Consultation regarding format for gatherings...
As you know, we have two different types of formats for our gatherings: one when there is a host, and another when there is no host. Over the last two years, months without a host have increased in number, and hosting has decreased. In light of this, we may be able to consider a third type of format, which is a hybrid of the other two: where there is no host for part one of the gathering, but instead of gathering in Trestevere, we could gather at other places in the city, and one of our members could volunteer to lead us to a place for dinner, effectively acting as the coordinator of only the dinner part. This could offer a little more variety than always going to Trastevere.
Thus, there would be three options:
- Traditional: Hosting the preliminaries at one’s residence and then either leading the group to a place for pizza, or providing dinner at the same residence.
- Alternative 1: Meeting at Trastevere (19:00) and going to a local place.
- Alternative 2: Meeting at 19:00 at a specified place (e.g. Piazza del Popolo, Colosseum, Pantheon) and going to a local place, under the guidance of a volunteer coordinator for that evening. The volunteer would select the place to meet.
I propose that during the month of October, we share opinions and ideas on this proposal. Then, afterwards, we can proceed according to the prevailing inclinations.
To contribute, simply click above to leave a comment…
Thanks! — Michael
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This seems like a very good idea! Perhaps less people have been willing to sponsor because of Covid. We will see if it picks up again. If not, we have a new option in this suggestion from Mike.
Thanks, Michael, for getting this started. It’s time to acknowledge the reality (neutrally, no judgement) that’s developed about hosting. Participating regularly now for over 20 years, I think the gathering is worthwhile even though covid and perhaps other factors have had an impact on participation.
It is what it is. To keep it going (without guilting folks into hosting, which is unhelpful and against the upbeat, relaxed spirit we want to maintain) invites us to look beyond always being in Trastevere for “no host” gatherings, though Trastevere certainly has worked out well. I like the option of going to a place determined by a volunteer, who will watch how numbers go in the sign-up and see to a reservation if necessary. So I am chiming in as favorable to the added “volunteer-chooses-the-place-and-leads” possibility. When there’s no host or no volunteer who has chosen another place, we default to Trastevere as we have been. Bob Geisinger
Thanks for all the work of coordinating
I like the possibility of all three options
Option 3 is a good alternative and will get us into other parts of the city
Michael, Yes, I agree that we should try a third option, Alternative 2 as you say. Bob G. explains it well for me. And thanks Joe R. for hosting this month.
Peace, Mike Miller
I’ve enjoyed participating and think the new idea is great. I want to host soon here in EUR; I’m still settling in. Thanks for the very supportive spirit. Nice to have a relaxing support group in Rome.
I am OK with the new option. It is always fun to discover new parts of the city and new pizzerias. It will be important for the “volunteer” to know early enough to make arrangements because it is not easy to walk into a place when you have a group as large as 20 or more.
Steve Huffstetter
I agree with the proposal of the third option as it would provide another opportunity to get to meet people and to know the city.
Jeff Duaime, cssp
I hope we can add our names to the hosting list but am also in favour of Option 3 for other parts of the city.
Michael thanks for option 3. I agree with the above remarks
Tim Brennan msc
I agree with the comments given; the three options are good.
Ken Thesing, MM
I have enjoyed the gatherings. My excuse is that I have often had other commitments on the evening of our gatherings. I am forward to coming again, and looking for an evening when we can host it here at Sant’Anselmo. I am pleased to follow what option, but my first choice would be as we have had it in the past … but whatever.
Gregory Polan, OSB
I sincerely hope that T-Tuesday can continue. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people with similar interests and concerns. My participation since the pandemic has been poor — partly because of other commitments in our community at Sant’Anselmo. The new option could be a way forward for us. Let’s give it a try.
Gregory Polan, OSB
Sant’Anselmo