Lyon said the group strives to make people feel comfortable and connect with others.

"We want to make people feel safe and find others with the same likes," she said. "It's a great way for adult working people to find a connection. It's a great way to mingle with people and do fun stuff, and if romance comes along, it's a plus, but we like to stress that it isn't a dating service."

Meadows says SLAG never gets the same crowd at events. Sometimes it takes people several months to feel comfortable enough to come, so there are often new faces. Other times people stop coming if they start dating someone and then come back if the relationship doesn't work out.

Anyone interested in signing up with the group would need to write an e-mail to Meadows at slc_activities_group@yahoo.com expressing their interest. Meadows said he will ask the person to tell a little bit about themselves, why they would like to be involved in the group and what they expect from it, just so he knows a little bit more about the person.

Alderman feels there is a need for the group in the area.

"I think this is something that's good for the Salt Lake area. We can really help people who are new to the area and looking for new friends," he said. "It's an alternative way to meet new friends and healthier in the sense that people can get out to different activities."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com