'N Touch News Magazine Issue #76, November 2010

FROM THE EDITOR Stopping the suicide cycle Assistant Editor Luis Garcia tackles a tough subject in this month’s feature - bullying and suicide. Before beginning the article Luis and I got some invaluable information from Madelaine Adelman, Co-Chair of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Phoenix and Co-Chair of GLSEN’s National Advisory Council. She suggested we look at GLSEN’s media recommendations on reporting suicides (glsen.org). The GLSEN PDF even recommends phrases to use and not to use.

Why? Because one thing I have learned working with youth through 1n10, GLSEN Phoenix, and the Anti-Defamation League is that one suicide will often prompt another if not handled with extreme care by the media, community leaders, school/ youth group, and parents.

Avoid detailed descriptions of the suicide, including specifics about the method and location, because detailed descriptions increase the risk of a vulnerable individual imitating the act.

Avoid romanticizing someone who has

died by suicide. Avoid featuring tributes by friends or relatives. Avoid first-person accounts from adolescents about their suicide attempts.

Positive attention given to someone who has died (or attempted to die) by suicide can lead those that are vulnerable who desire such attention to possibly take their own life.

By all means avoid overstating the frequency of suicide, which is often done in our community. Overstating the frequency such as referring to it as a “suicide epidemic” may cause someone who is vulnerable to think of suicide as an accepted or normal response to problems.

Even in communities that have the highest suicide rates, suicides are rare.

As a community we must step up to the plate and stop the bullying of any student - period. Take action, and get involved. One child/youth being bullied is one too many.

P.O. Box 17674 • Phoenix, AZ 85011-7674 (602) 373-9490 • info@ntouchaz.com Editor

Gina Read

Creative & Technical Director

M. Shelby Blanton

Business Development Director

Tracey Stewart

Assistant Editor

Luis Garcia

Web Programming Assistant

Jason Walsh

Advertising Sales Bill Travis, Joseph A Gaxiola National Advertising Sales Rivendell Media - (212) 242-6863 Photographers Patrick Kelley, Bill Travis Writers

Dr Damien L. Brandeis, Jarrod Dill, Dorian Kreiling, Kirk Matthews, Dr. Dina Evan, Jane O. Ross, Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Kyrsten Sinema, J. Ursone, John Thomas Lotardo

Additional Distribution Support Ted Kirby, Paul Sanchez

To advertise in ‘N Touch News, call Tracey Stewart at (602) 373-9488.

Publisher

Gina Read

© 2010-15 WriteBrain Productions, LLC, Design & Layout by Lionwood Visual Design.

Published on the 15th of every month ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

All original artwork for ‘N TOUCH NEWS remains property of LIONWOOD VISUAL DESIGN and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ‘N TOUCH NEWS, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ‘N TOUCH NEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove if from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ‘N Touch News is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.

‘N Touch News is a member of...

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news / politics / business / opinion

ENDORSEMENTS

Only you can

make change - vote!

Election endorsements The General Election will take place November 2. ‘N Touch used a combination of Equality Arizona & Arizona Stonewall Democrats and staff endorsements to compile the following list of LGBT friendly candidates.

For polling and voter information go to azsos. gov and click on “Elections”.

Governor: Terry Goddard U.S. Senate: Rodney Glassman

U.S. Congress district 1: Ann Kirkpatrick U.S. Congress district 2: No Recommendation U.S. Congress district 3: No Recommendation U.S. Congress district 4: Ed Pastor U.S. Congress district 5: Harry Mitchell U.S. Congress district 6: Rebecca Schneider U.S. Congress district 7: Raul Grijalva U.S. Congress district 8: Gabrielle Giffords Secretary of State: Chris Deschene Attorney General: Felicia Rotellini State Treasurer: Andrei Cherny Corporation Commision: David Bradley Mine Inspector: Manny Cruz Supt. of Public Instruction: Penny Kotterman Legislative endorsements District 1: District 2: District 6:

Lindsay Bell (H) *Jack Jackson Jr (S) Pat Flickner (S)

District 9: District 10:

District 11:

District 13: District 14:

District 15:

District 16:

District 17:

District 18: District 19: District 20: District 23: District 24: District 27: District 28:

District 29:

District 30:

Shirley McAllister (H) Justin Johnson (S) Jackie Thrasher (H) Aaron Jahneke (H) Rita Dickerson (S) Eric Meyer (H) Steve Gallardo (S) *Robert Meza (S) Chad Campbell (H) Debbie MccCune-Davis (H) *Kyrsten Sinema (S) Lela Alston (H) Katie Hobbs (H) *Luisa Valdez (H) Leah Landrum Taylor (S) Ruben Gallego (H) David Schapira (S) Ed Ablesar (H) Michael Conway (H) Kit Filbey (H) Rae Waters (H) Rebecca Rios (S) Amanda Aguirre (S) Olivia Cajero-Bedford (S) *Paula Aboud (S) Steve Farley (H) Linda Lopez (S) *Matt Heinz (H) Daniel Patterson (H) Todd Camenisch (S) Andrea Dalessandro (H)

*Openly gay

Table of Contents Local News Politics National News World News Exclusive Business Fitness Sports Feature Finance

6 14 16 18 22 24 26 27 28 32

Real Estate Ethics Your Pet Arts & Entertainment Phoenix Nightlife Map Focus Tucson Tucson Nightlife Map Classified Advertising Service Directory

Cover Photo:

Courtesy Nathan L. Young

Arizona Rainbow Veterans Memorial at Arizona National Cemetary, North Phoenix

34 36 39 40 45 48 51 52 54

LOCAL NEWS

10 year anniversary of the Arizona Rainbow Memorial

Join H.E.R.O. as they honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

By Gina Read

Photos from the original dedication of the Arizona Rainbow Veterans Memorial.

Pictured left to right are Franc Gaxiola, Wally Straughn, Rev. Patrick Stout, and Rev. Charles Coppinger

“It is with deep honor that the Arizona Rainbow Veterans dedicate the Rainbow Veterans Memorial to all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans and their loved ones.”

From the Phoenix Veterans Memorial Dedication.

On Nov. 7 honor the fallen Gay and Lesbian veterans who served with courage and pride. H.E.R.O. will be laying a wreath at the Arizona Rainbow Memorial in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Cave Creek and Pinnacle Peak Road at 2 p. m.

According to H.E.R.O. co-chair Jimmy Gruender, the intent of the event is to honor the service of all Veterans, while commemorating the tenth anniversary of the placement of the memorial, the first in the nation of its kind.

“The event itself will include the story of the monument’s placement,

placing a wreath at the The Arizona Rainbow Memorial in memory of all service members who have defended the honor and freedom of the United States, and a prayer or two,” said Gruender.

In 1998, LGBT veterans in Phoenix wanted to honor American veterans with a wreath laying ceremony.

In the search for an appropriate place to pay tribute and honor their fallen comrades, they realized that there were no memorials to LGBT servicemembers.

“Some of us wondered why there was no memorial for gays, and why we couldn’t have one. After consulting with the Cemetery Director and using guidelines for Memorial design, we designed, created, and paid for our own. One that truly includes all veterans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” from the Phoenix Veterans Memorial Dedication.

After raising funds from across

AZ LGBT History On October 10, 2000, Rev. Charles Coppinger, then Chaplain to the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives, wrote a Pastoral letter revealing that he was gay. Although many of the legislators had respected him and prayed with him, most turned on him asking he be dismissed.

For one week Rev. Coppinger held a vigil outside the State Capitol in the hope that the legislators would change their minds. They never did.

A very young reporter, Luis Garcia, covered the story for Spectrum Weekly.

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the nation, and getting the cemetery to agree to the memorial, Rowe Babcock, Franc Gaxiola, Monica Helms, Don Porter, Ben Rolfe, Nick Shinstine, Wally Straughn, and Calvin Vaness designed the Rainbow Veterans Memorial. It was the first allinclusive memorial in the U.S. and the first one to be donated by a gay and lesbian veterans’ organization.

Arizona Rainbow Veterans President, Franc Gaxiola, credits Straughn for pushing to ensure the memorial got placed. “He did 90 percent of the work and only took 10 percent of the credit.”

Rev. Patrick Stout of the Community Church of Hope delivered the benediction on that cold November morning.

“We have come today to honor our family members who have served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We come to share our gratitude, our support and our pride. The sacrifice paid by these veterans includes their lives, their loves, and their freedom of speech about who they are.”

Rev. Stout went on to read a letter from Sgt. Sharon Fitzpatrick (Ret.).

“Somewhere near our faded ribbons you’ll find our pride. We are the veterans that didn’t have a voice; we feared the witch hunts. Though it wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t fair, when freedom cried we answered; we were there. Still, through it all, we are the veterans that may never

be the same... We served proudly in silence.”

In his convocation, Gaxiola spoke about two men he had never known, but had shaped his life considerably.

“In 1992, two weeks after I was stationed in northern Japan, Allen Schindler was beaten to death by his fellow shipmates in southern Japan.

There was no cause, no instigation, just a brutal murder of a patriotic American, trying to serve his nation.

His death shaped my military career, into a service of fear and uncertainty.

“The other person this memorial represents for me is Barry Winchell.

In 1999, Private Winchell was bludgeoned with a baseball bat in his sleep by a fellow soldier for the perception of being gay. He too, was a dedicated American, unjustly murdered.

“This memorial for me represents them. A memorial not only for those who have fallen in war, but those who have fallen due to intolerance. The longer the ban is in place, the longer this intolerance will be allowed to thrive. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember these two men and every member of our military, gay or straight, who deserve the recognition of sacrificing their lives for the opportunity to serve our nation proudly.”

The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona is located at 23029 North Cave Creek Road. Please contact facebook.com/herophx for more information. news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS

Community Turkey Drive kicks-off

By Luis Garcia With so much happening during the holiday season it is easy to forget that there are people in our community who are left without a warm meal. While most families sit together around the dinner table enjoying a holiday meal many individuals are often forgotten.

That is where Ron Caputo comes in.

Every holiday season Caputo organizes a community turkey drive. Caputo builds a coalition of LGBT-friendly churches, businesses and individuals to provide meals to the less fortunate.

As part of this program, turkey drive tickets are sold for $5 each with all proceeds from ticket sales going to buying complete Thanksgiving meals for needy families or individuals. This year ‘N Touch News Magazine and Desert Night News are joining in on the fight.

“Our goal this year is to raise $15,000 in order to beat the $13,000 raised last year,” said Tracey Stewart, business development director of ‘N Touch News. “The money raised is donated to designated organizations to feed families and individuals that would otherwise go hungry during the holiday season.”

organizations are hurting right now, especially in our community,” Caputo told ‘N Touch News.

“Our annual turkey drive is a good way to give something back with only a $5 donation. We all need to get involved and help those in need.”

100% of ticket donations will benefit charitable agencies including families and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, Homeless Outreach, Domestic Violence Centers, Child Welfare Agencies, and Displaced Families.

Buying tickets does not only assure a family or person in need this Thanksgiving, it also gives the person who bought the ticket a chance to win a 40” Flat Screen Television donated by Patrick Kelley.

