The Latest News

Men's Social Network -Tucson 
- From your Communications Team -
15th year vol. four              October 5, 2009
Thank you from Men's Social Network!
We appreciate you.
 
We hope that you are enjoying our "new" communications
e-NEWSLETTERS and Calendars.  We fully realize that getting a HARD copy in the SNAIL MAIL monthly was always nice, but trying to be practical in this age of electronic communications, this format is the only method for the dollars spent that keeps us within budget without having to increase our annual dues.  Oh, and we can send out an unlimited number of e-NEWS or special notice newsletters through out the month as needed, without any additional monthly expense!!! 
 
In this edition, below, you will find: YouTube Info; Wingspan Godat Awarded to one of our members; Jerry Curl's reply to problem; FaceBook NEWS & CHATTER; Baby Jesus hike info; important dates from Lee & Merlin and some more Survey 2009 info.
 
Here are links to our current calendars of events:
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Date Time
10/9/2009 5:30 pm OASIS SOCIAL GROUP call Davis Palmer 325-4754 for details
10/9/2009 6:00 pm Tucson PRIDE PARADE 2nd St & 4th Ave 
10/10/2009 10:00 am PRIDE IN THE DESERT (actually in Reid Park)
10/10/2009 7:00 pm Pinochle Jack @ 887-3736
10/11/2009 AIDSWALK 2009 UofA Campus
10/11/2009 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact Thom @ 908-6160, Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754 (Luxor Cafe 3699 N. Campbell)
10/12/2009 10:00 am Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264
10/12/2009 7:30 pm Trivial Pursuit--Call Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336
10/14/2009 7:00 pm Join the Bear's (BOTOP) for Coffee at Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
10/14/2009 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING - Jack 887-3736
10/15/2009 e Newsletter for the 20th of the month Article Submission deadline = msn.newsletter15yrs@gmail.com
10/15/2009 1:00 pm Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264
10/15/2009 7:00 pm BRIDGE NITE - Ike @ 207-6264
10/15/2009 7:00 pm Triangle Tribe - for topic details call Roy @ 225-9558
10/17/2009 7:00 pm Pinochle - Steve @ 664-2076
10/18/2009 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact Thom @ 908-6160, Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754 (Golden Corral, 4380 E. 22nd St.) 
10/19/2009 6:30 pm Gay Men's Book Club contact Stephen Reidy @ 241-7854 
10/21/2009 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING - Marv @ 745-0304
10/22/2009 7:00 pm BRIDGE NIGHT - Ike @ 207-6264
10/23/2009 7:30 pm Live Theatre Wkshp "The Unexpected Guest" contact Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336
10/24/2009 7:00 pm Pinochle - Steve @ 664-2076
10/25/2009 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact Thom @ 908-6160, Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754  (Shere Punjab, 853 E. Grant Rd.)
10/30/2009 Day Trip to Titan Missle Museum, details - Thom - 908-6160.
10/31/2009 7:00 pm Pinochle - Marvin @ 745-0304
11/2/2009 7:00 pm Scrabble @ Lee & Merlins call 207-5336 - Limited space
11/4/2009 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING
11/5/2009 7:00 pm BRIDGE NIGHT
11/7/2009 NOVEMBER POT LUCK & SOCIAL MOVED TO 11/14
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Greetings!

If you haven't discovered it by now -- It is always fun to find things posted on YouTube
 
Like most normal senior citizens, just trying to keep up with the "times", I spent a couple hours cruising around this exciting web site.  I really believe one could spend days checking it out and never run out of interesting short shots posted by people from all around this old world.  It can be like a good book, once you start it you just can't put it down until you either finish or fall asleep!!!! 
 
Here are some links to some Tucson events that might be of interest to you:  (you should just be able to double click on the subject title below and it will take you to the "movies!!")
 
