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Arts & Culture

Classical Music Society: Members gather to talk about and listen to music of a particular composer or conductor. Additionally, there are live, special programs throughout the year. This club provides a great way to study and learn about classical music. Harold Sauer · 203-522-8416 · classical@ysmenwestportweston.org

Collectors Club: If you're a collector or interested in collecting, contact Jon through his wife Dorothy. Jon Fox · -- · collectors@ysmenwestportweston.org

Hoot Owls: The Hoot Owls are a glee club developed as an outreach group that performs at assisted living facilities and senior centers. Robert Leng · 978-289-0940 · hoot@ysmenwestportweston.org

Jazz Group: We get together at the VFW to enjoy large-screen video performances by jazz legends. A full lunch is served, $25, catered by Calise Food Mart. Bar drinks are extra. Pay there. Biographical sketches of each performer and other background info is shared before the video. Wives, significant others, and friends are always invited. Lunch is $25, Jeff Hare · 203-254-2221 · jazz@ysmenwestportweston.org

Photography Club: A very welcoming group of enthusiasts that encourages members to take better photographs by discussing optimal settings and techniques, and by curating members’ images to suggest improvements. We welcome all skill levels and emphasize that any smartphone is all you need. William Weiss · 201-538-5970 · photography@ysmenwestportweston.org

Club Management

Communications Committee: The Communications Committee keeps the membership and the general public apprised of Y’s Men activities, meetings, social events and community outreach. The Committee provides audio-visual support for the weekly meetings. If you are good at writing, using PowerPoint or have audio-visual skills, you will enjoy being part of this committee. Dick Kalt · 203-216-5196 · communications@ysmenwestportweston.org

Finance Committee: The Finance Committee keeps the Ys Men in tip-top financial shape by ensuring dues and fees are collected, payments are made, and all transactions are fully recorded. Treasury prepares the budget and provides regular reports to the Board of Directors. Treasury files the necessary public reports and manages insurance. They are continually looking to improve procedures and reporting. Financial management experience and accounting knowledge would be valuable to this committee, as well as familiarity with digital spreadsheets. Douglas Robinson · 6316627785 · finance@ysmenwestportweston.org

Membership Committee: This committee is responsible for recruiting new members and introducing them to the club. The committee is responsible for the orientation of new members and the guiding of them through the new member process. Their mission is to facilitate all members, new and old, to becoming active participants. Every Y’s Men member theoretically serves on this committee by referring new members, introducing them to others and making them feel at home. Clarence Hayes · +12038187436 · membership@ysmenwestportweston.org

Social Committee: The Y’s Men offer many social events that include spouses and significant others. There are holiday parties, boat outings, and dinners at local restaurants, to name a few. This committee develops ideas, selects venues, sets a budget, and organizes these events. If you like to organize parties, this is the committee for you. Allan Siegert · +12032460385 · social@ysmenwestportweston.org

Speakers Committee: The Speaker Committee brings to the weekly Y’s Men Thursday morning meetings a roster of speakers who are experts in their fields. The demand to speak at Y’s Men meetings is strong. If you enjoy picking up the phone, connecting with sometimes strangers and pitching them on speaking to the Y’s Men, you will likely enjoy serving on this committee. Harvey Luft · 203-246-6888 · speakers@ysmenwestportweston.org

Technology Committee: This committee is responsible for managing all aspects of technology in support of club operations. If you have an interest in technology and how it applies to club management, this committee will welcome your help. The Y’s Men website contains a significant amount of information needing frequent updating. If you are technically proficient and willing to be a content manager along with our other content managers, we will welcome you. EBruce Borner · 203-500-8793 · tech@ysmenwestportweston.org

Trips and Events Committee: The Trips & Events committee is composed of Y's Men who would like to plan and create events the membership will find appealing. Examples are walks in Manhattan, museum visits, sporting events, theater, cultural gems, scenic boat & train rides, industrial and marine complexes etc. Members act as planners, organizers and leaders. If there are places, events, or activities that you think would capture the interest of our members, please consider joining our committee. Alan Zimbard · 9149601392 · tripsevents@ysmenwestportweston.org

Discussion & Ideas

Book Club – Fiction: Members recommend books for future reading and take turns leading the discussions. Our selections range from the classics to the more recent — none of them overly lengthy. Art Gang · 203-803-0200 · fiction@ysmenwestportweston.org

Book Club – Non-Fiction: Members select, read, and discuss non-fiction books. The group offers members the opportunity to read books they might never have encountered on their own, as well as the chance to get to know people they might never have met but for their common interest in reading. Jeff Schwartz · 201-787-0654 · nonfiction@ysmenwestportweston.org

