photo by Brie Cohen

Norma Demmer, president of the Albert Lea Solo Parents & Singles Club, left, sits next to Janet Scherb, the club’s treasurer, at Demmer’s home Thursday. Demmer has been a member of the club for about 15 years.

Going solo

Published Tuesday, October 27, 2009

For Norma Demmer, it’s all about doing something for people who are alone.

Demmer is the president of the Albert Lea Solo Parents & Singles Club, an organization of which she’s been a member for about 15 years.

Demmer was recently named the club’s outstanding member and was recognized at a convention in Mankato.

“She’s the mainstay of the club,” said Janet Scherb, the club’s treasurer.

Demmer is modest about what she does. “I do it for the club,” she said. “I enjoy people and I enjoy working with people.”

It’s all about finding things for people to do together, Demmer said. The group has dances and play days, where they all get together for cards, games and lunch. A local celebration in conjuction with the National Play Date will be held in Glenville this year.

In the past, the group has also had progressive dinners, something Demmer hopes to revive.

Its regular meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Albert Lea American Legion Club. The group also goes out to eat once a month for birthday suppers, with those celebrating birthdays that month choosing the location.

Demmer said the group has about 30 members and always welcomes new people to join. “We have many widows and seniors,” she said.

Dues for a year are $15. Members get a portion of that back for their birthday meal and Christmas party meal, the president said.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the group can call her at 377-2772.

She said she enjoys being part of the organization because of the people involved.

“Each and all of them are very good friends,” Demmer said.

At the convention, the club was also recognized for its newsletter, which is put together by member Shirley Burdick of Waseca.

In addition, Demmer is on the calling committee for St. John’s Lutheran Home. She’s active in her church and organizes regular mini-reunions for women of Albert Lea High School’s Class of 1947.

She grew up in Albert Lea and was married to Lester Demmer for some 50 years before he died. Together, they farmed in the Hartland area.

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