8/25/2022 Board Meeting

Tomas, MaineBob, Carl, Tom Beal, David,  Ham, Phil, Joss  present

  1. Treasurer report  $4573 in regular account. Paypal, $100.
    a. Brad needs to get slips of about $700 to the treasurer.  The books are still open from last weekend.
    b. Tom is setting up the Paypal as a non profit and has a separate email. This may not be ready to use for the October retreat.
  2. Board voted to have men Covid tested on arrival and present a vaccination card. A statement of vaccination will be available if a man does not have his card. This is important to assure men we are doing all we can to be safe. If a man tests positive he will be asked to leave. Tomas will coordinate effort. Joss will assist.
    a. MCM will have tests and masks.  Men can bring their own test to be tested onsite if they prefer. This will be asked in the “Letter of Confirmation.
    b. The sleeping arrangements will be as separate as possible, six feet apart. There will be sleeping in cars, tent and field. Phil will coordinate and identify bed and cabins.
  3. Tom suggests October 7 as the last date to register
    a. The brochure will be sent by September 2.
    b. Tomas will coordinate the team to send out the brochure.
  4. Technology on the week end was discussed. David will poll the Program Committee about the use of the song/video.  Could Bob’s videos be shown during the variety show? Board agreed it would be appropriate,
    a. MaineBob may make another video.
    b. There are questions about permission to make videos from men in the videos. If permission is given verbally then it is OK for Bob to video tape. Bob may have some individuals taped for production of another video.
  5. Current goal for MCM is to plan how to attract new members of all ages to our group and increase our attendance at MCM Retreats.
  6. Phil will coordinate the Auction at MCM at the October retreat.
  7. Ham is thinking about what men want and who we are. He is developing a write up as a draft for board discussion.
    a. It is suggested to ask therapists if there are men who would gain by coming to a MCM weekend. We need to provide them with brochures.
    c. John B mentions that we could mention Mainely Men as a men’s organization that could be a consideration because of location. Further discussion by the board is needed.
  8. Tom is working on a “Forever” general poster.
  9. The president search is on.   David has resigned and will be done once all his paperwork/responsibilities are complete.
    a. There will be some shared leadership to put on the weekend. The program committee is David – Chair assisted by Bob, Carl and Tom. The Sunday meeting needs to have one man leading.  Ham will be doing the Sunday General meeting.