Book Club – Science Fiction: Read and discuss works selected from 200 years of classic and current sci-fi authors. Stephen Bentkover · 203-219-4881 · scifi@ysmenwestportweston.org

Current Affairs Small Discussion Group: Members meet to discuss current events and talk about topics of mutual interest. Participation is limited so that no more than 8 members are in attendance. The goal is to have everyone speak during the session. The member list is >8 since a few members typically have a conflict. If we get too big, we'll add a Wednesday session. Paul Betts · +12032168728 · cadg@ysmenwestportweston.org

Global Issues Discussion Group: This group gives members an opportunity to discuss current global issues in an informed manner, allowing for a more complete understanding of the world. It is a fairly large group, and the topic is selected prior to the session. Someone typically does some prep and provides an intro, before open discussion. Harvey Luft · 203-246-6888 · gidg@ysmenwestportweston.org

Investment Group: This group is an LLC that invests in various equities for capital gains. The buy-in is currently $35,000. We offer camaraderie, good performance, investment ideas, and serve as a resource for business and investment advice. Of course, there are NO guarantees. Members usually lunch together after meetings. NOTE: Membership is currently full — inquiries welcome. Gerald Luterman · 917-515-3192 · investment@ysmenwestportweston.org

Military History Group: This group focuses on military leaders, battles, and campaigns. You don't have to be a veteran to join — an interest is all that's required. Topics are announced in advance of meetings. Paul Rohan · 203-627-1001 · milhist@ysmenwestportweston.org

Travel Discussion Group: The purpose of this group is to provide a place to share your past travel experiences and help you plan future trips. Meetings are very interactive, with enjoyable discussions about travel experiences that always move into lots of Q&A — members asking for, and giving, advice on future travel planning. Art Mann · 206-915-0546 · travel@ysmenwestportweston.org

Indoor Games & Sport

Backgammon: This group was formed to give members an opportunity to play a game of strategy and luck with other men. Four to ten players of different skill levels usually show up. Everyone is teachable, and we mentor all into the game. Nabil Atweh · 203-383-9965 · backgammon@ysmenwestportweston.org

Bridge Club: This group gives members of all levels an opportunity to play bridge. Bridge is a great game that exercises the mind, and all of us love it. Mario Sa'Couto · 203-722-1495 · bridge@ysmenwestportweston.org

Chess Club: Beginners and up — we'll help you learn if you're new to chess. You have to be a member of the senior center - but it's free and easy. Just stop at the welcome desk on your first visit. They can also point you to the our room. Clarence Hayes · +12038187436 · chess@ysmenwestportweston.org

Ping-pong (Table Tennis): At least 10 regular players show up every week. The group plays both singles and doubles at a variety of levels. Everyone is welcome — games are enjoyable and competitive. Jeffery Silberman · 203-246-9018 · tabletennis@ysmenwestportweston.org

Tennis – Winter: We have players at all levels of skill. There is always a need of subs. If you played as a sub or regular during the summer or the last indoor season you are on the tennis list. If you would like to be added to the list, just let me know. The cost to rent the courts is divided up among the Y’sMen who play. If you want to know your status as a substitute or other questions call me. Pete Wolgast · 2035202562 · tennisindoor@ysmenwestportweston.org

Outdoor & Active

Ancient Mariners: We organize sailing and powerboating events to connect members who own boats with those interested in participating as crew or passengers. George Kalan · 203-856-1250 · boating@ysmenwestportweston.org

Bocce: The group plays on two bocce courts; 8–10 players usually show up, we play 2-3 games and wrap up by noon. This group provides outdoor exercise, fun and companionship. There is no registration or fee — just show up. Len Ances · bocce@ysmenwestportweston.org

Cycling: This group produces an email list so cyclists can connect with other cyclists and invite them to go together on cycling outings. Bill Blaufuss · 203-856-2004 · cycling@ysmenwestportweston.org

Golf: The Ys Men have been granted a standing set of tee times at Longshort all season. You sign up each week to get a spot with the activity leader. Arnie Rusoff · 607-592-5967 · golf@ysmenwestportweston.org

Hikers in the Woods: Our Wednesday hikes cover 3–5 miles and generally take 2 hours; Friday hikes cover 5–7 miles and take 2½ to 3 hours. The Friday hikes tend to have more challenging ascents and descents, although some Wednesday hikes have their challenges too. We hike in Trout Brook Valley, Devil's Den, Collis P. Huntington State Park, and other locations. We tend to be a talkative bunch. William Weiss · 201-538-5970 · hikers@ysmenwestportweston.org

