SHEPHERDSTOWN — At the beginning of the summer, a free, new program was established in Shepherdstown, to help combat loneliness in the local senior citizens population.

The Social Seniors Leisure Lounge (SSLL), sponsored by Shepherdstown Shares, is held weekly on Tuesday mornings, from 9 a.m. to noon. Initially, it convened in the War Memorial Building (WMB), but this week, it will change locations and begin meeting in the Shepherdstown Public Library, according to Shepherdstown Shares member Judy Jenner. The reason for this, Jenner said, was because of the WMB’s prior commitments.

“The weekly get-together for anyone who considers themselves old enough to participate, began in mid-June at the community club,” Jenner said, referring to the WMB, which is owned by the Shepherdstown Community Club. “The club, in partnership with [Shepherdstown] Shares, offered use of the downstairs room, with the stipulation that the group could not meet there during most of October (when the annual Legendary Book Sale, including its preparation and clean-up, takes place) and the whole month of December, for the Handmade Holiday Market.”

Jenner indicated that having to cancel or reschedule the meeting location on the dates that the space was being used for other purposes, seemed like a less-than-ideal longterm situation. On top of that, having to worry about finding and paying for parking had proven challenging for SSLL’s participants.

“Enter the Shepherdstown library,” Jenner said. “[Director] Christy Hagerty offered Shares the use of [the library’s] Commons Room. Besides providing the program uninterrupted use, it solved the parking problem many attendees and volunteers faced downtown.”

A group of about 15 participants currently gather together for the Social Seniors Leisure Lounge, eager to have an opportunity to socialize, try out a different activity and share snacks together, including coffee donated by McDonald’s and cookies provided at a reduced price by the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery.

“Medical science tells us we need to periodically ‘dust off’ our social skills, reach out to others, make new friends and learn new things. To that end, the leisure lounge offers a number of activities, such as gentle exercise programs; assistance with navigating local, state and federal social programs they might be entitled to; and partnering up to play board game,” Jenner said. “Folks can come for part or all of the morning. Older residents who live alone, caretakers for a family member or those whose friends no longer live in the area are especially encouraged to attend.”

Jenner noted that a small committee from Shepherdstown Shares currently organizes SSLL, with only six volunteers in all helping to run SSLL. More volunteers are needed, to ensure the continuation of the program.

Those interested in volunteering, learning more about SSLL or even requesting a ride to the SSLL are encouraged to call Jenner at 304-620-2237.