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AELCCA eNews APRIL-MAY 2007 It’s spring! Our Mission: To develop and sustain coalitions of bi-sexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals, their friends and families, promoting through advocacy and education a positive and healthy presence in the larger community.
In This Issue:
BLUE LIGHTNING 15TH ANNIVERSARY NEWS RELEASE CRATER LAKE COED SNOWSHOE TRIP PHOTOS RESPONSES TO “WHAT WILL YOU GIVE? SUSTAINABILITY IS IN QUESTION” WOMEN’S DIVA CONNECTION: NEWS, CHALLENGE AND COMING EVENTS EUGENE: DANCE SECOND SATURDAYS EVERY WEDNESDAY: WILDE LIFE ON RVTV WEDNESDAYS PRIDE 2007 PLANNING MEETINGS APRIL 21st ALL WOMYN’S DANCE AT MOJO RISING MAY 5TH FOURTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BBQ JUNE 9TH FOURTH ANNUAL SOUTHERN OREGON PRIDE JUNE 12th AELCCA ANNUAL MEETING AUGUST 17-19th THIRD ANNUAL BIG GAY CAMPOUT BE PART OF OUR MOST EXCITING YEAR YET! BECOME A VOLUNTEER. CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISIT SOME AFTERNOON USED CARTRIDGES RAISE $$$ FOR THE AELCCA 2007 HIV TESTING: NEW DAY & TIME
UpdatesCINCO DE MAYO BIG GAY BBQSaturday May 5, 2007 6pm to midnight Pioneer Hall Ashland featuring A Mexican Fiesta Buffet served from 6 to 8pm Dancing from 8:30 pm to Midnight
Admission $15 per person Buffet and Dance $5 per person Dance Only (entry after 8:15)
Join us early at 5pm and work up an appetite with a complimentary Salsa Dance Lesson...no partner necessary Seating is limited reservations/tickets available in advance Contact big_gay_bbq@charter.net ID required...beer and wine available for purchase
BLUE LIGHTNING 15TH ANNIVERSARY NEWS RELEASEBlue Lightning 15th Anniversary Dance
Over the past 15 years, there have been many changes in our individual lives and in the life of our community. However, one thing has remained constant: our community's beloved dance band, Blue Lightning, is still playing music. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Blue Lightning's beginning!
To celebrate this happy anniversary, Blue Lightning, in co-production with the Abdill-Ellis Center, will be performing on Saturday, May 19 at the Historic Ashland Armory, on the corner of Oak and "B" Streets, Ashland. Doors will open at 7:30, and the music and dancing will begin at 8:00. Everyone of every age and persuasion is welcome.
To add to the fun, Blue Lightning will be joined on some songs by a variety of musicians who have played in one or another of the band's configurations over the last 15 years.
Mark the date on your calendars, watch for more details on upcoming flyers and posters (tickets will be sliding scale $15-$25 and available at the door) and let's all give a big thank-you to the fantastic folks at the Abdill-Ellis Center for helping to make this event happen.
The current members of Blue Lightning feel deeply grateful and blessed to be continuing to play music and perform together.
Trish, Sue, Rhonda, Lorna, Lisa and Karen are all so grateful for the support they have received over the years from WomanSource, the Abdill-Ellis Center, the Women's Resource Center and the Queer Resource Center at SOU, and from all the various other groups, organizations and businesses in the valley.
The band feels especially grateful to their loyal and adoring fans that come to dance and cheer and make every performance a joy.
Think back over the last 15 years. Think of all the changes, all the losses and the growth we have all experienced. Would any of us have made it through all that without the love and support of our precious community?
Come celebrate together on May 19 at the Historic Ashland Armory.
Celebrate our connections, our love and our support for each other.
Come celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of the joyful constants in our lives.
Come celebrate with music and dancing with our own Blue Lightning.
Proceeds from this event will benefit both the Band and the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center.
