Baltimore OUTloud • December 9, 2016

OUT Holiday Festivities 2016

Baltimore outloud staff The holidays are here and there’s going to be no moping around at home this year, you hear? Baltimore OUTloud thought it would be nice to let you in on some of the events going on around the area.

The Pandora Ice Rink at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is here for another magical season! The Waterfront Partnership announces a full lineup of programming including “Late Night Skate with Insomnia Cookies,” the “Inner Harbor Frost Fest,” excerpts from The Nutcracker by the Next Age Ice, SkateFest (benefitting Special Olympics of Maryland,” and Saturday’s with Santa. All activities are free to enjoy with paid admission.

Saturdays with Santa – December 10th and 17th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grab the family and stop by to take your own treasured holiday photographs with Santa.

Late Night Skate with Insomnia Cookies – December 7 and January 4, 8 to 10 p.m. – Come skate under the stars!

Pixel-perfect – artist David Roesner

The first 100 people will get to enjoy Insomnia Cookies (while supplies last).

Excerpts from The Nutcracker Skate

by The Next Ice Age – December 15th, 7 p.m. – Visit the rink to check out live and choreographed performances of scenes from The Nutcracker by the Next Ice Age. This performance is free.

SkateFest Benefiting Special Olympics of Maryland – January 5th [rain date: January 12th], 6 to 8 p.m. – For a $5 donation, you will receive admission and skate rental. Additional donations are welcomed, with all proceeds collected going to Special Olympics of Maryland. The evening includes festive music, skating “Beary White,” refreshments and giveaways while supplies last.

Inner Harbor Frost Fest – Januaryth 11, 6 to 8 p.m. – Enjoy live music, a festive kids’ crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and a snowmen ice sculpture photo station.

By Frankie Kujawa They say a picture is worth a thousand words. A thousand words don’t even begin to describe the amazingly talented work of local artist David Roesner. The Maryland native and former Mt. Vernon resident, has garnered a lot of praise for his surreal aesthetics and design.

“It’s just something that I’ve always done,” explained Roesner about becoming an artist. “I’ve always drawn and doodled. I started taking it seriously in high school and devoted a lot of time and discipline to developing drawing and painting skills.” Roesner also mentioned that he always had a passion for art and design

December 9, 2016 | Volume XIV, Issue 16

Located at the top of the Amphitheater in the Inner Harbor, the Pandora Ice Rink is open seven days a week now through January 16th, 2017. Regular hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 12 to 10 p.m.; Fridays, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For full program and ice rink details, including rink pricing and special holiday hours, visit Innerharboricerink.org.

The Southwest Baltimore communities offer a variety of events to celebrate the holiday season too.

Union Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting – December 9th, 7 p.m. – Kick off the holidays with the tree lighting in Union Square Park! Join the Union Square Association, students from Steuart Hill Academy, friends and neighbors for photos with Santa and Gingey, free hot cocoa, and general good cheer.

Performance by the Palovations –

Pointillism transformed art in the late 19th century.

Are pixels their match in the 21st?

R&B and Christmas Music – December 10th, Hollins Market, 1 to 4 p.m. – Come out to Hollins Market for some holiday shopping and enjoy the sounds of the seasons with the Palovations. This is the second annual holiday concert in the market, and it’s all free.

Holiday Jam with Sahffi – December 10th, 10 a.m. to noon – Join the communities of Southwest Baltimore as they get into the holiday/winter spirit with decorations, snacks, and refreshments, and a community musical jam led by singer/songwriter/musician Sahffi. Drums, shakers, and tambourines will be available for playing along as well! Free.

31st Annual Union Square Cookie Tour – December 11th, noon to 4:30 p.m., Union Square Park – $18 in advance or $20 at the door or $15 for groups of 4 or more.Organizers plan to recruit an unprecedented 20-plus remarkable homes within —continued on page 3

Local Artist Pixelates Depth into the Soul

but it was the creative drive that honed his technique. “My middle school drawings looked a lot like everyone else’s but when I decided in high school to focus on art it became a priority. After a lot of hours of practice, it turned into a refined skill.”

As a graduate of Calvert Hall College High School, Roesner was faced with a dilemma when choosing the right college. “I ended up having to decide between art school and architecture. It was more a pragmatic decision. I didn’t know

anyone as an artist, and I didn’t see it initially as a legitimate profession. Nothing against my background, but at the time I didn’t see that painting was possible.” Roesner went on to graduate from the College Park School of Architecture. Eventually, his foray into architecture allowed him to balance two of his passions. “I count my blessings that I am able to paint and do what I love and sustain that with architecture. Today, I work two days a week at an architecture firm. Right now, painting is the majority of my time and income. It’s the majority of my inspiration, but I’m not writing —continued on page 14

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DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

news // LOCAL

Holiday Festivities 2016

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the historic neighborhood to host the annual event with the best homemade cookies, brownies, candies, and libations ever. To add to the holiday magic, they will have a commemorative poster and ornament available for purchase at the door. Visit Unionsquareassociation.org/cookie-tour for tickets and more information.

Selfies with Santa – December 17th & 24th, Hollins Market, 1 to 4 p.m. – Get your holiday shopping done and selfies with Santa at the same time! Free.

Baltimore Men’s Chorus Winter Concert – 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11th – Get in the holiday spirit with a joint concert at St. Vincent de Paul Church (120 North Front Street). This year’s concert features a wide array of seasonal music, from traditional and classic Christmas music to more secular, contemporary pieces evoking the winter season, plus a few surprises thrown in to light up the evening.

Baltimore Choral Arts Society Messiah sing-along – Friday December 16th at 7:30 p.m. – Held at Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium (1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson). Music director Tom Hall leads the chorus, orchestra, and you the audience in the magnificent choruses of Handel’s Messiah. Enjoy the surround-sound of this exhilarating experience. Tom Hall will be your musical coach and whimsical guide. No experience necessary! Bring your own musical score or purchase one at the concert. General Admission, $25.

Christmas for Kids – Saturday, December 17th, 11 a.m. –gives children the chance to share the excitement of a live concert with parents, grandparents, and siblings. The program about an hour long, and it features playful characters, a story

with music and movement, and familiar sing-along carols. Santa Claus makes an appearance too. It’s the perfect way to introduce your children to the joys of classical music. At Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium. Tickets are $13.

GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland 40th anniversary celebration – Friday, December 16th, 6 p,m, at Chase Court (1112 St. Paul Street) – Join a lively, committed crowd for a night of celebration, laughter and community as we reflect on 40 years of uniting and empowering sexual and gender minorities in Baltimore and across Maryland.

Enjoy a delicious, fully-catered cocktail dinner, premium unlimited open bar all night long, special guest performances, and the company of Maryland’s most dedicated and supportive community members, all at the beautiful Chase Court. Ticket price includes the price of dinner, drinks, and a generous donation to GLCCB and Baltimore Pride. Tickets are $125. Semi-formal attire suggested. 21-plus only. For tickets: GLCCB40th.eventbrite.com Kwanzaa event at the GLCCB: Celebrating all of Our Colors: An LGBTQ Kwanzaa – Friday, December 30th,6 to 9 p.m. A liberatory Kwanzaa celebration. Help us celebrate the principal of Nia through movement, drumming, song, and art. Please join us for a night of healing, joy and good food. The event honors Vann Michael and Jasmine Pope for their activism and leadership. Dinner is potluck. If you would like to bring a dish, visit first Perfectpotluck.com/meals. php?t=QBSJ0856&welcome=1 t

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Chase Brexton Contract Negotiations Begin

By Bill Redmond-Palmer On November 16th, the management of Chase Brexton Health Care (CBHC) held its first meeting in the process of negotiating a contact with the newly chosen union for CBHC professional employees, 1199 SEIU. The nearly 100 such employees voted overwhelmingly to unionize this past August 25th. They include the case managers, various consultants, trans health coordinators, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse care managers, certified nurse mid-

wives, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, dentists, psychologists and psychiatrists working for Chase Brexton.

One of the first agreements made between the two sides was to reserve public comment about the process during negotiations.

They did however, both express opti-

mism, and look forward to continuing the process. “We are glad the process has started and look forward to continuing to negotiate in good faith,” said a statement from Aaron Cahall, CBHC Communications Manager. Brian Owens, organizer with 1199SEIU, said that the “union members on the bargaining committee are looking forward to working with management to agree on a fair contract, and are hopeful that negotiations will be productive.” t

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

The Poz 100 HIV: Baltimore is Tenth Riskiest City Celebrates the South Atlanta – From the vindication of “Patient Zero” to the discovery of an antibody that neutralizes 98 percent of HIV strains, 2016 ushered in significant breakthroughs in HIV research. But HIV has reached every corner of the country and continues to affect 1.2 million Americans. The likelihood of becoming infected with HIV in the U.S. is 1 in 99, but the lifetime risk of becoming infected increases greatly for those living in the South and in some areas of the East Coast, with Baltimore the tenth riskiest city and the only one not in the South. The risk is even greater for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women of color. If current trends continue, one out of two African-American MSM and trans women are estimated to contract HIV at some point in their lifetimes; for Latino MSM and Latina trans women, the risk is one out of four.

GetTested.com, the makers of a startup at-home STD testing kit, has released a map highlighting the continued risks of the HIV epidemic in the South. Using publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a new map shows where the risk of becoming infected with HIV is greatest in the U.S. “Testing is a vital step to stemming the spread of HIV in our country. Approximately one in eight of those infected with HIV don’t know, causing them to spread the virus unknowingly to their partners,” says Hannah Dela Cruz, spokeswoman for GetTested.com.

Using different color designations, the map shows the varying degrees of lifetime risk of HIV infection in each state. Although only a third of the population resides in the region, 44 percent of Americans diagnosed with HIV live in the South. The map outlines this area as the riskiest for HIV infection. Nine of 10 cities with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses are in the South, with Baton Rouge, Miami, and New Orleans topping the list. In the Carolinas, Columbia ranked eight with nearby Memphis and Atlanta at numbers six and seven, respectively. For more information on GetTested.com, visit gettested.com. (Q Notes Online – at Goqnotes.com) t

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

By Bill Redmond-Palmer Poz magazine has chronicled the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and those who advocate for them for over 22 years.

As part of that work, each year they celebrate people working to end the epidemic through the Poz 100 list. They usually focus on a class of people like youth, researchers or HIV long-term survivors, however this year they are focusing on a geographic region: the South.

According to Kathie M. Hiers, CEO of AIDS Alabama, the 16 states Morris Murray plus Washington,

transplant. After many challenges, he was cured of hepatitis C in 2011, and had a successful liver transplant in 2013. He now advocates for organ donation, and mentors other people co-infected by HIV and HCV. He serves on the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service Consumer Advisory Board and the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program Consumer Advisory Board, which advises the governor on which meds should be included in the assistance formulary. Murray has been active for many years in the Baltimore LGBT community, including serving as chair of the Baltimore Pride festival.

“I just want to continue to bring awareness to organ donation especially among those living with HIV,” said Murray. “Now that the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act has seen its first-in-the-world liver transplant right here at Hopkins, it is important for people living with HIV to know that we can effect change by signing up for organ donation. Not long ago, we were ei-

D.C., that the U.S. Census Bureau defines as the South, include “the most people living with HIV/AIDS, the most poverty, the most sexually-transmitted infections, the most people without health insurance, the most vulnerable populations, the fastest-growing epidemic, the least access to health care, the highest mortality rates and the least resources to deal with this crisis.” The South is home to 37 percent of the U.S. population but Carlton Smith accounts for 44 percent of Americans living with the virus.

The South also includes as Poz describes them, “a diverse and inspiring range of people dedicated to elevating lives and improving the health and well-being of those in their communities.” These are the people that the Poz 100 celebrates.

Two of those on the list, Morris Murray, and Carlton Smith, are people living with HIV/AIDS from Baltimore, who have been advocatitng for the needs of those infected and affected for decades.

In addition to living with HIV, Morris Murray has also lived with hepatitis C. The disease eventually caused end-stage liver disease, requiring him to have a liver

ther excluded from transplant waiting lists, or had to travel to certain transplant centers that performed transplants on people with HIV. Now people with HIV can have their organs donated to others with HIV, enlarging the pool of organs available for everyone. I am grateful every day for my donor and I hope that I can raise awareness so that others have the same chance at life that I have.”

