This group is in the formative phase, with a new organizer.

At first meeting Feb 12th, all members said they wanted to form new friendships.  About half of attendees said they were interested in a caring, safe discussion group format, rather than an activities group,of which there seem to be plenty.

 And it was thought that the meetings should use guidelines like:

•  1st half-hour moving around and socializing
•  next 60-90 minutes seated and discussing a particular topic
•  last 30 minutes moving around socializing

  At the first meeting some people did not handle alcohol well, so we are thinking that alcohol will be limited to first 30 minutes.  It was clear also that to avoid unwanted advice giving, scarcasm and philosophizing, the discussion will ask people to speak from the first person ("I feel...., or "My needs are...., "I'm looking for....)

The aim going forward will be to build connections through talking about issues of common concern.  The topic being considered for the next meeting is "How my relationships are enhancing my life, and what I want from them."

Some future topics considered:

issues re chlldren going off to college, aging parents or grand children;

financial, or health pressures;

thoughts about working or retirement;

"friends with benefits" or "no strings attached" sexual relationships.