SENIOR MEN’S CLUB
HISTORY OF THE CLUB
THE ORIGIN
In 1956, Mr. R. S. Gregory moved to Birmingham from Plainfield, NJ, where he had been a member of a senior men’s club. After describing that club to The Community House (TCH) leadership, they sent letters to local men aged 65+ to gauge interest in forming a similar group. The enthusiastic response led to a meeting on January 11, 1957. Club officers were elected in April, and a Constitution and By-Laws were adopted on December 6, 1957.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FIRST 50 YEARS
Over time, numerous groups formed within the Club to promote fellowship, shared activities, and community service-its core values.
The Reminder, the Club’s monthly bulletin, was first published in 1968 and continues to inform members about upcoming events and activities.
In 2005, geographic restrictions on membership were removed to encourage broader participation. The Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2007 with a commemorative DVD highlighting its first five decades.
A major change during the decade following was the adoption of digital tools. By 2013, the Club’s website featured a member directory with photos and military service information, reflecting a new era of communication.
60TH ANNIVERSARY – 2017
The Club marked its 60th Anniversary with a year-long celebration. Highlights included a gala evening at the Birmingham Village Players in November 2016, special May luncheons, and the dedication of a newly named “Senior Men’s Club Room” at TCH.
SHOCKING 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of all in-person activities in March 2020. By April, the Club began using Zoom for Executive Board meetings, then for Friday and group meetings. All major events, including the Picnic and Holiday Party, were cancelled. As restrictions eased, golf, walking, and other outdoor activities resumed.
DRAMATIC CHANGES IN 2021
In 2021, The Community House leadership declined to continue hosting the Club’s weekly meetings, ending a long partnership. A search committee secured The Iroquois Club (IC) as the new Friday meeting venue. Meetings resumed there in September 2021 after months on Zoom.
The Senior Men’s Club Foundation was established as a charitable nonprofit to support initiatives benefiting senior men. Its first $5,000 grant went to the Alzheimer’s Association–Michigan Chapter to support caregiver respite programs.
65TH ANNIVERSARY – 2022
May 2022 marked the Club’s 65th Anniversary. The Club had successfully adapted to post-pandemic operations with meetings at the IC, Zoom sessions, and group gatherings at Baldwin Library. A new logo incorporated “Birmingham, MI.”
A Strategic Plan (2022–2025) was adopted to ensure alignment with the Club’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Average weekly attendance reached 95 in person and 30 via Zoom. The Foundation awarded grants to the Michigan Veteran Homes (Chesterfield Township) and The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial.
2024
The Foundation awarded grants to Habitat for Humanity, Hospice of Michigan, Michigan Parkinson’s, St. Joseph Hospital, Matchan Nutrition/St. Vincent de Paul, and the Alzheimer’s Association–Michigan Chapter.
The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) supported projects with Habitat for Humanity (yard cleanups in Madison Heights), Life Remodeled (Detroit cleanup day), and SCORE (mentoring small business owners). A Veterans concert at Lake Orion’s 20 Front Street was organized jointly with the Special Events Committee and Orion Memorial Veterans.
The Board conducted a Self-Assessment Survey to evaluate its governance and guide continuous improvement.
Total membership reached 547 (326 Active, 115 Life, 106 Associates). Average Friday attendance: 130 in person, 20 via Zoom.
2025
The Foundation continues its community-focused mission grants to local organizations. 2025 Recipients: Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Michigan, Michigan Parkinson Foundation, Matchan Nutrition Ctr/St Vincent DePaul, PACE Southeast Mich., Vets Returning Home and Life Remodeled.
The Community Engagement Committee deepened partnerships with SCORE, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Matchan Nutrition Center (Pontiac), Micah 6 Community, the Pontiac schools’ Robotics Program & Life Remodeled-Detroit’s 6-day project.
Weekly pickleball, launched in 2022, remains popular. A new Discussion Group was established, and themed Friday luncheons now celebrate cultural and historical events including MLK Day, D-Day, Islamic traditions, Oktoberfest, Diwali (180 total attendance), Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Paper tickets for SMCB special events have been discontinued, replaced by electronic tickets through Ticketstripe. The next step is to accept electronic payment for the Special Event tickets, then Friday lunch payments.
A Member Retention and Engagement Committee (MRE) was formed to support ongoing membership growth and participation.
Membership has reached 595: 362 Active, 109 Life, and 124 Associates, including over 80 new members joining in 2025.
SUMMARY
Since its founding in 1957, the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham has evolved from a small group of retirees into a thriving organization grounded in fellowship, service, and lifelong learning. With its strong leadership, active committees, charitable Foundation, and commitment to community engagement, SMCB continues to adapt and flourish well into its seventh decade.
Anthony Parrottino
Club Historian