Carlton Smith is a founding member of the Center for Black Equity – Baltimore, formerly Baltimore Black Pride, and serves as its current executive director. His work and that of the organization, has a strong focus on advocating for HIV/AIDS issues among black same-gender-loving men. Smith is a founding member of the Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore, has served on the board of the National Minority AIDS Council, as well as in capacities with numerous local, state and federal organizations. He was recently re-elected as the vice-chair of the Greater Baltimore HIV Health Services Planning Council, and was recently named the chair of the community participatory advisory board at the Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research.

“In this age of uncertainty following this past election,” said Smith, “we as individuals living with HIV must be vigilant about our healthcare, fight against being stigmatized, and be vocal against discrimination. It’s time to show up as our authentic selves!” t Read more about the Poz 100 at Poz.com/article/2016-poz-100-celebrating-south.

news // LOCAL

Project Presence: The Exhibition On Friday, December 16th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MICA (Gateway Building, 1601 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore) will open an exhibition of visual stories of six

diverse members of Baltimore’s LGBT community. “It’s painting, art, beauty, and something in between. You’ve never seen anything like it,” declare organizers. Share with your freinds using hashtags #Presence1216 and #ProjectPresence2. Sponsored by the Baltimore City Health Department. Find out more at Eventbrite (Project Presence: The Exhibition) or Facebook. t – Bill Redmond-Palmer

Love trumps hate

What trumps Trump? – Why, love does. That was the message Baltimore OUTloud co-publisher Jim Becker brought in person to the Trump Tower in Manhattan after Thanksgiving – without, happily, getting attacked by thugs or waterboarded.

beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker

Trump’s HHS pick an extremist on ACA, Medicare, Medicaid New York City – Donald Trump announced on November 29th that he would name Georgia Rep. Tom Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Trump’s choice was immediately denounced

by Sen. Bernie Sanders. “Donald Trump asked workers and seniors to vote for him because he was the only Republican candidate who would not cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – programs that are of life-and-death importance for millions of Americans,” Sanders said in a November 29th statement. “Now, he has nominated a person for secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price, who has a long history of wanting to do exactly the opposite of what Trump campaigned on.... Rep. Price has a long history of wanting to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. What hypocrisy! Mr. Trump needs to tell the American people that what he said during the campaign were just lies, or else appoint an HHS secretary who will protect these programs and do what Trump said he would do,” he said.

Price is best known as the author of the so-called “Empowering Patients First Act,” one of the dozens of Republican bills to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare). Although Trump says Price “is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible health care to every American,” he is likely to terminate coverage for millions of people now insured under the ACA. Price’s plan does more to benefit healthy, wealthy, and young Americans at the expense of the sick, old, and poor. While it would not automatically terminate the ACA provision that insurance providers cover people with preexisting conditions – HIV for example – Price’s plan would allow insurance companies to charge them much more unless they maintained what is called “continuous coverage.” In other words, if an individual changed jobs and therefore insurance policies, or lost their job, resulting in a gap in insurance coverage, their new insurance company could raise premiums without any restrictions. Price’s

plan also calls for the full repeal of the Medicaid expansion, a program that currently covers millions of low-income Americans.

Price has a 0 rating from HRC, meaning that he opposed LGBT rights at literally every opportunity, and an equally low rating from Planned Parenthood. (Seattle Gay News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org)

Trans woman arrested in murder of lesbian couple and son Oakland, California – The East Bay Times reports that last month a San Jose transgender woman made her first court appearance on special circumstance murder charges in the death of an Oakland Lesbian couple and their son, a triple slaying that has the victims’ family members searching for answers. Dana Rivers, 61, is accused of fatally shooting and stabbing semi-retired Berkeley school district teacher Patricia Wright, 57, and her wife Charlotte Reed, 56, fatally shooting Wright’s 19-year-old son Benny Diambu-Wright.

Rivers, a former award-winning Sacramento school teacher, gained national attention when she had a sex change operation to become a woman in the 1990s. Police said Rivers was covered with blood and was about to flee on a motorcycle belonging to Reed when she was arrested. The charges call for life in prison without the possibility of parole and make her eligible for execution.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Michael Campbell, the father of Wright’s other son, Khari. He described the slain women as “normal moms.” Diambu-Wright was an aspiring nurse who was attending Laney College and working at Walmart. Wright and Reed had been married for over a year and had three children between them. People who knew Reed said she was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and owned a hair salon in San Jose. Wright also worked part-time at Esperanza Elementary School in Oakland as a computer prep teacher, said John Sasaki, a spokesman for Oakland school district.

“I knew this woman (Rivers),” said Wright’s son Khari Campbell-Wright, 19. “I don’t know the whole confines of what was going on. I know she [Rivers] was in a motorcycle club. My mom had no part of it. My brother had no part of it. ‘Wrong place, wrong

time,’” he said. Authorities have not released a motive but have indicated it might have been a dispute over some property. (The East Bay Times – Malaika Fraley & Katrina Cameron at Eastbaytimes.com/2016/11/15/ oakland-san-jose-woman-charged-in-triplekilling)

North Carolina governor won’t concede; trails by 10,000 votes Raleigh, N.C. – Attorney General Roy Cooper, the Democratic opponent of Gov. Pat McCrory’s bid for re-election, has called on the incumbent governor to concede. Despite Cooper having a lead of more than 10,000 votes against McCrory, the governor has called for a recount and will not accept that he lost the election. By law, once the margin passes 10,000 votes or .5 percent, the recount must be funded by the party contesting the results.

News sources far and wide have debated the exact reason for McCrory’s apparent loss of the governor’s seat. LGBT advocate organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) cite House Bill 2 (HB2), the legislation Gov. McCrory signed into law this past March. HB2 cancels out LGBT protections and denies transgender people the right to use public restrooms consistent with their gender identity.

“McCrory failed to listen to the majority

Attorney General Roy Cooper, the Democratic opponent of Gov. Pat McCrory

of fair-minded North Carolinians who know that anti-LGBTQ hatred has no place in their state,” HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement. “He lost big because of it. Roy Cooper is a powerful voice for equality and has vowed to work to overturn the hateful and discriminatory HB2.” However, not everyone agrees and point to the landslide win of anti-LGBT Lt. Gov. Dan Forrest. Yet exit polls on Election Day seem to tell another —continued on page 9

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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beyond the beltway —continued on page 5 tale. Of the voters questioned upon leaving their polling places, two-thirds said that HB2 has harmed North Carolina. Only 29 percent of voters questioned were in favor of the controversial law. (Q Notes Online – Maria Dominguez at Goqnotes.com)

German Islamist counter-spy also made gay porn Berlin, Germany – The Montreal Gazette reports that last month, German intelligence agents noticed an unusual user in a chat room known as a digital hideout for Islamic militants. The man claimed to be one of them – and said he was a German spy.

He was offering to help Islamists infiltrate his agency’s defense’s to stage a strike. Agents lured him into a private chat, and he gave away so many details about the spy agency – and his own directives within it to thwart Islamists – that they quickly identified him, arresting the 51-year-old the next day. Only then would the extent of his double life become clear.

The German citizen of Spanish descent confessed to secretly converting to Islam in 2014. From there, his story took a stranger turn. Officials ran a check on the online alias he assumed in radical chat rooms. The married father of four had used it before – as recently as 2011 – as his stage name for acting in gay porn films. Authorities arrested him on suspicion of preparing to commit a violent act and for violating state secrecy laws, as first reported in Germany’s Der Spiegel.

News of the case sparked a storm of outrage in Germany, even as critics said it raised serious questions about the country’s bureaucratically named domestic spy agency, known as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). German security officials have been credited with foiling plots. But they also have stumbled. Enter the unfolding case now of a porn-actor-turnedMuslim-convert-turned-spy-turned-Islamistturncoat. “It’s not only a rather bizarre, but also a quite scary story that an agency, whose central role it is to engage in counterespionage, hired an Islamist who potentially had access to classified information, who might have even tried to spread Islamist propaganda and to recruit others to let themselves be hired by and possibly launch an attack” against the domestic intelligence agency, said Hans-Christian Ströbele, a member of the Parliamentary Control Committee that oversees the work of the German

intelligence services. One senior BfV official, who discussed the matter on the condition of anonymity, said it was virtually impossible to protect against a breach like this.

“How should anyone have known this? He had acted under different names and identities online,” he said. “Not his real name.

One has to say that we were able to find out about all this very quickly and also actions were taken fast.” (Montreal Gazette at Montrealgazette.com/news/world/german+arrested+plotting+attack+onetime+porn+actor+secret/12461247/story.html)

Echoes of the past: Texas bills would nullify federal laws Austin, Texas – Ahead of last year’s Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage, state Rep. Cecil Bell filed a slew of bills blocking enforcement of the pending decision. One of Bell’s bills was expected to pass. The Preservation and Sovereignty of Marriage Act, as it was called, would have withheld pay from county clerks issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. It died on the floor. Before the session ended, Bell said his bills were not just about marriage equality – which he opposes – but “state sovereignty.” Bell and other conservative state lawmakers are now using the states’ rights to usurp not just marriage equality but other federal decisions regarding weapons, immigration, and the environment.

Sen. Bob Hall has already filed 33 bills ahead of the 85th legislative session, which begins January 10th, 2017. The staunchly conservative lawmaker so far has filed four bills usurping federal laws. One of those bills, SB 89, would allow the Legislature to refuse to enforce any federal law in violation of the state constitution. That means language criminalizing sodomy and banning same-sex marriage still in the state constitution would be enforced despite the Supreme Court finding both unconstitutional. When asked by the Dallas Morning News, Hall said he did not file SB 89 in response to the same-sex marriage decision.

His focus is the enforcement of federal gun laws.

The battle to preserve the Republic of Texas is not the only battle facing LGBT activists. Hall again filed a bill specifically preempting local nondiscrimination or-

dinances. SB 92, known as the Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act, would make protections not in the state constitution “null and void.”

Three states have already enacted forms of the Intrastate Commerce Act, Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina in 2016. LGBT activists haven’t even seen all the legislation they’re up against this session. But they have gotten a glimpse of what’s to come.

In a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton listed ten priority pieces of legislation for the upcoming legislation, including specific legislation protecting so called religious liberty. Also, legislation prefiled last week by state Sen. Konni Burton may require public school faculty and staff members to out LGBT students to their parents, but Burton condemned criticism of the bill, saying that it only strengthens existing state law that gives parents full access to their children’s education records. (Dallas Voice – James Russell at Dallasvoice.com) [Editor’s note: Mexico, if you decide to pay for Trump’s wall, please insist that Texas is on your side of it!]

Gay Breitbart News writer’s talk canceled by boys’ school Canterbury, England – The Financial Times reports that a rightwing campaigner with links to Donald Trump has been blocked from speaking to pupils at his former school after an intervention by a government counter-extremism unit. Milo Yiannopoulos, an editor at U.S. “alt-right” website Breitbart News, had been invited to speak at the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury. Breitbart News is a leading

These news notes have been compiled, with permission, from the online version of various newspapers and other web sites. We thank these publications for allowing us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports have been significantly edited and you can read the full story by going to the web site mentioned following the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride Media.

Milo Yiannopoulos

backer of US president-elect Donald Trump; its chief executive Stephen Bannon has been appointed as one of Mr. Trump’s key White House aides. He has been accused of promoting divisive white nationalism.

The talk was cancelled by the school after it spoke to the Department for Education’s counter-extremism unit. More than 200 6thformers had signed up to attend the event with parental consent, the school said, adding that “objection to our hosting Mr. Yiannopoulos came almost entirely from people with no direct connection to The Langton; the staff and students of the school were overwhelmingly in favor.”

Mr. Yiannopoulos, who is gay and was banned from Twitter earlier this year in a racism row, responded to the cancellation of his talk by posting on his Facebook page: “Who even knew the DoE [sic] had a counter-extremism unit? And that it wasn’t set up to combat terrorism but rather to punish gays with the wrong opinions? Perhaps if I’d called the speech ‘Muslims are awesome!’ they’d have left us alone. Disgusted.” He told the Sun newspaper that the education department’s intervention indicated that prime minister Theresa May was “a total fascist.” Joanna Williams, whose son attends the Simon Langton School, accused those who objected to Mr. Yiannopoulos of behaving in a “hypocritical and despicable manner” by referring the matter to the counter-extremism unit.

“Like it or not, Milo’s political outlook has a growing audience,” M.S. Williams wrote in the Spectator. “Milo’s talk would have given senior pupils, young adults, the chance to hear Milo’s arguments and practice challenging them. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” t (The Financial Times at Ft.com) [Editor’s note: While we find much of what is posted by Breitbart News abhorrent, we agree with Ms. Williams that suppressing ideas is the wrong way to challenge them.]

