 | Blogs > LodgeManager > For the Carolina Swamp Lands > Is a Seniors Social Club a good or bad idea? |
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 8/7/2008 8:29 am |
Why not make a little money on it, just to pay the electricity. It doesn't have to be a big cover charge. Afterall, the Lodge is a business.
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8/7/2008 9:47 am |
If you're sure you don't wish to make money from such an event then why not advertise it's availability to any Local Charitable Organisations..These are often 'strapped for cash' and although would like to put on a special event can rarely afford to do so!...You should however firstly enquire how you would stand re insurance(incase of accidents or property damage) for such an event Im not too sure how that works over on your side of the pond!..just a thought.
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8/7/2008 9:52 am |
I started a local Senior Meetup Group. It Grew to about 25 members it was like pulling teeth to get them to show up for the monthly dinners so I dropped it, it was costing me $20 a month. I did it for a full year. Seems many want to join few want to attend it.The other thing was no one wants to help with the planning so it will be a lot of work for you or whoever takes it on.    The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
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8/7/2008 9:54 am |
If I were you, before you tie up a week-end, take a poll, or have a vote, putting a voting paper on your counter for all to do, making sure whomever is at your counter, reminds them to do so. If you have a mailing list, send out the question to them. I am a lover of Karaoke whether it's a senior function or otherwise. Some seniors, I know, are not comfortable in a crowd of younger people. I say the more the merrier...lol Best thing is advertise every week for a month before you do it, then try it one week-end. If the advertisment got around, you'll know if it will work. Just my thoughts. 
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8/7/2008 10:04 am |
I think you should advertise as Cariad1960 said? Don't know how far you are from civilization...but I'm guessing there would be a group that might like to rent it out for an evening. I am also guessing that you would probably have to be involved as well, -in some way. Be it Alcohol/or not...food/snacks you know this sort of thing. Think it would be a great idea to supplement your income and of course "WE" all need to do that sometimes.
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8/7/2008 10:39 am |
I have an idea that might work for you. 1. Find a local band (seniors if possible). Apply a cover charge of maybe $5.00, give 1/2 to the band, apply the other 1/2 to your advertising, (Flyer's on car windshields, etc). Have a table with snacks for everyone, stuff that make them thirsty. You make your money selling drinks. Everyone gets to hear some music and dance. You could have one for seniors then one for the younger crowd. Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything Jean Louis Etienne
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8/7/2008 10:48 am |
Oh, you would have 'up-front' the ad money, as well as the snacks. I would suggest a big pot of chili, and some crackers. Maybe some hot dogs, pop corn and pretzels. Could be that the band would work for free at least the first time. But charge the cover from the beginning, or people will get angry if you add it later. I've got a ton of ideas...LOl Dang, I've spent way to much time in bars...LOL Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything Jean Louis Etienne
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8/7/2008 10:56 am |
Advertise it as a "Senior" function and a lot more ppl will come as they will know there won't be rap or hip hop music. I personally would go to that but not an open forum. I wouldn't reject any young ppl but my advertising would be for seniors. If the kids start to take it over, I would instate an age minimum....such as 40 yo. just mho. Good luck, it sounds like a great idea.
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8/7/2008 11:09 am |
Hi Lodge, Here in Montreal we have a huge singles group. It's numbers are in the thousands and they tend to break it into age groups as well as the area you are from. They usually have at least two functions per week 1. A dance/dinner yes alcohol is served and one the reasons I have not gone yet. 2.An activity day like a long hike through certain areas of the city, or bowling or tennis.. I am more liable to go on the hike one but used to just hiking with my walkman on and not having to really chat.. After all I get horse from writing on the blogs. I have yet to attend one of their get togethers.. But is nice they email me a few times a week with the goings on here asking me to come. I must admit I am not a party person so unfortunately the worst person to ask is me..  Kitcat I was not looking for my dreams to interpret my life, but rather for my life to interpret my dreams" (Susan Sontag)
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 8/7/2008 11:40 am |
Advertise, if you have a band, your gonna have to pay them, so a donation or a small cover charge maybe necessary.. You may need both Karaoke and a band.... Karaoke for when the band is at break time.... lol also have a few rooms handy for , you know how it is when some drink, some one always gets prettier at closing time lol... even though you don't want to make money off of it, I can see it being a good money making venue...You may need a snack bar also when people drink and dance they tend to get hungry...
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8/7/2008 12:34 pm |
I used to attend what we called the "Old Fart Dance" on Tuesday Nights when I lived in West Virginia. It would be no big deal to drive to West Virginia which is just over the boarder except with a 4am Start Time for Work, the "Old Fart Dance" has become a thing in the past. They didn't serve alcohol which was fine with me because I don't drink anyway. The Bands voluteered their time and folks donated Money and Supplies. There was also a Pot Luck. I miss the dance but now that I am moving to Charlottesville................. I am talking Mr. Joe into attending A Clothing Optional Resort.  My darling girl, when are you going to understand that 'normal' isn't a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage." Aunt Frances - Practical Magic 
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8/7/2008 12:58 pm |
You were thinking of a cover charge, weren't you? Will alcohol be allowed? 'Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile. '
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8/7/2008 2:01 pm |
Way back before they had Pentium processors, they had Chat Parties before they became Bashes. Many a time a group would get all hot and excited about a chat party. EVERYBODY was coming...so one poor soul got picked to take care of the hotel reservations and such, say in New Orleans. When the time fianlly came, out of a couple of hundred that said they woud be their without a doubt, only about 20 actually showed up. I think its a crap shoot. Roll the dice and take your chances. I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was.
