Meet new friends groups near The Villages, FL

The unofficial group for events and goings ons for college of central florida students and their friends! We are inclusive of all people and walks of life. Please do not hesitate to tell your friends about these events, and if you're a parent or grandparent to tell your own kids or grandkids to come. Please keep in mind these are college-specific events, so a majority of the demographic will be young adults.

A group for friends with that have skills resources and knowledge that will be helpful in our communities and neighborhoods to help others in trying times We welcome all skill levels to join us in sharing knowledge, resources, and tips for staying safe and prepared for any emergency situation. From first aid to food storage and communication plans, we are here to support each other in being ready for the unexpected. Let's come together to learn, collaborate, and build a strong community of prepared and empowered individuals. Join us now and be better prepared for whatever comes our way!

Benvenuti a tutti! This group aims to please those who wish to converse in Italian. I live in a small community and don't have any opportunity here so I would like to zoom online. Some knowledge of Italian will be necessary since the group could be international. The purpose is to speak in Italian and not English. I myself spent 2 six week intervals studying in Italy and learned by immersion many years ago for 4 months with no English speakers. Our joint passion for Italian should make a good basis for fun and friendships. So if your frustrated by a lack of opportunity to speak Italian, join up.

Meet the most fabulous singles in The Villages, Florida. If you like to have fun and want to meet new friendly singles, join this group. We plan all kinds of events, such as happy hours, dining out, wine tasting, dancing in the squares, comedy clubs, special holiday events.

Welcome Ladies! I moved to the area in 2021, and there was a void when it came to those of us in our 30's and 40's and early 50's, but I knew I wasn't the only one here! So I created this group for us to be able to find each other and make new friends. We will have brunches, lunches, happy hours, dinners, wine, live music, pool days, beach trips, painting classes, outdoor activities, day trips, etc. Please feel free to share any other ideas you may have! If you are interested in organizing an event or co-hosting, please send me a message. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

This is a pre-booking event. Please visit www.artmasterclass.com, choose your lamp, use the AYPOPUP coupon code, and make a reservation. Hey everyone! I wanted to share an exciting event I'm going to – a Traditional Mosaic Lamp Pop-Up Workshop! 🎨✨ It will be such a fun and creative experience where we'll get to design our beautiful mosaic lamps using traditional techniques and materials. The best part? No prior experience is needed, so whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, you'll fit right in. The workshop is a fantastic way to meet new people who share a love for art and crafts. Creating mosaic art is also incredibly therapeutic – a perfect way to relax and let your creativity flow. By the end of the event, we'll all have our unique mosaic lamps to take home and proudly display. If you're interested in joining, you can register at www.artmasterclass.com. And here's a little bonus: use the coupon code AYPOPUP to get 10% off your registration! Don't miss out on this chance to explore the world of traditional mosaic art and create something truly special. Hope to see you there! Feel free to message me if you have any questions or if you decide to join – I'd love to know who's coming! 🌟

**South of 44, Friends, food & fun**. We are a group of Friends and Neighbors who want to create bonds and enjoy our time together. We are dedicated to assisting our members host events, groups, clubs, and get togethers. **Open to all Villagers!** The “South of 44 Villagers - Friends, Food & Fun” group serves The Villages south of 44 (ALL VILLAGERS ARE WELCOME) by providing a forum to facilitate the planning, hosting and participation in activities, events, and clubs. Our goal is to encourage and foster, by example, by providing guidance & organization and the how to plan & hold fun events!!! Governance of each activity, event, or club will be at the sole discretion of South of 44 but Hosts have the ability to plan events with Club guidance and support. The “South of 44 Villagers - Friends, Food & Fun” is a private group. We invite all Villagers, north or south of 44. As such, we reserve the right to limit membership to those who want to share in The Villages dream while embracing the concept of our group. Payment for Events are not refundable but spots can be sold. If you sign up for a FREE event and fail to attend without notice or notice is within 24 hours of event, you will have the opportunity to make a donation OR you will be removed from Group. Our Leadership Team spends many hours of volunteer work. Please be conscious that we are volunteers. Help make our lives easier rather that harder. We do the best we can For social media and general chatting, we have a Facebook page. Please check it out. Event payments are Non-Refundable. If an event is cancelled, funds will be refunded, if possible, minus Paypal Transaction Fee. [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/13482465819)

