Forging Friendships

from Amelia Islander - October 2021

ESCAPE ARTISTRY by Julie Simmons

forgingfriendships

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

For 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.

Th e original club, the Newcomers Club of Amelia Island, began as an off shoot 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.

Th e 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.

Th e Newcomers Club’s monthly luncheons remain an ongoing and popular gathering. Nonmembers are invited to attend. Club activities range from fi tness off erings, 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.”

Th e club holds informational meetings for prospective members on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Fernandina Beach Library. Th is is where connections are made, with

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4800 First Coast Hwy, #230 Amelia Island, FL 32034 women meeting women and sharing their experiences as they acclimate to their new homes. Many are also navigating another transition in their lives: retirement. “I was hesitant moving into retirement until I found Amelia Island and Newcomers,” says Becky Bausch, a member since 2020. “As a single person, knowing only one person on the island, I was ‘starting over’ and looking for a new friend base, and Newcomers provided that.”

Each month, the club supports a Charity of the Month, helping to raise awareness through volunteer services and online donations. Th e club also presents two large community service events each year: the Purple Elephant Tag Sale in October and the Give a Heart Luncheon in February.

Now in its twenty-fi fth year, the Men’s Newcomers Club was formed in 1996 by Harry Heyl, Bill Gorski, and Buck Weaver. Th e Men’s Newcomers Club has a smaller membership and off ers luncheon meetings at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on the third Th ursday of the month from September through May. After a short meeting, a variety of speakers off er programs. Like the women’s Newcomers Club, its mission is to off er camaraderie and a variety of activities to its membership.

Men’s Newcomers Club activities include Amateur Radio, Antiques, Bicycling, Bridge, Community Service Projects, Finance/Investing, Fishing, Golf, and Walks in the Park. Groups have visited the Kings Bay Submarine Base and attended special events like Jacksonville Symphony concerts and sporting events.

A signature event for the men’s group is their annual Spring Fling. Traditionally held at Walker’s Landing, it was canceled the last two years because of Covid. It is currently scheduled for April 2022. Described as a “glamorous event,” the evening features buff et appetizers, a three-course dinner, and a dance band.

Th e two clubs have made a huge diff erence in the lives of those new to the community, allowing many to make new friends quickly and fi nd others with similar interests. Both clubs depend on the evolution of their memberships, in which newcomers become longtime members and help coordinate the activities. Whether a newcomer or an “oldcomer,” the two clubs off er many ways to connect within their memberships and their community.

Annual dues for the women’s Newcomers of Amelia Island are $40, while dues for the Men’s Newcomers Club are $15. Individual activities and events may involve fees. For more information, visit them online at www.newcomersamelia.org.

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AT THE FIESTA DE SANTA MARIA ART SHOW AT AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY

ARTHUR & DIANA HERMAN MARC WOLFERT, NENA TAHIL, JOHN NORTH, AND BERTA ARIAS JULIE & MARC DELFS REBECCA RAYMOND, BERTA ARIAS, AND PAUL CONDIT

AT THE ISLAND HOP CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL AT CENTRAL PARK IN FERNANDINA BEACH

CHASON FORHAND WITH HOLLY & ROBERT EIDSON DIONNA SOWERS, JULIA BLACKSTONE, AND TERRI TENNILLE JACKSON HERRINGTON AND TONYA WOODS KEVIN O’BRIEN WITH KIM & JOHN ERICKSON

AT AMELIA ISLAND BREWING COMPANY’S OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION

MARK FLORES AND TERRI BLAKE KEITH SKUBIC, “WINNIE”, CHELSEA DELEON, JEFFREY LESHER, AND TERESA SANZOTTERA CLARISSA MURPHY AND LISA JOY NANCY & MARK JONES