Winter 2020 Barnraising
Barnraising
This section is intended to hold a place for announcements of relevant events and happenings, as well as invitations for participation, support, in the fashion of pulling your neighbors and loved ones together for an old-fashioned barn-raising. Here are a few such items to prime the pump for the next edition:
Readers of Man, Alive!, this announcement is to inform you of the publication of Brother Sunset, a new collection of poems by Raymond Johnson, published by Poetry Playhouse of Placitas, NM. You may purchase the book at Amazon or directly from the author. Send your request to rjriorancho@aol.com and include your street address. The author will be in touch with you.
Since CoVid 19 has finally been confirmed as being in NM, the Department of Health has advised against holding “big gatherings.” Although the upcoming Bring a Buddy events in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe are not especially large, they do attract some elderly folks who may be at increased risk.
The NMMW Board has decided to cancel the Spring gathering at Hummingbird. Anyone who has registered will receive a full refund. If you want us to keep your scholarship donation, please let Jim Connolly know, and your refund will be adjusted accordingly.
The ABQ Bring a Buddy committee has unanimously decided that we should cancel future Tuesday evening Bring A Buddy events, starting with the April 7th event. Everyone’s physical safety is of upmost importance and we feel that hosting meetings would not be wise at this time.
They will be in touch via email when it is safe to resume our events. Please be careful and we look forward to seeing you and your buddies in the near future.
The late May couples gathering is still a go, as is the summer gathering, and we will monitor events to decide if that needs to change.
Victor puts out short weekly free podcasts, and the last few have been on coronavirus—with his public health medical hat on in terms of what to expect and how to protect oneself and one’s family. If you wish to sign up, you can do so at myheartsongs.org Proper hand washing is king! Social distance, or better compassionate spaciousness (6 feet) when prudent, particularly if you are over 55 with a chronic heart or lung disease. This is a lung disease: if you have a runny nose or nasal congestion with other symptoms, you most likely do NOT have coronavirus infection.
The Health Department has a toll free number if you have questions or concerns about getting tested. 855-600-3453
They also developed this questionnaire – designed to assist facilities with a large number of elderly – that may also be useful to help you “self assess” your current risk.
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FACILITY VISITOR SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
In response to concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), and in accordance with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this facility is screening all visitors for certain risk factors before entrance is allowed. Facilities may restrict or limit visitation rights for reasonable clinical and safety reasons, specifically to prevent community associated infection or communicable disease transmission to the residents. See 42 CFR §483.10(f)(4).
QUESTIONS
1. Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days to any country currently designated by the CDC as a high-risk location
for COVID-19*?
2. Have you had signs of a respiratory infection in the last 14 days, such as a fever, cough and/or sore throat?
3. Have you had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, or screened for COVID-19?
4. Have you traveled to another state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
Love and hugs and we will all get through this!
Your NMMW Board:
Mark Ayers Marc Kolman
Barry Cooney Victor La Cerva
Jon Driscoll Mark Pugsley
Roger Harmon Dave Robertson
LEGACY GIVING TO NMMW
Fed up with your nagging spouse, worthless children, and bratty grandchildren? Then why leave them all your money when you croak? Any NMMW man worth his salt would of course take full responsibility for anything not completely positive in his relationships!
Seriously, most of us would enjoy a lasting legacy to show that we have contributed to a cause that will benefit the lives of others for generations to come. A planned gift brings your thoughtful planning, vision and extraordinary generosity together in the form of a bequest, beneficiary designation on life insurance or a gift of art, stock, real estate or IRA charitable rollover to New Mexico Men’s Wellness. You can die knowing that your money will be well spent carrying on the good work done by the men you love.
You remain in control of your assets during your lifetime, it costs nothing and can reduce estate tax burdens. Bequests can be a specified dollar amount, a percentage of an estate, or tangible property. If you are considering this, it is important to notify our Board to ensure your intentions are understood and can be realized.
NMMW is a 501©3 organization and any gifts and bequests are tax deductible.
Our tax ID is 56-2503074
Thanks so much for considering!
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!!
Celebrating Talking From The Heart, An Anthology of Men’s Poetry, the NMMW Board of Directors has authorized the publication of a “30th anniversary” publication of another New Mexico Men’s Book of Poetry.
This new anthology has a projected publication date of late spring, 2021. Consequently, this notice is the first call for submissions as follows: Poetry, Prose Poetry, Illustrations and Photography will be considered. Participants must be current or past New Mexico residents.
Current themes considered for submission are:
Gravel and Grit
Joy and Laughter
Be Gentle, Be Kind, Be Strong
The Uninvited Image
I Grow Old
The Road Ahead
We reserve the right to publish and/or edit submissions. We also reserve the right to edit submissions. All copyright reverts to the author on publication. No fees will be paid to authors, and no submissions will be returned. Details regarding submissions (digital format type, length, etc.) will be disseminated at a later date.
We look forward to your submissions/contributions!
Please forward your submissions/questions directly to Hank Blackwell at: hbfire88@gmail.com
BRING A BUDDY
Albuquerque December Bring a Buddy The next ABQ Bring a Buddy takes place on Tuesday, December 1st. The topic for the December gathering will be: “Resilience and Support for Ourselves this Holiday Season: What We Might Need and What We Have To Offer”. This event will be facilitated by Steve Poland and Robert Younger. Please remember that the goal of Bring a Buddy is: to Bring a Buddy. This is your chance to help grow the NMMW network by reaching out to a male friend(s) who might benefit from spending some time with other men in a supportive atmosphere exploring thoughtful topics. If anyone has a want to share a topic and to facilitate an evening, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you in December as we prepare for the holidays and the New Year in a very unique environment. If you’d like to attend, please send me an email; I will send you the link to join us. Robert B. Younger (505) 250-1895 ryounger@galves.com
NMMW NEW WEBSITE
Tech Committee Forming Mark Pugsley seeks volunteers for our new Tech Committee. Duties include website management, social media, and Eventbrite. If you have a hankering for any of these things and want to hang out with other tech savvy guys, please email Mark Pugsley at mwpugsley@gmail.com or call 505.715.2011.