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The Latest News
- MEN'S SOCIAL NETWORK - Tucson |
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From the Communications Team - |
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15th year vol. one |
August 20, 2009 |
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| Welcome to the premier edition of the NEW and The Latest News of what is hoped to be a monthly standard - two monthly editions, one on the 20th of the month and one on the 5th of each month.
This newsletter is brought to you by our Communications Team and is meant to give you the latest and best news and information coverage from around OUR Men's Social Network - Tucson organization.
If you have something you want included in our e-news periodicals, contact Davis Palmer, Chairman of Communications and Media Sub-Committee at 520-325-4754 or e-mail him at msn.newsletter15yrs@gmail.com.
For Yahoo or Google Calendar input and information please contact Marvin Levison at 520-745-0304.
To apply for Editor of this publication, contact me, Thom, at 908-6160 or msn.communicator@gmail.com.
Enjoy, and thank you, Thom Goodrich, Editor Pro-Tem |
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Section 1 September Pot Luck - Corn Moon / Fall Colors Theme
Section 2 Dinner OUT for September
Section 3 The MSN Guys
Section 4 Games for Men
Section 5 Interactive Group Activities
Section 6 Community Update
Section 7 M.S.N. History
Section 8 Additional Information |
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Section 1 September Pot Luck - Corn Moon / Fall Colors Theme Fall is rapidly approaching (Thank God!!!) We generally celebrate its arrival with the celebration of Labor Day on the first Monday of September of every year. This year we are looking at Monday, September 7th as the official Labor Day holiday. Our monthly Pot Luck will be held on Saturday the 5th at 7PM. We are still holding this event at the Casas Adobes Congregational Church at 6801 N. Oracle Rd.
Theme for this month will be Corn Moon (based on the full moon). This full moon's name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested (ummmmm good fresh Sweet Corn). We should be able to come up with some really good corn based meal entrees and side dishes and of course a colorful corn theme décor. It was suggested that we have a "Harvest Moon" theme this month, but in checking the Almanac, this year it will actually be the full moon that shines in October as the Harvest Moon - so - how 'bout Harvest Moon Theme in October - and CORN MOON theme for September - sound Corny?? Oh well - what the hay!!
Pot Luck Check List - -
ˇ Arrive a little earlier and stay a little late - join the "Kitchen Krew" and help setup or clean up. This is a great way of meeting the other good guys that help make this the most successful monthly M.S.N. event (plus you get to eat first!) Check with John, Mike, Lee or Merlin, they can always use our help.
ˇ Even if you cannot help with the setup or clean up, the monthly Pot Luck is always a great way to start your month with nice guys, great food and a night of socializing.
ˇ It is also a safe and friendly atmosphere in which to meet new men and make new friends. We attempt to do simple entertainment, short informative talks or other "show and tell" type activities every month - (have a suggestion?? Again, see John, Mike, Lee or Merlin.)
ˇ Bring your favorite food item to share with others (use fixing enough to serve at least 8 as you're preparation guide). If you're not a cook, check out your favorite deli, fast food or grocery store for an appealing item.
ˇ We encourage bringing main dishes. Examples of favorites: ham, turkey, lasagna, enchiladas, pizza or beef in any edible form. We encourage you to use your imagination. The M.S.N. Pot Luck is a true Pot Luck with no pre-planned menu, so bring a great dish created by your culinary spirit of adventure!!
ˇ Bring a non-member friend - invite them to join our social network - introduce them to our extended family!!!
Back in March of 2006, a lone M.S.N. member that frequented many of the buffet "pig out" establishments in town, decided that it would be nice to have some friends join him at least once a week for "dutch treat" eating on a rotating basis at one of those places. Now, three and a half years later, Dinner OUT is still a main line social event offered to our members. We usually have as few as two and as many as eight show up for fine dining and enjoyable company. We have added full service / menu order restaurants to the venue offering a variety of eating establishments around the entire city.
ˇ September 6th - 6:30PM - Sweet Tomatoes - 4420 N. Stone Ave.
ˇ September 13th - 6:30PM - Mimi's Café - 120 S. Wilmot Rd.
ˇ September 20th - 6:30PM - Hometown Buffet - 5701 N. Oracle Rd.
