| Date |
# |
Topics/Activities |
| 2009‑01‑02 |
34 |
Bill A. hosted movie night. The movie was Oh Happy Day. The film was about two guys battle through the consequences of having had a one-night stand just before they started working together, and learn that to make a relationship work, you have to reveal everything |
| 2009‑01‑09 |
37 |
Drew Thomits hosted a presentation on Gay Men's Health Issues - Group discussion focused around participant?s interests and questions regarding sex, sexuality, and sexual health including but not limited to safer sex and STD/HIV prevention in the Twenty First Century |
| 2009‑01‑16 |
34 |
Jeffrey Albair lead a discussion about gay men and dating. Where do you start, the internet, bars, social clubs? Members will discuss their successes and horror stories about the dating game. Armed with this info you may just find the love of your life in 2009! |
| 2009‑01‑23 |
34 |
Rod hosted a presentation by the very talented performer Gordon Michaels. Gordon will be discussing past and up coming events of Bears 4 Music. Save time on your calendar for Cabaret by the Sea & Bears by the Sea 2009! |
| 2009‑01‑30 |
32 |
CGM has creative talent! Five of our members displayed and discuss their works of art. Dick Pratt, Frank Curatolo, Jr. and Dick Bennett are painters, Jeremy Winnick is a photographer. Charles L. works with pottery. These very talent members were available though out the meeting to ask questions regarding their creative passions. Dick B. also provided a beginner painting lesson! |
| 2009‑02‑06 |
31 |
CGM game night! Members brought thier favorite games to share. It was a very relaxed setting to make new friends and socialize! Board meeting started at 6PM all members were welcome! |
| 2009‑02‑13 |
29 |
Gary Cote started The Concord Area Fibromyalgia
Empowerment Group (The CAF?) in June 2008 with the hopes of offering inspiration and support to members suffering from fibromyalgia. Gary is also a member of the gay community and lives in Andover with his partner of 13 years. Gary says that, despite the adversities we all face, it is important to have established goals- especially when the tides may turn. But for many of us, we?ve allowed our goals to become too incidental- but this doesn?t have to be the case! Members and one woman joined Gary for an informal presentation on the importance of self-awareness, resilience and empowerment in the process of setting your life?s goals. |
| 2009‑02‑20 |
43 |
Joe Murphy did a presentation on Gaymentogether (GMT) a group of men who meet twice a year, in spring and fall. GMT was formed by a group of gay men who desired to build ?community? looking into the 21st century. Looking back at the last 20 years and dealing with such a devastating disease as AIDS which took all of our energy and many friends, our retreats and community building have been very successful. We gather as gay and/or questioning men in a non-threatening environment where we each are free to be and celebrate ourselves.(www.gaymentogether.net) |
| 2009‑02‑27 |
45 |
Adam, a nationally certified massage therapist, presented a discussion of massage therapy techniques, including deep tissue, Swedish, clinical massage, neuro-muscular therapy and muscle energy techniques. The benefits of the various massage techniques will be explained. Demonstrations will be included and questions welcome. |
| 2009‑03‑06 |
29 |
Keith Boyles will be hosted movie night. The Boys in the Band released in 1970, this William Friedkin film, often criticized for so-called gay stereotypes and self-hatred, is a classic. Probably Hollywood's first important gay film and generally described as dark and depressing, Boys, nevertheless, is essential to every gay man's education. The evening will include a brief discussion. |
| 2009‑03‑13 |
45 |
Nate Gordon hosted a Murder Mystery Party: Lethal Luau!Setting: Maui, Hawaii 1996. It was a sunset luau on a Hawaiian beach to celebrate Chase Diamond?s 33rd birthday. Chase, a private eye with his own Maui-based detective agency, was a man willing to take big risks to get results for his clients. Diamond also had a reputation for romancing too many ladies at the same time. Chase, in a celebrating mood, raised his glass to toast the friends who had gathered for his party. He took one swallow and immediately fell to the ground?stone cold dead. It was not just a case of Chase having had on-too-many drinks?his Mai Tai had been spiked with deadly poison. It is a clear case of murder and you are one of the suspects! MEMBERS WERE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR LUAU ATTIRE! |
| 2009‑03‑20 |
50 |
CGM broke its attendance recorded tonight with 50 guys attending the meeting in the fellowship hall!!!!!!!!!!!
