July 1999

July 4th, Fireworks at Shoreline Amphitheater

There’s only one weekend each year where you can see this much fireworks and stars without alcohol, party drugs or getting punched in the kisser. MAXSouth is getting a group of 20 tickets to go see the fireworks display and the SF Symphony at Mountain View’s Shoreline Theater on July 4. If you wanna go, grab onto these tickets; they’ll go fast, especially when your alternative is staying up in The City in the fog. Contact: Hugh Barnett, 408.435.1172.

July 9-11, Russian River Invasion

The Boys at the Triple R have graciously granted us the use of the entire resort for the weekend. We will start with a Karoke kick off welcome party on Friday and a Polynesian happy hour on Saturday, followed by dancing at the new  Club FAB in Guerneville Saturday night. This is the only trip to the river this year boys, so book early for the best room packages. The cost is $115 for members, $145 for guests. Reserve your space by calling Brian Christensen at  337.7719.

July 11th, Cantor Center Tour at Stanford

Join other MAXers on a personally guided tour of the recently opened Cantor Center for the Visual Arts at Stanford University. It is the former Stanford Museum, which has been newly refurbished, expanded and seismically upgraded (what a relief!). The original 1893 Museum, founded by Big Four "robber baron" Leland Stanford and his wife, is now joined with a 42,000 square foot wing and an enhanced Rodin sculpture garden with the largest group of Rodin sculptures outside the Musee Rodin in Paris. In addition to rotating exhibits, there are fine American and European drawings, prints, photographs, and paintings and important works from Asia, Africa, Oceania and Native America - many from the original Stanford collection. MAX will have its own exclusive docent led tour at 10:45am. Join us afterwards for a sumptuous lunch at Zibbibo restaurant in Palo Alto. The cost of the museum tour will be $5 for members and $8 for guests (write Stanford on the memo line of your check). Make your reservation by calling David Mowday at  333-2212. Please let David know whether you are interested in the lunch and can offer or need a ride.

July 11th, Bridge at the Oberon

MAXparty is hosting a Bridge game the second Sunday of every month at the beautiful Oberon restaurant, 1450 Lombard. On July 11th 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.

July 13th, RENT

Roll over Puccini, RENT is in town! MAX has 34 seats in the FIRST THREE rows so you can get up-close and personal with the hottest show in town. For information about this award winning musical check out www.siteforrent.com. The show at 8 PM will be preceded by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Tickets are $55 for members and $58 for guests. For reservations and information contact Steve by phone at  337-7975, or reserve tickets online at the Event List.

July 15th, Dinner at Il Fornaio

"Dining Out in Walnut Creek" at Il Fornaio Restaurant. On Thursday, July 15th, join your new best friends for a fabulous prix fix dinner including antipasto, main course and dessert. Meet beforehand at the bar area at 8:00pm, and we'll be seated for dinner at 8:30pm. $42 for members, $47 for guests. Call Joel to reserve at  680-2660. Il Fornaio is located at 1430 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek directly across from Nordstrom.

July 18th, Domaine Chandon Winery Tour

Tour & Tasting at Domaine Chandon and Luncheon at the Napa Valley Grille  

When Dom Perignon discovered champagne he exclaimed "Come quickly, I am drinking stars!" Your experience will be similar when you join MAX for a tour of the winery and tasting at Domaine Chandon in Yountville. The tour will begin at 10:45AM. After the tour and tasting you can join us for a delicious luncheon at the Napa Valley Grille, located on Highway 29 at Madison in Yountville. Renowned chef Bob Hurley had many years of experience at fine restaurants including Stars, Domaine Chandon, and Auberge du Soleil before becoming executive chef at the Napa Valley Grille in 1992. Bob concentrates on fresh local ingredients and combines Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, and regional American elements in his cuisine.

Tickets for the tour and tasting are $12/$14 for members and guests, and for the combination of the tour, tasting and luncheon, tickets are $49 for members, $52 for guests. For reservations and information call champion Bill Denton at 626-5899. We'll be carpooling so be sure to let Bill know if you need or can offer a ride. A list of accommodations is available for anyone who wishes to stay in Yountville before or after the tour. Domaine Chandon bubbles are found on the Web at www.dchandon.com.

July 24th, Lafayette Reservoir Hike

"Take a Hike" at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir at 9:00am, a comfortable 4-mile morning stroll with your friends. Bring a gourmet box brunch with you for the social amenities which will follow. No charge except for parking at the lot. Lafayette Reservoir is located off of Mt. Diablo Blvd just west of the town center and off Highway 24. Call Jim at  540-1257, or reserve online and Jim will respond with details of this fun event. See a map of the area.

