People Alone Caring Enough is a great place for locals of all ages to meet other single people

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"We have a welcoming committee, and we don't leave anybody standing around in a corner," says Richard Dutkiewicz, current president of an active Moncton singles' group, PACE.

People Alone Caring Enough was founded 24 years ago by a small group of people wanting to help themselves and others rebuild their lives after relationship break-ups.

Somehow, though, over the years the community has started seeing the group as a singles' club for the greying and white-haired crowd.

"That's not how we started, and it's not how we'd prefer to go on," Richard explains. "It's just the feeling around town."

PACE accepts members from ages nineteen and up, and would like to attract some younger members.

When asked if he thought if internet singles and dating sites might be drawing young people away from his more traditional group, Dutkiewicz responded that it might be, to a degree.

"With that kind of thing you don't have to get out to meet face to face until you want to, which of course you do have to do by showing up in person," he points out.

What does PACE have to offer that the average Moncton single person might find attractive?

They hold dances every second weekend, in licensed premises. The music isn't always the latest, but it's classic rock that you can dance to.

In addition to the dances, there are weekly volleyball and badminton games, and 'supper and chat' events at restaurants around town.

Business meetings of this incorporated organization are held on the first Monday of each month.

PACE also holds special events. Coming up on May 3 is a volleyball tournament which will include singles' groups from Saint John, Fredericton, and Charlottetown.

And in July there's a weekend of camping in the Belleisle area near Saint John.

An event close to Richard's heart is coming up on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Branch #6.

The speaker for the evening will be Captain Wheeler from the Canadian military, who will give a talk on the positive effects of Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, such as the construction of schools, roads, etc. The public is welcome.

All of PACE's events are open to the unmarried general public. The only events to which married couples are invited are the annual anniversary dance, and re-union nights.

The group looks forward to moving into permanent quarters in the basement of the Beausejour Curling Club sometime in April, when current remodelling should be completed. Their membership stands at 110.

If you or some one you know wants information about times and places, or about the group in general, contact Richard at 856-6178, or e-mail sanctuaryknight@hotmail.com. Don't be shy - go ahead and meet someone face to face.