One of my few remaining cousins spent the weekend with me, and we went to the West County Democrats 10th anniversary party after a visit to see her new grandson.
She then asked me to go with her to become known to "Dottie's Group." She showed me a card which said, "Join free—men and women, ages 62 and up. We eat, drink and get acquainted. Singles only, call Dottie at 314-638-3402."
Anyhow, we got to Miss Sheri's cafeteria in Concord Village at 1 p.m., and found about 30 people who fit the description all ready to eat lunch.
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After the eating of food of our choice served at the cafeteria, a short session was held in which new guests were able to introduce themselves and an interesting discussion of what was available as activities.
Almost every city has a senior program through their Parks and Recreation Department, and of course we in Eureka have the MEAAA Route 66 Senior Center: The Mid-East Area Agency on Aging. These actions have a means of public funding.
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Dottie's Group got started in South County through individual effort, including word of mouth and an ad in a local newspaper with information similar to the handout card that I was given.
Evidently the desire to have someone to talk to, however brief, became attractive as each person who took part paid their own costs and had a couple of hours' chat with others in that category.
I was told they meet on the second Monday of each month, and all is done with the phone call to Dottie. I told her I would use the info in a blog, and she said as long as it was free, go ahead as she has no budget to promote the effort.
It seems that all with whom I spoke had a story to tell, and though well into retirement, there was a lot of experience and drive in those who were there.