GayOutdoors.org was founded by New Hampshire native Mike Boisvert who shared its history, a slide show of their trips in NH, introduce members to its website, talked about its GetFit hikes starting in May, and finish off with a Q&A session dispensing outdoor gear/clothing advice to anyone attending. Mikes goal was to cure cabin fever by showing outdoor photos, giving outdoor advice and talking about how to make new buddies in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. |
| 2009‑03‑27 |
37 |
George Cox was our host tonight. Seeing a lack of programming for the GLBT audience George created "Toniq TV" to showcase places, events, news and heath issues for the Gay community. He is also a singer/songwriter who has been involved in the Boston music scene for over ten years. He opened for many national music acts, and tracks from his album "Doorways Through the Hourglass" have had airplay on several New England radio stations. He created the nationally award winning "Twist TV" seen in 33 cities and four states including Boston and New York. He interviewed many upcoming local acts , radio DJ's, industry professionals and music superstars, including Britney Spears, Melissa Etheridge and Five for Fighting. He is a hottie so find out more about him at www.toniqtv.com |
| 2009‑04‑03 |
28 |
CGM game night! One member brought his favorite game to share with 27 other members. Very relaxed setting to make new friends and socialize! |
| 2009‑04‑10 |
40 |
Tim Starkey, Mr. Boston Leather 2009 joined us for a Kink, Leather, and BDSM 101 discussion. Members brought thier questions and curiosities for a candid talk about this mysterious and exciting world. Tim focused on Safe, Sane, and Consensual principles and spoke about paths people can use to explore the world of being a leather man. Tim of course was in full leather gear and had assorted toys to show at the presentation. Members were encouraged to wear some leather, rubber or even a colored hanky for this discussion to show thier interests to others in the group!
|
| 2009‑04‑17 |
34 |
Queer Gabby: CGM's take on daily advice columns. Members wrote out questions addressed to Queer Gabby. We went around reading and answering the questions. You got questions we got answers. This night was informative, funny and a good way to find out other members views on life. |
| 2009‑04‑24 |
32 |
John K. has set up the website Hexaduko.com which supplies 3 free hexaduko puzzles every day; he previously set up a website to market courses in finance. He explained the stages he went through to set this website up but he hopes that this will become a discussion because there are other members of the group with greater expertise in HTML programming and with computers generally. John had time after the discussion, to explain how to solve hexaduko puzzles using an easy example. |
| 2009‑05‑01 |
39 |
This months movie night was a free for all. Members were encouraged to bring their favorite movie. We voted on watching Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Steve and Bill brought Pop Corn for everyone. |
| 2009‑05‑08 |
40 |
Raymond Edwin discussed how most straight men become homophobic! As a straight, white, male in the USA, men, like Ray, were trained by society to be oppressors of everyone else (women, people of color, gay, etc.) and that training is steeped in homophobia. His life goal over the past 20 - 25 years has been to show men they don't have to act that way any more. In Ray?s Men?s support group he would have straight men be physically close to each other, hold hands with and hug other men (both gay & straight) and counsel them on the feelings that come up for them. He has witnessed many break throughs in these men. His presentation addressed both the "set up" and other expectations society has placed on men, which are conditions we all need to be liberated from. |
| 2009‑05‑15 |
36 |
Chris Holman, also known as CJ the DJ, has been a very active member of the gay community since coming out in the early 1990?s. Chris?s commitment to local and regional community services is what really distinguishes this photographer and entertainer ( www.cjthedj.com) He has served a four year appointment as his town?s Southwest Regional Planning Commissioner, as well as doing much fundraising while helping organize special events for groups like ACS, GAYLA, NH Bears, several AIDS Service Organizations and the Southwestern Vermont Gay Men?s Group. He encouraged CGM to bring their schedulers and information about their favorite charities to this heartfelt gathering about finding fun activities to ?Giveback? or ?Pay it Forward?. |
| 2009‑05‑22 |
35 |
"I am you & you are he - We are we & we are all together!" A fun and interesting exploration of CGM's group dynamics. Paul Smith, a Concord psychotherapist, lead us in a partly fun, partly serious, partly silly, partly revealing evening of interactive games and exercises. We learned about fellow CGM members as well as taught others, things they may not have know about ourselves. A fun, inclusive, experiential evening where we left feeling closer and friendlier towards many of the participants. |
| 2009‑05‑29 |
51 |
CGM?s second annual Family and Friends Ice Cream Social. We rented the fellowship function room at the UU Church to hold this event. Members brought their family and friends _setting a new record for attendance on a Friday night!! CGM provided the ice cream. This year we had a fancy dessert contest. Dick from Concord won first place with his Chocolate Kalua Cake ! |
| 2009‑06‑05 |
32 |
CGM game night! Members brought thier favorite games to share with other members.There were groups of guys playing Balderdash, Trivial Pursuit, Catch Phrase, Jenga, and Chinese Checkers. Snacks included popcorn, iced tea, and bananas.
It was a very relaxed setting to make new friends and socialize! |
| 2009‑06‑12 |
33 |
Blogging and Social Networking for Gay Professionals. For professional and even for personal purposes, let's face it, we are all in the same business: self-promotion. We are never selling our products or services as much as we are selling ourselves. Blogging and social networking can help us to position ourselves as real live human beings that people can get to know, like, and trust?and ultimately do business with.
