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BNO September 2024
Dude,
YOU’RE INVITED – Join us Friday night, September 20th, at Rick Mann’s outdoor patio (weather permitting) in southern Colorado Springs – for cigars, pipes, drinks, eats, and stimulating conversation. We’ve met at Rick’s Roost at least nine times in the past; he does a terrific job of hosting the group. May’s version of Boys Night Out (BNO), our eighteenth year of monthly meetings, begins at 6:30 and goes to whenever we call it quits. Arrive when you can. Leave when you want. We’re casual!
- Primary location is the patio
- The back-up plan is the Mann Cave if the evening is cold or rainy.
FROM RICK: Weather permitting we will be out on the patio with the firepit (if necessary). If not, the Mann Cave will be available. I have quite a bit of seating but it’s always good to bring a chair just in case. Please bring a side dish and/or drinks for everyone to share. I’ll be providing some type of main dish. It’ll be a great main dish, the best main dish ever. There’s never been a main dish like the one I’m making. This main dish will make all other main dishes terrible in comparison. It’s time we make main dishes great again 🙂 Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
WHY BOYS NIGHT OUT? As most of you already appreciate, the purpose of these monthly get-togethers is bigger than just smoking a cigar together. We all struggle – alcohol, anger, lust, pornography, finances, a failed marriage, strained relationships, a father’s rejection, loneliness, loss, denial, bad decisions, depression, insecurity, infidelity, chronic pain, emotional hurt, grief, pride, unemployment, our walk with God – choose your poison. We’re not as tough as we pretend to be in public and as men, we’re not very relational. But if we’re willing to let our hair down, be a little transparent, share what’s on our hearts, and then be there for each other, the results can be empowering. We’ve enjoyed many a meaningful discussion & lots of heartfelt sharing over the years. Everyone’s opinion has merit. But there’s no requirement and no pressure to utter a word – you won’t be called on and you won’t be singled out. Come and observe. Chances are you can relate to much of what is discussed. We’re all wounded. No man is an island. Are you walking with the Lord and a few good men, or are you doing life alone, as only a “tough guy” knows how? Men need to talk. Men need men.
BNO ISN’T every guy’s cup of tea. The mere thought of cigar smoke, the touchie-feelie, the honesty, the emotion… can all seem oppressive, intimidating, even girlie-like. “My dad didn’t need this,” you say. Okay, cool! But check it out anyway and determine for yourself whether this form of fellowship is something you just might desire right now. Chances are you’ll find BNO a place of acceptance, safety, encouragement, prayer support, community, and friendship.
WARNING: The draw of cigars, beer, and dude-food – mixed with testosterone and a safe, relaxed setting – can be transforming, exhilarating, and even addictive. The most guarded of men tend to become instantly talkative, insightful, and profound. Our wives wouldn’t know us! Add Friday night to the mix when many can finally breathe easy, and you have a recipe for rare, men-group dynamic.
THE CIGAR ASPECT: We tackle the world’s problems, and many of our own, over a cigar. But neither smoking nor drinking are required, nor even expected. Not all attendees imbibe. No judgment – no pressure – no problem. WARNING: your hair and clothes may smell like cigar smoke when you return home, whether you indulge or not. Here’s my solution: when you arrive home (to your garage), open all the car windows and allow the inside to air overnight. Take your clothes off in the garage and go directly to the shower, scrubbing your entire anatomy – especially your hair – with soap and shampoo. Brush your teeth thoroughly, then gargle. Works for me and keeps harmony in the home!
Your story, if you’re simply willing to share it, gives another man hope. – Bruce Hoover
CONFIDENTIALITY: To preserve trust and proclaim BNO as the safe place we profess it to be, it’s requested that rules of confidentiality be strictly enforced by all. What’s said at BNO, stays at BNO.
Because circles are better than rows – Red Rock Church, COS.
FOOD & REFRESHMENT: Rick plans to provide a main dish to top all main dishes since the history of time. He’ll also provide a cooler with ice, beer, bottled water, and soft drinks. Beyond that, you should bring your beverage of choice and a finger food, snack, or sweet to share. Bruce will provide a second cooler with ice and beer. Charlie will have his usual array of $5 cigars. You can’t beat this deal anywhere!
ADDRESS: 142 Cornell Street, Colorado Springs 80911-2105. Rick’s cell: 719-339-5026. See map below
ADMIN & LOGISTICS: Rick will provide some measure of an entrée. But please provide a snack, sweet, or side. Provide your own cigars, cutter, & flame. Or buy from Charlie. Bring a jacket too for potentially chilly CO nights. Bring a folding chair, but leave it in the car until we know we need it. Rick has numerous chairs.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Come join us for another testosterone-filled evening of fellowship, cigar smoke, and other familiar smells. Don’t let the chance to socialize with guys of like “insensitivity”, “selfishness”, “cluelessness” and “untrainability” pass you by. You may just learn something and/or go home feeling good about yourself.
BNO hasn’t flourished for 17+ years by being ‘just another men’s meeting’. All the elements of BNO come together to form something very special that men seem to need. Men need to talk. Men need men. — Charlie Clark
RSVP: Let me know ONLY if you’re attending so we can plan for the space. Know that we enjoy your company, and you’re always welcome – even at the last minute. Invite a brother from another mother.
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