In Good Company

The Bourbon Boyzzzzz

 

 

 

 

When Robert Slocum sees his group chat, the “Bourbon Boyzzzzz,” lighting up with texts, he knows the next guy’s night with Chris Barbiere, Joey Watson, and John Hoskins is not far away. It’s been this way since 2021, after they shared a bottle of bourbon at a housewarming.

“Chris and I went to see Joey’s new apartment, and I’d brought along a bottle to celebrate the milestone,” Slocum recalls. “I was just getting into bourbon as a hobby – tasting and collecting different brands – so I shared my newfound interest with them. We then got the idea to make it a ritual, meeting once a month and bringing a new bottle to try together.”

Though it’s only once a month, the group spends time between meetings planning and anticipating their next gathering – something they all agree is a major part of the experience.

“We focus on finding and sharing rare and unique bottles,” Slocum explains. “We share the story of the ‘hunt’ and pour a glass (or two) to discover if we like it. So, it’s not just the meeting, it’s finding the bottles, picking a theme or activity, inviting new people, and feeling excited to see each other.”

The group is also known for their friendly competitions. Whether it’s playing games – like Mario Golf, trivia, Crokinole, and Putt-Putt – or cheering for their favorite teams as they watch the latest MLB, NHL, or NFL game, the men savor each moment as if it were a dram. 

“Sure, the bourbon is great, but it’s really about the moments spent connecting with the guys, sharing life updates, and laughing with and at each other,” Slocum chuckles. “Some of us are more introverted, so our get togethers are a good driver to keep us all accountable to see each other every month, when we might not otherwise.”

For other men looking to strengthen friendships and start their own community group, Slocum encourages them to jump in.

“Do it!” he finishes. “Make sure you put in the effort, and it doesn’t even have to be much. Not everyone has the same amount of free time, so when the bat signal lights up, answer the call in the best way you can.”

PHOTOS BY HACKER MEDIAS

 

The B Team

 

 

 

In 1998, 10 young men independently gathered around their desire to study scripture and live their lives in a more Christ-like manner. But what began as a Bible study has become much more – a lasting brotherhood shaped by faith, friendship, and nearly three decades of walking through life together.

“I would not trade anything for the bond that we enjoy,” smiles longtime member, Ralph Mohney. “This group has allowed me to develop the closest possible bonds with a very diverse group of men. There is nothing we wouldn’t do for one another, and the intentional study of God’s Word – especially when reinforced by their collective wisdom – has allowed my faith to thrive in a way that would not otherwise have been possible.”

Acknowledging that they each have shortcomings and are “redeemed solely through the Grace of God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ,” the group fondly refers to themselves as the “B Team.” Every meeting, they share life updates, pray for others, work through a Bible study, and close in prayer. Early on, conversations involved parenting, work, and careers. Now, decades later and much wiser, the men continue to recognize blessings experienced each and every day, but their conversations have shifted to retirement, grandchildren, and health-related challenges. Conversations have always remained confidential.

“We’ve celebrated weddings, births of grandchildren, and other joyful moments together, but we’ve also walked alongside one another through the toughest of life’s challenges,” says founding member of the B Team, Brad Wier. “These men have supported me through a major career change and, years later, when my wife passed away. I’m really not sure I could’ve made it through without the prayers and loving support of my B team brothers and church community.” 

No matter what comes their way, the group says they want to keep the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17 as their guide: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

“Being in this group has given me a clear understanding of what God’s definition for what a real man would be,” says group member, Mark Campbell. “I now know that God wants me to glorify Him, and I do that by being the best husband, father, family member, and friend that I can be.”

 

 

PHOTOS BY HACKER MEDIAS

 

Southern British Car Club

 

 

 

That distinct scent of aged leather; the mechanical growls of an old-school engine; and that feeling you get while driving with the top down is what the Southern British Car Club is all about. For long-time club members, Mike Flood and Mike Payne, it’s also about connecting with friends while restoring and preserving vintage cars.

“The love of British Cars brought us together about 40 years ago,” Flood says. With some original members still participating, about 20 members meet monthly at Cambridge Square and caravan to car shows and competitions across the region. This year, members have traveled to Townsend and Rugby, Tennessee; Hiawassee and Atlanta, Georgia; Rogersville, Alabama; Dobson, North Carolina; and Sandusky, Ohio.

“We really enjoy seeing club members receive recognition at a show,” says Flood. “In August, Doug Forquer and his 1962 MGA Coupe took home second place in its class at the MG International in Sandusky. His MGA competed against 12 other cars in a show with more than 400 vehicles.”

Though awards are a highlight, Payne and Flood say the club is about more than what spectators see – like friendship, teamwork, and preparation.