BASIC RIGHTS OREGON LOBBY DAY
Hearings in the House on SB 2 (non discrimination/equality) and HB2007 (relationship rights/ domestic partnerships) start on APRIL 9th. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT: Call your representative RIGHT NOW and tell his office that you support SB2 and HB 2007. Listen live on www.leg.state.or.us/listn/ at 5:30 PM on April 9th, 2007.
TRANSITION
Board Member Resignations The Board of the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center wishes to thank Darcy Hamilton and Chad Adams for their service to the community while serving as a Board Member. Their support of the Center will always be remembered.
BOARD MEMBER VACANCIES… Three, Soon to be SIx! One vacancy on the Board has a remaining term ending June 2007. The other two vacancies have a term ending June 2008. RIGHT NOW, anyone interested in the positions may find an application on the website that can be downloaded, printed and brought to a Center Board meeting.
Here’s where things get sketchy. Three current members have terms that are up in June 2007. What this means is you need to decide amongst yourselves if you are ready to step up and keep the Center going. On June 12, at the Annual meeting, there will be six vacancies. The Center needs Board members in order to function. It can’t run without people willing to take on the responsibilities of being Board members. It can’t run with only three on the Board. The Center needs you, now more than ever.
Board meetings are held at the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center at 7:00PM. All meetings are open to the community and everyone is encouraged to participate. Generally, Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
CRATER LAKE COED SNOWSHOE TRIP PHOTOS
RESPONSES TO “WHAT WILL YOU GIVE? SUSTAINABILITY IS IN QUESTION”It’s been almost two months since advising the community of the “state of the Center”, outlining where we are, and where we will likely go if the community remains disinterested. I expected that we would have continued to receive more comments and responses during the last six weeks. We haven’t. We saw a small flurry of activity at the outset,. However I would be remiss to not acknowledge that we have been receiving responses to membership renewal letters. You know who you are: THANK YOU. One couple sent in their second month sustainability pledge. Thank you.
A lot of people doing a little will make a huge difference. One afternoon a month volunteering at the Center matters. $5 a month from each member matters. It will keep us open and eventually enable us to expand our services to you. The Center is here for you. Please be here for it. Again, thank you to all who have responded so far. We look forward to hearing from the rest of you.
WOMEN’S DIVA CONNECTION: NEWS, CHALLENGE AND COMING EVENTSNews from Rhonda Young
May 18th, 19th and 20th WOMEN’S WEEKEND IN GURNEVILLE, CALIFORNIA About 4,000 women come from all over to have funnnnnnnn for the weekend. It’s about 5 hours from here and they have an all gay town on the River in the Redwoods and about 20 minutes from the beach. It’s also in the Napa Valley area with lots of wine. So come join us make you reservation or can camp out as allot of women do. If you go as for my long time friend COWBOY CAROL she will show you around town.
This is a fun time with thousand of LESBIANS in one city having fun. I went last year with 4 other people and meet a friend of mine I had not seen in 20 years. We had a ball we danced and danced (they have like 7-8 gay bars and clubs) also a piano bar of quiet lesbians or for the mood of love. On Saturday they are at the pool with a wet T- Shirt contest and most of the food is free though out the weekend. Sunday is a lazy day on the Russian River in the Redwoods. So if you want to have some fun come join us there are a few of us signed up to go. Just let me know your going make your reservations, if you need names of places let me know. The Triple R is usually where some people stay and you can't wait to make your reservation.
So join me with this event it is FUN...
JUNE 2ND POTLUCK IN THE PARK AT GOLD HILL. I would like some ladies to play softball with. So please this is RSVP to play. Call me or e-mail me. It will be a picnic, softball and horseshoes. They have tennis courts also and a nice trail. Bring your food and your friends and let’s have some SOFTBALL with the DIVA’S, if any of you are still able to play. We start at 1:00pm. Bring you dogs and your fun spirit to start the summer off right. They do have tables and some bbq's.