Next Board Meeting is October 27, 2022, via Zoom

Respectfully, Joss; Edited by David

Minutes accepted by email request September 2022

7/14/2022 Board Meeting

Present: David, Ham, Tom B, Maine Bob, Carl, Joss

  1. John B was unable to be at the meeting. The treasurer report is $3,973 in the checking account.
    a. It is the decision of the board have two checking accounts. One to be used for all business and the other for a Pay Pay account.
  2. Minutes from last meeting were discussed and passed.
  3. Fall Weekend Retreat
    a. The fall program brochure will go out September 5 — get all info to Tom by August 22, 2022 — Tom will develop the brochure and sent to board for approval. Document to printed for the Fold and Stamp Party before September 5.
    b. The” theme was discussed. Tom suggested learning new skills. David offered to coordinate the PC with the theme of simplicity. MaineBob is inspired. Ham remarks we need useful topics to engage men. Carl, Maine Bob, Tom volunteered for the Program Committee and help David brainstorm and develop the topic. David will be in touch this week with the group. David suggested smudging and quiet times during the retreat. The theme should be present throughout the weekend. Carl likes technology and again simple skills. Input is welcome from all on this topic of “Simplicity”. Think of ideas from the past like singing and drumming.. Send any thoughts to David. David will write up a blurb about the theme using info from the committee.
    c. Tom will use the spring brochure and update it for the fall. The cost for the weekend will be the same, $100. No discount for early registration. New Man Initiative and Scholarship will be offered as in the past.
    d. Tom asked about the Saturday only option for attending. It was agreed that Saturday needed to be open to men with medical issues who can only be present for that day only. The cost is $40. Testing will need to be discussed and a time set to register Saturday morning.
    e. The auction was talked about. There are mixed feelings about the auction from the membership. The auction does raise money, is entertaining, and a growing tradition. There will be only one auction time and shorter, seven to ten items, and a silent auction.
  4. Covid
    a. Tom reports we did a very good job with our testing, education, vax history, masks inside etc in the spring and no Covid reported from the weekend. We would like to see 0 Covid cases again this fall.
    b. Joss mentioned that we were very concerned if we could do the weekend in the spring, we had good plans and success, even though the numbers in Maine started to go up at that time. His point is that things will change before the fall weekend and be prepared to make changes as time nears with our procedures.
    c. We will again require all men to be vaxed and present their Vax cards along with getting tested Friday night. Masks in building will also be worn.
  5. Paypal is a system of transfering money securely without any exposure to credit credit card or bank info. It has been successful and well liked although there are other options now which are more popular. There is a $2.48 cost per transfer. We will absorb that cost. Electronic transfer of funds is very popular particularly with younger folks.
    a. Tom reports all can be done on the website—-we pay, fill out form, and when we arrive we can sign the form. Tom will work with Dan Kirchoff to set this up.
    b. Anyone can donate to MCM on line through this Pal Pay as well.
  6. Building Membership. This is the current goal we are working on.
    a. What do men want? What can we do to attract younger men or any man to the door?
    b. Ham says we need to be able to explain what we do. He will work on this. We are introspective and look for emotional context in our community of men.
    c. Dan K asks what MCM means to you. Dan has asked all board members to send your thoughts/blurbs to him for the website.
    d. Tom has a way to track who is looking at brochure/website.
    e. Joss said that we need to update the names on the forms for the state. This will be on the next agenda.
  7. Use of video
    a. There are 2 MCM videos. The question was asked if music or anything else is copyrighted and how does it affect our posting these videos? The videos will be sent to the board by Bob. Ham wants to show faces of the men.
    b. Currently we ask men to excuse themselves if they do not want to be in public pictures. What about men from the past when we had rules not allowing photography. David suggests that we can use a limited amount of technology at the weekend. This will need to be further discussed.
  8. The list of men who go to weekends will not be sent out to men who do not attend the weekend retreat. Our security is important. Bob said he would look into sending out the Spring list to all men who attended.
  9. Next mini series in July will be facilitated by Ham.
  10. We need to discuss and decide who be the next president. David had agreed to be Acting Present until the Fall Retreat. A backup for Joss as secretary is also important. Joss suggested producing a description of secretary role. David said it was good idea for all positions.
    a. If you have a role please check with David to see if the ecription is in the MCM Manual.
    b. David continues to update the manual and will send out an electronic copy to all board members when done.
  11. Next Board Meeting was not discussed.

    Accepted 8/25/2022

5/12/2022 Board Meeting

Members Present: David, John, Carl, Ham, Phil, Tom, Joss, Bob. There was a brief check in.