Carl Eric Johnson discussed these issues and more as they pertain to us as gay men ? including pitfalls to avoid, depending on our reasons for using social media. |
| 2009‑06‑19 |
40 |
Dr. Sarah Strout is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. Her research focuses on the social, evolutionary and cultural effects on mating strategies, particularly in groups underrepresented in evolutionary literature such as women and gay/lesbian individuals. In this presentation she summarized the findings of her last research project in which she asked men from the Capital Gay Men group to answer questions related to their sexuality and mate preferences as well as the effects of parents, peers, and religion on their sexuality. |
| 2009‑06‑26 |
26 |
Steve F from Concord did a presentation on CGM?s new interactive Message Board. Hewent over over how to set up your profile, post entries and answered questions members had. If you know how to use a message board already and want the URL to get to CGM?s message board send Jeffrey Albair an email. |
| 2009‑07‑03 |
27 |
This month?s movie night was a free for all - members are encouraged to bring their favorite movie and we will vote on which one to show. The majority vote went to Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig or Hedy is a German female given name. The name originates from old German (hadu meaning battle, and wig meaning fight). After Watching the movie I think it is a fitting title. Please feel free to comment about this movie on our message board! |
| 2009‑07‑10 |
29 |
NHFTM to marry was a no show! If you are donating money to them please start sending it to CGM. At least you will know we are enjoying it.
Despite the no show the meeting went well. We had a few different activities going on: A walk of the church grounds. The grounds are quite nice with a playground (we did play on it) herb, vegetable and flower gardens to tour. Two of our members had their antique cars on display. One member offer free blood pressure test to help him with his schooling to be a LNP (I think) The rest of the members were just happy to have a play to be and socialize.
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| 2009‑07‑17 |
32 |
The auction was a great success last night. We collect $940.00 to help off set the cost of our 10th ANNERVASRY PARTY
Unsurprisingly, "local art" gets the most activity on auction night, so be sure to thank those contributors when you see them. Also don't forget our high-propensity buyers! (Chris H. spent $227!) |
| 2009‑07‑24 |
39 |
Truth or dare? 20 questions? What will it be? Dennis M hosted a fun night of more "getting to know you" questions. we think he pop a clonazepam and down a bottle of vodka and really spill his guts...(only kidding!) This was a fun and informative way to get to know other CGM members. As always participation was optional and no judgment was passed. |
| 2009‑07‑31 |
28 |
Jeffrey Albair hosted a meeting about CGM. Members shared their ideas as to what CGM means to them. Some questions that were asked were: What would you do on a Friday night if you didn?t have a meeting to go to? What changes would you like to see happen in the next 5 years?Do we want to be part on NH Pride in 2010. It was discussed that CGM is a nonprofit run by volunteers. Members attended this meeting to show thanks to the guys that volunteer to keep the organization running! |
| 2009‑08‑07 |
30 |
Movie night: Mammoth Dreams - The Story of Dave McCoy. Howard D. introduced the film, then took questions afterwards. It was nice to watch a non-gay documentary for a change of pace. |
| 2009‑08‑14 |
26 |
An old-style open meeting. The primary topic was the pains endured by a couple of members who have very recently come out--or been outed--to their children. The most common advice in this situation was to give it time (give folks as long as you gave yourself to become comfortable with it) and to continue to be the same person you always were.
We also discussed gay marriage. Several folks expressed their concern that if this battle is lost, it will be solely because we chased after the word "marriage." Some noted that the "marriage = one man + one woman" belief is rooted in church and faith upbringings, which you are not going to easily change. One suggested that if legal benefits are all we really are after (rather than acceptance from all faiths), what we should be pushing for is marriage to be returned to the churches who may define it however they like, and civil unions for all, gay and straight alike. |
| 2009‑08‑22 |
33 |
PFlag had to cancel their presentation; So Jeffrey Albair facilitated an open discussion.
The group discussed the VT Bear Film Festival, Rock River, and Palm Springs.