Remember to make reservation for theLABOR DAY WEEKEND DIVA BLAST. Or friend Helen who lives in Crescent City is going to set this event up. Jill from Women’s adventure Club and I will be helping her out. So come ask for time off from work this is also a fun event.
GOLF HAS STARTED AT BEAR CREEK GOLF COURSEplease ask for Marla the pro and she will get you signed up. It’s a Women’s League if costs $35 to join and $10 a week to play. That includes your MIXERS AND HANDICAP. They play Tuesdays from 4-6pm so go out and have some fun. Marla can also give you lessons she is a great teacher. So call ahead and check this out.
REMEMBER THE ABDILL-ELLIS CENTER NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT. PLEASE GIVE ALL YOU CAN TO HELP KEEP THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN. REMEMBER IF THEY CLOSE, NO MORE DANCES, OR BBQ'S ETC. SEND THEM A CHECK OR VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT, EVEN IF IT’S JUST ONE DAY A MONTH.
More dates to follow but this seems to be it for now. Enjoy your life, enjoy your friendships and remember to give back.
GAY FRIENDLY CHURCH IN MEDFORD First Christian Church in Medford One other note that came to me is that some of us are starting to go to the First Christian Church in Medford on Crater Lake Ave. on Sundays. It is very gay friendly and in fact they will be performing a Holy Union soon. I have been in meetings with the minister and she is wonderful and open. The church services are on Sunday at 10:30 am, I believe. Please come join us. There are about 10 of us so far that are going and they already had some gay people attending. So if anyone is into church come join us or call me and find out about it.
I AM LOOKING FOR SOME PEOPLE (2) TO HELP ME OUT WITH THE DIVA CONNECTION. WE HAVE ABOUT 70 DIVAS AND I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MORE. CAN TWO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER ABOUT 2 HOURS A MONTH. PLEASE CALL ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO OR YOU CAN E-MAIL ME ALSO.
As always my wish for you all is Grace with love.
Rhonda Young Leader Rainbow Women's Diva Connection 541-621-5778
EUGENE: DANCE SECOND SATURDAYSWOMEN OF SOUTHERN OREGON!!!
HOT FLASH is tentatively planning on coming to Eugene the second Saturday of each month beginning March 10, 2007. For $8 admission, we will be offering a great lesbian party with dance music from the 70s and 80s to today. DJ Lauren from Portland spins from 6 to 10pm. We have chosen a location in downtown Eugene for our private party for lesbians 30+ and all the women who love us.
We are currently forming an email list to send notices of the dances. Before we begin, however, we need to verify that there will be good attendance at HOT FLASH (100+). If the criteria in the above paragraph are agreeable to you, please get back to us so that we can add your name to the Hot Flash Eugene mailing list and get this party started!
Please respond by sending us your email address to brenkat28@msn.com or www.cruisecontrolpdx.com/ specifying that you would like to be on the Eugene mailing list... and spread the word! Without an effective email list, we will not be doing the parties... it's up to you!
WOMEN’S ADVENTURE CLUB:Hike in May… Details to follow. To get on mailing list contact Brenwyn: teacher4peace@peoplepc.com
Save these DatesEVERY WEDNESDAY: WILDE LIFE ON RVTV
WHEN: 10:00PM WHERE: Charter Channel 15 and AFN Channel 95.
Wilde Life’s email address is: wildelife@charter.net.
WEDNESDAYS PRIDE 2007 PLANNING MEETINGSThe committee is seven strong and will continue to get stronger with your help. Its members are committed to having a successful event.
Everyone is welcome to come with his or her thoughts and suggestions on how to make Pride 2007 the biggest Southern Oregon Pride ever! And, you can help without attending committee meetings.
Contact Serena Cook, committee chair and pledge that you will volunteer to help at the event.
What: 2007 Pride Committee's When: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM Where: The Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center Contact: Serena Cook 941-1454 or serenacook@hotmail.com April 14th CHRYSALISThe regular second Saturday meeting of CHRYSALIS will be held at the Abdill-Ellis Center. Contact Vicki Rae at kfopps@magick.net for more info.
