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:
2020 FALL Conference is Happening!:
NMMW Re-Envisioned: We certainly live in tumultuous times that have disrupted our daily lives. Much of what we do has been canceled or postponed. This, however, will not be the case with the NMMW 2020 Fall Conference. The event is on! Your intrepid Leadership Team – Mark Ayers (Fearless Leader), Doug Booth (Meditation Man), Norm Dawson (New Kid on the Block), and Ray Johnson (The Bard) – have been meeting since May. We’ve decided to host a 3-day conference, Friday – Sunday, October 23-25. Our theme is “Wholeness & Vulnerability.”
The Fall Conference will be a hybrid event: both virtual and in-person attendees. Most men will be able to attend via Zoom. Additionally, Vittorio has been in dialogue with Ghost Ranch to negotiate single rooms, boxed meals, and private bathrooms.
A limited number of spaces will be available, and COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to.
More details will be forthcoming in a few weeks, but here are a few teasers:
- 4 Soul Groups during the weekend
- 2 Grief Ceremonies
- Break Out Groups on Timely Issues
- Participant-Led Workshops
- Coffee House & Writers’ Gathering on Saturday evening
Get excited! We will be able to connect as a community this fall.
Albuquerque Bring-A-Buddy
Gay-Straight Dialogue #3
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 7 – 8:30 PM via Zoom
Gay-Straight Dialogue explores male intimacy. How does homophobia impact our desire to connect? What do we seek in our relationships with other men? What is it we want but are afraid to ask for/ What gets in the way of what we truly want? This marks the third occasion in which Mark Ayers and John Bishop have led this type of conversation. Both savor the presence of men in their lives and seek to deepen those connections.
Registration is first come, first serve. Please email Mark at mayersabq@gmail.com.
WE EXPECT THE NEW WEBSITE TO BE UP AND RUNNING BY THE END OF THE MONTH. IT LOOKS BEAUTIFUL! Kudos to Mark Pugsley for endless hours of work and coordination.
Michael Sheppard still looking for short self produced videos to use for NMMW social media promotion. Contact him for format and details! (michael@bigskylearning.com)
COVID-19
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 QUESTIONAIRE
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
Barry Cooney
Jon Driscoll
Roger Harmon
Marc Kolman
Victor La Cerva
Mark Pugsley
Dave Robertson