We are VCKC (Villages Canoe and Kayak Club) paddlers in The Villages, Florida, open only for residents of The Villages community. You must have a current Villages ID card to be a member of VCKC. **All club members must complete, sign and submit a digital *insurance waiver*.** To access the VCKC insurance waiver follow this link: [https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/villages-canoe--kayak-club---liabil](https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/villages-canoe--kayak-club---liabil) VCKC dues are $15 annually. Your membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Club meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month, usually at the Colony Cottage Recreation Center, although we occasionally have meetings off site. We do not meet during June, July, or August. Meetings are open to all Villages residents, as well as their guests with a Villages Guest Pass.                        Club ***paddle trips*** are held throughout the year and are open to VCKC members only, no guests. We strive for a balance of easy and more challenging trips, shorter and longer trips, leisurely and more vigorous paddling, generally within an hour and a half drive from The Villages. Paddle trips are       hosted by a variety of club members. Most of our paddle trips require members to provide their own boats, however we do have a limited number of trips for those who rent their equipment. VCKC paddle trips are for experienced kayakers. If you’re new to kayaking, or if it’s been a long time, we strongly encourage you to take an ***introductory kayaking class***. Here are some options: \*\* Discovery Kayak Tours, based in Ocala and serving The Villages area, offers kayaking training courses and guided paddling trips. Visit DiscoveryKayak.com for more info. \*\* Kayak 101 lessons are also available at Lake Griffin State Park, 3089 US-441, Fruitland Park. For details, visit the Friends of Lake Griffin State Park web site at FLGSP.org. \*\* Osprey Bay Outdoors, an outfitter located in Clearwater, offers Kayak 101 classes as well as equipment sales. Visit their web site at: OspreyBay.com. Click the link for more information on ***using the VCKC MeetUp website*:** [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxRc2_-bomOOR3Fw95vd9lalWZAmDJy5/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxRc2_-bomOOR3Fw95vd9lalWZAmDJy5/view?usp=sharing) ***For more info on VCKC activities***, please contact our officers/managers: **VCKC President**: Contact for general questions regarding the club Charlie Dingman cjdingman@gmail.com 443-569-1919 **VCKC Vice President**: Contact for general questions regarding the club Linda Morrison LLMorrison99@yahoo.com 865-258-4744 **VCKC Treasurer**: Contact for questions regarding club finances.    Linda Dingman lhdingman@gmail.com 443-569-1920 **VCKC Secretary:** Club documentation and minutes of Board Meetings. Anne Kusmich akusmich@hotmail.com 973-229-0389 **VCKC Trips Coordinator:** For information on paddle trips, or for leading trips Linda Morrison [LLMorrison99@yahoo.com](mailto:LLMorrison99@yahoo.com) 865-258-4744 **VCKC Membership Coordinator**: Contact for information on joining VCKC and membership issues. Gloria Schreiner   terrysglorias@gmail.com   352-751-5620 **VCKC Program Director**: Contact for information on club meetings, and suggestions for speakers Stephanie Darling  stephanie_darling@yahoo.com   630-660-5528 **VCKC Safety Officer** Vacant **VCKC Meetup Website:** Contact for help using the VCKC MeetUp website. Charlie Dingman cjdingman@gmail.com 443-569-1919

Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, getting to know fellow business people in our area is essential. We’re connecting people through Authentic Networking Interactions and Honest Relationship Building. We build community, grow referrals, learn marketing skills and have some fun with us. 

We are a thriving and growing group of business professionals, entrepreneurs, home based business operators, solopreneurs, small business owners, network marketers, work at home parents seeking like minded people. 

We will brainstorm, mastermind, inspire, motivate and conduct business. We go way beyond simple networking, business card swaps, 30 second intros and business presentations. We’re in it to build lasting relationships, learn customer retention, loyalty and appreciation techniques, and share the latest in technology - all with a personal touch. We’re creating new contacts and solidifying old ones. 

The US 441 corridor through Central Florida encompasses a large area of commerce including The Villages, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Leesburg, Taveres, Eustis, Mt. Dora, and all the surround areas. It is uniquely suited to a networking group based on community and relationship marketing.

