Through the Years – A History of Clubs and Activities 

EXERCISE CLUBS

BEACH WALKERS

Beach Walkers began in 2017 under the leadership of Linda Whidden. That year, about a dozen women walked and talked together on Islanders Beach. The group continued to grow over the next four years before Linda passed leadership to Megan McNamee. Under Megan’s leadership, Beach Walkers has grown significantly and remains an active, popular group. Members walk from Labor Day to Memorial Day, covering about three to four miles on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Islanders Beach. Megan continues to keep the group moving, healthy, and connected.

S-LOW COUNTRY HIKERS

S-Low Country Hikers was started in fall 2023 by Sandy Strissel with the goal of visiting local parks and trails within a two-hour radius of Hilton Head Island, five miles at a time. The first hike to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge included 12 women. The group now has 163 members.  In 2025–2026, the group returned to Pinckney Island and explored New Riverside Barn Park, Skidaway Island State Park, Sergeant Jasper Park, Palmetto Bluff, the Spanish Moss Trail, Hunting Island, and Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Together, members have explored the Lowcountry, navigated wooded trails, counted alligators, played bingo, shared meals, enjoyed wine, and strengthened friendships with neighbors.

HHP WALKERS (FORMERLY BLUFF WALKERS)

HHP Walkers, formerly Bluff Walkers, began in 2017–2018 when Linda Whidden organized walks along the scenic path at Dolphin Head. That first year, 12 women walked and talked while enjoying the view. Linda led the group for two years before passing leadership to Liz Montanez. Polly Kyle later took over before joining the board. When construction at Dolphin Head made it difficult to walk the bluff, the group began exploring other areas within Hilton Head Plantation. Sandy Strissel inherited the group in 2024 and expanded it to include the many leisure paths throughout the Plantation, leading to the group’s new name. Sandy has developed ten Friday morning walks from September through May, including Dolphin Head/Pine Island, Seabrook Farm, G-Free Spot Bakery, the Big Loop, Crooked Pond Loop, Ribaut Island, Royal James Way, Cypress Conservancy, Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy, and Hickory Forest Beach. The group now has 125 members.

PICKLEBALL

Tru Dee Bamberg and Suzanne Herbers started the Pickleball group in October 2023, and by August 2024 the group had approximately 100 members. After Tru Dee stepped down due to injuries, Suzanne continued leading the group and helped it grow. The group first played at Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort because Hilton Head Plantation did not yet have a place to play pickleball. Before long, the group arranged with Spring Lake Racquet Club to play at Dolphin Head Recreation Area. The HHP Women’s Club Pickleball group now plays round robin, social, non-aggressive games at Dolphin Head, typically three days a week at various times. Members sign up through Spring Lake, which manages the round robin schedule. Registered players may choose either an annual Spring Lake pickleball membership or pay for each scheduled play time. The group currently has 110 members and continues to grow while working toward permanent regulation courts at Spring Lake.

BIKING BUDDIES.

Carolyn Jenkins started Biking Buddies around 2016 with approximately 15 to 20 women. The group originally biked from Hilton Head Plantation locations to explore the island and has since expanded to rides in Bluffton, Beaufort, Palmetto Bluff, Moss Creek, and Margaritaville. These outings require riders to transport their bikes to and from the starting point. Last year, 68 women signed up, with a smaller core group participating regularly. Some traditions have remained constant: Helmets are required, the designated speed is 10 mph, rides are typically 12 to 16 miles, and lunch is usually planned afterward. The group continues to combine healthy activity, friendship, and fun.

SOCIAL CLUBS

HAPPY HOUR GALS

Linda Whidden started Happy Hour Gals in September 2016 with 12 women meeting at the Crazy Crab. By the time Linda turned the group over to Candy Larson in 2019, the list had grown to nearly 100 members. Candy led the group during Covid, when members often met around the Spring Lake fire pit, and continued until 2021. Sharon Burkard and Susan Dulick then managed the group for two years, growing it to 178 members by the end of their term. Mary Howe took over in 2023 and has begun her fourth year leading the group, with support from Gretchen Griggs, Alison Derr, Susan Barnada, and Tina Moore. By the end of 2025–2026, 258 women were registered. Favorite venues have included Tio’s Latin American Kitchen, Poseidon Rooftop Bar, Robber’s Row, and The Salty Dog cruise. Venues are selected for their ability to accommodate 85 to 100 women, and most events have a waitlist.

