A heartfelt tribute to retiring Marge Hart
Three cheers for Marge Hart who (started) her retirement from being director of the Sheila Ray Adult Center on Oct. 9. She became director a year before Phyllis and I moved from Philadelphia to Elk Grove to be closer to our family and grandchildren.
The first year we joined the center we had evening meals that Marge set up for seniors. I don't remember the food but I do remember it took us about a half-hour to eat and we spent the next half-hour or longer socializing and making friends. Looking back, making friends was more important than eating.
I then became a regular member of the current events group. Seniors who enjoy learning about local, national and international affairs have a greater appreciation of our older years.
Marge encouraged me to organize a Veterans group that met with Elk Grove High School students. Our veterans told the students about their wartime experiences. We tried to answer their questions such as how to stop these wars.
Marge was always encouraging seniors to meet with many different students.
There were monthly banquets Marge set up and we attended several of them and enjoyed talking to friends. Marge is also editor of the Adult Center Buzz, a bimonthly news letter for members. Often seniors will write stories or poems and jokes.
There are many challenges for seniors. Just recently my wife was one of three seniors who fell and broke their wrists. We are always making adjustments. I used to be a better than the average tennis player, recently I realize now I am below average.
Marge has just organized a walking club. In some cases exercise is better or as good as medication. Still the right medication has helped some depressed seniors to enjoy life.
The field of growing older is becoming a challenge for our society. Today there over 36 million seniors and roughly 30 million are women. Our society is just beginning to help them.
Can you remember 60 years ago there were few senior centers, and some churches helped? Today we have senior centers in most communities, and mental health centers in most cities.
Today many of adult centers are second homes for seniors living alone. Today there are over 5 million seniors over the age of 85. Harvard University is making a study of seniors over 100, who are enjoying their senior years.
Sadly there are low income seniors and disabled persons who live in homes, mainly in our cities, four living in one room. Some churches are trying to help them find meaning in their lives.
Marge, enjoy your trip to visit your family and see the country. Come back and help the seniors in any way that also turns you on for enjoying life. Thanks for all the creative programs you set up for us seniors.
Robert Pendleton
Elk Grove Village