Three festive participants in the Ugly Sweater contest held during the Friendly Seniors Member Appreciation meeting Monday. In photo (l-r), Olive Coburn and Bessie Lindsay and Claire Shaw.

Story & photos by Samantha Bridgman

Fun, fellowship and service are the core values of Lunenburg’s Friendly Seniors, a non-profit social group. Evidence of these values can be found in many places – the Eagle House, local credit unions and schools, spread around by its 150 members.

    Recently, a member appreciation day was celebrated at a special meeting of the Friendly Seniors. The meeting included normal business as well as pizza and ice cream, followed by raffles and games of bingo and cribbage, in thanks for their involvement in the past year. Red and pink decorations adorned the tables, and bright smiles were seen all around; there were even a few celebratory Ugly Sweaters in attendance!

    With Valentine’s Day drawing near, a King and Queen of Hearts were chosen by raffle. The winners, Dick Sampson and Violet Fitch were crowned and gifted with heart shaped boxes of chocolates.

    The Friendly Seniors operate separately from the Lunenburg Council on Aging. They accept members from Lunenburg and surrounding towns that are aged 60+ or are physically challenged. Yearly dues of $7 are gathered by a treasurer, and fund monthly meetings’ food and entertainment.

    Every second Monday of the month, the Friendly Seniors meet at noon at the Eagle House.

    Meetings are opened with the pledge of allegiance and are followed by a reading of the minutes from the previous meeting. The monthly Financial report is read by treasurer Alma Requera, followed by the Cheer report read by Amy Leet. Leet, a member since 2004, is the board member in charge of hospitality. She collects information to share about ailing members and sends get well cards or sympathy cards to families of members who have passed away.

    Leet enjoys her duties as well as the companionship she finds in the Friendly Seniors.
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