Senior Connections Stories

Recent weeks had been quiet at the Senior Connections table in a local public library. Dean, a new volunteer, was having second thoughts about his volunteer commitment. He thought of the fast-paced life he had before he retired from sales, and how he had looked forward to taking it easy. But now, he wondered if the two hours he sat reading in his library each week was what he really wanted. The rest of his week was quiet as well. He packed together the senior citizen handouts he had placed on his table and looked for the librarian to file away the extra materials. Jane waved to him from across the aisle, "Dean, come over here, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Dean sighed and walked over, thinking about the words he would use to quit his volunteer position. He'd never quit any job before.

Jane introduced Dean to Ruby, a very attractive older woman. He didn't think about women any more, since the death of his wife over two years ago. But this woman was different. She seemed upbeat and lively. Surely she wasn't here to inquire about senior citizen concerns. Why did Jane bring her over to him? "I was asking the librarian to help me locate concerts on L.I." Ruby began. "Since I sold my shop, I can't stop going. For years I worked in one small store and went home at night. I didn't realize all the stimulating activities and friendships I was missing."

Dean brought her over to the Senior Connections table, near the reference area. He pulled out some local newspapers, the Oyster Bay Arts Council Calendar, a listing of websites for seniors. He didn't know where to start. Yes, there were lots of activities he too was missing. Maybe he would check out some of the concerts himself. Maybe he would continue his Senior Connections volunteer work. Ruby took some of the papers out of Dean's hands and sat down next to him smiling.