“Old British cars are not the most reliable,” explains Payne. “But they may be repaired on the side of the road with a group’s effort – including tools, spare parts, and a multitude of skilled mechanics. For example, several members recently traveled to a car show in Young-Harris, Georgia, in a group, not only for the camaraderie, but for support in case a problem occurs.”

“Helping each other work on British cars is a big support,” Flood agrees. “Not all members have the same mechanical expertise, but each shares their knowledge on various parts of the car, such as tuning the carburetors. We truly are fortunate that members give their skills and time for the benefit of the group.”

More than preserving automobile history, Payne says the club is also helping to bridge social barriers and strengthen friendships between their members.

“I personally know several people who have different ideas and beliefs from mine outside of British cars, but we leave them at the door and simply focus on helping one another and enjoy each other’s company,” he finishes. “Outside of British cars, I’m not sure anything else would have made us cross paths, but I’m very grateful that we did.”

 

 

PHOTOS BY RICH SMITH

 

Band of Reprobates

 

 

We’re just a bunch of guys that get together to tell each other we don’t know how to play pool,” laughs Jerry Farinash. 

Every week for the past five years, Farinash and 10 other men have gathered around the felt at the Chattanooga Billiard Club to play a game of nine ball. Part of a larger social league in Chattanooga with nearly 50 players, Farinash and his team fondly refer to themselves as a band of “reprobates.”

“There are another 20 or so players that come and go in the league,” Farinash explains, “but some parts of the league have been meeting and playing regularly for 30 plus years. We have made a lot of very good friends on our team and on the other teams.”

From accounting and construction to engineering and beyond, the men bring a wide range of backgrounds and professions to the group, as well as billiard experience. Team member Craig Worley chalks up their camaraderie to a winning combination of skill, inclusivity, and fun.

“As a social league, people join us by a mixture of word of mouth, invitation, and recruitment,” he says. “However people come to join us, we’re always happy to rack up a game and share tips on how to improve our skills.”

With such a big group, Farinash says there are many different pockets of community and fun gatherings throughout the year, including their annual league celebration that’s hosted by Shane Painter; various curling tournaments in the Chattanooga area; fishing trips to Columbia; and football kickoff parties. No matter the activity, their conversation always leads back to pool.   

“I can only remember one time in the span of five years that I’ve missed a game with the guys at the billiard club when I’ve been in town,” Farinash recalls. “Some of the best friends I have are in this league and on our team. When we’re together, we’re laughing, ribbing each other’s plays, and having a good time.” 

Worley couldn’t agree more. “At the end of the day, it’s really about the camaraderie,” he finishes. “Pool gives us a reason to get together, but it’s the competition, the close games, and those moments when everything comes down to the final shot that keep us coming back.”

 

 

PHOTOS BY RICH SMITH

 

Country Breakfast Club

 

 

After Stuart Bickley overcame gastric cancer, he and the doctor who helped save his life – and became a close friend – began meeting every Friday for breakfast at their local Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. What started as one-on-one conversations over hot coffee and biscuits nearly 30 years ago has grown into a group of five who meet regularly for community and fellowship.

“A doctor friend of mine who incidentally and literally saved my life wanted to stay in touch after I was healed from stage four gastric cancer,” Bickley explains. “So, we started meeting Friday mornings for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Lookout Valley. Five folks show up now, and we simply focus on each other.”

Today, Bickley, Zach Walley, John Stroud, Jeremy Miller, and George Mullinix share a simple belief: “Christians ought to carry each other’s burdens and celebrations.” Around their familiar table, they “meet to probe, discuss, and celebrate,” sharing life’s struggles and sorrows alongside its blessings and successes – and, of course, plenty of bacon and gravy.

Over the years, their meetings have become a source of nourishment for their minds and souls, providing a safe place to communicate their struggles and provide encouragement, ultimately reminding them that they don’t have to walk through life alone.

“This group has helped me understand that we are members or pieces of a much bigger puzzle, or ‘body,’ and that other members can have keen, spiritually inspired insights and gifts that assist us in living life abundantly,” Bickley says.

Walley, who joined 18 years ago, has experienced that support firsthand. “We are always there for each other, from moving furniture to attending children’s weddings and graduations, praying for one another, and offering advice on work and job opportunities,” he says. “This group has provided a wonderful place for all of us to support each other through life’s wins and losses.”

As laughter, prayer, and fellowship continue to surround them, the men encourage others looking for community to invite a friend to breakfast and see where it leads.

“Just do it and enjoy the time with them,” Walley says. “Without this group, there are a number of relationships I would not have today.”

The men would like to dedicate this feature to their friend and the group’s founder, Dr. David Barnes, who now lives in Atlanta, Gerogia.

 

 

PHOTOS BY RICH SMITH