I just retired last year and the only thing I've joined is a quilt guild, and I love it. I live in a small town and the guild is in a town about 30 minutes away. The other members from my town took me in like a long-lost relative and we carpool to meetings, have lunch, shop at the only LQS in town.
I went to a retreat recently and got to know other members better. My experience with this guild has been nothing but positive. We're going to the Houston Quilt Festival this week on a bus!!