Life celebration review, info

Gentlemen: Last Saturday, May 21st, we had a wonderful celebratory dinner and toast to Peter and Michael who had provided a free luncheon to members via their estate. We have learned that they had a long life together and their passings occurred about a year apart a couple of years ago. Harry Fullerton and his nephew Nathan (and David Clark?) created a really nice slide review of Peter’s and Michael’s life together as a couple from a young age to the times shared with the PTers. Jan Peters was our performer along with her longtime accompanist. Of our membership, 70 members enjoyed this bittersweet celebration and Harry offered up a toast to them. It is gracious of the couple to keep us in their good graces as well as to assign funds to the BPT in their estate. It was also wonderful to have a free meal (salmon, roast beef, or vegetarian entrees).

Please remember, that if you want to come, you must sign up; AND please remember to contact us: (617) 286-4440 if you need to cancel. Any advance notice helps in the preparation of the meal and seating. Eleven people of the 81 RSVP’s did not appear. Would any of us wish to waste 11 cuts of prime rib or salmon and have 1+ prepared—dining tables remain empty?!

Next dinner- to honor the life and membership of Philip Findlay. June 18, Club Café, 1-5 PM

Philip was a long time member and participant of the Prime Timers, and he was Harry Fullerton’s partner for 32 years! Philip and Harry are providing a free meal for the members for Saturday, June 18th. Some of Philip’s and Harry’s family will be joining us at this celebration. Please RSVP by June 11th, by calling: (617) 286-4440 or email: contact@bostonpt.org, and leave your info. Entree choices are roast pork, baked cod and vegetarian (no, I don’t know the contents).

June 3-5th weekend in Ogunquit

Are you going to this event with the Prime Timers? Have you reserved your room? If you have decided to go, and you still need to reserve, you need to call either motel directly to reserve as the deadline has passed for a discounted room. Studio East at 267 Main St, Ogunquit: (207) 646-7297. Ogunquit Tides, 548 Main St., (800) 422-3341. Many rooms have been rented at Studio East, and fewer at the Tides.

Pizza Party: Friday, June 3rd, at 5 PM on the Patio at Studio East. Pizza and soda will be free, courtesy of the Boston Prime Timers. Other libations are BYOB.

June Gay Pride events (not discussed at the party, but added by this author)

As you have come to know, Gay Pride has normally been celebrated in Boston on the 2nd week in June with the parade on the 2nd Saturday. There is no parade this year as the organization that has run it for many years, has closed. There are other party events that are occurring in Boston June 10-12, not to be listed here, but one being a “Pop-up Pride” on the Boston Common on June 12th, 11-5 PM. North Shore towns are having festivities and Pride flag raisings everywhere, and I have a complete list created for the NS LGBT Social Network (of which I am an administrator). If you want info about the NS, I can provide it. NS Pride parade is June 25th at noon, walking about a mile and ending at Salem’s Common, where there are vendors, music and food. The afterparty is at the Marina Beer Garden. Are you attending Pride flag raisings in your communities?!

Boston Gay Mens Chorus is performing “Disney in Concert”; at Symphony Hall June 25/26, with 45 pieces from Disney movies being sung and a 25-piece orchestra, along with graphics and clips of movies. This is the 1st time that Disney has allowed a gay group to sing their music. (Tix $39-149 each, BGMC.org). If you want to see an abbreviated form of the concert performed—June 5th, at 3 PM, at Lynn Auditorium, without the orchestra and less members (there are 230 singers) and without the graphics/clips, get tix at ticketmaster.com for $30. You will need to scurry back to Boston from Ogunquit for this 1 performance.

Do you have questions about the above printed info—contact me. (I submit this info to the extent of my understanding.)

April Meeting Minutes (Part 2)

Hello Gentlemen,

Sorry for the delay in sending more information from the minutes of the April meeting. An April prologue was sent out prior to the meeting and some of the information below was mentioned in Part 1 of the minutes.

CELEBRATION dinner for late members Peter Krause and Michael Healey is this coming Saturday, 1-5 PM. The RSVP period has passed, and no walk-ins will be possible. Greater than 80 of you have signed up. IF you cannot come or plan to be absent, please call the office at (617) 286-4440, and leave a message.

Spring Fling — June 3-5, Ogunquit, Maine. Much information was related in Part 1; hopefully you have already reserved. If you need more information, ask Michael Tobey and he will fill you in.

June 18, 1-5 PM at Club Café: CELEBRATION dinner to honor Philip Findlay, Harry’s lifelong partner. Remembering Philip’s membership in the group, Harry has offered this event to the members for free. Sign up on Saturday for this next dinner event, e-mail the office, or call (617) 286-4440 and leave a message to RSVP. No walk-ins are possible for this event.

