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AELCCA eNews Summer 2007 It’s summer! 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:
2007-2008 Welcome News from the Chair and the new Board of Directors WOMEN’S DIVA CONNECTION: NEWS, CHALLENGE AND COMING EVENTS EVERY THIRD SATURDAY: MOJO’S RISING EUGENE: DANCE SECOND SATURDAYS BASIC RIGHTS OREGON: NEWS FROM THOMAS WHEATLEY ONGOING ART EXHIBIT QUIET FIRE CHILDREN’S ART EVERY WEDNESDAY: WILDE LIFE ON RVTV JULY 21ST GENDER-BENDER DRAG SHOW AUGUST 17-19th THIRD ANNUAL BIG GAY CAMPOUT AUGUST 31- SEPT 2 GENDER ODYSSEY OCTOBER 11-13TH ROGUE VALLEY TRANS CONFERENCE SPANISH CLASSES TO RESUME IN THE FALL NEW CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISIT SOME AFTERNOON USED CARTRIDGES RAISE $$$ FOR THE AELCCA 2007 HIV TESTING: THROUGH AUGUST 7TH JULY 2007 FREE COUNSELING AVAILABLE AGAIN AT THE CENTER!
Updates2007-2008 Welcome News from the Chair and the new Board of Directors
Hello Everyone,
Summer is speeding by and we thought it would be a great time to update the members on what’s been happening with AELCCA. My name is Michael Morgan-Serface, and I want to take this opportunity to say “Hi”, and introduce the new board to all of you. In June, we held our annual meeting at the historic Ashland Armory; Dennis Vickoren was elected to the board by the members present at that time. Two weeks later, at our first board meeting, officers were elected for the upcoming year.
I will be serving you as Chair, Dennis Vickoren will serve as Vice-chair, Phil Seaone will be Secretary, and Serena Cook has taken on the responsibility of Treasurer and will also Chair the Southern Oregon PRIDE 2008 committee. Other Board members include Tom Delong and Alicia-Lynne Ryland-Nations. But wait, there’s more…we still have THREE vacancies on the Board, so we are urging you to get involved and help the GLBT Community of Southern Oregon.
I want everyone to know that the Board is very committed to making things happen here in Southern Oregon. The GLBT Community has a lot going on right now. With the passage of HB2007 and SB2 in our state legislature, and SIGNED INTO LAW BY OUR GOVERNOR, we, as a whole, are making great strides in getting the basic rights that have eluded us for decades. We know that the opposition is already out there demanding that bills be put to the vote in a general election, but we also know that our friends and neighbors are supporting us in our fight for equality. I was honored to be in our information booth at the 4th of July Celebration in Ashland, making our neighbors aware of the legislation and gathering signatures on pledges to battle those that seek to take away basic rights.
We are the beacon of light for the GLBT Community of Southern Oregon and Northern California. We have our ideas and concerns, but we are truly interested in your thoughts as well and we are taking our new responsibilities very seriously. Feel free to contact any of us by our emails listed on the website, phone the center during our new hours or leave a message. Let us know what we need to do to make Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center Association more important to you.
On a final note, the new Board would love to give a huge “Thank You” to our outgoing board members. Leslie Stone, Michael Erceg and Steve Antongiovanni gave above and beyond what was required of them during their time on the Board. I know that they will be greatly missed, and that they are always available with an ear, a level head and a pat on the back for us “newbies”.
WOMEN’S DIVA CONNECTION: NEWS, CHALLENGE AND COMING EVENTSNews from Rhonda Young Hello Ladies:
Well after some time of trying to find some help with the Diva's and the Golf Club I have found someone who wants to step up to the plate and help out. So I am giving it to her as of July 1st, 2007. She will be running it and setting up potlucks, helping with the Brookings Blast and will also work with Marla Corbin at Bear Creek to get the golf club going again.
I would like more people to work with her if you feel you can and have some time to volunteer. We have over 100 women who I e-mail, not all show up but they do like the e-mails. So I would like to introduce JEANNE GARCIA to you. She likes softball and wants to know if there is anyone out there that plays ball. If so please e-mail me. I will still be doing the newsletter. She will be doing everything else. I will be gone for a few months and have other things and travel I want to do. You can still reach me by phone or e-mail.
Also if anyone wants to do the HELLGATE BOATS OUT OF GRANTS PASS PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL. We will not set it up unless we have at least 7 people.
Remember if you have any ideas about how to improve the Diva's please e-mail me and I will send it on to Jeanne. Later I will send out her e-mail and phone number for now just e-mail. For now just e-mail me please.
The Brookings Blast is coming up so plan on it if you would like to come Sept 4th weekend, Labor Day at the coast.
GOLF ANYONE? Please e-mail me if you would like to play. ASAP we will set it up either once a week or once every two weeks. What would you like?????
Ok now that’s it for now. If you have any questions please call me or e-mail.
It has been a wonderful experience working with you women I have meet so many wonderful new friends. I enjoy my time with you and hope though it all you have meet new friends also and now have a community to turn to. The Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center is also there for you and they could always use the volunteers.
I believe as lesbians in this world we really do need to be there for our sisters: to not judge and to forgive ourselves and others, to share some time together and open our hearts so we can grow. I am so grateful that I have met and enjoyed you all. I wish you all love in your journey of life. I hope I have helped in someway.
Always in my heart.
Rhonda Young Leader Rainbow Women’s Golf Club Rainbow Women's Diva Connection 541-621-5778
EVERY THIRD SATURDAY: MOJO’S RISINGWe need a talented energetic person or group to take over the "3rd Saturday" Dance & Art Events so that this community event can continue.
I love doing this each month, but I have to have surgery and won't be physically capable to do it for a while.
If you would like to enjoy this fun opportunity, please email Renee @ renegadeproductions@yahoo.com
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:News from Jill I would like to plan one or better 2 backpacking trips for us this summer. I plan on making them NOT strenuous. If anyone has any suggestions of where to go or any other suggestions in general please let me know. I would like to do one late July and one in August or VERY early Sept. Please get back to me ASAP. Thanks! Jill
News from Kim Hello, WAC women. This is a reminder to call or email to sign up for this trip if you want to go. Please let us know as soon as possible if you want to go. Thanks!
July 20-23, I will lead a trip to beautiful and diverse Siskiyou County for two nights, Friday and Saturday, and three days Friday - Sunday. We will stay in a big cabin up in the mountains at Stewart Mineral Springs.
Included in the stay is the deeply relaxing, newly redone, wood fired sauna - at no extra charge, and of course swimming in the clean, crisp, crystal clear dipping pond below the deck on the creek.
The cabin easily sleeps 10 with additional space if needed. If 10 women commit to the trip, with pre-payment, the cabin could cost as low as ~ $75.00 per person which would include both nights. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from - rafting, hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking to name a few, and the restaurants in Mt. Shasta and Dunsmuir offer everything from sushi to Mexican food. Mt. Shasta and Dunsmuir are both artsy towns, so you'll want to bring your walking shoes for some shopping, or at least window-shopping.
If you are interested and want more information, You can email me: Kim at k_de_costa_@hotmail.com Make sure you copy and paste my email address because it is easy to miss one of the underscores [ _ ] which makes it go somewhere into cyberspace.
Here's a link to the Stewart Mineral Springs web site for your viewing pleasure. If less than 10 women commit, it will cost us each a little more. http://www.stewartmineralsprings.com/
Enjoy, and get back with me. Kim
August 17-19th Jill and Brenwyn will lead a two-night backpack to Sky Lakes Wilderness area. We won't need a permit if there are 8 or less so please RSVP Jill or Brenwyn if you are interested in joining us.
About the Sky Lake Wilderness area, there are three major lake basins (Sky Lakes, Seven Lakes, and Blue Canyon) included in the wilderness, containing scores of sparkling, crystal clear alpine lakes, creeks, and icy cold springs. In addition to the many trails that access Sky Lakes from the east and west, the Pacific Crest Trail traverses the wilderness the entire north-south length, winding over 35 miles. In total, there are over 140 miles of trails in the wilderness.
We will send out more details, as we get closer to August, i.e. what to bring, when to meet, specific trail info. Etc… Happy July!
To get on mailing list contact Brenwyn: teacher4peace@peoplepc.com
BASIC RIGHTS OREGON: NEWS FROM THOMAS WHEATLEY
Hi folks,
I've got some exciting news...
Basic Rights Oregon is partnering with the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute to bring GLLI's top-notch training to Oregon. This training is for present and future openly-GLBT candidates, campaign staff and community leaders.
The training will be held in Portland, on September 27th to 30th.
This is the single best training in the country for people interested in working on political campaigns or running for office. It's designed to make sure GLBT candidates and campaigners have the skills to win.
At this nonpartisan training, attendees learn from top political strategists during the day and work with their peers on an exciting campaign simulation at night. The simulation models a real campaign complete with district background, media information and voter files. Similar to an actual campaign, trainees work long hours and compete against each other using the skills they have learned to build a strategy to win.
Participation is limited. And places are filling up. For more info, or to register, contact Brett Johnson at 202-842-7304 or Brett.Johnson@victoryfund.org
You can also contact me with questions.
Sincerely,
Thomas Wheatley Organizing Director Basic Rights Oregon
Tel: 503.222.6151 Fax: 503.236.6686
ONGOING ART EXHIBIT QUIET FIRE CHILDREN’S ARTExplore children’s experiences of living with HIV/AIDS infected parents as depicted in their art and sand-tray work. Artists are from 6 to 15 years old.
Please stop by the Center during our new hours and immerse yourself in the power of the children’s artwork. Exhibit developed by Roxanne Rae, MSW, LCSW, BCD during her years as a children’s counselor.
Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center Suite # 112 In Ashland’s Historic Armory
Save these DatesEVERY WEDNESDAY: WILDE LIFE ON RVTVWHEN: 10:00PM WHERE: Charter Channel 15 and AFN Channel 95. Wilde Life’s email address is: wildelife@charter.net.
JULY 21ST GENDER-BENDER DRAG SHOWThe Northwest Grassroots Healthcare Collective (NGHC) and the Queer Resource Center Present: The Fabulous Freestyle Gender-Bender Drag Show Fundraiser July 21st 8:00 PM -Midnight Southern Oregon University Arena Room 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland (downstairs in the Stephenson Union) $10 - 50 sliding scale donation
The NW Grassroots Healthcare Collective is raising money to create more competent practitioners that work effectively cross-culturally, addressing issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. See www.wildpacificherbal.org for more information about the NGHC mission, goals, and upcoming conference. Contact Jenn at 846-0776 for more information and to participate in the show.
A Call For Performers! We are still looking for more folks to participate in putting on the show. Everyone is welcome to express their interpretation of gender bending, drag, or their own unique individuality. Anyone interested in helping to M.C. the show with their flashy dress, humor, outgoing personality, or an important message to share, join me on stage with our amazing participants. Contact Jenn at 846-0776 or jenniferrmccoy@hotmail.com. Let me know when you sign up if you have a music request for your performance. We would love to support you in however you want to strut your stuff, whether it be sing, dance, offer a talent or spoken word, or just show off your outfit.
More information on the NGHC:
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: The Northwest Grassroots Healthcare Conference is an annual regional gathering co-created by motivated healthcare activists and herbalists. We are students, teachers, practitioners, patients, and active members in our communities hoping to connect and work towards creating an integrative healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible. We feel a responsibility to those we care for, to work collaboratively with all modalities of healthcare, from allopathic to alternative. In this way we can offer patients a broader scope of treatment options and a collective knowledge base for achieving optimal health.
We are working toward creating an inclusive, non-hierarchal, diverse, supportive and open space for dialogue and learning. Part of this mission is to highlight areas within healthcare that we feel require more attention and discussion so that we may better serve the communities that we live and practice in. We are committed to creating a learning environment that is affordable and accessible, equitable, sustainable, and empowering.
We strive to create a peer-teaching environment that respects the knowledge and wisdom offered by patients, students, & teachers alike. We aim to make steps toward a world beyond ageism, racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, cultural appropriation, environmental degradation, and the corporate takeover of healthcare and herbal medicine. Incorporating these ideals into the way we learn, teach, and practice is essential to providing quality healthcare.
OUR GOALS: Our intention is to support and bring together the diverse healthcare networks in the Northwest in a cooperative manner. In order to achieve this goal, we are aiming to establish a core group of individuals dedicated to continuing to create this conference on an annual basis. We would like to create a network of regional healthcare activists to provide support in our ongoing training and practice. There is also a hope that this model will provide inspiration for other regional gatherings of similar passion and motivation. The creation of free, integrative health clinics, in places with a healthcare need, assisted by this networking event is a long-range goal.
THE NORTHWEST GRASSROOTS HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE is scheduled for August 2008. A small group of healthcare activists will be meeting in Portland in August 2007 to discuss a variety of issues pertinent to the movement, as well as to start creating our community. JULY 20-22nd MEN’S CAMPOUTWhere: Camp Telequa on the South Umpqua River Details: www.telequacampground.com
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: www.telequacampground.com
AUGUST 31- SEPT 2 GENDER ODYSSEYThe 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. GENDER ODYSSEY 2007 ATTENTION!!! Teens and Young Adults! We are thrilled to let you all know about our expanded teen and young adult programming track! Gender Odyssey is now in its fifth year and our programming is evolving along with our community. Scholarship deadline EXTENDED! (See below for details). This year Gender Odyssey is pleased to offer workshops and social events that will be dynamic and thought provoking. Our programming is produced by, established for, and all about teens and young adults. Some examples of this year's programming will include... · So I’m Trans… Now What Do I Say to People? · Coming Out to Others · Do I Look Boyish in This? · A How-To Workshop on ‘Passing’ · Actually… I Go By Male Pronouns: · Clueing In Others but Not at Your Own Expense. · Needle and Scalpel: Are You Ready for Hormones & Surgeries? · Where Are the Trans Parties? A Look at Dating & Relationships · The Mirror Must Be Lying to Me! Body Image · Being Trans Doesn't Mean I'm Crazy ...or am I?! · Neutrois, Tranny-fag, Boi-dyke, Grrl-fag. · What the..?! Generational Differences · Framing Trans Youth: Exploring Gender & Age in Media Gender Odyssey is experiencing a fresh momentum and there are many new reasons to attend! Join us over Labor Day weekend (Aug 31 – Sept 3) for increased youth focused programming – plus more options for socializing and meeting new people. We are continuing our collaboration with Three Dollar Bill Cinema for the second annual Translations: Seattle's Transgender Film Festival. Saturday night includes Flash Connections--a "speed dating" type of way to meet people without the extra pressure of dating (unless you want to!). Back by popular demand, Sunday evening will include the return of the POCFTMUniverse sponsored BBQ-To-Die-For. So go to our website and sign up today! Come be a part of this year's momentous event. You'll be glad you did! Get all your registration questions answered at: www.genderodyssey.com, And don't forget the parental units! We have a conference just for them - same bat time, same bat channel - called Gender Odyssey - Family. For more information, visit www.genderodysseyfamily.com P.S. In case you need one more great reason to sign up today - you'll save close to 25% on registration! P.P.S. Breaking News! Scholarship Deadline EXTENDED! Need financial assistance? Scholarships are still available and the deadline is approaching! For more info go to www.genderodyssey.com/details/registration/index_schol.htm
SEPTEMBER 9TH MEN’S POT LUCKTime: 4:00 - 8:00ish PM Place: 562 A Street, Ashland Hosts: Gary Powell Contact info: 482-4394
OCTOBER 11-13TH ROGUE VALLEY TRANS CONFERENCETime: TBA Place: SOU and RVMC Guest Speaker: Lydia A. Sausa, Ph.D. (www.lydiasausa.com) Sponsors: AELCCA, QRC, NSNS, Rainbow Club of RCC, OA, GSU
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
RemindersBECOME 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: Michael Morgan-Serface (Board Chair) iamonehappycamper@yahoo.com
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 CLASSES TO RESUME IN THE FALLConversational Spanish classes, taught by Larry Crain and Zach Druckenmiller, will begin again (!!!) in September. Classes are held on Tuesdays in Medford run from 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Classes will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and are designed for beginning conversational level. Classes will be held at 184 Clover Lane in Medford. For directions contact Zach or Larry Crain at 779-9462 or David Kellogg at 324-2363.
NEW CENTER HOURS: STOP BY AND VISIT SOME AFTERNOONMonday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM Friday: 3:00 - 6:00 PM Saturday and Sunday: Closed
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: THROUGH AUGUST 7THFree 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:
JULY 2007 FREE COUNSELING AVAILABLE AGAIN AT THE CENTER!Abdill-Ellis provides referrals for free crisis counseling. In addition, SOU psychology interns, under the supervision of Rosemary Dunn Dalton, LCSW, will provide general counseling services at the Center. If interested in free counseling, please call the Center 488-6990.
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