‘N Touch News and the Joshua Tree Feeding Program kicked off the turkey drive sales at Rainbows Festival.

For more information on the Community Turkey Drive Tickets visit ntouchaz.com According to Caputo it is important that we do our part to help out those in need, especially during the current economic climate.

“With the economy the way it is, all charitable

Benefiting charities this year include: The AGAPE Network

AGAPE Network’s goal is to supplement the nutritional needs of individuals and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. agapenetwork1.org

Joshua Tree

Serves an average of 120 clients each week on Tuesday with a hot meal and food boxes. Also, another 130 clients, food boxes on the second and fourth Friday. joshuatreefeedingprograminc.org

Poz Café- Tucson

Every third Thursday, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) sponsors Poz Café, a luncheon and social gathering for people living with HIV/AIDS. tihan.org

Sojourner Center

provides shelter and support services to individuals affected by domestic violence. sojournercenter.org

Ebony House Substance abuse treatment service.

Interfaith Cooperative Ministries ICM provides “an immediate response to basic human needs” to more than 100 families each day. icmaz.org

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 7

LOCAL NEWS

Glass Art Show featured at holiday show CCH presents “Magical Traditions” Dec. 5

By Mary Beth Maddox A glass art show featuring nationally and locally known artists is scheduled to coincide with a wonderfully-produced (not your traditional) music and comedy Christmas show called “Magical Traditions” on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Community Church of Hope.

“Magical Traditions” is a new “family” tradition with some hilarious bits, extravagant costumes and great music to kick-off the holiday season.

This is not a magic show, but what is sure to become a new Magical Tradition to ring in the holiday season. The producers decided to combine the show with a Glass Art Show as part of this spectacular evening, and have secured four valley and nationally known artists for the event.

Nationally known artists, Vicki Day and Nola Cabral, have owned and operated The Stained Glass Shop in the West Valley since 1973. The Shop offers comfortable surroundings for glass hobbyists and enthusiasts within our community and has supported Community Church of Hope with a number of fundraisers over the years.

Day and Cabral have not only instructed many people within this industry, they have also created and installed beautiful and original stained glass windows and works of art throughout Arizona and beyond.

Having developed a wide range of skills, Day and Cabral instruct classes from beginning to advanced. The two artists have a fantastic opportunity for those who have some or no experience in glass art offering “bake and take” parties.

These three to four hour workshops allow the individual to learn a little about fused glass and take home a finished piece. Glass art is something that everyone can learn and is a unique gift people love to receive for any occasion.

Mention the ‘N Touch or Community Church of Hope to receive specials. Birthdays, singles, social group or business team-building parties are usually booked for six to 12 people. Call 602504-0553 or stop by for more information, to browse or shop at 6232 W. Bell Road, Suite 101 in Glendale.

Mary Beth Maddox is an innovative glass art-

ist and instructor. Maddox has been creating art for many years in the Valley and recently was juried into the “Formed of Fire” glass show at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. Her mixed media and fused glass work is simply amazing.

Diane Sepanski, aka, The Glass Junkie, is a leader in precious metals, glass jewelry and glass bead work. Known as the Glass Junkie because of her love of glass, Sepanski enjoys sharing her work and ideas. Whether it’s through selling a finished piece of art or the transfer of knowledge, she’s there to get the word out that “Anyone can find a niche in glass. After many years of fusing and working with dichroic glass, it all came together with precious metal clay for me,” she says.

Three years ago Sepanski began creating lamp work beads -- there will be plenty of these at the show and she will reveal how they are made.

Show and gift items will include many original works of art along with ornaments, mosaics, lamps, fused glass and dichroic glass jewelry.

Hopefully you will be able to cross off a few items from your gift list.

The artists and everyone at Community Church of Hope are excited to introduce a whole new audience to the shows produced at Community Church of Hope, and a unique shopping opportunity for attendees. The artists will be donating items for a raffle, and a portion of all sales that night will go to the church.

What a wonderful opportunity for some early shopping and live entertainment while benefiting our community church. So come be ushered into the spirit of the season with new “Magical Traditions”!

“Magical Traditions” and the Glass Art Show will take place at 7 p.m. at Community Church of Hope, 4121N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix. Please enter off of 6th Drive.

Tickets are available at Off Chute Too, 4115 N. 7th Ave., The Stained Glass Shop, 6232 W. Bell Road, Suite 101, and Community Church of Hope or their website using Paypal communitychurchofhope.com

$15 for 15 - Flagstaff Pride seeks donations Flagstaff - Pride in the Pines has come a long way from the small picnic in the park it was 15 years ago. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many people over the years and to the climate of positive change the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community has experienced since that time. Pride remains a growing

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and important annual event in Flagstaff, both as a celebration of LGBT identity and as a symbol of our community’s continued struggle for equality.

The Northern Arizona Pride Association board of directors is asking friends and allies to pledge $15 for the 15 years of celebrating Pride in Flagstaff. Your gift will allow the organization

to continue the Pride in the Pines festival in spite of current economic factors. Your donation, may it be big or small, will go far in making up for cuts in the non-profit’s state and local government funding. The board is asking for your help to ensure that Flagstaff Pride remains sustainable.

To donate go to flagstaffpride.org. news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS

Gender, Sex and the Human Condition A conference you won’t want to miss, Oct. 30th

By Gina Read Are you young, old, bi, gay, lesbian, straight, transgender, transsexual, one or all colors under the rainbow? Then the Gender, Sex and the Human Condition conference should be of interest to you. This free event will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ, an open and affirming house of worship.

According to organizer Milicent B. CarterBloodworth, the purpose of the conference will be to facilitate discussion about adolescent, prepubescent, pubescent gender/sexual orientation issues and understanding, which is key to the growth and potential of the child to becoming an accepted member of society.

“This conference has something for everyone.

For educators it is key because probably have a child or youth who attends or attended your school whose gender exceptionality was towards the edge of the bell curve. Was that child given a full chance at an education? As educators and administrators we can surely see the social costs to the child, their family, school and community when their gender/sexual predisposition have precluded the child’s chance at an equitable education do to prejudice, ridicule or more likely just not having the knowledge and understanding to deal with the child.

“Though the meetings will be informal and grass roots, the roots will help the novice and experienced educator in gaining new knowledge to opening one’s mind and heart to compassion, patience and guidance to the gender/sexually exceptional child and their parents.

“For the healthcare professional or lay person, it will give you information that may help you in your journey. For parents, it will help you understand your ‘exceptional child.’”

A thirty-five year resident of the Valley employed in three school districts as an aide, and life-time community activist, Miss Millye as she is known to anyone who has met her, knows what it is like to be an “exceptional” child. Born as Melton, she was fortunate to have a loving family of culturally diverse beliefs which would help on the journey to Millye.

“I was extremely fortunate to have a caring

Are You

?

Say you saw it in

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mother who loved me with all of her heart; she accepted Melton and myself as human beings and as God’s children. She was the first person to introduce me to what was called ‘transsexualism’ by showing me magazine articles, although there were not many, about the subject. It was the first time in my life that I realized that I was not alone with my feelings, and it gave me hope that there was a place for me in the world, and a newfound inspiration that had been lacking in my life emerged. Most people who are like me never have this support.”

For the conference Carter-Bloodworth has enlisted a cadre of professionals with decades of experience to run the various workshops. “They all have established networks, diverse clientele, patients and students who look to them for guidance, education and better mental, physical and social health,” says Carter-Bloodworth.

Facilitators include Dr. Martha Bergin, Faculty at Gateway Community College; Mary Brasch, MA, MA, LPC Counselor, Family PsychAssociates; P. Chip Coffey, MAPC, LPC, NCC, St. Luke’s Behavioral Health; Cynthia A Criss, LPC, Sexual Addiction Specialist; Mary Halter, President and CEO of HealthyEduDynamics; Dr.

Michael Peck, Educator, lecturer and speaker.

Coffee, iced tea and other light refreshments will be served. There will also be door prizes.

The 1st Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 1407 N. 2nd St., in Phoenix.

Email questions about the event or RSVP to mcbloodworth@cox.net

Prescott Pride turns 10

By J. Ursone Prescott - The Prescott Pride Center will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 23 with a “Big BBQ Bash” for the entire community from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The Center will be serving classic barbecue fare (hot dogs, burgers, veggie patties, potato salad, etc), followed by cake and ice cream. They will be raffling off some great prizes, too!

Organizers will be recognizing the 2010 volunteers and board members, plus some of the people whose lives have been positively impacted by the Center. Even if you can’t make it for the entire event, be sure to stop by at 5 p.m. for the official ceremony after which the anniversary cake will be served.

A $5 contribution per person is requested, but Pride Center staff members are suggesting a donation of “$10 for 10 years” for those who can afford it.

Over 100 people are expected at this event, so please RSVP to be sure there’s enough food and cake to go around. Call Frankie at 928-443-8520 if you plan to attend.

The Prescott Pride Center is located at 111 Josephine Street in Prescott.

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LOCAL NEWS

Don’t miss hottest Halloween event in Valley

By Luis Garcia Phoenix - The hottest Halloween event this year will benefit two organizations in need of funds.

Missing Puzzle Place will host the second annual Switched fundraiser to benefit Northern Arizona Pride Foundation and The Ribbon Mosaic Support Services on October 30 at the Ice House in Phoenix.

The Halloween costume party raised over $4000 last year for women who are battling cancer.

“Missing Puzzle Piece was created in response to our nation’s health care crisis and the discovery of the growing number of women battling cancer alone,” said co-founder Michele Bilbrey. “In today’s economy, it is increasingly difficult for single women, mothers, divorcees, and widows, gay or straight, to get the attention and support they need to survive. By rallying resources and working along side local and national individuals and organizations we can

strive to make a difference, one person at a time.”

Missing Puzzle Piece’s successful debut benefit, DRENCH, was an exclusive women’s pool party held August 1, 2009 at the Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix. It featured local and national talent to include Michele Balan, winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

According to Bilbrey, Switched will be open to everyone this year and will include performances by Tracy Ryerson from the Real L Word, Shannel from Rupaul’s Drag Race and Afeeyla Bunz.

Tracy Ryerson (also known as

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“T.Rye” by her closest friends) is a television personality, model, film and television producer, both a lover and fighter, and an advocate for animals and those being discriminated against. Most recently she was the star of Showtime’s hit show, The Real World, where she opened up and shared her life and experiences with the world.

Ryerson grew up in a small town in North New Jersey, raised by a Brooklyn Jew and a Puerto Rican firecracker of a Mom. Along with her two sisters, Aimee and Audrey, she excelled in sports and school.

And yes, she was in the band (saxophone and drums)! After high school, she flew south and attended the University of Miami, where she majored in Biology and Film, with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, Tracy followed her dream and moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry. Since then, she’s successfully developed several blockbuster movies as well as set up others, such as Oceans 13, Nancy Drew, Speedy Gonzales and Tarzan.

Born Bryan Watkins, otherwise known as Shannel is originally from Orange County, California. She now resides in Seattle, WA but before was in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shannel has been a makeup artist and female impersonator now for the past 15 years.

In California Shannel began her career working with the famous Dreamgirls Revue shows traveling to many cities through California.