  1. The spring retreat was a success due to the amount of preparation concerning covid. All men were tested on arrival.  Sleeping arrangements for less density was the plan.  No one has tested positive. We were hoping for at least 19, more men came, than expected,  22.
    a. David brought up the topic of recruitment, which has been an ongoing discussion.   Many organizations with older members have falling members.  How do we do that? He asks. Our Goal for 2022-23 will be to bring in more men, hopefully younger men. It is time to discuss actions we will take.
  2. Tom suggests a topic for the fall retreat, men learning skills. We will need to have a Program Committee Chair, tabled.
  3. John reports $4,480 in cash in bank account. We took in $1,845 from the retreat and pay Tanglewood approximately $1,600.
    a. Smaller amounts for coffee, mailing, food are being tabulated. Once John has all the information he will tally up expenses and report at next board meeting.
  4. Minutes from 4/12/22 Board meeting and General meeting from 5/1/22 were modified and accepted.
  5. A booth at the common ground fair was discussed and it was decided to forgo it this year.  Will not place an ad in the CGF booklet this year.
  6. Goal is to bring in more and possibly younger men to MCM. Various methods of attracting more younger men were discussed. We need to think of actions to take. Discuss at next meeting. David sent out an e-mail last Wed that contained several sites to visit that might help up, please review. The question came up of what do we need to change to attract younger men, what do they want?  What we have works do we need to change? 
  7. The next mini-series: facilitators and dates were decided.  May 19, Phil; June 16, John; July 21, Ham; August 18, Carl; September 15, David; October 20, Bob.
  8. David will produce an agenda for the next meeting and run the meeting. David offered to be acting president until the Fall retreat if no one steps forward. Discussion of the future of the presidency will be on the next agenda.
  9. Dan is asking all of the board members to submit a short statement about their experiences of MCM or what MCM means to them.
  10. There was a discussion about Dave stepping down as president after 7 years. There is a transition period that David will help with. David also acknowledged that each President has their own style working with the board and MCM.
    a. Joss advanced an idea of the President, and board member positions having backup, and rotating men.  The idea is that we learn about how MCM  functions if more of us learn about each position when running it. This initiative was then repeated by several members.
    b. Several members said they were busy in their lives and would not like to take on more responsibility. No decision made.
    c. By-laws will need to be reviewed and changes made in the near future.
    d. Board Positions:
    Presidency [open] — David will continue until fall retreat as acting president if needed.
    Back-up Treasurer — Ham volunteered. John and Ham will work on the transition so that Ham can be on the bank account.
    Back-up Secretary — open. Joss is current secretary
  11. Next Board meeting will be July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
  12. Minutes approved by the MCM Board on July 14, 2022

My MCMen Experience — David Hanc

I have been attending MCM weekend retreats, twice a year for more than 20 years. The first weekend I went I was curious as to what went on and I soon realized that I wanted more of what was being offered. This organization has helped me shape the person I am today. Workshops, private conversations and quiet reflective moments have allowed me to explore many topics that I have interest while in a confidential encouraging environment. Some of the topics have been: job satisfaction, honesty, trust, relationships, being a parent, understanding gay woman and men, mindfulness, meditation practices, physical health, emotional health, spirituality, ADHD, retirement and so much more.

There has never been any pressure to find answers but I have always come away with a deeper understanding of issues I wanted to explore. I enjoy listening to other men and what they have to say about what is happening in their lives. Listening to others is another way for me to examine who I am and make decisions for my present as well as for my future.

Sometimes it has been difficult taking a whole weekend to attend a retreat, and to be honest, there has been only one time in over 40 retreats that I regretted going and that was because I could not put down the baggage I walked in with to be totally present for the gifts I normally receive.

I look forward to many more years of being part of Maine Coast Men.

If you are reading this and are curious, be sure to give this opportunity a chance by attending one of the retreats. You can always contact me if you want to discuss any aspect of MCM.