July 16, 2-5 PM at Club Café: Meeting. Discussion of the board reformulation; events in August and October to be discussed. There may be further entertainment. Please note — we have the space at Club Café as of 2 PM, when the speakers present is determined by Harry.

August 12-14: 35th anniversary of the club. Prime Timers Worldwide is organizing the hotel stays as people are coming in from far and wide.

Anniversary Schedule

8/12, Friday, 11-4 PM: Welcome Brunch and mixer at Club Café (the club will be closed to non-members).

8/13, Saturday, 1-6 PM: Award Dinner at Club Café. Original founder-member award goes to Bill Calloway (who lives in Florida, but will not be able to join us). More details to follow.

8/14, Sunday: Possibly a Duck Boat tour of Boston. Details are still being worked out. Cost to members and RSVP will be determined.

September 17, Saturday, 2-5 PM: Meeting. Details being determined.

October 28-30: Halloween rendezvous in Provincetown at the Harbor Hotel, on the East End. Prices have gone up since we last were in town, details will be forthcoming. A Saturday night dinner and party will be created. The committee working on this event, is still working on the details.

Note: the best way for you to learn details is to attend the meetings, read the Prologue online, read the Facebook posts, and talk with other members; please do not call Harry and David (as they are overwhelmed). IF you think that you did not receive it in e-mail, check your SPAM (junk) folder. The club is attempting to send out a paper copy to those who do not have internet skills, but you need to request this.

June: Pride Month, as we used to call it Gay Pride, but is now LGBTQ+ Pride month. Rainbow flags are being raised in many towns on the North Shore (my area) and I presume where you live too! Boston Pride as an organization has closed and there is no parade, but there still is Boston Pride — right?! There are block parties run by “Boston Proud” on 6/10, and others 6/11: Chandler Street, and 6/12: St. James Street. Jamaica Plain is also doing a party?! The parades: 6/18: Providence, 6/25: NS Pride, Salem, MA.

If you want to know about the Pride events on the North Shore, just inquire with Michael Tobey.

See you Saturday!

April Meeting Minutes 4/16

Meeting 2-4 PM Club Café: Harry Fullerton, Pres.

Part 1

Due to COVID, the club has been closed since December. This meeting marks the 1st time that we have gotten together to chat and share much information this year. The office has been in Harry’s home office for the last 2 years because the church where the office had been closed. Harry has acquired computer hard drives and documents for taxes for the past 2 years (to be completed), much mail and applications for membership.

Board

The numbers of board members have dwindled considerably since the club was last really active in early 2020. Harry is President, his brother—Paul Cram is VP, there is no treasurer, clerk, or active board members except Swift Lane—Harry has been running the club with pop-up volunteers. He recognized, mentioned and thanked the men who have helped out in the last couple of years to keep the club intact: David Clark, Swift Lane, Helder Lemos, Coley Kelly, Michael Tobey and others. Harry requested help to maintain the integrity of the club. He has requested that if anyone has some extra time and energy and could be on the board, that it would be greatly appreciated. Can you help, to maintain a functioning club?

Helping Hands

A fund will be set up to assist members who cannot attend activities because they cannot afford to participate, due to their bills, meds, etc.

Tuesday Club Café Dinners

Tuesday evening dinners will start up again, with meeting at 5 PM, dinner at 6 PM. Unlike in past times, each member will just select meals off of the Club Café menu and pay your own way, recognizing that there is a CC discount of 20%. No RSVP is needed.

Member Info

Longtime member and supporter Norman Pelletier has been quite ill with his recent cancer diagnosis. His longtime partner, Jim, has moved into a nursing home as his dementia has grown much worse. Clerk adds—Elliot Katz has just returned home after 2 months in the hospital and rehab.

Specific Events and Dates

May 21st, 1 PM, Club Café: Celebration of Life and membership dinner contributed by the wishes of Peter Krause and Michael Healey. This is a free dinner for the members, but you must RSVP by May 11 to: contact@bostonpt.org, or call (617) 286-4440 (leave your name, entree choice—Prime Rib, Baked Salmon, Pasta Primavera—veggie). No walk-ins will be allowed.

June 18, 1 PM, Club Café: Celebration of Life for Philip Findlay, Harry’s partner, who passed away just before Christmas. Harry and Philip wished to honor the members as we honor Philip. This dinner is free to members, but you must RSVP by June 11, to the same contact info as above. There will be live entertainment.

July 16, 2 PM, Club Café: Meeting. Entertainment is being arranged.

Note: Pride Parade—June 25, Salem—North Shore Pride parade, 12 PM, set-off, walking in downtown Salem, ending on The Common, with tented vendors. Post-parade parties. To walk in the parade, register with North Shore Pride.

June 3, 4, 5—Ogunquit Spring Fling: Follow closely. Staying at 2 motel complexes.