Upon moving to Las Vegas she has had her own cabaret show at the Gipsy nightclub for the past six and a half years and entertain for people from all over the world. Shannel was a member of An Evening at La Cage as both Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand and even had her own Sin City Circus Revue production at

The Las Vegas Players Club Casino in downtown Vegas.

Afeelya Bunz doesn’t consider herself a Drag Queen. “I say, I’m an entertainer!” This unique perspective contributes to Afeelya Bunz’s reign as one of Arizona’s most preeminent drag entertainers.

From modest Yuma roots, to now residing in Phoenix; Bunz, also known as Rich Zavala, has remained committed to the service of her community. It was the community that inspired her to first don a dress and pumps and begin performing in drag.

This devotion has only enhanced her ability to entertain audiences in the hundreds, making people laugh, smile, and ultimately forget their troubles.

Afeelya Bunz was named for her affinity toward caressing the behinds of many an unsuspecting man on nights about town. Her first drag performance was eight years ago during a Halloween contest at Pookies Café of Phoenix, Arizona. The name stuck with her from this point forward and drag became a major part of her life. But behind the dress and illusion, there lies a very supportive family that has played a huge role in Bunz’s life. From the start, her immediate family always embraced Bunz and her drag career. Now, even her extended family has become “Bunzmatized”, and if you are fortunate enough to see Bunz perform in her hometown the audience is full of family and love. Take the opportunity to get to know her and you will discover a spirited, charming and versatile performer. You may just get “Bunzmatized” too!

Bunz has held the title of Miss CopperCity America 2005, Miss Phoenix America 2006/07, Miss Phoenix Gay Pride 2008, Miss Queen of the Desert 2009 and is the current Miss Gay Arizona USofA at Large.

Switched will take place Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Ice House, 429 West Jackson Street in downtown Phoenix. Tickets are $20 online at missingpuzzlepiece.com

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LOCAL NEWS

The road to Pride pageantry goes through the Rock

The Road to Phoenix Pride royalty has begun and will be kicked off by the Mister Phoenix Gay Pride competition on Oct. 16 at the Rock, 4129 N 7th Ave. in Phoenix.

This is the first year the Rock will have both the Mister and Miss Gay pride pageants.

Mister and Miss Phoenix Gay Pride Competition is a community event supported by local community bars and numerous female and male illusionists.

Winners from each Bar Title Prelim will compete for Mister & Miss Phoenix Gay Pride on March

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19, 2011 at the Orpheum Theatre.

As the recipient of the title Mister or Miss Phoenix Gay Pride, the winners will become the faces of Phoenix Pride during their reign.

It is the duty of the title holders to promote pride in our community, state and country; portraying role model qualities with integrity, dignity and respect at all times.

Upon winning the Bar Title Preliminary, the contestants will be responsible for planning, marketing and executing one fundraiser that must be held within eight weeks of winning the Bar Title Preliminary.

These professional performers are recognized for their fundraising efforts throughout the entire year with combined total of close to $100,000 for local Phoenix charities.

For more information contact your local bar (bar map on page ?) or visit pride-pageant.org.

Bar-title Preliminaries Calendar: Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Mister Rock October 16th, 2010 Mister Charlies November 10th, 2010 Mister Cash November 12th, 2010 Mister Karamba December 21st, 2010 Miss Phoenix Gay Pride Miss BS West October 17th, 2010 Miss Apollos October 23rd, 2010 Miss Pumphouse II October 31st, 2010

Miss Rock November 6th, 2010 Miss Charlies November 10th, 2010 Miss Kobalt November 13th, 2010 Miss Rainbow Cactus November 21st, 2010 Miss Amsterdam November 23rd, 2010 Miss Karamba December 7th, 2010 Miss Forbidden December 8th, 2010 Miss Cruisin’ 7th January 15th, 2011

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 11

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS will compete for the grand prize at 3 p.m. Group participants such as local businesses are invited to compete in the new corporate category.

The event will take place in front of the Kokopelli Winery and Bistro at 35 W. Boston Street.

9th Annual Kokopelli Krush CHANDLER – Arizona’s largest and most decorated winery, Kokopelli Winery, will be hosting their biggest event in its Krush history – The Kokopelli Krush, has been ranked as a top 10 things to do in Phoenix.

The Krush will take place on Oct 22 – 24 in Historic Downtown Chandler, and includes the now famous “Kokopelli Grape Krush competition for teams of two to win great prizes ranging from wine to trips. The event also features live music all weekend.

The Krush begins Friday, Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. to midnight. There will be two Krush heats on Friday one at 7 p.m. and the other at 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 there will be three heats at 1p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 yhere will be one heat at 1 p.m. and then the finalists from each day

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Northern AZ Pride starts off “Boo” season right Flagstaff - Northern Arizona Pride Association is starting off the Holiday Season with two great fundraising events in October.

First up, Shannel from Rual Paul’s Drag U (on LOGO) will be performing in Flagstaff on Oct. 22 at the Green Room (15 N. Agassiz St.). This is to benefit the upcoming 15th Annual Pride in the Pines Festival June 2011!

Next, NAPA (and we hope you) will be in Phoenix Oct. 30 for the 2nd annual “Switched” Party, the hottest Halloween gig benefiting NAPA and Ribbon Mosaic (women who are battleing cancer) at the Ice House in downtown Phoenix.

The night will be filled with great entertainment with a visit from “Tracey Ryerson” of the Real L Word and Shannel back to back! BUY your tickets missingpuzzlepiece.com/tickets

A Vampire’s Tale VII Phoenix - Lisa Starry’s A Vampire Tale VII will run Oct 15-23 at Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre.

In its seventh year of staging, this ever-evolving, original dance production will once again captivate audiences, as only Scorpius Dance Theatre can.

You must experience for yourself . . . the dark and sexy drama, quirky, comedic episodes, VISUALLY STUNNING dance and aerial feats.

With original music score by Kristopher Hill, live music performances by guest, Adam Smith, guest appearances by the mesmerizing, Ava Fleming and original costume design by Alicia ‘AK’ Klovenas.

Hellfire Ball Phoenix - The Imperial Court’s Hellfire Ball, Oct. 16 from 9 to 11 p.m. at Cruisin’ 7th, located at 3702 N. 7th Street in Phoenix.

There will be special guests, a costume contest, cash prizes, raffles, auctions, and jello shots. This will be a great night, so put on your most crazy, bizarre, wildest, prettiest, whatever costume and bring yourself and guests.

For more info go to imperialcourtaz.org

news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Families are welcome at the All Hallows Eve event (5 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Bring your pint-size ghouls to enjoy a children’s costume contest, face painting, a cake walk, pumpkin carving, candlelit tours of the Rosson House, carnival games, a jump house, Halloween crafts and so much more. The event is free.

Don’t forget - Flourish!

Zombies take over the Streets Oct. 29 Phoenix - Calling all voodoo practitioners and fans of Night of the Living Dead! Zombies big and small are invited to roam the streets of downtown in celebration of All Hallows Eve on Friday, Oct. 29, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Square between 5th and 7th Streets off of Monroe. The Downtown Ambassadors put their guts and ingenuity into last year’s event last year and now they’ve expanded it to include a variety of activities for ghouls from all over the Valley.

See the streets filled with mindless, decaying corpses hungering for human flesh. Better yet, become one yourself during the second annual Zombie Walk. Don’t forget the bandages and blood!

Led by Arizona’s official Ghostbusters armed with their proton packs and more, Zombie walkers will parade or march straight legged, throughout Downtown Phoenix. The goal is to terrorize (and entertain) the folks strolling around the Arizona Center, Hyatt Regency and U.S. Airway Center.

After the scary stroll, there is plenty of additional “adult fun” at the Nightmare on Adams Street - aka the Rose & Crown Beer Garden (7:30 p.m. – 12 p.m.). Enjoy live bands and DJ Larue spinning haunting tunes; a costume contest with cash prizes; palm readers, plenty of food and flowing taps of Four Peaks’ Pumpkin Porter & Rogue Dead Guy Ale. And move over Twilight. Halloween is getting its old school bite back. A special showing of the silent Dracula flick, Nosferatu, will be shown outside the Arizona Science Center on a 90-inch screen.

news / politics / business / opinion

Phoenix - One Voice Community Center hosts Flourish-The 2010 One Voice Gala on Saturday, Oct. 23 presented by Saks Fifth Avenue.

Over 200 supporters of the One Voice Community Center will gather for the Center’s largest single fundraising event of the year.

Presented by and hosted at Saks Fifth Avenue - Biltmore, the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction that will showcase the work of 22 of the Valley’s most talented designers.

The night will include a runway fashion show featuring the designer looks for Fall/Winter 2010 produced by Saks Fifth Avenue, and remarks from specials guests Kyrsten Sinema and Neil Giuliano.

Guests will enjoy gourmet hors’douevres and desserts provided by Hula’s Modern Tiki, Café Monarch, Carefree Resort and Conference Center, and Avalon Restaurant. Forbidden Nightclub in Scottsdale will keep the celebration going and provide cocktails and drinks for the event.

Tickets for the event are $75, and available at 1vcctickets.org

80’s prom at Rainbow Cactus Phoenix - Did you miss your prom? Do (or did ) you miss the 80’s? On Friday, Nov. 5, Rainbow Cactus Saloon will be hosting the first ever 80’s Prom night.

The event will start at 7 p.m. and will continue until closing. Come and show up in your best 80’s outfit and dance the night away.

Rainbow Cactus Saloon is located at 15615 N Cave Creek Road.

Rummage sale madness for Joshua Tree Phoenix - The Joshua Tree Feeding Program will be holding a rummage sale Friday, Nov. 5 & Nov. 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Organizers are currently looking for donations (good condition) of household items, books, tools, and kids clothes to name a few.

The church is located at 1601 W. Indian School Road.

Monarch Butterfly exhibit returns Phoenix - Mariposa Monarca, a monarch butterfly exhibit, returns this fall to the Desert Botanical Garden. This exciting exhibit features hundreds of live monarch butterflies in a beautiful and lush habitat. Guests can view these delicate creatures in the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through November 14.

Mariposa Monarca features a 2,400-squarefoot walk-through butterfly pavilion where visitors learn about the magical metamorphosis of the monarch life cycle. The exhibit also describes the monumental migration of these amazing creatures and how they know when to depart for the winter, when to stop for food and where the females lay their eggs.

- continued on next page -

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 13

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS Odyssey Storytelling tell your story Tucson - On Oct. 23 Odyssey Storytelling invites you to “My Jewish Story”, at 7 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club Road.

Tax-deductible tickets to this joint fundraising event are $8 online or $10 at the door. Six community members will be telling true stories about their Jewish histories. Some will be funny, some poignant, all will be entertaining. There will be a musical guest and refreshments will be available.

On Nov, 4 “Masks: The Hidden Identity Show” at Club Congress. Odyssey is looking for stories about not being what you appear to be. Are you or your loved ones in the witness protection program? Did you marry a secret bigamist? Is your public persona vivacious and your private self a mousy homebody? Are you a secret math nerd?

For more information email penelope@odysseystorytelling.com, or call 520-730-4112.