— David Hanc

5/1/2022 Business Meeting

  1. The current Board Members were recognized and thanked for their service.
    a. Tomas Levesque, Treasure, Quilt Curator
    b. Maine Bob O’Connor, Technical Advisor, Zoomologist, Photographer, Post Master General
    c. John Bangeman, Treasurer
    d. Carl Stoddard, recently rejoined MCM Board, Bell Keeper, Fire Keeper
    e. Joss Coggeshall, Secretary, Assistance Treasurer, Co-Med Kit Supervisor
    f. Phil Elkin, newest member of the board, Co-Med Kit Supervisor
    g. David Hanc, President
  2. Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $4480.45 before this weekend retreat
  3. Mini Series. This has been a huge success with 6-18 men showing up for check in and general discussion or program presentation. The Mini-Series is every 3rd Thursday of the month. Notices are sent out by e-mail. The series will continue into the future. Please join us, it is a great way to stay connected.
  4. Ham Niles and Dan Kirchoff were recognized and thanked for developing the Program committee. Ham took on the duel role of facilitating the weekend retreat.  Dan was recognized for his amazing artwork that he shares with MCM to be used on the brochures. Tom Beal recognized for his efforts to develop the brochure. Tom also hosts the MCM Website and helps manage it.
  5. Brad was recognized for his contributions to developing and making the wonderful meals. Brad also offers a variety of meals to those with food allergies.
  6. Parker Waite step in, again, and did a wonderful job as Coffee Meister for the retreat.
  7. MCM Jobs and Tasks for the Oct. 14-16, 2022 Retreat are attached. We need to get a volunteer for the Program Committee as a priority.
  8. By Laws will be reviewed by the board and changes will be made to match to better represent who we are.
  9. Dan has recently re-built the MCM Website and is working on registration/payment on-line as an option.
  10. MCM needs more men to attend the weekend. Each man present is being asked to find a man who would be interested in attending next fall’s weekend.
  11. The call for new board member went out and two attendees volunteered to be on the board. The board appreciates Ham Niles (re-joining the board) and Tom Beal. All board meeting will be on Zoom to help with the travel time it used to take. More board members would be welcomed. MCM currently has 9 members and has room for 12. Many hands make for lighter work for all.
  12. David Hanc has resigned as President after 7 years in that role. David will stay on the board to help in the transition to the new leadership.
  13. Next Board meeting is May 12, 2022 from 6:30-8:30. All members are welcomed to attend the board meetings. Contact a board member to get the Zoom address and time for future meetings.

MCM Jobs and Tasks:
Oct 14, 15, 16 2022

Program Committee:
Weekend Facilitator:  Charlie Crane, Tom Beal
Fri Night Pot Luck:  David Hanc
Sat Breakfast:  Daniel Wendel
Sat Lunch:  Ham Niles
Sat Dinner: Tom Beal
Sun Breakfast: Dan Wendel
Variety Show:
Coffee Meister: Parker Waite, David Hanc back-up
Workshop Organizers:  Ham Niles, John McBee
Registrar: Tomas Levesque, back up Maine Bob O’Connor
Treasurers: John Bangeman. Joss Coggeshall back up
Post Master General: Maine Bob O’Conner, Thomas Levesque, (Tom Beal?)
Food Master Chef: Brad Purdy, Charlie Crane       
Master of the Kitchen: Brad Purdy, Charlie Crane       
Dishwasher: Meister  John Bangeman
Med Kit Supervisor: Joss Coggeshall  Back Up: Phil Elkin
Quilt Curator: Tomas Levesque
Tanglewood Liaison: Tom Jamrog Back Up: David Hanc         
Brochure: Tom Beal,
Brochure Proof Reader: MCM Board
Fire keeper: Joss Coggleshell, Carl Stoddard
Keeper of the MCM Bocce Balls: Thomas Levesque
Bell Keeper: Carl Stoddard, Ham Niles
MCM Drum Keeper:  Michael Scott
MCM Signs: Tomas Levesque
Photographer: Maine Bob O’Connor,   Backup: David Hanc
Website Guru: Tom Beal , Dan Kirchoff 
Website Managers: Tom Beal, Dan Kirchoff, Maine Bob O’Connor
Facebook Managers: Dan Kirchoff, Advisor Maine Bob
Keeper of the Mailing Lists: Maine Bob O’Connor , Tomas Levesque, David Hanc
Pictorial Historian:  Ben Rehmeyer

