July’s BNO celebrated our 20th year of monthly meetings and was held on Bruce Hoover’s backyard gravel patio.  We enjoyed the company of eleven men:  Bill Smoldt and Bob Harrison (two of BNO’s original attendees), Bruce Hoover, Charlie Clark, Rick Mann, Dan Emig, William Linton, Tony Knouf, Chad Schell, Russell Whitesell, and Nate Volrath.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening of reminiscing, as each man shared his favorite memory of BNO’s past.  

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

A Very Special Thanks to:

• Sherry Hoover, for her homemade Pulled Chicken & Sloppy Joe entrees in support of our traditional BNO meeting meal.
• All who provided food and drink to complement the main course and add to the buffet dinner.
• Charlie Clark, who continues, year after year, to provide top-quality $5 and $7 cigars – a true labor of love.
• Dan Emig for capturing the moment with photos
• Each attendee, and his willingness to trust The Circle, share from the heart, and provide support to those in need.

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

Next BNO?  August 21st

Location: TBD

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 Clark

afhveteran@gmail.com

(719) 661-7895

Two are better than one…  If one falls, 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

After-Action Report – June 19, 2026. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

June’s BNO, our 20th year of gathering during our summer outdoor season, was held at Rick’s Mann cave. We enjoyed the company of five (5) men: William Linton, Tony Knouf, Chad Williams, Rick Mann, and Bruce Hoover.

A Special Thanks to:

Rick Mann, and his willingness to provide both his Mann Cave, and a tasty entree for our enjoyment.

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

Next BNO: July 24, 2026 at Bruce’s Hoover Haven

Hope to see you in July!

Charlie Clark

afhveteran@gmail.com

(719) 661-7895

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

After-Action Report – April 17, 2026. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

April’s BNO, our 20th year of gathering during our indoor winter season, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of seven men: Rick Mann, Charlie Clark, Mike Chavez, Jim Reeves (newcomer), William Linton, Tony Knouf, and Chad Williams.

Next BNO: May 22, 2026 at Rick Mann’s “Man-Cave”

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

Charlie Clark

afhveteran@gmail.com

(719) 661-7895

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

March’s BNO, our 20th year of gathering during our indoor winter season, was held at Guadalajara Mexican Family Restaurant. We enjoyed the company of nine men: Rick Mann, Bruce Hoover,  Dean Cernek, Charlie Clark, Bob Harrison (Bruce’s neighbor and returnee), Peter Albert (newcomer and also Bruce’s neighbor), William Linton, Tony Knouf, and Chad Williams.

Next BNO: April 17, 2026 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

Charlie Clark

afhveteran@gmail.com

(719) 661-7895

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

December’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 (10) men: Rick Mann, Carl Crews, William Linton, Octave (new), Don Klein, Dean Cernek, Chad Williams, Tony Knouf, Brian Cumming, and Bruce Hoover.

ATTENTION: Our brother, Stuart Lundh is now in hospice. If you wish to visit, please contact Stu or his wife Jana to set up a time.
Stu: Facebook messenger is probably the best option to reach Stu personally.

Jana: Facebook Messenger is good for Jana as well. Phone: 719-213-8565

Next BNO: January 23, 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

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