positive focus Summer 2011
www.stapinc.org
Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
13th Annual AIDS Ride for Life Become a part of the 13th annual AIDS Ride for life on 9/10/11! Each year the community shows support for STAP and its mission through participation in the AIDS Ride for Life by riding, volunteering or sponsoring riders with donations. Participating cyclists choose to ride 42, 50 or 100 miles along or around Cayuga Lake and ask sponsors to donate on their behalf to help STAP pay for the services they provide. It’s easy to think that HIV/AIDS is no longer a problem. Medications have come a long way, and people are living longer, healthier lives. This is why the work of the Southern Tier AIDS Program is so vital. The agency continues to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community. We ride to raise awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants, their donors, and the general public. We ride because—in the current economy—our agency needs these funds more than ever. Ultimately, we ride so that someday, we won’t have to. Think globally - Bike locally. Get involved this year and allow STAP to focus on providing critical services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Your support and commitment to this event is pivotal to our success. For more information or to donate to a rider, please visit www.aidsrideforlife.org.
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I’M COMING!
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Miss Richfield 1981 at
Sunday
September 25 th
open at
2
show starts at
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the afterparty is at
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SIT! STAND!
vip
$35
general admission $25
standing room only $20
receive a $10 remlik’s gift certificate for each ticket purchased tickets? remlik’s or stap phone? 607-798-1706 email? mkaminsky@stapinc.org
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Vestal
6/30/11 5:07:19 PM
from the director...
I
was given a gift yesterday by the clients and staff of STAP. I attended the closing ceremonies of our annual 3 day 2 night retreat for HIV+ people at Sky Lake in Windsor. This year’s retreat was bigger and better than ever. This is due to the unflagging enthusiasm of the staff & clients who plan and execute the event. As I set out for Sky Lake, my head was swirling with thoughts of grants being written, the annual budget to be presented to the board of directors next week and more rumors of changes in Medicaid that might impact those we serve. It would be fair to say that I was busy and there were some things that were weighing heavily on my mind. When I arrived at the retreat I was able to chat with many of the participants and as I did this I felt my mind begin to clear. Speaking with our clients always helps to ground me in what is really important in life, health, friends, family, good work. They keep me honest and never allow me to stray too far from this reality. The retreat closing ceremonies were beautiful. People shared how valuable the short respite from their day to day realities had been and how great it was to connect
with others dealing with HIV. They also joked about their pleasure in seeing staff in a more relaxed setting and realizing that they really are human beings. The closing ceremonies brought me back to the place where I remembered why we write the grants, prepare the budgets and advocate for sound policy. We wade through the day to day minutia of reports and administrative detail so that events like the retreat are possible for people with HIV that we serve. We tolerate the frustration and anxiety that is a component of this work so that people in our community will receive prevention services and not become infected. We remember that at the end of the day the work is ultimately about making people’s lives healthier, whether they are HIV+ or not. I returned to the office rejuvenated, refreshed and thankful to those at the retreat who gave me the gift of this important insight. I was aware once again of what a privilege it is to be in my position and to work with both the staff and clients of STAP. I felt healthier. I shall try my best to repay your kindness. Thank you so much.
