Articles From Our April, 2008 Newsletter
PFLAG-KC
PO Box 414101
Kansas City, MO 64141-4101
Well, this is absolutely the hardest article I’ve ever had to write
because I am saying farewell—never goodbye. Richard and I found our dream of
a lake home while visiting his brother in Houston. After talking it over
with the kids we decided to make an offer and they have accepted, so it
looks like we’ll soon be Texans. It’s important for you know that my
involvement with this chapter weighed heavily in the decision making
process. In the end, I knew, as I have always known, that this chapter has
never been about the person who wears the badge of president. We are truly a
blessed group to have such a vibrant chapter with a board who supports the
mission of PFLAG and one another. That being said, you must also know that
there have been many tears shed, and more to come, because I will dearly
miss you all.
I came to my first PFLAG meeting five years ago knowing absolutely nothing
about the organization or how it would become an integral part of my life. I
was greeted with a huge hug from Helen Cohen and felt incredibly comfortable
in your midst. My motives for being here were selfish in that I simply
wanted to learn and I knew immediately that each one here had something to
give—a smile, a hug, a word of wisdom. And five years later that dynamic has
not changed. I still come for the same “stuff” :o)
I am deeply grateful for the love you have shared with me and for your
patience and trust while I served on the board. This group has been one of
the greatest passions of my life, and although there is a chapter in
Houston, my dearest friends will always be here—the ones who helped me start
this incredible journey that has opened up my eyes, my heart, and my world.
Taking to Texas what you have taught me in love,
Jaime
This newsletter has been hard on everyone involved and this reception is going to be no exception. We all know that April showers bring May flowers, so yes, there will be tears on April 13th, But Jamie would not want this to get to heavy so I would like to leave this food for thought with a quote from one of my favorite movies “Steel Magnolias” where Truvy (Dolly Parton) says “My favorite emotion is laughter through tears.” So lets all remember to laugh as well as have a few tears, this is not a good-bye. It is wishing the Lee’s all good things ahead in their lives. And it is another beginning in PFLAG/KC as we look forward to what stands before us now. And that, I think, is the way Jamie would want it.
PFLAG/KC will sponsor a taco dinner for Passages on April 19th from6-9 p.m.
at Broadway Church located at 3931 Washington. There will be sign up lists
at the meeting as well as items to provide. If you are unable to be at the
next meeting but wish to participate , Please contact Randy at 913-894-5748.
The 20th annual AIDS Walk is rapidly approaching on Saturday, April 26th at
Theis Park. Located south, across the street from the Nelson Art Gallery at
10:00a.m. PFLAG/KC will have a team walking this year as well as an
information table. If you would be interested in joining our team, there
will be a sign up list at the next meeting. If you can’t make it the next
meeting but want to participate, call Randy at 913-894-5748.If you are going
to walk, please plan to meet at the PFLAG/KC information table at 9:00a.m.
If you would be interested in assisting at the information table, contact
Randy
Also, there will be a separate envelope at the meeting if you would like to
make a donation to AIDS Walk. If you can’t make the meeting, you may send
your donation no later than April 20th to:
PFLAG/KC
P.O. Box 414101
Kansas City, Mo. 64141-4101
Please Mark your calendars for Saturday May 31st and Sunday June 1st for the
annual Pride Festival. PFLAG/KC will have an information booth. There will
be a sign up list for anyone interested in staffing the booth on Sat. or
Sun. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (depending on traffic)
2nd Citywide LGBT Organization Meeting
Wednesday April 9 Time: 6:00 pm
Spirit of Hope MCC, 3801 Wyandotte
Thanks to all of the organizations who’ve RSVP’d so far! If you haven’t done
so, PLEASE take the time to RSVP today about your attendance at this very
important Citywide LGBT Meeting. We encourage you to share this information
with your organization membership (as well as your friends). WE DON’T WANT
ANY ORGANIZATION TO BE LEFT OUT!
We’re going to discuss—as a community—an exciting opportunity to unite,
educate and enlighten our LGBT friends and colleagues. In late Fall 2008,
we’re working towards our city’s first Citywide LGBT Conference! We want
everyone to let us know their thoughts—and we want everyone to be involved.
This means all organizations, businesses, churches and individuals who want
to shine the light on our LGBT community.
Our goal is to have members from all local organizations come and share
their thoughts and find synergy between all of us that can benefit the
community at large.
Please respond to
as soon as possible to let us know who
will be representing your organization (and also a rough head count of those
coming from your group if possible.) This is a fantastic citywide
opportunity and we want to have a strong set of voices joining us on April
9!
The Lesbian & Gay Community Center is sponsoring this event to continue
UNITING our community and your participation is most appreciated!
Mitch Levine
Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Greater Kansas City
816 931 6025
Sun., May 18th, 11a.m.-3p.m./Swope Park/ Shelter #7. The Gay and Lesbian
Center is again sponsoring the city wide picnic this year. Mark your
calendars now . There will be more info in next months newsletter.
PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES