Originally Posted by vintageogauge (Post 1921782)

Mask wearing at meetings?

Originally Posted by Colorado Girl (Post 1921718)

just friendly conversations on a wide range of topics

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1921883)

What is WRONG with you people?

Originally Posted by vintageogauge (Post 1921890)

Stress cannot be reduced when you use capital letters. This is supposed to be peaceful dialog.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1921913)

CFrance,
The salon originated in early 18th Century France at a time in history known as “The Enlightenment.” People wanted to gather for interesting, intelligent discussion.
Boomer

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1921913)

CFrance,

I know what you mean.

There’s a lot of pack-behavior going on around here lately.

OK, boys, let me explain. . .

What the OP is talking about made me think of a salon.(Noooo, not a hair salon and most certainly not a “cult” as one poster put it.)

The salon originated in early 18th Century France at a time in history known as “The Enlightenment.” People wanted to gather for interesting, intelligent discussion.

Women played a central role in organizing the salons of Paris at the time — which helped to reduce the marginalization of women.

I think there are a lot of people in TV and everywhere else who are sick and tired of listening to the same old #-&*@ regurgitated, sometimes verbatim, from whatever is the chosen screen of influence.

There is a need — and a big want — for group discussions of interesting topics.

I know the OP did not call it a salon, but that is basically what it sounds like to me. A few years ago young people were organizing groups like this and calling them salons. I like the idea.

Anyway, you guys need to stop behaving like cliches. You are reinforcing a stereotype — and besides, it’s rude.

Boomer

Originally Posted by manaboutown (Post 1921919)

This is what I found on salons:

"The salon was an Italian invention of the 16th century, which flourished in France throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The salon continued to flourish in Italy throughout the 19th century. In 16th-century Italy, some brilliant circles formed in the smaller courts which resembled salons, often galvanized by the presence of a beautiful and educated patroness such as Isabella d'Este or Elisabetta Gonzaga."

Salon (gathering - Wikipedia)

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1921924)

C’mon, man,

You took me out of context. Why did you leave out my entire, informative lecture. (That’s a rhetorical question, meaning I already know the answer so I am supposed to use a period instead of a question mark.)

Anyway. . .you said Italy. I said France. ‘Originated’ is the operative word I guess. I am not going to argue with you about that. Looks like your 16th Century beats my 18th Century. I guess the salon made its way to Paris.

And, yes, beautiful, educated women are quite capable of galvanizing. ;)

Boomer

Originally Posted by Colorado Girl (Post 1921996)

Thanks to all who have responded, whether online here or by private message and regardless of intentions. It’s certainly been interesting and educational. :-)

Originally Posted by Colorado Girl (Post 1934315)

Update for Society of Friends

Next meeting is May 2, from 2-4:20 p.m.
May 2 topic: Swedish Death Cleaning
Topic will be introduced and printed guidelines will be provided for everyone to take home.

Society of Friends - Peaceful Discussions are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at:
Hibiscus Village Recreation Center
1740 Bailey Trail
The Villages, Florida

Contact: Deb Keller 941-223-5410, dragonkist@gmail.com

In this meeting we will try using an electronic timer so each member has equal time to speak without interruptions, followed by a few minutes for specific questions from the group. As always, no one will be required to speak nor to speak for the entire time they have been allotted. After everyone has had a turn to speak the meeting will take a short break to allow participants a chance to get up and stretch their legs, refill water, check for texts or calls, etc.

General group discussion of the day’s topic will follow the break. Participants are reminded that we are there to share and learn from one another. To this end, staying on topic will benefit everyone. Regardless, please be respectful and avoid highly personal questions and comments.

Hopefully these minor changes will enable all of our members to learn more about the topic at hand in a more structured but still pleasant way that will be fair to everyone.

Originally Posted by charlieo1126@gmail.com (Post 1934449)

I like the idea of your group , but taking the name of society of friends I think is a little disrespectful. The name for me will always be associated with the Quakers, calling your group the society of friends is like a group of Irish guys calling there group the Sons of Italy