You’ve seen the t-shirts that say, “I’m on Island Time.” That’s more than just a slogan. St. Simons Island does indeed have its own pace. Life slows down. People have more time to stop and chat. Happy Hour isn’t limited to an hour by any means. We move from moment to moment between glorious sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. As someone new to the island, this way of life may take some adjustment. Fortunately, there’s a wonderful resource for new residents. For more than 15 years, the Island Newcomers Club has been helping freshly minted islanders connect with new friends and neighbors and with the larger Golden Isles community.
The club’s numerous programs and activities are designed to introduce Newcomers to other Newcomers, to local businesses and services available in the area, and to the wide variety of attractions for every type of lifestyle. The club sponsors a monthly Meet & Greet social event, held at different locations each month, and numerous other monthly activities. In addition to informational and recreational activities, the club has a long history of performing community outreach through volunteerism and charitable activities, including Adopt-a-Highway roadside clean-ups. For fun and games, join a club within the club for Bowling, Bridge, Golf, or Mahjong. For more educational experiences, there are book clubs and the Great Decisions social/international policy discussion group. If it’s food you love, there are Dine-In and Dine-Out groups, and Island Buddies are happy to introduce you to many of the Golden Isles’ activities like concerts at the lighthouse, festivals, and more. Newly instituted groups include Cycling and Gardening for those who love to get outside to enjoy nature and our beautiful surroundings.
Island Newcomers Club
The Island Adventures programs hosted by the club are always something to look forward to! These excursions expose new residents to places and experiences in the Golden Isles that you might not otherwise have. It’s like having your own tour guide! Past adventures have included day trips to the Okefenokee Swamp to spot alligators to visiting to nearby barrier islands like Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo, or Cumberland, where the wild horses roam. There are opportunities to learn about some of the Golden Isles’ largest employers by touring the the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Port of Brunswick. Or you can just enjoy the sunset on a dolphin cruise or see what the nets bring in on a trip about a working shrimp boat. The Island Adventures Team is always looking for new and exciting experiences in the Golden Isles.
“The best friends I have made here on the island, I have met through Newcomers,” says Club President, Gary Nikoukary. “I know without Newcomers, my circle of friends and activities enjoyed would be much less.” He continues, “I primarily joined Newcomers to ‘get out of the house’ and enjoy all the island has to offer with wonderful new friends.” It’s not uncommon to see former Island Newcomers Club members still spending time together years after their membership in the club has expired. It’s a wonderful way to forge friendships.
The Island Newcomers Club is open to all new residents of St. Simons Island and Sea Island within two years after becoming full or part-time residents. Men and women of all ages, couples and singles, are welcome. Membership is available for three full years for new residents. The club year extends from January 1 through December 31. Most activities run all year with Meet & Greets generally taking the summer off. Enrollment is always open to new members at a current rate of $40/year per member. New members who join now will be credited with membership through December 2021.
Visitors are welcome and may attend one meeting prior to joining. Visitors should contact Membership for event registration. Guest(s) of members are welcome to any club function provided there is space available following member sign-up. Members may not bring the same guest(s) to more than two events in a club year. If they’re having that much fun with the Newcomers, encourage them to join!
For more information about Island Newcomers Club activities, membership and dues, visit islandnewcomers.org. They’re ready to welcome you home and show you all the best of what the Golden Isles has to offer.