Lancaster County is a warm, inviting and friendly place. Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster aims to epitomize that welcoming spirit.

Throughout its six decades, the social group has stayed true to its original assimilation mission of turning newcomers into neighbors. But Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster has evolved into so much more.

"It is a fabulous group of women," said Sue Bolton, Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster's president. "I was divorced when I moved here, and when I first found the group, everyone came up to me and said hi. They're very friendly. When people come to an activity or a session, it just gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling, so you want to join and participate in everything."

Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster is limited to only women who are residents of Lancaster County. The group conducts regular lunch meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, usually at local restaurants, hotels or places like Bent Creek Country Club.

The general membership gatherings begin with social time at 11:30 a.m., followed by a short formal meeting; lunch; and then some sort of presentation, speech or discussion.

"The idea is to bring together newcomers to the county and people who have lived here for a while, sort of extend a neighborly helping hand," said Bolton. "That's really what the club is. We have members who have lived in Lancaster County for more than 30 years, and they're the neighbors. We have people from all over who have moved to Lancaster County. It's a way to develop a social life and meet people in the area."

Newcomers and Neighbors' membership numbers currently stand at 113. The members reside in all parts of Lancaster County, they originate from all walks of life, and they generally tend to be older.

Some are retired, some are grandmothers, some are widowed, some are housewives and some are stay-at-home mothers.

Bolton said that for some members, the group is a way to stay active.

"I can't speak for everyone in the group," said Bolton. "For me, it was a chance to meet people in the area and do things I like to do with like-minded people. I've met great people and made friends."

Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster is an active group. Included in the club's variety of activities are local and regional day trips; arts and crafts; a pair of book clubs; concerts; shopping; games like mahjong, Mexican train, Scrabble and cards; recipe exchanges; and dinner dates. A nonprofit, Newcomers and Neighbors also engages in volunteering, fundraising activities and community service projects.

"We're not just fun and games. We're also community-oriented," said Bolton. "When newcomers see all the activities and get to meet all the people, the club sells itself. Some people just like one activity, so they join for the things they like to do. You don't have to do everything; you can pick and choose. Everyone joins for a different reason. You make friends in the club, and you have spin-off groups. With some of the things we do, we allow spouses and partners to attend."

Newcomers and Neighbors of Lancaster's origins can be traced to 1968 and the Welcome Wagon of Lancaster East. The group, which is overseen by a board of directors, took on its current name in 1998.

"I want people to come join us," said Bolton. "Just come to activities and see how much fun we are. We're doing things for the community, and we have fun. When we get new members, we get new perspectives, and it opens us up to the possibility of new activities."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasternewcomers.com.