Ice Skating: The Y's Men Skating Group is a fellowship of 'distinguished' gentlemen who have traded their armchairs for ice skates. The group's winter headquarters is the scenic outdoor Westport PAL Rink at Longshore, but their pursuit of the 'perfect glide' can be a year-round endeavor: once the spring thaw arrives, the group may transition to neighboring indoor venues. This shift from open-air to climate-controlled arenas ensures the fraternal bond and low-impact athletic rigor remain sharp regardless of the season. Jeffrey Rothman · 2039047440 · skating@ysmenwestportweston.org

Kayaking Group: A seasonal group that tries to get out on the water in the morning for 2–3 hours, with a minimum of one land break. We are open to any level of experience but strongly recommend a lesson at Longshore Sailing School if you've never kayaked. Walter Greene · +19144146490 · kayaking@ysmenwestportweston.org

Pickleball: A confederation of members who invariably become good friends, playing on reserved courts at Town Farms on North Compo Road in Westport. Look for an email in March describing how to play and asking for interest. Edward Diamond · +12032473347 · pickleball@ysmenwestportweston.org

Skiing: The group usually has 3–7 participants and carpools from Exit 42, departing at 8 a.m. and returning around 5 p.m. Butternut has 22 trails and is a fun mountain for cruising — nothing very challenging, with enough variety to keep things interesting. Warren Jahn · +12038567237 · skiing@ysmenwestportweston.org

Tennis – Summer: The tennis club is a source of exercise, camaraderie, and good, spirited fun; all levels of play are welcome. Keep an eye out in early March for summer-league registration. (There are 45 players across the summer and winter leagues.) Dewey Loselle · 203-275-5822 · tennis@ysmenwestportweston.org

Walking: We walk every day of the week at various locations. Members walk 3–5 miles each day at their own pace and ability. The group gives walkers a healthy opportunity to exercise and to talk with other members. We walk all year round. Stephen Bentkover · 203-219-4881 · walking@ysmenwestportweston.org

Wellness & Community

3H (Home, Hospital & Hospice): Visiting Ys Men who would welcome a visit to comfort them due to ill health or hospice. Michael Boyle · 203-858-9403 · 3h@ysmenwestportweston.org

Aging to Sage-ing: This group gives members an open forum to talk about a wide range of emotional issues in a safe environment. Michael Boyle · 203-858-9403 · agesage@ysmenwestportweston.org

Community Service: Westport and Weston are great communities, in large part because of dedicated volunteers who participate in local organizations. In the spirit of “Giving Back,” the Y’s Men are actively engaged in many volunteer activities on both an individual and group basis. Examples include: the VFW monthly blood drive, Westport’s annual “Clean up day, meal delivery to homebound seniors and The Westport Library book selling events. If you are interested in volunteering and/or have an idea about where the Y’s Men could help address a community need, this is the committee to talk to. Jim Marpe · 917-860-6917 · commserv@ysmenwestportweston.org

Fraud Protection Club: We are all potential victims of hacking. The Y's Men Fraud Protection Club provides a comfortable setting for sharing experiences, concerns and ideas about protecting our identity and assets. It also discusses possible approaches to proactively securing those assets independent of government agencies and banks. The club meets monthly. Jeff Schwartz · 201-787-0654 · cybersec@ysmenwestportweston.org

Friends Grief Support Group: Meets as needed to support Y's Men members who have lost their wives or life partners. The group contacts the bereaved member and then has a welcoming, supportive meeting. Since it is a private matter, it is handled delicately and with the utmost discretion. Currently there are ten members of the group. Jay Dirnberger · 917-841-8314 · friends@ysmenwestportweston.org

Life Talk: This group is a forum for conversation on topics that are emotionally important to all men — friendship, gratitude, forgiveness, etc. This guided group offers a safe place for men to share feelings, be heard, and learn from others. Larry Ackerman · 203-216-2550 · lifetalk@ysmenwestportweston.org

Memorial Day Float Team: We welcome any and all Y's Men to help build the float for the Westport Memorial Day Parade. Carpentry/construction skills and creativity are welcome, as is help moving materials — plus we always need actors to ride on the float. It's a fun project that adds a lot to the parade. (Rained out in 2026; the next tribute honors Abe Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address.) Roy McKay · 203-613-1022 · float@ysmenwestportweston.org

Mindfulness: This group focuses on training the mind and heart and cultivating wisdom and compassion. Each session features practice, teaching, and discussion on integrating mindfulness into our daily lives. Paul Epstein · 2037222358 · mindfulness@ysmenwestportweston.org