For six decades, the Strasburg Senior Citizens has been an organization unlike most others.

The group is not the average Rotary, Kiwanis or Lions Club, although it shares many of the same charitable causes.

The group, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in May, is a special place for those age 50 and older to fraternize, enjoy activities and forge a unique connection to the area and to each other.

A member of the Graybill family has been a part of the group for most of its existence. Kay Graybill is the group's only active third-generation member; her grandmother and mother were both also active members in the past.

"This is my third year in the club," she said. "My mom, she worked part time; it was more a way to just get out. And my grandma, at that age, she would just get a place to go out and meet other people. It just feels right to be in a group that they were a part of."

The group meets at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Strasburg Fire Hall, 203 W. Franklin St., Strasburg. There is a small door fee to pay for the rental of the fire hall. People from all around the county are members, although most are from Strasburg, Paradise, Quarryville, Ronks and the surrounding towns.

The meetings typically consist of fellowship, live entertainment, bingo, and informative speakers that are of particular interest to seniors.

"All kinds of things to entertain," described Graybill. "We also do some community service. We've been collecting food for the bank at the First Presbyterian Church; the last couple months we provided sleeping bags for the Tenfold homeless shelter program."

The group has around 35 active members, Graybill said. At the group's June meeting, they will formally celebrate their sixth decade of existence. Former members have been invited back to reminisce and share stories of the past.

The group was launched in 1966 by Richard Chambers and Joseph Gonder, two men who were both referred to as "some of Strasburg's most prominent citizens," per old editions of the Strasburg Heritage Society's magazine.

Outside of its monthly meetings, the group has restaurant meetups and theater outings around Lancaster County and takes bus trips beyond the immediate area.

"I think we are a little unique," Graybill said. "For 60 years we've maintained this organization, which is really hard at any day and age. I belong to several other groups, and it's like pulling teeth to get them to do things anymore. It's been fun to have a group that is willing to do the work and have fun."