Telling Amy’s Story Tucson - Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse and the Pima County Attorney’s Office present a FREE showing of Telling Amy’s Story - a documentary about a domestic violence homicide,

Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 3800 E River Rd. Following the movie will be a panel discussion of local service providers and law enforcement, including a Q&A session with the audience.

For more information call 520-795-8001or email annas@emergecenter.org.

For more information contact Cindi Azuogu at 520-6217585.

Queer Film Series: We’re All Angels Tucson - Jason and deMarco have dealt with conflict all their lives. Being gay, Christian, and a struggling singer-songwriter duo will do that.

The award-winning “We’re All Angels” follows Jason and deMarco as they prepare their newest CD, laying down tracks in the studio, doing photo shoots, radio promotion, and performing across the country at any church that’ll have them. While they strive to achieve a successful musical career, their message of hope and acceptance to young gay Christian teenagers is nothing less than lifesaving.

Sponsored by: LGBTQ Affairs and ASUA’s Pride Alliance.

The film will be held Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at Gallagher Theatre, Student Union, University of Arizona.

TMI at Coyote Moon Tucson - Too Much Information’s 2nd Annual Halloween Party at Coyote Moon, Oct. 30. Last year was so much fun that Coyote Moon has invited the band back for another crazy Halloween party.

Music, dancing, games, costumes, and prizes!

Two-time TAMMIE Award nominee TMI is rooted in the trans and allied community and plays classic rock, blues, and original music. For complete details, visit the TMI Web site at .tmiband.com.

As always, the show starts at 8:30 p.m. and cover is frighteningly cheap at $5. Coyote Moon Pub, 915 W Prince Rd (at Fairview).

This is the headline

By Skippy McDoo

14 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

news / politics / business / opinion

POLITICS One-on-one with candidate Donna McHenry

By Luis Garcia represent. George Brooks Jr., who was appointed to the Phoenix Union High School District board last summer, and Ricardo Gallego are also running for the seat in Ward 2.

Ward 2 includes the Phoenix Suns -Diamondbacks Education Academy, the Bioscience Lab and South Mountain high schools.

‘N Touch recently caught up with McHenry for a one-on-one.

D

onna McHenry is running to be your Ward 2 representative as a member on the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board. A Phoenix native with deep, local roots to the South Mountain community, McHenry attended T.G. Barr, a K-8 school in the Roosevelt Elementary School District. She graduated from South Mountain High School in the top ten percent of her class and became the first in her family to attend college at Arizona State University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications before going on to receive a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix while employed with ValueOptions as the Prevention, Education & Outreach Coordinator.

McHenry was the first paid Coordinator for Valley One in Ten Youth Services (now 1n10) and is the founder of Soul Purpose AZ. She currently serves as the Crime Prevention Specialist in the Justice System Planning and Information Office under the direction of the Maricopa County Manager’s Office.

The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board is made up of seven members elected by the public to four-year terms of office.

Five members are elected from five defined election districts called wards within Phoenix Union’s boundaries.

The other two members are at-large, meaning they represent the entire school district. The ward representatives must live in the wards they news / politics / business / opinion

‘N Touch: I know that you have had an ambition to run for political office for quite some time. What kept you from running in the past and what made you decide to jump into a race now?

McHenry: The opportunity presented itself for me to run in an area that I have a passion for, which is serving young people. To work with them and ensure that they have their needs met. When the seat came available I jumped at it.

‘N Touch: How have you been received by the community?

McHenry: Very well. The teachers and support staff of Phoenix Union High School District Classroom Teacher Association and the Phoenix Union High School District Classified Employee Association have come out to recommend me over the incumbent. A number of our elected officials have also come out to support me as well such as Commissioner Sandra D. Kennedy, Senator Ken Cheuvront, Former House Minority Leader, State Representative Chad Campbell, House Democratic Caucus, State Representative Robert Meza, Matthew Jawett, Creighton Elementary School Governing Board, and Adam Lopez Falk, Alhambra Elementary School District Governing Board.

‘N Touch: What are you going to bring to the school board if elected?

McHenry: I am the most qualified candidate of the three running for the seat. I have over 17 years experience in youth development. I am a product of the Phoenix Union School District, particularly the high school that falls into my ward.

PUHSD Ward Map ‘N Touch: What do you see happening on the board that you don’t agree with or you want changed?

What will be your top priorities when you get in?

McHenry: I am running on fiscal responsibility. I want to make sure we use common sense when we spend the little resources that we do have.

We need to build community partnerships that are welcoming to both youth and families. Those partnerships must address the needs of the youth when it comes to their academics, as well as them as a whole person.

The other thing that we need to address is access to a quality education.

We have ninth graders who come in who are not prepared for school and some people who feel that they don’t need to be educated. I think that is wrong. We need to find a way to meet the kids and the families where they are at until every child receives a high school diploma and is prepared for a college career and life.

‘N Touch: Has your sexual orientation been an issue?

McHenry: No. It has not whatsoever. One of the things that has been common across the board is that this is about our young people. It’s about

making sure that we prepare the next generation. This falls across all lines, whether it be race, gender, age or sexual orientation. They see the passion I have to make sure our youth are taken care of.

‘N Touch: You are involved in a lot of things such as Soul Purpose. If elected are you going to have to step back from anything?

McHenry: Absolutely not. We need to have leaders who are not afraid to speak up. I am still who I am and that is not going to change.

‘N Touch: Do you have a Web site where people can find out more about you? And is there anything else that you want to say?

McHenry: My Web page is DonnaMcHenry.com. We need to have someone who is willing to speak to our teachers and our support staff.

Someone who will meet our parents and parent groups to find out what their concerns are. I want to hear from everyone to meet the needs of our students. I also want to make sure we go over the bullying policy and find out if it works. If it doesn’t it needs to be changed.

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 15

NATIONAL NEWS

Margie Phelps a study in contradictions TOPEKA (AP) - In one photo, Margie Phelps has a furrowed brow and is stomping on the American flag at one of the numerous protests her fundamentalist church has held nationwide against the military, gays and the Catholic church.

Another picture reveals a different Phelps. One with a warm smile as she’s presented an award for her work at the Kansas Department of Corrections, where she puts in long hours and is known for her calm demeanor in helping former prison inmates return to society.

To some, Phelps is a study in contradictions. She’s a member of her family’s divisive Westboro Baptist Church and she went before the U.S. Supreme Court Oct. 13, 2010 to represent her church in a case that tests the scope of free speech protections under the Constitution’s First Amendment.

“She doesn’t stand out from any other professional I’ve dealt with,”

said Mary K. Vaughn, who worked with Phelps on a housing program in Wichita for ex-inmates. “She knows her business. She does her business.”

Phelps took a leave from her $66,518-a-year job as an administrator on Oct. 8, and state officials would not release any details about her leave.

In the Supreme Court case, she defended the protests that her church holds at U.S. soldiers’ funerals. The court is to decide whether the church can be sued over the protests and whether the father of a Marine killed in combat can collect $5 million in damages awarded in a federal lawsuit.

The father of Marine Lance Corp.

Matthew Snyder of York, Pa., contends the protests are harassment.

Media organizations, including The Associated Press, have urged the Supreme Court to side with the Phelpses, despite what they describe as the church’s “deeply offensive” message.

16 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

Phelps did not respond to repeated interview requests. Her supervisor, Corrections Secretary Roger Werholtz, declined comment and a department spokesman said her co-workers wouldn’t discuss Phelps with The Associated Press.

Top Kansas officials also had little to say. A spokeswoman for Gov. Mark Parkinson declined to comment. Kansas Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt called her employment with the state “an embarrassment” but wouldn’t elaborate.

Phelps, 54, was born less than a year after her father, Fred Phelps Sr., started his church in central Topeka.

She went to law school, has a master’s degree in public administration and in the 1980s worked for her family’s law firm.

Then in 1989, she couldn’t practice in federal courts for a year because family members were accused of unfairly questioning judges’ fairness and integrity in legal documents.

In recent years, she’s often represented the church or its members as state and local authorities have tried to limit their activities. Westboro Baptist’s activities inspired laws limiting funeral protests by the federal government and at least 41 states.

In her work with inmates, Phelps started with the Kansas Department of Corrections as a parole officer in 1990. Since 2001, she has been the director of the department that coordinates prisoners’ release and overseeing efforts to give ex-inmates job training and housing.

And several years ago, the Kansas Correctional Association gave Phelps

an Employee of the Quarter Award, praising her for having helped create the state’s re-entry program “almost single-handedly.”

“I have always found her to be intelligent and professional,” said Elizabeth Gillespie, who runs the county corrections department and jail in Topeka, and worked regularly with Phelps for several years.

Vaughn agreed, saying Phelps was very knowledgeable about ex-inmates’ issues and came to work with an attitude that said: “I’m here to do a job.”

She made sure that Vaughn and her staff knew they could reach her on her cell when she was out of town.

Vaughn acknowledged initially having misgivings about working with Phelps because of Westboro’s activities but added, “It never came up.”

Kansas’ state employees union says it hasn’t heard any complaints about Phelps’ conduct at her job.

Though, even some strong critics of Westboro Baptist question whether the state, as an employer, could – or should – respond to Phelps’ activities outside of work.

The issue arose recently in Michigan. An assistant attorney general now on leave is facing criticism for using his personal blog to target the leader of the University of Michigan student assembly, who’s openly gay.

news / politics / business / opinion

NATIONAL NEWS

Two arrested in anti-gay beating at Stonewall Inn

NEW YORK (AP) - A patron at the Stonewall Inn, a powerful symbol of the gay rights movement since protests over a 1969 police raid there, was tackled to the floor and beaten in an anti-gay bias attack, authorities said Oct. 4.

Two men were arrested in the Oct. 3 beating, which came little more than a day after a group of male friends bidding an affectionate good night to each other were attacked in another anti-gay assault elsewhere in Manhattan, prosecutors said.

The attacks came amid height-

news / politics / business / opinion

ened attention to anti-gay bullying following a string of suicides attributed to it last month, including a New Jersey college student’s Sept.

22 plunge off the George Washington Bridge after his sexual encounter with a man in his dorm room was secretly streamed online.

But the attack prosecutors described at the Stonewall Inn especially galled and saddened gay rights advocates, some of whom wondered whether a place known for a defining moment in the history of gay rights might spur a new push for tolerance.

For the Stonewall’s owners, the episode was a sharp and upsetting contrast to its legacy.

“We at the Stonewall Inn are exceedingly troubled that hate crimes like this can and do still occur in this day and age. Obviously the impact of these men’s violent actions is even deeper given that it occurred

on the premises of the Stonewall Inn,” an owner, Bill Morgan, wrote in an e-mail.

The victim was using a restroom at the Greenwich Village bar around 2 a.m. Sunday when a man at the next urinal, Matthew Francis, asked what kind of an establishment it was, prosecutors said. On being told it was a gay bar, Francis used an anti-gay slur and told the victim to get away from him, assistant district attorney Kiran Singh said.

“I don’t like gay people. Don’t pee next to me,” Francis added, according to the prosecutor.

