Well, the events I was thinking of our happy hours and things like that. And my response to you about the "rumor", at least you're having fun. And if people are showing up, then continue doing it. The only thing that's important is doing what your members want to do. As long as you aren't making fools of yourselves, I don't see what the big deal is. And besides, if a member complains that all you have is happy hour type things well then that's the exact time to solicit ideas from THAT member on what the group should do. Complaints mean little if they aren't going to offer ideas to help.
When my alumnae chapter first formed in 1999, our PAD at that time constantly passed along a negative opinion of events with alcohol at them (even if it was wine at a holiday party). She has since admitted that "those are the events that young people want to go to" and I would think that's even more prevalent in NYC.
I say don't discontinue the happy hour. When we have happy hours, we do them in addition to the regular events.
One event that turned out to be very popular was a day at the horse races. Emerald Downs here only costs $4 to get in and then the money you spend (bets, food, etc) is all up to the individual. Some of the members brought husbands and kids as well.
Pottery painting was good too for us. You just pay the price of whatever piece of pottery you paint.
We have micro-breweries and wineries here as well and we've toured them (no or minimal cost).
We volunteered at a place called Treehouse that helps foster kids. We basically folded clothes and things like that for a few hours on a Saturday.
I have no idea where you are, so this may be totally off the wall, but are there events in Central Park or one of the museums or something that are low cost or free? Those are already planned and you can just tag on. And I am forgetting where this is every year but what about ice skating (when winter comes). I have only been to NYC once (during the summer) but I've always wanted to do that.
