There’s a volunteer opportunity for singles or couples, on Tuesday mornings in the Shepherdstown Public Library in the new year!

The Social Seniors Leisure Lounge meets from 9 a.m. to noon in the big room at the library. This is a Shepherdstown Shares project that began last June, and has attracted many regular participants from Shepherdstown and surrounding areas. The program is expanding, with more participants and a variety of activities, most of them suggested by those who come each week.

Geared to the needs of older residents, many who live alone, and some with dementia, accompanied by a spouse or caregiver, the Social Seniors Leisure Lounge reaches out in many different ways. From 9-10 a.m., it’s mostly “meet and greet,” pouring a cup of coffee or tea and snacking on a variety of baked goodies. Guest speakers, entertainers and other events when available, usually happen between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.; after that, participants can socialize however they wish — by playing fast-paced card or word games, moving to a corner of the room for a brief stretching-out program or just hanging out with different folks in the room. The last hour leaves time for socializing, sharing stories and getting acquainted with new people with a wee bit of time reserved for cleaning and either getting on with their day or taking time to explore the many offerings of our beautiful new library.

There’s so much more that can be said about this outreach program! Our immediate needs are for more hosts to oversee the Social Seniors Leisure Lounge each week. Duties may vary each week, but often include setting up the room; readying the coffee and tea service; putting out the refreshment of the day; answering questions and engaging in conversation; and putting on a happy face while serving the “social seniors.”

Please consider signing up to host two or more get-togethers each month! It’s an opportunity to broaden your own circle of friends, converse with people from a multitude of backgrounds and serve a community of citizens often overlooked and underserved.

If you are interested in becoming part of this endeavor, please call Judy Jenner at 304-620-2237 or Jan Hafer at 540-604-6703.

We hope you’ll act on this opportunity now and not let 2025 slip away along with any good intentions!

Judy Jenner and Jan Hafer, of Shepherdstown