WORCESTER, Mass. - With the new year comes a new name for what was once known as the Retired Men's Club of Greendale. The new name, The Retired Friends of Greendale, is a symbol that the group will now allow women to become members.

After nearly 72 years, the club's leadership said the time was right.

"Change needs to have an open mind, listen to both sides of the issue, and then make your decision," said club president James Hester.

The club, which provides activities like bowling and golfing and trips to places around the world for retirees, was started in 1952 by men working for the Norton Company as a way to stay connected. The group, The group, which meets weekly at the Greendale YMCA, welcomed its first women members on Wednesday.

"I was caregiver for my husband for many years, and wasn't able to get out and do things that I could've done," said new member Carol Bethoney. "But, it's an excellent opportunity to meet new people."

"Including women in a club after 72 years is important," said new member Melanie Bonsu. "Women deserve to be at every table."

Bonsu, Bethoney, and Christina Puleo received life time memberships for their contributions to the group. 

"As part of an organization founded as the YMCA, that has fought for many years to show just how inclusive of a community setting we are, I can really relate to how important it is to change a name," Puleo said.

The club applied and received approval for the change last September, but the process has been years in the making. Over the years, their membership has fallen a bit, but they still carry more than 1,700 members.

The hope is this change brings a fresh perspective and new faces.

"I hate to say it, but men are a little bit lazy, and they don't want to participate sometimes," Hester said. "It's all about comradery. It's all about getting together."