In 1955, more than one older parishioner of St. James was looking for a way to socialize with others while family members were away at work or school. And so the Golden Age Club was born, fostered by a handful of parish women with the backing of Father Heller. Among the founders were Irene Bannach, Marie Carrasco, Mary Winters, Ann Guida and Simone McCauley.
Seniors gathered in what is now Heller Hall for weekly card games and bingo. With their own by-laws providing for annual elections, the Golden Age Club prospered. They eventually moved operations to the Falls Church Community Center in 1969. The Golden Age Bingo Club continues to meet there weekly.
Howard Herman, retired Director of Parks and Recreation for Falls Church, remembers: “When I first started to work for the department while I was a student at George Mason, my main task on Tuesday mornings was to set up the gym for the Golden Age Club. The club was very active and vibrant with over 100 members. It was a good time and a great group of people.”
Now St. James Seniors meet monthly for fellowship—still in Heller Hall. Each meeting features a program and meals or desserts. Begun in the early 1990s for widows and widowers, now St. James Seniors welcomes all parishioners who claim the designation “senior citizen.” Meetings are on the third Thursday, even in the summer. Watch the Bulletin for the next gathering!
Looking to get involved? Contact Mary Anne Stallings at 703-237-2768, Cae Gilley at
703-533-3845, or Susan Jackson at 703-533-3482.