As you know, activities are a major focus of the Newcomers Club, and are the place you really have a chance to get to know others with similar interests and become a part of your new community. But what’s involved in leading these efforts? The time involved may be less than you think.
October Activities Director Update
There are some groups that meet at a regular time and place, and require only that you maintain a mailing list and remind people of events. Other groups may require a little more time to think of and arrange for activities and collect RSVPs, but the time commitment is rarely more than an hour or two per month.
Of course, leaders also get to enjoy the activity, and can make sure the group does things they’re interested in (Always wanted to visit a particular restaurant or tourist site? You can make sure the group goes there!) We also ask that activity leaders (or a representative) attend our general meetings to talk with new members and answer questions. And in many cases we have co-leaders, who split the responsibilities so that no one person is overwhelmed and the time commitment is reduced.
Is there a Newcomers Club activity that you particularly enjoy? Consider volunteering to lead or co-lead the group! Currently, we need a leader for 9-Hole Golf, as well as a co-leader for Dining Out and for Singles Mingles. In addition, many of the activity groups are led by alumni, and we’d welcome a newcomer to help by representing the group at our meetings as well as assisting with coordination of events.
Of course, if you’re not ready to volunteer right now, keep it in mind for next year, when several of our current leaders will be moving on. If you want to know more, please reach out to me, or to the leader of the activity in which you’re interested.
In the meantime, here are a few highlights of upcoming activities (see the Newcomers activities web page for more info):
Boating — The Boating group is planning a dinner cruise, as well as a haunted Halloween pirate cruise (with costumes), and will be scheduling a boating safety class. For more info on the special dinner cruise scheduled for Nov. 11th, visit Dinner Cruise in November.Day trips — In October the group will visit the Mike’s Farm pumpkin patch and enjoy lunch and a hayride. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what happens to your trash and recycling when it leaves your house and how the environment is protected, join us for a tour of the regional landfill in Tuscarora.
And save the date! The day trippers are planning a multi-day trip to the Biltmore Estate and Asheville in April, including transportation, lodging, and tours arranged by Diamond Tours. A deposit of $75 per person is due by December 7. Visit
Crafters — In October the Crafters will be making fall centerpieces to decorate your table throughout October and November.
Pickleball — The Pickleball group has a ladder starting in October, and will be participating in the Senior Games tournament in November.
Photo Walks — The group will visit Lawson Creek Park, where you can photograph a Navy Blue Angel jet, great views of downtown, boats on the river, and wildlife all in one trip.
Tastings — In October, Tastings will visit the Country Squire restaurant, inn and winery in Duplin County for a wine tasting and luncheon.
Whether you join a regularly-scheduled sport, game, or meeting or take advantage of one of the events listed above, I encourage you to get out there and enjoy your new home!
Ellen Cioccio, activities director