Ahoy Mates – Sailing Club
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Every Wednesday and Sunday at 3pm (2pm in the winter) we sail our “POND BOATS,” weather permitting. The pond is called Chisel Run where there is a waterfall and wooden bridge. It’s on Williamsburg West Drive near the exit to Longhill Road. Bring your radio controlled sailboat, or come to observe. See what it is all about. If you would like to build your own boat, members have much expertise to help you. |
Auto Enthusiasts
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If you enjoy automobiles (antique, new, or something in between) then perhaps the Colony Auto Enthusiasts is the club for you. You do not need to own an antique or classic car to belong—half of our members do, the others don’t. All you need is an interest in cars and an hour’s worth of free time a month (perhaps more when we take a trip to a nearby location that’s sponsoring a car show or other vehicle related event). During the past year, for example, we visited the Ferrari exhibit at Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art, were visited by a group of Model A Club members (with their cars), and took several day trips to “show off” members’ cars. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P. M. at the Swim & Tennis Club. |
Bid Whist
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Bid Whist Players meet every second Thursday of the month at the Swim & Tennis Club at 7:30pm with the exception of July and August. All are welcome. |
Monday Morning Bridge
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Players meet each Monday morning at the Swim & Tennis Club from 9:30a.m. till noon. There are four progressions of six hands each of party bridge. There are usually between seven and ten tables. Players alternate volunteering as host/hostess.
No dues required. |
Duplicate Bridge
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The Duplicate Bridge group meets every Wednesday at noon at the Swim & Tennis Club. This is a very friendly, easy to play in duplicate bridge group. It is not necessary to come with a partner—just show up and the director will always find a partner for you. For those who already belong to the ACBL, this is a sanctioned group, so you can earn master points while having fun and meeting many of your Ford’s Colony neighbors. |
Bowling
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More than 165 men and women participate in a league comprised of two divisions. The American Division bowls on Monday afternoons and the National Division bowls on Tuesday afternoons. Substitutes bowl whenever needed. The season is from late October through the end of March with an awards banquet in April.
Bowling fees and dues are required. |
Fit For Life & Aerobics
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Fit for Life is an exercise program of movements that will help improve flexibility and circulation to all parts of the body. It will also increase awareness of how your own particular body functions. Fit for Life is for men and women of all ages, no matter what the level of physical fitness. As the body ages, exercise becomes more critical to keep it strong and flexible.
Low impact aerobics is a combination of endurance, flexibility and muscular strengthening movements to enhance aerobic capacity providing an increase in your cardiovascular system and stimulating muscular function to supply and process oxygen. This program is designed for seniors and can be achieved by the majority of participants. |
Caring Neighbors
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“Caring Neighbors” of Ford’s Colony was formed to:
Act as a source of information on local services available for: health care – ER, extended and therapy, in home services– nursing, cleaning and meals, equipment rental – wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, etc.
Help to organize and provide limited assistance to residents in times of temporary health problems, medical emergencies, or death in the family with respect to: transportation, visitation, a meal, if needed.
Set up lists of items owned by residents who are willing to lend items to others having a short-term need – for themselves or visitors. Items include: medical aids, roll away beds or cots, baby/toddler equipment (gates, high chairs, strollers, playpens, toys, bikes, etc.)
Caring Neighbors continues to help our friends and neighbors in every way possible to provide that extra bit of “TLC” that each of us needs from time to time. Please remember that we are standing by—ready and willing to help.
Our community is growing very rapidly. In order for our committee to work more effectively, we ask for your assistance in letting us know if there is a problem or need in your neighborhood. Please make that phone call so we may help.
We are very proud of the Caring Neighbors program. It our wish that it continue to expand so it may better serve the community of Ford’s Colony.
There are no dues. |
Computer Club |
Ford’s Colony Computer Users Group (FCCUG)
Membership: All Ford’s Colony residents and property owners. We welcome newcomers and young residents.
Mission: To improve our members’ knowledge, skills, and enjoyment of personal computers through information presentations, discussion, learning, and sharing of common interests.
Focus: Software applications, tools & techniques, computer security, operating systems, performance, the Internet, networking, multimedia, digital photography, computer accessories, and emerging technologies.
Plans: Our plan for the 2004 season is to expand member services to include computer course offering designed specifically for members, and to establish a Lending Library.
Meetings: Third Monday every month, except July and August, at the Swim & Tennis Club.
Typical meetings begin with a brief overview of club business, a Show & Tell session which demonstrates a new product or technique, a technical Tip of the Month, followed by a Main Topic, presented by an expert, (see Focus, above). A Hospitality Committee provides refreshments.. |
Craft Club |
The craft club supports numerous charities in the area. Members meet weekly enjoying the camaraderie of the group while honing their own craft skills and learning new techniques from others. Frequently, members work on charitable projects, such as quilting, knitting, crocheting and making items for special occasions throughout the year for nursing homes and other community groups. Often, club members offer to teach special skills, like decorative painting, beading, watercolor, basket making, sewing and specialty needlework to other members.
This club meets weekly from 1-4 P.M. The club accepts donations of materials and yarn for projects made for charity.