ˇ September 27th - 6:30PM - Gullin Chinese - 3250 E. Speedway Blvd.
For more information and reservations, please call either that lone M.S.N. member, Thom Goodrich @ 908-6160; or friend Ken Gottlieb @ 294-6606 or friend Davis Palmer @ 325-4754.
Who claims msnguys@cox.net as their email address?
Who currently hosts the most M.S.N. events in their home?
Who volunteers at several community activities and events during the year?
Who just recently celebrated 40 years as sole mates?
If you said Lee Roden and Merlin Spillers, you are right.
To start out each month, Lee and Merlin begin by hosting Scrabble on the first Monday of the month at 7PM, followed by Charades on the first Friday at their home. That isn't enough for the dynamic duo - they also act as greeters and hosts at our monthly Pot Luck on the first Saturday. For Trivial Pursuit fans, they host a gathering at their home on the second Monday of the month at 7PM. Just to fill out the remainder of the month in their home, with the recent closing of the Wingspan building, the Triangle Tribe that met at Wingspan now meets at the M.S.N. Guys. Mark your calendar with all these events. If you would like more information and to save a seat at any event (there is limited seating) please call Lee or Merlin at 207-5336.
ˇ Thursday, September 3rd, 7PM, Triangle Tribe
ˇ Friday, September 4th, 7PM, Charades
ˇ Monday, September 7th, 7PM, Scrabble
ˇ Thursday, September 10th, 7PM, Triangle Tribe
ˇ Monday, September 14th, 7PM, Trivial Pursuit
ˇ Thursday, September 17th, 7PM, Triangle Tribe
ˇ Wednesday, September 23rd, 7PM, Hand and Foot
ˇ Thursday, September 24th, 7PM, Triangle Tribe
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Section 4 games for men-and more
The Men of MSN play games of all types - all month long. Card games are a big part of the "MSN FAMILY FUN" - there was a time in the past when there were no computers, television sets, telephones, fax machines or cars, but families still got together and played card games or read books.
ˇ Hand and Foot - every Wednesday evening -- this is a two handed game derived from Canasta. Played with twice the number of cards, you deal two hands for each player. You first play your "Hand" hand, then your "Foot" hand. Scores can be very high - plus or minus! If you've played Canasta you will pick it up very quickly, in fact, when we offered Canasta as a regular scheduled event, our pure Canasta players preferred Hand and Foot and Canasta has been dropped from our calendar (of course if anyone would like to host a Renewed Canasta Club at their home, we have room on the calendar and I'm sure there would be family members wanting to join.)
* September 2nd, 7PM, Bruce - 743-3890
* September 9th, 7PM, Jack - 887-3736
* September 16th, 7PM, Marv - 745-0304
* September 23rd, 7PM, Merlin & Lee - 207-5336
* September 30th, 7PM, Peter - 881-8276
ˇ Bridge - (not sure as of this writing)
ˇ Pinochle - Saturday - September 13th, 7PM, Marv - 745-0304
Saturday - September 19th, 7PM, Steve - 664-2076
Saturday - September 26th, 7PM, Marv - 745-0304
READING / BOOK CLUB
Here is the last word from Dr. Doug regarding his Gay Reading Group - - (we are not sure if he has anything set up for September yet - - if interested, please give Doug a call at 647-9698 for information, we will pass it along as soon as we receive any info.)
Dear Marv,
Sorry I let the incorrect phone number remain uncorrected for so long. My correct number is: 647-9698
The book club is not currently on a fixed schedule. The next meeting is August 11, at 7 pm and we will discuss Alan Hollinghurst's The Spell. It will be held at Ed Leven's house, 4434 E. Cooper Street (not Cooper Circle!!!). 2 blocks south of Broadway, 2 blocks west of Swan. If you are coming from Columbus, take a left on La Jolla, and your 2nd left onto Cooper St.
Best, Doug
Douglas R. Weiner
Professor of History
Department of History
University of Arizona
Social Sciences 215
Tucson, AZ 85721
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THE MEN'S BOOK CLUB
(As far as we know this is still currently an active monthly group) that meets at 6:30PM for dinner on the third Monday of each month at the Old Pueblo Grille, to discuss an agreed upon work of gay fiction. To be added to their e-mail list, contact Stephen Reidy at 546-4047.
