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been regular and good. Two artists have alternated in producing cover designs for our monthly editions, and editorial content and mimeographing has been greatly improved during the past year.

Third Wednesdays are discussion meeting nights. A brunch is held on the last Sunday of each month, a purely social event. During summer months, beach parties are held instead of the brunch.

The area has contributed to the advancement of research projects during the year. Most important of these involved giving a number of blood samples to Dr. West of the University of California at Los Angeles, for use in cancer research. We hope to obtain a report on findings in the near future.

Recently four members of the Los Angeles area met with Dr. Alfred Kinsey at a luncheon. He gave us valuable comments on how to build a better organization.

Speaker at a recent dinner was the head of a therapy group working with homosexuals who also have an alcohol problem. Members of the area have attended the reqular meetings of this group on several occasions.

The past year has been rewarding in Los Angeles, but much remains to be done. Membership at present stands at 12when we wish it were 12 times 12. Non-members who read this should remember that Mattachine is for YOU and YOU should be for Mattachine.

San Francisco Area

San Francisco area members have, as previously reported, continued to concentrate efforts upon production of the Mattachine Review, sufficient to make it possible for each issue of the magazine to be issued on schedule.

The Area Council shares in underwriting the cost of the office of the Review, and pays half the telephone bill. The number, EXbrook 7-0773, is being used more widely each month. Details of other magazine production work are reported elsewhere. However, the area's attractive monthly newsletter is worthy of mention: the May 1956 issue was the 36th edition, and mailing was made to almost 200 addressees, many of whom are paid subscribers at the rate of $1.00 per year.

Membership in the area now stands at 22, and the area has 5 chartered chapters.

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mattachine REVIEW

Monthly discussion meetings (held each first Thursday evening at the Center of the American Friends Service Committee, 1830 Sutter St.) have been marked by excellent professional programs with speakers arranged by the Research Director, Basil Vaerlen. Sessions conclude with an open forum and a short social hour. Attendance has averaged more than 40 persons at these meetings, and the average donation of funds has been about $18 per meeting. These funds pay the $5 hall rental and help defray other area office expenses.

Monthly dinners (third Thursdays) and brunches (second Sun-Area Council business days) have been the main social events.

meetings are held on the final Thursday of each month.

Many members and officers of the area have made important public relations contacts for the Society during the year, and have publicized the Society's stated goals so as to obtain the interest and participation of many newcomers.

But work sessions held to assemble, fold and mail newsletters and the magazines have been the one real guage of interWe have never been short of est in the San Francisco area.

willing help, with many eager to acquire some of the skills which publishing requires.

Long Beach Area

Activity has continued in the Long Beach Area, although on Newsletters have a modest scale since membership is small. been published, meetings held for discussions in Long Beach and Westminister, and the Board of Directors was entertained at a banquet in this area when it met at the Hotel Riviera in that Public Relations Director Ron Brookhart has guided the activity of the Long Beach Area Council during the past year.

area.

Chicago Area

Activity in the Chicago Area has declined in the past year, partly due to a distance separation between North and South side groups within the city, and job situations which did not However permit full participation in the Mattachine program. three chapters there have indicated that they are preparing a legal brochure adapted for Illinois laws which will undoubtedly be adapted for the entire society on a general basic once completed. A Chicago attorney has advised the group in prepara-

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