We meet twice a month – once with an interactive program or topic and once for a social happy hour or networking field trip. Make getting together part of your marketing strategy with the Authentic Business Networking Meetup.

Get together with beginning and experienced investors near you with IBD Meetup. All investors are welcome. You do NOT need to be an IBD subscriber to join and membership is free! IBD Meetups are officially brought to you by Investor's Business Daily.

This meeting is open to all, you do NOT need to be a resident of The Villages nor a resident of Sumter County.

This group has been meeting monthly since 2007.  

**Vagus Connection** is focused on activities, modalities, and education that creates healing, harmonizing, and strengthening of our minds, hearts, and spirits. We will energize with breathwork, empower through discussion and meditation, and invigorate with yoga. No special background, clothing, or equipment is needed. Just bring your amazing self, a positive perspective, and a mat or towel to sit on. These experiences are intended to improve mobility, create strength, and promote peace. And, hopefully, we can make new connections along the way. **I look forward to seeing you!** *\*Please reach out if you would like to host a session at your home, pavilion, or community center.* \*\*Please see me about working with you privately or remotely through Reiki/Energy Healing targeting PTSD, anxiety, depression, and pain. I also offer focused breathwork up to 90 minutes for these conditions.

Are you over 50 and want to meet others by getting out and having fun? If so then you are in the right place. Dining out, movies, days trips? Make a suggestion, step up to host. You decide the size of the gathering. Outdoor activities, healthy living, workshops, seminars, games, coffee/drinks and chats too. Together we make connections.

**Welcome. So glad you found us!** **It’s time to explore and follow your dreams. Meet with women just like you, who are creating the lives they want. Have fun as you discuss and learn how to make your “best life” a reality. Discover the real you and spend time doing what you really want to do. Improve your attitude, your outlook, and your relationships and make fun, flow, and fulfillment a part of your daily life. Create a happier you!** **"Promise me you’ll always remember: *You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne*** **This group has been active since 2011, is designed for women only, and most of our programs are now on Zoom.** **We have held hundreds of progam through the three WTW Meetups in Fort Myers and Leesburg, FL and in Long Island, New York - including Journaling for Joy; Finding More Meaning in Your LIfe; Silent Sensing; Top 10 Positive Emotions; Positively Wonderful Monthly Gatherings; and many others. We will meet in person in Long Island and Lessburg, FL at different times of year.**

Welcome everyone! This group is for anyone in The Villages area who is in their 30's or 40's or early 50's. Doesn't matter what your gender or relationship status is - this group is for all of us to find others in our age range to hang out with and have fun! We will have brunches, lunches, happy hours, dinners, drinks, live music, festivals, outdoor activities, beach trips, etc. Please feel free to share any other ideas you may have! If you are interested in organizing an event or co-hosting, please send me a message. Looking forward to meeting everyone! Attention Ladies: We also have a separate group for the women of the area in this age range, so be sure to join that as well! [The Villages Area Women 30-54 Social Group](https://www.meetup.com/the-villages-women-30s-40s-meetup-group/)

It is time to explore and follow your dreams! Meet with women just like you, who are creating lives they really want filled with more positivity and awareness. Have fun as you discuss and learn more about living your best life. Discover the real you and spend time doing what you really want to do. Enhance your attitude, your outlook, and your relationships, and make fun, flow and fulfillment part of your daily life. “Promise me you’ll always remember: you are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” \~ Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne

This new club is for fun, immature and caring people ages 21 to 55 living in or around southern Sumter County, Florida. We hope to meet regularly via free or low-cost local activities or events. The more random the activity, the better. This includes planned or last-minute activities. Such as social gatherings, sports, walks, table games, "break out of your box" events, relax/meditation gatherings, pot-luck meals, short road trips, joint activities with other Meetup groups, and any form of laugh-inducing activities. We also meet to enjoy interesting or fun conversations. Cursing and adult topics are always allowed. Most events won't incorporate alcoholic beverages. We NEVER talk about politics, drugs or religion. Negativity and anxiety are pointless. Always smile. If you are grumpy, offended easily or are a routine complainer, please do not join. This club is all about having stress-free, open-minded fun with friends. Treat everyone with respect. Arrive clean and sober. No alpha-males, alpha-females or negativity. We are all here to have fun. Be worldly, accepting and positive. Kindly, do not bring children. Babysitting and such takes away from our fun and mature conversations. Please do not use this club to date or hookup. Never contact a member without their permission. Dating is allowed, but keep it outside the club. No heavy drinking; as we want to avoid DUIs or sloppy drunks. All in moderation. What happens in the group, stays in the group (IE no gossip). Friends are always friends. The club host lives in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. Activities are held anywhere in southern Sumter County. All members are encouraged to organize an event; no matter how small or adventitious. Anything that comes to your mind. Be open-minded and do random things. All for fun, to enjoy the company of others and/or to simply get out of the house. Have fun, try new things and socialize with friends. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Stay tuned for Facebook group page...

