Social Activities
Willowbend is a vibrant and gracious community. Residents have rich and widely varied interests and life experiences. A focal point of the community is the wide range of social activities encouraged by the Board of Directors and enjoyed by many throughout the year. Wherever your interests lie, you’ll find warm and welcoming neighbors and friends.
Following is a profile of regular activities in the community and contact information:
Book Club
An evening group meets at 7.00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.
Contact: Susie Hess at email or 718-429-5237
Books, usually contemporary fiction, are selected by the hostess of the month who leads the discussion.
Knitting/Crochet Group
The group meets approximately every two weeks to share ideas and help one another with projects. The group has all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Contact: Melody Jakubiak at email
Ladies Breakfast
The group meets on the last Thursday of the month.
Contact: Barbara Wichowski at email or 973-202-2086 or Roseann Santiago at email or cell 941-451-1308 (home 941-918-9843)
Ladies Lunch
The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month.
Contact: Roseann Santiago at email or cell 941-451-1308 (home 941-918-9843)
Photo: Ladies Holiday Luncheon, December 2023
Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg groups meet weekly at various times. Meetings rotate among members’ homes. Meeting days, times, and frequency are flexible. Alberta Alese is available to give lessons to people who want to learn how to play.
Contact: Alberta Alese at email
Pickleball
Willowbend residents and their guests play on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00. All levels of players are welcome. At other times the courts are available on a first come, first serve basis. For additional information you may contact Robert Bowman by text only at (954) 295-9160.
Social Committee
The social committee holds social events throughout the year for residents.
Contact: Roseann Santiago at email, cell 941-451-1303 or home 941-918-9843
Water Aerobics
This group meets at the community pool, Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. during the winter and 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. during the summer.
Contact Linda Delaney at email or 941-870-4481
Our pool can accommodate lap swimming in addition to an exercise group. The heated spa provides welcoming warmth.
Wine Tasting
Wine tastings are held on the second Saturday of the month, October through May. The host for the month provides the venue and selects the wines to be tasted. Since the events are held in the hosts’ homes, participants take turns hosting the events. Guests bring an appetizer or dessert to share. At the end of the evening, the cost of the wine is divided among those attending.
Contact: Regina Schacht at willowbendwinetasters@gmail.com