BLIND DATE Many years ago, I went on a blind date and contrary to what most people say about them, mine was rather enjoyable. So when I received a phone call from Mary Zurisko inviting me to lunch on Monday, June 21 at the MACA Building, I was pleased. I never met Mary before, but figured that, if the past was any reference point for me at all, our luncheon date should go well. When I entered the building for lunch on the appointed day, I was pleasantly pleased. Mary greeted me warmly, and in a few moments, I felt like I had known her all my life. She introduced me to the Marienville Senior Center's President, Gertrude Van Buren, who also made me feel very welcome. Some of the seniors I knew from my wandering around Marienville. When Dutch Shields came in, I felt right at home. I don't believe I go anywhere in Marienville without finding Dutch present. Dutch, her daughter, Donna, my wife, Cheryl, and I spent many happy hours together watching soccer and basketball for the past few years. After introducing myself, I sat down with Mary, Joan Schorman, the Coordinator of the Forest/Warren Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Don Boschini, the Director of Transportation, and Gertrude. They proceeded to tell me the story of how the Marienville Senior Center came into being. Nineteen years ago, senior citizens in Forest County received the first of more than 19,300 meals as part of the Nutrition Program. Currently, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, seniors are still being treated to a well-balanced meal at the MACA building. Originally, the program fell under the Department of Welfare. Many original participants did not like the connotation. They believed that receiving meals from the program was akin to being on welfare. In 1974, "Title 7" of the Older Americans Act promoted nutritional improvement for area seniors. Eighty percent of the funding comes from the lottery and twenty percent from the local Area Agency on Aging. Boyd Ekis was the first of twenty-five presidents of the Marienville Senior Center. Currently, sprightly, octogenarian, Gertrude Van Buren, is president. Evelyn Hickman was the first of seven cooks. Cathy Cochran is presently fulfilling the role. Seniors don't just get together for lunch, cardplaying, and bingo. In the past year, members crocheted lap robes for any member who entered a nursing home. On May 6, to honor all the mothers, the members gathered for a special dinner. A live band entertained the group. Marienville Paramedics presented a program for the members on May 13. A special father's day dinner was held on June 17. Last October, 1992, the seniors traveled to Erie for the day to visit Paschke's Mum Farm sampled wine at Mazza's Vineyards, toured Troyer Potato Farms and ate freshly made chips, and ate dinner at Brown's Village Inn, a landmark home that has been totally restored as a historic Civil War site. In November, 1992, the group toured Wheeling's Oglebay Park and its "festival of lights. They browsed through the Oglebay Mansion, the aquarium, the aviary, the Zoo, and other points of interest in the area. President Van Buren told me that many local people are just not aware of all that the Marienville Senior Center has to offer them. She said beside a nutritious lunch that is available for a modest donation of $1.25, transportation to and from MACA is free. For those who absolutely cannot get out of their homes, the Center serves "Meals on Wheels." Menus are planned by Joan Schorman, from the Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Under the title, Experience Inc., the Forest-Warren office serves the needs of Seniors in a variety of ways. Established in 1968, Experience Inc. is dedicated to providing services to enhance the quality of life of seniors who desire to remain independent for as long as possible. Schorman said professional staff are trained to recognize areas of concern and make referrals for appropriate services. Some of the services the AAA provides Level I Care Management, Protective Services, Level II options included nursing home placement assessment services, family caregiver support programs, long-term care ombudsman, in-home personal care, home support, domiciliary care, along with Center Services like those provided at MACA. Any person who needs information regarding AAA services can call toll free, 1-800-222-1706. After lunch, I asked the members what prompts them to come to the MACA Senior Center. Some of their comments were: "I meet nice people." "I get to play cards with my friends." "You get to know new people." "We have a very good cook here." Thirteen of the eighteen seniors in attendance Monday were not native Forest Countians. By coming to MACA, they become an active part of the community. "I'm learning to fit into the community in a new way," another member told me. "I get out of the home a several times a week, and this is nice for me. I don't like to be alone," reported another. The joy of being with new and old friends seems to be the overriding factor for their coming to MACA. Don Boschini, the Director of Forest County Transportation, encouraged the Seniors to use his service. He said that his department can and will support the MACA Senior Center in any way that he can. Shopping trips and other activities requiring transportation can be scheduled with him. He said that in his ten years as director, he cannot remember any time when he refused to take seniors anywhere, anytime. "We're restricted to travel within Pennsylvania, though," he said. But as long as the group wants to go somewhere and drivers are available, he will make sure the trip go. The major concern of most of the seniors was the dwindling membership. Some of them suggested that some new and exciting activities might bring in new members. One idea was to encourage MACA to purchase a television and VCR and make it available to seniors during the morning hours so they could come and congregate at the center. Another notion was to invite the Coffee Klatch, which Alex made so famous in this column, to vacate the local eateries, and come to MACA each morning for their java. Scheduling more day trips for members was also proposed. Don Boschini said that he would support any activities that the Marienville Seniors requested including traveling to Erie, Pittsburgh, or anywhere within reason. Other members mentioned a plan for "Each one to Bring One" so that all those in the community who were eligible to attend would be able to participate in the meals and other activities. President Van Buren, Mary, and the others decided to bring all these ideas before the officers for further discussion and possible action on one, some, or all of them. When I prepared to leave, Mary asked if I could create some flyers for them so that they could mount such a campaign. I told her that I would make one for her. As I drove back to work, well-fed and pleased with being so readily accepted by the Marienville Seniors, I wondered why more folks don't take advantage of what is available so close by. All in all, my blind date went very well.