Lonely LI seniors quest for connection turns into thriving friendship circle for hundreds of women
A North Merrick woman has gone above and beyond to unite lonely older strangers on Long Island — by creating a “friendship circle” with nearly 850 members.“Four years ago, I put out online that I was looking for friends that I could call my family,” the group’s founder, Ester Horowitz, 68, told The Post, adding that her motivation came from a shrinking sphere of companionship because of age and COVID.“The reaction was about 300 responses.It made me realize how many of us were feeling isolated,” she said.Now the widely popular group of women over 55 — with their spouses also invited to certain events — has genuinely brought a shine to their golden years.
On any given day, a member posts on their closed Facebook channel to seek out a buddy to join them for a walk, meal or other activity.“I probably know at least 50 new people now” through the group, longtime member Toni Smith, 68, of Bellmore told The Post.The group also holds more extensive planned events such as excursions to theatrical plays, museums and game nights at restaurants.Some members are mulling over the idea of a group cruise, too.“It feels like the new version of being a neighborhood kid and knocking out the door to see if somebody can come out to play,” said Horowitz, who explained that the circle grows when its members invite their outside pals.The founder, who initially felt embarrassed to ask for new friends online in 2021, has even gathered the gals for important talks on Medicare and cybersecurity.
She also organized an upcoming three-and-a-half-hour defensive-driving course, a hot ticket for the circle.“Life is better with friends,” member Jenny Jardine, 65, of Wantagh, told The Post.The connectivity was on display last week during one of their larger get-togethers — an evening of card games including Mahjong and Italian food at Patrizia’s of Hicksville.Eatery manager Tony Luisi was so thrilled to hear of Horowitz’s work that he even printed out specially ...