July 25th, Christmas in July

HO HO HO! Time to decorate the tree. Don we now our Gay Apparel. Why only once a year? Celebrate Christmas in July with an all out Merry Party Potluck Sunday evening. Bring an unwrapped toy (under $10.00) so we may brighten up a few children’s summer. We will dish out Yuletide festive food. Please RSVP to Jim Myers  864.8349

July 30th, 5th Friday TGIF

TGIF Moves From The City Club to The Citicourt Cafe

Update (7/15/99): The regular 1st & 3rd Friday TGIF's will remain at the City Club until the end of the year.

At the end of July, MAX is moving TGIF to the Citicourt Cafe on the first floor of the Citicorp Building at One Sansome Street. To celebrate the momentous move, MAX is throwing a special TGIF Kick-Off Party on Friday, July 30th at the new location that promises to be our best TGIF of the summer. The move becomes permanent the following Friday when TGIF resumes its regular 1st and 3rd Friday schedule at its new location. We're also changing to a new time, starting one-half hour later at 6:30PM.

“For the past nine years, the City Club has been home to TGIF and has helped us grow the gathering into MAX's most popular and visible event,” said Chairman Rick Sneed. “It has been a wonderful nine years, but with this move to the Citicourt Cafe, we have an opportunity to create a more collegial and friendly atmosphere that wasn't possible at the City Club.”

The Citicourt Cafe is a finely appointed restaurant/bar with two separate levels that will enable MAX to host crowds similar to those at the City Club, but in a more intimate environment. “I've always enjoyed the decor of City Club, but for people who are new to TGIF, that big room can be quite imposing,” said Sneed. “And, because the location is easier to find and more inviting to those unfamiliar with TGIF, I think we will see an increase in attendance and a much more energetic and entertaining event.”

The Citicourt Cafe is one block south of the City Club on Sansome (where Sansome and Sutter intersect near Market) just inside the stone arched atrium of the Citicorp building. As always, TGIF is free for members and $5 for guests. Mark your calendar to join us for our inaugural Citicourt TGIF on July 30th, then come back the following week for the first Friday in August.

July 31st, Angel Island Party

Are you ready to be touched by an Angel? Come be part of one of the biggest blowouts of the summer—a combined MAX Party and Sports excursion out to Angel Island. We’ll ferry over on Saturday morning July 31, and spend the day on a reserved picnic ground (don’t worry, it’s away from the tourists). We’ll have volleyball and baseball equipment, plus frisbees, music and games. If you like, you can bring or rent a bike there and explore the island, one of The Bay’s little known jewels. The picnic area is near a deserted beach for those brave enough to take a dip. There’ll be a cookout lunch, plus drinks, all for the low price of $20 (non-members $25). Partygoers must buy their own ferry ticket, which is $11 round trip. View our map for ferry location and schedules. At Angel Island, proceed to the East Garrison. Reserve online for this event, or call Tim Larson at  584.9408.

July MAXReport Articles

Have you got management skills that can benefit MAX? Are you looking for a way to get to know more friends? Do you want help MAX kick off the new millennium with our best year ever? Why not consider serving on the MAX Board of Directors? The board of directors is the governing body that manages the ongoing operations of the volunteer organization. The board is composed of the Chairman, three vice chairmen and 10 directors, each with a specific area of responsibility. It meets monthly to review MAX's fiscal operations, financial status, review recent events, and facilitate planning future activities. Board members also participate in two or three planning retreats.

For the coming year, many of the current board members are leaving after many years of service, so there are a number of positions with no incumbent running for re-election. Below is a brief description of each board position: Chairman. Functions as the organization's CEO, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the MAX. He chairs the monthly board meetings and quarterly retreats, and serves as the primary spokesperson for MAX.
Vice Chair – Finance. Serves as MAX's CFO with overall responsibility for all financial accounts and reporting. He makes monthly financial reports to the board and oversees all state and federal tax filings.
Vice Chair – Administration. Serves as the secretary of the board, responsible for keeping all minutes and official records and oversees the part-time paid administrator who handles event reservations and event rosters and maintains MAX's membership data base.
Vice Chair – Communications. Works with the MAXReport, MAXMail and MAXOnline editors to publish ongoing members communications. Membership Director. Manages new member recruitment and member retention programs, including marketing, advertising and public relations activities.

