The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 t/a

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO. 5411

FEB
2011

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http://twitter.com/wmway http://youtube.com/williamwaycc http://on.fb.me/williamway info@waygay.org

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This Issue
p2. Greetings from the Exec Director Professional Volunteer Committee Forming! p3. February Calendar p4 February at a Glance p7. Two Musical Events This Month!

Interfaith Breakfast February 11, 2011

The William Way LGBT Community Center and the Out and Faithful Committee are pleased to present the third annual Interfaith Breakfast on Friday, February 11, 2011, at 7:30 AM. Each year, the Out and Faithful Committee presents its Interfaith Breakfast as part of an ongoing dialogue about faith and the LGBT community. Generation, Holztman is the founder of Reconstructionist Hevrah Kadishah. At the Interfaith Breakfast, Rabbi Holztman will speak, and the discussion will surround the spiritual drive for marriage equality. Funds raised at the event go toward spiritual and religious programming at the William Way LGBT Community Center. As in years past, the Interfaith Breakfast is strategically held around the same time as the National Freedom to Marry Day and part of LGBT Freedom Week in PA. Tickets to the event are $30 per person or $200 for a table of 8 and include admission and breakfast. For more information, contact Director of Center Services Candice Thompson at cthompson@waygay.org or 215-7322220.

This year, the guest speaker is Rabbi Linda Holztman. Rabbi Holztman has been rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation in Coatesville, PA, as well as rabbi of Beth Ahavah in Philadelphia, PA. Holztman also served as interim and now Senior Rabbi of Congregation Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia, PA. Author of a chapter in the book Twice Blessed and of the article Struggle, Change, and Celebration: My Life as a Lesbian Rabbi in Lesbian Rabbis: The First

The discussion will surround the spiritual drive for marriage equality

The William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.waygay.org (215) 732-2220 info@waygay.org

Professional Volunteer Committee Forming!

Did you know that over 30% of the work done at the William Way LGBT Community Center is performed by dedicated volunteers? In fact, the Center boasts hundreds of active volunteers performing duties ranging from peer counseling to administrative assistance at the front desk to special event set-up. Since the Centers beginnings in the 1970s, volunteers have been the backbone of Center activities, and without the continued support of community members time and talents, programs could not continue to thrive and touch thousands every year. With this in mind, the Center is forming professional volunteer committees to take Center operations to the next level. In particular, the Center is hoping to revamp its marketing strategies, fundraising strategies, and special events in the coming year. Typically, each committee meets once a month to discuss strategies moving forward or to identify potential areas of focus or growth. Currently, the Resource Development Committee, comprised of community volunteers,
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Greetings from the Executive Director

On January 15th, 2011, I will have completed my first six months on the job. I wanted to thank all of you for supporting the Center so energetically during this period. Ive been grateful for the many forms of your support and dedication to the Center.
During these six months I intended to grow the Center in a number of key ways, namely in the areas of accessibility, fundraising and other resource development, and growth of organizational infrastructure. In the area of accessibility, we focused on completing the first floor restroom to ensure proper amenities for the many individuals who benefit from a more accessible facility. Furthermore, we trained staff on how to use the wheelchair lift to ensure those using wheelchairs could enjoy the Center whenever theyd like. We have also reached out to many groups who have never met at the Center, or havent done so recently, and invited them to visit our building. Our goal is for more and more people to be accessing the building and its services. With regard to fundraising, we grew the membership rolls by 144 new members and added 6 new Cornerstone members (those supporters who contribute $1,000 or more a year). One generous donor in the course of two weeks contributed first $600, then $1,400 more, and, finally, $8,000 for a grand total of $10,000! It is this sort of generosity that reminds me of the investment, literally and figuratively, that our community generates for the Center. In December, we mounted the Centers first video appeal, which was the foundation of the over $47,000 raised during that month.. Thank you to all who have contributed! In the area of infrastructure, we have created new committees for marketing the Center and for fundraising. In the next month, we will create a facilities committee to envision and create a state-of-the-art building that will be amongst the finest in the country. Nows the time to dream big! Please let us know if youd like to assist with any of these committees work. What should you be looking forward to in the upcoming months? We will be continuing our town halls to create community conversation about our vibrant Center. We will be continuing ongoing conversations with the Attic Youth Center to bridge services between our two organizations and thus grow the possibilities for intergenerational interaction. We will be reaching out to new donors from around the city, both LGBT folks and our many allies. We will be taking the lead on issues and programs of interest to LGBT seniors, including the key area of LGBT senior housing. In March, we will begin our next five year strategic plan, which will lay out the blueprint for the Center that we envision for the future. Expect innovation and energy! Lets hear it for the women: For this weeks article, I put a request out on Facebook for topics that members would like me to address. Ellie DiLapi, a long-time community activist, asked me to speak about the Centers plans for women. This is an important question, and Ive spent time over the past six months speaking to women and members of womens programs here. Some clear messages I have received: that the Center needs to do a better job of being visible in places where women interested in the Centers activities live and work and to create programs that are relevant to women, both in the realm of activities and advocacy. And, we need to continue to grow the participation of women amongst volunteers, staff, and other key groups. I promise that these voices will continue to be heard in our planning process, and that we will thus see growth in womens participation in the Center. Please stop by to visit!

