Both men and women are full time members of the Polish-American Citizens Association, which runs a small private bar on Cambridge Street for its members, who are primarily Cambridge retirees.

Bonnie J. Lynch, a member of the club's board of directors, says her organization attracts senior citizens because most younger Polish-Americans have moved to the suburbs.

"The younger ones have lost a sense of their heritage," Lynch said.

Lynch said the association reviews applications before allowing new members to join.

"Usually we screen our members. We have some associate members for people who are not of Polish extraction," Lynch said.

Most club members are content to visit with friends or relax, Lynch explained.

"It's a small quiet bar," Lynch said, "There's not really very much activity here; most of the people just watch T.V."

Still, the association occasionally sponsors activities at the members' request, Lynch said.

"We do have a dance coming up on March 13," she said.

Polish and Greek-Americans are not the only groups to sponsor social activities for members of their communities.

Portuguese Groups

The Cambridge Organization of Portuguese Americans (COPA) is a social service group which offers classes in English as a second language and citizenship application preparation.

In addition to these classes, COPA sponsors a biweekly program for the elderly.

Luisa M. Gonchalzes, COPA's director, said the elderly program usually attracts retired Portuguese speaking men.

"Usually there's just a group of old men who sit around and play dominoes and cards," Gonchalzes said.