No matter how particular our tastes or interests, there’s apt to be a like-minded county crowd that gathers to socialize. Below are just a few of the scores of social networking groups that operate in Westchester. If your niche isn’t profiled, just spend a little time on the Internet and you’ll likely find a group that shares your specialized interest. So stop being alone, all you clog-wearing accountants who love Thai food!
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO TALK RELIGION
White Plains Pub Theologians, an interfaith group (from pagans to conservative Catholics) that discusses theology without the confines of doctrine while hoisting a few. Founded: March 2006. Organizers: Rev. Gawain de Leeuw (St. Bartholomew’s, White Plains), Rev. Melanie Miller (Congregational Pastor of Church in the Highlands, White Plains). “We’re a group with whom people can comfortably talk about anything without being judged,” says Rev Gawain. “The questions you’re not supposed to ask regarding religion, politics, and sex come up all the time.”
Dues/Fees: None. (BYOBMBM—buy your own beer made by monks!) Meets: Monthly at various Mamaroneck Avenue pubs in White Plains. Age Range of Members: 21-57 For more info: episcopalian.meetup.com/21/; St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (914) 949-5577; Church in the Highlands (914) 949-2023.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KICK A BALL AROUND
Big League Kickball, Yonkers Division, a town rec-style kickball league. Team names? “Thank God It’s Friday” and “Kickin’ Back.” Organizers: John Dematas and Maurice Reep. “It’s co-ed so we get a lot of young professionals who would like to meet people,” says Reep of Larchmont. “It’s a nice social activity; a lot of people make friends and start dating each other.”
Dues/Fees: $75 per person/per season. Meets: Weekly. Age Range of Members: 18-plus. For more info: bigleaguekickball.com.
FOR NON-MEAT EATERS
Vegetarian Social Network of Westchester, an eating group for those who—can you guess?—don’t eat meat. Organizer: Doreen Rossi. “It’s a social gathering and not a political one,” says Rossi, who lives in White Plains. “We’re not an animal-rights group, though most of us feel strongly about that issue.” Dues/Fees: $2 per event. Meet: Monthly. (Previous gatherings have taken place at Andy’s Pure Food in Rye, Haven in Pleasantville, and Thai Garden in Sleepy Hollow.) Age Range of Members: 20-plus. “I joined the group about a year-and-a-half ago,” says David Bruehl of Pleasantville. “It’s given me a chance to explore some of the ethnic restaurants in the area.”
For more info: doreenthedogtrainer@hotmail.com or meetup.com/Westchester-Social-Vegetarians.
FOR ARCHERS
Westchester County Bowhunters Association, a group that works to encourage the sports of archery and bow hunting, plus try to convince non-hunters of the importance of sound wildlife conservation and controlling Westchester County’s deer populations.Organizers: Doug Erickson. “You can’t shoot a deer from as far away as you could with a gun, so bow-hunting is a more intimate experience,” says Erickson of Yorktown Heights. “It also takes a lot of practice year-round. You have to perfect your efficiency so the hunting is done ethically.”
Dues/Fees: $25 annual dues. Meets: Three times a year. Age Range of Members: 15-70. For more info: westchesterbowhunters.com.
