Viewfinder: Canton Newcomers and Neighbors

Nearly 50 women showed up for the Canton Newcomers & Neighbors Club kickoff meeting Wednesday night — including some who wanted to learn more about the group, which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

"We had six who joined and 13 visitors, so hopefully we'll have more join," said Vivien Pierson, the club's co-president.

Socializing, interest group sign ups, a raffle for the benefit of the Partnership of the Arts and Humanities; a dinner from Carrabba's — with a chocolate cake for dessert — were among Wednesday evening's highlights.

Rita Polek, 84, a 20-year Canton resident, visited for the first time after being invited by friend Marilyn Messina, a 4-year club member.

"It's really nice," Polek said, musing about whether or not she would join. "Marilyn had me sub for some bunko nights … but I'll have to sleep on it. I belong to so many clubs."

The club sponsors a number of social events, including a ladies bunko night (a round-robin dice game); Let's Do Dinner; euchre night; walking; Chick Flick Night (women go as a group to see a romantic comedy); a couples social night out, and a book club as well as other activities.

Eileen Schmidtke, who moved to Canton from Westland nine years ago, said she joined the club during Wednesday's meeting as "as way to meet new people."

Schmidtke, mother of a grown son and grandmother of two, said she keeps busy with her job as an X-ray tech at University of Michigan Medical Center.

As part of the gathering, guests brought a gently used purse and drew numbers to shop from the pile of donations for a new one.

Newcomers are invited to attend one general meeting and one interest group with no obligation to join. To learn more, visit the club's website to read a complimentary newsletter and get details of upcoming events.