By Amanda Monk
Moapa Valley Progress
Published August 4, 2010
Two weeks ago a few people gathered at the first adult summer fun group to discuss what they would like the group to do and just what were their expectations.
The new group, coordinated by the local Parks and Recreation office, is geared toward middle-age single adults. Local Parks and Rec staff members saw a need in the community to provide a network for activities and friendship for this group of people. In a small rural area, this demographic can sometimes be overlooked. They are too young for membership in the local senior center, but not really comfortable with the younger single crowd.
According to Parks and Rec staff, the idea for the group came from a suggestion of a woman in the community who had experienced the loss of her father while in her mid-twenties. She reported that her widowed mother experienced loneliness and solitude for the first time in 25 years.
Many that came together to participate in the newly formed group reported having experiences much the same. Whether they were newly divorced or never married, they all felt lost in the shuffle of life. They felt that their maturity and new lifestyles have made it intimidating to meet others in their same boat.
It was for this reason that Clark County Parks and Recreation added the adult meet and greet to their repertoire of programs. Headed by Teresa Reynolds, the group members agreed that the program was needed. They also agreed upon a series of activities that would be held including potluck dinners, games, movies, hiking, a book club and more. They were determined that the adult meet and greet was going to outlast the summer months.
The potluck dinner which was held on Friday, July 30 at the Logandale Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building brought new faces as well as shared dishes. Everyone was willing to don name tags during the beginning stages of the evening.
The activity was filled with sweet melodious Simon & Garfunkel and later a little Chicago, musical selection which were brought by those who wanted to share their music.
Stories of long ago children and local politics were shared across the table. Class reunions were talked about and were the only indication given of age. Attendees talked of their recent hardships during the economic slump and the joy of discovering who they are now that they are single.
Many participants shared their hobbies as well as their jobs. More than anything laughter rang out in the fine arts building.
As time passed, the discussion turned again to expectations for the group. Participants agreed that what they feared most was that community members in their circumstances would not join the group out of fear. They too admitting feeling some trepidation in looking for friendship and fearing that others might misperceive this as just gathering for a chance date.
“That’s not it at all,” said group member Debbie Scacco. “I knew I needed to do something with myself other than stay home and read books. It was especially apparent when I did my taxes and realized the amount I was spending on books in a year!”
Before the end of the evening, the group had agreed that next week’s activity would be a bowling trip. To that they added ice cream afterwards. Many said that they hadn’t been bowling in years and said that they look forward to having their Friday night filled next week. They said that Friday evenings had been the hardest to cope with and felt in need of an activity.
The next gathering for the Parks and Recreation adult meet and greet group will be traveling to Mesquite to go bowling. Attendees are gathering at 5:45 p.m. at the Logandale fairgrounds on Friday night, August 6. Transportation will be provided. Questions and arrangements may be made at the Parks and Rec office at 1301 Whipple Ave or by calling 398-7480.
