Upcoming Monthly Men’s Sunday Brunches (bring something to share/cook up): Sunday, December 18th at Rick Gravrok’s 2925 Monterey Ave S, St. Louis Park, 952/926-6655. (on the west side of Lake Calhoun, off Lake St.) and Sunday, January 15th at Frank Brandon’s, 975 Como Blvd E, St. Paul, 651-487-3008. (on the east side of Lake Como). These brunches are open to all men from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m; plan to come and chat and eat for a 1/2-hour to 2-hour period anytime – inevitably some men stay on until 2 p.m. 14 men attended October’s Men’s Brunch at the Men’s Center and 17 were at November’s Brunch at Stephen Sewell’s in St. Paul. - Andy Mickel, 2005-11-21.

Storytellers Larry Johnson and Elaine Wynne regularly perform around town and promote sane holiday gift giving. Their recent Tellebration featured telling family stories from noon-9 p.m. FFI: 1-866-893-2637. - Larry Johnson, 2005-11-21.

3rd Annual Minnesota Fatherhood & Family Services Summit, January 23-24, 2006 St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota, is shaping up to be an inspiring event. With 1-1/2 days of workshops, exhibit booths, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities, anyone interested in working with fathers and families should plan to attend! FFI/Registration at: <http://www.mnfathers.org/summit.html> or request a hard copy by calling (612) 787-4091. - Paul Masiarchin, State Coordinator, Minnesota Fathers & Families Network, 2005-11-14.

The Minnesota Fathers & Families Network is now accepting nominations for the 2006 “Excellence in Fatherhood Awards”. Categories include Father of the Year, Policymaker of the Year, Program of the Year, and more. Help to recognize outstanding work of Minnesotans who are promoting a positive understanding of fathers in families. Nominations are due no later than Dec. 2, 2005. Download a Nomination Form <http://www.mnfathers.org/awards2006.pdf> or request a hard copy by calling 612-787-4091.- Paul Masiarchin, State Coordinator, Minnesota Fathers & Families Network, 2005-11-14.

Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota (PCAMN) is pleased to announce the fifth annual Minnesota Conference on Child Abuse Prevention, April 27, 2006 in St. Paul. PCAMN seeks proposals for workshop presentations in one of six tracks: Parent Leadership, Early Care and Education, Advocacy and Systems Change, Health and Wellness, Family Violence and Abuse and Neglect Prevention Strategies. One hour will be allocated for each workshop. PCAMN is particularly interested in workshops that address cultural competence and diversity in child abuse prevention programs. Access the request for proposals here: <http://shared.mcpi.com/clients/23/uploadedimages/CI23ID1542DOC1.pdf > - Paul Masiarchin, State Coordinator, Minnesota Fathers & Families Network, 2005-11-14.

The September issue of “The Times for Fathers and Families” (Vol 6 No 3) newletter of the Resource Center for Fathers and Families in the Twin Cities featured a cover article by Gary Dick, PhD “The Father’s Role in Helping Children Cope with Disaster” FFI: RCFF, Human Service Bldg, Suite 305, 1201 NE 89th Ave, Blaine, MN 55434, 763-783-4938, <http://www.resourcesforfathers.org/> - Arnie Engelby, 2005-09-15.

GLBT Health Forum is slated for Thursday, December 8, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center with the focus: “Creating an Effective Tobacco Plan for Minnesota’s GLBT Communities” FFI: 612-252-1222; <http://www.rainbowhealth.org/>

The Bi MEN Network is a worldwide non-profit whose mission is outreach to the wider GLBT world community. BMN’s motto is: “You are NOT alone!” BMN is sponsoring the 5th Annual Bi Men Conference and Getaway Weekend for March 20-April 3 in Las Vegas. Online registration and information at: <http://www.bimen.org/>, FFI Stewart McCloud, 562-983-3102. - Randy Genrich, 2005-11-14.

The next ManKind Project-Minnesota New Warrior Training Adventure will be held April 28-30 at Eagle Lake Camp near Brainerd, MN. The cost is $595, with payment plans available. To learn more, attend an Open Circle event: Observe, Ask Questions (or Participate if you like) in a safe container with a group of men who are practicing authenticity and connection to feeling at Open Circle of Warriors events at the Men’s Center every second Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Contact Andy Mickel with any questions 612-279-6416 or see: <http://minnesota.mkp.org/> for Open I-Group dates/times. Register with Eric Lucas, 20388 Idaho Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044, 952-469-6497, <welucas4@frontiernet.net> - Andy Mickel, 2005-11-18.

Everyman - A Men’s Journal is evolving into a magazine with articles covering gender issues for both sexes and will be renamed: GRIP - Gender Relations in Progress. David Shackelton Co-Editor and Publisher will be joined by regular columnist Maureen Geddes as Co-Editor for the next 4 issues. There are also plans for an electronic edition on the web. FFI: <http://www.everyman.org/>; 613-832-2284 - David Shackelton, 2005-10-25.