Peter Schwartz - Mr. Eagle NYC 2008

January 2008 Newsletter

Wow, it's already 2008! In some ways it seems like I've just started, and at the same time after following my partner, Rick (Mr Eagle NYC 2007) around for a year, it seems like I've been here before. It's all good and I'm excited to be here. I've met some great folks this year and have found incredible support all around. It is really wonderful to see so many people willing to help out and make things happen in this city. The scene feels alive again. Certainly if you see me out and about, please come up and say hi.

So What's Going on in Gotham?

New York is a busy place these days and there certainly seems to be no shortage events to attend. Don't forget to keep an eye out on The Eagle's website for their calendar (http://www.eaglenyc.com/) as well as my own (http://www.mreaglenyc2008.com/). Also don't forget to check out Mike Peyton's listings of events and happenings. You can join his weekly email blast at http://www.m8ny.com/email.html and get the goods delivered right to your inbox. Come on out, have a good time, and show up in some gear. Don't let the bars dictate when it's a leather night. Just put it on and come on out! And if you want strength in numbers, let me know and Rick and I will try to join you.

What's been happening?

Contests, contests, contests:

Well, it all started with my contest in early October and it's been full steam ahead ever since. From there I began my travels representing New York and The Eagle at other contests throughout October and November. It was great catching up with the many friends I had made during Rick's title year, and also to meet the new folks in my year. It started with the Mr/Ms NJ Leather contest where we got to see our friend Mark (a.k.a. Spanky) be selected to be the next Mr NJ Leather. We always have a good time in Asbury Park and this was no exception. After that we headed out west to Pittsburgh as Rick was a judge in their contest. I finally got to see a bit of the city instead of just the airport. Congrats to Nick Daemous on winning The Mr Pittsburgh Eagle Leather title this year. I look forward to seeing Tommy as a part of my IML class this year now that he's stepped down in Pittsburgh. (No pressure, Tommy!)

We also went to the Mr Philadelphia Leather contest where I saw one of the funniest skits during a contest! Way to go ScottDaddy!

Then we were off to Connecticut for the Mr CT Leather Contest (congrats Chris!). While there we did a fundraiser for CLAW Nation and I offered up myself to get 'pinned' for the event and raise a little cash in the process.

And finally we went up north to the Mr Leatherman Toronto contest ... and boy was it COLD! It was nice to see Mama and Mike Gerle, as well as see Matthew Pavelich walk away with the title.

Fun, Awareness, and Charity

But no, it wasn't all contests. I did get to have some fun. I had a great time at Spoox on Halloween where I got to judge the costumes in attendance. The big hit, however, was being a balloon handler in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade along with the rest of Team Eagle. We had a great time and the weather couldn't have been better. This was a prize that Team Eagle had won for raising the most money for the Braking The Cycle event.

In November as World AIDS Day was approaching I hosted the LGBT Center at The Eagle for information on their services and a chance for folks to submit names to be read at their upcoming World AIDS Day event. As someone who has had first hand experience with their services, I can tell you they are a great resource. You got questions? Go ask them. They're a great bunch of folks.

Then of course there was World AIDS Day itself. Wow, that was tough. I was honored to be asked by the LGBT Center to read name at their candlelight vigil in Union Square. I thought it would be easy, but when you have to read the names you submitted yourself, it's quite the challenge to get through. At the same time, though, I think it's important that this event continues each year. The fight is clearly not over and it seemed to us that Rick and I were some of the youngest folks there. I just hope that maybe our presence in the park as folks walk past inspires someone to make a difference of their own.

In early December, there was the St. Nicholas Day concert at St. John the Divine Cathedral. Rick and I found this event last year and loved it, so it became my first Mr. Eagle event. It's a small concert put on in the cathedral that doubles as a holiday gift drive to benefit AIDS Action International. All of the gifts were given to folks living with HIV in the local New York City area. This year we were able to get about 22 men to attend in leathers. I encourage folks to go next year as a nice escape from the frantic life that many of us have in the city.

Continuing in their tradition, I was asked to be Leather Santa at the NYboL monthly party in December. It was a great time for folks to come out in gear, relax, and get into the holiday spirit. Nothing says holidays like sitting on Santa's lap and maybe getting a spanking or two ... and hey, it's all for charity. The boys raised a little over $500 for the LGBT Center. Thanks to NYboL in continuing to make a difference in the community.

What's Next?

I'll be at MAL Jan 18-20 for Leather Cocktails and the MAL contest. I'm looking forward to meeting a number of my classmates for the first time!

Upcoming Events

Read the Next Magazine article
about Peter and his goals for his reign
as Mr. Eagle NYC 2008.

You can email Peter at mreaglenyc2008@aol.com