Center board members, and Center staff, meets on the second Monday of each month to review and discuss the progress made by the various committees. Being part of one of these committees requires a monthly commitment of time and talent, so consider impacting the Center with a donation of time and effort. Womens Wednesday Crew

Two Musical Events This Month!

February is an exciting month for music lovers here at the Center! Not only do we have a fabulous concert by Philadelphias own Tom Wilson Weinberg and Melissa Kolcynski, but we also have a free concert with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. Both events serve and benefit the Centers Womens Wednesdays program: a social and educational group comprised of women over 50. First, on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at 8:00 PM, the Center hosts the Tom and Melissa Valentine Tour 2011 at the Willie Way Cabaret: a variety show featuring Tom and Melissa. During this musical show, Tom and Melissa will delight you with their songs and more. This cabaret benefits Womens Wednesdays. Tickets can be purchased for $15 before February 1, 2011, by calling the William Way Community Center at 215732-2220 or online at www. waygay.org. Tickets are $20 after February 1, 2011, and at the door. Second, on Monday, February 14, 2011, at 6:30, Womens Wednesdays will venture to Verizon Hall to spend an evening with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra! gathering with light far and then walk to the Kimmel Center at 7:30 PM. RSVPs kindly requested to emiller@ waygay.org before February 7, 2011.

Any individuals with expertise in fundraising, special events, marketing, or graphic design are encouraged to contact Executive Director Chris Bartlett at wwccedir@ waygay.org or 215-7322220 to discuss joining any of the committees.

February is an exciting month for music lovers here at the Center!

Curtis has generously gifted 20 tickets to Center program participants, so reserve your spot for this free evening of high culture by contacting Senior Programs Coodinator Ed Miller at 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org. This performance features the works of Hindemith, Higdon, and Shostakovich and will be conducted by Juanjo Mena. Womens Wednesdays attendees participating in this event will meet at the Center at 6:30 PM for a pre-concert

Executive Director Chris Bartlet

Around the Center

February Calendar

Artist Alexander Conner hangs one of his works in the Centers Art Gallery

Facilities Coordinator Avis Albaladejo braves sub-freezing temperatures to ensure the Center remains open during one of Januarys snowstorms

Participants in the Centers Mah-jongg club enjoy a game in mid-January

Volunteer Orientation Wed, Feb 2, 7:30 pm Volunteer Orientation is a monthly information session for new volunteers to learn about the Center and the various ways to get involved. Call (215) 732-2220 to register. Out and Faithful: Interfaith Breakfast Fri, Feb 11, 7:30am Join the William Way Centers Out and Faithful Committee as they host the third annual Interfaith Breakfast featuring guest speaker Rabbi Linda Holtzman. This years topic remains marriage equality for same sex partners. Rabbi Holtzman is the Senior Rabbi at Mishkan Shalom, a synagogue dedicated to repair of the world through prayer, study and acts of caring. Rabbi Holtzman is the author of a chapter in Twice Blessed (Beacon Press, 1989), as well as the article Struggle, Change and Celebration: My Life as a Lesbian Rabbi in Lesbian Rabbis: The First Generation, edited by Rebecca T. Alpert, Sue Levi Elwell and Shirley Idelson (Rutgers University Press, 2000). Tickets are first come, first serve with only 60 seats available. $30 for individuals/$200 for tables of 8. Please visit the web site for ticket purchase at www. waygay.org or call during normal business hours at 215-732-2220. RSVP deadline is Monday, February 7 to Candice Thompson at cthompson@waygay.org or 215-732-220.