Section 5 INTERACTIVE GROUP ACTIVITIES
We are invited by other groups to join in their activities. We also have members that belong to other groups and want to share their activities and camaraderie with our members. In any case, we welcome and encourage this exchange.
The Tucson Prime Timers - holds Open Bowling at the Golden Pins Lanes located on Miracle Mile on Mondays and Thursdays. Dual member Merle Hudson hosts these events and encourages members of both groups to join him for fun and exercise beginning on Mondays at 10AM and Thursdays at 1PM every week. For more details contact Merle at 888-7264.
Bear Coffee - (BOTOP = Bears of tucson old pueblo)
Wednesday's, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (This event repeats every week.)
Location: Raging Sage Coffee Roasters Street: 2458 N. Campbell Avenue
The Bear Facts:
Join us for great java and warm guys. It's a great way to meet and socialize with your local bears! Everyone is welcome! We've chosen Raging Sage Coffee Roasters on Campbell a little north of Grant as our new home of Bear Coffee. This cozy Sonoran bungalow houses one of the best local roasters in town as well as some tremendous baked goods. There is ample parking behind the business with access from Spring Street. We'll be meeting on the patio on the south side of the coffeehouse so look for Bears under the trees! Please note that Raging Sage prides itself on maintaining a peaceful, mobile phone free environment inside the coffeehouse itself so please take any calls outside.
OASIS SOCIAL GROUP (mixed - a Wingspan Group)
Every Friday, 5:30PM at the Revolutionary Grounds (former Rainbow Planet) on 4th Ave. there is a gathering of guys and gals of all ages for an hour long discussion spin on a pre-selected topic, then it is off to a mutually agreed upon eatery for dinner. Our very own Davis Palmer is currently acting as the group coordinator and will gladly fill you in on everything you ever wanted to know about the group - give him a call at 325-4754.
Section 6 COMMUNITY UPDATE
Tucson History Night, August 20, at the Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson, AZ - Summer days in Tucson are hot, as we all know, but once the sun sets, the air cools and there is no better place to be than enjoying the beautiful outdoors of our desert home. Join us for Tucson History Night on Thursday, August 20 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The Saguaro Strutters will showcase high-energy line dancing and the Arizona Historical Society will be on hand to discuss Tucson's history and upcoming museum events. A tour of the Historical Gardens will round out the evening. The Gardens will be open for this special event from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Gardens Café featuring Café 54 will offer a buffet menu corresponding with the evenings theme.
Schedule of Events
5:00 p.m. Gates open
6:00 p.m. Tour, Historical Gardens
7:00 p.m. Saguaro Strutters
All evening Arizona Historical Society
About the Saguaro Strutters
The Saguaro Strutters is a group of Tucson residents who perform line dancing. The current team has been together for approximately ten years. The group dances to many types of music though primarily they focus on country-western music. Performances often include audience participation and instruction on simple line dances that can be taught quickly and easily. These include the ever popular Electric Slide and Boot Scootin' Boogie, among others.
Hours & Admission
Twilight Thursday hours: 5 - 9 p.m., Thursday evenings in August, rain or shine!
Twilight Thursday admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for member adults, $3 for children, and $1.50 for member children.
Garden Hours: Garden hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Open seven days a week, year round, except July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Day.
About the Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens is a private, non-profit organization that promotes botanical, horticultural, and ecological education; encourages responsible environmental stewardship; and provides a beautiful setting for enjoyment and relaxation. The Gardens, designated as America's Best Secret Garden by Reader's Digest, is an urban oasis in the heart of Tucson featuring a 5 ˝ acre collection of 16 specialty gardens. It is located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686, Ext. 10, email info@tucsonbotanical.org or visit www.tucsonbotanical.org.
Please join us for an event at Antigone Books
Friday, August 28, 7 PM
Kyrsten Sinema will share her new book, Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions that Win-and Last
(Berrett, Koehler, $16.95).
