Niftys chase boredom away

The group, in existence for only eight years, has a combined age span of 2,052 years -- and there are only 33 members.

That's pretty nifty, you might say. Maybe that's why the parish seniors' group is called "Nifty-Plus-Fifty."

"Our members range in age from 55 to 89," said Bonnie Arbitrio, the group's founder and coordinator. "When I gave group members the results of my little survey, they were both awestruck and delighted at the numbers."

Starting the group was the brainchild of the pastor, Rev. Anthony Diacetis, a "Nifty" member himself.

"The group is a big success," he said. "It offers a great opportunity for seniors to get together, enjoy each other's company, [have] some good laughs and play cards. We also have great food at our meetings."

During the warmer, more pleasant months of late spring, summer and early fall, the members go "out of doors" to such places as a dinner theater at Lake George, Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady or a night at the races in Saratoga Springs.

During the winter, they go indoors for educational presentations. For example, a member of a rescue squad presented a recent program about the "Vial of Life."

"Parishioners from all age groups attended that gathering," Mrs. Arbitrio said. "Our members like presentations like that. They are educational and interesting."

The format for the group's meetings is loosely structured. According to Mrs. Arbitrio, that's intentional because they want "walk-ins" to feel welcome.

"We really want to share the good news with others that we are a bunch of friendly, fun-loving people who celebrate birthdays each month and take the time to enjoy the distinct pleasure of each other's company on a regular basis," she said.

Most of the "Niftys" are also active in parish ministries, such as volunteering at the Salvation Army's soup kitchen in Schenectady, or being lectors, Eucharistic ministers, choir members and part of the Women's Guild.

"No matter what goes on here at Our Lady of Grace, our group is present to support their efforts," she said. "We're usually the first to show up and the last to leave a parish function. Our members are very much a part of parish life here."

The group is so popular that it recently acquired two rather unusual members: Baron, a female mixed-breed dog owned by Father Diacetis, and Rocky, Mrs. Arbitrio's German Shepherd. According to the pastor, both animals enjoy the social aspects of the group and the great food. Mrs. Arbitrio added that the human members like having the dogs around to pet and talk to.

"Everyone is welcome to come to a meeting and visit," she said. "We get together to share our time and presence with each other. It is a warm and caring group of people. When we get together, there is no time for 'the blues' or boredom. Come to a meeting and see what we are all about!"

(For information on the "Nifty Plus Fifty" group, contact Bonnie Arbitrio at 399-5713.)

(03-21-02) [[In-content Ad]]