The men of UU St. Pete have once again begun discussing forming a men's group. We all want it, but somehow it never organizes for long. Why is that? It occurred to me that one reason is we never come up with a consensus on activities. Some want fun activities, some want culinary activities, some want cerebral activities.

During a recent service, I was doing my duty and daydreaming when a thought struck me concerning starting the men's group. Why not do all of the above? Someone within the group can host, maybe with a partner, and those people will name the theme/activity for that meeting. In essence, whoever hosts gets to focus the group for that month. The rest of the membership can choose to come or not, but this way, we ensure a wide variety of topics and no one is left out. If you do not have the space to host a meeting, but still want to lead, the meeting can take place at another member's (or partner's) house, a restaurant, or church, or other venue chosen by you as host.

To kick off the group, I am inviting all who want to come to our inaugural meeting at my house 6:30pm on Wednesday, September 22. Why Wednesday? The original UU St. Pete men's group used to meet on Wednesdays. At our initial meeting we will decide on a regular meeting schedule and talk meeting themes. Mike Nashleanas has provided a suggestion list, but we can do most anything from discussing a book to playing poker.

The theme for the first meeting?? Mike Nashleanas just installed a new kitchen faucet for me. It occurs to me that we all have repair/improvement projects from time to time. As a result, we all have a favorite/weird tool. Bring your favorite/weirdest tool and we will discuss tools, home improvements and repairs, beginning with Mike's adventure in repairing my faucet. Before we adjourn, we must have the next meeting scheduled, a host/partner and his choice of theme. You're not interested in the theme of the meeting? Come for the company or skip the meeting and attend one that is of greater interest to you.

I will grill some burgers and hotdogs and you can bring what ever side dish and beverage suits your purpose. I will have some soda. Oh, and yes, Reggie and Jim, I will grill some veggie burgers to accommodate our vegans, and you are welcome to bring something you are comfortable eating and share it with the curious.

Please let me know if you are coming, so I can get a rough count. Phone is (727) 215-6921.

Mike Manning