About fourteen years ago I found myself at a singles' function.  I had learned about the group from a friend and had driven about an hour to be there.  The agenda included the usual welcome and mention of upcoming activities along with the pre-requisite "social time".  So, there I was again, standing in a lack-luster room, balancing a cup of coffee (that I didn't really want) and a rather dry looking doughnut, hoping that I didn't look as awkward as I felt.  Remind me again...Why was I there?

Several acquaintances drifted into my circle of discomfort and the conversation turned to the lack of opportunities to meet people who enjoyed the kind of activites that we enjoyed such as hiking, canoeing and other outdoor stuff.  Before the end of the evening, we had decided to follow up on some of our ideas and set a date to get together. 

At the time, I was the Activities Director at Hudson Guild Farm in Andover - several hundred acres of woodlands and ponds with a sprinkling of rustic cottages and an impressive turn-of-the-century (albeit shabby-chic) mansion.  Our first formative meeting took place in this tranquil, natural setting and Outdoor Single Friends was born.

The preliminary criteria for membership included an age range guide of 40 plus (OK ,so we were all over forty) and a clear definition of the term "single" (widowed, divorced, separated or never married).  A Nominating Committee was established: Ruth Furnell, Ehtlyn Wein, Peggy Joplin, Susan Michaels, Nancy Dreschler and myself and the first slate of officers was put into place: 1st Vice President Susan Michaels;2nd Vice President Bill Mormon; Corresponding Secretary Judith Harsell; Recording Secretary Betty Hankowich; Treasurer Ruth Furnell and Kay Money (me) as President.

We all agreed that we needed a "home base" and The Farm was, of course, our choice.  The combination of regularly scheduled meetings (the first Sunday of the month) usually under a rose arbor in the warm months and in a cozy living room in the winter with access to miles of hiking trails that wandered over acres of woodlands and lakes, had to spell success!  In April of 1991, the first order of business was the adoption of the By-Laws.  Shortly after that, we incorporated with a non-profit designation.

Over the years we have weathered several "home base" changes and we are now very fortunate to be meeting at Camp Jefferson, located in the Lake Hopatcong area of Jefferson Township in Morris County.  The activities and events that we have enjoyed during our nine succesful years have included canoeing the Delaware River and the Pine Barrens, golf outings, bowling, picnics, swim parties, brunches, dinners, concerts, doo wops, holiday events and weekend trips.  Today our membership is 160+.

Our past presidents, Ruth Furnell, Sandy Fisher, Anne Byrnes, Mike Alpern, Kathy Crotty, Pam Michaluk, George Fenn, Janice Goffreda and Dick Kohn along with the dedicated former board members, advisor's and committee volunteers continue to be an integral part of a support system for our current (2007-2008) President Sharon Mahedy. 

A future of continued success and growth is assured.  Our organization's diverse calendar of activities and events will always attract stimulating and dynamic guys and gals.