forging friendships With the original group for women and a more recent group for men, the two Newcomers Club of Amelia Island have been helping people make connections since 1984. BY DICKIE ANDERSON • PHOTOS COURTESY NEWCOMERS CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND
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or new arrivals, and not-so-new arrivals who are eager to make new connections, Amelia Island is fortunate to have two very active Newcomers Clubs, one for women and another more recent club for men. The original club, the Newcomers Club of Amelia Island, began as an offshoot of the Welcome Wagon, when a few ladies from that group were asked to welcome new residents moving to the area. What started as ten ladies meeting for lunch in 1984 has grown into a 650-plus member organization connecting the women of Nassau County. The organization is overseen by a nine-member board that coordinates more than 150 member volunteers and 53 committees, which organize themesponsored activities, community service events, and provide behind-the-scenes technology support to support the club’s internal operations. The Newcomers Club’s monthly luncheons remain an ongoing and popular gathering. Nonmembers are invited to attend. Club activities range from fitness offerings, book clubs, travel groups, and games to dining excursions, boating, and more. Monthly “Mix and Mingle” cocktail parties and “Dinner for Eight” events welcome spouses and guests. Sandee Navarolli participates in a Newcomers Club walking group. “I not only explored many places on the island by foot that I may never have found on my own, but I made many new friends on the Fitness Walks,” says Sandee. “Walking and chatting is a great way to get to know people.” The club holds informational meetings for prospective members on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Fernandina Beach Library. This is where connections are made, with continued on next page
45 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE •
OCTOBER 2021
www.AmeliaIslander.com
