Written by Seth Stutman
Photo by Christopher Ruiz

Sponsored by East Village Place

Published in Longmeadow Neighbors (December 2022)

Meeting new people and making friends isn't easy.  Getting to know people can be even more difficult in communities that pride themselves on families who remain in town for generations.  Luckily, the Longmeadow Dad’s Club gives parents the opportunity to settle in, to find opportunities for their little ones, and even to gain some new skills along the way.  

Christopher Ruiz started Dads Club in 2017 when he and his family moved to Longmeadow from Australia, and was looking for a way to meet other families and build a community.

“Moving into town can be overwhelming, and for families with children, breaking into the social scene, signing up for sports, and finding families with similar interests can be daunting,” said Ruiz.  “Fortunately, the Longmeadow Dad’s Club helps families not only settle into town, but also find their niche, and some friends along the way.  

Chris and Amy Ruiz have two children, Felix and Izabella, both at Blueberry Hill.  They have fallen in love with Longmeadow, enjoying the opportunities to be closer to family, and to spend time enjoying outdoor recreation in the area.

The Dad’s Club started small, but has gathered a following in its nearly five year existence.  “We went from having 1-2 events a month to adding a book club, monthly family hikes, a big summer camping trip and a lot more,” said Ruiz.  We have also been able to partner with other community groups to provide some really great opportunities for the kids!”  

Dad’s Club events are memorable, from local family hikes, to visits to a blacksmith, fire station, arcade and more - and members' submissions often turn into events! “We have built a great community.  I have been overwhelmed by the excitement and energy our members bring to the table, a lot of the best ideas for events and activities come from them,” said Ruiz.

“I was a little nervous about moving to the area because I really didn't know anyone,” said  Aaron Laudermith, a Dad’s Club member since 2019. “I couldn't have asked for a better group to join. I've met some really great guys through the group and many of them have become friends. Our families have shared meals, hikes, laughter and games. Activities for dads; activities for families; activities for just dads and kids. It’s often hard to meet new people and make friends as an adult but dad’s club has made me feel a sense of community like I have never felt before."

Laudermith isn’t alone.  Dozens of families have enjoyed the Dad’s Club as an entry point into town, and while some come and go, friendships endure, and memories are made for children and their parents.  

“The first activity I went to was a Butcher's course in Easthampton. A couple weeks later I headed up to Quarters with my son for cereal and arcade games. I left thinking this is the perfect, easy (I don’t have to think or plan) group for me and my family to become a part of,” said Laudermith.  “My favorite activity is the Dad's Club camping weekend at D.A.R State Park. We've been three years in a row and always have a great time. We love to camp and when you can do it with a handful of other families it makes it that much better. The kids all run around together and look out for one another.”

It’s free to sign up for the club, and all events are optional - and for many, it’s made all the difference.   “At worst, Dad’s Club is an email you’ll delete once a week. At best, it’s the easiest way to make friends since we were in school,” said member (and dad) Brian Crawford.

Assimilating into a new town, especially one so rooted in community and tradition as Longmeadow, isn’t easy.  However, Dad’s Club, and people like Christopher Ruiz have made it easier for families to find a sense of belonging in Longmeadow.  Ruiz is optimistic for the future of the club, and appreciative for the connectedness it has made him feel in the community.  

“Dads Club is a great fit for anyone looking to meet other families, try some new things, and have lots of fun,” he said.  “Being parents, we try to make it super low pressure.  Come to whatever events work for you and whenever you want!  We see people who come back after a year hiatus due to a new child being born or a new job and we are always happy to welcome them back!”