Estero Newcomers Club

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What is the club's purpose?

The Estero Newcomers Club is a social club which affords women of the Estero and surrounding areas the opportunity to meet new women, develop new friendships, enjoy group activities, and learn more about our community and the Southwest Florida area.
Who can join?

The Estero Newcomers Club is open to all women residing in Estero and its surrounding communities.
I've lived here for years and just discovered your organization. Do I still qualify as a Newcomer?

Yes. There are no restrictions regarding length of residency in Florida. Women may join this club whenever it fits their lifestyle.
Do I need to be a full-time resident to join?

No. We welcome both full-time and seasonal members.
Do I need to be referred by another member?

No. We are an open and welcoming group. We realize many women have left their network of friends in another part of the country. Meeting new people and building relationships is the point of our organization. If you haven't met one of our enthusiastic members already, reach out to the Membership Chair on the Contact Us page and she will help you get connected.
When and where does the club meet?

The club holds monthly luncheons at local country clubs. The club also provides a wide array of activities for its members including card games, dinners out, happy hour events, book and film clubs, arts and crafts groups, and local trips and excursions.
What is expected of members?

Members pay yearly dues. They should try to attend monthly luncheons and/or support at least one activity or program.
Are members required to attend luncheons?

Members are not required to attend luncheons but are strongly encouraged to do so. Each luncheon is the club business meeting and also features an interesting speaker. The speakers present information on local services, Southwest Florida history and travel, and other topics of interest to our membership. Here is a wonderful venue where you can meet new women and where we celebrate member birthdays for that month.
Will my husband or male significant other be welcome at events?

Although our club is designed for women, we also have events open to couples such as destination dinners, happy hour and mix and mingle events as well as a men's monthly luncheon.
Can I attend some of your functions as a guest?

A prospective member may attend up to two events as a guest before joining the club. An existing member can bring you to a function by following whatever RSVP or fee process the activity requires. Please note: If you wish to attend a luncheon, a reservation and payment is always required. If you do not know a member who can bring you as their guest, go to the Contact Us page on this website and send a message the Membership Chair for instructions on how to make a guest reservation.
What are the dues?

The initial dues for members joining January through June are $40 or $25 for those joining July through December. This fee includes the cost of the member's magnetic name badge. The annual renewal fee is $30, due on January 1. A member may renew their membership up to 3 times.
Can I join at any point in the year?

Yes. We welcome new members whenever it fits their lifestyle. If you join before July, you will pay the full year fee. If you join after June, you will pay the partial year fee. In either case, this will be your first year in the club and your membership will be renewable the next January.
How long does membership last?

Membership is on an annual basis, January through December. The year you join is your first year and you may renew your membership up to 3 times for a total of 1 initial full or partial year plus 3 full years. After the end of the last renewal year, members in good standing may choose to join our sister organization, Estero Encore Club.

Members also now have the choice of either joining Encore after 4 (four) years or remaining a member of the Estero Newcomers Club.
Are dues prorated?

For those joining July through December, dues are prorated for the first-year only. Whether signing up for the full year (joining before July) or for the partial year (joining after July) your membership will be up for renewal every January after your initial year for up to 3 years.

Addressing Your Dietary Restriction and/or Food Allergy

I have a specific Dietary Restriction and/or Food Allergy. How can this be addressed at a Monthly Luncheon?

Please be assured the Luncheon Coordinators work very hard to ensure our members enjoy their luncheon meal. However, our luncheon venues are not like a restaurant where you order from a menu and can personalize your meal. We are provided with a banquet menu which has limited choices. Please read the luncheon selections carefully before you register. Select the option that works best with your dietary needs. You cannot request changes to the meal because you do not care for something or prefer something else. If you do not like onions, cheese or sauce, you can always scrape them off. If you do not care for the dessert, you can take it home to share with a friend or loved one. Preferences are not the same as genuine medical restrictions or food allergies and will not be honored. If you do have a bona fide medical dietary restriction or food allergy, we need to know. Those issues are presented to the chef and the chef will alter your meal. If you do not like the altered meal, you cannot send it back and request something else. We are charged for any additional meals and that charge will be passed on to you. Do not ask the serving staff for substitutions at the luncheons! We regularly have 100+ women attend and it can be a nightmare for our luncheon coordinators, the country club and its staff.
How do I make sure my Medical Dietary or Allergy Restriction is addressed at each luncheon?

Each time you sign up for a luncheon with Estero Newcomers Club it is your responsibility to document your restrictions, either by a note attached to your check, or entered in the space provided when paying online. If you have done this, you will receive the appropriate card at the luncheon check-in. This enables you to know that the luncheon coordinators have received your information and have relayed your medical dietary needs with the event manager and Chef/Staff.

Now the operative words are EACH TIME. This information is not saved anywhere since we have no way of maintaining the information. For your health and safety, advise us in all future reservations as your needs may change based on the offered meals. The coordinators need your dietary restrictions and allergies listed each time.