Clubs and Organizations
ISLAND WALK CLUBS
Island Walk is full of opportunities for fun and to enjoy your interests with others. From fishing to fine wines, there’s a club to meet your interests. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends too.
Activities
Ambassadors
Join the Ambassadors and meet your neighbors and make new friends in Island Walk.
Ambassadors help set up for different events, completing simple tasks such as placing cookies on trays, putting cakes on plates, and checking the tables for salt & pepper. We also assist with coffee and water for different events. We want to have enough volunteers so you may help with a few events a year.
Bible Study - Women of the World
Bible Study is a group for women who love to dig into the truth of Scripture. The class will consist of lecture, Q & A, and open discussion.
Bingo
Bingo includes games of regular and speedy bingo. Cash prizes are paid based on the money collected. Prizes may range from $10 to $100.
Book Group Discussion 2
We’ve started an additional Book Discussion Group and hope you’ll join us! Good books, good conversation, good fun! Come meet new people and make new friends.
Canasta
Canasta is an easy and fun card game that can be played with 2 or 4 people. Don’t know how to play? No problem. We will teach you and team you up with an experienced player.
Croquet
The object of the game is to hit your ball through the course of a set hoops. This is an individual sport; no teams are formed.
Euchre
Euchre is a fast, easy to learn card game played by four players in teams of two. The game is played with 24 cards, 5 tricks or rounds in each hand, and a winning score of 10 points. We rotate teams after each game. It is a lot of fun and a great way to meet people.
Fishing Club
Club History: The Island Walk Fishing Club was established in 2002 by the late Charles Stephens. Through his considerable efforts the club united a diverse population within Island Walk. Shortly after Mr. Stephens passed away, John Barlas was elected club president. He served in this capacity from July 2003 until he resigned in March 2004 due to business commitments. During that period, the role of the club became well defined and many fishing charters were organized to best serve its members. Dean Eisenberg assumed the mantle od president in 2004 and served with distinction until 2023. Mark Phillips served as secretary for several years alongside Dean. Dick Norwood took on the role of treasurer in 2016 when Island Walk changed management companies and no longer handled this function. In 2024 Dick Norwood stepped down as treasurer and as a result of a lack of leadership the club is currently in hiatus. The club ran a Youth Fishing Tournament for 19 years.
Garden Club
Cindy Duk, President
Tom Matthews, Vice President
Cindy Hayes, Treasurer
Rosemary Hamtil, Secretary
Committees:
Events / Speakers - Ann Foppe
Fundraising - Open
Hospitality - Vicki Dupler
If you are interested in joining, please send an email to:IslandwalkGardenClub@gmail.com The Garden Club carries an annual membership fee of $20 per member.
Meetings: Last Saturday of the Month @ 10:30 am - Location: TBD
OUR OBJECTIVE:
To provide a place for Islandwalk residents to gather and share both garden design ideas as well as plants for everyone's enjoyment and fun! We will focus on topics for both the novice and experienced gardener, provide educational material and resources and develop new gardens in the community.
Golf League - Men's
ESTABLISHED 2003
If you are interested in joining the Island Walk Men’s Golf League, please contact:
Tom Calandrella - League President at: cuffiano1947@gmail.com or call 347-249-2948
OR
Bill Whalen - at: wjw@earthlink.net or call 908-268-8616
An active Men’s Golf league has existed at Island Walk since 2003. All skill levels are accommodated through the use of handicap system. The league consists of 32 regulars members and a large number of substitute members. These sub-members have an opportunity to play each week at reduced league rates and eventually fill regular member openings that occur through on-going attrition. THE LEAGUE IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ISLAND WALK RESIDENTS TO JOIN OUR LEAGUE.
The League is broken down into 3 seasons: winter competitive play, summer non-competitive golf, and fall non-competitive golf.