 
The Human Project at Tucson Pride 07!        
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WINGSPAN AWARDS THE 2009 Godat Award     
 
  Maurice Grossman 
 
Honoree: Maurice Grossman
Maurice Grossman has been an activist and advocate for LGBT causes for more than 50 years. He is much beloved and well-known for his work on behalf of Wingspan, TIHAN, Equality Arizona, Tucson Pride and PFLAG.
A founding member of the Stonewall Democrats (Tucson's LGBT Democratic Party Club), he is a ubiquitous and indefatigable presence at LGBT and political events. He has been a personal ambassador for LGBT issues within the city and county governments.
Maurice had a long career as a Professor of Ceramics in the University of Arizona Fine Arts Department, where he served as a role model for students, faculty and staff. His work has been shown in numerous galleries and exhibitions, earning him national renown.
For his outstanding, long-term contribution to the Southern Arizona LGBT community, Wingspan is pleased to honor Maurice Grossman as the 2009 Godat Award recipient.
 
Maurice has been a long time member of the Men's Social Network - -
 
Congratulations Maurice - from the M.S.N. gang
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 The Word from Jerry Curl - - Jerry Curl

NOTE:  This is Jerry's reply to a letter written to the editor back in December, 2003 that we re-published in the September 5th, 2009 "The Latest News".
 
December 23, 2003
 
Dear XXXX,
I was sorry to read of your disappointment with the socializing in MSN.  Unfortunately, you are not the only person who feels that way and I spend much time TRYING to get the members to be more social and helpful in assimilating visitors and new members into the group.
 
I need, first, to clarify that the articles written are provided by me, Jerry Curl, and Les is not responsible for them.  He prints what he receives.  Secondly, the article to which you refer specifically stated that it would be a positive contribution to the group to hear from people who have experienced what you experienced.  This is the first response we have received.  May we have permission to print your letter?  We do not print anyonymous letters, so would need to use your name if we print it.  It certainly does provide food for thought and that is important and might stimulate more discussion and, hopefully, positive action in the group.               
 
I am disappointed that my efforts to encourage others to reach out to new people were evidently passed over by you while reading the article.  I did try to use the concept of the 7 Habits.  Specifically, the last sentence in the second paragraph asked "what are you, personally, doing to make others feel welcome and included?"  The last sentence in the third paragraph read "All members are encouraged to reach out to people they don't know well and try to include them and make them feel more welcome".  The last sentence in the article asked "What can you do about making your surroundings more pleasant and inclusive?".  (That sentence was directed to the membership in the hopes that they would be more inclusive.  At the same time, it is also a challenge to a new person to take some responsibility for their own fate with a social group.)
 
You may or may not be aware that I take it upon myself at every potluck or other event to introduce new members around and to try to help them make a connection for seating at the event and for meeting people.  Obviously, this is more than a one-man job and needs to be done by all members.  I have to admit that there is little that can be done to encourage interaction, because people simply choose not to bring negative energy into their lives.
 
In the case of the person who had withdrawn his membershuip, I knew personally that he had rarely attended any events and they were spaced out so that there was little carry over from previous events.  His partner was extremely closeted and never attended any event, so, although he was a part of a couple, that fact was not known.  I personally would have liked tohave seen more of this member -- he was pleasant, interesting, and could have been a good friend.  I do hold the group mostly responsible for not trying to include him more, but I also have to call upon my previous counseling background and not let the individual become a "victim".  I do firmly believe that we have to take some responsibility for our own success or failure.
 
I'm sorry your experience shows that MSN members are in cliques.  Do you have suggestions as to how to keep that from happening?  People simply gravitate toward people they know and enjoy.  I don't think we are in a position to try to impose togetherness.  We, too, have been disappointed that a number of members have formed their own little social gatherings and no longer participate in the larger group activities.  It is interesting to note that almost ALL of the people involved in those smaller social groups are people who have met at MSN events.  So, although it is somewhat disappointing, it still shows that the newtwork works in forming friendships and social families.  In this light, we are pleased that you have at least one good friend whom you met at an MSN event.
 