  1. Studio East—which is downtown, has about 20 rooms, under a BPT reservation. if you want to stay there, you must reserve with Studio East and state that you are with the BPT. No pool there. There are a variety of room costs, starting at $129/night per room; there are many price options and details which were detailed at the meeting, but best if you call and learn those.
  2. Ogunquit Tides—once Studio East is filled up, OR, it does not matter for you to stay further out of town (about 3/4 mile), go to the Tides, where there are two pools, 1 inside, and 1 outside. Here, there are many price options, too, from $119-$200/night; the higher price is for a cottage that sleeps 5 people. BPT will reserve these rooms and you must call BPT: 617-286-4440 to express your room desire.

A Meet and Greet gathering and Pizza Party will occur on Friday night, 6/3, at 7 PM, at the Ogunquit Tides. Saturday night dinner TBA. Other clubs and members will be invited to this weekend. The trolley will run on this weekend, but now costs $5/ run. We thank Tony Soares and Stephen Larrett for organizing this event!

  • Mark August 13, 14, 15 in your calendars for the BPT’s 35th anniversary with Prime Time members coming in to Boston from all over the country—more details in Part 2 of the article.
  • Mark Halloween weekend into your calendar, Oct 28, 29, 30 for Provincetown at the Harbor Hotel, in the East End of P’town. (The P’town Inn has been sold and is not available to this group.) More to follow in Part 2 of this article.
  • May 12, 5-8 PM, Dinner and Dance for the LGBTQ+ public and Friends, 55+ at Tewksbury Senior Center. Cost is only $10pp, dinner 5-6, dancing 6-8 PM. RSVP by May 5th to Ron Bourque, (978) 946-1476. Absolutely no walk-ins will be accepted. Our own Tony Soares is the DJ for this event! Tewksbury Senior Center has started a monthly LGBT luncheon; there are not many senior centers doing the same! Let’s support them!!

End of Part 1. Part 2 will follow in a few days. submitted by Michael Tobey (if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask friends, fellow members, or the PT’s phone #.)

Michael Healey & Peter Krause Memorial Dinner, May 21st at 1 PM

  • Choice of New England Clam Chowder or House Salad
  • Choice of Prime Rib, Baked Salmon or Pasta Primavera (Veggie)
  • Seasonal Pies & Chocolate Cake
  • Champagne Toast

This wonderful meal is provided free of charge to the wishes of Michael & Peter so come and share a toast to celebrate their lives. 

*RSVP by email to contact@bostonpt.org by May 11th, or call (617) 286-4440 and be sure to leave your Name and Entree Choice.

Café Emmanuel Reopening on February 3rd

From our friends at Ethos:

I am excited to announce that Café Emmanuel will be reopening for lunch beginning next Thursday, February 3rd, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to meals@ethocare.org or (617) 939-1728 by 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 1st.

We hope to see you there!

Warmly,

Krystal Kilhart

Café Emmanuel is a weekly luncheon for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors and their friends. It features a rich entertainment program that follows each meal, including recitals from the New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory as well as, a wide variety of guest speakers.

Café Emmanuel is at Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Temporary Club Closure

Gentleman, 

Out of an abundance of caution Harry has decided to shut down the club for in person events through March.  That means we won’t be having a January, February or March meeting. 

We will try to keep you updated as to whether or not we will meet in April.

In the meantime we will continue to meet on Google Meet every Monday night at 6:30 pm as usual.  We have greatly enjoyed doing this every week for almost the past two years and you are strongly encouraged to join us.  

https://meet.google.com/aen-nphm-xsw

If you don’t have access to a computer with a video camera you can call in on a regular phone at:  

                                  1-402-809-1280 (pin: 646929974)

Another event that the club will be cancelling is the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. This is unfortunately the 3rd straight year that we won’t be going and it is unfortunate because it is a wonderful event that we have enjoyed for many years. 

We will not be attending as a group but I am including the link for the event just in case people decide to go on their own:

https://mailchi.mp/a94d0839aea1/hpt-173-tickets-on-sale-now-5609674?e=d1d7ed3673

We will see  you on Google Meet and if not hopefully in April.

Philip Findlay

Philip Matthew Findlay passed away peacefully at the Salem Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 23rd after a long battle with ALS. Born and raised in East Boston, Philip was a fun, loyal and hardworking man. He worked early in his life with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Suffolk Clerk of Courts and Bank of America, but his passion was for the restaurant business. He worked most of his life as a waiter and bartender and was the manager of the Dark Horse Tavern in Somerville until his illness required him to retire. Philip was a kind and loving friend, brother, son and partner to Harry for nearly thirty years. A long-time member of the Boston Prime Timers, Philip also enjoyed all types of movies but became a big fan of the Marvel Comics Movies.

