May 1999

May 2nd, MAXEast Potluck

MAXEast's first non-TGIF get-together will be a potluck in Orinda, $5 for members, $7 for guests. Entrance fee pays for beer, wine, and sodas, so bring a dish of some sort. Invite your friends, especially the ones that cook! Our party house is FABULOUS, with lots of room, so invite all your East Bay friends. Just have them contact Ty Rollins at  735-7202. Emergency note: If you haven't decided what to bring, please whip up an entrée. Try a sauce bolognese or oven-roasted root vegetables which are incredibly easy and delicious. (Don't bring Velveeta Spinach Souffle With Spam Shavings.) Those who cannot cook (like Ty Rollins himself) will be most grateful.

May 2nd, Movie Club

The MAX movie club is back in full swing. We are gathering a group every month to enjoy a Sunday Matinee and a meal afterwards. Ray Locke, our own MAXParty Movie Critic, finds great movies that are tremendous fun to watch together. Contact MAXParty movie guy Ray to reserve your cinema seat at  364.6492.

May 9th, Six Flags Marine World

MAX is headed out of San Francisco to go feed the animals, spot a whale, and spin till drop. A short round trip ferry ride northeast lies the Bay Areas newest attraction, Six Fags (oops Six Flags) Marine World. Come spend a day at the nations only wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park all housed within one gate. Marine World is not what it used to be. Come have a wild or a relaxing day strolling though this beautiful and thrilling park. This year the park debuts it's monster wooden roller coaster, called ROAR, and many new shows. We will gather at Pier 41 at 9:00 AM Sunday May 9th to ride the ferry to Vallejo and shuttle to the park. $40 for members, $43 for non-members. Park only tickets are available; call Michael @  441.7042

May 9th, Games Afternoon at Oberon

MAXparty is hosting a Bridge game the second Sunday of every month at the beautiful Oberon restaurant, 1450 Lombard. On May 9th at 1:30 PM we will be setting up the tables and dealing out the cards. Teams will form in accordance to your level. We are also sponsoring a full game orgy, Backgammon, Chess, Scrabble, Pictionary, you name it. Come have fun with us. Full bar is available. It is imperative that you call Jim Boey at  387.0378 so that he can arrange the teams.

May 12th, TASTE at Restaurant LULU

Come along with MAX to Lulu to enjoy robust, top-notch, Mediterranean family-style food. Lulu is located at 816 Folsom near 4th Street. We'll meet for drinks at 7 pm and dinner at 7:30. The family-style dinner will include:

The cost is $60 for members and $65 for guests. For reservations and information call Bill Funke at 431-2928 or reserve online from the Event List. Read a review of Restaurant Lulu.

May 14th, Get In The Swim 6-9pm

IN-JEAN-IOUS SHOW TO BENEFIT AIDS HEALTH PROJECT -- A not-to-be-missed SWIMWEAR Fashion Show in support of the AIDS Health Project. The show, directed and produced by Kevin Hunt, will feature swimwear and summer fashion by Castro Street's clothing store, In-jean-ious. The event begins at 6:00 PM at the AHP's beautiful new Services Centre at 1930 Market Street with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres graciously donated by Piaf's and Cafe 44. The fashion show, featuring delightfully inspirational Bay Area models wearing the latest in 1999 summer attire, will begin at 7:30 PM. The cost for the evening will be $15 for MAX members, $20 for guests. The AIDS Health Project provides direct mental health services to people with HIV disease and AIDS; their family members, partners and caregivers; and to seronegative people. Since 1984, AHP has provided free or low-cost services to more than 250,000 people and trains more than 1,000 health care providers annually. If you can't make the event at all please mail your tax deductible check to: AIDS Health Project Box 0884 San Francisco, CA 94143-0884 For more information, call Stephen Crow @  626.2222. No need to RSVP -- just show up!