We are sorry to lose you as members, but certainly can understand your choice.  I'm personally sorry that the group wasn't more satisfying to you.  We continue to hear from out of sotate people who would give anything to have such an organization available to them, and many visitors to the community are amazed that they can attend social gatherings and instantly have a social family.  One member spent 3 months each winter here and met so many people throught the group (by attending events, I might add) that after several years of winter visits, he chose to move here permanently last July and is very active socially with people he met in the group.  All this from just 3 month visits.
 
Certainly you are accurate in stating that people have lives outside of MSN.  That is to be expected.  In fact, a number of members are actively involved a\in supporting people who have needs beyond the social activities.  Les and I have been involved in helping some AIDS patients in the past and still get called upon for assistance when someone needs it.;  I am personally very involved outside the group by being president of our neighborhood association (11th term), serving as a power of attorney and trustee for an elderly former neighbor who is now in an adult care center, spend time with 5 children and 16 grandchildren, and many more contacts  So my life certainly extends beyond MSN too.
 
Enjoy the holidays.  We will have 35-40 members at our house for the Christmas dinner that gives all members an opportunity to be surrounded by their gay Tucson Family.
 
If you have more suggestions about how the group would work better, we would be happy to forward them to the Steering Committee for consideration.
 
Jerry Curl
 
Post NOTE:  Things seldom change, the advice Jerry offers in his letter back then applies just as much today as it did then. 
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Pride on Parade
Come Party in the Streets with Us!
Host: Tucson Pride, Inc
Type: Other - Festival
Network: Global
Date: Friday, October 9, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: 4th Avenue to Eon Youth
City/Town: Tucson, AZ
Phone: 5206223200
Email: info@tucsonpride.org
Description
Pride on Parade is moving back to 4th Avenue. There will be a free block party following the parade with live entertainment. As recently announced we have our Grand Marshals - Desert Voices! and Margaret Cho!
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"The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later...An Epilogue"
 
Type: Causes - Rally
Network: Global
Date: Monday, October 12, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: UA Centennial Hall
 
On Monday, October 12, Tucson will be one of a select number of cities in the U.S. to present this new play by Director Moises Kaufman on the 11th anniversary of the murder of 19-year-old, gay college student, Matthew Shepard. A reading of the work by local actors will explore the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. The play investigates the long-term cultural impact of the Shepard murder and the collective memory of the community a decade after the event. The local cast will be directed by University of Arizona School of Theatre Arts Associate Professor Bobbi McKean. This event will be free and open to the public. Please check back to this webpage for new details and information as well as additional events surrounding this memorable dramatic reading.

The event will begin at 7pm. There will be no tickets distributed for this event. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

The evening will start with a pre-show event broadcast from Alice Tully Hall in New York City. Featuring the Tectonic Theatre Company and special guests from the original film, the pre-performance event will unite audiences across the nation who are about to experience the epilogue. Following the local Tucson reading, the audience will rejoin the proceedings at Alice Tully Hall for an informative discussion with an expert panel to explore the continuing impact of The Laramie Project.

This is not sponsored by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation or MSHAPE.  (Also not sponsored by M.S.N. - but members are encouraged to participate.)
 
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All Souls International Film Festival 7
One Night Only! 
Host: Many Mouths One Stomach
Type: Music/Arts - Opening
Network: Global
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: The Loft Cinema
Street: 3233 E Speedway Blvd.
City/Town: Tucson, AZ
Email:
 
Experience the kickoff to the All Souls Procession Weekend in Tucson, AZ with the 7th Annual All Souls International Film Festival.

The All Souls International Film Festival serves as a forum for people from all cultures to actively explore the phenomena of death through cinema. This regards themes of Ancestry, Global Rituals and Festivals relating to Death, Grief, Loss, and Rebirth. In summoning personal stories from around the world we increase consciousness around death as an integral aspect of life.

ADVANCED TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE LOFT
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Baby JesusBABY JESUS HIKE
 
On Sunday, October 18th, the Men's Social Network, (M.S.N.) Hiking Club has a hike planned for the Baby Jesus trail.  We will meet for car pooling at 9AM at the Tucson Mall, followed by 9:30AM at the Catalina Bashas and proceed together to the trail head.
 
