Renaissance LSV March Newsletter 2006
Edited by
Ellen Davidson
New Renaissance LSV Website
There will be a meeting of Renaissance LSV on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the MCC Church on Jefferson St in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The doors open at 8:00 PM and the meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM. The program for the evening will be to watch the movie “Normal” with discussion to follow. Sodas and popcorn will be provided.News from the Directors Chair:
Our Annual Bubes Brewery Party is coming up soon on March 18. I hope a lot of us will be going its got a lot of good stuff going on and a great opportunity to socialize. A good meal, silent auction, a good program and all for only 28.00 Dollars. I hope you all enjoy it.
In April your Managing Director will be going to Elizabethtown College to work with a class on Sexuality. I got this chance when I was there in January. When Pastor Eva and I went to give a class to a group.Regarding our part in Pride for July, I was addressed for volunteers in the parade. With that in mind, I know that most of our people in our community do not want to be seen. We can help in many other ways that would utilize our talents in the backdrop of the parade. So I ask you to give it thought. Is anyone interested in participating in the Parade?Starting in April we will be going over the BI-laws a little at a time till next elections. I hope we can pound it out and get over with it so we can move on. We will still have the activities that Rachel is providing. So we have a lot of work ahead. We will still have some fun too.Happy St Pats Day,
Angela K. Garner
Managing Director LSV
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Ellen’s Corner
Sisters helping Sisters is what our organization is all about. We have been there in the past when our members have been in the hospital for various reasons and when some of our members have achieved their goal of SRS and becoming a woman. I remember attending a medieval wedding for two of our members. I have helped members to move and to find work and many of us have been involved in this kind of service.Last month I helped a friend, whom I will call Gloria, move from Cocoa, Florida to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Why would you ask would anyone in her right mind move from a warm place to a cold climate. Simple, Gloria, a long time CD, told me there are no worthwhile jobs in the area and no places to go out and socialize with others like her within 50 to 100 miles.
She planned to leave Sunday afternoon about 4 PM and drive all night arriving in Lancaster sometime on Monday evening. But that didn’t work because the movers were late in getting started and didn’t finish loading the truck until Sunday evening. Unfortunately all of Gloria’s worldly possessions didn’t fit in the moving van so some had to go in the trailer, which she couldn’t rent until Monday morning. On a cold day in Florida, Gloria set out alone on the 900 plus mile journey towing a trailer behind her 10 yr old vehicle. The funny thing was she had never towed a trailer before and was petrified at the prospect of having to back up. So finally late afternoon on Monday Feb 13th the Journey began going north on I 95 into a threatened snowstorm.Gloria drove all night stopping only for necessities and to catch power naps on the way. I talked with Gloria on her cell phone Tuesday morning and she said she was in North Carolina and still expected to get to Lancaster that afternoon. Gloria couldn’t read a map so she had printed directions to follow on I 95 to the Beltway around Washington DC and Baltimore into York via 83 and then follow 30 to Lancaster. I tried to call her cell phone several times during the day without avail so I went to work. During my break around 4 o’clock I received the message on my cell phone, “Help! I’m lost!” I called her and she told me somehow she had gotten off at the wrong exit and was now headed toward downtown Washington. She asked me what to do. I suggested pull off the road, turn your flashers on, look helpless and call 911, which she did. I can imagine the conversation went something like this: “911 emergency…do you have an emergency?” “I’m Lost.” “Where are you?” “Hell, If I knew that I wouldn’t be calling you would I?” The 911 operator said something about out of staters causing trouble by not being able to drive in the area and refused to help.I called Gloria back at my next work break. She said a friendly cute guy at a service station gave her directions to get back onto the beltway and she was ok for the present. She asked me to stay on the line and tell her when to turn. I couldn’t do this because I was at work so I called a sister CD, Michelle who used to drive trucks. I asked Michelle to call Gloria on the cell phone and to be her guide. Michelle agreed to do this and directed Gloria around Washington and Baltimore to rte 83 to York. She met Gloria in York and then led her to the apartment in Lancaster. Thanks Michelle for all of your help.I called Gloria after work at about 11 PM and agreed to help her move into the apartment on Wednesday morning. I took another CD friend with me, Billie and we unloaded the trailer and waited for the moving van. I had to go to work at 2 and the moving van didn’t arrive until after 3. Finally Gloria started to get settled. I have gone back to her apartment several times to help with organizing and getting rid of a mountain of trash…..what an ordeal. But I am glad she is with us. Gloria, welcome to Lancaster.Another
