 Comments from members, friends and others over the years, many were from surveys, others were emails or otherwise written on dues notice replies. Comments, suggestions, recommendations are always welcome, constructive of course is preferred but if you have a justifiable complaint, we welcome those also! If you prefer not being identified, it will be our option to add your comment or not. All will be added if author is identified. Thanks much. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Notes on dues renewal from Mike Sepich in 2014 and 2015: "*Thanks for doing so much for the organization - Mike Sepich" (1/2014) "Thanks for all your work on behalf of us MSN members." (1/2015) My NOTE: Thank you Mike for the appreciation. I enjoy trying to keep our organization going forward. Of course we would be nowhere if it were not for every member that helps keep the forward movement by staying active as paid members and hosting or helping with events or activities. So much thanks to you, Mike, and every current member!!! Big HUGS, Thom ~~~~~ Email from John Senffner, our long distance member in northern AZ. 2/2014: "Thanks Thom, I certainly understand the "zoo" environment, it's much the same up here with my involvement with the fire department. I do hope to make it down there some time for one or more events. Just list my mailing address and phone numbers (we are trying to get into the 21st century and should have cell service up here in a few months. My address is: XXX BTW, we are connected on FB and possibly Linkedin, too. John" (2/2014) John's comment on his application: "Thom, since I live so far away I can't attend any of your events but I want to support MSN's efforts and all the hard work you guys do. Regards, John" (3/2014) ~~~~~ Note on dues renewal from Joe Sankovich 3/2009: (check was for $50.00 - dues at that time were $20.00 for single.) "Use the balance as donation where needed." (3/2009) Note: Extra donations are always appreciated, because of the extra generosity, we are able to keep our dues at the current rate of $15.00 annual per person. Much thanks to Joe and the others that donate above and beyond. ~~~~~ Email from Steve Peterson 7/2011: "Hello! For 25 years I have had this AOL email account. Recently I was asked to change my password. In the process I was asked to name my favorite restaurant as a security question. After trying multiple times to get to someone helpful at AOL, I found that it is impossible to access my account. Soon this 'remember me' for my password will kick me out and I will no longer be able to access this email. There is no way to forward my mail from AOL to my other emails. All my contact with AOL was with screen readers who were much less than helpful as all they would do is apologize instead of assist me. So I hope that you will update your contacts with this email address for me: XXX@yahoo.com. Thanks, Steve" (7/2011) ~~~~~ Email from Bradford Morgan 7/2014 - (relocated from Oro Valley to Plymouth, MA.) "Hi Thom, I haven't forgotten you or MSN. Right now I want to give you my new address and other info and ask you to keep me on as a member for old times sake. Send me the annual membership dues amount and an address to mail it to. My new email address is: XXX@gmail.com; My new home address is: XXX Plymouth, MA; Cell phone is XXX (all info is in current MSN Directory available only to current MSN Members.) I will be getting a new computer setup in about ten days and will write you again after it arrives. Greetings to everyone. Brad" (7/2014) My NOTE: Brads life partner, Floyd Sullivan passed away 12/2012. Note attached to Member Info update request 4/2011: "Dear Thom, We both prefer to keep our birthdates a mystery. We don't remember the exact date we met in October 1953. For membership I looked the date of our first check to MSN. 07/10/1997 to Les Elliott. Brad" (4/2011) ~~~~~ On dues renewal from Randolph Maxted 10/2014: "Hi Thom, thanks for everything. R." (10/2014) ~~~~~ On dues renewal from James Martin 3/2010: "I hope more diversity is opened up for members, otherwise it looks like the ' 'Prime Timers' ' LOL. Survey comment from James Martin 7/2009: "We should allow a variety of activities to accommodate all members." (7/2009) My NOTE: Jimmy, you are what we need more of = HOST(s)!! I know you have been hosting Pinochle "forever" and it is much appreciated. In order for us to offer more variety and diversity, however, WE NEED MORE DEDICATED HOSTS!! ~~~~~ Email from Jay Johnson 2/7/2015: Hi Thom, I apologize for not having given you my new address and phone number. I tried to think of everyone when I made the move late last year, but evidently you and some others were missed. XXXXXXXXX AptXXX, Tucson 520-XXX. I am currently in apt XXX, but will move to XXX March 13th. So by the time you publish a new directory that will be a correct address for me. Hope you are having a good weekend. Love our current weather. Having lived in Illinois most of my life, I don't do cold weather (even Arizona Style) very well. Hugs, Jay (2/2015) My NOTE: Thanks much for the address change Jay, most guys just assume if they move, everyone knows their new address!! Usually I'm the last to learn about it!! ~~~~~ Note on dues renewal from David Hensley: "Original Charter Member #69." (3/2009) ~~~~~ Note from Ken Gottlieb on his dues renewal in 8/2008 regarding his birthdate: 9-25-29* *"NOTE: It's a milestone in '09. It's OK to tell. It'll give hope to all the septuagenarians." (8/2009) My note: Ken is celebrating his 86th this Friday, 9/25/2015!! Happy Birthday to Ken. Thom & the MSN Gang!! ~~~~~ email from James Gillock, March 29, 2015 Hi Thom, Our address in Vail, AZ is: James Gillock (and/or Vergel Tan) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Vail, AZ We look forward to being active members of the Mens Social Network. We'll see you next Saturday at the Pot Luck dinner, April 4th. Thanks for the warm invitation to join. It might be much easier to use me as the main contact. Vergel still works and is mainly in Los Angeles weekdays. My email address and cell phone number are as shown below, please feel free to use either to contact. Thanks very much. James Gillock (03/2015) ~~~~~ Either I'm a charter member, or you're misusing the term. I was part of the first conversation with Jerry one Sunday after St. Francis worship. (Note with dues payment T. Stephen Cody (1/2014)) ~~~~~ I wish there were more functions on the Eastside of Tucson. I live near Golf Links and Craycroft. (Note with dues payment Ron Cameron (o7/2009)) ~~~~~ e-mail reply to sharing a joke: Great, really enjoyed it. Also we enjoy the most creative E-MSN News Letter, it has come a long way, and we especially enjoy you and your hard work for MSN. John & Mike PS. If you add to the list of interests, in MSN News. I enjoy international cooking, electronics, photography. Video & film making. Theater, Study of Relationships. Mikes: Hiking, South West ad Egyptian history, Prehistoric Art. Both of us Entertaining, Travel, Music & Film Noir, Equality Causes. Kind regards, John & Mike. (2010) ~~~~~ Pd $50.00. Membership dues + $35.00 donation for all you do! S.H. (:>) (comment on renewal 2010) ~~~~~ Thanks for renewed organization efforts. Leadership appreciated -- Arnie Hanson (comment on renewal 2010) ~~~~~ “To give and receive a greater sense of the Tucson gay community.” = Brayton Person (MSN Charter Member) (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Charge Xtra for mailing monthly schedule or pick-up copy at potluck” = Oliver E. Griest (Past member moved to Texas) (2009 survey) ~~~~~ Why join MSN: On meeting “Mr. Right” = “Who knows!”; other reasons: = “Friendship, fellowship, sharing (activities and life.) Suggestions: “Promoting genuine friendships – a thread that weaves throughout all that MSN stands for!” = Aaron Neil (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “When I joined MSN I needed to find activities and friends, and found both. Over the years my time has been filled with other commitments and I seldom attend MSN events any more. I am, nevertheless, more than happy to continue paying dues to support the organization, and hope it will continue to be there for others as it was for me.” = Tony Eckstat (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “I like the guys.” “At my level of instability, I attend few functions but thoroughly enjoy them when I can attend.” = Frank Frisina (MSN Charter Member) (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Saw your web site almost 11 years ago and was an important factor* in my moving to Tucson from Stanford, CT. *One of the factors after meeting Jerry and Les on my first visit.” “Have hosted movie night.” “I don’t know if this would be an improvement, but it would be more convenient for me to attend afternoon functions as I live in Green Valley. I don’t usually drive at night.” = Anonymous (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “My view is useless, as I almost never attend the large group gatherings. You are a fine group, as-is.” = Jerry Thornton (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Pinochle @ Marvin’s starts early, cliché!!!” Regarding the MSN Yahoo Web Sites = “It’s Awkward. Have a convenient place to view and print out the monthly calendar – a direct link. Yahoo Groups is a pain and I’m computer literate.” “Hold a gathering on forgiveness, grudges, negativity, (constructive criticism.) to ensure MSN survives. Read/distribute ALL suggestions and solicit membership feedback. Make newcomers (feel) welcomed, don’t let one person sit alone at a table, enable networking (do something like speed dating so people meet) enable job-seeks to share situation, network = o Invite Stephen from Gay Book Club that meets on third Monday to speak. o Develop a resource bank of talents/needs and become a more supportive group. o Have a suggestion box at potlucks to encourage feedback. o Have a sign-up sheet of those who want to make announcements. Offer to read to shy ones. o Change bylaws so members elect board – this