To the East Side

Just had to include that. But seriously Maria, what I did just there is certainly a great ice breaker whenever there is an introduction or tension within a company or at a job. Be creative.
Regarding your situation, if you want your team to gel with one another, it starts with you. I assume this new position is being the new boss after your previous boss left. You will have to be comfortable talking and guiding/leading others. So if you suffer from any public speaking or social anxiety, now is the time to take care of it. Be ready to lead staff meetings and address your co workers with progress as well as concerns. You mentioned how you are not afraid to take risks and one component of being the boss is doing things that are not popular with everyone. This is what separates leaders from followers.
A second component would be learn how to listen to your employees whether it be about work or their personal issues. Well almost everyone comes to work with their issues and thus affects their performance.
As well one thing that I have noticed is that employees respond better when you come up to them and ask to speak with them rather than “shout” for them or have them paged, etc.

Thank you and take care
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