Vaughan Thompson is hike coordinator, he can be reached for more information and details at 834-9980.  He says the hike will take from 4 to 4 1/2 hours to complete and that hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes designed for rough terrain, bring their own lunch and snacks and plenty of water.  We would very much enjoy any SAGE members joining us on this hike - give Vaughan a call.
 
For those unfamiliar with the Baby Jesus Trail area, here is some information thanks to our friendly internet:
 
The Baby Jesus Trail is located in the Golder Ranch area. The trail connects the Sutherland Trail with a northern portion of the Sutherland Wash. The trail is supposedly more advanced in nature and difficult to follow in places. The trail runs over a rocky section of the Baby Jesus Ridge from which it gets its name.
 
Located in Catalina State Park, in the Coronado National Forest, just north of Tucson, Arizona, in the Oro Valley.   The trails are outstanding......favorite trails lead north out the Southerland Trail, connecting with the Baby Jesus Trail and others in the northerly direction.
 
One good thing about trails like Baby Jesus is that it really makes you enjoy trails that are rideable...... the loop was only 11 miles but it took us over 3 hours to do it. That's Baby Jesus for you.
 
A map of the Catalina State Park trails:  http://www.topofusion.com/photofusion/Sutherland/index.html
 
The following is from Sonoran Desert Mountail Bicyclists web site - - - concerning Baby Jesus.
 
  Level: Intermediate, Advanced (3-C)
Description: The Baby Jesus loop is best ridden when recent rain has firmed up the sandy single track climb and the two sections which cross the Sutherland Wash. The climb from the Baby Jesus Trailhead up to the Window Rock is steep at times and sections require walking the bike. The views on the climb are beautiful, so take your time and enjoy.
The descent from the Baby Jesus/Sutherland Trail intersection to the State Park Gate is almost totally   over challenging "baby head" rocks - not the most enjoyable part of the ride. For this reason, an out-and-back ride may be more fun, turning around at the trail intersection.
The profile shows the ride ridden as a loop.
Directions: From Ina and Oracle go north until reaching Golder Ranch Road. Go east on Golder Ranch Road until crossing a cattle guard just after the road turns to dirt. Turn left here and follow the road 0.6 miles to a right-hand turnoff. Park in the vicinity of the corral, but don't block access to the corral itself.
Ride east on the jeep road leaving the corral for .5 miles, bearing right at the fork. Continue on the jeep road, crossing a cattle guard and continuing along, choosing the "better" jeep road as you approach the bottom of the hill. This area has many large cottonwood trees. Follow the jeep road south along the west side of the wash until just BEFORE it crosses a large (75 ft wide) intersecting wash. Turn east here (about 1.4 miles into the ride), cross the wash you've been following and look for a trail leading southeast up the bank away from the wash. It's somewhat hidden but well trodden once you pass through the trees near its entrance.
Once on the trail, it is generally easy to follow but beware of the occasional cowpath that branches off from the main trail - these peter out quickly, though. The path up out of the Flat Rock Meadow is especially tricky, as it turns briefly east before continuing south to the intersection with the Sutherland Trail. Don't be fooled by the cowpath leading initially west.
If you elect to ride the trail as an out-and-back, simply retrace your steps after reaching the Sutherland Trail - or from the Flat Rock Meadow which makes a nice place to stop for a snack and rest. If you want to do the loop, follow the Sutherland Trail west and downhill until reaching the State Park gate at the Sutherland Wash crossing. Follow the signs from there to the 50 Year Trail. Turn north on the 50 Year Trail to return to the corral parking area.
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 Important Dates and Info from Lee & Merlin
 
On Saturday, October 17, at 7PM a music concert will be held at MCC Church, at 3269 N. Mountain Ave.  (Road construction and last time I was there, you must enter Mountain Ave from the north at Prince and Mountain and proceed to the Church).
 