APRIL 15th MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 405 St. Clair Way, Eagle Point Hosts: Dennis Vickoren and Scott Clay Contact info: 941-6419
APRIL 21st ALL WOMYN’S DANCE AT MOJO RISING
MAY 5TH FOURTH ANNUAL BIG GAY BBQPioneer Hall See info on page 2 MAY 20TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 184 Clover Lane, Medford Hosts: Larry Crain Contact info: 779-9462
JUNE 8th 2007 PRIDE DANCESponsored by Not Straight Not Sure and The Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center. Details to follow.
JUNE 9TH FOURTH ANNUAL SOUTHERN OREGON PRIDEApril 5, 2007 For immediate release:
Mark June 9th on your calendars and come celebrate with us as Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center hosts our Fourth Annual Southern Oregon Pride. This year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. In addition to a beer garden, sponsored by Hidden Jungle Catering, we will have the debut of the Big Gay Burger Joint, run by Mike and John Morgan-Serface, featuring burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, and other goodies guaranteed to satisfy even the most sensitive palates. We will even have garden burgers and vegetarian items available. A host of non-profit organizations will be on hand with helpful information as well as a select group of commercial vendors for those of you that respond well to retail therapy.
And we didn't forget the kids...face painting and balloon creation will be the absolute highlight of the little (and not so little) ones’ day. Also scheduled for the afternoon is non-stop entertainment with a guest speaker set to fill us in on what's happening in the state legislature with regard to our future here in Oregon.
The event is scheduled from 2pm to 7pm on Saturday, June 9th, in Veterans' Park in Medford at the intersection of Highway 99 and Stewart Avenue and in the adjoining parking area given to us for the day by Holiday Inn. Admission is $5 per person; kids 12 and under are free and parking has been graciously donated by Fred Meyer. As a reminder, valid photo identification will be required for entrance to the beer garden.
All proceeds from the event including admission, beer garden and Big Gay Burger Joint will benefit the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center.
JUNE 10th MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 315 Butler Creek Road, Ashland Hosts: Michael Gibson and Don Buckingham Contact info: 482-3662 JUNE 12th AELCCA ANNUAL MEETINGLambda Community Center Association's Annual Meeting
In accordance with the bylaws of the Lambda Community Center Association, its Annual Meeting will be held June 12, 2007, location to be determined. At said time the membership will elect new Board Members. Four directors shall be elected in odd numbered years (2007). Directors shall serve a two year tern beginning July 1 of the year elected and shall serve until two years following election or until their successors are elected. JUNE 22-24th WOMEN’S CAMPOUTWhere: Camp Telequa on the South Umpqua River Details: To follow
JULY 8TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 10665 Redwood Highway, Wilderville, OR Hosts: Mark Chadwell Contact info: 471-0765
JULY 20-22nd MEN’S CAMPOUTWhere: Camp Telequa on the South Umpqua River Details: To follow
AUGUST 12TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 215 Renault Court, Medford Hosts: George Brown Contact info: 608-0133
AUGUST 17-19th THIRD ANNUAL BIG GAY CAMPOUTWhere: Camp Telequa on the South Umpqua River Details: To follow
AUGUST 31- SEPT 2ndThe all-new Family conference at Gender Odyssey PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL INTERESTED PEOPLE We are pleased to announce the first family conference for parents of gender variant and transgender children! Join us in Seattle during the 2007 Labor Day weekend as we debut the first family-centered conference for people raising gender variant and transgender kids and teens. Stephanie Brill, conference program director and founder of the Children's Hospital Oakland support group for parents of gender variant and transgender young children, brings her expertise and groundbreaking work to our family conference.
Gender Odyssey – Family Washington State Convention and Trade Center Seattle, Washington August 31st - September 2nd, 2007 What to expect...
Programming topics... Gender Inside/Outside of the Home What are the obstacles my child might face? How can I best prepare my child?
Terminology What are the differences between gender presentation, gender identity, gender fluidity, and gender behavior?
Ask the Trans Person Q & A panel discussion
Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem How do I best love and support my child?
Should I Consider Medical Intervention? If so, what's reasonable? Do I wait until my child is an adult? What about puberty? What if my kid changes his/her mind?
Managing Healthcare Current medical information about endocrinology--hormones, physical changes, side effects, insurance options.
Advocacy for Your Child How do I educate my child's school, other children's parents, doctors or therapists?
Questions or suggestions? family@genderodyssey.com. Register early for discounted rates. Submit a workshop proposal--deadline April 1st. www.genderodyssey.com/family/
SEPTEMBER 9TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 562 A Street, Ashland Hosts: Gary Powell Contact info: 482-4394
OCTOBER 14TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 407 Park Avenue, Medford Hosts: Scott Clay and Dennis Vickoren Contact info: 772-6519
RemindersBE PART OF OUR MOST EXCITING YEAR YET! BECOME A VOLUNTEER.We need the help of our members to create unity at our community hub. We need you for Events, Grant Writing, Front Desk, Marketing, Fundraising, Membership, Graphic Design, and Photography. Bring your talents. Contact: Leslie Stone 488-9168 lesliestone@ashlandhome.net (Board Chair)
GAY AA ASHLAND MEETINGSOpen AA meetings are held each Monday at 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center, 208 Oak Street, (the Historic Armory Building) Suites 112 and 113. This meeting is open to everyone on the planet.
SPANISH CLASSConversational Spanish classes, taught by Larry Crain and Zach Druckenmiller, will be held on Tuesdays in Medford. Class runs from 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Classes will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The class is designed for beginning conversational level. Classes will be held at 184 Clover Lane in Medford. For directions Contact Zach 778-6126, or Larry Crain at 779-9462.
CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISIT SOME AFTERNOONMonday through Friday: OPEN 3:00 - 6:00 PM Saturday Noon to 3:00PM NEW!!!! In the event that you come by the Center during posted hours and do not find the Center open, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Things sometimes come up last minute and our volunteers may be unable to be at the Center that day.
Or visit the Center on the web at www.abdellis.org
USED CARTRIDGES RAISE $$$ FOR THE AELCCATwo ways to help! Either bring in your used cartridges, or pick up some bags for use at your home. Recycle Inkjet & Toner Cartridges
The Center, as a local non-profit, can gain revenue through recycling inkjet and laser toner cartridges. From 25 cents to $22 will be donated to the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center for each qualifying cartridge.
2007 HIV TESTING: NEW DAY & TIMEFree HIV Testing is available at the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center. Paul Garcia, Certified Nurse Assistant will be at the Center for confidential testing and counseling as follows: Every other Tuesday 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome.
In the event that Tuesday does not work for you, please feel free to contact Paul directly if you need /want to set an appointment with him on another day. He can be reached at 292-7640
Always call the Center or Paul to confirm that testing will be conducted that day. In the event that HIV testing is not available at the Center, please remember that Jackson County Health and Human Services at (541) 774-6967 provides testing and counseling. Ask for Tina Lines.
HAVE YOU MOVED?Are you receiving the Center Post? If you are a current Member you should expect to receive the Center Post, published seasonally. Members on the move, please help us update our records by sending us your current mailing address. Email us at abdillellis@yahoo.com Thank you!
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGESThe Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center operates for you and because of you! We thank all the wonderful contributors and supporters who month after month, year after year have seen it in their hearts to donate their time and money so that we may exist. If you are not yet a Member, support the Center by filling out a membership form and donating as much, and as often as you are able. Membership applications are available at the Center or on our web site www.abdellis.org.
Benefits of membership include discounts at these Rogue Valley businesses:
DID YOU KNOW?Abdill-Ellis provides referrals for free crisis counseling. In addition, SOU psychology interns, under the supervision of Rosemary Dunn Dalton, LCSW, will return in spring 2007 to provide general counseling services at the Center.
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