Sinema, a Democratic Representative in the Arizona State Legislature, was a leader in the successful fight against banning gay marriage in 2006 and in the effort to divest state funds in Darfur-unexpected victories in a traditionally conservative state. In her new book, Sinema shares how we can put together broad-based coalitions that advance the progressive agenda rather than simply sit back and feel good about the purity of our ideals. She argues that we must let go of our preconceived notions about who our opponents are and what specific outcomes we're aiming for; identity politics have bred insularity and intolerance and closed us off from creating winning alliances and strategies. Using examples from a host of campaigns from around the country, she offers specific advice on how to forge connections with seemingly unlikely allies.
ROCK WITH YOU:
THE MICHAEL JACKSON
SING-A-LONG CELEBRATION!
Sponsored by Metromix Tucson
Saturday, August 29th at 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $7.00 general; $4.75 Loft members
The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
795-0844 / www.loftcinema.com
One of the world's greatest performers has left us too soon, and The Loft wants everyone to remember the musical magic that is, was, and will always be Michael Jackson at ROCK WITH YOU: THE MICHAEL JACKSON SING-A-LONG CELEBRATION!
Pay tribute to the one-and-only King of Pop on what would have been The Thriller's 51st birthday (August 29th) at this very special celebration of all things Jackson, featuring classic MJ and Jackson 5 music videos like THRILLER, BEAT IT, DON'T STOP TILL YOU GET ENOUGH, BLACK OR WHITE, ABC, BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE, BEN and many more (all subtitled so you can sing-a-long!), MJ movie clips, smokin' hot music videos from Janet (Ms. Jackson if you're nasty), and an MJ costume parade and dance-off ... Jam On!
One of Tucson's Biggest Shows of the Year! Sunday, September 6th
"Turnabout for TIHAN" is an annual show put on by Tucson's GLBT clubs and their bar staff. The staff request donations from their friends and customers in order to do a "turn-about" from male to female (or vice versa) and put on a fabulous show to benefit the work of TIHAN, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (www.tihan.org)
Get ready for the glitz and glamour, the pumps and passion for this year's "Turnabout for TIHAN" benefit show! It's one of the biggest drag shows of the year, and takes place on Sunday, September 6 at the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park (445 South Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona). The doors open at 5:00pm, and the show starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are only $10.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door. The evening also features a raffle with some great prizes.
Join us for Turnabout, featuring emcees Bunny Fufu and Janee Starr, along with your favorite bar staff in drag from your favorite participating bars.
Tickets are on sale now through the TIHAN office (credit card orders can be taken - 299-6647), or at participating bars. For more information about the event, or to volunteer, contact Scott Blades at 299-6647 or scott@tihan.org
The Rogue Theatre has found a permanent home.
This summer, we are converting the auditorium/gymnasium of The Historic Y,
known previously as The Historic Y Hall, into a theatre.
Our new address is
300 East University Boulevard
in The Historic Y
See map and parking information
Yes, we have begun the renovation of the new Rogue Theatre. The steel grid from which we'll hang lights, scenery and curtains is up, suspended from 60 steel rods. The dressing rooms are painted and carpeted. The black velour drapes are made and hung. The costume and prop storage is organized. Emergency lighting is installed. The custom-built steel audience risers are almost completed. The scene shop is ready, and the bathrooms, lobby, and administrative office are nearly finished.
As we count up all the donations (in-kind, cash, pledges), we see that we have embarked on a truly impressive project totaling over $125,000. Turning a gymnasium into a theatre takes a village. And we're almost there. We have raised $57,170 of the $80,000 we need for the renovation.
Dear friends (members of the Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce),
Thank you so much for sharing your Friday afternoon with The Rogue Theatre at our Out & About. It was very exciting to show you our new theatre and give you a peek at Animal Farm. You are an important part of our work and it was great to welcome you to our new home!
Many of you have expressed an interest in advertising in our program. I am attaching our rate sheet along with some basic information below. If you have any questions, please feel free to corner me at the breakfast meeting on Thursday!
Cheers,
David Morden
The Rogue Theatre
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It is a very exciting time for The Rogue Theatre as we start our 2009-2010 season in our very own space. We are on University Boulevard, just down from the Epic Café-right in your neighborhood.
We are in the process of putting together the program for the first production of our 2009-2010 season, Animal Farm, and we invite you to advertise with us. We estimate that your ad will reach at least 1,000 people through the three-week run of the play.