May 15th, MAX, Sex, & Architecture, 6pm

MAXFORUM is extremely pleased to host a provocative discussion led by Aaron Betsky, Curator of Architecture and Design at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, on Saturday evening, May 15. Aaron came on the local scene shortly after SF/MOMA opened its new SoMa architectural gem. Join Aaron and your MAX friends for a provocative lecture, illustrated with slides, about relating sex and architecture in your personal space as well as City space. You may have read Aaron's recent SF Focus article advocating dense residential development in the City. Now's your chance to meet Aaron and join in on the debate. Thanks to MAX member David Cover, we are staging the event at a SoMA loft. The wine and cheese salon promises to be stimulating. This event is limited to the first 25 people who respond, so reserve your spot and get the address of the loft venue by calling Terry @  826.8950. Then send your check for $15 ($20 for non-members) to the MAX address with "BETSKY" on the memo line.

May 16th, Bay-to-Breakers

Bay-to-Breakers and Team MAX -- MAXsports and MAXparty are teaming up together to run a MAX team in this year's Bay-to Breakers. Imagine a gaggle of MAXers skipping across town complete with official MAX t-shirts and Easy-spirit pumps, just kidding. After the race we are hosting a little party for all the runners and cheerleading squad and any one else who is just looking for a reason to party on May 16th. Tim Larson, the Sultan de Sportes has all the information @  584.9408. Come join us if you have what it takes.

May 18th, MAXSouth TASTE at White Dove

Join MAX at the premiere of TASTESouth in historic Willow Glen. We'll dine at the White Dove Cafe, 1167 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, run by partners-in-life Jeff and David. Dinner includes mouth-watering appetizers, soup or salad, choice of entree

and choice of dessert. Beverages are extra. Dinner ($35 members, $38 guests) begins at 7:30pm. Make your reservations online from the Event List or call Dale Benjamin at (408) 377-3810. Be sure to let Dale know your entree selection. Directions and other information about the White Dove Cafe can be found at www.whitedovecafe.com.

May 19th, Piano Recital 8:00 PM

Brazilian pianist, Walter Asvolinsque, will be previewing his recital program for his summer concert tour of Cuba, China, Brazil and Poland, May 19th at 8:00 PM at the Metropolitan Community Church, 150 Eureka Street. He will be playing works of Schumann, Chopin, Villa-Lobos, Granados, Nazareth and et al. Walter is the housemate of MAX member Gordon Deegan. For further information please call @  591.8347.

May 20th, Smuin Ballet

This award-winning ballet company will present the world premier of Pinocchio featuring music by Scarlatti, Rossini, and Donizetti. The talented Smuin dancers will perform their blatantly sensual Carmina Burana and their enchanting Pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet. The 8 pm concert at the Yerba Buena Center will be preceded by an optional dinner at 6 pm at the Thirsty Bear. Show tickets are $34 for members and $37 for guests. For information and reservations call Bob Bolton at 282-8453.

Note: Sold Out, but call to be put on the waitlist.

May 22nd, Tour de SF/MOMA

"Inside Out: New Chinese Art" at the SF MOMA. This is not your father's Ming vase exhibit of Chinese art. Some of the most provocative art of the last 15 years in a variety of media will be on display in a docent-led tour beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $12 and $14 for MAX members and guests. Prices for SF / MOMA members are $8 less. An optional lunch at a nearby restaurant will follow the tour. Reserve tickets online or call John Krowka @  587.4899.

May 22nd, MAX Bazaar Day in the Castro

Note: this event has been postponed. Watch for an announcement here at MAXOnline or via MAXMail.
MAX's giant Spring Bazaar (aka garage sale) will take place on Saturday, May 22nd at the corner of 15th and Noe Streets. Gary Grabow is already collecting fabulous items from many MAXers. We want your stuff too! So get going on that Spring cleaning and bring us those books, those sweaters, that coffee table that doesn't match the decor anymore, that '95 Toyota that has been replaced with a new Kompressor. Call Gary today at   621-8558 to arrange for a drop-off or to help on the day of the sale.

