NORWAY – At First Baptist Church of Paris, one woman’s idea may help revive the lost art of socializing.
For Jean Federico, the Senior Social Center represents a time gone by, when people would visit friends and neighbors for no particular reason other than good conversation and maybe some good food.
“When we were kids, mom and dad would pile us in the car and we would go visit,” said Federico. “Now when you go to someone’s house, it’s always structured around an event. We don’t know how to socialize anymore.”
That bygone era sparked her idea of starting the Senior Social Center, which kicked off its second year of operation on Monday. The group meets at the Paris Hill church every Monday afternoon for three hours from now until the end of April, when the weather hopefully will allow for outdoor activities. The center begins operating each year the week after the Fryeburg Fair, which ended Sunday.
Pies, brownies
Federico, the center’s facilitator, said it’s especially important to provide social opportunities for seniors, who sometimes live alone and may be more prone to feelings of isolation during the long Maine winter. “The opportunities for them to socialize are few and far between,” she said.
“Nobody here knew each other when they all started,” she added, gesturing toward the dozen or so seniors who were arriving at the church on Monday, carrying goodies including pies and chocolate brownies.
The center is open to anyone and has only one “membership” requirement – one has to be retired. The group includes married, widowed and single people ranging from their early 60s into their 80s.
The center has become a mission of First Baptist Church, said Federico, a trustee who also serves as church treasurer and chairperson of the deacons. A church fund allows her to purchase materials for the center and provide coffee, tea and snacks. Many seniors also bring food. Proceeds from a weekly 50/50 raffle also fund the endeavor.
It’s about friendship’
Seniors gather to talk, eat, play card and board games, watch movies or do whatever else suits them. Elizabeth Shaw of South Paris worked on a baby quilt. “I bring it here because I quilt a lot,” she said.
“For me, it’s about friendship,” said Nancy Lee of South Paris. Lee has attended AARP meetings but prefers a less formal gathering. “They are into government and have an opinion … there’s no pressure when you come here,” she said.
“And this is a lot cheaper,” joked Ambrose Flynn of Oxford.
Many seniors drive to the center and some form carpools. Last year, Western Maine Transportation Services provided bus service for a small fee, and Federico said she will try and make the same arrangement with the agency this year.
New programs this year include a scrapbooking class and musical entertainment. Federico said a local massage therapist may also teach a class about balance.
“I think it’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” she said.
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