The beloved partner of Harry Fullerton for nearly 30 years, Philip was the devoted son of Mrs. Patricia (Murphy) Findlay of Chelsea. He was the dear brother of Bruce Findlay and his wife Robin Daley of East Boston, and Kellie Findlay of Chelsea. He was a devoted uncle to Louis Garcia, Michael Findlay, Amanda Lanzilli, Joseph Daley and Matthew Findlay.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Wednesday, December 29th from 4 – 7 PM.

Bernie Michels (1932-2020)

1932-2020

Somerville, MA – Bernard E. Michels, 88, of Somerville, MA died of natural causes on October 26, 2020. He was born on January 21, 1932 to Edward and Emma Michels. Bernie grew up in Raynesford, MT with his parents and four brothers: Bud, Elvin, Vern, and Del. He graduated from Belt High School in 1949.

Then Bernard traveled around Montana and worked several jobs in agriculture and construction. He attended Montana State College, Bozeman and earned a degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Soils in 1953. Later that year, he was drafted into the US Army. Bernie served for two years at California bases as a truck mechanic. After being discharged, he lived in Los Angeles and San Diego areas for twenty years. Bernard worked for electric companies and banks before he found his calling in social work with the Department of Public Social Services. He also earned his Masters’ degree in Sociology at San Diego State College.

In 1976, Bernard moved across the country to pursue his doctorate in Sociology from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. Once a professor, he taught classes at Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts. Both are in the Boston area. At this time, Bernie grew plants and entered them into competitions. He also involved himself in exercise regimens to improve his health.

Bernard is survived by his brother Vern Michels, NYC; his sister-in-law Marilyn Michels, Great Falls; nephews: Larry Renney, Helena; Bill Renney, Billings; Ed Michels, Great Falls; Steve Michels, Raynesford; and Tim Michels, Spokane; nieces: Melanie Hallett, Clancy; Laurie Deckert, Longmont, CO; and Lisa Norfolk, Spokane; and good friend Herb Breneman, Pasadena, CA. Cremation has taken place and his family will hold a celebration of life next summer.

Bernard took pride in his life achievements. He was born during the Great Depression to a working-class family in rural Montana. His education started in a one room country school and he pursued his studies until he became a Professor of Sociology. Bernie taught about social inequality at distinguished institutions. He made it his mission to speak out about the social injustices of modern society. Bernard was also the family historian. He wrote thirty plus chapters on various relatives and collected decades of family photos. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be greatly missed.

Frederick Joseph Riley 
(1932-2021)

“Beloved Husband and Lifelong Advocate for Gay Rights”

Frederick Joseph Riley, 89 of Lowell, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Emile Edouard Dufour with whom he shared the past 35 years.

He was born in Lynn, MA on November 7, 1932 and was a son of the late Joseph Frederick Riley and the late Catherine (Ellard) Riley. He was raised in central Massachusetts where he attended the area schools. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country for a number of years before his honorable discharge. After his service, he attended Rhode Island School of Design on the GI Bill.

Fred was employed as an engineer at Raytheon for over 30 years before his retirement. He enjoyed art and was a member of the Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell and was a supporter of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. He also enjoyed antiquing and was a friend of Bill W. for over 35 years.

Fred was a lifelong advocate for gay rights and with his husband, was one of the first gay marriages in Massachusetts, married for the past 17 years. Together they co-founded Greater Lowell Equality Alliance. He was also a longtime member of the Boston Prime Timers.

In 2007, Fred and Emile were both interviewed for a front page article in the New York Times entitled “Aging and Gay and Facing Prejudice in Twilight.” Additionally, in 2015 they were the subject of a short documentary entitled Fred and Emile which was a co-production of Image Theater and Breaking Branches Pictures produced by Jerry Bisantz and Ann Garvin.

In addition to his beloved husband, Emile Edouard Dufour of Lowell, he is survived by his sons, Jay Riley of Hollywood, Florida, Paul Riley and his wife, Robin, of Fort Madison, Iowa and Brian Riley of Keokyk, Iowa. He is also survived by his former wife Virginia Riley of Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was also the father of the late Kevin Riley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852, and Whistler House, 243 Worthen St, Lowell, MA 01852.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes funeral services have been omitted. Arrangements by McDonough Funeral Home, (978) 458-6816, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Please visit McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.

View the online memorial for Frederick Joseph Riley

Holiday Party, 1 PM, Saturday December 11th @ Club Café

Gentlemen,

As usual, there will be no meeting in December. The Holiday Party will be at Club Café on December 11th at 1 PM. Once again, the dinner is $30, although this time we ask that you pay at the door (card, cash, check) and RSVP to either contact@bostonpt.org or (617) 286-4440 before December 9th so we can give Club Café a headcount of everyone attending.

Do not forget to bring your vaccination card or a picture of it on your phone.

Please specify if you want/require a vegetarian option.

Club Café requests that you do not come excessively early. The meal will not be served before 1:30 PM and you will not be admitted to the back room until after paying at 1 PM.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday for the Holiday Party!