The Old Guard resumed its meeting schedule at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford.

Submitted by Don Kauke, Communications Director

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Old Guard President Bob Cave called the first weekly meeting of the retired men’s club to order. It is the start of the 62nd season in West Hartford.

According to Cave, “the club began with a focus on social activities and the opportunity to meet new acquaintances and spend more time with old friends. But times have changed and so has the Old Guard. Over the past several years the organization has become more service oriented by helping the community whenever possible. Food insecurity in the community was not a prevalent concern over 60 years ago.”

Cave pointed out that today, “Old Guard members deliver, sort, distribute food, and donate or collect funds to purchase foods. We have delivered Meals on Wheels from our beginning but today our members do so much more!”

Golf and bowling remain popular activities and the Annual Old Guard Swing for the Kids tournament has generated over $48,000 for YMCA summer camp scholarships over the past four years.

Almost every Tuesday morning from September through May, the club members enjoy fellowship, an update on club activities and a guest speaker. Vice-President and weekly Program Chairman is Larry Carr. Carr has scheduled 30 speakers from education, government, sports, healthcare, history, and more.

The opening guest speaker was Michelle Troy, director of the President’s College at University of Hartford. Troy provided an in-depth review of the many timely subjects included in the upcoming program year.

Michelle Troy, director of the President’s College at the University of Hartford opens the Old Guard opening meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sept. 8, 2026. Photo courtesy of Don Kauke

For the balance of the September meetings, Carr has announced that noted Hartford historian Daniel Sterner will discuss “Lost Hartford” on Sept. 15 and Eversource Vice President Lavelle Freeman will discuss electric distribution system planning on Sept. 22.

“There are 200 retired and semi-retired men who meet each week in the Westminster church at 10:30 each Tuesday,” according to Cave. “Guests are welcome to attend the Old Guard meetings and members can join throughout the year.”  For additional information visit: www.ctoldguard.org.

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