Upcoming Monthly Men’s Sunday Brunches (bring something to share/cook up): Sunday, October 21st at the Men’s Center 3249 Hennepin Ave S, Suite 55, Minneapolis 55408 TCMC 32nd anniversary celebration. November 18th at Stephen Sewell’s, 647 Lincoln Ave #F, St. Paul, 55105 (east of Dale Av; south of Grand Av) 651-917-2495. (co-hosted by Paul Busch 651-646-4656.) 14 men attended August’s brunch at Dave Mueller’s and 15 men attended the September brunch at Andy Mickel’s. - Andy Mickel, 2007-09-17.

Key of See Storytellers events: Once again we will be offering STORYTELLING FOR GRANDPARENTS, PARENTS, AND OTHER ACTIVISTS, TRAINERS, AND LEADERS on October 27, 9 - 4. Questions to 612-747-3904 <topstory7@comcast.net> - Larry Johnson, 2007-09-07.

“Are We Teaching Our Kids to Be Fearful of Men?” and “Avoiding Kids: How Men Cope With Being Cast as Predators” are two articles by Jeff Zablow who finds that the implied meaning of referring children who get lost in a mall to find a “low-risk adult” to help them is that men, even dads pushing strollers, are “high-risk”. Zablow goes on to write: “Are we teaching children that men are out to hurt them? The answer, on many fronts, is yes. Child advocate John Walsh advises parents to never hire a male babysitter. Airlines are placing unaccompanied minors with female passengers rather than male passengers. Soccer leagues are telling male coaches not to touch players...” More at: Wall Street Journal online, <http://online.wsj.com/> - 2007-08-23 & 2007-09-06

61-Mile Hike report. The walk was astounding on so many levels, and though I rest, it continues to move. Donations are still coming in for the live video bridge between here and Iraq and for the new peace bridge at Lake Harriet. I’m also ready to talk to groups about what 61 really means. My oldest grandson, Tyler Solberg (14) elected on his own to do the hike with me. He’s the same age I was when I made the 50 mile hike in 1961, and his presence alone made the hike worth it for me. It deeply strengthened a bond already formed between us, and it amplified one of the things we were walking for: better health for all ages. Again, it’s not why he walked, but Tyler’s great uncle is on the Vietnam Wall, and we also walked for an end to all war and for soldiers not only to not die in vain but to return home to support enabling them to once again be happy, contributing family and community members.

-- Thanks so much to all who contributed time, money, resources and ideas.

-- Thanks to the group of Veterans, ranging from VFW to VFP, who walked the last 2 miles into Lindstrom on August 9, or who joined us at the 6:10 p.m. Ceremony of Support at the wonderful Veterans’ Memorial on the spot where my grandfather taught me to respect flag and country as well as to see the horrendous nature of war and the need to move toward saner means of resolving conflict. I want everyone getting this to know the 1-866-LINK VET number. Created thru a bill authored by Patti Fritz of Faribault, it’s designed to help Veterans and Soldiers and Families cut thru the bureaucracy and get to and find the services they need and deserve. Also, www.publicwork.org gets you to the Warrior to Citizen project emanating from the Humphrey Center.
- Larry Johnson, 2007-08-22 <http://www.iam.mn/61>.

The next ManKind Project-Minnesota New Warrior Training Adventure will be held October 12-14, 2007 at Eagle Lake Camp near Brainerd, MN. The cost is $650, with many payment plans and a robust scholarship fund 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 2nd 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 online at <http://minnesota.mkp.org>. - Andy Mickel, 2007-09-16.

Volunteers needed at Unity Christ Church Men’s Healing Retreat, Saturday Oct 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Unity Christ Church, cost $35. Men will participate in spiritual and personal workshops, music, prayer, meditation and community building. Members of the Unity Healing Ministry will be available to provide a variety of individual experiences in energy work for men. - FFI Mike Obsatz <obsatz@macalester.edu> 763-522-4564.

Men seeking support and encouragement in their spiritual journeys are invited to attend the Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group that meets at the Benedictine Center on the fourth Monday of every month, from 7 to 9 p.m. Upcoming meetings are October 22 and November 26. This ongoing group has been in existence for five years. It is an opportunity for men who want to integrate contemplative spirituality into their everyday lives. David Sagula, PhD, a psychologist and retreat leader, facilitates the meeting and discussion. The cost is a freewill offering. FFI: <http://www.stpaulsmonastery.org/> (click the Benedictine Center link) 651-777-7251, <benedictinecenter@stpaulsmonastery.org>. The Benedictine Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters at St. Paul’s Monastery, is located at 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East in Maplewood 55109. - Kathleen Lindstrom, 2007-06-25.

Bill Dobbs and I plan to finish our website update by the end of the year, this summer to allow you to bookmark interior pages. - Andy Mickel. - 2007-09-14