GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE March 13, 2009

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letterstotheeditors

New P-FLAG chapter in southeast Ohio

To the Editors:

A few years ago, when I needed someone to talk to in a safe and anonymous environment about a family member struggling with sexual orientation, I discovered there was no P-FLAG chapter in the Athens region and nowhere for me to turn.

It's time to do something about that and

end the isolation so many feel in Southeast Ohio.

The mission of P-FLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is to promote "the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends" through support, education and advocacy; according to the mission statement at www.pflag.org. P-FLAG is open to all sexual orientations and gender identities.

communitygroups

Let's reach out to each other. If you are interested in forming a local chapter, or simply in finding out more about P-FLAG, please attend a meeting on Monday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Athens Public Library, 30 Home Street., Or you can contact me at amygcoombs@yahoo.com (please mention P-FLAG in the subject line).

Amy Coombs Athens, Ohio

Women's Network has a full year in store

by Jan Held

Cleveland The Cleveland Women's Network is happy to report that 2009 will be another fun-filled and interesting year with its annual events-potlucks, clambake, Halloween and holiday parties-plus a few new additions, which may eventually become annual.

The group also welcomes your ideasdon't hesitate to contact their e-mail or voicemail.

This year's schedule includes:

Potluck in Hinckley on Saturday, March 21 at 6:30 pm. Make your reserverations by March 18.

Join the Cleveland Women's Network table at the Human Rights Campaign Cleveland Dinner on Saturday, March 28.

Go out for whirlyball and laser tag on Saturday, April 11 in Bedford at 6:45 pm. Whirlyball is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers; for those who wish to play Laser Tag, it costs $5 per 15 minutes/$9 per 30 minutes

How about singles night at the Inn on Coventry on April 18? This will be a dinner

event with a set menu of two selections, vegetarian Pasta Spinaci with salad and chocolate cake for $11.95 for members ($16.95 for non members) or Chicken Lidura, egg and cheese battered chicken with tomatoes with mashed potato, side vegetable, salad, and dessert for $13.95 for members ($18.95 for non members). These prices include tax and tip. Drinks will be available as a cash bar. Checks and dinner selections must be received no later than Monday, April 13 and sent to The Network, P.O. Box 1064, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223.

Other upcoming events, whose times and locations have yet to be determined, include a May 16 hike and bike ride, a singles picnic on May 23, canoeing in Hinckley on June 13, working the Network booth at Cleveland Pride, the member appreciation picnic in the Rocky River Reservation on July 11, an August 1 beach party, and on September 12 in Hinckley, clambake!

There will also be a Halloween party on October 31, a movie night in November and a holiday party on December 5.

There is a new fee structure this year. If you become a member you will not have to

pay for any event you attend, excluding the catered ones for which there will be the usual meal charge. If you are not a member and plan on attending events, $10 will be your fee (excluding the April 18 event for which the fee will be $5). So, it may be a good idea to join up soon.

You can download a membership application

www.clevelandwomensnetwork.org. Questions can be answered by writing to info@clevelandwomensnetwork.org or by calling 440-962-3662.

The Network is an organization whose members represent a diverse cross-section of the lesbian community. The group's purpose is to increase lesbian networking opportunities, both professional and social, to strengthen lesbian-owned businesses within the Network and the greater Cleveland area. The Network provides a safe and fun environment for social activities and business networking.

Jan Held is a member of the Cleveland Women's Network.

Makeup artist to give master class.

by Earl Pike

Cleveland-MAC Cosmetics makeup artist Fatima Thomas will be at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland on March 16 to present a master class workshop for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

The event will be open to all clients, volunteers and professionals working with people with HIV.

Thomas will be in town for the grand

opening of the MAC Cosmetics store at Crocker Park in Westlake, but as another sign of MAC's commitment to HIV issues, she will give the free class.

For many people living with HIV, "beauty" is something one stops thinking about after diagnosis. But people with AIDS are strong, capable, determined, resilient— and beautiful. This special event helps underscore that reality.

A light lunch will be served at the workshop, which begins at 2 pm. For more information, call the AIDS Taskforce at 216621-0766.

The AIDS Taskforce is located at 3210 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland, and additional low-cost parking is available two doors down. ✓

Earl Pike is the executive director of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.

Dale Giesige honored by Cuyahoga GOP

by Fred Bachhuber

Cleveland-The Republican Party of Cuyahoga County has honored Dale Giesige, chapter president of Log Cabin Republicans of Greater Cleveland, with one of their volunteers of the year award.

The award was given at the annual Lincoln Day dinner on February 24, 2009 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. The keynote speaker was Karl Rove.

Giesige received the 2008 Ross R. Paul

Award for "unwavering commitment and consistent leadership for the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County". Sen. George Voinovich also honored Giesige with an official U.S. Senate Certificate of Recognition for receiving the Ross R. Paul award during its inaugural year.

Giesige volunteered several hours on judicial campaigns for Joan Synenberg and Marilyn Cassidy, Jim Trakas for Congress, and the McCain-Palin Victory Center.

Giesige is an elected member of the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County Central Committee, and on the local party's scanning committee. The scanning committee is responsible for recommending which candidates receive the local GOP endorsements at election time.

Fred Bachhuber is past president of of Log Cabin Republicans of Greater Cleveland.

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