We concluded this year’s activities with our traditional, well-attended Holiday Party at Don’s beautiful Julia Morgan designed house on the Claremont hill in Berkeley. Anthony and his helpers put together a delicious buffet extravaganza, we had the visit of two Marines to collect the Toys for Tots our members brought, and we had the fun-filled white elephant gift exchange with so much variety only this group could ever put together! There were prize possessions, and there were “can’t wait until next year” kind of true white elephant gifts. 
All brought laughter in competition (a giant bottle of lube, I wonder why, was highly coveted, whereas a porcelain slipper with pink fur trim wasn’t). Judging from the various conversation groups that formed around the ground floor rooms so gorgeously decorated, everyone enjoyed seeing old and new friends.
That was certainly the best way to conclude a year of Discovery, and we wish you a very happy new year for 2012! Watch our news for retreats and social events, participate, and consider volunteering with us (lead or join a retreat committee, organize an event, join the board,…). We can’t wait to see you!
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Our group wanted something different this time, instead of the traditional group holding the banner. I could also set the camera on a tripod and run to be part of it!
Click here to see this and more photos of the week-end!
by Lorenzo
What an amazing weekend was had by 27 guys at the Discovery President’s Day Retreat at Westminster Woods in Occidental. This was the first winter retreat in four years. Most guys stayed in the lodges with all the comforts of home. A few late-birds were in the more rustic cabins. The topics of the workshops related to Lifelong Friendships – finding friends, managing friendships and special situations for gay friendships. With the cooperation of the weather, the group also enjoyed long hikes through the spectacu
lar redwoods, a couple of very topical movies (Big Eden and Toy Story 3) and, of course, the talent/no talent show. There was plenty of talent to showcase – from coming out stories, to stand-up comedy, drag, singing and the bevvy of beauties. It was a pleasure to have a mix of long-time Discovery members and new people, including a terrific guy in a wheelchair, who taught the group a lot about the differently-abled. The Westminster Woods staff was on hand through out the weekend and could not have been more welcoming. The kitchen gave us good, hearty, nutritious meals. Our hostess, Malika, was a lot of fun and the techboy Randy was particularly easy on the eyes as he moved about the campground doing his chores. Planning will soon start for the Independence Day weekend retreat at Wildwood.
2011 Board
At the November 2010 board meeting, the board elected… a new board, as it should every year!
Tom Hall decided to leave, after two years of tireless note taking as secretary, organizing as Social Committee Coordinator, and leading several events. Anthony Macias joined the board. Members who were at our last July 4th week-end will remember Anthony, who also led a very well-attended and beautiful walk on Telegraph Hill a few weeks ago.
At the December 2010 board meeting, we held an election for officers, with the following results:
Anthony Macias, Secretary
Don Brown, Vice-President
Gary Winter, Treasurer
Guy Tiphane, President
At the January 2011 board meeting, the board elected Ken Katen as a new member. Welcome Ken!
The photos from our 2010 Holiday Party are in!
Here is a Link to the Entire Gallery
