Chapter 1. Chapter 23

Synopsis

Charley is a 69-year-old widower who goes to the gym several times a week. He is a retired high school English teacher who enjoys writing poetry and participating in a poetry club.
Charley is an active volunteer in the community, too.

His friends, Elizabeth and Norman, encourage Charley to run for a seat on the town council. He has all but decided to do so when he overhears a conversation between two younger people at the gym. They murmur about the "old geezers" running the government and agree that the country would be a better place if no one over 65 was allowed to hold a public office.

Charley is shocked by their vehemence. Then he starts to think that maybe he is too old and should reconsider running for town council.

Visit these Web sites: www.graypanthersmetrodetroit.org (click the “Ageism” link on the left-hand side of the page) and www.apa.org (search fighting ageism).