In September of 2003, Prime Timers Calgary was re-established to meet an important need within our community. There had been a growing number of mature gay and bisexual men in Calgary and area that were lacking opportunities to interact with other like-minded men. Their mission is “to foster positive interaction for its members by facilitating social, recreational and educational activities.”

We contacted Tony Ries, who is one the executives of Prime Timers Calgary, and reviewed their website to find out more about this fine organization and how it came to be. “Prime Timers was formed by Woody Baldwin in 1987, in Boston. He felt that a wide gap existed in today’s society, which caters almost exclusively to youth. He observed this to be equally true of the gay community and decided to establish an organization whose primary purpose was to foster social and cultural interaction among mature gay and bisexual men. Many such men often find themselves marginalized within the larger society. The goal of Prime Timers is to help reverse this tendency by offering a supportive social environment through a variety of activities for older gay and bisexual men.”

It is not surprising to find that there are over fifty chapters of Prime Timers located in major cities around the world with most being located in North America. “The chapter in Calgary was started a number of years ago, but just dwindled away after a lack of leadership and loss of interest. Two years ago it was resurrected with a membership of twelve. It has grown year after year since its beginning to now forty members.”

Prime Timers was started for gay or bisexual men, who are over forty year of age, from all walks of life regardless of their income levels. Their members are men who desire to have their social lives enriched by a diverse number of activities. “Prime Timers can be fathers and care givers. They can be businessmen and entrepreneurs. They are workers and they are retired. Some are always on the go, and some enjoy the quiet company of others at home. But one thing is true of all Prime Timers: they enjoy the opportunities and friendships that develop with other Prime Timers in the greater Calgary area (and throughout the world if they choose to travel). No mature gay or bisexual man need be alone or lonely if he chooses not to be! Our group totally respects whatever the degree of anonymity each member desires. Some of our members are completely out, while others are not. Whatever your situation, you would be made to feel most welcome in a very supportive and positive social environment. There is no need for anyone to sit at home and feel alienated.”

Any gay or bisexual male who is forty years of age or older can join this Chapter. Currently their annual membership fee is $30 per person. This entitles each member to participate in any sponsored activity.

“We have a wonderful variety of things to do, so you can be as busy as you like. We are involved in many social activities and we try to give back to the community by doing volunteer work. Our activities are completely member driven. If a member is interested in an activity that is not offered, it is not unusual for that member to offer to host/organize the activity and invite other members to participate. The heart and soul of Prime Timers Calgary (as in any Chapter) is the variety and number of activities it offers to its members through the monthly calendar. We now have an executive committee, to set up and plan these activities. Since September we have enjoyed potlucks, theatre, dining out, bridge, concerts, pub nights, hiking, movie nights, regular coffee hours and parties. If you check out our website you will see we are involved in many, many more social activities. We welcome all new members to a non-threatening atmosphere of camaraderie. We are not really a support group, but for some we are. The gay community has always been youth oriented, so we have had to create our own little niche.” You too can have a sense of belonging in a supportive community while being exposed to various social and cultural activities.

Prime Timers’ next social event is a potluck dinner on August 7th. It will be held at the “Old Y” Center located at 223 – 12 Ave. SW, and starts at 5:00PM. If anyone wishes to attend they may contact Harvey or Tony at (403) 547-9129.

Prime Timers Calgary
Harvey or Tony at (403) 547-9129
www.primetimerscalgary.com
primetimerscalgary@telus.net

If would like to have your business or non-profit group reviewed in an up coming issue of GayCalgary.com Magazine or have comment or suggestions of businesses to be reviewed, please contact us at (403) 543-6960 or E-mail us at reviews@gaycalgary.com.