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Celebrating Self-Care By: Jennifer Eden The GLCCB wants to make sure you’re taking care of yourself in all aspects. Physical, mental, and spiritual wellness are essential to your overall well-being. We now host a quarterly Self-Care Fair for you to see what you can do to be better to yourself.

In September, we hosted our first Self-Care Fair. The event included music, workshops, and crafts. Attendees enjoyed activities like coloring and making vision boards. The informal set-up allowed attendees to explore various stations and take their time to get what they needed from each one. There were also performances by local talent for attendees to enjoy.

On the heels of a triggering campaign season and entering the holidays, a time that can be very difficult for many members of the LGBTQ+ community, we have expanded the Self-Care fair to address some seasonally-specific needs.

This time, we’ll have breakout sessions that allow attendees to decide which topics they’d like to explore. Workshops on trauma recovery and spirituality will be offered for those who are interested in improving their mental wellness. We’ll also have yoga and dance for those who’d like to focus on their physical health during a time of year when many tend to put on a few pounds. We’ve added the topic of body positivity to our line-up as well.

With 2016 coming to a close, attendees with have the opportunity to create affirmations and vision boards to guide their intentions for the new year and reflect on the growth they’ve experienced this year.

Our Winter Self-Care Fair is sure to have something for everybody. Please join us on Sunday December 18th from 2pm to 6pm at the GLCCB, 2530 N. Charles St, 3rd Fl., Baltimore, MD. For more information on this and other GLCCB events, please call 410-777-8145 or email info@ glccb.org.

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

Sunday

Monday

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WedneSday

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2530 N. Charles Street, 3rd Floor • Baltimore, MD 2121 • glccb.org 410-777-8145

Narcotics Anonymous 11:00am-1:00pm

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GLCCB Board Meeting

No evening Programs.

6:30pm-8:30pm

Yoga

SLAY CAMP Dance Fitness Class

3:30-5pm ($10)

18 Narcotics Anonymous 11:00am-1:00pm

6:30pm-8:00pm

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No evening programs

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-Giovanni’s Room Poetry Workshop 6:30pm-8:30pm ($5 suggested donation)

-SILhouette 7:00pm-9:00pm

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3:00pm-5:00pm -Free & Confidential HIV Testing

-Baltimore TransMasculine Alliance

-FreeState Justice Legal Clinic

6:30pm-9:00pm

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-Free & Confidential HIV Testing 6:30pm-8:30pm -The Mankind Project 6:45pm-8:45pm

-TransBaltimore 7:00pm-9:00pm

No evening Programs.

Saturday 10 Alcoholics Anonymous

5:00pm-8:00pm

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No evening Programs.

-Youth Against Oppression 4:30pm-7:00pm

6:30pm-8:30pm

Friday

17 Alcoholics Anonymous

5:00pm-8:00pm

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Youth Against Oppression

No evening Programs.

4:30pm-7:00pm

Sisters of Pride 6:30pm-8:30pm

At the Center of it All The Future is Ours:

By Jennifer Eden

Since we opened the doors of our brand new location, the GLCCB has been updating our program schedule to include new programs to engage the area LGBTQ community. From dance classes to discussion groups, we’re consistently striving to make sure there’s something for everybody.

W h i l e game nights and support groups may be just what some community members need, others may benefit from a one-on-one session with one of our peer navigators. Peer navigators are individuals who have been trained to help people with mental and physical health care

and wellness needs.

Our peer navigators are here for you six days a week. We’re able to help with everything from job hunting to PrEP linkage. Your information stays confidential as we connect you with our partner organizations to receive the services you need.

The GLCCB is truly here for you, the community. Every program, event, and initiative is designed with you at the center. If you’d like to meet with a peer navigator, call the GLCCB at 410-777-8145 or come visit us anytime.

40 Years of GLCCB

GLCCB’s Official 40th Anniversary Celebration. Spend an evening celebrating our longevity as a community center and our recent success in revitalizing our organization. Will you be an investor in our future?

Friday, December 16 at 6 PM - 10 PM

Chase Court

1112 Saint Paul St, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Food provided by Rouge Catering. Premium Open Bar. Silent Auction. Music.

For tickets: GLCCB40th.eventbrite.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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thinking outloud

Pointing it Out

By Sage Piper

On Love the Drama eand Support Queer Artists

round of drinks arrives at your post-theater restaurant and the group is still at it, expounding on the show’s larger themes and taking them far beyond the boundaries of the playwright’s original map. Such was my experience last weekend at the Iron Crow’s production of “The Zero Hour” at the Baltimore Theatre Project – a thought-provoking and original take on the complicated themes of identity, honesty, and the astonishing variations of cruelty in even the most ordinary human life.

Playwright Madeleine George’s work also lays bare the deceptions we invoke in order to survive the intricate webs of relationship, the weight of history, and the demands of personal responsibility in our daily lives.

“The Zero Hour” features a lesbian

Iron Crow Brings Queer Theater to Charm City

By Sage Piper The best kind of theater experience is one which ushers you out into the night talking animatedly with your companions – debating the hidden motivations of the show’s characters and filling in all the details not directly spelled out in the script.

If one has truly hit the jackpot, the second

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Wednesdays Piano Night 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Fridays Disco Opens at 9 p.m.

Join us for our weekly dance party with music by resident house and Guest DJ $3 Fireball shots, Rail drinks and Domestics from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday night is also home to “Leather and Levi” in the Loft. $3 Domestic Beer & Rail drinks from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m Saturdays Retro Night

1001 N Charles St • 410-752-7133 • grandcentralclub.com

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

couple living together in a cheap one room walkup apartment in Queens, New York.

Rebecca (played by Rebecca Tucker) works by day at an academic publishing company and is currently writing a textbook for seventh graders about

100% pure the Holocaust. Her partner O cast gold (played by the fearless Rena Marie) is quirky, passionate, and unemployed – with no plans to look for a job. The chemistry between the two is deliciously palpable ... as is the tension. Rebecca is exhausted and stressed, frustrated by O’s refusal to help improve their life circumstances, and also completely in the closet with her mother, friends, and colleagues.

She finds herself struggling to keep her usual deliberate and surfacely upbeat face on things, especially as her increasing obsession with the Holocaust begins to engulf her. O, quirky, insecure, and plagued by unknown demons, frequently lashes out sarcastically towards Rebecca for her refusal to live her life in the open, only to feel remorse every time – as the stress levels rise.

As the arc of the couple’s relationship is played out in a series of short scenes (the two actresses themselves play almost all of the other roles in the play). With deft strokes of direction from Ann Turiano, the women go about their costume changes right on stage, slipping fluidly into the other characters, affecting a change of accent, tone, body language, and posture that works on every level.

The heart of the play is wrapped in a warm cloak of magical realism, as reality confronts the dreamlike in powerful ways.

Rebecca feels inwardly tortured with the need to speak the truth of the Nazi atrocities to the next generation through her textbook. And yet she cannot see the pain

she is causing O as she hides her own truths, their relationship, and her identity – even as she tries to convince herself that her identity is something apart from her behavior.

Rebecca begins talking to World War II Nazis (living incognito among us) on the Number 7 subway in unsettling but fascinating scenes.

Meanwhile O holds heated conversations about her challenging childhood during visitations from her absent mother, during which they cannot actually reach or help each other.

Of course, O does not share these visitations with Rebecca, nor does Rebecca reveal her train conversations with O. “The Zero Hour” takes on more than one deep theme, including the inability of language, in the end, to truly convey to others what we are feeling. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work, made more so by skilled and passionate performances of Ms. Marie and Ms. Tucker.

This is the good news. The not-sogood news is that the performance on Saturday night was not full to the brim, standing-room-only fanfare and madness.

The audience that was there was receptive and fully engaged. So I’m hoping that this column will serve as a call for support, and patronage.

The Iron Crow is Baltimore’s only queer theater company. The work that these LGBT actors, writers, directors, technicians, and administrators are doing is phenomenal. What a gift that they have found a home at the Baltimore Theatre Project – that their stories, talent, intelligence, and imagination have a forum to rock Baltimore’s theater scene wide open.

They have built it. Now we all need to come. As Iron Crow states so beautifully: “By developing and producing work that explores and celebrates that which is queer, we in turn engage in a dialogue about what it means to be American.” What time is more vital for such connection and such an open dialogue, than now?

P.S. “The Zero Hour” kicks off The Season of Dark Play for the 2016-17 Baltimore series. The next Iron Crow production is “Fucking A,” a dystopian view of the power games we are forced to play in modern society, inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. The show will be presented February 3rd to 12th, 2017. For more information: Ironcrowtheatre.org. t

quality of life

Please Join Me for Our 7th Annual

“Let’s Toast Delegate Mary Washington Fundraiser”

Getting the

Wedding

You Want David Egan

The Guest List Creating a guest list for your wedding can be a source of stress, frustration, and confusion. it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s take a deep, detailed look at how to create your perfect guest list while doing away with as much of that angst as possible.

The size and composition of your guest list has significant impact on your wedding.

Your guest list affects the choice of venue and the cost of catering, which is charged per person. It affects the time involved in everything related to your guests, from sending invitations to the length of the reception. In a less tangible but equally important way, your guest list affects the energy or, if you prefer, the feel of your ceremony (and to an even greater extent, your reception). In general, more guests mean more of everything!

The number of guests you plan to invite has a direct relationship on your choice of venue. You want a venue that fits: not too big and not too small. This is also a cost thing: venues with a larger guest capacity usually cost more than smaller venues of similar quality.

Your guest list is just that: a list of the people you plan to invite to your wedding.

The composition of your guest list has a lot to do with getting the wedding you want.

You have complete control of your guest list! This is a big point.

For example, many couples ask their parents for a list of people that they would like to have invited to your wedding. That’s a loving and considerate thing to do. If and when you ask for their list, do so with the stated and clear understanding of all involved that you will ultimately decide who to invite.

For many couples, wedding planning is often a time of big change in your relationship with your family of origin. You’re now making decisions in your soon-to-be

marital relationship that once were made by or with your parents. This can produce some tensions. Stay the course! Be true to your heart. Know that the effects of your decisions and the memories of your wedding will last far longer than upset and conflict that may arise (and that I will help you avoid) in the planning process.

I’ve heard many couples lament about having to do this-or-that because their parents are paying. It doesn’t have to be that way. Ideally, money offered to pay for all or part of your wedding is a gift, freely given. That gift does not give someone a seat on the board of directors of your wedding!

How you choose to use the money is your decision alone. (Take heart: we’ll tackle family harmony and money in columns to come!)

Nevertheless, some gifts come with strings attached. You want to know about that up front, before you decide to accept a gift and its conditions.

Understand that you’ll give away lots of control if you allow someone to buy the ability to invite guests to your wedding.

My favorite and, I Guest lists think, the most useful without the piece of advice about guesswork! your guest list comes from Judith Martin, also known as Miss Manners, who says: “Invite the people you love and who love you.” Really, who else do you want at your wedding? You want to look at every face, every single person, and think, “I’m glad you’re here!” What a wonderful criterion for choosing guests for your wedding!

Here’s the bottom line: it’s your wedding, and your decision. Who do you want to be present at the start of your marital journey? Think of the people in your life who care for you and support you, and with whom you share your joys and sorrows.

Those are the people you want to invite to your wedding!

Next time: we’ll discuss in detail how all of this comes to bear on different types of potential wedding guests. t David Egan is the proprietor and steward of Chase Court, a historic Baltimore wedding and event venue. Visit Chasecourt.com, and follow ChaseCourtWeddingVenue on Instagram and Facebook.

Send your comments and questions to david@chasecourt.com.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 6:00-8:30 PM Gertrude’s at the BMA 10 Art Museum Drive 21218

Silent Auction ~ Live Music Light Refreshments ~ Wine & Beer Individual tickets are $125 Sponsorship Levels are $250, $500, $750 or $1000 You may also support this event by mailing your checks made payable to: People Uniting to Elect Mary Washington (PUTEMW) P.O. Box 2261 Baltimore, MD 21203 *Please include your full name, address, email, telephone, employer and occupation with your check for campaign finance reporting purposes.

If you cannot attend please consider supporting Mary’s work by making a contribution.

For more information, and to R.P.S.V.P. go to delmarywashington.com, or call 410-878-1020

By Authority: People Uniting to Elect Mary Washington, Joseph J. Palumbo, CPA ,Treasurer

A small community with big rewards •Every Voice Is Heard

Resident committees, groups, fitness classes, and associations thrive in small, intimate and friendly gatherings where every voice can be heard and there are plenty of opportunities to get to know staff and neighbors, alike.

