Once the kids are back in school, the SSI social season arrives. Local clubs hold their kick-off parties for the upcoming year and the whirlwind of activities begin. If you’re looking to make some new friends or to join a group for fun gatherings and outings, here are some organizations who would love to have you participate:
The Island Newcomers Club is open to all new residents of St. Simons Island and Sea Island of two years or less and members may remain in the club for up to three years. The Club offers many fun-filled and informative activities to introduce new residents to each other and to the Golden Isles. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month between September and May for a cocktail party, holiday lunch or a dinner with speakers who are experts on local topics of interest. Activities include island adventures with day trips and tours of nearby islands, plantations, and other interesting destinations, dining in and dining out groups, golf, book clubs, a Great Decisions discussion group, Adopt-a-Highway, bridge, and—new this year—bowling. The Club’s next activity is a Lighthouse Picnic on September 16 at 5:30 p.m. Membership and dues information can be found on their website at islandnewcomers.org.
The Shorebirds just celebrated their 20th anniversary! The social group was formed when a small group of Island Newcomers Club graduates decided to establish a new organization so that they could continue the fun and friendship they had enjoyed as part of that group. Each month the group holds one general social calendar event with generally about 80 members participating. And there are many smaller fun activities such as book club, canasta, dining out, breakfast club, dinner and movies, Mah Jongg, bridge, poker, moonlighters, and more. Special events, such as plays and concerts in Jacksonville, and tours of local and regional attractions are also offered. For information about joining, contact Ramsey Badre at rbadre@comcast.com.
Coasters membership is open to St. Simons and Sea Island residents who have lived her for at least three years. The goal of the club, which has been in existence since 2002, is to schedule a variety of social gatherings in the form of meetings, activities, parties, and trips for members to enjoy. Club activities take place September through May and include book clubs, bridge, canasta, mah jongg, dining in and out groups, Adopt-a-Highway, and a Great Decisions discussion group. The next scheduled activities for Coasters are a Welcome Back Party at The King and Prince Resort on September 16 and a tour of Kings Bay Naval Base and Museum on September 30. More details and membership information are available on the Coasters website at ssicoasters.com.
Sandpipers was founded in 2010 by a group of Newcomers who saw the need for a new island social organization that would offer as little or as much activity as a member chooses throughout the year. Meetings are typically parties with no agenda other than good food and fun with friends. Sandpipers’ smaller size (just over 100 members) allows them to host group meetings in a variety of different venues, often with fun seasonal themes. They offer fun group outings, like the Tapas Crawl, excursions, and special interest participation like book clubs, bridge, kayaking, etc. The next scheduled Sandpipers activity is a September 14 Kickoff Party at Cilantro’s on St. Simons Island. Information about joining Sandpipers is available on their website, sandpipersclubssi.org.
Women seeking an opportunity to serve the local community are invited to join the Brunswick Junior Women’s Club. BJWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the largest volunteer organization of women in the world, founded in 1890. Any women interested in joining are welcome to drop in for meetings held at Bonefish Grill on St. Simons Island at 6:00 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of each month or any other BJWC events. Members are required to pay dues, serve on at least one department or committee, participate in fundraising efforts and commit to 30 hours of service. Check out brunswickjwc.com to get in on the fun!
Woof! Woof! Calling all Bulldawgs! The Golden Isles Area Chapter UGA Alumni Association needs local UGA graduates to help plan and execute activities that bring the Red and Black spirit to the Golden Isles. If you’re interested in meeting other UGA graduates and making a difference to your University and in your community, email Jan Roberts, the current chapter chair, at janr2300@comcast.net to request more information or visit their website at alumni.uga.edu/alumni/index.php/site/chapters/golden_isles_area_chapter.
Get out there and get connected!