I would go and just sit and relax that first year and get to know how things run. It takes time to develop 'friendships'.
Besides, where else can you go where there are SO MANY people that love the same hobby you love? NO WAIT there are other places people go for those times of things - garden clubs (gardening) libraries (love to read) sports bars (love sports) ... you get the idea.
I'd say TRY IT AND GIVE IT TIME...find one or two people who seem genuinely interested in helping you and enjoy!