TMC Administration Notes - August/September 2010

Letter from the Chair

Stanley Popovich's lead article in this issue of Men Talk is a timely reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves emotionally, and making sure that we don't let the pressures and stresses of everyday life overwhelm us and cause real and lasting damage to our physical health. I say 'timely' because in the midst of what feels like an endless economic depression, there are even more stresses than usual - Can I find a job? Will I keep my current job? Can I pay my bills? All of these questions take on greater weight when it feels like the margin for error has become razor thin.

If you recognize yourself in any of the above, by all means I hope you will think about some of Stan's recommendations for coping with fear and anxiety. And in addition, I suggest you attend one of the nearly dozen support groups at TCMC. If your first reaction to this suggestion is, "What's the use in going to a support group? A support group won't find me a job, or pay my bills, or fix the economy," I know how you feel because I used to have similar feelings. A support group didn't seem like it could solve any of my problems, so what was the point? My problems didn't need to be talked about, they needed to be solved.

But here's the thing - only you are going to solve your problems. Even if you win the lottery, this is just a basic fact. And if it's up to you to solve your problems, it will be tremendously helpful if you have the energy and clarity of mind necessary to tackle these problems. Think of yourself as a car in a race. When a race car needs new tires, more fuel, or some kind of repair, it needs to make a pit stop to get these problems fixed. Trying to race a car in bad shape will result in losing, or not even finishing the race. Similarly, feeling overwhelmed by the problems you face gets in the way of solving or even facing those problems.

So while it's true attending a support group likely won't in and of itself solve whatever financial or personal issues you are dealing with, it very well could provide you with the strength and peace of mind that allows you to solve these problems for yourself.

Joe Szurszewski
Board Chair

Library Corner

–– Jim Heaney, Librarian

We have a unique and extensive collection of books on men's and general topics which can be checked out by members of the Men's Center. Our periodicals include:

  • Fathering Today
  • Men's Health
  • Men's Journal
  • Lavender
  • Transitions
  • Voice Male.

RECENT ADDITIONS:
The Poetry Corner. The intent of the Poetry Corner is to provide a venue for anyone to share with others anything they have written. It is a place to share your thoughts & events gone by. The Men's Center hopes it will also be a place to share your feelings and lessons learned.

Have you ever felt lonely, forgotten, excited, enlightened, or in love? If you felt strongly enough to write about your experience, pull out those poems you wrote and then stashed at the bottom of a dusty drawer. Bring these literary snapshots of your life and add them to the three ring binder on the round table in the library. Sign them or don't sign them. Just bring them in and share a piece of yourself with others.

The Men's Center Staff and Volunteers

OFFICE STAFF:
Executive Director -- Open
Office Manager -- Randy Genrich
Anger Mgmt Director-- John Hesch
Office Volunteers -- Rick Charlson, Dick Madigan
Librarian -- Jim Heaney
Donation Pick-up Volunteers -- See chart in kitchen area

BOARD:
Board Chair -- Joe Szurszewski
Board Vice Chair -- Ruth Foster
Board Secretary -- Norm Petrik
Board Treasurer -- Rick Charlson
Board Member -- Malik Holt-Shabazz
Board Member -- Andy Mickel
Board Member -- Tom Weaver
Alternate-- Andrew Williams
Alternate -- Dave Webb

MEN TALK:
MenTalk Editor -- Bill Dobbs
MenTalk Production -- Bill Dobbs, Rick Charlson
MenTalk Here/There -- Andy Mickel
MenTalk Advertising -- Bill Dobbs
MenTalk Mailing Coord -- Scott Benson
MenTalk Labels/Database -- Scott Benson

PROGRAMS:
Program Committee, Chair -- Norm Petrick
Prog Comm Member -- Randy Genrich
Wednesday Present Coord -- Rick Charlson
Wednesday Present Publicity -- Rick Charlson

FINANCE:
Finance Committee, Chair -- Rick Charlson
Finance Committee Chair -- Rick Charlson
Fin Comm Grant Writer -- Malik Holt-Shabazz
Fin Comm Memberships -- Andy Mickel

OUTREACH:
Outreach Committee, Chair -- Rick Charlson
Pride Festival Coord -- Open
Media Publicity Coord -- Rick Charlson
Outreach Booth at Shows -- Randy Genrich, Andy Mickel, Malik Holt-Shabazz
Librarian -- Rick Charlson
Web Site -- Bill Dobbs, Andy Mickel
E-mail Responders -- Scott Benson, Rick Charlson, Bill Dobbs, David Kaar, Jim Lovestar, Andy Mickel, Joe Szurszewski

ANGER MANAGEMENT:
Anger Mgmt Director -- John Hesch
Anger Mgmt Grant Writer -- Bob Anderson
Anger Mgmt Publicity -- John Hesch
Anger Mgmt Steer Commit -- Bob Lundberg, Gerald Obremski, John Hersch, David Giancristforo
Anger Mgmt Facilitators -- Tom M, Michael K, Jim K, John H, Art H, Bryce K, Pat G, Dean G, David E, Hoske R, Cory C, Michael I, John C, Lee C, Gerald O, Hank B, Norm P, Bob L, Bob A, Harry G, Herb J, Howard B, Tom F

SUPPORT GROUPS:
Support Group Coord -- Norm Petrik
Support Group Database -- Dave Webb
General Men -- Randy G, Jerry O
Addiction Busters -- Tommy J
Gay Issues -- Pat K, Bruce K, Ranslow Z
Transitions --Scott, Ruth F., Richard S.
Divorce/Uncouplng -- John M, Greg D, Gerry W
Survivors of Abuse -- Mike C
Bi-Men -- Leo P, David W
Healthy Sexual Boundaries -- Bobby S, Tom J
Retirement -- Norm P
Women Dealing with Sexual Addiction - Nancy H

WE ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS. PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING OUT.
Call our Office Manager at 612-822-5892 and ask how you can help.
We have been a vital part of the Twin Cities community for decades,
and almost all of our services have been provided by volunteers like you.