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8/7/2008 2:02 pm |
You might also want to check with your local senior centers. Maybe they would be willing to help out with a survey to find if there would be enough interest. I like Cariads suggestions, and Countrygirls best, but all are good ideas. Personally, I think its a great idea. "...I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam 'cause I yam what I yam"
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8/7/2008 2:06 pm |
Gary --- Having a light-bulb moment here (I hope it's not a burned-out light bulb - LO . ABOUT --- 'Senior's Social Club' - would that be mostly for late afternoon/evening event(s)? Because - possible that some (or most) of the Senior's who might want to attend/join on w/a Senior's Club , BUT - some/or many don't want to drive after dark? For more than one reason - sooooo ... ... is there a limo/small 'bus'-type vehicle rental agency -or- similar kind of transportation service available in your area? noooo - NOT FOR YOU to take on as additional expense -or- NOT FOR YOU TO TAKE ON another 'thing' to organize, BUT - to see whether that agency would want to advertise/do 'marketing' ON YOUR ADVERTISING/marketing/flyer - so some (maybe most?) of the senior's wouldn't need to drive their own vehicle, some will have vision problems about driving after dark. That way, if there's some alcoholic beverage served/or not - the limo/bus agency would be 'Designated Driver'. Also, with pretty much widespread concern about cost of gasoline, ONE BUS/LIMO service would be a heckuva lot less expensive than several -OR MANY- people/vehicles. Gary: Yes, I know - what I just wrote isn't very clear -- the idea/thought just popped into my moth-eaten brain the very second I came here to read and write reply. Gary, I'll ponder on this a while longer, will get in touch/write email to you at your office. Sorry I'm several thousand miles from The Lodge, so I'll only 'be there in spirit/vicariously ... but I would just LUVVVV to see you make 'Senior's Social Club' a FUN reality! It's not about whether you do it as a profit-making venture --- it IS ABOUT finding way(s) to inspire Enthusiasm in senior-age folks in your area! Now, going to cook a burger/late lunch/early din-din. Then, I'll have a nap - and after that, will ponder further about what I feel is a GOOD IDEA! Elle712
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8/7/2008 2:33 pm |
Hi LM I think this is a wonderful idea of yours! In the suburb I live in, we have a Seniors Club (over 55yrs) & Council has given them a building. They have volunteers running it - every day & night - there is table tennis, dancing, computer classes, art, relaxation classes & many more & I am continually amazed at the number of cars that are in the parking lot every day. There are a lot of seniors that have no one to talk to & this is a fantastic way of healing the lonliness. Hope your idea takes off!!  Cheers Sparkles11 
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8/7/2008 3:42 pm |
Gary, I'm thinkin that where you are, a senior weekend night at the club would be a disaster. You are too rural.  Belle
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8/7/2008 5:26 pm |
It sounds like a good idea. But you might be better off sponsering a retirement home first to get a band in there and make them tap their feet or just organize it. Just an idea699
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8/7/2008 7:27 pm |
Hy ya Gary ,,,,I would give it a shot for a couple of months you never know ,,,,might turn into something great ,,,,never no unless you give it a try ,,,,Some of us a little to far away to come every month ,,,lol Laters
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8/7/2008 9:02 pm |
Gary... never been to the Lodge so d/n know anything 'bout it logistically speaking, but your idea is maybe brilliant! GEEZ... what a treat for the locals... especially if you're in a rural area. I've organized similar events and will send you some details.... getting the bands/music for free; advertising; food; liability issues; cover fees; designated driver/transportation.... on and on! GEEZ... I may have to rent that cottage and help you get this off the ground... I just love this kind of thing!  I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
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8/7/2008 11:41 pm |
I have never been to your Lodge or know anything about it. If there is a local Senior Citizen Center near you, check with them. Toss your idea around with the people running the center and see what they think. I live near a Senior Center (here it is called Fifty Forward) and they are always doing something. All you can do is give it a try and see what happens.
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8/8/2008 3:52 pm |
Hi Gary! As I already told you, it's a great idea! Reading the replies on here, gave me the info, that you're very rural located, figured something like that before! Maybe participation should be by donation, after all you don't want to end up with expenses, besides giving your time and facilities. If I would live closer, I would certainly participate, love singing and dancing, maybe I would come to one and stay for an extended fishing weekend? Hopefully SFF-member, which live much closer are interested and give you a hand? Good luck and lots of great times!
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8/13/2008 4:45 pm |
Thanks everyone; Belle is right about being Rural. I'm 14 miles to Elizabeth City, (nearest town). We have a Karaoke Setup at the Lodge. We just rented one of my cottages for a year to a guitar player/singer and he is good and his wife also sings. I think I'll give it a try; however, not just limit it to Seniors. Those at the NC Bash know I have some good Karaoke talent from my Lodge Membership. We had a "Short Party" (another story) a couple of weeks ago and had ten Seniors there and they fit right in. Thanks for the replies and ideas. [image] I'll let you know how it goes, 1st outing will be the 4th weekend in September. Cost will be $10 at the door to cover the cost of snacks, Entertainment and clean-up. "Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."
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8/27/2008 7:38 pm |
well in most citys they have a senior center they serve meals play cards go on nice trips have lots of things seniors like globug4
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