Francis, 21, then demanded money, punched the victim in the face and continued beating him after a co-defendant blocked the door, tackled the victim and held him down, Singh said. The victim was treated at a hospital and was released, she said.

Francis said nothing at his ar-

raignment Monday. A defense lawyer said Francis wasn’t the aggressor and that the episode wasn’t motivated by bias.

“Mr. Francis is not a violent person. Nor did he try to rob anyone,” said the attorney, Angel Soto.

“There may have been a fight, but it certainly wasn’t a hate crime.”

Francis was held on $10,000 bond. His co-defendant was awaiting arraignment.

Just before midnight Friday, several male friends hugging and kissing each other good night in Manhattan’s gay friendly Chelsea neighborhood were confronted by a group of more than five people who used an anti-gay epithet and told them to go home because “this is our neighborhood,” according to a court document filed by prosecutors. Two other men lashed out with fists as Andrew Jackson hurled a metal garbage can into one victim’s head, continued on page 19 >

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 17

WORLD NEWS

Hong Kong transgender woman loses marriage case

HONG KONG (Canadian Press) - A transgen-

der woman lost a legal challenge against Hong Kong marriage rules that prevent her from marrying her boyfriend.

The plaintiff underwent sex change surgery from man to woman in 2008 and obtained identification documents listing her new gender.

But Hong Kong’s Marriage Registry only allows couples who were men and women at birth to wed.

The woman, who is in her 20s and can only be identified as “W” under court order, argued her rights to marry in the constitution and Bill

of Rights were violated.

Hong Kong’s constitution says freedom of marriage of Hong Kong residents should be protected by law. The Bill of Rights says the right of men and women to marry should be recognized.

High Court Judge Andrew Cheung ruled that he saw no evidence to support “a shifted societal consensus in present day Hong Kong regarding marriage to encompass a postoperative transsexual.”

Cheung expressed sympathy for W, saying he is “acutely conscious of the suffering and plight of those who suffer from transsexualism, and the prejudice and discrimination they face as a minority group in our society.”

But he added, “That alone, however, is quite insufficient to found the fundamental change in the law sought by the applicant in the present case.”

Transgender marriage is permit-

18 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

ted in many Asian or European countries and some U.S. states.

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, as well as mainland China, allow it, but this semiautonomous southern Chinese territory maintains a separate legal system, largely preserved from its British colonial days.

W’s lawyer, Michael Vidler, said his client plans to appeal.

“She is determined to be treated as a woman and accorded the same rights as a woman,” Vidler said.

“She still cherishes the hope that

she’ll be able to marry her boyfriend – maybe not today, but in the near future.”

A human rights activist criticized the judge’s approach of deferring to mainstream social values.

“A person’s basic human rights are not dependent on majority acceptance,” Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor Director Law Yukkai said. “The public doesn’t have the right to impose its values on other people.”

“There is room for a more liberal interpretation,” Law said.

Indonesian minister draws fire for AIDS comment, anti-gay tweets JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - An Indonesian government

minister who has in the past blamed natural disasters on immorality has caused more controversy by posting anti-gay comments on Twitter and joking about people with AIDS. Tifatul Sembiring, who is information minister and also a member of the National AIDS commission, jumped into a debate about a gay film festival being held in Jakarta, which was protested by Islamic hard-liners and students.

“Behaviors which are potentially carrying the virus must be prevented,” he tweeted last week, adding that even the Quran had things to say about homosexuals: “God turned the earth upside down” and “rained them with stones from the burnt land.”

In his most controversial comment, however, he recalled a former health minister’s joke about AIDS. “AIDS — Akibat Itunya Dipakai Sembarangan,” which translates as “because they were reckless about where they put their genitals.”

He later said he didn’t mean to offend anyone, adding: “But everyone has the right to voice their opinion.”

Ricky Gunawan, the program director of the Legal Aid Foundation, was quoted as saying by The Globe newspaper that, as a public figure and member of the AIDS commission, Sembiring should be more responsible.

The comments are “misleading” and further stigmatize those living with the disease, said Gunawan, who noted that only 3 percent of the

news / politics / business / opinion

CONTINUED...

Indonesia... < continued from left

country’s estimated 21,000 AIDS patients are believed to be homosexuals.

Sembiring, a member of the Prosperous Justice Party, which believes Islam should play a central role in public life, eagerly embraced social networking site Twitter when he assumed his ministerial post last year and has more than 92,000 followers.

The 49-year-old has used Twitter to share his views on the dangers posed by pornography in Indonesia, a secular country with more Muslims than any other. He also said last year that a link between natural disasters and immoral behavior couldn’t be ruled out, drawing sharp criticism from earthquake victims.

While the minister’s micro-blogging exploits have gotten widespread attention in the local media, there is little chance he will punished. He was well-known for his conservative views before he was appointed.

Beatings at Stonewall... < continued from page 17

prosecutors said.

Jackson, 20, was arraigned over the weekend on hate crime assault and other charges. His lawyer, Anne Costanzo, declined to comment Monday.

news / politics / business / opinion

The Stonewall Inn became a rallying point for gay rights in June 1969, when a police raid sparked an uprising in an era when gay men and women were often in the shadows. Stonewall patrons fought with officers, and several days of demonstrations followed, in an outpouring that became a formative moment in the gay rights movement.

“The riots at Stonewall gave way to protests, and protests gave way to a movement, and the movement gave way to a transformation that continues to this day,” President Barack Obama said at a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month reception at the White House in June 2009.

The Stonewall riots’ influence also is reflected in the names of some gay resource organizations, including student groups at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.

For the New York City Anti-Violence Project, which works to combat attacks on gays and others, assaults like this weekend’s remain all too common problems. But the attack at the Stonewall Inn reverberates with a particularly disturbing resonance, executive director Sharon Stapel said.

“Even in a bar like the Stonewall Inn, which started a huge part of the gay rights movement – even the Stonewall Inn is not immune to this sort

of violence, despite all of the work that they do to create a safe and tolerant atmosphere,” Stapel said. “It’s incredibly sad.”

But she said she hoped the incident and the atmosphere of concern about anti-gay harassment would spark new conversations about how to respond.

The Stonewall Inn has raised money for the Anti-Violence Project and other groups, and managers strive to make the bar inclusive, Morgan said.

“We do our best to run a nice, welcoming establishment where anyone can and should feel safe,” he said.

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 19

Heritage Square, Phoenix PHOENIX

2010 Rainbows Festival

Gay Chambers

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Information

For more information about the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix visit artsbusinessphoenix.org.

Arizona Veterans Chamber arms small businesses with information Phoenix Gay Chamber

NetMix NetMix will be held Oct. 20 at Dr. Hilary Frank’s North Central Animal Hospital (20 W. Dunlap Ave.) for “Yappy Hour” 5-7p.m. You are welcome to bring your pets, and there will be lots of giveaways.

Chamber Lunch The next Chamber lunch will take place Nov. 5 at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort (7677 North 16th Street) from 11-1 p.m.

Monthly Board Meeting

The next Chamber Board meeting will take place Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. at the One Voice Community Center (725 W. Indian School Road). Members are welcome to attend the meeting.

To RSVP email to rsvpevents@gpglcc.org

Tucson Gay Chamber

October Breakfast Meeting The next Breakfast meeting will take place Oct. 21 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Hotel Tucson City Center (475 N. Granada Ave.).

“Undecided about the upcoming propositions?

Come to the October breakfast and get a clearer idea of what they are and what they mean for Arizona.

RSVP at 520-615-6436 or go to Tucsonglbtchamber.org

24 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

“Business on Board” training to be offered to Valley’s diverse communities Phoenix - The Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix (A&BC) has received funding from American Express and the Arizona Lottery to identify and train potential board members for nonprofit organizations from the Valley’s diverse ethnic communities as well as from the Caucasian, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities.

A&BC, which connects volunteers to nonprofit organizations and prepares future board members and leaders, will award 90 scholarships to its Business on Board leadership training program for up to 15 individuals each from the Valley’s Asian, Hispanic, Black/African American, Native American, Caucasian and LGBT communities who attend one of four networking affairs and express interest in community service.

Candidates invited to attend special Business on Board classes will pay only the $100 application fee. The remaining cost will be covered through funding from American Express and the Arizona Lottery.

“Our intent through this program is to expand and enhance both the diversity and the available pool of candidates for service on nonprofit boards of directors for the Valley’s human services and arts and cultural organizations,” said A&BC Executive Director Debbie Paine. “The Business on Board program provides training for individuals interested in serving the community who in turn help create, build and sustain strong effective nonprofit boards of directors.”

Four networking fairs are scheduled: • Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe • Thursday, Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Phoenix Theatre and Phoenix Little Theatre respectively, 100 E. McDowell Road.

To RSVP for the networking events, contact Jeanette Thomas at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix at 602-234-4711 or by email at jthomas@artsbusinessphoenix.org.

The Business on Board diversity training is scheduled from January to May 2011.

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Chapter, U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce, an Arizonabased chamber of commerce releases the first report ever commissioned on the accessibility to capital and the lending climate for small businesses in Arizona.

The Phoenix Chapter commissioned the report to determine the overall lending climate in Arizona for Veteran-owned and small business, said Ray K. Ragan, President of the Phoenix Chapter, USVCC. “It wasn’t enough to know which banks are SBA participants, small businesses wanted to know who’s actually lending, who’s funding startups and who’s helping to re-start our economy through small business,” said Ragan.

The report assigns a percentage grade to over thirty banks and lending institutions in the Arizona market that participate in a variety of Small Business Administration’s loan programs. The grade is based on the responses provided by representatives within each respective bank.

In addition to reporting a grade for the responding banks, the report also issues findings on the overall lending climate in Arizona.

“We wanted to give small businesses the information they needed to find capital during these tight times,” said Ragan.

Among the findings, the report found that across the industry, banks are relying less on credit scoring like FICO scores. Many banks cited that in the aftermath of the Arizona housing meltdown, many people have weaker credit scores due to short sales or debt restructuring.

The Veterans Chamber commissioned Arizona-based Rook & Knight to perform the research and analysis. Rook & Knight conducted research for the report throughout the month of September 2010 and used the SBA’s Active SBA Lenders Located in Arizona list as the source for the report.

The 48-page report is available in both printed and digital format, costs $24.95 per copy, and can be purchased by contacting the Veterans Chamber, 480-273-9261.

news / politics / business / opinion

BUSINESS Record number of companies rated in HRC’s 2011 Corporate Equality Index WASHINGTON - A record 844 American companies and law firms have been rated as part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2011 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a survey that assesses American workplaces on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. For the first time this year, all Fortune 500 companies, including those that did not voluntary participate, are scored on their workplace practices.

Now in its ninth year, the CEI has helped lead a sea-change in the workplaces practices of corporate America by assessing more than 30 specific policies and practices covering nearly every aspect of employment for LGBT workers from nondiscrimination protections and the training surrounding those policies to domestic partnership and legal dependent benefits to gender transition guidelines and LGBT employee resource groups.

Corporate America continues to break new ground in their workplace protections and benefits for LGBT people. Whereas government is often a lagging indicator of societal acceptance, American companies have repeatedly been on the leading edge of positive change for LGBT workers.