The club has supported the following charitable organizations in the past: Sentara/Williamsburg Hospital, Catholic charities, local nursing homes, VA hospital – Hampton, Avalon, Premie Unit MCV. Some of the items made and donated include quilts, afghans, lap blankets, crocheted blankets and hats for premature babies, woolen hats and scarves, and stuffed animals for children awaiting emergency care. |
Dinner Etcetera |
Membership is open to all residents. Participation involves getting together on a quarterly basis at different homes for dinner to meet new friends and share a pleasant evening. You may attend once or as often as you would like. When you see an announcement in the Talk of the Colony, just call and sign up. We have a dinner in the autumn, late winter and mid-spring. The club has a final get-together in early summer. Attendance varies for each function. |
Garden Club |
With about 150 members participating at regular scheduled meetings from September through June, the club makes arrangements for guest speakers, demonstrations, tours and special events. The club is proud to have the largest membership in the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. Discussions concerning indoor/outdoor planting, flower arranging and related activities are highlighted. |
Hospitality
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Members of this committee extend a warm welcome to new Ford’s Colony residents. This greeting is also offered to property owners in transit and living in Williamsburg.
Members distribute a welcome package, which includes maps, discount coupons, health information and other promotional materials. Hosts and hostesses try to answer any questions newcomers may have concerning Ford’s Colony and the Williamsburg area while they make new residents feel welcome and comfortable in our community. New volunteers are always welcome and needed. Call the chair to offer your time and talents as a host or hostess to welcome new residents. |
Newcomers
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The purpose of Newcomers Club is to provide a means for newcomers to Ford’s Colony, both singles and couples, to get acquainted on a informal basis and learn about the many activities offered in and around the community. Each month, newcomers sponsors numerous activities designed to expand your group of friends and knowledge of the area.
The Newcomers meeting, listed in the Talk of the Colony, is usually held on the 3rd Friday of each month at 6:45pm at the Swim & Tennis Club. This is a time to socialize and sign-up for activities that are planned throughout the month and to hear an entertaining guest speaker. In December and June, special potluck dinner meetings provide a special festive atmosphere. |
Pinochle
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The Pinochle Club meets once a month on the fourth Friday. We meet at the Swim & Tennis club at 7:30pm. We play partnership Pinochle, single deck alternating partners after four hands of play.
The rules of play are available for anyone interested in joining. We are a group of players who relax and have fun with the game. |
Swim Team
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The Swim Team is open to all residents children, age 5 to 18, and all swimming abilities. Practices start after Memorial Day, after school, Monday—Friday. Once school breaks, practice switches to mornings by age groups. Our meets are competitive but our mission is fitness, stroke technique, community spirit, goal setting in a fun and friendly environment. Team membership has ranged from 90 –125 children. A coach and assistant coaches provide the proper attention and training for all levels. The season consists of six dual meets and a championship meet in June and July.
Relay carnival, B Meets, and mini-meets for those not yet swimming championship times round out our season. It is an action packed two months, but accommodations are made for summer school, work, family vacations and other activities.
The swim team board meets at the Swim & Tennis Club on the first Sunday of each month (normally February-November) at 4pm. Meetings are announced in the Talk of the Colony.
Fundraising includes dues, an adult party in the Fall and Spring. Concessions offer dinner and snacks at home swim meets and on weekends from noon –2pm. Residents are encouraged to participate in the fundraising events and home meets to support the community swim team. |
Model Railroad Club
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If you are interested in trains then you may want to participate in the Model Railroad Club. It does not matter if you have a sophisticated train layout or your train is still in the boxes, this group covers a broad range of model railroading interests. The Club usually meets at 7pm on the fourth Thursday every month at the Swim & Tennis Club. |
Fly Fishing Club
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Meetings are the third Tuesday every month at 7pm at the Swim & Tennis Club, with exceptions in July, August & December. This group welcomes beginners as well as seasoned anglers. Fish stories are the order of business, as is the planning of group outings, both in– and out-of-state. No dues. |
Solitaires
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The “Solitaires” is a group in Ford’s Colony which includes any single people living here. It is a great way to meet other singles, make friends, and enjoy activities together. We meet once a month for a dinner, day trip, game night, etc. The monthly event is announced in the Talk of the Colony. Planning meetings are held every other month. Come join us for some great get-togethers! |
Tennis Club |
The purpose of the Tennis Club is to encourage and facilitate tennis activities among Ford’s Colony residents of all ages and abilities.
Tennis is a healthful, recreational activity that can be engaged in by individuals throughout their lifetime. Playing tennis develops fitness, fosters competitive spirit and promotes friendships.
Daily leagues are promoted for men and women’s doubles play for Club members throughout the year by preparation of schedules using the Club’s specialty software.
The Tennis Club sponsors social mixed doubles Round Robin play followed by dinner for its members at least twice a year.
The Tennis Club encourages and promotes junior tennis by facilitating lessons and play activity in the summer months.
The Tennis Club also serves as an advocate for tennis matters for all residents, as well as members of the Club, through its contributions to the monthly newsletter, its participation in the Activities Committee and by maintaining a relationship with the Ford’s Colony Property Owner Management. |
Tai Chi
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The Ford’s Colony Tai Chi Club was begun in September of 2001. It consists of beginning and intermediate classes taught by resident/instructor Helen Davis with occasional visits from guest instructors.