May 22nd , Mt Tam Hike

Mount Tamalpais is a favorite Bay Area site for hiking, and MAX will climb its spectacular heights. Contain Sports director Tim Larson at  584-9408 for information.

May 23rd, May The Force Be With You - STAR WARS The Phantom Menace, 4:30pm

STAR WARS Episode One The Phantom Menace debuts the third week of May, and we have your ticket in. Sunday, May 23 at 4:30 PM we will raid the Coronet Theatre. Tickets are quite rare so contact MAXparty Movie Critic Ray Locke to reserve your spot by calling  364.6492.

May 28th, Gay Day at Great America

The same people that put on Colossus in San Francisco are taking down (is that a good way of putting it?) Great America for the evening of Friday, May 28. From 6pm until 3am, it's Gay Day at GA -- promising all kinds of opportunities for those who like their rides to be a little on the wild side. (Park rides will operate until midnight.) Reserve your raucous rides online from the Event List, or contact Jeff Olson at 408.739.3687. Tickets prices are $35 for MAX members and $40 for guests.Sold out! MAX tickets are sold out, but there are still tickets available at Great America.

May 30th, Garden Party Potluck 1:00pm

Come join us in the celebration of Spring as we share our Martha Stewart skills on Sunday May 30th at 1:00pm. Call Jim Myers for the menu, reservations and location at  864.8349

May MAXReport Articles

Chairman's Letter

Despite La Nina's best efforts, Spring is finally making an appearance. After what seems to have been an eternity of rainy days, the past couple of sunny weekends have really lifted my spirits. There's nothing like a little sunshine to bring out all of the boys in their short shorts. And there's nothing like boys showing some leg to get my blood pumping.
My Favourite Time of the Year: By now, almost everyone has emerged from their winter and post-holiday hibernation and is looking for a little fun and excitement. That's where being a member of MAX comes in handy. This month alone, MAX has 16 events for you to choose from. That's 16 opportunities to socialize, make new friends, and, if you are lucky, fall head over heels in love. Yes, love. It happens all the time at MAX--especially during in the springtime. Did you know that over 40% of our membership is composed of couples and that many of them met through MAX? It's true. And it can happen to you.
The Ads Are Working: If you didn't happen to notice the long list of new members on the front page, then turn the page and take a look at all of the men that have joined MAX in the past month. The list is almost triple the number of new members listed in the May '98 MAXReport. If you look at the anniversary's list, you will also see that our renewals are also up significantly. Thanks to Tanqueray for the underwriting our current advertising program. You can show your appreciation by visiting the Tanqueray bar at the next The City Club TGIF.
I hope all of you new members will take the time to get involved in a committee. The Travel, Forum and Sports committees all need people to help with upcoming events and activities. Use the Board Roster on the left to contact the appropriate committee director for more information about how you can help.
Spring Fever Hits TGIF: If you weren't at the last TGIF at the City Club, then you missed a good happy hour. The MAX softball team was there in full force showing off their new uniforms - which by the way, look mighty fine. I never knew we had so many jocks in MAX. Given the reaction of the crowd, we will definitely have to invite the softball team back to host another TGIF real soon. Thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle, the team really appreciates the support.
Margarita Anyone? MAXSouth's crowd (nearly 200) is cute and very friendly. Even if you live in the City, it's worth the 45-minute drive down 101 just to see all of the new faces. It's really terrific to see the enthusiastic response to our efforts to expand our reach into the South and East Bay. Homeless In the East Bay. We are currently looking for a new location for the TGIF in Walnut Creek. Scott's Garden is getting too costly, so if you have any ideas on where 200 men can gather for cocktails every fourth Friday, give Gill Rose a call.
Time for Spring Cleaning: Don't forget that MAX is planning a Spring Yard Sale next month. This is one of our most important fundraisers of the year, so we need as many members as possible to participate. Former MAX Chairman Gary Grabow is championing this event and he needs a host of volunteers to help with the collection, sorting and day-of-event sales. There will be plenty of music, food and drink, and everything needed for a great party. Call Gary at  621.8558.
MAXOnline Sports A New Look: The next time you are online be sure to stop by the MAX Website and take a look at the new design. Webmaster Jerry Abrams has done an outstanding job of updating the materials and adding photos to the site. If you are interested in learning how to build web pages, call Jerry and volunteer to work on the Website. You can reach him at  861.1940.
MAXMail Just Keeps Growing: With nearly 600 men receiving our weekly events update, MAXMail is becoming an indispensable part of our overall member's communications. If you aren't on our email distribution list, then send and email with your address to MAXMail Editor Glen Shannon. It's worth it just to read Glen's Monday morning witticisms.
Rick's Pick of the Month: Although there are several great events this month, the special appearance of the legendary Carole Cook at MAX's Fifth Friday TGIF makes it and "absolut" must. Browsing at GUMPS, live entertainment, great food, drinks from Absolut and Seagram, and lots of handsome men ranks this party as one of our best of the year. The proceeds go to support one of MAX's favorite charities, the Richmond-Ermet Foundation.
Make Your Event Reservations Early: When making a reservation, it is always important to call the event champion to put your name on the list and then send in your payment immediately. Remember that reservations are not confirmed until MAX receives payment. If you haven't received a confirmation call a few days in advance of the event, then you should call the event champion and confirm that you are expected. If you need to cancel, please do so as early as possible and make note of any special cancellation restrictions noted in the MAXReport. The are no refunds for no-shows.
Get Well Boys: MAXers Gary Holbrook and Nickolei Folan have been under the weather lately. Both are dedicated volunteers that have give a lot to MAX and we hope to have them back in swing of things again real soon.
Until Next Month. Make some time to get out and enjoy the warm weather. See you at GUMPS.
Rick Sneed, MAX Chairman

