AARP national convention in Chicago - 2003
AARP national convention - a place to meet
By TOM BLAKE
Middle-age singles often ask where they can go to be among people, meet other singles and get involved in activities. Often, they wait until Friday or Saturday night before asking themselves, "Where can I go tonight to meet someone?" Then they're disappointed because finding an appropriate place at the last
minute is difficult. They focus only on Orange County when they could be including places beyond the county.
For example, consider attending the AARP national convention in Chicago the first weekend in September. It isn't a singles event, but many singles will attend.
Most everyone who reaches age 50 receives an invitation to join AARP, a nonprofit organization with 35 million members. Anyone 50 or older can join for an amazingly low $12.50 per year. There once was a stigma about belonging to AARP: "That's only for old retired people," friends would comment. But no more; many of them have joined – AARP is now a hip group of people.
Each year, AARP sponsors an AARP national convention. This year's is in Chicago is at the world's premiere convention center, McCormick Place. Two speakers from last year have been invited back; I'm honored to be one of them. My topic is "Finding Love After 50" (which happens to be the title of my new book).
Speakers this year include Debbie Reynolds, Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Dr. Phil, Louis Gossett Jr., Rue McClanahan and Amy Tan. Ray Charles and Jay Leno are the entertainers. The cost of admission to the convention is $10. Of course, there are other considerably larger expenses such as room, board and travel. But, what a great place to make new friends, learn, enrich your life and be entertained. You will find other singles like you with the same questions and issues about single life.
If you attend, of course there is no guarantee that you'll meet the love of your life, but I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience. And I hope you'll say hello to me, Tom Blake, before or after my speech (1 p.m. Sept. 5).
READER COMMENTS
George, Irvine:"I meet singles through the Internet. I find it interesting that women are having a problem meeting 'quality men' but won't say what 'qualities' these elusive men must possess. Give me your list, ladies, and remember, you better be quality also."
David, Anaheim:"California State University, Fullerton, has a program called Continuing Learning Experience. It's designed for active and curious people 50 and older, single and otherwise. Their catalog of events, classes and seminars is about a half-inch thick. There are about 900 members. There will be an open house at the campus Aug. 16 at 9 a.m. Call (714) 278-2446 for info."
Roger, Newport Beach:"The key to meeting new people is the right attitude and being friendly, open and available."
COMING EVENTS - Tom Blake
On Aug. 10, the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano is setting aside a special "Tom's Readers" section for the evening performance of Hawaiian legend Don Ho and his daughter Hoku.
Greta and I are going and will be having dinner. Sit with us. Call (949) 496-8930 for reservations.
On Aug. 20, I'll be speaking at the breakfast meeting of the Inside Edge, an educational foundation, at the Faculty Club at the University of California, Irvine. Call (949) 460-4242 for reservations. First-time guests $20.
Web site:
www.insideedge.org.
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