Greenback, Tn - Maryville, Tn (Knoxville, Seymour: transplants, lease, insurance)

[Tenn SR]

I just joined yesterday to find out info on Palm Coast, Fl we are thinking about moving there to be closer to medical, shopping and people. We have been in Greenback, Tn - 10 miles from Maryville, Tn for two yrs. When we moved from Fla, I thought I would really liked the country life, no traffic, and the hustle and bustle of everyday living. We are in our sixties , I guess something is wrong with us because I have not been able to make a friend in two yrs here or get a part time job. My husband even looked and could not find one. The state is beautiful, the people are friendly - no honking when your driving but, not much to do for the elderly unless you liked to farm or knit. The subdivision we lived in the people are retired or younger - so either they go to work or stay in the house all day except too walk in the evening. there is no social gatherings in this neighborhood. I guess we just picked out the wrong neighborhood to0 lived in. I wished I did liked it more because I hate to go back to fl. also, I noticed the same thing - someone said if they know your from fla they kinda are distance. Anyone from Maryville or Greenback have any ideas how to meet people are aged here. I am Catholic and I tried the church too - I don't go everywk because it is a 25mile run. I am limited in what I can do since a car accident 30 yrs ago I loss my leg -so hiking is out but, I did make it through the caverns -Beautiful ,Thanks, Ida

[gailli]

I have to agree with you. I am 64 and moved here from Florida in Sept. Its been really hard making friends. I live in Seymour which is about 20 min from Maryville. I did meet two very nice ladies on this board and we have gotton together a couple times but they live in strawberry Plains so its hard to see them much. I also have a bad back and cant get around really great, in fact probably getting a scooter if insurance will pay for it in Sept.

I tried the Senior Center but everyone was 75 and older it seemed and just want to hang out there all the time, we want people to have dinners with and entertain and watch football with, just cant seem to find them.

I'm not giving up though, we are signing another years lease so we are here at least another year.

[NJDevil]

I really don't think you're being snubbed because you moved from FL - people around here seem to be used to the transplants and aware of the issues in FL causing everyone to leave. If you met people your age with things in common, they would not care where you came from. Why is it hard to meet people at church - I am not familiar with how churches do things nowadays, but don't they have weekly bulletins or monthly newsletters? Do they write paragraphs about new members and their interests? Do they have enough social gatherings for people to interact? Maybe you could try a different church.

You are definitely right about FL - seniors seem to have many more activities there and a better quality of life. In order to find friends here, you may have to venture into Knoxville. The Senior Center gailli mentioned - what town is that? What does Maryville have for seniors? And have you tried the other towns around you, Vonore, Loudon, Lenoir City?

[Beretta]

Hi - it is hard to meet people here as most have known each other all of their lives and they tend to stick together. Here is a website that may be of help:A Senior Citizen Resource Directory for Blount County Tennessee including Maryville

Good Luck!

[NJDevil]

I don't know if any of these are helpful.
Wellness, Fitness, Travel and Recreation for Senior Citizens in Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County Tennessee (broken link)
City of Knoxville - Senior Centers
Loudon County Senior Citizen Center - (865) 458-5445
Everett Senior Center 983-0422 - Offers classes w/topics for seniors

Sound Healing and Music Therapy
373 Ellis Ave. Maryville TN, 37804
(865) 980-0137
The Inner Harmony Health Center is devoted to helping people integrate minds, bodies, emotions and spirits to lead more fulfilling and peaceful lives

[gailli]

I dont feel like I am snubbed due to being from Fl but it is hard to meet people, like SmokyMtGal said most of the people here seem to have their friends and family as they have lived here a long time or most of their lives. I went to a church near me and not one person spoke to us, we felt like outsiders.

The Senior Center I went to wouldnt be near Tn Senior but I'm sure there is one somewhere near her.

[oldmanbob]

try another church, as lots of bigger churches, have all kinds of activities, that you can plug into, and even if it means driving a short distance. We attend a church that many folks drive an hour or so. A great Church, Concord First Baptist, has all kinds of activities and you could plug in there. We were in a Church, that wanted us to play cards and games, and we told them that we were retired, not thinking about sitting around, so I know what you mean. Also check on some ways to involve yourself, with some civic clubs, you just need to reach out, and good luck.

[NJDevil]

maybe this is just my crazy thinking, but I think churches / synagogues etc. should write articles about new members and encourage everyone to talk to them, even going so far as to say "Helen, new member Jane likes to read sci fi stories too! Why don't you two chat?" or at a social function - "Jane, why don't you tell us about your travels around the world?" What better way to show southern hospitality?

[BarbG]

Originally Posted by NJDevil

maybe this is just my crazy thinking, but I think churches / synagogues etc. should write articles about new members and encourage everyone to talk to them, even going so far as to say "Helen, new member Jane likes to read sci fi stories too! Why don't you two chat?" or at a social function - "Jane, why don't you tell us about your travels around the world?" What better way to show southern hospitality?

I agree. One of the coolest things (IMHO) our church has is a list of people categorized by interests. We fill out a questionnaire, showing what our interests, hobbies, etc. are, and these are printed out in a 'directory' that is available for all. I love being able to see who else enjoys hiking or reading or cooking, and I'm sure the home-school parents enjoy being able to see who else home-schools. The part I really like, and hope expands, are people who do service type work and their contact info. For instance, if we need a tree taken down, who does that kind of work in the congregation?

That would really help newcomers, like it did us. If any of you are in a church, maybe you could suggest it?

If this is encouraging at all, we've been here for almost 3 years, and are finally beginning to build relationships. It was a long dry spell, but it sure seems to be improving. Here's hoping you all build loving friendships.

[NJDevil]

I found a good friend thru a Yahoo group - you can search Yahoo groups by typing in "Knoxville" as a start - there are some very interesting groups.