WHEN IN LONDON

MEET ALL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM'S QUEENS  The Gay London Professionals (GLP), our sister organization in London, invites all visiting MAX members to be their guests at the club's weekly equivalent of MAX's TGIF. MAXers visiting London will have an opportunity to meet the city's professional gay men in their beautiful, newly opened townhouse in the Mayfair District. Hob-nob with London's more extended royal family in two bars, a restaurant and private dining rooms and lounges. The GLP meets regularly once a week and also sponsors other special events. See Brian Lee at TGIF for a GLP guest pass, or call Brian for more information @  626.2752.

MAX HELPS SHANTI RAISE $20,000

Casino Tropicale was a huge success. More than 350 people attended a fabulous party, Saturday, March 6. The Rincon Centre was hopping with gamblers, dancers, great food and entertainment. Ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and an auction raised $20,000 to support the vital services of Shanti Project which provides to people living with HIV and AIDS. Shanti is very grateful to all the companies and individuals who made this event a success and are proud that a large number of MAX members attended. A big thanks to MAXers Jeff Nigh, Gordon Elkins, Gordon Deegan, Stephen Crow, Jonathon Swain, Dennis Baker, and Scott Vachon. The MAX Outreach Committee will continue its support for this annual event.

MAXEast TGIF GETS AROUND

MaxEast celebrated its second TGIF in February with a rousing turnout. And with a temporary change in venue the March Madness Mixer was hosted by the 1220 Club in Walnut Creek. Many thanks to Jon Crovo, owner of the 1220 for his outstanding support of MAX and for his generous donation to the Rainbow Centre of Pleasant Hill on behalf of both organizations. MAXEast's first small get-together will be a Pot Luck scheduled for Sunday, May 2nd (place to be determined later). So mark your palm pilots and call Gil Rose for details  735.1333. See you on May 28th back at Scotts for our next monthly mixer. Thanks to all for your help.

  June Events