WINTER COMPETITIVE PLAY: Runs every Monday January through April for 16 weeks. The 32 regular members compete for weekly and season prizes within their respective handicap flights. We also have 3 tee times for subs to play on Mondays. There are also 5 tee times on Fridays during the above time periods that are available for regular members and subs to play non-competitive rounds. The league also runs two tournaments during the winter season that are open to subs based on availably of the tee times. The winter competitive golf is played at our home course of Stoneybrook in Estero.
SUMMER FUN PLAY: For those members or subs who remain in Florida during the summer, there are two coordinators who schedule tee times at various private courses, courses that are not available during the fall and winter. A PGA book is required to get the reduced rates at these courses.
FALL GOLF: Runs November 1st to December 31st, we have 5 tee times on Mondays and Fridays starting at 9AM at our home course of Stoneybrook in Estero, FL. These tee times are open for regular members and subs to play non-competitive rounds.
As you can see, our league is a 12-month club. To be a member of the league or in our sub-program, there is a yearly administrative fee of $30.00. The sub fee gives you reduced rates at our home course of Stoneybrook in Estero, FL and allows you to play in league sponsored events depending on the space available.
The League also maintains a website at IMAgolfer, which keeps track of your scores. After 3 rounds, the website's program establishes a handicap for you.
Health & Wellness Council - Blue Zones
The group was formed to improve the health of the community to “Live Longer, Better” following the Blue Zones lessons.
I Love Lunch
New to the neighborhood? Want to meet new people or make new friends? This may be the group for you! We are a group of Island Walk residents who get together once a month to share coffee, lunch and lively conversation. Everyone is welcome.
Island Walk Knitters
Group meets weekly to knit and crochet and welcomes all skill levels. Participants sometimes work on group projects. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome, even beginners.
Island Walk Mad Mixology
Meet some new friends and build your mixology skills. Meetings include a presentation on a particular cocktail, spirit, or libation any member is passionate about. Our goal is to learn about the ingredients of a particular drink and try our hands at mixing one up. We meet monthly at the Town Center. Join us to learn, laugh and imbibe.
Island Walk Riders - Car Club
A welcoming club for both male and female car enthusiasts, offering: • meetings every other Wednesday • informational seminars on a variety of car related topics • history of automobiles • nuts and bolt sessions (e.g., expert problem solving and practical car knowledge) • visits to car museums • potential car show in Island Walk
Island Walk Theatre Group
This group will focus on: Improvisation, movement, theatre games, scene work and character development, and development of the actors’ craft. This focus will be at the center of each actor’s progress. The goal is to enable the group and the ensemble to present selected short scenes and plays working towards future performances. Everyone is welcome, any assistance or support is greatly appreciated.
J. B. Hanson Wine Society
The Society fosters a sharing of wine knowledge and experience as well as camaraderie and a spirit of community.
Kayak Club
If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Island Walk Kayak Club please contact:
Rebecca Gibson-Laemel at: rlaemel@yahoo.com
Or Mary Conaway at: maryconaway29@gmail.com
We are a casually organized group of residents who enjoy kayaking in our IW lakes and around SW Florida. Kayaking is an excellent way to explore our community, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Island Walk, and obtain a great workout! Kayaking and other lake activities support our Blue Zone community. We see our lakes as a valuable asset in our community and support various boating and fishing opportunities in Island Walk.
Let's Paint Together
This is a fun, stress free activity where members can enjoy painting in oils, acrylics, watercolor or pastels at their own pace, in a congenial atmosphere. We DO provide positive reinforcement and feedback; we do NOT offer any formal class instruction. We are NOT a crafts group; we primarily concentrate on improving our painting skills with some friendly encouragement from our peers.
Mah Jongg Tuesdays
Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game claimed to be the oldest game in existence. The word “Mah” means flax or hemp plant to represent the sound the tiles make when played. And the word “Jongg” means sparrow. Similar to the Western game of rummy, Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy and luck. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. Game is usually played with three or four people.