|
| 2009‑08‑28 |
30 |
Jeffrey Albair hosted Speed Friending: Men were rotated to meet each other over a series of short intervals lasting for 4 minutes at the end of each interval, the organizer rings a bell to signal the participants to move on to the next friend. This was CGM's take on Speed Dating. We supplied questions for menbers to use or they could use thier own. 26 guys made 13 new friends: |
| 2009‑09‑04 |
32 |
CGM game night! Members brought favorite game to share with other members. The evening was conducted in a very relaxed setting to make new friends and socialize! |
| 2009‑09‑11 |
30 |
Bill A facilitated an open meeting
|
| 2009‑09‑18 |
31 |
In this fast passed life that we all live in, Sandie Perreault will helped CGM Members find their inner peace through breath work, meditation and yoga postures. Sandie is a Certified Yoga Teacher. She was trained in the Bija Ananda Teacher Training Program (RYT 200 certification) with Tom Sherman. She has been practicing the art of yoga for 7 years and has been teaching for 3 years. She taught aquacise for over 10 years and is experienced in instructing classes with groups of people. |
| 2009‑09‑25 |
33 |
Ignacio S. from Miami hosted Murder Mystery Night: This mystery occurs in 1979 at the trendy Studio Manhattan, a chic and glamorous Concord NH discotheque frequented by the rich and famous. Tonight?s exclusive crowd of celebrities is feverishly dancing the Hustle to the throbbing rhythmic beat of disco. Jeffrey Albair produced the cast of characters. |
| 2009‑10‑02 |
31 |
Movie Night! Save Me is a deft exploration of the controversial ex-gay movement. The story follows Mark (Chad Allen), a drug-addicted young man who overdoses and finds himself at the mercy of his disapproving family. Their solution to Mark's problems is to check him into a Christian run ministry overseen by Gayle (Judith Light), who believes she can help cure young men of their 'gay affliction' through spiritual guidance. |
| 2009‑10‑09 |
28 |
NH Gay Men?s Chorus: Gary Finger was on hand to talk about NHGMC. A Accompanist for the Chorus, Gary gave insight about his duties and information about the chorus, as well as talking about the upcoming Winter and Spring concerts. Gary answered questions about becoming a member and volunteer opportunities. |
| 2009‑10‑16 |
22 |
Deborah Nitschke discussed the impact we may face if the tax laws enacted 8 years ago are not renewed. She also reviewed the investment strategy triangle and took many questions. |
| 2009‑10‑23 |
27 |
Open Discussion: Jeffrey Albair facilitated the meeting, Members were encouraged to bring topics they would like to have a discussion about! |
| 2009‑10‑30 |
40 |
Halloween Party: Members wore costumes, brought treats and tricks. We rented out the big room with the kitchen, so we had plenty of room to accommodated all 40+ attending members. |
| 2009‑11‑06 |
27 |
Game night! Menbers brought their favorite game to share with other members. Very relaxed setting to make new friends and socialize! Board Meeting. was held at 6PM
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| 2009‑11‑13 |
34 |
Jeffrey Albair facilitated Campaign Night: In order to better inform you of how the CGM Board of Directors operates, Some current members of the 2009 board discussed their roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments over their term and offer advise to new candidates. Members seeking to be elected for the 2010 board came prepared to present thier goals for 2010 and beyond. Capital Gay Men has successfully grown over the last ten years and should be positioning itself to accommodate 130 plus members. Active CGM member were asked to please consider being at this meeting to learn more about our leadership and help us improve our organization.
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| 2009‑11‑20 |
28 |
SHOW & TELL: You show me yours I'll show you mine. Here was your chance to show us what gets you excited. Members are asked to bring an item and tell us a little bit about it. 12 guys participated and brought items in they were passionate about. |
| 2009‑11‑27 |
35 |
After-Thanksgiving potluck was at the home of Bob and Brad in Pembroke. The festivities began at 6 p.m. and lasted well into the night. It was one of CGM's wilder potlucks!! |
| 2009‑12‑04 |
37 |
The votes were cast and the new CGM 2010 Board of Directors are President: Jeffrey Albair , Vice President: Eric Andrewson, Secretary: Steve Amlaw, Treasurer: Michael B, Members At Large: Keith B, Christopher Harris, Brian L., Dennis Morrison, David Shoemaker, Chris Toy
CGM is what we make ? Let?s make it FUN |
| 2009‑12‑11 |
39 |
"Be gentle on people because you don't know what they've been through.?
Thus said the Rev. Canon Charles LaFond, to resounding applause, at our last CGM meeting. Rev. LaFond, well-known for his intensive seminars on relationships, spoke to us at length about collaborative skills with regards to family, friends, and significant others. The theme of Rev. LaFond?s talk was that, when conflicts arise, we can be hard on issues but soft on people. Dave Schumaker and Jack Miller brought down the house by illustrating the Reverend?s principles through role-playing scenarios. They demonstrated that the basis of a successful relationship is equality ? not honesty, trust, or even loyalty. We must recognize that we each have different roles to play in all of our relationships, and that collaborative skills are necessary to foster a healthy relationship.
Eric Andrewsen, Vice-President, CGM |
| 2009‑12‑18 |
51 |
It was a record-breaking gala: 51 men attended last night?s fabulous Christmas party and Yankee gift swap. Our president-elect Jeffrey Albair appeared in full Santa regalia, while Elvis (Bill P.) sang Christmas hits. We were treated to an abundant and dazzling cornucopia of food, holiday cheer, and handmade door prizes meticulously crafted by Dennis M. and his talented and imaginative team. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night! |
