Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: While he is often cited as the founder of the club , in the article he says he was attending their sÃ ances for the first time that evening and made clear that others were sharing a familiar experience with him .
Simplified: While he is often said to have started the club , in the article he says he was attending their sÃ ances for the first time that evening .