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise routine that can be learned by anyone at any age. It involves a series of slow, graceful movements combined with concentrated breath control. It is known to improve strength, balance and flexibility, reduce stress and control blood pressure. No particular skills, equipment or clothing are required.
Classes are held at the Swim & Tennis Club, September through May. Beginners meet on Mondays at 2:30pm and Intermediates on Thursdays at 5:00pm. |
Theater Club
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The Ford’s Colony Theater Club is composed of amateur actors, singers, musicians and stage hands living here in Ford’s Colony.
The Theater Club provides periodic entertainment in instrumental, vocal, dance, dramatic and comedy presentations for all Ford’s Colony residents and guests; traditionally there is no admission fee except for the major production of the year. Performers may be club members or guest talent, although members are encouraged to develop their own productions. Group rates are also arranged for local plays.
This group has a great deal of fun and heartily welcomes anyone interested.
Players meet the second Tuesday every month at the Swim & Tennis Club at 7:30pm. |
Friends & Neighbors Club
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Club meetings feature entertaining speakers followed by a social hour. Meeting old friends, making new ones and seeing our neighbors is what Friends and Neighbors is all about. Every third meeting will be a completely social meeting designed to increase your enjoyment in living in Ford’s Colony.
We are the Colony’s fastest growing club because our members want to have fun, learn about new things and meet old and new friends. |
Trailblazers
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A nature trail within Ford’s Colony was first proposed in the early 90’s by interested residents to allow them to hike in remote areas of the “Colony” while conserving and enjoying its natural resources. Several potential sites were identified, with the wetlands/greenspace running from John Pott and Edinburgh to Westbury Park being selected as most suitable. In the late 90’s intensified interest led to including proposals for building a nature trail and a bird observation station in the 2001 Long Range Plan.
Resident enthusiasm for these projects led to dozens of volunteers completing the planning and construction phase. They blazed the trail; built bridges, walkways, bulletin boards, benches and bike racks; spread wood chips; and placed signs identifying trees, bushes, vines and wild flowers. Generous companies donated telephone poles, railroad ties and treated lumber. A proffer to James City County, in the area of environmental support, lead Realtec to provide manpower and financial assistance for construction. The Ford’s Colony Homeowners Association now supports maintenance and enhancement activities on these community assets.
Trailblazers, officially approved as an Activities Committee Club in August 1999, grew from those volunteers who participated in building the Nature Trail. There are now over 110 members. The Club’s mission is to maintain and enhance the Ford’s Colony Nature Trail; to provide opportunities for trail recreation, environmental education and interpretation; and to protect endangered species. Monthly meetings, open to all, feature wildlife biologists, forestry experts, bird enthusiasts, horticulturists, and environmentalists. Club members also share their expertise, lead trips to other trails in the area, and continue to supply the workforce to maintain and enhance our trail. |
Travel Club
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Over 500 Ford’s Colony residents participate in activities of the Travel Club. The Club conducts trips of interest to its membership, including dinner theaters, concerts and plays and visits to local historical sites. These include both day and overnight trips. Upcoming events are listed each month in the Talk of the Colony. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except during the summer.
At meetings members share travel information and experiences through slides, videos, and discussions. Meetings are held at the Swim & Tennis Club, beginning with a social gathering at 7:00pm. All residents are welcome. |
William & Mary Fan Club
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The W & M Fan Club arranges for Ford’s Colony residents to purchase season tickets for football games at reduced prices. Before each game, fan Club members gather for a tailgate party adjacent to the William & Mary Hall parking lot…. A great way to meet new people. Fan Club members are assigned seats in the same area, so we have our own cheering section. Each year, in the spring, we have a “kick-off meeting” at the Swim & Tennis Club to meet the coaches, hear their comments about the prospects for the upcoming year and take orders for season tickets. This is the Club’s only meeting for the year.
No dues are required and you don’t have to be an alumni to join. What a great organization! |
Wine & Dine
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Wine & Dine groups have been organized for the enjoyment of the entire Ford’s Colony community. A Wine & Dine group is generally composed of 16-18 people. Each month, one person or couple host hor d’oeuvers and wine for an hour at their home, after which the group goes to dinner at a restaurant chosen by the host couple. The groups are organized each January, giving all the opportunity to meet and socialize with a wide variety of neighbors.
Each Fall there are announcements in the Talk of the Colony about whom to call to get included. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity to meet and mingle with neighbors with whom you might not otherwise have contact since our community has grown so large. |
Youth Activities
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The Youth Activities committee is made up of a small group of parents in Ford’s Colony. Our group holds fundraisers (the Chili Cook-off, the Adult Halloween costume party and Luau) to help raise funds for Children’s events. We also plan and organize events for the children. We have previously run the Children’s Christmas party, Fourth of July parade, Halloween party and Easter brunch.
We also work with the Swim Team board on the End of Summer/ Back to School party and the adult Luau.
We are always looking for new parents in the community who would like to help with adult socials and children’s events. |