4/14/2022 Board Meeting

Members Present: Joss, David, Carl, Tomas, Ham, Phil, Bob, John

  1. Check in was done by all.
  2. Minutes 3/10/22 were presented and passed by all board members.
  3. Treasurer John B has of 3/20/22  $4,480.45.
  4. No additional items for meeting
  5. Joss has agreed to be our secretary. He will study our 501c3 status and work toward understanding this classification.
  6. Board update:
    a. Carl rejoined the board. 
    b. Unfortunately we have learned that Robert Davis has died. Thank you for your service, you will be missed.
    c. George Agular has resigned from the MCM Board.
    d. The board may need to revisit our bylaws to see if they need to be changed or updated.
  7. Spring Weekend Retreat Update
    a. Ham will be facilitating the weekend. Bob will assist.
    b. All men will be tested on arrival for Covid.  All men will need to have a vax card or fill out a form saying they have had the full vaccination and booster treatment.  Anyone testing positive will need to go home.
    c. The board members will supply test kits. These may be donated or will be replaced after the weekend.
    d. Tomas will do the registration with help from John
    e.  Ham reports there are many workshops already.
    f. Ham is working on a way to ring a bell for the men who have passed as we call them into the circle.
    g. Joss will address the group on Friday night explaining and answering any questions about Covid procedures for the weekend. Joss will work with Ham to set up plan for wearing masks and distancing for the weekend.
    h. Tom Jamrog, Tanglewood liaison will work out sleeping arrangements Friday afternoon.
    i.  There will be a variety show, Ham will find someone to organize and run it.
  8. Registration will be from 4-6 Friday evening. Anyone arriving after that will need to call Tomas or David and it will be decided if we register them that night or wait until morning. If they need a cabin they will need to be tested.
  9. David provided the jobs list that we have. We will need to fill positions on Friday night or Saturday Morning.
  10. Saturday Only Option. David and Joss will be available to register and provide Covid Test Saturday morning from 6:30-7:00 and from 8-8:30. Men will need to call David if they arrive later than that.
    Saturday only option will be possible for medical reasons.
    a. Cost $40.  Scholarship are always available.
    b. Deadline will be 4/21/22 to register
  11. Bob will send out a reminder to sign up and to remind men of  Mini Series on the 24th.
  12. Should there be any protesting men or men not registered who come to Tanglewood and refuse to leave when ask, the alternative will be to call the police. This is a private affair and the facility is being rented by MCM. Hopefully this will not happen.
  13. Name tags are with the registration supplies.
  14. Joss will bring masks for the weekend 15.
  15. A statement for vaccination if the vax card is not present will be will be written by Joss.

Respectfully submitted, Joss Coggeshall and David Hanc

3/10/2022 Board Meeting

Zoom meeting: 630-830pm.
Directors Present: David Hanc, Joss Coggeshall, Tomas Levesque, John Bangeman, MaineBob. Phil Elkin could not be present. Guest: Carl Stoddard

  1. Check In
  2. Review past minutes from Board meetings of 02/10/2022
    Corrections: MaineBob is primary photographer with David as backup, not George. Joss’s last name is spelled Coggeshall
    Minutes approved as amended
  3. Treasurer Report (John)
    No change in checking balance. David needs copy of Insurance policy to give to Patti at Tanglewood.
  4. Upcoming Weekend Retreat
    a. New Men
    b. Covid Protocols
    i. Joss had conversation with Patti (Tanglewood):
    CDC – Masks (congregant living); Do something outside; separate into cabins
    Mainely Men: they are going with strict protocols for their retreat
    Mask wearing in the Tanglewood lodge? (except for eating)
    Tomas shared; David shared: MaineBob shared. We should decide before the retreat on masks vs no masks.
    MCM Board: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU WEAR MASKS”
    Sign: “Must be vaccinated and boosted beyond this point”
    Tomas to shop at Staples to get supplies for signs
    “Covid Sheriff” – David. “Deputy Sheriff” – John
    Rapid tests for Covid; takes 15 mins; 4 for free; takes 3 weeks; get as many for free then buy what we need
    Do registration and covid testing in the arts and crafts building (this may not be the correct name – it’s the building right down the hill from the lodge) Tomas and John to work together; then give the attendees a sticker – “I’m cleared”
    c. Question for Tom Jamrog (liaison to Tanglewood) and Patti: Sleeping arrangements for weekend attendees. 10 spots – where do they plan to sleep? Predetermined – what buildings are available?
    d. Walkups will be turned away. “You had to register to come”. “Full weekend only”. No Saturday only attendees.
    e. Brad – will handle food
    f. Tomas – ?
    g. Business Meeting
    h. Group Photo
    i. Closing Circle
    j. Meal
    k. Clean-up
    l. Registration Mail Stamp Party – MaineBob’s – March 18th or 19th
    Envelopes: buy @Staples
    Stamps: self-sticking (Carl to get stamps)
    m. Poster: MaineBob to work with Tomas (March 18th)
  5. Mainely Men and Maine Coast Men – Join together?
    MaineBob: each organization has its own culture and traditions
    Tomas: (maybe same subject): switch to one meeting/retreat per year vs 2/year
    Invitation to Mainely Men
    Men and Women weekend retreat?
  6. Miniseries moved from March 17th to March 24th (John to host)
  7. MCM Board needs men
  8. Next meeting: (after the weekend which is April 29, 30, May 1)
    Next meeting is May 12th.

