I am going to be out of town for a few days. I am being forced to fly to San Francisco for some trianing. I know it's tough be someone has to do it so I'll sacrifice. Seriously, I'm looking forward to a few days in gay mecca.
I've posted some thank you's and information about the First Annual Black Hills Aids Walk on that site. It was a great success. It is still not too late to donate to the Walk. It can be done by credit card at the site or by sending a check to The Center West at 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57702. Also a reminder to those who have pledged but not sent your money in, could you please do so so we can close the books on this year's Walk.
Plans are well under way for next years Pride Festival. It is looking like an event that no one will want to miss. Schedule your vacations early for the 11th, 12th and 13th of July, 2008.
See you all when I get back. I will try to post from California if I get the time!!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
New 12 Step Groups Forming
A new LGBT NA (Narcotics Anonymous) group has been organized and will start having meetings begining next Monday September 24th at 7:30 pm. The meetings will be held at the Center West, 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City. Anyone interested can attend. for more information call The Center West; 348-3244.
As I posted earlier, a general 12 step group is also organizing and is planning on meeting on Thursday evenings at The Center West starting at a future date. For more information e-mail: 12steps@isp.com.
The Center West is available to the LGBT community for meetings and events and provides information, resources, support and referral services to the communty. info@thecenterwest.org
As I posted earlier, a general 12 step group is also organizing and is planning on meeting on Thursday evenings at The Center West starting at a future date. For more information e-mail: 12steps@isp.com.
The Center West is available to the LGBT community for meetings and events and provides information, resources, support and referral services to the communty. info@thecenterwest.org
BHSU doing Lucky Ducky
I just received an e-mail from Bill Russell informing me that Black Hills State University will be performing his play "Lucky Ducky" which will be opening on October 18th. Bill will be flying out from New York to be guest consultant on the play. Mark your calendars! Don't want to miss this one.
Also Bill has informed me that he very much wants to participate in our Pride Festival next year and our homecoming party for all current and former LGBT South Dakotans.
Also Bill has informed me that he very much wants to participate in our Pride Festival next year and our homecoming party for all current and former LGBT South Dakotans.
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Laramie Project at Central HS
I just received a phone call from a reporter friend who was looking for comment on a story she is writing. It seems that Rapid City Central High School has decided to do The Laramie Project in the Spring as one of their student productions.
Naturally, my comment was that I thought it was fantastic. And, I hoped that it could generate a discussion about diversity and equality here in the community. We can be sure that it will generate discussion. I just hope that it can be done intelligently and without all the hate mongering. But, given the state of affairs with the right wing fundamentalists these days I think we all know what is coming.
I just think that we need to be ready to respond intelligently and rationally. Let the fundies rant and roll and show the world the hateful mentality they advocate. I've contacted some friends of the Shepard family that live in Rapid City and they in turn have already called Judy. She has some great suggestions for the event which we will be discussing at a later time.
The timing is perfect as we have already booked Judy Shepard for the Pride Festival next summer. We are working with the staff at Mt. Rushmore at this time about permits and scheduling for our program there.
We are working to make Pride Fest 2008 a major national event. Schedule vacations now for the weekend of the 11th, 12th and 13th of July 2008. We are in negotiations with a national venue to hold it there. It looks good. LGBT former and current South Dakotans its time to come home for the party! If you look close, the Hills aren't black. They're lavender.
Naturally, my comment was that I thought it was fantastic. And, I hoped that it could generate a discussion about diversity and equality here in the community. We can be sure that it will generate discussion. I just hope that it can be done intelligently and without all the hate mongering. But, given the state of affairs with the right wing fundamentalists these days I think we all know what is coming.
I just think that we need to be ready to respond intelligently and rationally. Let the fundies rant and roll and show the world the hateful mentality they advocate. I've contacted some friends of the Shepard family that live in Rapid City and they in turn have already called Judy. She has some great suggestions for the event which we will be discussing at a later time.
The timing is perfect as we have already booked Judy Shepard for the Pride Festival next summer. We are working with the staff at Mt. Rushmore at this time about permits and scheduling for our program there.