FREE! Chess Club Sundays, 4-6pm This is a new inclusive group seeking players of all skill levels interested in socializing and working on their game. Library See Calendar for hours Over 10,000 LGBT themed books and DVDs available for check out. (Free) Sun: 12-3pm, Mon: 12-9pm, Tue: 3-6pm, Wed: 12-9pm, Thu: 12-9pm, Fri: 3-6pm, Sat: 12-6pm

February at a Glance
Art Gallery: Works by Alexander Conner Show runs from Jan 10 Feb 25 Alexander Conner is a Philadelphia based interdisciplinary artist. His work examines people within relation to their environments through drawing, photography, printmaking, technology, sound works, video and installation. Attic Youth Center Queerealities: Posters for Change On display at the Center Jan 17 Feb 28 Queerrealities: Posters for Change, was imagined, designed, and printed by 17 youth at the Attic Youth Center during the 2010 summer, in conjunction with Work Ready Philadelphia. Youth were provided with examples of how the poster has been used as a tool for social change, dialogued with LGBTQ elders at the William Way Community Center, and visited the William Way archives. Book Club: Affinity by Sarah Waters Wed, Feb 16, 7 8 pm Waters successfully brings the Victorian era to life in this story of an emotionally vulnerable spinster, Margaret Prior, who attempts to overcome the losses of loved ones by taking up charitable social work with the women of Millbank prison in London. Her relationship with Selina Dawes, a spiritualist imprisoned for fraud and assault, progresses from mere fascination to blind passion, and the reader is pulled along with her in her quest for love and purpose in a world which has deprived her of the opportunity to achieve either. FREE! Guys Night Out Stays In! Movie, games, food, and fun Fri, Feb 18, 6 pm Cozy up at the Center with friends for a fabulous night in. The Center will provide the games, movies, and food and you provide the company! Please dont hesitate to bring some of your classic favorites as well. This diverse group of GBT men meets monthly for social and cultural opportunities of interest. For more information or to learn about past events, please contact cthompson@waygay.org. RSVP requested. John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives: Resisting Racism: 30 Years of Men of All Colors Together On view Jan 27 Mar 25, 2011 In January of 1980, the very first BWMT (Black and White Men Together) group began in San Francisco, CA. A courageous few decided to create that which could not be found a group of gay people who enjoyed interracial relationships and who wished to actively confront the issue of racism in their lives. One year later, the idea had been carried across the country and on January 25, 1981, a meeting was held at the Smart Place to discuss the possibility of forming such a group in Philadelphia. Please join the Center and MACT as we celebrate their 30th Year Anniversary by exploring and explaining their vibrant history in the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives exhibition space. FREE. Open LGBT Town Hall Meeting An Update on the proposed LGBT Senior Housing Program Thu, Feb10, 6:30 - 8 pm The William Way LGBT Community Center invites you to our third town hall meeting. This meeting is open to all members of the LGBT and allied communities who are interested in hearing an update on the proposed LGBT Senior Housing Program. Center staff and members of the Board of Directors will present the culmination of our due diligence research and present both the benefits and challenges of the proposed program. Youll also see some proposed configurations of the renovated space and we will answer questions you may have. Space in our ballroom is limited, so please RSVP by emailing townhall@waygay.org or call 215732-2220. FREE! A Penny for Your Thoughts Sat, Feb 19, 4-7 pm This guided discussion on all issues which impact lesbian, bisexual and questioning women will provide an opportunity to address a variety of topics including but not limited to sexuality, role playing, politics, relationships, etc No subject is off limits! Each question will be written on a 3 by 5 index card and folded in half and cards will be picked randomly by the co-facilitators, Trina Dorman and Yvette Lassiter, MSW, and read to the group at large. RSVP is required to info@waygay.org or 215-732-2220 as space is limited. PhilaVentures: Ski or Snow Tubing at Blue Mt. Ski Area Sun, Feb 6, 12:30 pm Join PhilaVentures for a day of snow tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area (just above Allentown, Pa). Or use a different slice of the mountain for easy to moderate downhill skiing. We will tube and ski from 12:30 - 5 pm. Optional dinner afterwards with your new snow buddies.Return to Philadelphia around 8-9 pm. Contact Bert G. at Bert12345@ comcast.net , 215-271-8822. Car pooling is available. Prices: Ski lift tickets, 12:30 to 5 PM, $49. (Equipment rental $29). Tubing tickets, 12:30 to 5PM, $25. No equipment necessary. Tubers and skiers should go to the Valley Lodge at Blue Mountain before noon and purchase their individual tickets. Then go nearby to the Adventure Lodge Cafeteria, near the tube slopes. Be dressed and ready to hit the slopes, by 12:15. Skiers: If renting ski equipment, we recommend you be there by 11:00 A.M., and get your equipment and lift ticket. FREE! Queer Writers Collective Sat, Feb 26, 4 6 pm (Every 4th Sat of the month) Join this free group for a monthly workshop and discussion to develop your unique queer voice via the written word at the Center. Contact Candice for information at (215) 732-2220 or info@ waygay.org. Silver Foxes Sun, Feb 27, 3-5 pm (Every 4th Sunday of the month) For LGBT 50+ folks. A monthly