DRAMA QUEENS

Drama Queens is only 2 years old, but it has already made a memorable entrance. The idea began at the 2024 Spring Luncheon, where keynote speaker Myla Lerner, then chair of Lean Ensemble, encouraged HHPWC to create a group that could enjoy theater performances together. At the next board meeting, a call went out for someone to lead the effort. Judy Dunning volunteered, and Cheryl Ricer named the group Drama Queens. By the end of the first year, 60 members had joined the mailing list; in 2025, another 43 joined them in sharing the spotlight.

CHICK FLICKS

Chick Flicks began in 2019 under the leadership of Joan Balog following her term as club President. Originally called Flick Chicks, the group was created to bring members together through a shared enjoyment of movies. The concept was simple and popular: Attend a film together, then gather afterward for a casual meal or drinks to socialize and share reactions. Like many Women’s Club activities, Chick Flicks paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Sue Henderson and Sherry Beck revitalized the group, returning it to its original spirit of relaxed fun and connection. The group now meets monthly for a movie followed by dinner or drinks. Over time, the name evolved from Flick Chicks to Chick Flicks, reflecting its enduring focus on friendship, fun, and a shared love of film.

CARD CLUBS

HAND & FOOT CANASTA CARD SHARKS

Card Sharks was started in 2014 by Jean Conroy and was originally called the Euchre Group. Sixteen women played in 2014. After a few years, the group decided to try a different game and changed its name to Card Sharks. They played Canasta for a time before Jean introduced Hand and Foot Canasta, which quickly became a favorite. It remains a fun, social game where friendships are made. In 2024, current leader Karen Vondongen updated the name again to honor the group’s history. The group now has approximately 140 members, with 40 to 50 women playing every Monday year-round.

BRIDGE LESSONS

Bonnie Haroff started a series of bridge lessons in 1995. Mary Lou Meinholz has continued the tradition for many years and has expanded the lessons from beginners to advanced beginners in response to renewed interest in the game. As a result, the Party Bridge group has welcomed new players.

LUNCH AND PARTY BRIDGE

The Lunch and Party Bridge group began in 2017 with the goal of creating a warm, friendly place to play bridge, build friendships, and have fun together. While serving as Women’s Club vice president, Suzy Makalous invited someone to lead the activity, and Sandy Silber answered the call. Over the next seven years, Sandy helped nurture and grow the group into a lively and welcoming gathering. Mary Lou Meinholz later joined her, and together they guided the group with enthusiasm and care. The group first met at Dolphin Head Golf Club to play bridge and share lunch. During COVID, Sandy and Mary Lou kept members connected by organizing online bridge until in-person gatherings could resume. When Dolphin Head Golf Club could no longer accommodate the group, play continued at the Plantation House, though lunch was no longer part of the activity. In fall 2024, the three “Sues”—Sue Brown, Sue Henderson, and Suzy Makalous—took over from Sandy and Mary Lou. Lunch returned as part of the tradition at Lagerhead Tavern. In 2025, Mary Lou rejoined the co-leadership team, while Suzy stepped back after helping ensure a smooth transition. Today, the email distribution list includes 37 members, and the group remains a welcoming place for bridge, lunch, friendship, and connection.

CULINARY CLUBS

MANGIA CON NOI

Mangia con Noi, which means “Eat with us,” was started in July 2023 by founder Didi De Angelis with the goal of gathering women in small groups to share food, cooking skills, friendship, and support.  The original seven members are still together as Group 1. Today, Mangia con Noi has 42 members divided into six groups that meet once a month on flexible schedules tailored to each group’s interests. Some groups meet for dinner, some prepare food to take home and share with family, some make one recipe, and others prepare a complete meal. Each group is encouraged to have a team leader who schedules meetings and coordinates hosting.  Didi continues to lead the group and is supported by her team as needed, especially when organizing the two all-member events held at the beginning and end of the year.

