The Susquehanna Valley Bears
(SVB) was formed in March 1996 to promote fellowship among
Bears, Cubs and other diverse members in the Central
Pennsylvania/North Central Maryland Gay
Community.
From our beginning as a small
group, we have grown in numbers and today we currently have
over 30 members.
Our members come from Central Pennsylvania as well as
the State College and Williamsport areas, Baltimore and New
York City. In
the past members were located in Bethlehem, Hazelton,
Altoona, Philadelphia, Virginia and Wisconsin.
From 1996 to 2004 the SVB
hosted a Bear Run, Bears in the Park, in the Harrisburg
metro area which included spending a day at Hershey
Park. Bear
clubs from the region including the Liberty Bears of
Philadelphia enjoyed a fun-filled weekend partaking in each
other’s company and riding the rides at Hershey
Park.
Outreach & Charity
SVB strives to make a difference in
the area’s Gay Community by helping to raise funds for and
support other gay organizations. Club members have
raised funds for Aids organizations and other gay oriented
charities. In May
2009, the SVB donated funds in conjunction with the Burgh
Bears (Pittsburgh, PA) to be utilized for the bear exhibits at
the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. On
November 14, 2009 the SVB coordinated a food drive with
Altland's Ranch with all collected donations going
to the York, PA food bank. Once again, in December
2009 SVB coordinated another charity drive with donations
for Toys for Tots. The group
continues to grow each year with outreach to those in the
local community and other Bear groups.
FAQ
Q: What is a
Bear?
A: The most common
definition of a "Bear" is a man who is hairy, has facial hair,
and a cuddly body. However, the word "Bear" means many things
to different people, even within the bear movement. Many men
who do not have one or all of these characteristics define
themselves as bears, making the term a very loose one. Suffice
it to say, "Bear" is often defined as more of an attitude than
anything else - a sense of comfort with our natural
masculinity and bodies that is not slavish to the vogues of
male attractiveness that is so common in gay circles and the
culture at large.
(Obtained from ResourcesforBears.com)
Q: What is a Cub? Daddy?
Otter? Wolf?
A: These are subclasses
of "bear". A "cub" is a younger, perhaps smaller, less
experienced bear, sometimes interpreted as a bottom sexually.
Conversely, a "daddy" is an older, more mature bear, usually a
top sexually. "Otters" and "wolves" are thin bears, the "wolf"
being more aggressive.
(Obtained from ResourcesforBears.com)
Q: How do I apply for
membership and what are the dues?
A: Membership applications
are available online or in hardcopy upon request and the
membership fee is only $10.
Q: What kind of events does the
club do and how will I be informed of upcoming
events?
A: The majority of SVB
communication occurs electronically via emails. If you do not have an
email address a newsletter will be mailed to you via postal
mail.
Events
include:
·
Potluck Dinners
·
Picnics
·
Bowling
·
Miniature Golf
·
White Elephant Sales
·
Bar Nights
·
Movie Nights
·
Gay Pride Events
·
Trips to other Bear
events
·
Annual Plant Swap (May)
·
Annual Holiday Gathering
(December)
These last two FAQs are borrowed from
the Buffalo Bears
website
Q: I went
to one of your club's events, but why didn't anyone come over
to talk to me?
A:
Your feeling is not uncommon - ask any of the members
what they felt like prior to meeting existing club members.
Here are some possible reasons why:
- No one knew you. It takes a special motivation to go
introduce yourself to a stranger; it is hard for you, and
it’s hard for everyone else. It's much easier to converse
with familiar faces than unfamiliar ones.
- People were busy catching up with friends and having
fun. After all, that's what it’s all about, isn't it?
- No one knew you wanted to talk to anyone; no one was
aware you were too shy to say hello.
- You may have appeared "unapproachable." Sometimes,
even very handsome men spend the evening in the corner
because others got the feeling that they wanted to be left
alone, when the truth is; they were dying to talk to anyone.
Q: Can
you give me some pointers for helping to get
acquainted?
A:
Yes, here are some that apply to any such situation:
- Contact a member before coming and let them know you
are coming, and they can introduce you to others.
- Attend one of our general meetings, get there a few
minutes before hand and introduce yourself to one of the
board members.
- Be prepared for a social situation. In other words,
conversation is a two way street. If you don't have anything
to say, chances are, people will lose interest quickly.
- Remember that others have had the same difficulty
getting to know strangers, and the more familiar your face,
the easier it gets!
- Bar and meeting nights can get crowded, and many of
the people who come are not members of the club. Look for
the faces of the executive board (their pictures can be
found on the members
page). These folks would be happy to help you
get acquainted with other club
members!
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