As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

November’s BNO, our 19th year of gathering of the indoor winter season, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of eleven (11) men: Rick Mann, Dean Cernek, Charlie Clark, Don Klein, Ed Klein, Chad Williams, Carl Crews, William Linton, Russell Whitesel, Tony Knouf, and Aaron Lieber.

Next BNO: December 21, 2025 at G-Mex

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, shares from the heart and provides support to those in need.

Guadalajara Restaurant for allowing us to eat, meet, and smoke in their back room. They have been faithful friends of BNO.

Jose and Alma, our servers, who always ensure we are well taken care of.

Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

Charlie

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

October’s BNO, our 19th year of gathering and first meeting for the indoor winter season, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of eleven (11) men: Bruce Hoover, Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Don Klein, Paul Rodriguez, Chad Williams, Carl Crews, Tony Knouf, Nate Volrath, Ron Robins, and Dean Cernek.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, shares from the heart and provides support to those in need.

Guadalajara Restaurant for allowing us to eat, meet, and smoke in their back room. They have been faithful friends of BNO.

Jose and Alma, our servers, who always ensure we are well taken care of.

Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

Charlie

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

OUR LAST OUTDOOR MEETING THIS YEAR
September’s BNO was held at Rick Mann’s house. We had a great little group, and we ended up meeting in the newly redecorated Mann Cave instead of outside. We enjoyed homemade pizza and pizza dessert. We had 7 men show up tonight: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Don Klein, Chad Williams, Tony Knouf, Aaron Lieber (new attendee), Nate Volleath.

This was my last meeting as the “leader” of BNO. It has been an honor to serve the men of our circle. Charlie Clark will now take the reins of BNO for the foreseeable future. I will continue to work in the background with Charlie to send out notices and keep up the website. I look forward to many more years of sharing life with you, men.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Everyone who brought a dish or drink to share.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars, and now, for taking the leadership role.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

OUR 20th ANNIVERSARY MEETING
July’s BNO was held at Ed Klein’s house. We had a great group for our 20TH ANNIVERSARY and sat under the gazebo. We enjoyed another wonderful Walleye Fish Fry dinner, cooked and prepared by Don and Ed Klein.  We enjoyed the company of eight (12) men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Bruce Hoover, Don Klein, Dean Cernek, Ed Klein, Brian Cumming, Ron Robbins, Kris Bofill, Mike Parks, William Linton, and Stuart Lundh.

My last meeting as “leader” of BNO will be in September. If you have a desire to lead BNO into the future get with me ASAP, otherwise September will be the last “organized” meeting of BNO. I would hate to see us start our 20th year only to see it fade away.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Ed Klein, thank you for allowing us to meet, eat, and smoke on your deck.
• Don Klein, thank you for being the chef in the Klein family.
• Everyone who brought a dish or drink to share.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

June’s BNO was held at Paul Martinez’s house. We had a small group and sat under the gazebo. We enjoyed an AMAZING dinner cooked and prepared by Francine, Paul’s wife.  We ate great! Philly Cheese Steaks on ciabatta rolls, homemade potato salad, and baked beans, along with what everybody else brought. We enjoyed the company of eight (8) men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Bruce Hoover, Russell Whitesel, Dean Cernek, Paul Martinez, Brian Cumming, and Nate Vollrath.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Paul Martinez, thank you for allowing us to meet, eat, and smoke in your backyard.
• Francine Martinez, thank you for providing one of the best meals we’ve had in a while.
• Everyone who brought a dish or drink to share.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14

Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

April’s BNO, in our 19th year of monthly meetings, was held at Dean Cernek’s wonderful place in Falcon. We enjoyed the company of twelve (12) men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Russell Whitesel, Mike Smith, Dan Emig, Dean Cernek, Roi Steiner, Mark Ethington, Carl Crews, Don Klein, William Linton, and Nate Vollrath.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Dean Cernek, thank you for allowing us to meet, eat, and smoke in your back yard.
• Everyone who brought a dish or drink to share.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Next BNO? June 20, 2025 – Paul Martinez’s home

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14
Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

April’s BNO, in our 19th year of monthly meetings, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of twelve (11) men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Chad Williams, Russell Whitesel, Mike Smith, Dan Emig, Tony Knouf, Dean Cernek, Roi Steiner, Kenny Drago, and Stuart Lundh.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Guadalajara Restaurant for allowing us to eat, meet, and smoke in their back room. They have been faithful friends of BNO.
• Jose and Alma, our servers who always ensure we are well taken care of.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Next BNO? May 23,2025 – Dean Cerneks home

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14
Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

December’s BNO, our 19th year of monthly meetings and last meeting of 2024, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of twelve (12) men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Steve Arndt, Don Klein, Paul Rodriguez, Michael Chavez (newcomer), William Linton, Chad Williams, Russell Whitesel, Carl Crews, Mike Smith, and Stuart Lundh.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month and we wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Guadalajara Restaurant for allowing us to eat, meet, and smoke in their back room. They have been faithful friends of BNO.
• Jose and Alma, our servers who always ensure we are well taken care of.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and a faithful servant.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Next BNO? January 20th, at the G-Mex in Peyton. 

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14
Rick

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

November’s BNO, our 19th year of monthly meetings, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of twelve (12) men: Philip Bean (newcomer), Steve Arndt (newcomer), Kevin Bent, Don Klein, Dean Cernek, Ron Robins, Mike Parks, Dan Emig, Paul Rodriguez, Ro’i Steiner, Bruce Hoover, and Charlie Clark.
.

While I was unable to attend this meeting I am more than happy a dozen of you made it there and that we had a two new persons attend as well.

For all who were unable to attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you next month.

Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.  — Groucho Marx

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Guadalajara Restaurant for allowing us to eat, meet, and smoke in their back room. They have been faithful friends of BNO.
• Jose and Alma, our servers who always ensure we are well taken care of.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love and for taking the meeting in my stead.
• Bruce Hoover, who unselfishly showed up early to help Charlie with the set up.
• Each man, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

Two are better than one…  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

More Good News!  Charlie Clark, our long-time cigar provider, shared that next month, he will be providing a selection of rare, aged, and curated cigars procured from his private cigar club source for seven dollars. Thanks!

It’s Time To Wear The Pants

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: No two BNOs are alike.  Each meeting takes on its own persona, direction, agenda, etc.  We’d love to see you again!  If you couldn’t make it this month, join us another time.  You’re always welcome!

You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit.  It’s one of the major happinesses.  And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear. – Aldous Huxley

Next BNO? December 20th, at the G-Mex in Peyton. 

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Cor 16:13-14
Rick