suzi-r t1_iwcd4r0 wrote on November 14, 2022 at 4:30 PM

As a long timer in the UV, can tell you that friends come from shared values & activities. For me, a weekly walking group, a weekly art group, and volunteer work for the town’s elder luncheon group have brought many acquaintances & friends. Having a shared mission really helps. Getting to know local workers can be a path to warm chat beyond basic business. Helping others is a way to help ourselves. What’s yr wife most interested in? A local gardening group, even thru winter, can be fun. A charity or activist group could be an answer. Is there a local listserv or Front Porch group she could join? Once she explores a little, she’ll find a universe out there. Vermont life is quiet, does not scream at you, but there’s far more here than meets the eye.

Averne t1_iwdi94w wrote on November 14, 2022 at 8:58 PM

I’m in the UV, too, and would love to hear more about this weekly walking group.

suzi-r t1_iwe0k5g wrote on November 14, 2022 at 11:03 PM

My neighbor (about a decade older than I) and I met one sunny day 19 yrs ago and started the walking group as a way for older women to get regular exercise, learn the lay the land better, and have a social outlet. We loved the idea that we’d forget how far we’d walked because we were focused on learning more about each other, area events, and cultural enrichments—also that we’d be safer ganging up without a dog or child to manage. We get together the same day each week year-round dressed for whatever elements prevail at a public area parking lot with lots of space. We chat a few mins, then decide which route—road or park path—would serve most needs. Some folks turn around before others, needing to walk a shorter distance due to recent surgery or an appointment they need to be on time for. Sometimes someone will get a great idea for BBC a walk and we try that. Sometimes someone brings a book of wildflowers and we ID species. (We often slow down for that in May!) Occasionally someone asks us to come to her house for a little party, or arranges a special walking tour (like a nature path or an orchid trail) for those who’d enjoy that. Most of our walkers are from my town; three are from adjacent towns and drive to the meeting spot each week. It’s been great for fresh-air exercise—yes, even in mild-moderate storms and hot days, too. We help each other thru health issues (“who’s the best doctor for—?”) and legal & $ issues (“Can you recommend a good estate attorney? —accountant?) and even help each other with rides when our car’s in the shop. Our group numbers about 15, a good size given our parking needs and the trails we like. You can find walking groups established in a number of towns, often organized as offerings of senior centers and aging resource centers. Some have town-sponsored ones. Some neighborhoods have started them. If you find nothing near you, then ask various folks—your local town clerk or senior center activities coordinator, recreation director, even your librarian. Check your local listservs or Front Porch network. OR, start one yourself. All you need is one or two others. Find common ideas as to how you want it to go. If you’re creative & flexible, you’ll have a great time!

suzi-r t1_iwe17hh wrote on November 14, 2022 at 11:08 PM

In the prior post, delete BBC. My autocorrect is after me!