Gonna hafta find somethin' to do in this town...

[Ultralight]

I am going to need to find something to do, some way to be involved, here in this small town.

Suggestions?

[iris lilies]

Oh please. Isn’t your town something like 50,000 people? That is a nice size small city. I’ve lived in several university towns of 55,000 to 65,000 and there’s tons of things to do.

We are in the process of moving to a town of 2500 and there’s plenty of things to do.In fact I’m purposely staying away from the garden club, the historical society, the archives group, and the arts Council because I really don’t wanna do that kind of stuff I’ve already done it. Been there done that. I may join one of them in the future though when we actually move there.

[Teacher Terry]

I agree it’s a small town. Nothing smaller than 200k for me.

[catherine]

What do you mean? Involved in order to make friends, volunteer, have fun?

I found a friend in VT when I joined Meals on Wheels, and she was my trainer. That one and half hours with her wound up as a friendship--her husband and mine get along famously, and I really like her.

I found a friend when I brought my daughter's dog to the local park--she just struck up a conversation with me and we wound up hiking together.

Are there any leagues you could join?

And of course, there's always church (haha, just kidding)

[ToomuchStuff]

See if there are minimalism or fishing groups through your school.

[razz]

Maybe, you could suggest to us some new ideas for community participation that you are willing to explore. That way, we could suggest some pathways to do this. If your interests are very limited, the options will reduce accordingly.

[LDAHL]

One word: bowling.

[Rogar]

Any good fishing spots close by?

[pinkytoe]

My brother lives in a mountain town of about 2500. He always says it is better to be a big fish in a small pond and that his volunteer efforts at the river park are much more appreciated than they would be in a big city. I would start by volunteering doing something you like. Maybe the town has a Facebook page where opportunities are posted?

[KayLR]

Offhand I'd say go visit your local library. They usually have bulletin boards filled with events, groups and doings you might find interesting.

[Tybee]

I lived near where you are for 4 years, lots to do, just travel east a bit and you will find many like minded folks.

And go to the minor league ball games in the summer, lots of fun!

[Tradd]

You like outdoor stuff. Go to Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa. Canyon! Waterfall! Yes, in IL.

[befree]

A person can become very active in a smaller city...whatever you volunteer for is much appreciated. It doesn't take so long to drive across town for activities. A college town is bound to have lots of theater and the arts. And you can really feel a part of the community - if you want to.

[Ultralight]

I lived near where you are for 4 years, lots to do, just travel east a bit and you will find many like minded folks.

And go to the minor league ball games in the summer, lots of fun!

Good advice!

[Ultralight]

You like outdoor stuff. Go to Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa. Canyon! Waterfall! Yes, in IL. I have heard good things about this place!

[Ultralight]

A person can become very active in a smaller city...whatever you volunteer for is much appreciated. It doesn't take so long to drive across town for activities. A college town is bound to have lots of theater and the arts. And you can really feel a part of the community - if you want to.

All good points, and many are reasons I traded in the big city for a small, college town.

[dado potato]

Another idea: get involved to destigmatize dementia in your town. Is there a Dementia Café ongoing?

The time commitment would be about 90 minutes per month of socializing in the Dementia Cafe.

Just be. - Dr. Bere Miesen

http://alzheimers.net/3-30-16-rise-of-the-dementia-cafe

In the comments on the linked article is a directory of Memory Cafes, where you could look up your state, and perhaps your own town (if there is a café ongoing).

[Tybee]

Interesting idea, dado potato. My mom has dementia and this would be very difficult, getting her there-- for many, getting out of the house or facility is so complex, and she would find it frightening. But she is just one person with dementia, and many people with dementia have no problem leaving the house.

[dado potato]

Yes, Tybee, I believe that the Dementia Café participants may have access to specialized transportation or may have a caregiver living with them who are able to drive. And the socializing/café experience would not be for everyone, as you correctly point out.