John Barry, Executive Director 4
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volunteer update ADMINISTRATION
John Barry, Executive Director Julie Kerr, Director of Finance Mary Kaminsky, Director of Development Joseph Caminiti, Director of Information Systems Jackie Centerwall, Director of Operations Kim Conrad, Special Events Coordinator Candace Phelan, Volunteer Coordinator Anne Baron, Fiscal Assistant Ginny Miller, Program Assistant Katrina Roehrig, Administrative/HR Assistant
CLIENT SERVICES
Gayle Pado, Director of Client Services Wendy Hitchcock, Assistant Director Stacy Nickerson, Assistant Director Kelly Conroy, Medical Advocacy Coordinator Teresa Wage-Harrington, Housing Coordinator Andrea Pinney, Housing Specialist Todd Latzko, Community Follow-up Worker Kristina Hagen, CS Data Specialist Cassandra Aikman, Case Manager Jennifer McKenzie, Case Manager Jean Wilson, Case Manager Gry-Bente Johansen, Case Manager Lyndsay Grinberg, Case Manager Terri Shields, Case Manager Juan Rios, Case Management Technician Elke Meyer, Case Management Technician Beth Pittman, Case Management Technician
PREVENTION SERVICES
Michele McElroy, Director of Prevention Services Joe Barnett, Asst. Director & Senior Educator Lillian Fan, Harm Reduction Educator Desiree Argentina, Harm Reduction Educator Saleem Diaz, Substance Use Educator Emily Cowan, Substance Use Educator Hannah Weiss, Syringe Exchange Technician Thomas Womelsdorf, Syringe Exchange Technician Ethan Lewis, MPowerment Coordinator Noah Cooper, MPowerment Assistant Lawrence Parham, Asst Dir, Project VIIBES Coordinator Leah Compos, AmeriCorp Member Chalanda Graham, Project VIIBES Educator Kernalia Andrews, Womens’ Services Educator Cathy Sostre, Womens’ Services Coordinator Renee Whitaker, COC Educator Jeff Dunlap, LGBT Youth Educator Erin Gotthardt, Asst Director, LGBT Program Coordinator Jeffrey Pryor, Prison Re-Entry Coordinator Cathy Carpenter, Prison Re-Entry Assistant Bryan Cook, CJ Educator
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER Carrie Juraska, Regional Training Grant Assistant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Rushanski, President Jamie Cornell, Vice President Michael Grasso, Treasurer Ralph Klotzbaugh, Secretary Jerry Halbert, Member-at-large Grant Best Tina Ruocco Dolan, Angelo Fiori, K. Alice Bulkeley, Nancy McGowan, Pamela Mischen, Joshua Ludzki, Larry Bailey, Helen Higgenbotham, Kristin Harding, Anthony Fiala, Jr., Jason Pickart
Get Involved via our newly updated website!
“How may I get involved at the Southern Tier AIDS Program” is a question that our agency loves to hear and answer. We believe that involvement from individuals and groups is what allows STAP to make a real difference in our communities and in the lives of our friends and neighbors living with HIV/AIDS. Getting involved at STAP is as simple as making a donation to our agency or serving as a volunteer. Funding for STAP comes from the New York State Department of Health, federal, foundation and private grants, and individual donations. Volunteer support and donations are vital to maintaining and developing services and programs outside of those guided by grant-secured funding. Want to learn more about STAP and what we are doing in our community? Check out our newly updated website at http:// www.stapinc.org. We think you will find the fresh clean look of our website modernized and easier to navigate. Please let us know what you think!
www.STAPINC.org
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thanks
Thank you to those that participated in and volunteered for the AIDS Walk / RUN 2011. What a success! Beautiful weather, wonderful food and terrific people!