Mah Jonng Friends
A group of over 120 women and men who love to socialize and play Mah Jongg. There are two elements. 1) Lessons (four, 3-hour lessons with four students at no cost). 2) Monthly play and party (October- April). Tables are mixed differently each time to meet and experience playing with new people. Most parties have a theme with prizes and are complete with delicious homemade snacks and desserts. Members receive a telephone/email list to contact each other to play any time, any day. Additional classes are available for hand building, refresher courses, skill building workshops, and advanced strategy classes. ALREADY KNOW HOW TO PLAY? You are welcome immediately to join us!!
Marylanders - If you LOVE Crab
This is a new group. • If you love Crabs, Crab Cakes, steamed Shrimp with Old Bay. • If you enjoy Maryland Sports, Orioles, Ravens, Terps, Capitals Hockey. • If you love Music 70’s 80’s, been to the Capital Center, RFK, Baltimore Arena, Capital One Arena. Please come join us and meet some Marylanders who live right here in Island Walk. Some examples of activities this group might pursue are: sample craft beers at local breweries, gather to watch Maryland and local sporting events, gather for a crab feast. Your ideas are welcome.
Mindful Motion - QI Gong Class
This class is based on an ancient health promotion practice called Qi (Chi) Gong which strengthens and empowers the body by increasing flexibility, improving balance, cultivating longevity and naturally supporting a powerful immune system. The movements are based on Universal Nature and are easy to follow. The practice can be done standing or seated.
Painting Class
Oil and acrylic lessons offered by a teacher with more than 20 years of experience teaching adults. All skill levels are welcome. Teacher has exhibited his artwork at the Greenwich Village Art Show, Brooklyn Museum community gallery and at Artcrafters in Naples, Sanibel and Captiva.
Ping Pong
Ping pong provides an opportunity to meet new folks and get some exercise. Two tables are available.
Poker Player Card Nights
Straight Poker Group meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the Town Center. (No wild games) Questions, call John Prisco at 239-597-5956 or 917-697-4733.
Resistance and Strength Training Class
The American Heart Association recommends strength training at least twice to three times a week to increase muscle mass, joint flexibility and reduce the risk of bone fractures. This class is designed to work all major muscle groups with a warmup in the beginning and stretching at the end. Instructor has taught the class at IW for 17 years.
ROMEO - Retired Old Men Eating Out
IW's ROMEO group is "Retired Old Men Eating Out." Calling on all the former group members and other men that would like to join: WE'RE BACK to in-person socializing and camaraderie! Come join & meet other fellows. Contact Joe Haacke for questions at haackejoe@gmail.com.
Water Aerobics Class
Pool exercise has many benefits, including • Increases flexibility and improves heart and lung function • Builds strength with gentle resistance from the water • Helps with balance • Relieves joint pain • Provides a sense of well-being, exercise, and fun
Wednesday Contract Bridge
All experienced players are welcome. We usually play three rounds of 6 hands each (18 hands total). We change partners three times. Each year at Winter Holiday Time we have a luncheon at the Old Cypress Country Club and play bridge afterwards
Yoga
A balanced sequence of yoga postures allows you to stretch, enhance flexibility, improve balance, body and breath awareness and strengthens the entire body, while releasing the chronic tension from muscles, emotions and mental anxiety. Each class has a nice warm up before we move into stronger poses. The class is offered in person and via zoom. We practice as weather allows in the lawn bowling area east of the carwash otherwise it is in the Town Center.
Zumba
Zumba is a fun dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and international dance moves to promote a healthy heart, tone muscles, increase bone density, and promote coordination. The instructor has a Master’s degree in Physiology of Exercise and 14 years of Zumba Fitness experience.
Volunteers are always welcome to participate in any or all of the following committees:
Landscaping
We’re looking for hands-on volunteers that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in an ongoing effort to make our outdoor common areas shine. The majority of this work takes place during the spring and summer months.
Finance
Help plan our community’s spending while keeping our finances balanced. This group of individuals works directly with the board and management in the preparation of the fiscal year budget.
Social
Are you the host with the most? Join our social committee to pitch in with your planning skills and help execute fun events the whole community will enjoy.
Welcome
Help our new neighbors get acquainted with our community by joining the welcome committee. Stop by to say “hello” to newcomers and drop off helpful information about the association.