•New Interestes Are Celebrated

RPP offers unique activities abound for residents with interests as diverse as politics, art, outdoor recreation, music, and more, and residents are never alone in trying something new.

Roland Park Place is the only full-service, accredited nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Charm City 830 W. 40th Street • Baltimore, MD 21211 410-243-5700 • rolandparkplace.org BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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LIVELY ARTS // ART

Local Artist Pixelates Depth into the Soul —continued from page 1

off architecture, either. I’m trying to find the balance between the two.”

Roesner’s developing artistry meant drawing from his own well. “I was largely selftaught after high school. Calvert Hall gave me the foundation and practices that I was able to expand into the canvas. It gave me the discipline to sit in front of a painting for hours at a time. Those teachable moments helped me to maintain that kind of practice in my life. It provided that building block to keep me sane and help me to investigate what makes the world tick.”

Working almost exclusively in oil on canvas, Roesner’s work goes far beyond just the actual painting. “I often build and stretch my own canvases, so they are large and personal before I get to paint them. I’m intimate with the material and preparation is part of it.

It’s almost a ‘spiritual preparation.’ You’re attached to it before the inspiration evolved into the artwork itself.”

Roesner had to give pause when faced with the age old question of what inspires him as an artist. “Personally, what seems to be developing as a trademark style is a digitalization and pixelation. It’s a deconstruction of an image and sort of looking at perspective and depth. The way we interact with technology in amazing. Everything about life itself is increasing technologically and digitally. Currently, now, questions of technology and self are important for artists to ask today. What does that look like in terms of our life today?

What would that representation on canvas express itself as?”

Reflective, humble, and pensive, Roesner says his journey has had its bumps. Having been sober for the last three years, Roesner’s sobriety has allowed him to delve deeper into his artwork. “I loved to say that I was an artist and a painter when I was sitting on a barstool next to you,” Roesner recounts. “I was waiting tables and spending every penny and hour wasting it on the next drug. Sobriety is a foun-

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dation in my life. It’s a great gift to be able to paint with a clear head and do the things that I only said that I was going to do.”

Roesner’s story of addiction does not reflect the exaggerated celebrity stories that one hears in the media today. “I didn’t have a crazy history with drugs and alcohol, but it obviously was in my life enough that I lost my ability to become an artist. I was in a downward spiral, but thanks to some supportive friends and family I’ve been able to change that. Art has been a crucial piece to show that there’s more than drinking and drugs.”

Roesner further explained that his sobriety has affected his work as an artist in many positive ways.

“It allowed me to separate what I thought was creativity from its true form. The creativ-

ity was muted by the mythos of the drunken artist. The mythos of the tortured soul. That type of thinking is just a convenient way to avoid responsibility in your life. The fear that I would lose that creative edge, but I Pixel found that now it’s power the opposite. Today, the art gets to grow and I know that would have been impossible the way I had drank. There’s now more zeal for life.” t See the artist’s work at Davidroesner. com and in Baltimore at Artdromeda (1800 Washington Boulevard, through January 28th), City Cafe (1001 Cathedral Street, through yearend), Coreworks Studio at Copper Mine Racquet Club (1422 Clarkview Road), the Woodberry Wellness Center (2000 Giraud Avenue), and Flaunt Salon (827 West 36th Street).

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205 West Read Street “Corner of Read and Park” • 410-225-3100 • ATM Available 14 t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

quality of life

Ask

Dr. J

Janan Broadbent, Ph.D.

The Blame Game So you broke up. Or didn’t get the gift you expected. Or an occasion was not remembered. Or a promotion was given to someone else. Or you dropped that glass mug and broke it.

How do you deal with that situation?

With anger? Sadness?

Disappointment? Frustration?

Resentment? These are all emotions that can be generated by such unfortunate events. However, once we get calmer, how do we interpret these happenings in the larger context of life?

Do you say, oh I knew this relationship would not last because I am not attractive / friendly / wealthy / good enough? Or do you think he/she was a mess anyway? Do you surmise that it was fate, that it wasn’t going to last anyway, because that is how relationships go? Or that you are so clumsy, you drop things everyday, or the mug was low-quality and not made right?

Back in 1954, a psychologist named Julian Rotter developed the concept of locus of control, one of the four dimensions of core self-evaluations. (The other three were self-esteem, self-efficacy, and neuroticism.)

Locus of control can be internal or external, referring to the degree to which a person

believes that he/she has control over the outcome of events as opposed to external forces beyond one’s control. Internal locus means one believes there is control over one’s life; external locus indicates an opinion that environmental factors which one cannot influence, such as chance or fate, determine how life goes.

Personality differences in a relationship make life interesting and richer. You wouldn’t want a clone of yourself as a partner as that would be boring. But when there are vast differences, life can become challenging. If you believe that you are responsible for whatever you accomplish or conversely, fail at, and take credit for the success, and deal constructively with the fallout from failure and bounce back, but your partner thinks it is chance when things go right and fate when they don’t, it could create some conflicting conversations. Work into that the concept of blame and you have a tough moment. Blame is the process with which we seek to explain a bad consequence in an effort to explain why it happened. The human mind seeks to have an understanding of what goes on around us.

When it rains, we know why. When a bad thing happens, similarly, we want to understand why. Getting stuck on blame, however, is nonproductive. If you have internal locus, take a look at what you did to contribute to the situation. Learn from it and look to do it differently in the future. With external locus, it is a lot easier to accept that chance or fate caused this event but then, not much learning takes place to modify our behavior.

If you are interested in checking out where you score on this dimension, here is how you can take the test: Psych.uncc.edu/ pagoolka/LocusofControl-intro.html. t

“When it rains, we know why. When a bad thing happens, similarly, we want to understand why.”

Hearts & Ears, Inc.

is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning individuals with mental health issues and concerns.

We warmly welcome all sexual and gender minorities and offer a drop-in center open 32 hours a week.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Closed Closed Closed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hearts & Ears maintains a “warmline,” which is not an emergency crisis line. You are welcome to call us at 410-523-1694 when we are open. If we are not available, leave a message and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.

611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694 heartsandears.org

Important Things for LGBT Caregivers to Know

By Alex Kent At some point in our lives, many of us will become caregivers – whether to a family member or a friend. Do you know the facts about LGBT caregiving?

Most caregivers don’t realize they are caregivers. You may just be helping out a friend or “doing what spouses do,” but guess what? If you’re providing any kind of ongoing support to a friend or loved one who needs assistance – cooking meals, taking them to the doctor, helping them bathe, or even just checking in on their wellbeing – you care a caregiver!

You define your family.

The term family caregiver is increasingly being used to refer to those who care for family members and loved ones, in order to distinguish them from paid caregivers such as nurses, aides, or in-home health assistants. In most cases, the “family” in family caregiver is defined very broadly, and is meant to include close friends, unmarried partners, and anyone else who you consider family.

LGBT caregivers are more likely to be caring in isolation and more likely to be within the same age cohort as the people they’re caring for. For both of these reasons, finding others who can assist, including professional service providers, is an important way to make sure that a loved one’s care won’t lapse due to caregiver burnout or health problems.

LGBT people become caregivers more often. Mom is sick. Your sister’s busy with her high-powered career, your brother’s busy raising his kids, and you end up taking on the bulk of Mom’s care. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. LGBT baby boomers and Millennials tend to take on the care of their aging parents at a disproportionate rate.

Even if partnered, families often see LGBT adults as single and rely on them for caregiving. And though we may not be seen as the “sandwich generation” if we don’t have kids, we’re often caring for friends and members of our community at the same time, which results in the same sort of juggling act.

Caregivers tend to have poorer men-

tal and physical health than non-caregivers. For a population that already experiences health disparities, this is a serious concern. It’s important to take care of yourself, even though you may be focused on caring for someone else. Keeping up with regular medical appointments, getting emotional support when you need it, and making time for things you love to do will help you to be a better caregiver for your loved one.

Financial disparities can be exacerbated by the costs of caregiving, both direct (paying for medication) and indirect (missing work). Most LGBT older adults do not have the financial means to fully support themselves should they need long-term medical care. And with fewer people sharing the care, more money is coming out of each individual caregiver’s pocket.

Many LGBT people have already been caregivers, especially during the AIDS crisis. If caring for a loved one now brings up difficult memories or feelings for you, it may help to find someone you can talk to.

A majority of states have passed versions of the CARE (Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable) Act, which requires hospitals to ask each patient, at admission, if they’d like to designate someone as a caregiver.

This generally does not have to be a spouse or biological family member; the patient can designate whomever they want. The hospital then has responsibilities to notify the designated caregiver about discharge planning, and to provide instruction on tasks the caregiver may need to perform at home. Check with your local AARP office for details about the CARE Act in your state.

Advance Directives such as a health care proxy, living will, and power of attorney are critical for anyone whose primary caregiver is not a legal “next of kin” – generally a spouse, parent, or child. Whatever the relationship, a caregiver can assume the rights to make medical decisions, manage finances, and settle a loved one’s affairs when necessary, IF that love one puts their wishes in writing in advance. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging, your state health department, or the resources below for information on these types of legal documents. t The author has a masters of public administration and is a coordinator at Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE).

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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quality of life // health

Open Wide ask Dr Eva

Dr Eva Hersh

Update on Seasonal Affective Disorder Dear Dr. Eva, Every year, I have a big loss of energy and I want to sleep and eat more as the days get shorter. It starts in October or November. After the time change, with sunset at 5 and earlier, it gets harder and harder to get out of bed. I don’t want to deal with people even in minor normal day-to-day interactions. At work, I’m struggling to keep up even with routine stuff. A lot of people I know also seem to be feeling bad and are

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

commenting on the shorter days. Other than migrate South for the winter, which is way beyond me financially, what can people like me who are affected by the short days do to keep our moods from falling in the fall?

Feel like Hibernating Dear Bear, People with your symptoms often have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by decreasing day length. One in every five people has some degree of SAD. It occurs in both men and women, but is more common in women.

Each person who suffers from SAD has their own personal pattern of symptoms and timing of when the symptoms start and end.

Each person’s pattern repeats in a similar way every year. Most people with SAD notice feeling overly tired and low mood starting in October or November, although for some it can start as early as August or as late as December. Most people with SAD start to feel better by March or April.

SAD often is part of chronic depression: that is, a person who has some degree of depression year-round becomes more depressed and generally “slowed down” during

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

late fall and winter. Often, though, people with SAD have no bothersome symptoms and are not aware of having depression the rest of the year. Some SAD symptoms are common in depression: low energy, decreased ability to concentrate, sad feelings, and irritability. In other ways, SAD is different from other forms of depression and is, as you said, more like hibernation: just like bears preparing for a long winter sleep, people with SAD crave carbohydrates, sleep more, and move around less.

SAD can lead to more serious symptoms of depression, such as withdrawal from others, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of enjoyment in favorite activities.

Light therapy is the most recognized treatment for SAD. This does not mean turning on all the lights in the house, although that can help somewhat.

Light therapy means treatment with a light source that produces 10,000 lumens.

That is much more light than household lighting can produce. Fluorescent bulbs produce far more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. 10,000 lumens is the quantity of light produced by four four-foot long 40watt fluorescent bulbs. A 10,000 lumen light source about the size of a small computer screen, containing 4 small, very high-intensity small fluorescent bulbs, can be bought in stores or online for less than $150-$200.

As a low cost alternative, you also can buy two $20 shop lights and stand them up vertically against a wall for an equal although much less portable effect. Light therapy is simple: place the light source on a table and sit facing the light, about an arm’s length away, for at least 30 minutes each morning, as early as you can. Don’t stare into the light; that can damage the eyes. You can, for example, have breakfast and/or read or work on a laptop. Research has not shown any benefit from light therapy done later than noon..

If you are struggling with alertness in the mornings, start out by getting out of bed, doing light therapy, then going back to bed. That is just as effective as if you stayed up. Within two weeks you should improve enough that you may not need to go back to bed. Morning light treatment gives the brain the message that the day length is over 12 hours. This re-sets day length sensors in the hypothalamus, deep in the brain, to counteract SAD. It’s the intensity of light,

not the spectrum, which is the key to treatment. Full-spectrum bulbs do not work any better than fluorescents.

There are other, easier forms of light therapy. It can be surprisingly helpful just to leave the bedroom window curtains or blinds open to make sure you get the benefit of the first light of each day. Some people find it helpful to use a “dawn” alarm clock.

These clocks have light sources which light up with gradually increasing intensity. They can be a little complex to set, because you must experiment with different times for the light to start to wake you at the time you want. Getting outdoors and walking for 20 minutes between 11 and 2, the brightest part of the day, is helpful for most people who try it. Sunglasses should be avoided.