INFORMATION HOTLINES National
800-342-AIDS
Spanish
800-342-SIDA
Hearing Impaired
800-AIDS-TTY
Teen Hot Line New York State STAP
800-440-TEEN 800-541-AIDS 800-333-0892
HIV TESTING SITES Broome County Health Department 607-778-2839 Chemung County Health Department 607-737-2028 Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP) 800-333-0892 Chenango Memorial Hospital 607-335-4111 Jacobus Center-Cortland 607-753-5027 Planned Parenthood Binghamton 607-723-8306 Planned Parenthood Oneonta 607-432-2250 Planned Parenthood Sidney 607-563-4363 Planned Parenthood Walton 607-865-6579 Oneonta Health Center 607-433-0042 Tioga County Health Department 607-687-8600 Tioga Opportunities, Inc. 607-687-5333 Tompkins County Health Department 800-562-9423
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volunteer volunteerupdate corner
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS If you are looking for a way to spend a day like no other then sign up to volunteer for our AIDS RIDE for LIFE. On September 10, 2011 you have the opportunity to ride a bicycle 100 miles –or- you could sign up and volunteer at one of the pit stops. www.aidsrideforlife.org On October 1st you could have the time of your life with your dog and the staff of STAP. www.doggonefunontherun.org. If you want to volunteer in one of our terrific programs: ~ Sisters Informing Sisters about Topics on AIDS (SISTA) ~ Education Change Help and Opportunities (ECHO) ~ Voices Involved In Building and Safety Enhancing Safety (VIIBES) The CUBE, Identity, or in the offices throughout our 8 counties give me a shout 1.800.333.0892 or e-mail cphelan@stapinc.org. “I volunteer at STAP because I learned long ago how important STAP was to our community. What small part I can play pales in significance to the massive contributions of the dedicated staff. I learned long ago that dealing with AIDS clients and those who are HIV positive is emotionally challenging – even painful, but it is very rewarding in knowing that even small contributions can be helpful.” By J. Docteur, volunteer
www.STAPINC.org
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what’s new
STARCRAZY
Female impersonator, Lee Byar, performed StarCrazy to a sell-out crowd at the Lost Dog Café on April 2nd. Marilyn Monroe, Carol Channing, Bette Davis, Liza Minelli and Judy Garland were some of the celebrities on hand. What a fun night for all in attendance. Special thanks to Lee Byar, Jim Micali and the Lost Dog Café for hosting this event. Onehundred percent of the ticket sales were donated to the 2011 AIDS Walk/Run.
STAP’s 3rd Annual Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash
On April 17th there was standing room only at Tranquil Bar & Bistro for the 3rd annual STAP’s Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash. Round 1 started off with Candace Chapman, Joanie, Barbara and Laura Ellis raising a record breaking $4,040.50! Joanie was in the lead and it wouldn’t be easy to beat her $3,299.00 in tips. Round 2 started off with Rich Birdsall, Jen O’Brien, Chris Waters and Justin Garcia (Dr. Love) taking the helm. Chris Waters was determined to win. He brought an entire entourage who shamelessly sold the most delicious cupcakes for $5.00 each. Round 2 ended with Chris in 2nd place raising a total of $2,000.50. Round 3 bartenders Michael Libous, Mayor Matt Ryan, Tony Fiala and Steven Nanni took over. Michael Libous was the winner last year and had no intention of letting Joanie take the coveted prize of drink-naming rights away from him and Tony Fiala thought for certain he’d be declared the winner. Steven Nanni started belting out songs for extra 8
tips and Michael, Tony and Mayor Ryan feverishly poured drinks. But when it was over Joanie held on to her title. There was another competition heating up throughout the evening too. Katrina, DeDe Kupps and Dusty Box performed throughout the evening in a race to see which Diva would be crowned Top Queen. It was a close competition with less than $13.00 between 1st and 3rd place. Katrina was named the 2011 STAP Rock Star Celebrity Bartending Bash Queen. Overall, a record breaking 11,287.82 was raised!
Over $58,000 raised at the 2011 AIDS Walk/Run on April 30, 2011!
Now in its fifteenth year, the AIDS Walk/Run has seen its share of rain, cold and even snow, so we were delighted with a warm, sunny, 63o day. Hundreds of walkers/runners tied up their laces and put their feet down to make a difference. Our littlest walkers were treated to a wonderful day filled with surprises at our Kids Who Care Tent. They created red balloon ribbons, paper maché flowers, played tons of games, enjoyed popcorn, ice-cream and snacks and visited with various animals courtesy of the Zoo Mobile. Grilled chicken, courtesy of Outback Steakhouse, pizza, courtesy of Pronto Cucina, steamed clams and oysters, courtesy of Relmik’s, chips, Doritos and Fritos courtesy of Frito-Lay and delicous beverages courtesy of Starbucks, ensured that no one left hungry. Lukus Wells and Dr. Colin Marcus provided the fabulous music at the event. It was a wonderful day.