COOKBOOK CLUB

The Cookbook Club is entering its second year as part of the HHP Women’s Club. Founded by Fawn McCauley in 2025, the club brings together women who love to cook, explore new recipes and ideas, and share meals with friends. It currently has 51 members and has continued to grow. Members enjoy one evening each month getting to know one another, celebrating family traditions, exploring different aspects of cooking, and expanding their knowledge of the culinary arts. The group has hosted cookbook authors, compared chefs, and learned about food from varied cultural backgrounds. Because the club meets in the evening, it also gives members with daytime responsibilities another way to participate in Women’s Club activities. Members look forward to a second year of themed dinners, hands-on learning, and supportive friendships.

PLANT FORWARD EATING HEALTHY

The Plant Forward Healthy Eating group was established in 2023 and originally led by Toby Smithson, a registered dietitian nutritionist. The group’s purpose is to share research on plant-based eating and help members incorporate more plant-forward meals into their daily routines, with attention to both personal health and the health of the planet.  Because the group meets during evenings or weekends, it also gives members who work full time another way to participate in the HHPWC community.  Membership has grown significantly, doubling from 29 to 60 members. Leadership also expanded in 2025 when Shannon Ramos joined the team.  Over the years, group activities have included Plant‑based restaurant outings, cooking demonstrations, produce farm tours, and recipe‑sharing gatherings.

OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH

The Out to Lunch Bunch (O.T.L.B.) began in 1991 with the goal of giving members a monthly opportunity to enjoy good food and conversation at restaurants throughout Hilton Head and Bluffton. The group has grown from approximately 25 members in 1991 to 155 members in 2026. With that growth has come the challenge of finding restaurants that can accommodate 50 to 60 women for lunch on the third Wednesday of each month from September through April. Traditionally, members received a monthly email with a registration form, lunch choices, pricing, and available seats, then printed the form, wrote a check, and delivered it to the coordinator’s home in hopes of securing a spot. Last year, the O.T.L.B. Committee improved the process by moving to online registration with electronic payment options. While seating remains limited, members can now register and pay from home. Lunches often fill within two hours of the email announcement, reflecting the group’s continuing popularity as a favorite way to eat out and socialize.

SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS

GREEN THUMBERS

Green Thumbers began around November 1990, with R. K. Koenig co-chairing with Jolinn Dowa. Members shared common interests, friendly conversation, and charitable projects. The group planted red, white, and blue flowers around the Spring Lake Pavillion flagpole and made Christmas wreaths and centerpieces for skilled nursing facilities. Detailed records have been kept since 2006, when the club grew to 51 members. At that time, its mission was to provide information and fellowship for HHP women interested in light gardening through meetings, speakers, and demonstrations. Today, Green Thumbers continues to help HHPWC members learn about gardening while also focusing on environmental topics related to life in the Lowcountry. Monthly meetings include speakers from throughout the area, and field trips have taken members to the Savannah Bee Company, Fish Haul Beach, nature centers, and a bus tour focused on local Gullah life. The group has also continued to support local charities and nursing homes. Last year, Green Thumbers had 240 members, with an average of 70 attending each meeting, and it continues to grow. The 2026–2027 board includes Angie Young as chair and board members Mary Kelly, Sallie McAllister, Jean Conroy, and Terry Doyle.

