GFMPH NY is here!!!The party tent is up; Chef Jeff's "command center" trailer is parked at the side of the house; and the Smoker is near the fire pit.
It's happening!!! I made arrangements with the same hotel as last year. Sept 28, 29, 30, Oct 1. Mark your calendars!
Let me know if you plan on attending.
Jeff
9/5/17 UPDATE Attendee List I am using this list for the food, activities, etc.
Some folks answered on FB and private emails so I am consolidating all info here.
Worried Guy - 2
Cajun Jeff - 2
Redwing57 - 2
Halbert -2
142 - 1
Worrywarts - 2
Sonny3 -1 (updated)
Peterdisablard - 1
Goodlife - 2
Copperguy - 2
Subdenis - 2 (I can't wait to find out if sub means sub!)
Notam - 1
Gardener55 - 2
Jazzman - 2 (updated)
I'm sure I missed some people so please add yourselves to the list. There's plenty of room for more. Come on over!
If you don't know what we're talking about
I am attaching an excellent summary from James C from back in the days when he was a mod. He describes the GFMPH experience well.
GFMPH Weekends- What are they and how do they work?"GFMPH Weekends- Good For Men's Prostate Health Weekends, have evolved into a twice yearly gathering of members of Healing Well Prostate Cancer Forum and their wives, girlfriends, spouses and significant others in their life. These weekend events take place at the hosting members homes. They
open their homes to us for the weekend and people who wish can claim a spare bedroom, couch, corner of the floor, or other areas to sleep. Some attendee's will wish to stay in nearby motels and drive back and forth each day. Others bring their RV's and campers , and set up in the driveway or back yard, or just a sleeping bag for a spot in the garage, barn or other area, . Water and usually 110v. power is provided. Those staying at the hosts home have access to toilets, showers and all the food you can wish. Breakfast in some form is always available, as is lunch and dinner. It may be cooked there or we may run out to a nearby restaurant for a bite, but no one goes hungry.
--Edit: Since this was written the groups have gotten so large we no longer run out to restaurants. We have food prepared here every night. Some meals are catered, some are prepared by us and other members. We are now a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit and as such get reduced rates at the nearby hotel and donations are tax deductible. I order a block of rooms and they are really good about
accommodating special needs. - Worried Guy --
Friday nights are usually dinner out for the guys and their wives, etc. Saturday afternoon is a group meal with all attendees and their wives,(if they get back from their touring and shopping in time) etc, usually a meal of the traditional regional foods of the area. Abundant food and drink, (both alcoholic and non)- will be available, with many bringing favorites from their regions to share. Some fly in and rent cars, some are picked up at the airport or drive from their homes. So far, the weekends have been hosted by the Jeff's- Cajun Jeff in Baton Rouge, Sonny in Orlando in the spring and Worried Guy Jeff in Rochester, NY in the fall. Hopefully other members can volunteer to host in the future, if they have the room, place of privacy and tolerant neighbors. Always looking for a new place to go.
The purpose of GFMPH is to meet and spend the weekend with people who are sharing a common bond- prostate cancer - with members who are in various stages of their journey. The weekend is spent is eating, laughing, sharing, making fast friends with complete strangers, sorta a longer version of speed dating. Late night conversations are normal, sharing life stories, jokes, and concerns all take place. This is a time to laugh, learn, even cry- to spend time with people who do understand and who aren't judging or uncomfortable talking with you or in front of others of their situations, concerns, fears and hopes. There's always someone willing to answer any questions you may have, no matter how personal or 'delicate' they are.
Wives, GF's, SO's , etc. usually spend parts of Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday with the hosts wife, off to their selves, doing their own thing with shopping, tours, etc. Each sex has ample time to be with others of their own in privacy for any needed girl/guy talk.
The dates are usually the third weekend or so in April and the last weekend in September. The 'official' dates are Friday through Sunday. Some come early, arriving Thursday and some stay longer, leaving Mondays.
The best thing about
GFMPH weekends is the feeling of belonging, sharing and ,yes-even love- that develops among attendees- the bonds of brotherhood formed and experiences shared. Attendance at these weekends continue to grow, but there's always room for one or two more, so plan to attend one next time. You'll return home richly rewarded, probably with several best friends forever, and eagerly looking forward to the next.
Post Edited (James C.) : 3/2/2013 8:52:32 AM (GMT-7) "
If you have questions feel free to contact me.
My email is now enabled.
Jeff
Post Edited (Worried Guy) : 9/28/2017 5:15:23 AM (GMT-6)