Retired Men's Club

The YMCA Retired Men's Club has a rich history dating back to 1961. The group of gentlemen focus on community service, supporting YMCA youth programs, and building relationships through social activities. The RMC is always recruiting new members!

History of Retired Men's Club

The YMCA Retired Men's Club dates back to the summer of 1961, when a gentleman by the name of Howard Hansis called a meeting in August with five men in attendance. Hansis was the Associated General Secretary of the Rockford YMCA at that time. By November, the membership had grown to over 20 members.

The first general invitation to membership was issued May 15, 1962. The original purpose of the club was the need for companionship and to cure the boredom of retirement for men who had not seen each other since their grammar school days and World War I.

This group of men decided they could best serve the community and their interests by benefitting the youth programs of the Y. Each year since 1962 that has been the primary purpose of the Retired Men's Club. In 1996, the Board modified its purpose to provide a program of entertainment and education.

The RMC still meets weekly in the YMCA Log Lodge. Each week the program consists of a speaker from the area ranging from our local, county, state and federal government officials, local business executives, federal agency members and health officials from the area health systems. 

Club Activities

Bowling Leagues

Bowling Leagues

There is no boredom with this group. We meet every Monday for 36 weeks from September to April, except holidays. Whether you bowl a perfect game or you are just getting started, there is a league for you. All new bowlers receive a free bowling ball with drilling, when you sign up for a league.

Card Playing

Card Playing

No boredom with these guys - on most Tuesdays prior to and after the meeting, you can always find a group playing cards; pinochle, cribbage, euchre, etc.

Christmas Party

Christmas Party

Even Santa stops by the Retired Men's Club, as the members and their families celebrate Christmas with a luncheon and party each year.

Corn Boil

Corn Boil

Each year the club hosts a corn boil as a social function.

Cubs Game

Cubs Game

A must do activity! Each year, a group of men and their wives spend a day at Wrigley Field watching the Cubs play ball. GO CUBS GO!

Golf

Golf

Tee off Tuesday morning with one of the foursomes from the Retired Men’s Club and get in nine holes before the regular meeting at 1:00 PM.

Men's Chorus

Men's Chorus

Each week, members of the Chorus visit one of the many nursing homes, assisted living, retirement centers, and senior living centers in the Rock River Valley providing entertainment from their selection of songs from the 40s through the 70s.

Pool

Pool

Every Tuesday and Friday morning a group of men from the club get together for a game of eight ball or nine ball to defeat boredom - the original purpose of why the Retired Men’s Club was started.

Club Fundraisers

Christmas Tree Sale

Christmas Tree Sale

The sale of Christmas trees and wreaths is by far the biggest fundraiser for the Retired Men's Club. Proceeds go to benefit youth programs at the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Pancake Breakfast

Pancake Breakfast

The Retired Men's Club hosts two pancake breakfasts each year as a secondary fundraiser to support the activities of the club.