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volunteer update
Top Three Fundraising Teams STAP Board of Directors Bears of Binghamton Kids Who Care
Top Three Runners 1 Place: Joey Randall 2nd Place: Ryan Siciliano 3rd Place: Brian Nayor st
Top Three Fundraising Individuals Paul Rushanski Joshua B Ludzki Michael Grasso The Largest & Most Creative Team: The Big Gay Team School Challenge Winner: Team Floyd Bell, Kirkwood, NY A huge thank you to all of our sponsors: United Health Services, Excellus BCBS, Dr. Colin Marcus, Frito Lay, J&K Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc., Lost Dog Café, Lourdes Hospital, Lukus Wells, M&T Bank, One Condoms, Outback Steakhouse, Price Chopper, Pronto Cucina, Remlik’s, Star 105.7, Starbucks, The Pharmacy, Time Warner Cable, UPS Store Vestal, Weis Markets, Wendy’s, YMCA Doggone Fun on the Run ~ SAVE THE DATE: October 1, 2011.
www.STAPINC.org
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Cast Iron Tuna Pan Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Jade Pilaf, Braised Baby Bok Choy, Ginger-Hoison Drizzle
Join Us For Dinner Come enjoy our extensive menu, and experience the delicious atmosphere of Remlik’s. Located at 31 Lewis Street, in the Kilmer building of downtown Binghamton, we’re open Monday-Thursday 11 am - 10 pm Friday and Saturday 11am -11pm CLOSED Sunday
Raw Bar Nightly
Come and try one of our signature cocktails or new Island Oasis drinks! For more on our delicious menu items, reservation information, or catering options, visit our website www.Remliks.com or call (607) 217-4513 Proud supporter of the 2011 AIDS Walk/Run
Homemade Desserts www.STAPINC.org | 11 poz_focus_JUNE_2011.indd 11
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client focus
2011 Clients Retreat Gayle Pado, Director Client Services On June 14th over fifty clients and staff of the Southern Tier AIDS Program set out on a life changing adventure: The Annual Journey: A Client Wellness Retreat. For some, the retreat was a new experience, and for others it was a familiar haven they look forward to annually. Participants enjoyed three days and two nights at the beautiful Sky Lake Retreat Center in Windsor, NY. During the get-away folks enjoyed massages, crafts, games, campfires, fishing, a karaoke party and a healing service just to name a few activities. The agenda was packed with education and plenty of opportunities to make new friends and lasting memories. This year participants even had the chance to learn about safer sex techniques and get one-on-one education with STAP Prevention Educators. Thanks to the generosity of the Gesso Foundation, several providers throughout the Southern Tier, and the help of STAP’s Development team, STAP is dedicated to ensuring this retreat continues year after year because magic happens at the Lake that can not be described in words, but must be felt with the heart…Here is one client’s experience: A Client’s Reflections on Sky Lake This was my third year at the Sky Lake Retreat, two years ago was my first and I was only diagnosed 4 months earlier. Maybe it was all the familiar faces when we arrived but I got a feeling that this visit was going to be different this time. Since my first visit to camp I have come to terms with my diagnosis and learned how to take control and started to live life again. Now I look back at the first year and see how much of a sponge I was, absorbing all the information I could
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to help me understand what life was going to be like with this disease - at that time I was unaware of just how much I had learned. The second year seemed to be the emotional one, I had a good time, but I was able to open up more and deal with the demons that we all carry around with us. That year I spoke at the Rose Pedal Ceremony, something that was very powerful for me even with the tears.
