FAQs about the
Retired Professionals Society (RPS)
Q: What is the purpose of the RPS?
A: The RPS is a social organization of retired professionals across all disciplines. The purpose of the RPS is to help enrich the retirement years of members through the presentation of programs. These programs are designed to educate, entertain, or inspire, and also to afford the opportunity for the discovery of new ideas and information, and interchange of opinions on subjects of special interest to members. The RPS does not engage in fund raising.
Q: How often does the RPS meet?
A: The Society meets monthly, from September to June, with a luncheon and speaker, to stay connected, socialize, and discover new and interesting aspects of the world around us. RPS also organizes opportunities to visit various local sites that many of us may not otherwise have experienced. Recent tours have included Mt. Hope Cemetery, the University of Rochester Laser Lab and Nazareth University’s Art Therapy Center.
Q: How long has the Society been in existence?
A: The Society was formed over 30 years ago under the auspices of the University of Rochester. Members who were newly retired from the University and from the Medical Center gathered to stay involved with one another and continue to discover developing new trends in their fields. It has since expanded from those early years to include professionals across many disciplines well beyond the University, such as legal, banking, teaching, nursing, the arts, corporate, government, military, and so on.
Q: Who runs the Society?
A: The Society has a member-elected board of up to 12 directors. Directors serve for a maximum of two three-year terms. Officers are elected by the Board and include the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The board also has six other officers: Database; Marketing & Communications; Membership; Nominating; Program; and Reservations.
FAQs about Membership
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Prospective members learn about the Society through its website, conversation with a friend, or attendance at a local presentation about RPS. Often, current members know of someone in their network of colleagues who are contemplating retirement or has recently retired and will recommend RPS to this person. You don’t have to be sponsored by a member to join RPS. We are open to all retirees who want to discover new things in the world around us.
You may request a call by filling out your contact information on the “Who we are we/members information” tab of the website. One of our members will be happy to discuss membership with you, and if desired, send you a link to sign-up and pay on-line, or forms to print, fill-out, and mail back with a check.
Q: What if I am retired already, or perhaps just contemplating retirement, and I would like to attend a luncheon to see what RPS is all about?
A: We welcome all who are interested to attend a luncheon at their own expense. Currently, this is $35 for the plated lunch or $25 for the light lunch. We always meet from 11:30 AM – 2 PM at Irondequoit Country Club in Pittsford, NY on the second Wednesday of each month, from September to June. To make a luncheon reservation, simply link to the Luncheon Registration Form or send an email to info@RPSociety.org.
Q: How much does it cost to be a member?
A: The annual dues are a modest $75 or $125 for two persons from the same household.
Q: How many members are there?
A: There are over 147 members, ranging from those just retired to over 20 years as a member.
FAQs about Speakers
Q: What kind of speakers do you typically have at your luncheons? How do you select them?
A: To select speakers, we consider suggestions from both the members and the board of directors. We schedule as far as nine months out. Topics must be of keen interest to the membership, either newsworthy, state of the art trends and developments, or new discoveries. The program committee interviews potential presenters, with an eye toward selecting people with impressive credentials, note-worthy achievements, and dynamic speaking abilities. We have enjoyed 72 presentations over the past eight years alone. Our upcoming and past speakers and their topics are posted elsewhere on this website.
Q: Where do you meet?
A: RPS meets at Irondequoit Country Club in Pittsford. It has a wonderful ambiance, welcoming atmosphere and great food!
Q: May I bring a non-member friend along to one of your luncheons?
A: Yes, you may bring one or two friends along to any of our luncheons. The luncheon fee is $35 per person for the plated lunch or $25 for the light lunch. There is a cash bar available from 11:30 AM on.
Q: May I bring my non-member spouse along to one of your luncheons?
A: Yes, spouses or significant others are also welcome to attend a luncheon with you. The luncheon fee for spouses/guests is $35 for the plated lunch. We do ask that spouses become members if they attend regularly.
Q: Is it easy to park?
A: Yes, there is abundant parking near the main entrance. For those who need it, handicapped spaces are available, along with an accessible entrance.
Q: Are there other methods of transportation to and from Irondequoit Country Club?
A: Yes, for example, we have several members who travel to and from the luncheons using the courtesy bus from their Senior Living Facility. For example, several RPS members travel from the Highlands of Pittsford on that facility’s courtesy van. There are several local Rochester transportation firms, such as Uber, who can make the trip pleasant and easy.
Q: What is the dress code for the luncheons?
A: Attendees typically wear regular business attire (e.g. jacket and tie for men), but business casual is just fine too.
FAQS about RPS Luncheons
Q: Is the meal robust?
A: Indeed it is! We typically enjoy a full luncheon consisting of a hot entrée, salad, rolls, and dessert, with coffee/tea/iced tea. A full cash bar is available as well.
Interested in joining RPS?
Would you like to be contacted by our membership committee? Just submit your details on the blue form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to speaking with and learning more about you.
I joined RPS many years ago and have been enjoying the monthly tradition of seeing my old friends and colleagues at the luncheons at Oak Hill. The food is wonderful. We really enjoy the fellowship, the new learning experiences, and having fun interacting with both new and long term members.
