you're the Queen at hosting great events!  

Jun 25, 2025 04:52 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ yes I've been called the Queen of hosting for many years thanks to my Mom's skill set!  And haven't we had so much fun over the years with fellow rainers at meetups etc!!

Jun 26, 2025 09:39 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

You've got the right idea as community is so important in our lives. Love your ideas.

Jun 26, 2025 07:14 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

 Community is Totally importantPaula and I know you feel the same way!  It shines through in your posts!!

Jun 26, 2025 09:41 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

This is a perfect way for you to create a very special community and use those valuable AR points in a very memorable way. Love the creative thinking and dreaming!

Jeff

Jun 30, 2025 05:16 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Happy Wednesday Jeff Dowler, CRS !  What is so cool is that all the folks I've talked to and invited to part of this new group are very excited about helping out OCJ Kids Foster Care program!  That warms my heart!! 💛

Jul 02, 2025 10:42 AM