will rob those to make excuses/complain about MSN.” = “I would divulge my name, however, I don’t want to be labeled of rocking the boat and (I) know how poisonous gossip is at MSN.” (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “I hosted Saturday Coffees long ago. To be fair, I attended only one monthly potluck dinner 3 years ago. I just have never made it back, for no particular reason. I think hosted events in peoples’ homes are a good way to meet people.” = Anonymous (2009 survey) ~~~~~ On attending MSN events: “Have not yet made any.” = Cliff Martin & Ben McDonald / Bill Watkins (Godfather at Cliff and Ben’s wedding 3/28/09!) ~~~~~ “Triangle Tribe is very important to me.” “Arrange for groups to go to plays – ballets and concerts.” “The ‘Triangle Tribe’ was the most important connection I made after ‘coming out’ in ’02. It lead me to doing the ‘New warrior training adventure’ which changed and saved my life.” = Roy L. Parsons (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Thom, continue Monthly Newsletter- Monthly printed calendar is subject of conversation at games – members like to post and plan ahead - -“ = Marvin Levison (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “We only reside in Tucson part time during the year, but feel MSN provides a great service - -“ = Rupert and Ray (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “I don’t wish to renew membership. I have asked to be unsubscribed to the web site. MSN no longer fits my needs.” = Philip McKindley (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “We didn’t renew our membership because we didn’t see much variety in the activities. Also, when I volunteered to host a monthly movie night, I didn’t receive a very enthusiastic response. I even sent in a list of my movie library, but never got a reply.” = Brad Spaulding (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “The concept of the club is great. The energy seems to have dropped. Jerry Curl had a way of including everybody. This seems to have disappeared. At times I have tried to think of a new idea and have not come up with one. I appreciate those who serve on the Board it is a hard job to keep an organization going.” = Anonymous (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “MSN has a place in the community, maybe on a reduced scale - -“ = S. Jeton (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “I am out of town for several months during the year.” = Edward Wolfe (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “I’m out of town, not in Tucson so getting in to all events is impossible or would attend more – and now am out of State more, too.” = Mike Sancainetti (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “We are a large club. Therefore it’s difficult for homeowner hosting with a large crowd. Suggest more meeting places besides Casa Adobes that can accommodate 50+ persons.” = Erich F. (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Do to the distance from my home I have cut down my trips to Tucson but MSN was very important to me for awhile some years back.” = Randy Hird (2009 survey) ~~~~~ “Meeting ‘Mr. Right’ – not primary – but if it happened it would have been nice.” “I am willing to be involved – if there are men willing to commit.” “I originally joined MSN back in 1996 when I first moved to Tucson. At that time there was much more involvement and attendance of events by men of all ages. I did let my membership expire as in time MSN seemed a majority of couples and this single guy started to feel a ‘Fifth Wheel’ in an effort to get back out in the world I decided (along with a friend) to rejoin last summer with hopes of making new friends and getting involved in social activities. I have to say I eventually became rather disappointed with the potlucks for various reasons, and eventually I stopped attending. There is a lot of potential for MSN – but it takes men willing to commit to make it work plus, it needs to be better made awareness in the Tucson community. I would attend a brainstorming session with others who had a commitment if one were held. Potlucks could be a lot of fun and full of fellowship – but the first rule would be that attendees need to abide by that rule. A while back, I received an email from George. I emailed back a list of ideas – did he pass that on? I would hate to see MSN die, but would hate to see more an organization held together by a handful of men working very hard to a majority of unappreciative members.” = Anonymous (2009 survey) ~~~~~ Comments/Suggestions/Contact Us (note this will take you away from this website, use your browser back arrow to return to here.) NOTE: Our annual dues are $10.00 per member (that is .83 cents a month). A prospective member or non-member may attend any of our scheduled events (a maximum of 3 per calendar year) without paying dues but we are in the membership service business, not the freeloader accommodations business!!! An Annual Membership Directory and Membership Card are provided to our members. |
|
|