2/10/2022 Board Meeting

Zoom meeting. 630-830pm.
Directors present: MaineBob, Phil Elkin, David Hanc, John Bangeman, Carl Stoddard, Tomas Levesque, Joss Coggeshall

  1. Check In
  2. Treasurer’s Report – John
    Current Balance (Bangor Savings Bank account): $4,480.45. Last activity in the account was payment of $59.79 to David Hanc for to reimburse him for MCM expenses (December 31, 2021). Also discussed was the IRS request to file for non-profit status and the 990 Form for Maine Coast Men. John is looking into those two issues.
  3. Review past minutes from 11/04/2021 MCM meeting. Minutes accepted.
  4. Items other than the upcoming MCM retreat are tabled until the next meeting.
  5. April 29-May 1 MCM weekend retreat brochure
    a. Needs to go out 6 weeks before weekend (March 18)
    b. Dave – will send message out to Ham Niles and Dan Kirchoff (program committee
    c. Who should we target? Members/new members? Tomas – contact information – mailing list
    d. New Men’s initiative – any incentives? Scholarships?
    John – “you can come free” MaineBob – pay a small amt or something
    i. Men 14-17 still attend for free
    ii. Saturday only attendance – will NOT advertise this in the brochure
    e. Time table – Brochure goes out on March 18
    John and Tomas – get together on registration form
    f. What goes in the brochure –
    i. Covid protocols – who will write this up?
    ii. People should be vaccinated before coming
    iii. People should be tested before weekend
    iv. Free test – non-profit
    v. Require men to have vaccinations and booster
    vi. Won’t ask for proof of vaccinations
    vii. Require a quick test – do at registration
    viii. Joss and John – write up a Covid protocol plan
    ix. Attendees bring masks ? Do they need to be N-95 masks or can they be cloth or surgical masks?
    x. Alternative sleeping arrangements – tents, cars
    xi. You can wear mask if you want to – not mandated
    xii. Where will masks be worn? Sauna? Voluntary?
    xiii. What do we do about sleeping arrangements? How many men per building? Distancing?
    xiv. Food – David to contact Brad
    xv. Registration Form – Tomas
    xvi. Sign-off statement? Should it be rewritten?
    xvii. Silent auction? – leave off the brochure or the weekend?
    xviii. Workshops: ad hoc let people develop workshops that they want to. Trust that they (workshops) will happen
    xix. Saturday only attendance will not be advertised
    xx. Electronic payment – Dan K – not ready – no electronic payment yet. “Venmo”? – Tomas has account people can pay him then he reimburses MCM
    xxi. Variety show – any issues? Let it go on as normal
    xxii. Tree nuts statement – needs to be in the brochure
    xxiii. Facebook – ?
    xxiv. Tomas – MCM registration address.  Address has been changed to reflect that Tomas is the registrar. Who is responsible to get brochure copied, stamps, envelopes? Tomas and MaineBob to scan the mailing list for men who have passed away.
    xxv. Stamp party or individuals
  6. E-mail encouragement to members? Dates to be posted?
    Phone numbers in blurbs: radio, papers, etc.
    Ask Dan to put blurb in the Free Press; Radio station in Rockland; Ad in paper (local)
  7. Mailing list: Men who have died – remove the names
  8. At the weekend
    a. Weekend facilitator? MCM Member Board member back up (who)?
    Joss volunteered to be the Facilitator
    b. Sleeping quarters
    c. Name tags. Wood? Plastic? Get the big pink post-it sheets from Staples to supplement what we have on hand
    d. Opening and closing circles – check in/out
    Let the Program committee guide the check in for the circles
    e. Mentors – Tomas, the registrar, to assign a MCM Board member to each new man
    f. Carl has the “announcement/eating time” bell that Charles had
    g. Photography – MaineBob,  Back up David
    Confidentiality
    Updating short movies
    h. Medical Presentation? Heimlich manuever? Defibrillator?
    Joss or Dan to present
    i. List of people who signed up for weekend retreat jobs
    David has list – send out to ? David to compile list of who volunteered for each task
    j. General Business meeting on Sunday
    Don’t let it degenerate into arguments. Tomas has the MCM quilts
  9. Other: Miniseries: February 17th – Thursday – MaineBob to host
  10. Next meeting
    Brochure needs to be out by March 18th
    Next Board meeting to be on March 10th – Thursday – 630-830 (zoom).

