"Bloom where you are transplanted, or planted ..." I had heard that expression a few times from different friends before and after our move to Mobile.

So a year later, when I finally got around to checking out this group called the New Mobilians, I was amused to find this same saying proudly displayed on their Web site, and I was amazed at the number of friendly faces welcoming me to their September meeting.

The diverse group of more than 200 members ranges in age from 30 to 80 and represents previous hometowns from 37 United States and nine other countries. As their brochure states, "The New Mobilians Club opens a way for new women residents to meet and make friends, become a part of a group and find their place quickly in the community that is now called 'home.' "

The $20 annual membership fee has supported several charitable organizations, including Wilmer Hall Children's Home, the Child Advocacy Center and Treats for Troops. About 70-80 members usually attend the monthly lunch on the first Wednesday from September through May, sampling new restaurants and venues to help introduce newcomers to the area's offerings.

According to Susan Cumpton, president, special interest groups meet about four out of five days of the week. "There has been a 'Moms and Tots' group; at least 12 couples do a dinner club; and about 40 people rotate houses for a TGIF once a month," she said.

To be considered a "New Mobilian," you need to have moved here within the past five years; also, members don't have to withdraw if they move again. Because of some transient careers, some may be here for only five to six years, but according to Cumpton, about 50 percent stay with the group, and many of those who do move away still come back for Mardi Gras just to reunite with friends.

The group's Mardi Gras celebration is not affiliated with any of the Mardi Gras societies, but was started as a way for newcomers to learn about this local tradition.

"When I moved here in '92, I was newly married, working as a lawyer," Cumpton said. "But when I started staying home when my children were born, I really needed to meet other moms."

Bring on the Mom's Night out, Moms and Tots, TGIF, Walking Group, Scrapbooking, Lunch Bunch, Beading, Book Club, and more.

The group works hard to get the word out about their meetings. One of their goals this year is to contact human resource departments at some of the larger companies in the area to spread the word about the group, Cumpton said.

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