In Good Company
Sons in Retirement in the North State…
When members of the Three Shastas branch of Sons in Retirement (SIR) gather at a local course for a friendly game, they’re doing a bit more than just playing golf. They’re teeing up another round of fellowship and enjoying some good company.
“The whole focus is providing an opportunity for people to be part of something that provides them with comfort, joy and camaraderie,” says Lee Lamp, branch president (his official title is “Big Sir”). “We’re geared toward promoting an active mind and an active body.”
Established nearly 60 years ago, SIR is a nonprofit social organization with 88 branches covering the top half of California from Bakersfield to the Oregon border and from Lake Tahoe to the Pacific coast. The demands it puts on its members are less than burdensome: “Be a friendly and sociable guy, participate, volunteer as your time and interest allow, (and) spread the word about SIR by inviting guests.”
Retired after lengthy careers with the Air Force and AT&T, Lamp joined the Redding branch in 2017. Soon he was chair of the golf committee, helping to organize outings for the two SIR golf clubs. One group prefers 18-hole rounds that are more competitive; the other club opts for informal 9-hole rounds. The latter “is much more of a social group,” Lamp says. “Nobody keeps score and afterward, you sit around, have a beverage and talk.”
Other club activities include regular bocce games at South City Park, outings to Colt 45s baseball games at Tiger Field, “a wonderful book exchange program,” and a monthly luncheon meeting that features guest speakers.
“We say ‘enrich your life and embrace a lifestyle that includes getting together with friends,’ whether it’s on the golf course, a luncheon meeting, playing bocce, getting pizza,” Lamp says.
Gerry Dodge, who joined SIR about nine years ago, enjoys getting out and golfing with others, which is easier to do with scheduled outings versus trying to enlist friends who often have schedule conflicts or other limitations. Dodge who serves as the branch’s assistant secretary, also enjoys the monthly meetings. “We’ve had some real dynamic speakers. It helps you feel more involved with the community. We’ve had the DA, city planners, courthouse tours, the Redding Dragstrip owner, the whole gamut. I’ve made a lot of good friends.”
That friendship and sense of connection is vital, according to the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging at Colorado State University, which notes on its website: “Emotionally gratifying relationships and the social and emotional support they provide buffer older adults against the challenges inherent in the aging process, such as negative health changes, changes in cognitive functioning, or possible social losses.”
“I was retired and looking for something to do and SIR has certainly filled the bill for me,” says Cris Andrews, who joined in 2006 after completing his third term as Shasta County Assessor-Recorder. Andrews was active with the golfers until back surgery put his game on hold but says he still enjoys bocce and playing cards with his SIR friends.
The Redding branch meets at 11 am on the first Thursday of the month at the Redding Elks Lodge. Membership dues are $40 per year. “We are about the community and that’s what it’s all about,” Lamp says. “We represent all walks of life. You don’t have to be a senior, you just have a desire to participate and be active.”