Each of the following director positions serve as the primary contact for specific programming areas, and oversees a committee of volunteers who plan and coordinate MAX events and activities.
MAX Arts & Entertainment Director. Manages volunteers who plan and coordinate cultural and arts programs and group tickets to local shows and concerts. Oversees MAX's monthly dining program.
Community Outreach Director. Manages MAX's community relations programs and charitable fundraising activities, including Day on the Bay and the Holiday Green Room Holiday Party.
MAXForum Director. Manages volunteers who plan and coordinate special interest, educational and personal development workshops and programs.
MAX Party Director. Manages volunteers who plan and coordinate quarterly special events such as the Valentine's Day or Halloween Party, as well as other party-type activities throughout the year.
MAXSouth Director. Manages volunteers who coordinate the South Bay TGIF on the second Friday of each month and plan other activities in the South Bay.
MAXEast Director. Manages volunteers who coordinate the East Bay TGIF in Walnut Creek on the fourth Friday of each month and plan other activities in the South Bay.
MAX Sports Director. Manages volunteers who plan and coordinate sports-related activities and team sports.
TGIF Director. Manages volunteers who coordinate the TGIF events on the first and third Friday of each month.
MAXTravel Director. Manages volunteers who plan and coordinate exclusive domestic and international trips for members and guests.

Any dues-paying member is eligible to place his name in nomination for a board position. Elections will be held at the August 23rd board meeting following interviews with all candidates. The new board is elected by the retiring board and takes office the first Monday in October. If you are interested in one of the board positions, want to find out more about the responsibilities associated with serving on the board, or want to nominate someone else, please give Chairman Rick Sneed a call at  206.1771 by August 1.

With hopes of finding a permanent home for our East Bay TGIF, MAX has moved its Fourth Friday TGIF to the Walnut Creek Marriott Hotel. Conveniently located next to the Walnut Creek Bart Station, the Marriott promises to be an inviting and "easy to find" location that will help build attendance. "We enjoyed Scott's Garden, but they couldn't guarantee us the space every month," said MAXEast Director Gil Rose. "To build attendance and attract new members, we really needed to find a permanent location so people will always know where to go on the fourth Friday. We hope the Marriott is that spot."

The MAXEast TGIF is planned and coordinated by the MAXEast Committee, which has grown to more than a dozen members who meet on the second Monday of each month to plan the TGIF and other East Bay events. If you have an event idea or are interested in helping plan an East Bay activity, please contact Gill at the number below. "We are thrilled at the response we have gotten in the East Bay and hope to stage several more social activities over the coming months," said Rose. For more details about the MAXEast TGIF or a map to the Marriott, see MAXEast or call Gil Rose at  235-1333.

We're seeing more and more men at MAXSouth TGIFs, held on the second Friday of each month from 6pm until 9pm at the Hilton Sunnyvale. Last month's event drew new attendees who had seen the write-up in South Bay's OutNow magazine, and we expect even more in July, judging from the over 200 signups we received at the recent San Jose Pride event. Other MAXSouth successes include the recent Dine-a-Round at The White Dove Cafe, with over 30 men attending the dinner, and our group trip to Gay Night at Great America. Wanna help plan some events? Contact Stuart McFaul,  941.6282.
DIRECTIONS: From 101, take the Lawrence Expressway exit. Head west (away from the bay and towards El Camino Real). Take the first left onto Oakmead Parkway, then take the first left onto Lakeside Drive. Hilton Sunnyvale is on the right at 1250 Lakeside Drive.

The wait is almost over as the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation brings you Help is on the Way V: A Salute to Sondheim at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on August 2nd. It's a fifth-annual-fifth-annual since the men of MAX have been there to support REAF from the very beginning and with your help it could be the biggest MAX showing yet. A bevy of Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy honored goddesses of stage, screen, and television are joined by local legends and song sirens. Lucie Arnaz, Nancy Dussault, Joely Fisher, Sharon Gless, Meg Mackay, Rita Moreno, Joan Ryan and Paula West are set to trill and thrill you with selections from Sondheim classics: West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd, Anyone Can Whistle and many more.

Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker will host the evening which will also feature a Phantom-and-Christine reunion of Franc D'Ambrosio and Lisa Vroman, the stage-filling San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus; an appearance by Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano, and the ever-outlandish Miss Carole Cook. More than just a concert, a host-level ticket not only puts your name in the program, it gains you entrance to both the fabulous pre-show reception hosted by that silver-tongued devil (Harry Denton) and dozens of the Bay Area's top restaurants and wineries, Absolut Martini bars and the glittering post-show cast party with the stars. There's also a silent auction overflowing with treasures and a travel extravaganza raffle to boot. Couple this with the knowledge that you are helping such worthy organizations as The Pediatric HIV/AIDS Program at Children's Hospital, Maitri, New Leaf, Project Open Hand and the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of San Francisco and you know this is a party you can't afford to miss. Call  273.1620 to ensure your place in the best seats.