ROAD SHOW ADVENTURES

Road Show Adventures began as Island Hoppers in 1989, when Joyce Crean and Bonnie Haroff agreed to chair the group. Early day trips included local galleries, Savannah’s historic district, and Daufuskie Island. The first overnight trip was planned in 1998. Over the years, many dedicated chairwomen and committees planned memorable trips, but by 2015 travel interest had declined and the group held what was then its final event, a luncheon. In 2018, Suzy Makalous introduced the idea of Road Show Adventures to revitalize local and regional trips and offer experiences not easily found elsewhere. Jean Conroy joined her that summer, and when Suzy later stepped down, Jean assumed leadership along with co-leader, Angie Young. Road Show members took their first official trip in September 2018. Since then, experiences have included trips to Charleston, Savannah, and Columbia, along with the popular HHP Road Rally and luncheon. The group has also hosted speakers, including a favorite program featuring a worldwide chocolate sampling experience. Road Show Adventures began in 2018 with 84 members and, under Jean Conroy’s leadership, grew to 303 members last year, making it the largest participating activity group in the Women’s Club.

BIBLE STUDIES

Bible Studies have been part of the Hilton Head Plantation Women’s Club since 2016. The activity began with a small group of seven women and has grown to three groups led by Eunice Moore, Alison Schriener, and Julie Brumbelow-Cowart, with a total of 50 members. Each leader selects the study topic and meeting day for her group. A fourth group is expected to begin this fall. Members value the opportunity to meet with neighbors, learn about God’s word, and discuss how to live as believers in Jesus Christ.

KNIT WITS

Knit Wits was started about 15 years ago by Colleen Wainwright. Leadership later passed to Linda Peuchet, with Barbara Bitner and Ceil Meyers also helping keep the group active. Linda Whidden and Susie Marquis are the current leaders. Current membership is about 15, with eight to ten members attending each meeting. The group’s mission is to bring women together to share, help one another, teach, and learn handcrafts with long traditions, including knitting, crochet, quilting, and needlepoint. Members usually meet weekly on Wednesdays at Dolphin Head Recreation Area for a relaxed time of creativity and connection.

HAPPY TO HELP

In early 2023, Susan Crow and Liz Montenez created Happy to Help to connect HHPWC members with short-term volunteer opportunities supporting local Hilton Head nonprofits. The group launched in September 2023 with a mission to help members tour facilities, make donations, learn about service needs, and sign up to volunteer. The first nonprofit supported was the Hilton Head Humane Association, where 20 members toured the facility and donated time and supplies. Other organizations supported that year included Hopeful Horizons, the Boys & Girls Club, Volunteers in Medicine, Antioch Educational Center, Family Promise, and Hospice Care of the Lowcountry. In 2024–2025, Linda Hatch and Fran Fiorino assumed leadership and grew participation to more than 100 members. The group continued supporting several prior nonprofits while adding the local women’s shelter, The Children’s Center, and Pockets Full of Sunshine. In 2025–2026, Gloria Powell and Katie Benzinger stepped into leadership; when Gloria later stepped down, Katie continued with support from active members. Carol Peringer led publicity efforts, and the group began using general meeting times for monthly donation drop-offs and volunteer awareness. Additional efforts included support for Volunteers in Medicine and Pockets Full of Sunshine, a Hilton Head school supply drive led by Sarah Riss and Maureen Steinberg, and a Sandalwood Community Food Pantry donation drive with help from Shirley Sigler. Under the leadership of Fawn McCauley, the group also organized a well-attended community event supporting pet adoption and donations for the Hilton Head Humane Association and Sandalwood. For 2026–2027, this group will organize the monthly Community Spotlight, bringing a single focus for membership to support.

BOOK CLUBS

Reading has long been popular among HHPWC members, and book clubs were among the first activities formed when the Women’s Club began in 1986. Two book clubs existed that first year; today, there are more than 20. Current clubs generally range from six to eight members to about 12. Reading preferences include historical fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, classics, current best sellers, and many other genres. Groups meet in homes, restaurants, and coffee shops, and each club sets its own format. Some include a meal, some feature author visits, some choose books a year in advance, and others decide month to month. Club names range from inventive, such as Better Read Than Dead, to welcoming, such as Corner Club. All book clubs fall under the guidance of a club chair who helps members join existing clubs or form new ones.  Marsha Thatcher served in this role from 2023 to 2026, and Marilyn Bailey is the current chair.