Once a month Club

 I belong to a "Once a Month Club". Where I live there is a small pool, much like a wading pool for adults.  It has been an amazing spot to develop friendships and over the years, four of us would often find ourselves consistently there at the same time.  For two months we would see each other nearly every day and then go into ten months of hardly any contact. We came up with the idea to meet once a month at a different restaurant and catch up.  We would take turns picking the place, date and time.  We, okay I, felt it needed a name and hence "Once a Month Club" began. We have had some struggles to make sure we are all available for an evening meal and we are presently finding going out for breakfast works best.  What started out as taking turns planning a place and date, is now simply a spontaneous text the day before and it always seems to work. 

In the olden days there used to be community clubs that met once a month.  In my former community I belonged to the "Newlyn Community Club".  My Mom belonged to the "Bethal Ladies Aid".  Apparently, community groups go back to pioneer days. I can't imagine the excitement for those pioneer women that would walk to the meetings with their toddlers to see their friends. They called each other "Mrs.", and everything seemed very formal.  When I belonged to the Newlyn Club, I was assigned one meeting date for the year. I would clean the house from top to bottom, not that anyone was going to be in every room in the house, but if they did it was clean.  I put the tablecloth on the table and set it with my china.  Providing lunch was very important detail and you wanted the women to be impressed with a new recipe.  Those memories seem like a lifetime ago now.  

I have belonged to groups where there are rules, and I have to admit I like group rules. I really like the rule that only one person talks at a time.  I also like the expectation that all group members contribute to the conversation of a group.  I feel responsibilities of the group should be shared.  The thing I really like the most is a strong President or Chairperson.  Someone who makes sure discussion is productive and progressive.  As a rule most people complain about meetings, but I like them.  I like the discussion and hearing new ideas.  Someone always has the answer to a situation and this may be the only time they are heard.   

I am sure that most of you reading this remember some type of a "Once a Month Club".  I just love the names people come up with for their groups.  My Mom's knitting group "The Knit Wits" is a great example.  Book clubs are popping up everywhere and avid readers really enjoy them.  Knitting groups, quilting groups they are all bringing people together with a common interest.  There are also the less formal groups that meet regularly and have a bit of routine for going to a movie or out for drinks.  I believe it is often referred to as "the girl's night out". 

It doesn't really matter how formal or informal a group is, it meets the need we have of belonging or being part of something.  I feel routine is important because it is like glue to keep the group together.  Everyone knows the rules, objective of the group, time and place.  It takes a lot more work to keep a group going than for it to fall apart, so just commit and keep it going.  Always remember to love working with the group or maybe it's not the right group for you. It is never work if you are having fun being involved for a common goal. I have a good friend that loves being a member of the Rotary Club.  I find I live vicariously through her and think of myself as an honoree Rotarian when we talk about the group's success.  

Joining a group is a great way to meet people.  Sometimes we need to push the refresh button on our friend list and a new group may just help us to do just that. One thing about being retired is, there is so much time and wisdom to give to a group, so why wouldn't a person do that.