Next, the group warbles for anyone admitting to a birthday or wedding anniversary. Those attending for the first time are asked to stand and introduce themselves. Then, the serious part of the gathering begins, with jokester after jokester coming to the podium in the crowded room to take his or her turn at being the next Henny Youngman or Joan Rivers. More than half the club members are women. A good part of the crowd simply comes to listen.
Members are careful to avoid offensive ethnic jokes or off-color stories.
Adds Stuart Bonwit, a long-time member with a prophetic name, This is not a club where dirty old men are telling jokes. In this group, you are welcome. Don t expect any rotten tomatoes or booing here. But gentle heckling is part of the good fun. Outreach projects include the club s Traveling Troupe of four to six members, who perform 30 or 60-minute comedy gigs for organizations in and outside Leisure World.