Enjoying the art of retirement

Wouldn't it be nice to have an organization for retired guys that simply focused on the well being of retired men? It would have a monthly luncheon and offer a variety of social activities, including golf tournaments and groups devoted to travel, poker and bridge, for a start. It would also include several functions per year where wives and/or lady friends (not both) were invited.

But it would be open only to those men who were retired from fulltime employment from their primary job or profession.

Meet Sons In Retirement, also known as SIR, a central and Northern California organization dedicated to "promoting the dignity and independence of retirement."

The idea for SIR originated in 1958 with a kickoff luncheon in San Mateo. At a second luncheon, 18 men became the founding members of the organization.

Today, there are approximately 165 branches between Bakersfield and the Oregon border, with about 24,000 members. Some branches have more than 250 members and because of maximum seating limits at luncheon sites, some require a brief waiting period before new guys can become full members.

Each branch is headed by a "Big Sir," with a "Little Sir" waiting in the wings to take over after the term of the "Big Sir" expires.

Luncheon meetings typically include reports from committees, including golf, finance, travel and membership. "Birthday Boys" for that month are identified and celebrated, and there is a "Sunshine Report" - about the conditions of members not able to make the meeting for health reasons. There are introductions of all guests in attendance and there is usually a guest speaker of some sort.

When the luncheon is over, the SIR go their separate ways, learning more about branch activities via their branch newsletter, many of which are very elaborate and impressive, with photos, charts and first=class graphics.

SIR also stay in touch by joining in on one or more of the branchsponsored activities. There may be groups for bowling, fishing, computers, investments, bicycling, dancing, eating out, and attending sports events and more. There is no initiation or membership fee for SIR and the cost of luncheons and annual branch expenses are minimal. And other than the requirement of being retired from full-time employment there are very few rules.

One is attendance at luncheons is mandatory. Members who miss three luncheons in a row or six in a year without being excused are out.

There are no fund-raising activities or political or religious agendas.

SIR is about retirement and retirees, pure and simple.

So how does a retired guy who is interested find out more about joining one of the SIR branches? One way is to get invited to a SIR
luncheon by a friend. Another way is to come to a branch meeting.

Our branch is No. 109. We meet at the Marysville Elks Lodge at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information call John Fontes at 673-7097 or e-mMail jbfontes@sbcglobal.net.