Recent research has shown that cognitive therapy and antidepressant medicine both can be as effective as light therapy, but are not any more effective than light therapy.

Because SAD and the Thanksgiving / Christmas / New Years holidays occur at the same time of year, SAD can be confused with “holiday blues,” but the two conditions are not related. A person with holiday blues has unhappy or conflicted feelings, or painful memories, about the holidays, and SAD sufferers do not. In holiday blues, there are no hibernation-like symptoms. t Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physician. Send your comments and questions to her by email at dreva@baltimoreoutloud.com.

Worship Sunday, 11 a.m.

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17

Lively Arts // qmusic

This Woman’s Work

By Gregg Shapiro Remember Madonna’s 2003 “rock” album American Life? Neither does anyone else.

Lady Gaga, who, let’s be honest, is essentially the Madonna of the 21st century, does her forebear one better with Joanne (Streamline / Interscope). She rocks with a feverish fervor, takes a country detour (à la Cyndi Lauper) and still provides plenty of opportunities for her fans to dance. First and foremost, Gaga sounds great.

Her voice, unfettered by the faux-disco of her first two albums, verges on chill-inducing. The modern country of the marvelous title cut, “Sinner’s Prayer” and tearjerker “Million Reasons,” all of which she co-wrote with Mark Ronson (!), have the potential to extend her audience into the Red States. Retro soulful numbers such as “Come to Mama” and the Princely “Hey Girl” (a duet with Florence Welch) also nicely expand her repertoire. Gaga even conjures the late Donna Summer’s early 1980s rock period on “Perfect Illusion,” while reviving the lost art of dance-rock on “John Wayne” and multi-faceted opener “Diamond Heart.” The deluxe edition includes three additional tracks.

With the exception of “Million Reasons,” Lady Gaga’s Joanne isn’t the subtlest of albums. If Gaga wants to learn from someone who understands the value and power of subtlety, she should listen to Citizen of Glass (PIAS), the exquisite and sophisticated new album by Agnes Obel.

Among the many things Obel has going for her is that she doesn’t really sound like anyone else, although there are traces of late-career Kate Bush on “It’s Happening Again.” Regardless, the striking instrumentation, which includes strings, trautonium and various types of keyboards, on songs such as “Familiar,” “Stretch Your Eyes,” “Trojan Horses,” and the title tune, makes this astonishing album spellbinding from start to finish.

Let’s face it. Subtlety isn’t Idina Menzel’s strong suit either. Menzel describes Idina. (WB) as the “most personal, introspective” album she’s made. If she set out

to make her version of Joni Mitchell’s Blue (she covered “River” on her 2014 holiday album), the results pale in comparison.

There are certainly songs of sadness (“I See You,” “Last Time,” “Perfect Story”) and survival (“Like Lightning,” “Queen of Swords,” “Nothin’ in this World”) that Menzel delivers in her trademark style and will please her broad range of fans. But a

misstep such as the rancid “Cake” almost threatens to derail the whole affair.

For KoKoro (The Control Group), her first album in four years, El Perro Del Mar (a.k.a. Swedish singer/songwriter Sarah Assbring) follows an exotic path and the results are a delight. The airy pop of opener “Endless Ways” sounds like what we’re accustomed to hearing from EPDM. But things definitely shift in exciting directions after that, beginning with the rhythmic title number. The delicious “Breadandbutter” will have you shaking your hips with such force that you won’t gain a pound. The shifting beats of “Clean Your Window” may even inspire some listener to do as the title instructs. “Kouign-Amman” adds unusual instrumentation to EPDM’s trademark take

on retro pop, while “Ding Sum” elevates Assbring to disco diva status.

Midnight. Hallelujah (Bad Dog), the new album by the inimitable Jonatha Brooke is significant for a couple of reasons. It’s Brooke’s first album of new material since My Mother Has Two Noses, which featured songs written for her one-woman show about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Midnight. Hallelujah also arrives a few years after The Works, in which she set Woody Guthrie lyrics to music. Brooke gets things off to an attention-grabbing start with “Put the Gun Down,” a call to arms for peace and communication. “Hashtag Lullaby,” “Light Years,” “Too Much Happiness,” and “Nothing Hurts Like Love Hurts” (which features an ear-pleasing clarinet) sound a lot like the Brooke we’ve come to know and love over the years. Also, in case you didn’t get it from the title, Midnight. Hallelujah is a bit of a religious experience, with a cross to bear in “Put the Gun Down,” the “Mean Looking Jesus” in the song of the same name, and the church and prayer in the title cut. But rest assured, Brooke hasn’t gone all Sandi Patty on us.

Angela McCluskey is no stranger to dance clubs, having provided vocals on tracks by Morgan Page and Télépopmusik.

If there’s any justice, the Klezmer-disco number “Not Crying Anymore,” from McCluskey’s new album The Roxy Sessions (Bernadette) will get the remix it deserves and become a Tea Dance sensation. McCluskey, who traverses a multitude of styles on the album, including sixties pop (“Paris To Hollywood,” “Turn Out The Lights”), Billie Holiday-style blues (“Eight Stories High”), big band booty shaking (“Let’s Get Lost,” “Say Hello”), breezy Brazilian (“Insufficient Feeling”), and dance music (the bonus track “Electric Sky”), is one of the great, underrated vocalists of her generation, like a well-kept secret whose time for recognition is long overdue.

Let’s face it. Subtlety isn’t Idina Menzel’s strong suit. Menzel describes Idina as the ‘most personal, introspective’ album she’s made.”

Grammy Award-winner Esperanza Spalding delved into her rockier side on the edgy song cycle Emily’s D+Evolution (Concord) and listeners will be glad she did. Not losing sight of the improvisational nature of her jazz roots, Spalding has found a place where her various influences can meet for the best results. Opener “Good Lava” is a breath of prog-rock air while the more accessible “Unconditional Love” is soulful folk. “Judas” is a funky workout and “One” skirts theatricality. Spalding exercises different vocal muscles on “Noble Nobles” and “I Want it Now” brings the disc to an exhilarating conclusion.

Jojo, who returns with Mad Love (Atlantic) her first studio album in ten (!) years, might seem like an unlikely presence in

this column. However, she belongs here, too. Mainly it’s because she had a hand in writing all of the songs on the disc (along with sundry other songwriters, including Justin Tranter). The best and most mature tunes bracket the disc, opener “Music” and closer “I Am,” and they are the primary reasons for listening. In between, we get the usual stabs at urban respectability, including “Fuck Apologies” (featuring Wiz Khalifa), “Vibe,” “High Heels,” and the title track, most of which are more novelties than anything else. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

21

Lively Arts // Out on Stage

A Christmas Carol at Toby’s

Mortified for, You Know, Fun

By Frankie Kujawa The beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, will warm the hearts of audiences just in time for the holidays this month at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Running until January 8th, 2017, A Christmas Carol is the musical adaptation of the timeless holiday story by Charles Dickens. Baltimore OUTloud recently sat down with David Bosely Reynolds who plays Ebenezer Scrooge.

Frankie Kujawa: Could you describe your version of Scrooge for our readers?

David Bosely Reynolds: I’m an actor who has always been a bit of a mimic, and I have a pool of actors in my mind who help me get into character for this role. I am, as many of us are these days, a product of what we’ve seen as children on TV and in film, and I try to use a blend of who has influenced me over the years. Of course there are the classic Scrooges. Reginald Owen and Alistair Sim were terrific in the role. I take Reginald Owen’s regal air with me and Alistair Sim’s dyspeptic facial expressions.

I also find that through most of the show, Scrooge is a bystander being made to review his life which always makes me think of the old adage that acting is not just acting, it’s react-

By Frankie Kujawa Take a moment and think back to the tearstained diary entries of your ten-year-old self. The folded and faded letters from your teenage youth. The mortifying moments of your past that give you a moment’s twinge and a chuckle when you recount them as an adult. That’s just the effect that audiences will witness at Mortified: Baltimore. Hailed by Newsweek as a “cultural phenomenon,” Mortified: Baltimore is the adult recounting of their most embarrassing and treasured childhood artifacts. Performing Saturday, December 10th at 8 p.m. in the Ideal Arts Space in Hampden, audiences can revel in the humorous awkwardness that binds us all from our youth.

“It’s the idea of everyday adults sharing their diaries, love letters, poetry – things they wrote when they were children or adolescents that they never thought they would share with anyone else, let alone on stage.”

Explained Alex Hewett, a producer of Mortified: Baltimore. “We’re voyeurs to their secrets from their childhood and it makes it delicious, mortifying, and endearing.”

Audiences to react in different ways, Hewett says. “Two things happen in the show. People come and experience that these people are so brave because they themselves could never do that, or it inspires people to go into their old locker notes, diaries, and school reports. It helps to discover a part of you that was 12-years-old and once in love. The show is mostly funny. Sometimes there are things that are part of being a kid that are very difficult. It’s funny because we’ve all been there.”

Having been around for the last 14 years, the idea behind Mortified started in Los Angeles and eventually grew to cities over the world. Hewett explained, “We’re

ing. I try to accomplish this each performance with a fresh, wide-eyed innocence.

FK: What can audiences expect from Toby’s version of A Christmas Carol?

DBR: Our version of the Madison Square Garden classic will be larger than life, with elements from the book and elements from previous movie versions thrown in, as well.

And of course there’s also the terrific score by Alan Menken and Lynn Aherns. Audiences like the music and the energy of our talented cast, judging by the reactions. FK: Do you have a favorite scene/song in the performance?

DBR: Halloween has always been my favorite holiday and I think that’s why I love the whole Marley’s ghost scene and the song “Link by Link.” It incorporates pretty much the whole company and is aided greatly by our special effects department. The scene also has enough humor that it’s not too scary for our youngest viewers.

FK: If you could play any other holiday character who would it be?

DBR: Well, I do love the villains above all else in holiday specials. I would love to play the Grinch. I even have the low bass voice for his theme song! t

Join us for New Years!

Begin with dinner, the show, THE MUSICAL

dancing, champagne toast at midnight and a breakfast buffet too!

Contact Toby’s Box Office for all the details!

call 410-730-8311...make your reservations today!

TobysDinnerTheatre.com Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia • 5900 Symphony Woods Road • Columbia, MD Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change.

22 t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

in 20 cities all over the world – Paris, Dublin, London, Detroit. We’ve been in D.C. for at least five years. We’re new to Baltimore, but our audiences are growing. One of the D.C. producers decided to start a sister city because Baltimore is close enough to D.C. but we have different audiences. Being so close gives opportunities for to perform in front of two different kinds of accepting audiences.”

Hewett, a performer herself, has performed for audiences in New York and Chicago. “Once you have a story packaged and produced, you have this monologue that you can perform in other cities, as well.” Hewett also explained how the process of creating a monologue begins. “It begins with a screening session. People will come in with everything. They will bring in a box of their old ‘crap’ that they’ve held onto.

I’m not saying ‘crap’ to be mean, but we aren’t looking for anything that’s Pulitzer Prize winning.

We want stuff you didn’t think that would have been good, but we help you to go through and help quilt together a theme.

Some 90% of what you are reading is from your own archives. You’d have a narrative of who you were then and who you are now.”

If audiences are unable to attend the December 10th showing, Mortified: Baltimore is planning another event around Valentine’s Day entitled “Doomed Valentines.”

“We’ll have two shows because they are more love-themed.” Hewett adds.

“Nothing is more embarrassing and dramatic than a 15-year-old in love.” t For more information on shows or how to participate, or to listen to a few clips from past performances, it’s Getmortified. com.

Baltimore shines light and laughter onto your embarrassing youthful past

Lively Arts // OUt on Stage

Lively Arts // screen savor

Les Liaisons Dangereuses Dysfunctional and the One Percent Family Values

By Ryan M. Clark Representations of the 1% are alive and well in Center Stage’s revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampten running now through December 23rd.

Based on the novel by Choderlos de Laclos, the plot revolves around the machinations of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, who spin a tangled weave of deceptions and lies throughout France in the mid 1780s shortly before the 1789 French Revolution. The Marquise—played deftly by Suzanne Douglas—is hell-bent on revenge and will stop at nothing to achieve her ends. Brent Harris dexterously inhabits the role of the Vicomte who seduces women from Paris to the countryside as sport until he ultimately falls in love with a prudish Mademoiselle— La Presidente de Tourvel played piously

by Gillian Williams. Games and chaos ensues leading to a dual and a lot of death.

Plot sound familiar? You may remember it in the 1999 hit Cruel Intentions or the 1989 film Dangerous Liaisons starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich.

