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The Collective Wisdom of the Chanticleers

Every Wednesday morning a large group of retired men from the local area meet for breakfast at the Red Parrot. The group was started 19 years ago when Win Merrill asked Kathy Bryanton of the Cohasset Elder Services if she knew of any men who couldn't get out on their own and would like to go for breakfast and a ride in the country.

	The group started with 2 men in 1988 and today the group has 30 retired men who meet each week for breakfast and companionship. Members who can drive transport those that cannot so that everyone can attend. The members range in age from late 60's to mid 90's.

The group gives men who are retired an opportunity for "sharing good food, good fellowship, a few laughs and to commiserate with one another about the joys of our vintage years," according to the new president of the group, Lloyd Prescott. At each meeting one of the men speaks to the group to share their experiences, their knowledge and their wisdom.

The founder of the group, Win Merril stepped down from his presidency just recently and said that "My life in retirement has been most fulfilling because of having known and shared nearly a thousand weekly country breakfasts with slightly over a hundred multi-talented Chanticleers, each of which has become over time a very dear friend."

HULLMAgazine.com asked the Chanticleers to share wisdom born of age and asked the following question:

What would you say is one of the most important things you have learned at this stage of your life that would have been helpful to know when you were younger?

Enjoy the Collective Wisdom of the Chanticleers.

Two of the most important things that would have been a big help in my younger years would be: Do not make any decisions hastily and if you put something in writing do not send it until the next day and be sure that you want that person or concern to read what you wrote in haste. 
Anonymous

Most people fail to realize their potential. The difference between half way up the ladder and to the top is a very short distance. Take that chance. The opportunity is better than you think.
Jim Maurer

Good memories. As you sit back and while away your time, or lie awake at night, your thought process kicks in and rehashes the past. If you are fortunate enough to be involved in many things and accomplished what ever you tried, a satisfaction of life is fulfilled. Some things could have turned out better, other things were out of your control. But for the most part you are successful.

Some people think financial gain is the only measure of success. Others claim a variety of life is worth a fortune. If you have the ability to meld the two into whatever portion of balance is to your liking, then you have a cherished position for your aging process. Good deeds cannot be numbered and are soon forgotten. But the satisfaction that you have done them is a reward that cannot be bought. Therefore, I don't dwell on what I should have done, but concentrate thoughts on what I have done.
Dick Ambrosia

I've spent part of my life with the Chanticleers, a group of senior citizens from all walks of life, who have shared their histories, their wealth of knowledge and their interests. Had I been a recipient of all the wisdom of today's Chanticleers, when I was younger- I'd probably be a better person than I am now.
Bernie Sigalove
Chanticleer "Jester"

Ask for what you need in a clear, simple fashion. People aren't mind readers - give them a chance to help. People like to be asked to help. It makes them feel good, too.
Jack Tyson

Stay conscious of God. Keep all things POSITIVE. Always be kind and aware. Always see the WHOLE person.
Win Merrill

One of the most important things I have learned in later years that would have been nice to know, or even ascertain, would have been how to deal with a very abusive, alcoholic father when I was a teenager so our family would not have been so badly torn apart and traumatized. He was always a good provider, but he drank heavily evenings and especially weekends and the yelling, swearing, dehumanizing of my mother, etc. that took place into the early morning hours affected us all. We kept it all to ourselves to such an extent that many neighbors never realized what was going on.
Anonymous

Look for something good in every day no matter how many problems you think you have. Each day gives us another chance to do something good and to realize how precious each day in our life is. Make the best of each and every one!
Anonymous

I wish I had earlier in life a better understanding of how to handle many of the problems young people confront. I would have welcomed being given advice from both my parents on the importance of coping with difficult situations plus friendly input from my teachers when needed. it would have been helpful to me if my dad had chatted with me at times on the "facts of life" plus how to better handle troublesome classmates. Other than that I pretty much learned much on my own or through classmates, friendships etc.
Anonymous

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