A few of the survey’s highlights: • Corporate America protects LGBT workers from discrimination and provides benefits in ways that our own government does not. While only 29% of the U.S. population lives in states with statewide non-discrimination statutes that specify sexual orientation and gender identity, 99% of CEI-rated companies include sexual orientation and 76% include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies. In 2002, only 5% of CEI-rated companies included gender identity among their non-discrimination policies.

• In 2004, only 3% of CEI-rated companies addressed transgender health with limited benefit offerings. Today, 79% of CEI-rated companies provide this limited coverage and 85 companies specifically, including Google Inc., The Coca Cola Co. and AT&T Inc., offer at least one healthcare plan option to all employees that covers many medically necessary transition-related treatment including hormone therapies and sexual affirmation surgeries.

• In 2002, 70% of CEI-rated companies provided domestic partnership healthcare benefits.

Today, 95% of CEI-rated companies provide that coverage.

Next year’s standards will seek to end benefits discrimination for transgender employees and dependents, provide full equal benefits for same-sex partners and spouses and promote organizational competency on LGBT workplace issues that go

news / politics / business / opinion

beyond written policies.

Notable non-responders include well known brands such as Pottery Barn and West Elm (both part of Williams-Sonoma Inc.), Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, PetSmart, Western Union, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., Tyson Foods, AFLAC, Foot Locker, DirecTV and News Corp., owner of both Fox News and HarperCollins Publishers. The lack of transparency by these organizations makes the case for the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

The 2011 CEI does not include a company’s political contributions as part of the scoring criteria. The CEI is an effective tool designed for a specific purpose: to improve workplace conditions for LGBT people by encouraging corporations to adopt pro-LGBT policies for their workforces.

The CEI provides employers with clear standards that they must meet, creates competition (that had previously not existed) to expand LGBTinclusive policies and progressively raises the bar, pushing corporations to earn their ratings with an increased commitment to equality. Ultimately, the strength of this model has made the trend toward equal workplaces snowball.

Like most other social justice movements, HRC is endeavoring to understand the impact of the Citizens United decision on political races important to LGBT people. Separate from the CEI, HRC has launched a project to assess the implications of corporate political contributions on the nation’s LGBT community with an action plan anticipated by spring 2011.

A total of 844 companies have been rated in the 2011 CEI, including the entire Fortune 500.

Two-hundred sixty three Fortune 500 companies voluntarily submitted surveys; the remaining 229 were rated based upon publicly-available data. In addition, 66 Fortune 1000 companies, 130 law firms and 156 other companies voluntarily participated in the 2011 CEI. Fifteen points were deducted from the otherwise perfect scores of Target, Best Buy and 3M for failing to respond to requests to take corrective actions following their sizable contributions to MN Forward, a political committee supporting the election of an anti-gay candidate for governor of Minnesota.

The release comes on the eve of the Out and Equal Workplace Summit - an annual gathering of individuals, human resources professionals, diversity managers, employee resource group (ERG) leaders and allies who are committed to LGBT inclusion in the workplace.

To see the complete Corporate Equality Index go to hrc.org ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 25

FITNESS

Personal Training: It’s worth it!

By Kirk Matthews Hi Kirk. I need to lose 75 pounds! I’m doing Weight Watchers and want to know what you recommend for physical activity, because they keep bringing it up. I don’t have a clue what I’m doing, my knees hurt when I try stuff, and everybody at my office just makes it worse. Do this, do that, blah blah blah. It’s so confusing.

And of course my mom has her opinion! But I’ll tell you for sure, I’m not doing those group classes. They’re embarrassing and silly, so forget it. HELP! Julie Julie, hire me! No, really, get your hurting knees into my gym and let’s get you started! I mean it!

Ok, all kidding aside, here’s the idea: So many people participate in these structured point and food programs, and mind you – at a considerable cost! And why? Because Weight Watchers, as one example, has some solid science to back it up.

Good – do it and proceed with confidence. But here’s why I’m not going to recommend that you go it alone: “Hurting knees”.

Plain and simple. Assuming you’ve cleared this with your doctor that it’s not a serious concern – you are at risk for more pain without some form of guidance. Why? Because you’re in pain acting from a position of guesswork.

It’s a no-brainer: It really IS worth fifty dollars, twice a week, to learn a method that you can carry with you for the rest of your life – whether you train with me for three months or three years. You only get one body!

This applies to any of you readers who are participating in one of these structured dietary programs. I really applaud your smarts when you seek dietary guidance, I really do. So honor your commitment fully: go that extra step and complete your program with exercise and movement guidance and get to your goals with even more speed, more safety, more confidence and superior lasting results -- money well spent! My information is listed below. But seriously, good luck in your program – and I look forward to your phone call!

Kirk, I had a minor heart attack caused by build up in my arteries. My doctor has cleared me for activity including exercise. I am a young 63. What would you suggest? Evan Evan, congratulations on getting through what must have been a scary period in your life. Having trained clients post-surgery, post heart attack, as well as after an assortment of traumatic experiences, one theme runs through all of the success stories: Keep it in perspective, and keep it realistic.

The most common mistakes we see occur when 26 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

someone decides to, needs to, or is eventually scared into finally making a change for the better. Decisions on what to do are often made so impulsively and with so little forethought that it’s a scramble of misinformation and guesswork, which in some cases leads to injury and further concerns.

And even the most concerned friends and relatives can lead you down a confusing path of choices that can strip you of all motivation.

Example: The new-year’s resolution to lose weight or get in shape, resulting in a full-force attack approach at the nearest gym. This more often than not leads to injury, exhaustion, additional stress, and ultimately the kind of failure that is a setback, not a step forward.

My first recommendation therefore has to be: Join a respectable gym that’s close to home, then find and meet with a certified fitness trainer who has experience with your situation. Seriously, even if it’s just for a few sessions. Isn’t it worth it? Well, we know it is. Get the guidance into a good and lasting program that leads you into a developed level of cardiovascular fitness and allows you to learn some sensible training methods that will enhance your years instead of being a nuisance or possible danger. Why not put all that research to your specific advantage? No doubt you worked long and hard years to get this far – so go ahead and indulge in the kind of guidance that will last you the rest of your life.

A “young 63” is a good place to start, and we’d want to keep you young with movements and appropriate challenges that are suited to your body, your lifestyle, your current ability and your eventual goals.

Research into fitness for the elderly has shown repeatedly that properly structured challenges enhance an overall youthful feeling while gradually adding back tone and appropriate volume to your muscles. This can only enhance your daily functioning, balance and confidence on a day-today basis.

But if for some reason it really is absolutely out of your budget to seek hands-on guidance, then an easy route might be a group fitness environment targeted toward post-rehab seniors. And while you might not exactly be post-rehab, the instructors in that environment should be sensitive to your concerns and needs. And many of those classes are free.

But let’s say a group scenario is intimidating or just not your style. Then the next best bet would be the large number of books and/or DVDs geared toward health-minded seniors – easy to find at most good bookstores or libraries.

Another easy and likely choice: Walking. A bit here, a bit there. Around the block. A bit farther

than normal when shopping because you parked a bit farther away. Listen to your breath and evaluate how you feel. A return to healthy fitness shouldn’t exhaust you or scare you – but you should be persistent and attentive to doing it.

Then when you’re able to do it, add some simple calisthenics. Some examples: wall presses, half pushups, standing leg lifts, toe raises, reaching drills, extended bends with small hand weights, abdominal crunches and lower back bridge work on the floor (and eventually on a fitness ball) – many if not all of these would be included a program targeted toward a healthy approach for you. You can even search for some TV programs to follow if they motivate you and keep you on schedule.

The idea: Keep it simple and realistic – and while you shouldn’t overdo it, make sure you commit to it and do it! Whatever it is, keep moving and have some fun with it. Check in with your doctors regularly and let them know what you’re doing. Get approval on each change and let the confirmation from each checkup let you know that you’re on the right track.

Of course, no approach to whole-body wellness is complete without an assessment of your diet and making changes where necessary. For a good and friendly read on diet and related topics, and for changes that you can realistically fit into your lifestyle, I once again recommend the entire series of “You” books by Drs. Mehmet Oz And Michael Roizen -- always an easy choice that can be read cover to cover or randomly within the different chapters in each book.

Good Luck to you Evan – please follow up with me and let me know how it goes!

Kirk Matthews is a Multiple Certified Personal Trainer and Professional Nutrition Consultant; answers may contain advice from either or both disciplines.

Call: 602616-9195.

Questions: e-mail kirk. matthews@hotmail.com Visit: sportsclubatcitysquare.com and try before you buy! news / politics / business / opinion

SPORTS BRIEFS

Walk for Food Allergy Phoenix - The Phoenix Allergy Network

(PAN) and The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) announced the FAAN 2010 Walk for Food Allergy.

The walk will be held on Saturday, December 4, at Tempe Arts Park, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m. The distance is 3 miles.

The event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Arizona Diamondbacks, HC PhotoVideo, PrintWerx, Sunbutter, EnjoyLife, Horne Kia, Horne Ford, Horne Hyundai, Zelin Communications & BC Hill Recruiting.

“We’re tremendously pleased that Arizona has recognized FAAW. Food allergy is an emerging public health issue, affecting tens of thousands of Arizona families,” said Christopher Weiss VP, Advocacy and Government Relations for FAAN. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the period from 1997 to 2007, the number of children with food allergies rose 18 percent.

About The Phoenix Allergy Network (PAN) The Phoenix Allergy Network (PAN) is an educational food allergy support group for families. Members consist of individuals, parents, professionals, friends and families affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. We are your neighbors, your co-workers or members of your child’s class or sport team. More importantly we are ordinary people living with an extraordinary health issue. Our Mission is: We are dedicated to providing educational and emotional support to parents of children and to individuals with food allergies and anaphylaxis. We will work to build awareness and understanding in our community about food allergies. We are committed to improving the day-to-day life of individuals with food allergies by proactively advocating changes

in our community.

About The Food & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) FAAN (www.foodallergy.com) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to providing advocacy and education, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies.

For more information about the walk, visit foodallergywalk.org

Race to Tempe for the New Women’s Half Marathon Tempe - Grab your best girlfriends and

make your way to Tempe on November 7, 2010 for the newest Women’s Half Marathon Series event.

Starting on Scottsdale Road in Old Town Scottsdale, the scenic, walker-friendly course winds along the Arizona Canal and adjacent to Papago Park . The race will finish in Tempe Beach Park and be followed with an unforgettable post-race party.

The race weekend begins with a two-day Health and Fitness Expo located at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale . The event’s host hotel, the Tempe Mission Palms, is within walking distance to the finish line.

The Women’s Half Marathon features a patent-pending two-in-one finisher’s medal and charm, a designer goodie bag, technical race shirt, makeovers and a post-race cookie café. There will also be a 5K in addition to the half marathon. womenshalfmarathon.com.

LGBT Sports Leagues Spotlight

Sports leagues of the Valley provide a safe, friendly, and fun social setting for the LGBT community. Whether a new comer, veteran, or a fan, everyone is welcome.