Michael Carnahan’s scenic design of Les Liaisons Dangereuses is both dangerous (pun intended) and sexy. Coupled with Matthew Richard’s lighting design, the world is Spartan with acid green undertones allowing Hampten’s language to drive the action of the play. The design team chooses to expose Center Stage’s upstage wall (bordering Center Street), using it as a cyclorama for color and light adding to the overall mood of the production. The wall seemed to represent a divi-

sion separating the bourgeoisie from the outside world—a world that was about to cut off all of their heads. Fabio Toblini’s costumes are simply gorgeous. Toblini dresses Douglas’s Marquise in gowns that serve metaphor for battle—they are her armor. Charles Coe composes an arresting score that is a fusion of French Neo-Classicism and a 1990s rave. Credit must be given to director Hana Sharif (who serves as Center Stage’s associate artistic director) for bringing such a collaborative team together to tell the story with incredible unity (the French would be proud!). I did however, find her staging choices a bit stifled at times where the actor’s seemed lost rather than grounded in the world the design team created. I was also curious about the amount of repetitive transitions—couldn’t we leave some of the furniture on stage to move this two hour and 45 minute opus along?

Speaking of time… Les Liaisons Dangereues is not for a Twitter / Facebook / Instagram audience. While it was opening night, which lends itself for curtain speeches and perhaps longer intermissions, I did not leave the theatre until at least 11 p.m. The company of actors Beware handled the text well peasant with and kept the pace pitchforks moving. It is simply a long play.

Close to the end of the first act I began to reflect on if I really cared about these characters on the stage. They are disgustingly rich, not very nice and treat the lower classes with scorn. Perhaps this play serves as a metaphor in the age of Donald Trump (the personification of the 1%). I can only hope the revolution is waiting around the corner.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses runs through December 23rd at Center Stage.

For ticket information, visit Centerstage. org. t Ryan Clark is an assistant professor and program coordinator for theatre and media performance at Stevenson University.

By Gregg Shapiro A considerable improvement over 2015’s total waste of time Irrational Man, it’s safe to put Woody Allen’s new movie Café Society (Lionsgate / Amazon Studios) in the recommended column. Allen, who once again shows a greater affinity for the past, in this case 1930s Hollywood and New York, than the present, delivers a complete package here. There’s a love story. There’s comedy. There’s glamour and grit. The attention to detail, whether depicting a pool party in the Hollywood hills, a Hollywood agent’s office or a Manhattan nightclub, is remarkable. Allen also gets some high caliber performances from his cast, especially queer actress Kristen Stewart, as well as Jesse Eisenberg and Steve Carell.

Ambitious Bobby (Eisenberg) wants more out of life than working for his jeweler father Marty (Ken Stott). His mother Rose (Jeannie Berlin) calls her brother Phil (Carell), a bigshot Hollywood agent, to tell him that Bobby is headed that way and he’s looking for work.

After putting him off for a few days, Phil finally meets with Bobby and hires him to do menial errands for him. Bobby is introduced to Vonnie (Stewart), Phil’s secretary, and there is electricity between them. Phil asks Vonnie to show Bobby around Hollywood and the two hit it off immediately. However, Vonnie makes it clear that she has a boyfriend to quell Bobby’s interest in her.

Predictably, that only makes Bobby more determined to win Vonnie over. As we soon find out, long before Bobby does, Vonnie’s boyfriend is none other than Phil. Phil, who has been married to Karen (Sheryl Lee) for 25 years, is ready to end his marriage and begin a new life with Vonnie.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Bobby’s older brother Ben (Corey Stoll) is a mobster and cold-hearted killer. He thinks nothing of knocking off anyone who gets in his way, while generously providing cash to his struggling parents who have a vague sense of where the money is coming from. Bobby’s older sister Evelyn (Sari Lennick), with whom he enjoys corresponding, has her own issues with her family including her philosopher husband Leonard (Stephen Kunken) and their daughter.

Once it is revealed that Bobby and Phil are in love with the same woman, Bobby returns to New York where he goes to work at

Ben’s nightclub. The change is good for him and he becomes a success. Bobby spends time with Rad (Parker Posey in a role she was born to play) and her husband Steve (Paul Schneider), New Yorkers he met in L.A. at one of Phil’s brunches. He meets, marries and starts a family with Veronica (Blake Lively). His life is moving in a positive direction, in spite of the authorities coming after Ben. That is until Phil and Vonnie, now happily married, show up at the nightclub one night, disrupting everything.

At turns hilarious and serious, Café Society also features Allen as the unseen narrator, removing any doubt that this is a Woody Allen movie; one of his better ones at that.

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD special features include an “On the Red Carpet” featurette and a photo gallery.

The Kind Words (Strand) is proof that Israelis can do dysfunctional family dramedies as well as Hollywood. Siblings Dorona (Rotem Zissman-Cohen), Natanel (Roy Assaf) and Shai (Assaf Ben-Shimon) all have their personal burdens. Moody Dorona and her hot husband Ricky (Tsahi Halevi) are having marital issues relating to her inability to have a baby. Religious Natanel is attempting to live up to the expectations of his Haredi wife. Shai, who identifies as bi (but definitely leans towards gay), is getting over a recent break-up with a boyfriend while conducting a Skype relationship with his young son who lives in Budapest with the mother.

However, nothing can prepare them for what’s to come. Their mother, Yona (Levana Finkelstein), dies following surgery to remove a tumor. As if that wasn’t enough of a shock to them, their father (Sasson Gabai), who divorced their mother and is now in a relationship with pop singer Osnat (Magi Azarzar), has an even more unexpected revelation. It turns out that his attempts to have a baby with Osnat are unsuccessful because he is shooting blanks. What’s more, this is not a new development. His swimmers have always been faulty.

Suddenly, Dorona, Natanel, and Shai are faced with the possibility that their mother was having an affair (or affairs) when she was with their father and that the three of them may or may not even be related. Aside from their deceased mother, the only one who might know the truth is their eccentric Aunt Rosa (Florence Bloch) who lives in Paris. The Kind Words does a decent job of incorporating elements of quirky family dynamics, amateur sleuthing, and road trips, all the while balancing the drama with comedy. DVD bonus features are minimal. t

Woody Allen’s back with a hit

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

23

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DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

people in our neighborhood

Where Charity is a Way of Life

by Joe Garvey What exactly is charity? One of Webster’s definitions of charity is “benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity.” And that goodwill spirit is closely associated with traditional yuletide gift-giving. But have you ever tried to carry that goodwill spirit and gift-giving through an entire year, let alone multiple years? Well, that is what the Zimmerman-Jackson House does and has done so successfully for 35 years. In fact, charitable gift-giving is a basic part of Ron Zimmerman and Steve Jackson’s fabric and being, the essence of who they really are, harkening back to what Ronald J. Zimmerman impressed upon his son, Ronald F., years ago in his blueprint for success: “If you make a living out of that commitment [selling real estate locally], you have to give back to that community.”

With that sage fatherly advice, Ron and Steve first set out in the 1980s to help mitigate the suffering of Baltimore’s AIDS victims, hosting charitable fundraisers for 150 to 200 people in their Victorian townhouse in Federal Hill to benefit Health Education Resource Organization (HERO) and Moveable Feast, raising thousands of dollars for the stalwarts of Baltimore’s defense against the AIDS pandemic and among the first local organizations to foster a community that cared for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Simultaneously, they reached out to their straight neighbors in Federal Hill, joining Ronald J., a former president of the Allen Center’s board of directors, in assisting senior citizens. Ryta Arrington, director of the Allen Center, who knew Ronald J. and knows “Ronnie” told Baltimore OUTloud, “We are a nonprofit organization but our funding never comes in on time. It is six or seven months behind. And that’s when Ronnie comes in. The charitable events at The Rowan Tree have been keeping us afloat financially. They have a special passion for helping seniors.”

On April 30th, the Allen Center moved from Federal Hill when Grace United Church of Christ sold its property. Their new address is 1401 Towson Street in

Locust Point where they share a large multi-purpose auditorium with the Episcopal Church of the Redemption, providing a variety of services for seniors on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ryta said, “I am hoping to expand our senior membership next year.”

Not only do Ron and Steve care for seniors who may sometimes feel lonely, neglected or ostracized due to health and age issues, but they have another passion: helping neglected and abused dogs…even though they do not have a dog.

In October, the Rowan Tree hosted an emergency fundraiser to benefit “Curly,” a dog that had suffered life-threatening back and spinal injuries due to abuse. Kim Smith, event coordinator for Dog Rescue of Maryland, immediately contacted Ron and Steve. “For the past nine years,” Kim recounted to Baltimore OUTloud, “they have held fundraisers to benefit our dogs. Within three hours, they and their patrons raised an amazing amount of money for Curly’s expensive surgery. They are the most remarkable individuals I ever met.”

For Ron and Steve the yuletide season began earlier than normal this year on November 11th at the Rowan Tree, hosting Anita Minett’s first fundraiser for Baltimore’s homeless. Anita, Miss Rowan Tree 2016 (a.k.a. Ryan Boffen), created a 1990s-themed drag show event where the entertainers performed songs from 1990 to 1999, and guests were encouraged to contribute nonperishable food for the Maryland Food Bank, as well as new or lightly used winter clothing and hygiene products for males and females. Also, during the event a donation box marked “#hungryandhomeless” was circulated throughout the bar, raising over $100 for the Maryland Food Bank.

“Ron and Steve gave me full access to their bar,” Anita told Baltimore OUTloud.

“We really do appreciate the atmosphere they have created to help us become a better community. And to make the home-

A look at Baltimore power-couple Ronald Zimmerman and Steve Jackson, part 2

less feel more like human beings.”

Another Christmas tradition is Steve’s participation as a performer in a major charity event. This year Steve performed on stage as a country singer in the 18th Annual “12 Days of Christmas” on December 10th at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights.

This premier gay charity event’s theme was “8-Track Flashback with Songs of the 70s,” benefitting the GLCCB Building Endowment, Aids Action Baltimore, the Allen Senior Center, and the Mid-Atlantic Deaf Interpreting Fund.

Rik Newton-Treadway, founders of

At The Rowan Tree, November 11th – fundraiser for Baltimore’s homeless

Hooker & Boys, an invitation-only leather club that sponsors the annual gala, told Baltimore OUTloud, “Ron and Steve are the biggest unsung heros in this town. Right from the start in 1999, some 18 years ago, they have been sponsoring us, donating money, time and talent. Steve has sung live and performed both as Consuela and Elvis.

They don’t brag about what they do. You don’t even know they have done it. They never told me or Shawnna Alexander ‘No.’”

Shawnna commented further, “Steve and I have been jumping into lots of fundraisers and benefits over the years…we have become known as the King and Queen of benefits.” In November Steve was made an honorary King of Baltimore Pride. Ron and Steve received the 2016 Millard “Barnes” Murphy Community Service Award from Hooker and Boys at the 12 Days Gala.

Part of Weichert Realtors’ annual Christmas tradition is sponsoring a “Dog-Santa” photo opportunity on Thursday, December 15th for $5 at their office at 1234 Light Street, while at the Rowan Tree, located at 1633 South Charles Street, they are conducting two separate fundraising events. The first event is a 50/50 raffle to support the after school activities at the Thomas Johnson Elementary / Middle School (TJEMS), and the second event is a raffle of a “Basket of Cheer” containing 18 bottles of fine wine and liquor to support Dog Rescue of Maryland. Raffle and “Basket of Cheer” tickets are only $5 each, and the winning tickets will be picked on New Year’s Eve. Kim Smith emphasized to Baltimore OUTloud, “We are in desperate need of loving, committed foster homes right now.”

Just before TJEMS’s teachers and staff go home for the holidays, Ron and Steve have a wonderful present for them: a Christmas party at the Rowan Tree. Ron’s mother, Alice, served as a volunteer librarian there for many years, so they feel very close to that particular school, so much so that they also host an end of school year party for teachers and staff, as well as fund an “ice cream social” for approximately 500 plus students at the school. TJEMS’s principal, James A. Dendinger, noted with gratitude that the Zimmerman family’s support has been “from generation to generation.” The last Christmas social event will be the annual party for the Allen Center’s senior citizens who will be treated to “free food, music, and cocktails.”

Reflecting on their extensive Christmas commitments, Ron said cheerfully, “We do our own thing raising money for community services.” And they do it with class!

To join the Allen Center or become a volunteer, contact Ryta Arrington at c.arrington@allencenter.comcastbiz.net. To become a dog’s loving foster parent, contact Kim Smith at kimdogrescueofmd@aol.com.