This is a benefit concert for Wingspan.  Several local musicians are donating their time and talents for this.  It is an eclectic concert, ranging from an operatic aria to country, folk and pop music.  This will include a raffle and munchies to purchase.  The requested donation is $15.00 - less if you can't afford that and hopefully more if you can.  This is being put on by an MSN member and we hope that enough people will be there to show their support for Wingspan so that we can raise at least $1000.00 or more.
 
On Friday, October 23, at 7:30PM Lee would like to have a group gather to see Agatha Christie's play "The Unexpected Guest" at Live Theatre Workshop .  Anyone interested should call Lee for more details.  The price is $14 for seniors and $15 for youn'uns.  Afterwards the group will go to the Village Inn at Speedway & Columbus for snacks and discussion.
 
A reminder -- since Wingspan closed their larger facility down town, it was the usual meeting place for the Triangle Tribe group -- they are now meeting at Lee & Merlins home - call for details and directions - Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336.
 
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More Survey 2009
 
Here is a letter we received, in fact it was with the last survey - from Brayton Person - - reprinted with his permission. 
 
July 8, 2009
 
Thom Goodrich
Men's Social Network
Tucson
 
Dear Thom,
 
     This Survey Form is being turned in quite late and is, likely, of little use to the Survey of some time back!
     I remain interested in the on-going life of MSN, asd the years have elapsed, Being and increasingly slow walker, I also drive day times now, mostly and very little at night as I once did easily.  I, then, have been increasingly out of touch with the NETWORK for sometime now.  In no way does this mean I have lost even the "armchair" interest in THE MEN'S SOCIAL NETWORK!  I have enjoyed receiving the News Letters.
     It may be a foolhardy undertaking on my part, but I can't let this opportunity go by without making some comments.
     I was one of the early and small group of men (c.1984-85) who took note of the fact that, but for some Tucson establishments where gay men could gather, the opportunities for gay men to socialize in Tucson, was limited.
     One chap named CHARLES GOULD (who moved to Phoenix some years ago) was the younger fellow who interested a small group of older gay men to organize for socialization purposes.  The name "Cronies" was chosen.
     The Group became larger as time went on.  At some point this Group came to call themselves the "Cronies."  While not all-most of the Group were more senior in age.  Younger gay members were not favored by the "group-conscience."  In time both the group name and lowere age limit was questioned.  A vote was called.
     At that point a recently joined member, then elected as Group Chair, (The late Jerry Curl) was not favored with the meeting's outcome.  This resulted in his stepping down.  Within a few days of the Cronies' "vote" meeting, Jerry and Les Elliott announced the formation of a new Group- the name of which was given as "Men's Social Network."
     In these later years, I am not sure that the Cronies' Group is still meeting.
     Names of two early Crony members are still remembered:  It is known that, in time, Leo Lee joined MSN.  There was also Jim Wilcoxin, an original Cronies member, who later joined MSN, and whose name is listed in the MSN DIRECTORY of 2008.  Jim's recollections could be a rich resource.
     And, then, so it is.  In addition to those named above, doubtless, there are other MSN members, unknown to me, who can give witness to the earlier days of MSN's beginnings.  It is my certain opinion that an attempt should be made to anchor the Group's earlier history.  But times change.  People change.  Some ideas change.  Other ideas remain the same.  Others may remember differently.  The above thoughts and opinions are my own.
     A teacher, and now retired, AI have lived in Tucson for now almost thirty years.  I believe firmly in the continual "firming up" of the gay interests amoung us in this City.
     In the spirit of my late friend, Harry Meserve, I edit his thoughts to read:  "Community, I am convinced, is a condition where one is accepted and accepts, where one is needed and supported, where one loves and is loved, where one sorrows and hopes, where beyond all confusions - We see the star."
 
Sincerely,
 
Brayton Person
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Thank you very much, Brayton, for your enlightening and informative letter.  It is appreciated and will go into the archives for future gay community members to read and hopefully appreciate.
 
I would love to hear from any other "early MSN members" -- Thom