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

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

August’s BNO, our 19^th year of monthly meetings, was held on Bruce Hoover’s backyard gravel patio under perfect weather conditions.  We enjoyed the company of sixteen (16) men: Lee Scott, Jeremy Harrigan, Tim Whalen, Dan Emig, Ro’i Steiner, Mike Parks, Stuart Lundh, Carl Crews, Dean Cernek, Rick Mann, William Linton, Kevin Golz, Mike Smith, Charlie Clark, Hudson Smith, and Bruce Hoover,

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

September’s BNO, our 19^th year of monthly meetings, was held on Rick Mann’s beautiful backyard patio in Widefield, and under perfect weather conditions for this time of year.  We enjoyed the company of fifteen (15) men: Kevin Bent (newcomer), Eddie Blalock (newcomer), Rick Mann, Dan Emig, Ro’i Steiner, Stuart Lundh, Carl Crews, William Linton, Mike Smith, Charlie Clark, Don Wilde, Don Klein, Ed Klein, Tony Knouf, and Bruce Hoover,

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

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Rick Mann, for hosting for a second time in 2024 (May & Sep), and an eleventh time overall.  
• Rick again for providing a 2-item entrée: delicious stromboli and fabulous buffalo wings.

• All who provided food and drink to compliment the main course and add to the buffet dinner.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality cigars – a true labor of love.
• Each attendee, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

New Leader Announced at September’s BNO!  With no time left on the clock and zero timeouts remaining, Rick Mann stepped up to assume the leadership of BNO.  He replaces Bruce Hoover immediately after this AAR hits the streets.  Rick will be remembered as the man who selflessly saved BNO as we know it, from extinction.  When no one else would agree to take over BNO, Rick made the offer, reluctantly and at the eleventh hour.  As a beneficiary of the BNO dynamic for twelve years, Rick couldn’t bare the thought of the long-time, monthly tradition simply drying up.  His one stipulation, however, is that his ‘term’ last only a year.

Regardless of how Rick’s leadership decision has transpired, he’s the right guy for the role. He’s a man of God, as well as a no-nonsense man of character.  Rick has the drive and experience to improve BNO, and take us to the next level.  His recent creation of a BNO website, long overdue, bears witness to his new energy and fresh ideas.  BNO lives on and rests in good hands!

More Good News!  Charlie Clark, the long-time Asst BNO Leader, has agreed to remain as the 2IC for Rick.  Charlie’s heart for the Lord, his organizational knowledge, his ability to speak & write, and his willingness to stand in for the Leader, render him invaluable for the role.  

BNO Cigar Price to Increase!  The latest in a series of planned increases to Colorado’s tobacco tax went into effect on July 1, as the tax rate jumped from 50 percent of the wholesale price to 56 percent.  In real-world terms, for a cigar with an MSRP of $9.50, the price at the register goes from $14.25 to $14.82, before any additional sales taxes are added.  Thus, our days of the $5 cigar are over.  Nobody wants Cigar Guy Charlie to pay out of pocket for the convenient service he offers we smokers.  So, BNO cigar rates must be increased from $5 to $7 immediately. The vote for this hike at Sep’s BNO was unanimous; no dissent.  

The Call for Men to Wear the Pants: Dockers’ Manifesto – Once upon a time, men wore the pants, and wore them well.  Women rarely had to open doors and little old ladies never crossed the street alone.  Men took charge because that’s what they did.  But somewhere along the way, the world decided it no longer needed men.  Disco by disco, latte by foamy non-fat latte, men were stripped of their khaki’s and left stranded on the road between boyhood and androgyny.  But today, there are questions our genderless society has no answers for.  The world sits idly by and cities crumble, children misbehave and those little old ladies remain on one side of the street.  For the first time since bad guys, we need heroes.  We need grown-ups.  We need men to put down the plastic fork, step away from the salad bar and untie the world from the tracks of complacency.  It’s time to get your hands dirty.  It’s time to answer the call of manhood.  It’s time to wear the pants.

Note to newbies and first-time attendees: no two BNOs are alike.  Each seems to take 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!

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

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? October 18,  at the G-Mex 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