_Aloha men of Northampton!
 
It's been a quiet few weeks lately, so I haven't had much to post.  Hopefully you were all able to make it to the holiday social and final KING night of 2011 last week.  Regrettably, I missed both.  But, here's to 2012, with making resolutions and the like.  I'm hoping to resolve to "work less, play more."
 
The social scene starts to get moving again in January.  Dodgeball resumes on the second Monday (January 9), and it looks like Gutterboys bowling starts again on Tuesday of the following week (January 17).  Both are a lot of fun, with truly fantastic groups of guys.  The dodgeball group has been running a little thin the last few weeks and could definitely use some more guys to help, so make sure you come out on January 9!  This is not your high school dodgeball - it's way more fun, with a lot more laughs.  Check out the main monoho.com page for details.

For ski and snowboard bums willing to travel a bit, January 18-22 is the annual Winter Rendezvous "gay ski week" in Stowe, Vermont.  This is an AWESOME event that has been going strong for decades; I've heard this is the 28th year.  Winter Rendezvous is packed with men (and a few women), along with a full agenda of social events including comedy shows, cocktail parties, and more.  And of course, what winter party wouldn't be complete without Miss Richfield 1981 making an appearance?  Even better, the event fees include discounts for skiing at Stowe, which is phenomenal.  Last year's Winter Rendezvous was my first trip to Stowe, and I had an absolute blast on the mountain.  It was more challenging than where I typically ski, but I was encouraged by some friends with far better skills to try to keep up with them.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't get in over my head a few times, but that can be part of the fun!  So, I encourage you to check it out.  Even if you don't ski or snowboard, the Winter Rendezvous social schedule is enticing on its own.  As usual, more details at monoho.com.

Returning to local annual events, the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts is hosting a gala to help support people living with HIV and AIDS.  Formerly known as "The Masquerade Ball," the event is now named "Viva!", and will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Friday, January 27.  Come check out this great event, and donate to help out a worthy cause.  Oh, and did I mention it looks like there might be a Cher impersonator?  Hmm.  Want more information?  You got it: monoho.com.
 
Here's a short one: January 25 is GSA Day.  National Gay-Straight Alliance Day intends to call attention to the student organizations promoting awareness, equality, and fair treatment for the young LGBTQ crowd.  To be honest, I haven't heard of any specific events happening around this area.  Anyone know of anything scheduled?  Let me know in the comments or at askmonoho@gmail.com and I'll get it on the calendar.

And now I shall close out 2011 with you by doling out a couple light-hearted links, in the spirit of cheerful seasons - or something like that.  First is the kiss that has swept through the news over the past few days.  Step aside, Eisenstaedt - Navy Petty Officers Gaeta and Snell have taken the stage!  The gays (well, lesbians, to be specific) are showing their love as the first same sex couple to win the "first kiss" honor at Marissa Gaeta's homecoming from the USS Oak Hill.  Check out their sweet, groundbreaking photo at NPR here.
 
If the smooching ladies weren't enough to raise your spirits, then check out this "Love Makes a Family" video from MoveOn.org.  It's inspired by young Zach Wahls of Iowa and his message that children of gay couples can actually turn out pretty well.  Really, take a look.  If this doesn't raise your spirits, then you're even more of a Scrooge than I am - and that's saying A LOT.  Feel the love here.
 
That's all folks - see you all in 2012!
 
-will