Single, and ready to mingle

photo courtesy of Annette Savory

THE MEMBERS OF ACTIVE VALLEY SINGLES, A SOCIAL GROUP FOR MEN AND WOMEN AGED 55 AND OLDER, MEET FOR OUTINGS SEVERAL TIMES PER MONTH.

Finding companionship is something most people strive for. Just ask Sheri Dorn.

When her husband passed away nearly seven years ago, the long-time Milton resident found it hard to reignite her social life.

“I still wanted to do things, like go out to dinner once in a while, but I felt out of place doing things with my married friends,” the 60-something explained. “So, I would just stay home alone.”

However, that changed when Dorn became the newest member of Active Valley Singles.

“I don’t feel odd or out of place, because we’re all single,” Dorn explained. “I’m finally a part of a group that understands where I’m coming from because we’ve all been through the same kinds of things.”

Active Valley Singles was formed about 10 years ago, to fill the social void for men and women aged 55 and older. The group holds one regular meeting per month to plan outings that include movie nights, field trips, sporting events and dinners. Almost all the members have been divorced or, in Dorn’s situation, have experienced the death of a spouse.

Over the years, the group has maintained a membership of about 20 people. Some moved on, others passed away, and some found new love – however, current

members emphasize that this is not the goal of the group.

“This is not a dating service,” said Annette Savory of Edgewood. She has been an active member of the group for nearly three years.

After her husband passed away while in his 60s, the Baby Boomer from Milton discovered maintaining a social life had become more difficult.

“I had a lot of married friends, but when I went out with them, I always felt like the third wheel,” Savory said.

And because of her age and ability level, she did not really fit in with the crowd at her local senior center, either.

“The activities they do at the senior center are great for them, but I just didn’t fit in.”

Savory noted that the Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census) are often overlooked or

forgotten when it comes to social groups or programming.

“It’s an age that no one has been concerned with,” she said. “Years ago, people my age would just stay home and take care of the grandkids. It’s not really like that anymore for us.”

Since joining the group, Savory and Dorn noted its members have all been really laid back, friendly and fun. Savory considers them being almost like a second family.

“These are people who, if they need us, we’re there for them.”

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