Upcoming Monthly Men's Sunday Brunches (bring something to share/cook up): April 19th at Andy Mickel's, 106 SE Arthur Ave, Minneapolis, 55414, 612-331-8396. (in Prospect Park off University Ave near I-94 and 280). May 18th at Rick Gravrok's, 2925 Monterey Ave S, St. Louis Park, 55416, 952-926-6655. (on the west side of Lake Calhoun, off Lake St.). 17 men attended the February brunch at Eric Mann's. - Andy Mickel, 2009-03-01.

John Stokes of The Tracking Project (TTP) in Corrales, New Mexico, has worked since 1986 with community educators and Native elders from around the world to design a series of teachings which connect individuals directly to the natural world. TTP programs of natural and cultural awareness include a wide range of skills-- from traditional tracking and survival skills to music, storytelling,dance, peacemaking and martial arts training. The name Arts of Life was chosen to describe these programs, which emphasize indigenous knowledge, the lessons of Nature and the power of art. A diverse team of artists/educators and traditional Native elders from TTP have shared this unique awareness program with more than 100,000 people of all ages. Through Nurturing the Roots, a community mentor program, our work with the international community now includes partners/programs in Hawai'i, Brazil, the Philippines, Sweden, Japan and Australia.

TTP programs such as: The Art of Tracking provide tracking and Nature awareness skills to a general audience; Women's Awareness Training and Bringing the Pieces Together Again work specifically with women's and men's groups and TTP products such as: Secrets of Natural Movement DVD The Tracking Project Workout - from wisdom of tracking into the forests and deserts of four continents. TTP relies on this workout to keep students and staff strong, flexible and injury free. - TTP, P.O. Box 266, Correles, MN 87048, 505-898-6967 <http://www.thetrackingproject.org>

The next ManKind Project-Minnesota New Warrior Training Adventure will be held May 1-3, 2008 at Eagle Lake Camp near Brainerd, MN. The cost is $650, with many payment plans and partial scholarships 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. - Andy Mickel, 2009-03-07.

The Minnesota Fathers & Family Network MFFN NEWS March Excerpts: Daddy Book Available for New Fathers is a 70-page workbook to guide new fathers through the important stages of infant development, with father-focused activities, reflections, and developmental milestones. Contribution: $2.50 per copy for pick-up at the MFFN office. Copies requested by mail are $4.50 (includes shipping and handling). Contact MFFN at (651) 222-7432 or <info@mnfathers.org>. Additionally, the book is free to download from the MFFN website here: <http://www.mnfathers.org/08daddybook.pdf>

Fatherhood Research: Men in Early Childhood Education: Working with children is not "woman's work". More and more men take their part not only as fathers, but also as professionals in the field of child care and early childhood education. Learn about a research project at the University of Innsbruck, exploring male involvement in early education: <http://www.uibk.ac.at/ezwi/elementar/index.html.en>. - Paul Masiarchin, MFFN, 161 St Anthony Ave, Suite 845, St. Paul, MN 55103, 651-222-7432 <http://www.mnfathers.org/> - 2009-03-03.

"I am currently working on a research project with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson at the University of Virginia to study families headed by gay fathers.The study consists of an online survey and will take approximately 25- 35 minutes of each participant's time. To qualify for the study the participant would have to identify as male, a father, and gay, bisexual or homosexual and have at least one child of any age; this child can be biological, adopted, foster, step, or other child. A man does not need to be the child's legal parent to participate. This study has been approved by the University of Virginia IRB #2008-0407-00. FFI: please contact Samantha L. Tornello at <GayDadsStudy@gmail.com> or at 434-243-8558. - Samantha L. Tornello, M.A., University of Virginia Graduate Student <http://sites.google.com/site/samanthatornello/> - 2009-02-06.

Northfield Potluck Group usually meets 3rd Saturday evenings at various hosts' houses as a means of socializing with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and otherwise people from Central and Southern Minnesota. Some members come from Blue Earth, Burnsville, Warsaw, Montgomery, Fairfax and other towns. Requirement is to bring a potluck dish to share. FFI: Jerry at 1-800-742-0150 <otrio123@netzero.net> - 2009-01-10.

An exhibit showcasing materials from the Robert Bly Papers will be held by the University of Minnesota. The exhibit is running now through May 9, 2009. You may view this dynamic exhibit at the Elmer L. Andersen Library on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota. For directions and more information on the exhibit, please go to: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/lib-web/events/2009/01/the_pen_still_moves_freely_rob_1.html

There will be a creative and artistic conference entitled Robert Bly In This World which will be held April 16-19, 2009 on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota, as well. Here a link to that website: http://staff.lib.umn.edu/communications/bly2009/