Geezer and Golden Gals in Hinesburg
The ‘Triple G’ group, more sedately called by the Carpenter-Carse Library staff “Senior Meet-up,” gets together every Monday from 1 PM to 2:30 PM in the community room of the library.
Yu had to love the start-up negotiation with the library staff about our choosing the name “Geezer Club.” They deemed it inherently sexist because they understood the term to exclude females. Not having an etymologist in our midst, we had no choice but to haggle over the way we refer to our women members and ended up with the new “more inclusive” name, “Geezers & Golden Gals,” which was accepted with some lingering trepidation by the library staff. It’s a mouthful, so one member persists in calling us the “Old Farts Club.”
We are a lively group and welcome newcomers. Topics range widely depending on current interests and the free-flow direction our discussions take. There are only two rules: A) Only one person talks at a time (no side conversations) as many of us are hearing-impaired and (B) No biting.
When on occasion the discussion gets a little loud or randy, a librarian may peek in, give us “a look,” and close the door connecting our meeting space with the children’s reading room next door.
In response to former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s diagnosis of widespread loneliness in America, especially among older people, many communities organized local meet-ups where the elderly can come together, have coffee, make new friends, and find personal connections. Many Vermont communities responded.
My first experience was when a geezer friend invited me to join him at the Huntington Library to experience the phenomenon firsthand. At 80, I felt immediately the lift this gives to one’s spirits, enjoying greatly the company of these experienced, wise and often hilarious strangers. The sense of connection is immediate.
When I heard my neighbors in Hinesburg had started one, I transferred there and have been a regular attendee ever since.
My wife, Kate, is also a regular and together we’ve made many new friends and acquaintances there. And look forward, as the group grows.
Stop in and say hello. Who knows, you too may be hooked.
— Bill Schubart, local geezer.
