Colorado Prime Timers

Gay & Gray
Stephanie Nolan

Where do you go to socialize if you're a mature gentleman and not necessarily into the "bar scene?" Ask Prime Timers World Wide! Prime Timers was created to provide a supportive atmosphere for mature gay and bisexual men, and their admirers, for social, educational, and recreational activities.

In 1987, sensing a need in the community for an organization that caters to mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers, Woody Baldwin began placing ads in local newspapers throughout Boston and soliciting friends to start an organization. Expecting only a handful of attendees for their first meeting, Baldwin was pleasantly surprised when more than 40 members showed. What was "expected to be just a small local club turned into a rapidly growing large-scale organization. Prime Timers World Wide has grown to an impressive 35 chapters, with chapters located throughout North America and Europe, and is expected to grow to 50 chapters within the next year.

The Colorado chapter, Colorado Prime Timers, didn't become nationally affiliated until June 1991 when one of the original board members; Vaughn Augustin, met Woody Baldwin during Mardi Gras. Baldwin spoke of the national organization and told Augustin that he should start a chapter in Colorado to which Augustin replied, "We already have one." Unknown to the members of Colorado Prime Timers, there was already an organization, operating on a national level, called Prime Timers World Wide. Almost immediately the ball was set in motion for Colorado to become nationally affiliated. Colorado Prime Timers are now planning their 6th anniversary which will include a reception for Founder Woody Baldwin, who now resides in Austin TX.

Colorado Prime Timers keeps the social calendar full by scheduling activities for various times throughout the week, month and year. In addition to his regularly scheduled duties, Herb Hoard, newly elected President of Colorado Prime Timers, coordinates activities from Bowling to White Water Rafting. On a weekly basis, members of the group meet to play bridge, have lunch at Charlies (Wednesdays), or meet for Sunday Brunch (the Sunday Brunch Bunch). On a monthly basis members gather for potluck at a member's home (Sip-n-Sup), attend monthly meetings/ social gatherings, or gather for film night which usually features a gay oriented film. Throughout the year, other special events are planned such as bike rides, hiking trips, attending plays and operas, picnics, pool parties, skiing, camping, a shuttle bus to Central City, hay rides, holiday parties, etc.

Hoard and Baldwin agree that one of the largest problems of keeping an organization growing is getting the word out to potential members that the organization exists. With this group in particular, it's difficult to reach potential members because of the make-up of the membership. Baldwin says the problem is-that the gay community relies heavily on advertisement in gay publications for information about business and organizations. Mature men in the community tend not to socialize in the mainstream. For instance, they do not "just drop by and pick up the newspapers at the bar." The ones who need the social interaction the most are the hardest to reach. Baldwin says' some members had essentially withdrawn from socializing, but being involved with Prime Timers has reacquainted them with the community.

If you are interested in joining Colorado Prime Timers; would like to attend the 6th Year Anniversary and Reception to honor Woody Baldwin, or would like further information, contact Herb Hoard. For chapters other than Colorado, contact the Prime Timers web site at http://www.primetimersww.org/.