As a member of the Press Corps, I was invited to the monthly meeting of the R.O.M.E.O.s. at the Jericho Bagel Boss on Jericho Turnpike.

I brought my notebook and a camera and a sesame bagel with a "schmeer" of cream cheese. My first question to the six gentlemen in attendance:

Q. - "What does R.O.M.E.O. stand for?"

A. - (From David Norflus- a vocal group member and former teacher in the New York City School System)

"It stands for Retired Old Men Eating Out."

Q. - "What is the mission of this august group? "

A. - (From Aaron Batterman - lawyer and raconteur)

"It is a sincere and earnest search for the perfect bagel;

Secondary purpose - to get away from the women!"

Q. - "How many members are enrolled in this R.O.M.E.O. group?"

A. - (Dr. Harold Ludman - retired physician and health consultant to these men)

"Ten gentlemen." (using the term gentlemen rather loosely) - a possible minion (quorum.)

Q. - "What are the names of your group not in attendance today?

A. - "Phil Nathanson - retired school teacher; Harvey Rosenberg - retired lawyer; Al Palatnik - retired engineer; Harvey Kessler - retired Bronx person; and Sid Buchman - retired?"

Q. - "Who is the founder of this group?

A. - "Sol Fromer is the acknowledged founder of the ROMEOs."

"The founding philosophy is 'The repeated telling of bad jokes, told poorly, while eating bagels'."

Q. - "Is there any acceptable excuse for not attending a meeting?

A. - Joe Garfinkle (Joe was the heartiest eater and heartiest laugher.

"The only reason for not coming is, 'I can't eat two breakfasts'."

Q. - "Are there any interesting stories from your meetings?

A. - (The entire group filled out this story.)

"An aspiring member came to breakfast and committed a 'Cardinal Sin.' He brought his wife to a meeting. This was a definite 'No-No.' It has never happened again."

Joke telling began after the bagels and coffee were eaten. As a reporter I was highly gratified to tell two jokes that Aaron Batterman had never heard before.

It was a pleasant morning with a load of laughs. After listening to the gags, I recommended a name change based on the jokes that were told - Why don't you call yourselves "Raunchy-Old-Men-Eating-Out?"