of Springfield, IL

The Koke Mill version of ROMEO was initiated in the autumn of 2006.  Early members included John Dee, Jim Edwards, Bill Heinzelman, Russ McClellan, and Bob Saltmarsh.  The first meetings were held at Ritz’s Lil Fryer at 700 West Jefferson .  The Ritz denied our request to reserve a rear table for our gathering.  The Corner Pub, at Russ’s suggestion, was happy to make that possible.  We have continued our Monday lunch meetings at The Corner Pub since that early change.

Additional members now include Larry Matejka, Dan McCain, Rich Redfern, Jack Fixmer, Richard Speaker, Louie Szabo, and Tom Wiles.

Under the assumption that each member has already met organizational requirements throughout his life journey, ROMEO demands are minimal:  Join us when possible, order and pay for your own food, enjoy our conversations, then return home safely.

There are no initiation fees, no rituals, no lectures, and no tests.  While diversity of opinion is welcomed with respect, Romeos place a higher value on learning rather than competing. Romeo Mondays are congenial ways to begin a new week.  Even Holiday Weeks have a Romeo Monday within.  (Such times are often good to get a break).

Though we do not have a roll call, attendance has ranged from a minimum of one to an average of six.  Some groups have grown to as many as twelve. If you are interested in attending or want to contact our group email Bob Saltmarsh .