We are working to make Pride Fest 2008 a major national event. Schedule vacations now for the weekend of the 11th, 12th and 13th of July 2008. We are in negotiations with a national venue to hold it there. It looks good. LGBT former and current South Dakotans its time to come home for the party! If you look close, the Hills aren't black. They're lavender.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jon Hoadley Moves up!
I just recieved word that Jon Hoadley has been named the new Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats. The anouncement was made this morning. I recieved an e-mail from Jon and he is looking forward to helping South Dakota and the Democratic party move forward.
This is great news for those of us in South Dakota and a great opportunity for Jon. What a great opportunity for South Dakota.
This is great news for those of us in South Dakota and a great opportunity for Jon. What a great opportunity for South Dakota.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Letter to the Journal sent
Health Department statistics indicate over 350 people live with AIDS in South Dakota with 35 new cases last year. While several programs help AIDS patients with medical expenses and other necessities, there are still unmet needs. Health issues related to AIDS affects the ability to work and to provide for oneself.
The Center West and The Center in Sioux Falls maintain a fund to assist with emergency expenses. To raise money for that fund The Center West is sponsoring the First Annual Black Hills Aids Walk September 29th starting at the Memorial Park Band Shell. Registration begins at 12 noon with music and snacks. A short program follows at 1:15. The Walk starts at 1:30. More information can be found at: http://aidswalkbh.blogspot.com/
Individuals and businesses can get involved by becoming walkers, sponsors, contributors and/or volunteers. They can sign up at the above web site.
The Center West is committed to HIV and Aids prevention by providing education, prevention and testing services to groups, events and institutions and providing support services to those living with AIDS.
We’re asking all compassionate people in the Black Hills to get involved and help us prevent and alleviate the pain and suffering of this disease.
The Center West and The Center in Sioux Falls maintain a fund to assist with emergency expenses. To raise money for that fund The Center West is sponsoring the First Annual Black Hills Aids Walk September 29th starting at the Memorial Park Band Shell. Registration begins at 12 noon with music and snacks. A short program follows at 1:15. The Walk starts at 1:30. More information can be found at: http://aidswalkbh.blogspot.com/
Individuals and businesses can get involved by becoming walkers, sponsors, contributors and/or volunteers. They can sign up at the above web site.
The Center West is committed to HIV and Aids prevention by providing education, prevention and testing services to groups, events and institutions and providing support services to those living with AIDS.
We’re asking all compassionate people in the Black Hills to get involved and help us prevent and alleviate the pain and suffering of this disease.
NEW 12 STEP GROUP
Dear Michael,
Would you post a question to the LGBT & Friends community for me?
I'm interested in finding out if there would be any questions or comments on starting up a new 12 Step and Spirituality Discussion Group in Rapid City at the Center West. The group will be for anyone who is Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and their Friends & Family. You do not need to be in a twelve-step program to participate. Everyone is welcome.
The intent of the meeting is to create a safe space where our community can discuss our issues. There would not be a lot of reading. If available, special speakers would be welcome. Respectful discussion, with an opportunity for everyone to take part is the plan. Any person who uses name calling, intimidation or threats will be ejected from the meeting.
Meeting times have not yet been finalized. The tentative plan is for the group to meet on Thursday evenings at around 7pm for 60- to 90-minutes starting in October. If the group desires, coffee or dinner before or after the meeting can be arranged.
If interested in commenting or finding out more, please contact me at 12steps@isp.com.
Thanks Michael,
Jim
Would you post a question to the LGBT & Friends community for me?
I'm interested in finding out if there would be any questions or comments on starting up a new 12 Step and Spirituality Discussion Group in Rapid City at the Center West. The group will be for anyone who is Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and their Friends & Family. You do not need to be in a twelve-step program to participate. Everyone is welcome.
The intent of the meeting is to create a safe space where our community can discuss our issues. There would not be a lot of reading. If available, special speakers would be welcome. Respectful discussion, with an opportunity for everyone to take part is the plan. Any person who uses name calling, intimidation or threats will be ejected from the meeting.
Meeting times have not yet been finalized. The tentative plan is for the group to meet on Thursday evenings at around 7pm for 60- to 90-minutes starting in October. If the group desires, coffee or dinner before or after the meeting can be arranged.
If interested in commenting or finding out more, please contact me at 12steps@isp.com.
Thanks Michael,
Jim
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