“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” ~Unknown

This month Andrea and I are going to share our story of how we met.  The circumstances of our meeting support the thesis of our past two columns on social isolation and volunteerism.  At that time, in 2019, I lived in Chaplin.  I played Mah Jongg twice a week at the Senior Center and took yoga in the adjacent library. One Tuesday morning a refreshing wind blew, ushering in Andrea.  She joined our table. Thereafter, we became fast friends.  We are close in age, share many interests, and have similar backgrounds.  And, who knew, that my husband and I would move to our great home here in Hampton in that same year, the summer of 2019. As a result, Andrea has introduced me to many Senior related events and other Hampton community resources.  We also met two other fine women from Hampton that blew in with the breeze to the Chaplin Senior Center to join our Mah Jongg group.

I hope this personal story will encourage others who may be feeling the need to develop a new chapter in their lives to let the breeze usher you into a new era in your lives. While there’s no magic wand to fix loneliness, there are things you can do to make new friends, and to rekindle or sustain the friendships you already have. For all the strategies, you still have to take initiative—and be vulnerable.

Moving on to fun activities, Pickle Ball is all the rage now. It’s offered twice a week at the Chaplin Senior Center, Monday and Wednesday mornings. Andrea and I learned there, and still play there. It’s offered indoors in the winter months, which is great! You don’t have to be a Senior to play.  Call the Chaplin Senior Center for details.

Chaplin offers delicious hot meals twice a week for only $5 each.   They are so much better than Meals on Wheels. And some of you may know the wonderful “chef”, Bob Grindle. Unfortunately, no eating is allowed indoors yet.  Your meals will be handed to you through your car windows by happy volunteers. Call Lisa Kegler at the Chaplin Senior Center for details at 860-455-1327.

Mah Jongg lessons/playing are starting up again in Hampton on Thursday mornings from 10 to noon in the Fletcher Memorial Library community room. American Mah Jongg is a fascinating rummy-like game you play with tiles rather than cards. We guarantee some laughs and making new friends. Peggy McKleroy has been teaching Mah Jongg in Eastern CT for over 10 years. All skill levels are welcome. Call the library at 860-455-1086 for any questions.

Until April, Andrea and Peggy, Cochairs of the Vision Committee for the Hampton Seniors Club