9/16/2021 Board Meeting

  1. Check in
  2. Treasurer’s Report
  3. Results of survey attached Discussion followed: Synopsis of discussion was that no in-person meeting will be held until Covid is not a threat.
  4. MCM will be notified of the decision not to hold any in person event
  5. Mini Series will be on November 18 6:30-8:30
  6. Board will consider developing a newsletter
    Next meeting Oct 11, 2020

Poll Results:

POLL MCM: In-Person/Zoom September 10-13, 2021 [Mainebob] =====

From: Thomas Jamrog <thomasjamrog@me.com>
I am not sure about the “will” for the 2 hour Zoom but I won’t attend a live event as so see the landscape today. I am not able or willing to sit and Zoom for two whole hours.
— Tom Jamrog

From: Rick Alexander <mainelyra@gmail.com>
Hi Bob,
Thanks for continuing to keep MCM relevant. Ohhhh, how we need MCM now.
I will conditionally come to a face-to-face event. However, we don’t know what the state of the pandemic will be by then. It’s almost as rapidly changing as it was at the beginning of the pandemic.
The conditions are everybody is vaccinated and everybody is masked indoors. As a geezer, I am more vulnerable to getting infected. I also do not want to be a carrier of a breakthrough strain and make someone else sick. Barring a significant change, I want those who say they are vaccinated bring verifiable proof. I have found that is actually pretty easy for many just by taking a shared `picture of their vacc. card on their cellphone.
The penalty for getting COVID-19 is still death for too many people. I’m not willing to knowingly spend a weekend with the MCM guys, just hoping I’ll be OK. I want to know.
— Rick Alexander

From: Hmmmbus <hmmmbus@aol.com>
I doubt very much I will be attending any in person event… Thanks Bob

From: Christopher Hirsch <cahirsch@gmail.com> In person

From: Tom Beal <tombeal@gmail.com> In-Person

From: B A Wellman <bawellman56@dankirchoff
We both ( B A & Gregory Wellman) would attend an in person meet. I have an antique computer with no camera or microphone so Zoom won’t work for us.
Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep this group going.
— Love from B Ath

