We’re gearing up for our September social event. The tablecloths and napkins are sorted, the menu has been finalized, and the punch recipe is ready to go. Our social events are a bit of work, and there are logistics involved, but when our care recipients walk through the door of the First Congregational Church, light enters the room. Everyone smells the coffee brewing, old friends find one another, and new friendships are built.

Our care recipients choose to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Some of them are quite active and can drive themselves to appointments and to run errands. They play sports and go on daily walks. For others, however, they are alone…sometimes for days on end. Part of what N2N does is to honor their decision to stay in their home and to help them get out of the house when they want and need to.

Several years ago, we discovered that providing our individual services to our care recipients wasn’t enough, so monthly social events were added to the list of what our volunteers do. Typically, the events involve a luncheon and some form of entertainment. Last month, we watched “Anchors Aweigh,” and I smiled when I heard ladies sitting behind me comment on how young Frank Sinatra was. I could hear the delight in their voices. This month, a local barbershop quartet, The Dorset BBQers, are going to perform. There will be singing…and I’m guessing it won’t just be the quartet’s voices ringing out in the room.