Snapshots from the John J. Wilcox Jr. Library & Archive

social and discussion group at the Center. Light refreshments will be served and feel welcome to bring other food. Volunteer Velada & Dinner Tue, Feb 15, 7 pm (Every 3rd Tue of the month) Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing. Its a big job and we need -your help! FREE! WeXist Fri, Feb 11* & 25, 6:30 & 7 pm (Every 2nd & 4th Fri of the month) Support group for transmen, those born female with gender identity questions, and female-tomale (FTM) transsexuals. *Join us on Friday, February 11th for a special WeXist yoga workout! You are invited to devote 90 minutes to your healing, reconnection with self and appreciation of your mind, body and soul. Its a beginners/mixed level class so it can be practiced regardless of previous yoga experience or physical condition. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothes. We are happy to bring you this event with Partners of Trans. Willie Way Cabaret: Tom and Melissas Valentines Tour Sat, Feb 5, 8 pm Melissa Kolczynski and Tom Wilson Weinberg, popular cabaret performers, bring The Tom and Melissa Valentine Tour 2011 to the Willie Way Cabaret. and Melissa have created a Valentine of romantic, quirky and poignant songs, some Weinberg originals and some from the American songbook. Tickets are $20 for general admission and can

be purchased online at www. waygay.org, by telephone at 215732-2220 during normal business hours, or at the door. Womens Valentines Day with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra Mon, Feb 14, 6:30 pm, performance at 8 pm Inviting all women 50+ for a warm and sensuous evening with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra at Verizon Hall. The Center has 20 free tickets to this wonderful performance featuring works by HINDEMITH (Konzertmusik for Strings and Brass, Op. 50), HIGDON (Violin Concerto), and SHOSTAKOVICH (Symphony No. 5) conducted by Juanjo Mena. We will meet at the Center at 6:30pm for light fare and then walk the short distance to the Kimmel Center at 7:30pm. To reserve your spot, please contact Ed Miller at 215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org. RSVP requested by February 7. Dont miss this opportunity to spend Valentines Day at the Orchestra with your favorite women. Womens Wednesdays Wed, Feb 16, 5:30-7:30 pm Movie Night: Please join us in our cozy living room for the critically acclaimed movie - The Kids Are All Right staring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore. The movie is directed by the incredibly talented and out lesbian Lisa Cholodenko. Light fare is served. This is an opportunity for women 50+ to network and forge friendships. For more info, contact Ed Miller at emiller@waygay.org.

FREE! M.O. (Mornings OUT) Senior Social Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm A social/educational group for older men with occasional outings, speakers and events. Light refreshments served. FREE! Mah-jongg Thursdays, 12pm & 7:30pm For experienced and new players. Mah-jongg is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and luck for four players. Reservations required call (215) 732-2220. FREE! Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Sundays, 5pm For Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism. Meditation and discussion. FREE! Rapid HIV Testing Mondays, 4-7pm Walk-in confidential HIV testing using the OraQuick Advance oral swab test (no blood draw). Testing process takes 30- 45 minutes. Results provided during the appointment. PhilaVentures Wissahickon Hike Last Sun of Each Month, 2pm An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT people who like fresh air and exercise. Some ups/downs and uneven paths. Meet at former Borders Books in Chestnut Hill.

Recurring Weekly Programs

FREE! Bridge Club Mondays, 2-5pm Party Bridge for the experienced player. Reservations required. Call Ellis (215) 732-2220. NEW! FREE! TransWay Thursdays, 7-9pm A weekly social group for transgender men & women.