From: Frank Lehman <f.lehmanea@dankirchoff
Bob, I sure would like to come in person – and depending on Covid – most probably will if…
Is there gonna be a vaccine mandate? Or Masks??
I’m slowly healing from my last dance with Cancer. This one knocked the shit outta me. But I’m alive – and kickin”
— Frankie

From: Tom Levesque <freetomme@yahoo.com> Both
Tomas

POLL MCM: In-Person/Zoom September 10-13, 2021

From: Will <mainesail113@yahoo.com> Hi Bob-
Sad to learn about the cancellation. As in my note to you the other day, I am not willing to attend unless all men are vaccinated-indoors or out. I saw no reference to vaccination-so I’m thinking that full vaccination is not being called for. I’d appreciate clarification.
— Best, Will Walton

From: Brad Purdy <bradfordpurdy@gmail.com> In person

From: Ham Niles <hamniles@gmail.com>
In person event for me please hold the virus

From: BILL TILDEN <billtilden22@hotmail.com> Hi Bob,
I’d vote for the in person 6 hr event.
— Bill

From: Peter McGlamery <pfmcglamery@mac.com>
I’m playing it safe and staying away from things right now. I’ve begun masking up in public again. Anyway, I’m down in Manhattan from the fourth of October, on to help my wife get her second corneal transplant.
Hopefully we’ll be able to gather in the springtime, so it’ll have to be a, “neither” from me.
Good luck with it. Stay safe.
— Peter McGlamery

From: Sandy Phoenix, Phil Elkin <kaselehl@dankirchoff
Zoom,
— Phil Elkin

From: John McIntire <circleleft@uninets.net>
Depending on the date, I would attend a day gathering, NOT zoom.
— John McIntire

From: Holbrook Williams <holbrookwilliams@dankirchoff
Monthly ZOOM meetings. YES ! NO to one day in-person event.
— Signed, Holbrook Willams

From: ivan stancioff <ivan.stancioff@dankirchoff
I am all for a 6 hour meeting with food by Brad the Best Baker By Far.
— Ivan

POLL MCM: In-Person/Zoom September 10-13, 2021

9/9/2021 Board Meeting

Zoom Meeting: 630-830pm
Directors present: MaineBob, David Hanc, John Bangeman, Joss Coggeshall.
Check In

  1. Treasurer’s Report – John
    Current Balance is $4,540.24
  2. MaineBob sent out Survey on the upcoming October retreat – received 3 responses back from the MCM community
  3. BOD responses to the survey: “Would you attend a one-day retreat? Would you attend a three-day retreat?”
    MaineBob – would attend a one-day event (in person)
    David (in person) – will not attend a one-day event
    Joss –
    John (in person) – will not attend a one-day event
  4. Food – Brad would be lead person
    Board Decision: NOT in favor of hosting a three-day event
  5. 1-Day Event
    a. Timeline
    b. In person or Zoom
    c. Send out Survey via Mail Chimp
    d. “Do we meet for up to 6 hrs?” (In person)
    Bathroom Facilities, Parking, Food, How many – issues to consider for in-person event
    e. “Do we have a 2-hr Zoom meeting?”
    f. Alternative sites: Lake Saint George $150 rental fee; Damariscotta Lake; Tanglewood is free
    g. MaineBob to send out Mail Chimp tomorrow – data back by Monday
    h. Decide by Monday what we will do
    i. Program @ In-person event? Or get together and have Check-In
    j. Brainstorming
    i. Simple Registration form
    Emergency contacts
    Food allergies
    ii. If we have an In-person event?
    Ham: Do we have a program?
    Smudging
    Theme of Day
    Who is Facilitator of the day?
  6. New MCM Board members to continue the organization
    a. Robert Davis – unable to attend
    b. George – who knows what he is doing?
    c. Tomas –
  7. Next Meeting
    Today is 9/9/21. Next meeting is 9/16/21 @630pm.
    What will it look like? Ham, Dan, Brad, Patti, David will be present
  8. Suggestion: MCM and Mainely Men – get together this winter