 | | | ABC TV weatherman Spencer Christian recently spoke to the SIR club. Photo provided | | | | | | What's a guy to do with all his free time after retirement? If he's interested in staying active, making new friends, and trying new things, he might join Sons in Retirement (SIR). Its mission is to promote independence and dignity in retirement. The Lamorinda area has two branches of SIR, branches 171 and 174; both meet at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center in Moraga for a monthly lunch and speaker.
There are no fees to pay; members simply pay $25 for the lunch.
"This is a place to come for new friendships and new activities to try. It's a refuge, in a way, from other demands on your time like community service and fundraising. We just enjoy being together socially," explains Tyler Hunt, a branch 174 member for four years.
In addition to the monthly luncheon, members enjoy a plethora of activities to choose from either on a weekly or monthly basis. Some gather for bridge, poker, dominoes or pinochle. There are groups who like to hike, golf, bowl or play bocce. There is a fishing group, a book club, and wine tasting groups. In addition, there are extended learning opportunities in investments or computer technology. While spouses are not included in the monthly lunch, they are invited to most of the other activities. In December both Lamorinda branches come together for a couples' luncheon and holiday celebration.
SIR was started in 1958 in San Mateo and conceived by Damian L. Reynolds. He gathered three friends together to meet for lunch. From there the idea was born, and the next month they had 18 for lunch and adopted the name Sons in Retirement along with some rules for membership, including the idea that there would be no dues or fees and that this was a place for men who were retired and semi-retired from full-time employment to enjoy social time together.
There are now 150 branches throughout Northern California. The Lamorinda branch got so big and had a two year waiting list, so another branch was added in 2009. Each branch boasts more than 100 members, ranging in age from mid-50's to over 90 years old.
Jon Leuteneker, Big Sir of Branch 174, serves as chairman for the year. "I enjoy the monthly speakers and the camaraderie of the people I meet doing things I enjoy doing. We welcome new members to join us."
Larry Thompson, a 20-year member of branch 171, adds, "It's a great way to get out of the house and get involved. You form friendships within the activities you choose to be a part of."
For more information or to inquire about membership, visit www.branch171.sirinc2.org or www.branch174.sirinc2.org.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA