September 10.

communitygroups

When the Klan visits, take a break from hate

Columbus-At a meeting held September 2 by the Columbus Community Relations Commission to discuss the September 11 visit by the Klan, the commission reviewed plans for police and community responses with representatives from throughout the city.

Representatives from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, and the Jewish and AfricanAmerican communities were present. As discussed in an

initial meeting on August 10,

September 11 and for the community-the

whole community-to work together.

'Take a Break' is just that, said Stonewall Columbus executive director Jeff Redfield. "Instead of focusing on hate, focus on doing things that are more about caring, education, helping and celebrating with others. All three communities deal with hate every day. That does not change because the KKK is in town.

Stonewall

Stonewall and the Community Relations Commission will be pro-

the group reemphasized that COLUMBUS moting a number of

efforts would be aimed at

encouraging the community to participate in a number of other events already planned for that day.

A theme of "Take a Break From Hate" was accepted as part of the Columbus community's response.

Stonewall Columbus suggested the "Take a Break From Hate" theme. It was developed by participants in the August 24 meeting, "How to Handle the Hate" at the Stonewall Center.

That meeting had been called to reflect on the Fred Phelps visit and to look at ways the GLBT community could respond to the Klan rally. The theme encourages people to again ignore the hate group coming to Columbus, but the theme also can be used as a way to communicate this as a concerted effort.

Commission director James Stowe said at the meeting that the goals were to make the Klan visit a "non-event," and to keep the Columbus community intact, and in a position for movement toward improved relations. Later in the meeting he encouraged those present to support the city beyond

events planned for September 11, most already planned before the KKK announcement. In addition, a number of other activities to keep busy will be suggested.

The theme unifies the responses of all the communities. Together, we are taking a break-not ignoring the facts that hate is out there. Stonewall Columbus will have locations and contacts for events and service opportunities. They will also be circulating a list of suggestions, including:

Take a walk with a friend. Hug your kids.

Tell someone you care for just how much they mean to you.

Volunteer or help out by serving others. Come out to someone.

Watch an OSU football game with friends. Go to temple for Rosh Hashanah. Participate in other planned events. "We hope people will turn their attention away from hate that day and do something positive, for themselves and others," ex-

plained Redfield. "It does not say to ignore that hate is out there. All three of these communities will spend the other 364 days this year in responding to hate."

Stonewall Columbus is also promoting an event, "Take a Break." The purpose of the event is to have people take a break and actually not attend. Think of the money you spend to attend an event: the costs of tickets, gas, the expenses of a sitter, drinks at the cash bar, tux rental, and the cost of your time.

Now, send the money saved to Stonewall

Columbus. You will be making your reser-

vation to take a break, but you don't have to go anywhere. By doing so, you will become a "Friend of Stonewall Columbus" and receive contributor benefits, help maintain the Stonewall Community Center and its services, and have the time you saved by not attending to do other things.

Anyone interested in helping on events, volunteering, or learning more about Stonewall Columbus or the events related to "Take a Break From Hate" can call 614-299-7764 or e-mail at stnwall@ix.netcom.com.

John R. O'Connor, LISW ACSW of D.L. Dunkle and Associates Practicing in Two Locations!

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North Coast bowlers to celebrate 20th anniversary

by Bill Harrison

Cleveland-The North Coast Bowling Association (Sunday League) is about to begin its 20th year on September 19. The league was organized in 1980 and at that time most gayowned businesses sponsored a team in the league.

The league moved to Westgate Lanes, 21329 Center Ridge Road in 1997 after being downtown for 15 years at the Ambassador Superior Lanes at E. 15th and Superior. Last year the league had 18 teams with rosters of seven members allowed.

At last season's annual banquet, held

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May 2, the championship trophy was presented to "Barbie's Evil Sisters." A member on that team carried the highest average in NCBA history, at 213.

The league uses a four-division setup with playoffs at the end of the season. The four division winners were Hide Park Leather, Rockies Rollers, Four Play, and, of course, Barbie's Evil Sisters.

At the annual banquet, $11,000 in prize money was passed out. During the year the league also awarded over $3,000 in 50/50 money and over $2,000 in Strike Pot money. Not bad for a league that charges $20 to join and only $8 a night to bowl.

The league is also a member of the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) which has about 18,000 members in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. There are about 62 gay bowling tournaments affiliated with IGBO across the U.S. and Canada, and many of our members try to attend one or two a year.

It is with high anticipation that the North Coast Bowling Association will start its 20th year on September 19.

For more information, call NCBA at 216228-2909 or 440-899-0477.

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