Animal Farm is based on George Orwell's novella of the same name. This exhilarating production will use a mixture of people and puppets to tell the story and is sure to be a dynamic and popular event. (For more information on Animal Farm, go to www.TheRogueTheatre.org)
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Section 7 M.S.N. History
History of the Men's Social Network
Upon moving to Tucson from Illinois, Jerry C. and Les E. met Ray E. They became good friends and also became disenchanted with some concepts of the previous group to which they belonged. After thinking about "retiring," Ray was the motivator who said, "Tucson needs a group for gay men."
At that point the three of them turned to other friends who could represent each decade of age for broader input as a steering committee. Jerry did not want a decision making role, but offered to handle public relations. Les offered to publish a newsletter, and has continued to do so until shortly after Jerry passed away.
The first steering committee consisted of Glenn E. (20's), Les E. (30's), John B. (40's), Ray E. (50's) and Don R. (60's and up). Ray served as the first chairperson. The purpose of the group was to be a social, not political, organization. An informal structure has been maintained since most did not want to have an overly structured group. The steering committee members choose their own replacements. This prevents the group from being politicized.
The group was designed to be an alternative to the bar and so, to avoid legal problems, no alcohol would (or will) be served at any MSN events.
The founding committee decided if there were sixty members at the end of the first year, it would be considered to be successful. There were forty-five in attendance at the first potluck in March 1995, held at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church social hall, which we rapidly outgrew. There were 150 at the end of the first year.
We have had over 300 members and currently are holding around 150.
George Gustafson is our most recent past president and has been replaced by Thom Goodrich as of the start of the 15th year.
We extend our thanks to all of the members and visitors who have made the organization so successful. Most new members join as a result of word-of-mouth advertising, Wingspan referrals, and The Observer.
It has been a special delight to see new people in Tucson find an instant social family through MSN.
PAST CHAIRPERSONS / PRESIDENTS
Ray E. (1995 - ?)
(????)
Don S. (????-????)
Robert Serrano (???? - 2006)
Steve Peterson (2006 - 2008)
George Gustafson (2008 - 2009)
Thom Goodrich (2009 - Present)
NOTE: On March 3rd, 2004, Jerry C. passed on.
(anyone having additional information, early pictures, etc, regarding the MSN history, please contact me so I can get with you and add your info -- thanks, Thom Goodrich -- email me at msn.communicator@menssocialnetwork.org or phone 520-908-6160.)
SECTION 8 Additional Information
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT:
If you currently host M.S.N. events in your home for our fellow members, did you know that M.S.N. will reimburse you for your snack food and non alcoholic beverage entertainment expenses? All that is necessary is to keep your receipts and if possible come to the monthly Pot Luck and see Thom Goodrich about reimbursement, otherwise call him at 908-6160 to arrange a meeting. Be sure that your event is listed on the monthly events calendar (an exception being any Steering Committee meetings hosted by committee members at their home or authorized meeting place). We do not reimburse for any expenses which might be incurred at an event outside of a members home unless prior approval is obtained from the Steering Committee - these expenses are normally on a Dutch treat basis unless approved prior to the event. VISIT MSN ONLINE:
Coming soon our new and inclusive web site at www.menssocialnetwork.orgUse our old faithful group site until the new one is up and running:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork/
(notice: to join a yahoo group, you need a yahoo ID (email addy) to start - then you can change your email setting to receive email from the group at your usual NON yahoo address.)
Our open discussion site: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork2/
Our "map it" site: www.frappr.com/themenssocialnetworktucson
Our Newest Sites
http://groups.google.com/group/mens-social-network---tucson/web/mens-social-network
http://msncommunicator.blogspot.com/
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RECEIVING UNWANTED EMAIL:
NOTICE: IF YOU ARE RECEIVING EMAIL FROM THIS SENDER, AND WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR ADDRESS BOOK, PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL BY ENTERING "DROP ME" IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND HITTING "SEND". WE WILL REMOVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FROM THIS MAILING SITE.
Thank you,
Thom Goodrich, M.S.N. President
(908-6160; msn.communicator@menssocialnetwork.org)
The deadline for all eNewsletter material is the 15th of the month and the last day of the month. Submit your material to msn.communicator@gmail.com OR msn.newsletter15yrs@gmail.com. eNewsletter publication dates are the 5th and the 20th of each month.
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