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This year seemed to bring some strange calm about me from the minute I arrived, it just felt so good to be among friends who understand the importance/ joy of life. To be around so many smiles and free spirits who left their troubles behind as I had done. To be able to sit and talk with people who have become true friends, who unfortunately I don’t get to see often enough. To laugh, and it seems there was so much laughter this year - at
least that’s what I kept seeing. I went home that last day feeling refreshed and renewed - looking forward to seeing my friends again next summer and sharing stories of the life we have lived in the past year. Sometimes just the simple things in life have such a big meaning. I’m sure in the weeks to come I will still be basking in the “heart light” I experienced this year at camp. -Will www.STAPINC.org
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what’s new
juneteenth Juneteenth is the oldest know celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, also known a Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an American holiday honoring African American heritage and celebrated by people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. It commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865……….. The Broome County 2011 Juneteenth Celebration was held June 11, 2011 in Center City Binghamton at Columbus Park. It was co-sponsored by STAP, 14
Broome County Urban League, and Binghamton City Councilwoman Lea Webb. This was a community wide effort that brought together a committee of volunteers and agencies who organize a celebration that was attend by approximately 480 community residents that were representative of the diversity of the Southern Tier. This year’s event had entertainment from DJ Izm, Kentrell Newton MTV’s Swagger Crew, On Point Production, to Union Endicott STEP Team and Devin Wright. There was free food, vendors of all kinds, Kids Face Painting and a NYS Proclamation recognizing the day’s celebration.
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The Cube
Welcomes Artist Jean-Max Francois The Cube is a community center that focuses on providing services for gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and other men who have sex with men. The Cube is conveniently, located at 208 State Street in downtown Binghamton, NY, a three minute walk from the bus station. It has been a very busy year so far. The Cube is in the process of revamping our website and has launched its new “Cube Newz” page! Cube Newz page has been a huge success in providing its viewers with information about The Cube’s events, as well as local news focusing on topics and issues regarding the LGTBQ community. The page is packed full of photos, articles, and videos. In addition, The Cube’s website also features events in the local community on its Community Events page. For instant Cube Newz updates add us on Twitter “CubeBinghamton” and on Facebook search for “The Cube”. For more information about posting an event on The Cube’s website go to www.thecubebinghamton.org and see our Community Events page! On June 2, The Cube welcomed artist: Jean-Max Francois, an exquisite and distinguished artist, to our Community Art Night. He spoke to The Cube’s Community Art Night group about his paintings and the messages within them. The following day Jean-Max opened his show for the first time to the public during Binghamton’s First Friday Art Walk. Guests referred to his art as “uplifting” and “thought provoking”. This is the second time Jean-Max has chosen to show a brand new exhibit at The Cube. His first show brought nearly two hundred and fifty guests to The Cube many coming from New York City area. For more information about artist Jean-Max Francois visit The Cube’s “group’s” page and look for “Community Art Night.” You will see links to artists that have featured their art at The Cube. Community Art Night is held every Thursday,
from 7pm to 10pm, free, and open to the entire community ages 18 and up. We welcome all skill levels to come create beautiful art in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Artistically talented volunteer Tony Barber works with guests to help them hone their artistic skills. The Cube is looking for sponsors to help offset some of the costs of supplies for Community Art Night, so we can continue to offer this great program at no cost to those who attend. If you are interested in donating, please contact Noah Cooper, Mpowerment Assistant, at (607) 651-9175 ext: 408 or noah@thecubebingahmton.org. A $100 donation provides a month’s worth of art supplies and as a $100 sponsor your name/ business logo will be posted on The Cube’s “Art From The Heart” section on our “Community Art Night” web page for a year. For more information about The Cube and our events visit us online at www.thecubebinghamton.org! www.STAPINC.org
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122 Baldwin Street Johnson City, NY 13790
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Albany, NY PERMIT #58 ZIP CODE 12202
Summer 2011
STAP
is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our 26 years of providing services. Say “I care” by sending your gift today. Your generosity makes a difference! Yes! I can help the Southern Tier AIDS Program continue to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provide prevention services to help reduce the rate of HIV infection in the Southern Tier. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of:
❑ $25
❑ $50
❑ $100
❑ $250
❑ Other: $_________
Checks should be made payable to:
STAP, 122 Baldwin St., Johnson City, NY 13790 Please charge my donation to my:
❑ Visa
❑ Mastercard
Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
CC#: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Exp. Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
________________________ __________________
Signature:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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