Basketball

Hellraisers Hoops Open Play Sundays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Sports Club of City Square www. phoenix.ngba.us hellraiserhoops@yahoo.com

Flag Football

PHX Hellraisers Flag Football League

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. January – April Colter Park www.phoenixflagfootball.com info@phoenixflagfootball.com 602.284.9207

Rugby – Men Phoenix Storm

Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 p.m.

Longview Elementary School www.phoenixstorm.org info@rugbystorm.com

Softball

Cactus Cities Softball League

Sundays starting at 8:00 a.m.

Spring: Feb. – May; Fall: Oct. - Dec Ceasar Chavez Park www.cactuscities.com

Swimming

The Phoenix Sunfish

Year around schedule Mon, Tues, & Thurs - 6:30 - 8:00 pm Saturdays - 4:30-6:00 pm Three Locations throughout the valley www.phxsunfish.org

Volleyball – Indoor

Desert Volleyball Alliance February - May Saturdays 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Kingdom Courts www.desertvalleyalliance.org aaryck@hotmail.com

Volleyball – Sand

Arizona Gay Volleyball Association

Three seasons to choose from Feb – May, June – Aug, Sept – Dec Indian Steele Park & Radisson City Center Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. www.azgv.org commissioner@azgv.org

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 27

It gets better!

By Luis Garcia

A

thletes, musicians and Hollywood stars have all come out this past month to relay a simple message to teens who have been struggling being gay, lesbian bisexual or transgender because of homophobic bullying, “It gets better.”

Although suicide rates have actually gone down due to recent treatment advances for depression and support for LGBT individuals, in the past month the community was shocked at the loss of young people, who took their lives after being bullied because they were gay.

Cindi Lauper, Tim Gunn, and Ellen DeGeneres are among the many people using their celebrity status to educate the public about crisis support and suicide prevention services, while relaying a message of love.

“As a 17-year-old youth who was in quite a bit of despair, I attempted to kill myself,” Gunn said in a video for the It Gets Better Project. “I’m happy to say today that attempt was unsuccessful. But at the time it was all that I could contemplate.

“I understand the desperation. I understand the despair. And I understand how isolated you can feel. Reach out. Get help. You’re not alone. It will get better—I promise.”

The It Gets Better Project was founded by columnist Dan Savage. The campaign involves individuals taping videos about how lives, especially those of teens who are bullied in school, improve after graduation.

“High school wasn’t the easiest of times for me, and I think one of the reasons for that was I did not have that many people to look up to,” Savage said. “You should be proud of who you are.”

Judy Shepard, President of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors, is calling all Americans to stand up and speak out against taunting, invasion of privacy, violence and discrimination against LGBT youth by their peers, and asking everyone in a position of authority in their schools and communities to step forward and provide safe spaces and support services for LGBT youth or those who are simply targeted for discrimination because others assume they are gay.

“There can never be enough love and acceptance for these young people as they seek to live openly as their true selves and find their role in society,” said Shepard in an open letter.

“Parents, educators and peers in the community need to be vigilant to the warning signs of

suicide and other self-destructive behaviors in the young people in their lives, and help them find resources to be healthy and productive. We urge any LGBT youth contemplating suicide to immediately reach out to The Trevor Project.”

Arizona has also joined in on the campaign.

Local activist, community leaders and residents gathered together to film their own 2-4 minute story letting teens know that life does get better.

“The climate in Arizona is very negative, especially with the recent legislation and we need people to know that there are positive influences out there and that life does get better,” said Human and Equal Right Organizers Board Co-Chair Jimmy Gruender. “It is important to know that there are not only national organizations that can help but local people you can talk to.”

According to Gruender H.E.R.O., the One Voice Community Center’s Anti-Violence Project Hotline, Wingspan, and LGBT groups at Arizona State University have joined the local campaign.

Phoenix Pride would like local youth and young adults to know they have support. The non-profit issued the following statement: “We at Phoenix Pride stand by our youth in

“As a 17-year-old youth who was in quite a bit of despair, I attempted to kill myself... I’m happy to say today that attempt was unsuccessful. But at the time it was all that I could contemplate.

I understand the desperation. I understand the despair. And I understand how isolated you can feel.

Reach out. Get help. You’re not alone. It will get better—I promise.”

- Tim Gunn

Bravo’s Project Runway & Chief Creative Officer, Liz Claiborne

“High school wasn’t the easiest of times for me, and I think one of the reasons for that was I did not have that many people to look up to... You should be proud of who you are.”

- Dan Savage

It Gets Better Project Founder & Columnist, Savage Love

Phoenix and all over the world, to say that this bullying behavior must stop, and that LGBT youth do have friends and allies who will stand up for their right to have healthy child- and teenhoods, free from harassment.

“We at Phoenix Pride will regularly be providing information about safe outlets for those in our LGBTQ community. We will be adding a link on our website and in all of our eblasts for The Trevor Project and the Trevor Project Lifeline, a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.”

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s LGBT media advocacy and anti-defamation organization is strongly encouraging the media to examine the impact of anti-gay rhetoric and commentary on young people.

“These senseless tragedies are a wake-up call about the immense hostility facing the youth across the nation,” said GLAAD President, Jarrett Barrios. “We urge the media to investigate how dehumanizing anti-gay rhetoric in the national discourse affects vulnerable young people who feel they have no where to turn.”

PFLAG Phoenix mom Donna Ellis agrees with Barrios. Ellis lost a son to suicide in 1981.

“The kids are hearing horrible hate words from the media and parents then they go on to mimic those words and that is where the bullying comes in,” said Ellis. “We need to relay this message to the parents because I don’t believe kids are natural haters. We need to stop the bullying and throwing kids out on the streets for being gay and start telling them that life does get better.”

According to Ellis, it is important now more than ever to keep supporting some of the programs in organizations such as PFLAG that are hurting because of the current financial crisis.

“We have more LGBTQQIA people in PFLAG right now than parents and we will continue to stand by to give support. We have arms to hug and hopefully we won’t have to cut too many of our programs,” said Ellis.

To donate financially to PFLAG visit pflagphoenix.org or visit 1VCC for a list of LGBT support groups and organizations.

For more information on the Arizona It Gets Better Project visit herophoenix.org

Resources everyone should know about:

The Trevor Project The Trevor Project was founded by writer James Lecesne, director/producer Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone, creators of the 1994 Academy Award®-winning short film, Trevor, a comedy/drama about a gay 13-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life.

When Trevor was scheduled to air on HBO® in 1998, the filmmakers realized that some of the program’s young viewers might be facing the same kind of crisis as Trevor, and began to search for an appropriate support line to broadcast during the airing. They discovered that no such helpline existed, and decided to dedicate themselves to forming what was, in their view, a much-needed resource: an organization to promote acceptance of LGBT and questioning youth, and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group.

Thus, The Trevor Project was born, and with seed funding provided by The Colin Higgins Foundation, The Trevor Lifeline was established and became the first and only nationwide, aroundthe-clock crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBT and questioning youth.

Today, in addition to operating the crisis and suicide prevention lifeline, The Trevor Project provides online support to young people through the organization’s website, as well as lifesaving guidance and vital resources for educators and parents.

If you are a youth who is feeling alone, confused or in crisis, please call The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR for immediate help.

Thetrevorproject.org

GLSEN Founded as a local group in 1990, the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teachers Network (GLSTN) began as a volunteer group of 70 gay and lesbian educators. At that time, there were two Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the nation, only one state with policy in place to protect LGBT students, and a general lack of awareness of the needs of LGBT students. LGBT youth did not have a voice in the education community or in the LGBT movement. There were few, if any, resources available for teachers to discuss LGBT issues.

However, groups of concerned individuals began to establish chapters across the country, advocating locally and regionally for safe schools for students who were, or were perceived to be, LGBT. In 1995 GLSTN became a national organization and hired it first full time staff person, GLSTN’s founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. In 1997, GLSTN staged its first national conference in Salt Lake City, UT to respond to the legislature’s move to ban all student groups in an effort to prevent the formation of GSAs in the state. It is also this year that GLSTN changes its name to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, in order to attract new members to the struggle for safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression.

Currently, GLSEN has registered more than 4,000 GSAs, has approximately 40 full time staff, a governing board of 20 members and two advisory committees at the national level.

GLSEN sponsors the National Day of Silence in which hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and staff have participated at thousands of school campuses across the country. GLSEN also sponsors another annual event: No Name continued next page >

“There can never be enough love and acceptance for these young people as they seek to live openly as their true selves and find their role in society... Parents, educators and peers in the community need to be vigilant to the warning signs of suicide and other self-destructive behaviors in the young people in their lives, and help them find resources to be healthy and productive. We urge any LGBT youth contemplating suicide to immediately reach out to The Trevor Project.”

- Judy Shepard

Mother of Matthew Shepard & Co-Founder, Matthew Shepard Foundation

< continued from previous page

Calling Week. In coalition with leading education organizations, including the National Education Association and the National Middle School Association, GLSEN is proud to be a part of an event geared toward educating middle school students about the negative impact of bullying and harassment.

GLSEN Phoenix 602-705-9780 glsen.org/phoenix GLSEN Tucson 520-743-4800 glsen.org/tucson

PFLAG The idea for PFLAG began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched with her gay son in New York’s Pride Day parade. After many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne during the parade and begged her to talk to their parents, she decided to begin a support group. The first formal meeting took place in March 1973 at a local church. Approximately 20 people attended.

At the turn of the century, PFLAG began to develop nationally coordinated programs in order to better focus the grassroots network. Programs like Safe Schools for All, Scholarship Program, the Diversity Network, Bringing the Message Home, and Welcoming Faith Communities are already showing results.

PFLAG Phoenix helpline 602-843-1404 for other chapters visit community.pflag.org

EON Eon works to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth community in Southern Arizona by creating social opportunities, providing information and support on health issues, advocating for youth rights, and challenging society’s perceptions of youth.

EON events and activities are free of charge and open to all youth ages 23 and under. The Eon “Lounge” drop-in center, located on 7th Street and 4th Avenue, is a safe hangout space for youth 23 and under. For information, please call 520624-1779.

Eon also provides support to existing Gay/ Straight Alliances (GSAs) and assists students in establishing new GSAs in their secondary schools. We also hold classroom presentations and trainings for social service providers in order to spread awareness about the many issues facing LGBTQ youth. If you are interesting in obtaining support for or establishing a GSA at your school, or in scheduling a class or training for your organization, please contact Youth Outreach Specialist Zami Hyemingway at zhyemingway@wingspan.org.

EON also offers support to homeless and near-homeless LGBTQ and straight-allied youth, including expanded drop-in hours at The Lounge, street outreach, referrals to social service agencies, the Support OurSelves (SOS) support group, and allocation of emergency funds. For more information about homeless and at-risk youth services, contact Kevin Jackson, Homeless Youth Project Coordinator, at kjackson@wing-

span.org. EON can provide you with information and referrals to LGBTQ-friendly services.

For more on the Eon Youth Program e-mail kellasante@wingspan.org, or call (520) 6241779, ext 127.

The Anti-Defamtion League The Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Institute programs provide anti-bias education and training for Pre-K through university students, corporations, civic associations, and law enforcement agencies. The goals of A World of Difference Institute programs are to raise awareness about the issues of prejudice and discrimination and the harm they inflict on individuals and society and to provide effective strategies and resources to address these issues in homes, workplaces, schools and communities.

