Vol. 26 No. 10
Visit us on the web: www.lifeafter50online.com
November 2016
Taking a Chance on Love ...
AND SPEED DATING By Becky Hurley
F
red and Darlene Rohr know a little something about romance. Their love story began in February 2015 at the Colorado Springs Senior Center’s second-ever Speed Dating event. Six months later they married at the VFW Hall in Security, Colorado, surrounded by family and friends. CSSC Director of Senior Programs Mary Swantek and co-worker Allegra Ulibari attended the Rohrs’ wedding reception where the bride, the groom and the wedding cake all sported suspenders – Fred’s trademark. Swantek says the staff didn’t realize the couple was dating until a few weeks later. Pictured, from left, are Allegra Ulibarri, Fred and Darlene Rohr and Mary Swantek. The Rohrs met at Colorado “Fred and Darlene came to the Center’s Springs Senior Center’s second-ever speed dating event. Thursday afternoon dance. By that time, you could address too soon. And follow-up meetings are tell they were together,” she says, noting that within recommended in public places. weeks Darlene had a ring on her finger. “We’ve seen steady interest,” she says, adding No longer reserved strictly for the young or that women typically sign up first while men usually middle-aged, today’s speed-dating is a worldwide wait until the week of the event. phenomenon. The Senior Center offered its first The program, designed specifically for older session in October 2015. Second and third events adults, was inspired by a humorous, poignant 2014 followed in February 2015 and this past October. - Fred Rohr “Age of Love” documentary Center Director Jody Swantek believes it is the center’s safe, familiar Barker had seen online. The Senior Center soon environment and protective approach that have obtained permission to present its own event. contributed to the event’s success and popularity. Participants often come in anxious and nervous, While no background checks are done, each See SPEED DATING, page 13 participant is asked not to share their last name or
We just talked and talked. I knew there was something there.
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