CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY

THE NOMC FALL RETREAT WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20-22, 2006 AT KING’S ARROW RANCH, HILLSDALE, MS

WHAT TO EXPECT

We seek to provide a safe place for men to connect with themselves, other men and the 
environment.  Large and small group experiences as well as some time alone are planned.  
In our mythopoetic tradition, storytelling, poetry, drumming and experiential learning 
can be expected.

RETREAT THEME:  CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY

Our retreat will explore “How does one deal creatively and growthfully with times of 
change and uncertainty?” Times that are very “pregnant”, i.e., full of anticipation and 
newness, as well as uncertainty and anxiety.  Major changes may be coming, but there is 
no assurance of how they will unfold or what they will look like.  One may have a sense 
of hope and excitement, but the not knowing and uncertainty of what decisions to make is 
really tough.  One may have a desire and need for some sense of “stability” but it is 
hard to know how to embody that in choices and decisions that will be “grounding” 
and “centering”, rather than clinging out of fear in a way that will be stunting and 
choking to growth and creativity.

Here are some questions we invite you to consider in preparation for our gathering:

What has changed, internally or externally, in your life?  How are you dealing with 
these changes?

What is uncertain or conflicted in your life?

Is there a change or transformation that is “pregnant” within you?  If so, do you want 
to “give birth” to this change or transformation? Is there some part of you that 
resists?  

What experiences of dealing with change and uncertainty from your past can you draw from 
during this time?


What archetypal energies (Such as King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, Father) could serve as 
guides and aids as you deal with the changes, uncertainty, or conflicts in your life?  
What rituals?  What creative activity?  What stories or poems?

How could the men at Retreat support you as you work on what is changing or uncertain in 
your inner or outer life?

WE REQUEST:   that you bring with you any item(s) that symbolize what is changing or 
uncertain in your life for use over the weekend.

The Men’s Weekend retreat at rustic King’s Arrow Ranch is a call to men who want to 
focus on themselves, their relationships, their communities and their world.  Together 
we will create a safe, secure and sacred space where men can do transformational work.

If you desire to journey with other men as we explore these challenges, join us! Come 
and discover what a weekend of sharing from the heart, poetry, stories, drumming, great 
fellowship, good food, and the radical commitment to respect, support and love each man 
can do for you.

WHEN

Arrive Friday, October 20 any time between 1 and 5pm.  Dinner is at 6 pm.
The opening ritual begins after dinner, followed by drumming and a large-group session. 
The retreat finishes after lunch on Sunday.

WHERE

King’s Arrow Ranch, Hillsdale, MS, just east off exit 35 on I-59 North, 75 miles north 
of New Orleans and 30 miles south of Hattiesburg, MS. 

Phone: (800) 407-0017.

WHAT TO BRING

Lodging is rustic. Bring a pillow, sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight, 
toiletries (soap, shampoo, towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste). You are invited to bring 
a drum or any musical instrument.  (A 5 gallon bucket makes a great drum.)  Also bring 
your journal, and poems, stories, or anything that touches your soul deeply.   The 
weather may be cool or wet, so you may want to bring a jacket and an umbrella.  All 
meals, cabins and bunk beds are included in the cost.

THE FACILITATORS 

    FRANCIS COOLIDGE, JR. has been a member of NOMC since 1993 and has 
    co-facilitated 4 previous retreats.  Last May he returned to his house in New 
    Orleans with his wife and 4 year old son, but he is unsure how long he and his 
    family will continue to live in (what was once upon a time) the Big Easy. 
    Phone: (817) 542-3196; e-mail: bigphilnola@yahoo.com

    RIK BOYCE has been a member of NOMC for over 8 years.  
    Phone: (504) 913-7333; e-mail: therik2409@yahoo.com
 
    MIKE GOOTEE is a member of NOMC since Spring Retreat 2005.  He is a mental health, 
    marriage and family and pastoral counselor with over 22 years experience.
    Phone: (337) 781-7608 or (504) 451-8870; e-mail: mpgootee@aol.com

    MORRIS “HAWK” HAWKINS Phone: (985) 774-9125; 
    e-mail: bluesman-1@charter.net

OTHER KNOWN ATTENDEES AS OF 10/20/06 (updated after the retreat). Contact Dan O'Neill or 
George Montero to get contact info on these men who attended the NOMC Fall 2006 Retreat.
In addition to the four facilitators, we had:  

 George Beals
 Tony Bland
 Homer Branch
 Michael Burke
 Dave Clark
 Keith Dupleix
 Bennie Eckholdt
 Malcolm Fugler
 Mauri Gaus
 Steve Hingle
 Steve Lindsley
 Harry Lowenburg
 George Montero
 Ron Naas
 Mickey Nodruft
 Gerald Nosich 
 Dan O'Neill                              
 Jim O'Neill
 Robert Desmarais Sullivan
 Brandon Tedrow
 Ed Tedrow
 Russell Thames
 Richard Vallon
 Earl Vicknair
 Rick Wadsworth
 Randy Weaver  
          

REGISTER BY E-MAIL

Once again we will register by e-mail.  Please send to MIKE GOOTEE, mpgootee@aol.com 
Please register by October 13, 2006 so we can plan accordingly. If you can, email 
registration ASAP. We will keep a list of all participants who register and send a 
confirmation back to you via e-mail.

INCLUDE IN YOUR E-MAIL:

NAME:
ADDRESS:
HOME PHONE:
OTHER PHONE:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:

You can PAY the cost of the Retreat WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT KING’S ARROW RANCH.




COST:

The COST of the Retreat is $120.00 and that fee covers all meals and lodging.  We 
suggest you bring a blanket or sleeping bag in the event of cold nights.  You can pay by 
check or cash upon arrival, Friday October 20.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We would like everyone to encourage a new man to attend the retreat. Upon request, the 
facilitators will offer a full waiver of fee to all first time participants.  Full or 
partial waivers of fee are possible for returning participants who need financial 
assistance.  Please contact a facilitator for more information.

QUESTIONS?

For additional information about the retreat, contact a facilitator.

VISIT THE NOMC NEWSLETTER WEBSITE

New:  www.theNOMC.org