Men Alive

MEN ALIVE

For more information contact:    Perry Nunn at 802-862-4012   or perple34@aol.com
                                           -Men Alive Purpose-

Men alive is a nonprofit organization formed to bring men together. All men are welcome. Our vision is to create a safe environment in which men can express themselves as individuals, find the companionship and support of other men, and build a community of caring based on respect and acceptance.

Our purpose is to participate together in activities that bring meaning and richness to our lives as men. We see ourselves in the context of the larger Vermont and World communities as a resource for men to find companionship and support. It is a hope that this purpose will be fostered at our weekend gatherings.

Schedule for a typical weekend

The schedule will be revisited Friday evening and modified consensually as the group sees fit. Also Friday evening, and at other times, opportunities for stepping up to be of service--cleanup, facilitating workshops, etc.--will be provided.

Friday
6:00 PM Registration
7:30 Safety Talk
8:00-ish Opening Ritual + Opening Circle
11-ish Snacks

Saturday
7:00 AM Writing Ritual
8:00 Breakfast/Bag lunch prep
10:00 Circle/ Small groups/Bag lunch with group
3:00 Sweat Lodge construction or Dinner prep
5:00 Movement & Rhythm…?
7:00 Dinner
8:00 Open Stage

Sunday
6:30 Sweat
9:30 Brunch
10:30 Ritual
1:00 Closing Circle
2:00 end
-Food-

Meals are created, shopped for, and prepared by Men Alive volunteers. Costs are reimbursed or counted as contributions toward the cost of the weekend. At the weekend, there will be sign-up sheets for everyone to help out preparing or cleaning up after meals. If you have special dietary needs, please bring the appropriate foods. Sky Meadow kitchen is meat free and we prefer that meat not be used for meals here. If essential, meat that is already cooked, or in you own cooking pot, is acceptable.

-RSVP-
Space is limited and an approximate count is useful when estimating food. If you know you will be there, please call Perry Nunn at 802-862-4012 or e-mail perple34@aol.com

-Fees-
Each man should expect to pay between $85 - 125 for the weekend. There will be a registration table set up and we ask that men take care of the weekend fee when they arrive.

-Other Considerations-
In order to honor the purpose of Men Alive and this weekend, we ask that you consider making the commitment to be present from open to close (Friday - Sunday). We invite you to include yourself in all activities.

-What to Bring-
Clothes appropriate to the season, Slippers (no shoes indoors), Bed linens (to fit double beds) or Sleeping bag, pillow case, towel, all things musical: Drums, other instruments, Friends/other men, Meaningful special objects, pictures, personal items, Pen or pencil and journal or notebook for writing activity and personal reflection, Flashlight, Poetry, writings, pictures, artwork, any items for the Men Alive scrapbook, Bug repellent, Sunscreen, tent and gear if you want to sleep outside

Most of all bring your fear, bring your passion, bring your desire not to come, bring your sense of humor, and your grump.

-Please Do Not bring-
Dogs or other pets, alcohol, recreational drugs, guns, RV's

-About Skymeadow-

Sky Meadow Retreat is located on a 150-year-old homestead at the end of a road in the town of Stannard, in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The 120 acres of land includes open fields, forests with trails, ponds for swimming, and a hilltop with magnificent views of the Green Mountains.

The retreat center is in a newly renovated 100 year old barn and includes a large open hardwood floor surrounded by windows, a dining area, couch area, and wood-stove. Off this main room are three shared dorm rooms, each with four large beds, two full shared baths, and a fully equipped kitchen, including dishes and eating utensils. On the lower floor, near the pond, garden, and sheep pen, are two more dorm rooms, with three beds each, and a shared full bath.

Situated privately throughout the land are several simple retreat shelters which can be used by groups or individuals. Each has sleeping mattresses, and some have simple cooking facilities, outhouses, and wells nearby. We have blankets and pillows but do not supply sheets or towels.

Parking is limited to 12 cars in winter. Please carpool if possible.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: is    802-533-9250

DIRECTIONS: We are located about 50 minutes north of Montpelier, 40 minutes west of St. Johnsbury, and 1.5 hours east of Burlington, near Hardwick, Vermont. We are 2 hours southeast of Montreal, 4 hours north of Boston, and 6 hours north of N.Y.C.

From I-91 going south take the Barton exit and follow RT. 16 south, pass through Glover, to STANNARD sign on left just after the village of Greensboro Bend. (continued below at *)

From I - 91 going north take exit 21 in St. Johnsbury. Go west on RT. 2 to RT. 15 in West Danville. Take 15 west to RT.16 North. (continued below at *)

From I - 89 going north or south, take exit 8 in Montpelier. Go east on RT. 2 to Rt. 14 in East Montpelier. Go north on 14 to Hardwick. Leave Hardwick on Rt. 15 east. Go two miles east on 15 to RT. 16 North. (continued below at *)

Go north on RT. 16 4.3 miles. Turn right at STANNARD sign and go .25 mile to crossroads. Turn right at red barn, and stay on main dirt road (Stannard Mt. Rd.) for two miles. Pass a large farmhouse and barn followed by a cemetery on left. Turn left after cemetery onto Flagg Pond Rd. Go .5 mile to first left. Turn left onto Winchester Rd., pass white farmhouse and go to end of the road. Park as tightly as you can beside the mailbox, or next to the train car.