Greetings:

On June 18, 2011, I initiated a monthly men’s = meeting on the third Saturdays of the month – starts at 6:00 pm. = The purpose is to just talk about life – with other men. No sports = stories, no bravado about sexual conquests, no posturing about portfolios, = promotions or prestigious positions are work. This idea was resurrected after meeting = with a friend of mine in May. We were cleaning up the space, burning refuse = pallets, etc. We had both attended the Shenandoah Valley Men’s Council from = very early in the 1990s to into the 2000s, and that’s actually where we = first met. The monthly meetings of were a powerful influence on my personal = development and professional life.

For a long time, I was the youngest man in the = group. I took pride in that. My father died when I was 16, and there had been some = tough times between us before that. From the other I was able to learn about = the seldom discussed realities of being a man as a partner or spouse, a father, as = a son and a brother – all on my own unique journey. But over time, the structure changed, some men moved away, the two founding leaders died, = and the group was reduced to a scattering of smaller meetings that lost momentum = and cohesion. Things change. History repeats itself. I hope this meeting = will attract men of various ages to create a multi-generational crossroads. = Youth are welcome to attend, as long as they have a “sponsor”, = guide or mentor. That’s another topic in and of itself. =

For July the suggested topic is – How One = Learns to Be a Man in Modern Society (and what does that mean, anyway?), or = you can talk about whatever part of your journey in life you want to, or not = talk much at all. There will be a fire (come early and help prepare for it), and I = invite people to bring some food to share, if they like. We’ll end up = with what people are inspired to offer – from both the inner content of = their journey and something to eat or not.

This is not a workshop. There is no fee. This is = not therapy. Although it might be a challenge for the soul to gather with = other men outside a hunting trip, sports event or bachelor party. We just talk = about life, and bear witness to the courage, questions and strength of being = honest and living with integrity.

As I say, it’s not about being “a real = man”, it’s about being “a man who is real”. I’ve = learned that such self-selected participation in a discussion or activity group for = men does have a positive effect on relationships – with family, friends, = partners and with yourself.

Meeting around a fire is a long-held tradition in = many societies, and it is losing ground. Such traditions build a sense of = trust, wisdom and community, and provide a platform for life-learning from a = person, not a book or a movie. You know, the kind of interactions that tribes, = clans or councils did for 1000s of years before psycho-pharmaceuticals, self-help = workshops, cable television, cell phones, and Internet chat groups. Now we call = such efforts our “network”, “a club” or “an = organization”.

Pass this on to other men you know – even if = through “their mate / partner”.

Call if you need information – (304) = 671-1752, or [log in to unmask]

Remember with “frontier” was an = uncharted territory?

Now it is a global multi-communications = conglomerate.

Now ask yourself what’s the value of meeting = with a few other men around a fire once a month.

There is still a frontier inside of you – = regardless of your age.

Hope to see you there sometime.

Will Perks

Additional information:

For a period of one year, there will be a monthly = topic. You’re welcome to join, and tell others, too. I anticipate that = there will be meetings where there are three of us, and other meetings after = word gets around that there may be many more. I bring camping chairs for = people who communicate their intentions of attending (if needed).

Disclaimer: Also, at the previous = men’s meetings, there was never alcohol – even in the small groups. But = I am breaking from tradition – and so as to inform any man know that = might need to steer clear of beer, alcohol, in moderation is okay to bring for = self and to share. It is not a requirement, however; and I anticipate a discussion on how to keep the monthly meeting open to men who want or = need to not be around alcohol; perhaps by returning to a no booze rule. I = believe it is best to talk while under the influence of honor and integrity – = which requires facing the related anxiety, grief and pain without anesthesia. The group = will discuss this further.

Directions: Until the weather becomes too = cold for around a fire we will meet “out-of-doors”. I have some land = 7 miles west of I-81, out on Tuscarora Pike, then take a right onto Swinging = Bridge Road (gravel) (there is a small stone house there), half-way down the = mountain (about 0.8 mile) from the Radio Tower there is a hair-pin, kiss your butt turn = (left) onto a bumpy road (Gobbler Lane). Go 300 more yards, straight (or take = the left side) of the Y, another 100 yards, park. If you’re coming from the = other direction, call. After that we will meet in Pikeside area of = Martinsburg, WV at my home (near the airport).