This Relax & Exercise Club (of southern Sumter County, Florida) is for fun, kind and open-minded people ages 21 to 60 living in or around southern Sumter County, Florida looking to relax and/or exercise. We hope to meet regularly via free or low-cost activities or events. The more random the activity, the better. This includes planned or last-minute activities. Such as sports, walks, "break out of your box" events, relax/meditation gatherings, pot-luck meals, short road trips, joint activities with other Meetup groups, and any form of calming or health improving activities. We also meet to share interesting conversations about how to relax, be calm, avoid stress and create a healthy mind and body. We NEVER talk about politics, drugs or religion. Negativity, complaining and anxiety are unproductive. Always smile. If you are easily offended, please do not join. This club is all about having stress-free, open-minded relaxing times with friends. Treat everyone with respect. Arrive clean and sober. No alpha-males, alpha-females or negativity. We are all here to learn and enjoy each other's company. Be worldly, accepting and positive. Kindly, do not bring children. Babysitting and such takes away from our fun and in-depth conversations. Please do not use this club to date or hookup. Never contact a member without their permission. Dating is allowed, but keep it outside the club. No heavy drinking; as we want to avoid DUIs or sloppy drunks. All in moderation. What happens in the group, stays in the group (IE no gossip). Friends are always friends. The club host lives in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. Activities are held anywhere in south Sumter County. All members are encouraged to organize an event; no matter how small or random. Anything that comes to your mind. None of us are trained mental health or physical fitness experts. We only share what works for us or want to try new ideas. Always contact a doctor before trying anything new. Relax, smile and love everyone. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Facebook link coming...

Ever skipped a concert, class, sport or other event just because you didn't want to go solo, or couldn't find a buddy who had the same interest? Whether you're shy, new to town, recently alone, looking for a new hobby, or just want a night away from the TV, you're sure to find something here! GROUP POLICIES: \~When you join *Mix it Up*, we ask that you **visit the website at least once a year to remain** **an active member**; this does NOT mean you cannot rejoin, just that the group is intended for members who have an active interest in our events. \~The cost to maintain this meetup group is something your organiser absorbs, and you will NEVER be asked to make contributions through the site or make donations at events. \~This group was created for people who reside within the tri-county area that *want to* get into more social circles, but may not have the opportunity. Please feel free to suggest a theme to the group coordinator, however, *sales pitches will not be tolerated;* additional required or available purchases beyond the activity cost shall be discussed with the coordinator.  Members are never pressured into purchasing goods/services beyond those specifically identified in the event. \~Times/dates are based upon the coordinator's or venue's availability and ***subject to change***.  Your patience and flexibility are greatly appreciated.  Well-received events may be repeated in the future, but feel free to suggest an alternate date. \~Your coordinator may advertise an event for which tickets are already in-hand (prepaid).  Payments secure your RSVP & will be marked accordingly against your RSVP on the event once collected *(if you are 1st to reserve, but last to pay, you may not get a ticket).*  **We do NOT use meetup's WePay site** for payments due to service fees. Payments accepted by cash or by PayPal ONLY - using the FRIENDS & FAMILY option (no fee).  PayPal is secure, easy, and FREE.  Conditions for refunds (when applicable) will be identified in the event. Members always have the option of buying their own ticket directly from the venue, at their own risk. \~This site is for people who are looking to do things together, however, it is not a dating site.  **Members who are abusive, disruptive, disrespectful, or act inappropriately during an event, or through communication with other members will be removed and may be subjected to being permanently banned from the group.** \~All tickets, admission fees, in-event merchandise or food/drink purchases, parking, or other extra expenses are the member's responsibility unless otherwise listed in the event.