Community Corner
Our Top 10 Local Meetups
Easy ways to meet new people and find new ways to have fun this summer.
Summertime means a desire to be more social and try new things. So if the call to adventure and meeting new people is keen, no sweat. Just head over to a nearby meetup. They're started by people just like you.
When Holly Sugrue, 32, returned to Mamaroneck after working in Florida for several years, she found her hometown sorely lacking in one aspect: "I couldn't find a film group in our area," says the freelance videographer, who did her first video for Patch this week. "So I decided to start my own."
Her "Westchester Film Industry Meetup Group" is one of the strongest in our area, although it only began in March of last year, logging 202 members and 29 meetups. They convene once a month, sometimes twice, at Larchmont's LMC-TV studio for several hours to talk shop and trade contacts.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Our members include everyone related to film and video, from videographers like me, to actors, sound and music people, editors and screenwriters."
Sugrue credits the supportive atmosphere to helping toward her latest accomplishment, which is having one of her video projects on a scavenger junt through the streets of New York appear on NBC's Time Out New York in the coming weeks.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"You don't have to travel to the city to meet like-minded people," says Sugrue.
Her meetup is one of our Top 10. What's the criteria?
* The event is a short drive away. Initially I restricted myself to Larchmont and Mamaroneck, but with five of Larchmont's eight meetups being child related, I expanded to a five-mile radius, including New Rochelle and Rye.
* A meetup took place within the last five months (although most of the ones listed here happened this month)
* The sum total appeals to a variety of interests—so if not for you, then maybe for someone you know.
Members: 202
Upcoming: TBA
Most recent: July 8
http://www.meetup.com/Westchester-Film-Industry-
Dad, is your diaper bag packed? This New Rochelle group's most recent meeting for dads and their kids was July 12, but check meetup.com for information on upcoming events. The group is focused on stay-home and part-time dads to build a social network and "to get out of the house!"
Members: 24
Upcoming: TBA
Most recent: July 12.
http://www.meetup.com/The-Westchester-Dads-Group/
3. Westchester 20s/30s Food & Restaurant Group
This meetup is for young singles "who have a passion for food and trying new restaurants in the area." Also on the menu for this Rye-originated group are wine tastings, cooking classes and dinner parties. With this kind of yummy pitch, and so many members, it looks like all it's missing is for someone to get a July event cooking. Go for it!
Members: 384
Upcoming: TBA
Most recent: April 7
http://www.meetup.com/diningout-516/
4. New York Outdoor Fitness & Fun
Big letters announce this is a group for intermediate and advanced hikers only, so if that's you, take note that upcoming meetups include a hike in Harriman, followed by visiting wineries along the trail, and a moonrise beneath Hook Mountain in Nyack.
Members: 526
Upcoming: July 24, 9:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. (two events)
Most recent: July 11
"Let's face it. Groove Baby classes are really for moms (and dads) who want to get out of the house and meet other parents, bond with baby and--" something else about feeling empowerment, but thank goodness for a place for parents! I mean, for babies and children to improve their music genius…
Members: 90
Upcoming: July 19, 10:30 a.m.
Most recent: July 12
6. Modern Matchmaker Singles Meetup
If you're a man or woman between the ages of 35 and 60 (and older, probably; be bold), are you're free on Friday or Saturday nights, pick out your outfit, because you're going to be going out! Last night was a picnic and fireworks at a beach restaurant. Activities include mixers, art shows, tennis outings, wine tastings and we even spotted a... hoedown?
Members: 275
Upcoming: July 17, 8 p.m. mixer and dance
Most recent: July 9
http://www.meetup.com/singles-1366/
7. Mamaroneck Insight Meditation
Wish you could be more aware of your emotional reactions to the curve balls life throws at us? And manage them better? Who doesn't. The group teaches meditative practices that assist in more peaceful, aware living. Zen me up.
Members: 93
Upcoming: July 20, 8:30 p.m.
Most recent: July 13
http://www.meetup.com/meditation-716/
8. The Rock Club—Women's Rock Climbing
Monday nights, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m, at The Rock Club in New Rochelle is time for women to hone their skills, whether beginner or advanced, and make friends. The first visit to the indoor facility is free, but you'll need to pay for rental equipment.
Members: 287
Upcoming: July 19, 7 p.m.
Most recent: July 12
http://www.meetup.com/womensclimbing/
"Many runners have switched to barefoot running for relief form chronic injuries… the group meets on a regular basis to explore and run barefoot." Off the top of my head, if running is of interest to you, this sounds like a concept you might not want to walk off.
Members: 8
Upcoming: July 17, 8 a.m.
Most recent: July 10
Owners and dogs get together at parks, dog-friendly beaches, and events to have fun and share advice. Open to all dog breeds and sizes, because dogs just want to have fun in the summer, too. Time to join the group and form a pack for the day, I say. Woof.
Members: 147
Upcoming: TBA
Most recent: May 1
Didn't see a meetup you're interested in? Take a cue from Sugrue: get one started and enjoy your expanded new world this summer.