Michelle Lynn GreyFeather
and Ellen Davidson Adventure
This past weekend several of us traveled to Long Island for the Femme Fever Gala Ball. We left York, PA around midnight and arrived at the motel about 5 AM Saturday morning. We had a verbal commitment for early admission. After encountering a surly night manager and a mix-up on the reservations; we had to try to sleep in 20 degree temperatures outside in the van for several hours before being permitted into an alternative room. None the less, we had a great time shopping, dining, and dancing to music provided by DJ, Lisa and socializing with over 100 T-Girls at the Holiday Inn. The girls from Femme Fever really know how to have fun. We also participated in the entertainment for the event as Michelle, Deanna, Georgia and I performed as Shania Shane and a back up air band. Deanna played the guitar, Georgia was on the keyboard, and I attempted to look like I was playing the drums. Some people came up to me after the show and said it was great but they were waiting for the drum solo! Below are a couple pictures of the number and the band.The girls were doing a mixed number from Shania Twain, "Man I Feel Like Woman" with a mix of "UP". Michelle, AKA Shania Shane, loves doing numbers by Shania Twain when she performs in shows.
We had a lot of great comments about the number, many said they forgot it was not a real band because it look liked we were really playing. The Band members did a few antics to entertain the audience while music synching to the number making it very entertaining. It was a lot of fun doing. Michelle use to play drums in a
Rock / Country Band many years ago and though it would be fun to do something like this. Michelle hasn't played in a band since breaking her left wrist and fingers years ago which prevented her from being able to manipulate her wrist and fingers for playing cords on the guitar and playing the drums. Ellen played drums in the high school band, Deanna plays Steel and Bass guitar now and has played in several bands over the years. Georgia did a fantastic job music synching with the keyboard for the first time. The number was so well excepted that Michelle is thinking of doing other numbers with the AIR BAND. Many told Michelle it was original and great concept. There were at least 150 plus girls at the FemmeFever Gala Ball. It was a fantastic way to spend a weekend.
See you at the meeting,
Ellen Davidson
Ellen Davidson
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Cathy’s Chatter
by Cathy Dewalt
March 2006
Brrrrr. February sure didn’t go out the way it came in did it? I have to write a five minute speech for an assignment. This speech must be something personal that has affected my life. I’ll tell you, for me, it should be easy. But it isn’t. One would think that a Transgendered person would have a hundred times five minutes to talk about on some life changing experience. Unfortunately, that is a subject that is taboo for reasons I have mentioned in previous columns. I also have a problem with a professor who would require such a speech when they know nothing about their student’s lives. One girl is going to write about child abuse, as she was an abused child growing up. For some, it may be OK to dredge up bad memories. I for one, feel this is something I can’t get into in a classroom. It is different with readers of this newsletter as you are going through these issues as well. Anyway, the abuse thing stuck in my mind and I followed up on it. I will not get into it, but I personally helped someone get away from an abusive husband. What amazed me is that this person near and dear to me had suffered this abuse for a number of years and never told a soul. One can only imagine what that is like to fear your spouse or companion. You know what though, we that are of the LGBT community do go through this. I am not talking about the beatings; I am referring to other forms of abuse. I am talking emotional as well as verbal. Some individuals are lucky enough to have a significant other who is understanding and supportive. However, I am sure there are more who live in fear. Fear that the wrong persons will discover a long kept secret. I went through this, so I know as well as many others what this is like. Most likely, even the ones who now have loving support did so also. Many fear, understandably, coming out of the closet, just because of the abuse they may face. A good therapist is a good place to seek help. If you have insurance, check out your policy. I was surprised when I found that there was a section on mental health in my company’s health insurance policy. Even if you do not have insurance coverage, check it out anyway, you may be able to work something out with a therapist. I of course, am addressing individuals who are just coming out. Those of us that have been out for any length of time are already aware of our options.