To enjoy life: everyone is welcome at the Rowan Tree Tavern. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. For directions call 410-468-0550.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

25

quality of life

Violet’s Vet

Dr. Tony Calo

Adopting an Older Dog All three of our dogs came me as youngsters. Daisy was three-and-a-half months old. She pre-dated Connor. Connor and I adopted Violet when she was 11 months old. Henry was also just about 11 months old when he came to live with us. Adopting younger dogs is generally considered the traditional approach to adopting a canine family member. However, I find it increas-

ingly more common to hear from clients that they adopted their dog at eight, nine, or ten years of age. I’m always happy and encouraged to hear about an older dog who was down in his luck getting a second chance at a stable and happy home.

There’s a sentiment that when you adopt an older dog, you are taking on someone else’s problem.

After all, who would give up an older dog unless there were significant behavioral issues? It has come to my attention from listening to the stories of these dogs adopted in their middle or older years that the opposite is true. Some of these dogs end up in rescue or shelters due to an owner who has died or has had to transition into

“The bond that forms between an older adoptee and his human is extremely special.”

Violet’s New Friends Meet Dusty – Am I a cutie or what? I think so, and around here I’m known as the senior stud muffin... actually that’s not true, they just call me Dusty. I’m a sweet little guy who just needs a lot of love in my new home where I can live out the rest of my golden years. It doesn’t take much to make me happy – just food, comfy beds at night, and love. I can be a lap dog at times, especially when I’m tired. In my previous home, I lived with a cat and a pug mix who loved me to death. I also lived with kids, but I would prefer to be with older kids in my new home.

Please come out to BHS soon so we can go for a walk. I would love that! t

k

Meet Mister – (a male, Miniature Schnauzer / mix, ten years old) – Looking for a senior man who is outgoing, social and likes to cuddle on the couch? Okay, then.

Say hello to me. My name is Mister. I love attention, being pet, and belly rubs – they are my favorite. Just because I am a small dog, though, it doesn’t mean that I enjoy being picked up because it’s not really my favorite thing. I have two favorite things – food and my white stuffed dog that is always with me. I like long walks and running around. I don’t act like I’m ten years old, believe me! I have been around kids between the ages of four to ten in my previous home. I know I would make a wonderful companion because my previous owner had me for 10 long years and she was very sad to have to let me go. How about bringing a senior dog into your heart and home? You won’t be sorry. t The adoption fee is $75 for Dusty.

Save a senior pet from a lonely, homeless life. Pets over seven years old are 50% off! Or if you are 65-plus, the adoption fee for all cats is only $25 (discounts cannot be combined). For more information visit Bmorehumane.org. t

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

assisted-living where pets were not permitted. Others may have come from families that have fallen on hard times and can no longer provide for the dog.

Unfortunately, some dogs may also be coming from neglect or abusive situations. The dogs from abusive circumstances may be scared or timid, but often still have a lot of love to offer a patient and caring human companion.

There are many advantages to getting a dog with life experience. Many of these dogs already have had some sort of training – maybe being able to properly walk on a leash, being adequately housetrained, and, and knowing how to live with human companions. The older pets, although they can still be very playful, do not need quite as much exercise and are happy to rest comfortably at home cuddling up to their new human. Finally, these dogs tend to know the ropes and therefore are very happy to be a part of new loving family. Because older dogs may have felt scared and abandoned by their previous life, they are often more loving and more appreciative when they find their new owner or owners. I cannot tell you how many of my clients tell me that they feel the most love from the older dogs that they have adopted. The bond that forms between an older adoptee and his human is extremely special. There is also the joy of helping an older dog, of being compassionate and empathetic. It makes us kinder and more human to take care of an older dog, providing them with the time and care that they so richly deserve.

I hear it time and time and again.

The rewards go both ways in this very special situation.

The potential downside is that when you adopt an older dog, the time you spend together will generally be shorter compared to adopting a puppy. This is does not diminish or take away from the relationship in anyway. A shorter amount of time does not mean that the time is anyway less in terms of closeness, of

A bit long in face... and in years, but oh so loving!

love, or of support.

Based on hearing the stories of these older dogs, Connor and I talk more and more of heading in this direction the next time we expand our pack.

It is, of course, a major responsibility to adopt an older dog but the benefits definitely outweigh the downsides.

So if you are thinking about adopting, do not limit yourself to young dogs or puppies.

Go and meet the older set and be open to what they have to offer. It will be well worth it for you and for them. t

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out in the valley

Parenting OUTloud

Rev. Kelly Crenshaw

Acting Out When I was growing up, my parents instilled in me a strong concept of how my actions reflected on my family. We were expected to be the perfect children, never doing anything that might cause others to look at our family as less than perfect.

We were expected to dress appropriately for every situation. Manners were essential to everyday life, including knowing how to hold a conversation in a social setting. We were taught that there are consequences when we embarrass the family and we felt the pressure of having to be the perfect children.

As my family began to grow, I knew that this was not the type of environment I wanted for my children. My kids came to this family from many different places, with a variety of backgrounds. Some were babies, others young children, and some were teens. Many had distinct personalities already formed and most had pieces of themselves that they kept hidden from others. And, one of the consequences of having to hide parts of themselves is that the frustration of hiding sometimes caused behavioral issues.

Over the years, we’ve had children scream and rant, curse and threaten.

We’ve been hit and bitten by enraged children. We’ve taught our kids how to get the younger children to a safe location when someone because violently aggressive. Our belongings and money have been stolen, despite attempts to keep it safe. We’ve had kids who were starved as little kids, so they learned to hoard food. And, even though we provided more food than they could possibly eat, they hid food in their rooms. One of our sons would eat frozen food or heat it on the bathroom heater. (Yuck!) It wasn’t because he was hungry. It was because he’d learned that you eat when food is available because it may not be there tomorrow.

When they get aggressive – either violently or verbally – it hurts. It hurts because I know that I have done nothing to deserve their attacks. And, of course, I get blamed when things go wrong for them. They twist

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reality to make us sound like the bad guys.

They have so much experience with being the victims that sometimes they can’t understand a life with any other reality.

I think the hardest things to overlook are the stealing and the lies. Just this week, I went to get a money order for one of our daughters. Her job had overpaid her and she decided that her best option was to pay them back with a money order. She gave me the cash and less than two days later, I headed off to the post office. When I got there, I decided to count the money prior to going inside. I was so glad I did. It was $220 short. I’m glad I thought to count it before going

found out that this is a coping mechanism for the kids in the system. They have no control over their lives. They’ve been taken away from the only parents they know, familiar neighbourhoods and many times even their schools. They are placed in households where there are unfamiliar expectations and rules. And, many quickly learn that accusing the foster parents of abuse is a way to express their frustrations.

I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t always change after adoption. Several of our kids, who were adopted as teens, have called Child Today we’re Protective Serall acting in vices on us more than once. We have been accused of everything from beatings, to sexual situations, and denying food.

We have come through every investigation with flying colors, but it’s horribly stressful.

We’ve had a daughter i n s i d e grow up to be an exotic dancer, one sold because I was overwhelmed with drugs, another lost her kids to Child Proemotion. I would not have wanted to be in- tective Services. The list goes on and on.

And, this behaviour isn’t limited to adside when I discovered the theft. This is not the first time this has happened. It’s opted kids. Being a child is tough work. You usually the older kids, who’ve learned from feel like you have to make everyone happy. those older than them. But, it still hurts Sometimes, that is a hard task. So, it becomes easier to act out and make your own when it happens.

The lies are hard, too. We’ve been ac- bad decisions. If you’re going to get blamed cused of all kinds of things over the years. anyway, why not make it your choice?

We, as parents, need to remember that When we first took foster parent training, we were told that almost all foster parents our children have all kinds of expectations are accused of child abuse at some point. placed on them. Teachers, neighbors, Who would have thought? But, we soon other parents, grandparents and a million

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

others judge our kids and can place high expectations on them. They need our unconditional support and love. Kids can be a challenge. They can say mean things or treat us badly, but at the end of the day, we’re the adults and we’re supposed to set the standard. Make that standard about showing love because one day they may

“The lies are hard.

We’ve been accused of all kinds of things over the years. When we first took foster parent training, we were told that almost all foster parents are accused of child abuse at some point. Who would have thought? But we soon found out that this is a coping mechanism for the kids in the system.” need that more than anything else. Because life is hard, even as an adult. t Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom of 16 adopted kids, two biological kids, guardian of one baby girl and foster mom of dozens.

Some are lesbian, some gay, some straight, and some bisexual. Kelly founded a K-12 day school where kids could have a safe, bully-free environment for learning. She is co-owner of a counselling agency that works with children and their families. Send your parenting questions to her at pastor.kelly@ comcast.net

out in the valley

Brian’s

Brain

Brian George Hose

The Spatchcock The holiday season is in full swing and I hope that yours is off to a good start. Holidays can be great, for obvious reasons.

We’re practically required to spend time with people we care about, to shop for and cook a variety of holiday-specific foods, and then (the best part) to eat the foods that so much effort went into making. The day ends with full bellies and, if you’re lucky, full hearts.

Not everyone has this experience, though. My parents divorced when I was in elementary school, which meant that holidays were divided between my parents. Enjoying the holiday with one parent meant missing most of the day with the other. There simply wasn’t a way to have both at once, to make everybody happy.

By the time I started college I wasn’t a big fan of the holidays. For me, holidays meant coordinating schedules, calculating commutes, keeping an eye on the clock, and a whole lot of juggling. They also meant that I would be stressed out and someone would inevitably be disappointed.

Like a cross between squash and turkey

Things began to change three years ago when my friend Bea hosted her first Thanksgiving.

Bea is a food genius and one of my best

friends. She can make anything, and everything she makes is delicious – even the chocolate cake that she sneakily fills with grated beets. I’ve learned not to question her culinary prowess and to embrace her philosophy that food should be delicious, not pretty.

What I love so much about Bea’s cooking is that she’s always trying new things.

You never know what you’re going to get, but you know you’re going to love it. True to form, this year when I arrived she announced that the main course would be a spatchcock turkey.

If Bea is a food genius, I am a food imbecile. My cooking skills are all-around lacking and my culinary vocabulary is even worse.

If you were to tell me that something was braised or broasted, my eyes would glaze over and I would give a too-big smile before exclaiming with total confidence that it sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it. Meanwhile, I have no idea what any

the day, but we always reconvene at her place. We listen to music, dish about our lives, and sometimes she lets me measure and stir ingredients. Friends drop by between family obligations and the feast goes on for hours.

What I love about our Thanksgiving tradition is that it resembles her food philosophy; there’s nothing formal about the occasion, but it’s always a warm, fun, delicious place to be. But mostly, I love that it’s ours.

I was busy digesting both the spatchcock metaphor and the bird itself when it occurred to me, maybe I like the holidays after all.

For those of us in nontraditional situations, we can learn a lot from the spatchcock.

The holidays may rip out our spines and crack our sternums, forcing us to lie flat in mangled surrender, but this is what lets the warmth in when we need it most. t

“If spatchcock sounds a little dirty, it’s because it is. Maybe not dirty, but certainly messy.” of that actually means or what I’ve gotten myself into.

So, when I was told we’d be having a spatchcock turkey I began to imagine a f a n c y, magical bird dressed in velvet pants and exotic spices, even though I had no idea what the word meant.

If spatchcock sounds a little dirty, it’s because it is. Maybe not dirty, but certainly messy. The term refers to the way it is prepared, specifically by removing the backbone and sternum, thereby allowing the bird to be flattened and the cooking time significantly reduced.

True to her philosophy, Bea’s spatchcock was delicious in addition to being beautiful, though not in a traditional Norman Rockwell sense.

This was my third Thanksgiving with Bea, which means that it’s now kind of a tradition. We do family things throughout

Weekly worship is 10:30 a.m each Sunday morning.

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

29

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rum in it, however, I did not do that. As for dining menu options, the Brew House prides itself on serving regional fare from local farmers and fisherman. After hearing about the specials on that night, three out of our four decided on the salmon (market priced), served with fresh veggies and rice, and our Richard Finger outlier decided on the Paella Cavatelli dish ($22), which consists of Cavetelli pasta, shrimp, chorizo, mussels, and spicy tomato Brew House no. 16 sauce.

831 North Calvert Street, Baltimore The Brew House offers quite a few opBrewhouseno16.com tions of starters, soups, and salads. Among the starters, for seafood lovers, there’s a 410-659-4084 variety of mussels and calamari. There are As a pedestrian walking through historic also chicken wings and samosas. The atMount Vernon, it was exciting to see the traction, in my opinion, is the homemade restoration of the old fire station on the soft pretzels (only $2). For soups, there is corner of Read and Calvert. It had stood a soup of the day ($8), French Onion Soup abandoned for quite some time before the ($9), and a Roseda Beef Chili ($10). There Hummel family decided to renovate and is the Mt. Vernon Salad in two sizes ($8 and open the Brew House. Neighbors are excit- $14), and a steak salad ($14). From the pub ed to have a new dining establishment in the menu, some highlights include the Duck neighborhood. For one reason or another, Poutine ($18), the Lamb Burger ($16), and we hadn’t been able to get over there for the Fire Truck Fish Tacos ($16). Lastly, from more than a beer since the grand opening, the house specialties selections besides but we decided to meet some friends there the Paella Cavatelli, other options include Rosemary Braised Breast of Chicken for dinner last week. ($23), House Beer Braised Walking into the old firehouse is impresShort Ribs ($26), and Firesive. You can see the attempt at rehouse Yellow Split Pea furbishing the old, but yet Presque Cake ($22). A robust adding a new, tasteful magnifique! menu of options, indeed. style. For example, As for our meals, the the old tiled walls have portion size was quite been cleaned up, the large, and I was unable old radiators painted. to completely finish The new elements are the meal. There was obviously centered on the no doubt the salmon dining area and brewery. was fresh, as well as The bar certainly takes centhe ingredients, and ter stage, and behind it, the we all enjoyed the cooking area. Towards the taste. I know we’ll back (you’ll pass them headreturn. The Brew ing towards the restrooms) House is open are the hand-crafted breweries A meal too tasty for dinner from (or are they fermenters?). Very to brew-ed over!

Sunday through cool, indeed! We took a seat at a Thursday from 5 to 10 table adjacent to the kitchen, and p.m., and Friday and Saturday if there is only one negative, this from 5 to 11 p.m. Happy hour is would be it: Separating us from the kitchen was a cart full of things, all bit from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The visually cluttered. Another potential issue Brew House also offers a weekend brunch (though not for us that night) is the acous- with bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 tics. Given the high ceilings and little damp- p.m. Overall, a great experience, and more ing, I could imagine on a busy night, it would importantly, a shining star in a revitalizing section of Mt. Vernon. t be hard to hear conversations at your table.

So being at a brew house, it’s only natural that they would serve local brews, and quite a wide variety. The rest of our party sampled among them. I chose a seasonal, warm, rum-based drink that was absolutely delightful. It was one of those drinks that you could easily guzzle and forget that there was

Finger’s Food

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31

your money The More you Know About

Business

Richard Finger

Hygiene Issues at Work In recent weeks, I have had been in discussion with an HR colleague telling me about a work situation that is likely just a small example of what we will encounter as political opinions become even more pronounced. In her situation, she is working through a concern regarding an employee of Sikh religious beliefs that suffers from a hygiene issue. The employee has been with the company for almost six years, and during this time, there have been just a few conversations to address the issue, nothing documented. Unfortunately, the hygiene issue is bad enough that coworkers and clients have raised their concerns.

When discussing the issue with a senior

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

manager in the organization, she was appalled by the reaction, specifically hearing these words, “Well, the issue will not go away. He isn’t going to change what he eats.”

When my friend told me about this issue, she hadn’t taken into consideration the employee’s religious beliefs, or the nationality of his decent. She had been addressing the issue as one of hygiene, and attempted to handle the concern the same way she would handle it if had been a person of any other race or ethnicity.

She was taken off guard by the blatant response of the senior leader, who happens to be a white male over 50. She was asking me if I felt the current political environment had contributed to his remarks. We both agreed, it is difficult to draw a confident conclusion on this. That said, we also agreed that with the popular political mood being what it is, it is certainly lurking in the background of everyone’s sub-conscious, and perhaps there was some undertones of discrimination in his statement.

Hygiene issues at work are already a very sensitive matter to handle, as the nature is so personal, and so sensitive. In this case, the matter needs to be addressed delicately, to address the hygiene issue, and not to have this employee feel like his rights are being violated, or subjected to any discrimination. My friend discussed with the employee’s direct manager that they should talk to him, and simply address the importance of hygiene when working in a professional environment, and also as part of the company’s dress code. There was no discussion about his religious beliefs or about the food he chooses to eat.

I was very proud of my HR colleague for her actions of taking the higher road (I couldn’t help but think of Michele Obama’s quote, “When they go low, we go high.”).

She coached the management team on how to navigate through the concern, in a safe way that protected the company from any liability, and also to treat the employee respectfully. I am sure this will not be an isolated incident as we proceed into 2017.

As an HR practitioner, I fear that if we allow discrimination to creep into the workplace, we cannot predict how people will react.

Now more than ever, it will be important to be vigilant. I always say my role in human resources is work towards providing a fair and respectful work environment, and to create an atmosphere where all employees can be their most productive selves. I know I cannot do this in isolation, but will do my best to keep those that work with me and around me working towards the same mission. t

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

Mister

Tech

John Redmond-Palmer

Wearable Tech: It’s What’s Next The options and availability for “wearable tech” have exploded in recent years, and are expanding every day, including watchtype products such as the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Samsung watches. They are one more way we have become a net-connected society.

Watch products today can geolocate with GPS technology, monitor your heart rate, make and receive phone calls, and even pay for transactions with near-field communication (NFC) services such as Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay. Fitness trackers, such as those made by Fitbit and Garmin, range from basic models that only tell you the number of steps you’ve made, to those that monitor your pulse, track exercise, water consumption, and many other things.

The Apple Watch is one of the most popular wearable tech items, and like any product, it has some pros and cons, as I learned when I recently bought an Apple Watch Series 1. First and foremost, the watch only works with an iPhone 5 or higher, so you have to commit to owning both.

With the Apple Watch, you have some basic choices to make, about the series and size. I chose a Series 1, as the primary difference is that the Series 2 watch has the added features of GPS and being waterproof. Then you have the choice of a 38 mm or 42 mm sized watch. This decision is a personal one, depending on how large of a watch you want on your wrist.

The watch had enough charge out of the package to allow me to begin what I found to be a pretty straightforward set up

process, including app setup, done primarily through the iPhone. It comes with some preloaded apps such as heart rate monitors and accelerometers, and during setup, it downloads all the apps from your iPhone that have an Apple Watch companion app.

A touch-enabled home screen gives you access to all the apps loaded on the watch. Learning to navigate the home screen had a learning curve, though now I find relatively it easy to use. I chose the 38 mm, because even though I am a rather big guy, I felt the 42 mm looked too big on my wrist. However, because of my big fingers, I regret not buying the 42 mm model, as I think it would’ve made the touch screen easier to use.

Apps on the watch are controlled primarily through the knob on the side, called the “crown,” which took a little bit of practice to get used to for navigation. An additional button on the side of the phone is also used to control various parts of the apps.

While many of the preloaded apps don’t require you to have the iPhone nearby in order to work, many of those loaded from my iPhone do. I have found however, that I can be quite far from the iPhone and still stay connected.

While I can wear the watch all day without it needing a charge, I would not be able to go two days without charging. It’s a good idea to buy an extra charging cord or two, for the office or to carry with you.

One drawback of the Apple Watch is its notification sounds, which are pretty basic: a ring for phone calls, and a ding for everything else. That means you have no idea whether the notification is for a text, email, or any other kind of notification, without scrolling through the watche’s list of notifications. Even worse, the watch disables all of notification sounds from your phone that you have likely customized to let you know the difference between them.

Overall I have been quite pleased with this purchase. At the end of the day however, when choosing wearable tech, it’s most important to be clear about what your priorities are for what the tech can do for you.

That will help decide which product is the best fit. t John Redmond-Palmer can be reached at john@redpalmcomputing.com.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

33

leather line

Leather

Line

Rodney Burger

Grey Onyx is Mr. D.C. Eagle 2017 Grey Onyx from Capital Heights, Maryland and a longtime member of Onyx Mid-Atlantic was selected Mr. D.C. Eagle 2017 on Saturday, November 19th during the D.C. Eagle’s 45th anniversary weekend held at the bar’s current location (3701 Benning Road NE). Kyle Collins founder and cochair of D.C. Leather Pride was selected first runner-up. In the great tradition of the Mr. D.C. Eagle Contest, which is the oldest, continuous leather title event in the leather community, the contest moved quickly. Even with five contestants, it only

2016 David “Tigtook 90 minutes ger” Bailey, Interto put the contesnational Ms. Leathtants through barer 2016 Lascivious ware, physique, Jane, Mr. D. C. and formal leather Eagle 2016 Danny / speech. The stepKaylor-Hawkins, down speech by Mr. Mr. San Francisco D.C. Eagle 2016 Eagle 2016 Cody Danny Kaylor-HawElkins, Mr. Mid-Atkins was heartfelt lantic Leather 2016 and brief. The only Todd Leavitt, Mr. filler entertainEagle NYC 2016 ment was a wonQ, and Mr. D.C. derful burlesque Eagle 2002 Herb performance by Kaylor-Hawkins.

International Ms. Leather 2016 LasDoing their bit to reduce The tally master shame in D.C.! who quickly got civious Jane who all the scores toperformed a hot gether for each number from the Broadway hit Avenue Q. The length of the category was Mr. Mayhem Leather 2016 contest allowed for lots of time afterwards Ash Duncan. The Spartans MC worked the to congratulate the participants, greet old club bar and sold Jell-O shots and on the friends, and make new ones. Lord knows Sunday after the contest the Highwaymen we have all been to those contests where TNT hosted a victory dinner for the new Mr. the winner is sashed and last call is an- D.C. Eagle at the bar.

Congratulations to Mr. D.C. Eagle 2017 nounced at the same time!

Those tasked were selecting Mr. D.C. Grey Onyx. You did a wonderful job in this Eagle 2017 were International Mr. Leather contest and I am sure you will represent D.C. well at the International Mr. Leather 2017 Contest in Chicago in May. (In fact, my favorite conversation that I overheard during the contest went like this: “I’m pretty sure that Grey is going to win. Yes, but you said the same thing about Hillary!”)

Next up at the D.C. Eagle is the Leatherman of Color 2017 Contest. The Meet and Greet will be held on Friday, December 9th starting at 9 p.m. and the contest is on Saturday, December 10th starting at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, December 11th there will be a victory cook-out at the bar to honor Leatherman of Color 2017. Everyone is invited.

Back in Baltimore the ShipMates Club would like to thank everyone who turned

out at The Loft at Grand Central on Saturday, December 3rd for their annual Daddy Christmas benefit. This year’s event was a benefit for the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre. This 54-year-old theater company has always been a big part of Baltimore’s LGBT community and soon hopes to move to a larger location in downtown Baltimore.

The ShipMates also want to offer a special thank you to Mr. Maryland Leather 2017 Pupboy Orpheus who did a tail-wagging job of filling in for Santa Claus.

It is hard to believe that the holiday season is here again and that soon we will be starting a new year. In the leather community the New Year always starts with the big Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend in

“In the great tradition of the Mr. D.C. Eagle Contest, which is the oldest, continuous leather title event in the leather community, the contest moved quickly. Even with five contestants, it only took 90 minutes.”

Washington. MAL in 2017 is scheduled for January 13th to 15th. The Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill is the host hotel again this year and at this time is completely booked.

You may want to try the nearby Washington Court Hotel and the Phoenix Park Hotel. Full details can be found online at leatherweekend.com.

The Centaur MC look forward to seeing everyone at MAL 2017. I know that I wouldn’t miss it. t

Law Office of David M. Lutz, P.A. •Auto Accidents

•Workers’ Compensation

•Personal Injury

•DUI/DWI

•Criminal Defense

•Traffic Court

Se Habla Español

136 W. Read Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 667-212-4446 • Find us on Facebook 34 t

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1901 Fleet Street Baltimore, MD 21231 Phone: 410-558-3700 (English) 410-299-2898(Español) E-mail: LawLutz@aol.com www.lawlutz.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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277 W. Chase St

Merry Christmas from all of us at Leon's and Steampunk Alley!

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH US Dance all night with the Battle of the DJ's Food and Drinks Specials all night Best Dressed Contest with Cash Prizes NO COVER

Thursday Josie Trivia Night

Karaoke Sunday 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Enjoy Our Seven Days a Week Buy One Get One Happy Hour 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Dance away at Leon's Friday, Saturday and Sundays to some of the best music in Baltimore Reversed Happy Hour Drink Prices 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Food Served Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday to Sunday open till 12 a.m.

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

DECEMber 9, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com