By Shelba Nivens / Community Columnist

If you are new to the Chelsea area, or have lived here for a while and would like to get to know new people and help them get to know the area, you might check out The New Neighbors League Club .

According to Nancy Ladshaw, membership chair, NNLC focuses on bringing together new neighbors in the Birmingham area where they may meet and become friends while adjusting to their new surroundings.

“But we welcome people who have lived here for awhile, too,” she said. “Some of our members have been in the group for over 20 years.”

Women in the club get together to play table games, dine out, enjoy programs and speakers, go on day-trips, to movies, musicals, movies, plays and enjoy other activities.

“We are not a for-profit group,” Nancy said. “Their sponsors help provide places for them to meet.”

Members eat and play games like the Chinese tile game Mah Jongg, party bridge, canasta, bunco and Mexican train at places like The Chelsea Coffee House, Barnes and Noble, Inverness Country Club and Heardmont Park.

They have a girls’ night out and often dine out during the day. Nancy said they might try a new restaurant or meet in someone’s home, which helps newcomers become acquainted with the area.

They also have a book club which meets at Long Horns, and luncheon meetings and special speakers at Inverness Country Club.

The speaker for their November luncheon is attorney and consumer advocate Micah Adkins, whose specialty is identity theft.

The group has a board of directors, officers and committees, and there are national chapters in other cities, Nancy said. Dues are $25 a year to help cover various expenses.

The local club has 69 members, Nancy said. Officers are Chela Stephenson-Colvin, president; Robin Chandler, first vice president; Sheila Poinsett, second vice president; Dorothy Veil, secretary; Paula Thomas, treasurer.

The club has several special committees, including Sunshine and Inspiration to give special attention to people needing encouragement and support.

For more information call Nancy Ladshaw at 637-1310 or visit Newneighborsbham.com.