In other parts of this letter, you will find references to an upcoming party at Bubes’s Brewery. There are a number of activities happening there that evening. The stories I hear about past parties at this location, make it sound like a blast. I sincerely hope that all that attend this year, have a great time. See Ellen for further details. Until next month,
Cathy
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Rachel’s HQ
At March’s Meeting, we will be showing the movie “Normal”. It’s about a man who at the age of 50 and after 25 years of marriage, finally decides it’s time to become who he was meant to be and starts his transitioning. Anyone who’s not interested in the movie may go over to the designated social area.And DON”T FORGET MARCH 18TH!!!!
Renaissance LSV Chapter Bubes Brewery Annual Party
March 18th 2006 (6pm - 11:30pm) Only 15 tickets available
Ticket 1: (6pm starts cocktail hour)
Dinner = $17 / person Dinner Begins 7pm Tax 6% = $1.02 Gratuity = $3.06
Entertainment = $6.92 (Comedian, Karen Gray) Show starts 8:30
Total = $28.00 / person
or if you can’t make it for dinner!!
Ticket 2: (can not enter before 8:05pm)
Entertainment = $13.00 (Comedian, Karen Gray) Show starts 8:30pm
Total = $13.00 / person
Tickets will be available for sale at the March Meeting!
Please see our website for details on the menu and full schedule!
http://www.renaissancelsv.com/2006_Spring_Fling.html
Any questions, feel free to contact me at rachel_f_ts@yahoo.com
Rachel Fischer,
Program Director Ren LSV
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Renaissance LSV Chapter Bubes Brewery Annual Party
March 18th 2006 (6pm - 11:30pm)
The Dinner Menu and Event Activities are below, a delicious meal
and an evening you won't want to miss.
6PM - 7PM cocktail / h'orderves
7PM - 8PM dinner
8PM - 8:30PM sell 50/50's, bid on silent auctions /social / music
8:30PM - 9:15PM Karen Gray (Comedian)
9:15PM - 10:30 winners of 50/50 and auctions,
Trivia game /social / music
* Everyone is responsible to buy his or her own beverages (soda, alcohol, etc.)*
Buffet includes:
soup,salad & bread
Lasagna - made w/ pasta, cream sauce, marinara sauce, several
Cheeses & pepperoni
Boneless breast of chicken - with cheddar cheese stuffing and
wrapped in bacon
Shrimp & dill tart - baby shrimp, shallots, dill, Swiss cheese,
baked in a custard filled pastry crust
Only 40 tickets available
Ticket 1 : (6pm starts cocktail hour)
Dinner = $17 / person
Dinner Begins 7pm
Tax 6% = $1.02 Gratuity = $3.06
Entertainment = $6.92 (Comedian, Karen Gray) Show starts 8:30
Total = $28.00 / person
or if you can’t make it for dinner!!
Ticket 2 : (can not enter before 8:05pm)
Entertainment = $13.00 (Comedian, Karen Gray) Show starts 8:30pm
Total = $13.00 / person
Tickets will be available for sale at the February Meeting.
Any questions, feel free to contact me at rachel_f_ts@yahoo.com
Rachel Fischer,
Program Director Ren LSV
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Joke of the Day:
Symptoms of Bird Flu: high fever, congestion, nausea, fatigue, aching in the joints and……
an irrestible urge to poop on someone’s windshield.
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Calendar of Events for March 2006
Thurs Mar 2 - Goth Music Night - Revelations
Sat Mar 4 - Renaissance LSV Meeting - 8:30 PM MCC Church - Harrisburg
Thurs Mar 9 - Drag Show to benefit Green High Heel Race - 10 PM - Stallions
Fri Mar 10 - 100% Pure Disco - 10 PM - Altlands Ranch
Fri Mar 17 - Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Country Dance Night - 9 PM - Altlands Ranch
Drag Show - 10:30 PM - Pink Lizard
Green Beer night - Stallions
Sat Mar 18 - Bubes Brewery Party - Alois - 6 PM - Mt Joy
Mon Mar 20 - Vernal Equinox - First Day of Spring !
Fri Mar 24 - Karaoke - Altlands Ranch
Sat Mar 25 - Tea Dance - 2 PM - Pink Lizard
Sun Mar 26 - Drag Show - benefit Harrisburg Angels football team - 9 PM - Stallions
Fri Mar 31 - First Drag King Pageant - 9 PM - Pink Lizard