In 1985, ADL and WCVB-TV in Boston initiated A World of Difference campaign to combat prejudice, promote democratic ideals and strengthen pluralism. The project’s strategy was to combine TV’s unique ability to reach wide audiences with the ability of statewide educators and local community groups to influence attitudes of youth. Today, the program are used throughout the world.

The Arizona Regional Office of the ADL provides A World of Difference training’s throughout the state.

Phone 602-274-0991 to report bias incidents or to inquire about “A World of Difference” programs.

Additional

local hotlines

& resources: 1VCC Anti-Violence Project 800-625-1822 QLine 1-800-527-4747 1n10 Youth Services 1n10.org YEP! Youth Empowerment Project 602-277-5166

18,000 Jews asked to pledge to end bullying in their community BOSTON - Keshet, the largest American organization working for Jewish LGBT inclusion, launched Do Not Stand Idly By: A Jewish Community Pledge To Save Lives, an urgent campaign to put an end to homophobic and transphobic bullying in the Jewish community. The campaign was launched in partnership with 90 cosponsors including the official bodies and rabbinical associations of the Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Jewish Renewal movements; The Jewish Theological Seminary and three other rabbinical schools; Hillel International; Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Reform and Conservative youth movements; major philanthropies like The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and The Samuel Bronfman Foundation; Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Jewish Federations, and day schools from around the country.

In the first 24 hours over 1000 individuals and institutions signed the pledge, including over 300 rabbis and an additional 140 institutions, which seeks a commitment to “ending homophobic bullying or harassment of any kind” and a personal pledge “to speak out when I witness anyone being demeaned for their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Do Not Stand Idly By was launched in direct

response to the recent suicides of six LGBT teens.

The title of the campaign comes from the Torah, “Do not stand idly by” when you see another being harmed (Leviticus, 19:16).“We are deeply troubled, we are saddened, and we cannot be silent in the face of this crisis. As Jews, we have a moral imperative to make our synagogues, our community centers, our camps, our institutions and our homes safe and affirming for every teen,” says Stuart S. Kurlander, Chair of the Keshet Board of Directors.

“We must speak out as Jews both within the Jewish community and in the broader world whenever we see injustice. Let’s make it absolutely clear: the Jewish community is a place where all of us must be embraced as our full, authentic selves,” said Idit Klein, Executive Director of Keshet.

“The Talmud tells us that whoever saves a life, it is considered as if that person has saved an entire world. So if one gay Jewish teen feels safer, supported, and understood, we have done our job.”

Keshet will establish a web presence for this campaign, which will include resources for inclusion and education as well as a way for people to connect with others who are committed to ending gay and transphobic bullying in the Jewish community.

Go to keshetonline.org for more information or to sign the pledge.

QSpeak Theatre 602-889-5282 a.beck@phoenixtheatre.com

Teen Lifeline 602-248-TEEN Gay & Lesbian National Hotline 1-888-843-4564 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (273-8255)

Join friends and the entire “family” for a fabulous party consisting of drinks, dinner, dancing, dice, and divas in a safe and welcoming setting, from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Tickets are on sale now for $150.00 each by calling Erin Russ at 520.624.1779, Ext. 118 or, online at http://tinyurl.com/NightThing.

FINANCE

Retirement plans bring big benefits to small business

By Jarrod L. Dill

E

ven when you love what you do, there may come a day when you need to step away from work. If you’re a small business owner building your business, that day may seem too far away to worry about.

But even if you’re not preoccupied with funding your own retirement, you better believe your employees are thinking about it — and they view it as a very valuable perk of employment. With the range of retirement plans available today, along with improvements designed to ease the load of paperwork for employers, it may be less burdensome than you think to offer some form of retirement benefit to your employees.

Aside from being the right thing to do, offering a retirement plan can significantly enhance your business. It’s a competitive advantage that can help improve employee morale and increase retention. Your employees benefit from consistent, automatic and tax-advantaged saving. Depending on the plan you choose, you may not be required to make employer contributions, but if you do, those contributions are tax deductible. And you can participate in the plan you establish yourself, to help save for your own financial future. Here’s a brief introduction to your options for retirement savings to help you take the plunge.

SIMPLE IRA plans A SIMPLE IRA plan is one of the easiest ways to help your employees save for retirement. It requires minimal paperwork and no IRS reporting.

When you establish a SIMPLE IRA plan, your employees can contribute up to 100 percent of income (up to $11,500 limit for 2010 or $14,000 if over age 50). For 2010, employers can match up to 3 percent of the eligible employee’s compensation or $11,500 (whichever is less) or can choose to make a non-elective contribution of 2% of each eligible employee’s compensation. Your employer contributions are tax deductible. The retirement assets reside in self-directed accounts, meaning your employees decide how the assets are allocated across a variety of investment vehicles. This option is only available to you if you have 100 or fewer employees, and you generally must establish your plan by October 1st of the contribution year. A word of warning: while all plans impose a penalty for early withdrawal, withdrawing from a SIMPLE IRA plan within the first two years of

More News Online!

www.ntouchaz.com 32 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

ployees prepare for retirement. Options such as profit sharing plans and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are complex and regulated; consult a certified financial planner who can help you explore whether they make sense for your business.

participating in the plan may result in a whopping 25 percent penalty.

SEP IRA plans A Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP) is another easy way to help your employees save for retirement. Like the SIMPLE IRA plan, it requires minimal paperwork and no IRS reporting on behalf of the employer. With a SEP IRA, the employer makes a defined contribution, on a pre-tax basis, to an individual retirement account (IRA) established for each eligible employee. SEP IRA plans allow an employer to establish certain minimum eligibility requirements for employee participation. Additionally, because an employee must establish an IRA to receive employer contributions, they may also make traditional IRA contributions to their IRA. For 2010, you may contribute up to 25 percent of each employee’s gross income or a maximum of $49,000. You are not required to contribute to your employees’ plans every year, lending some flexibility in the event of a down year. However, in the years you do contribute, you must fund the plans of all eligible employees. As the business owner, you may create your own SEP IRA and make contributions toward your own retirement.

401(k) plans A 401(k) plan is a defined contribution plan that you can establish to help your employees save.

The plan is funded primarily by your employees with elective salary deferrals up to allowable limits. For 2010, the deferral limit was $16,500.

You can choose to make matching contributions, which are tax-deductible. The savings in a 401(k) plan are typically invested in self-directed investments such as mutual funds. These plans are highly regulated and require more plan adminstration that SEP or SIMPLE IRA plans.

Other retirement benefit options In addition to SIMPLE, SEP and 401(k) plans, there are other ways to help your em-

Saving with an IRA If you’re not in a position to start a businessbased retirement plan for you or your employees, do yourself a favor and fund a traditional or Roth IRA for yourself. You can contribute up to $5,000 per year ($6,000 if you’re 50 years old or above). When you fund a traditional IRA, your contributions generally are tax deductible. Upon withdrawal, distributions will be subject to ordinary income tax. The deductibility of your IRA contributions depends on your adjusted gross income and whether or not you or your spouse participate in a workplace retirement plan. Contributions to a Roth IRA depend only on your adjusted gross income. For 2010, the income limit to make a Roth IRA contribution is $120,000 for a single tax filer and $177,000 for a married joint tax filer. The Roth IRA is funded with aftertax dollars, allowing you to take tax-free withdrawals in retirement if certain holding period requirements are met.

Get help from the experts The IRS and the Small Business Administration provide free resources to help small businesses establish retirement plans. Go online and read up on your options. Find a financial advisor who is well versed in retirement planning for businesses, including the laws in your state.

A financial advisor can also provide individual consultations with your employees to help them make the most of their savings. Your employees will appreciate the benefits of a retirement savings plan — and so will you.

Jarrod L. Dill, Financial Advisor, Amerprise Financial Services, Inc., 4835 E Cactus Rd., Suite 230 Scottsdale, AZ 85254, (602) 996-7355 x11.

Toll Free: (877) 829-8214 x11. http://www. ameripriseadvisors.com/jarrod.l.dill.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

File # 106911 news / politics / business / opinion

Ameriprise Financial helps you stay true to your dreams.

Ameriprise Financial has been a leader in financial planning for the gay and lesbian community for decades.

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I can help you plan to achieve your most important goals including starting your own business, adopting or just retiring in comfort. I can also help you plan to meet your immediate needs with investment advice, estate planning strategies and financial planning with your partner.

Simply put, we believe in your dreams. I can help you plan to make them happen.

To start a conversation call (602) 996-7355 today.

Jarrod Dill Financial Advisor 4835 E Cactus Rd Suite 230 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (602) 996-7355 Toll Free: (877) 829-8214 jarrod.l.dill@ampf.com http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/jarrod.l.dill

Financial planning services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2009 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your attorney doesn’t have to be family. . . but it helps.

• Domestic Partnership & Divorce • Business & Corporate Contracts • DUI & Criminal • Wills & Probate • Real Estate • Landlord/Tenant

Jane O. Ross 668 N. 44th St., Suite 300 Phoenix, AZ 85008

602.685.1177

HEALTH

Emails from our readers!

By Dr. Damien Brandeis

Dear Doctor B., this is embarrassing, but I seem to get diarrhea when I eat anything made from wheat. I love bread (hate rye) is there something I could take that would help? Glenn Diarrhea is a natural response of â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIâ&#x20AC;? tract to discharge or expel contents that the body has determined is unhealthy, if not outright toxic. The body has natural wisdom so you will need to listen to your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alert.

There are several tests to determine exactly why you have this response.

The simpler cheaper and less invasive

ones consist of blood tests to arrive at a profile of food sensitivity. You may be sensitive to any of the components of bread such as yeast, wheat, gluten, eggs, etc. The more invasive tests can lead to operative procedures involving a scope up the butt or down the throat.

Gluten sensitivity has generated much attention lately. Gluten is a protein compound present in foods made from wheat and related plants such as rye and barley. (Gluten gives dough elasticity and makes bread chewy.) The prevalence of gluten sensitivity is on the rise in the US. In its most dire form, gluten sensitivity is the basis of a disease called Celiac disease. The treatment is total removal of the offending gluten from the diet. Many of the local restaurants are offering gluten free menus and many local food stores have gluten free sections for wheat/gluten alternative foods.

Alternatively, based on this limited history, you may simply be sen-

34 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

sitive to yeast. If you do not respond in this manner to the other products containing wheat (such as cakes, muffins, and scones), then yeast may be the offending ingredient. Testing will tell.

It is important for you to have a diagnostic work up regarding your problem. Your body is warning you and the end results could be dire if you do not take action. The Celiac patient progresses into debilitating constellation of symptoms (weight loss, pain, malnutrition, fatigue) which left untreated may result in death. It would be irresponsible for me to suggest supplements to halt the diarrhea.

That is not your solution.

Dear Doctor B., What do rose hips do for you? And, how should you consume them?

Rose hips are the edible seed pods of roses. Often, they are not seen because of the harvesting of the rose flowers. If you allow the flowers to

whither on the bush, the pods that remain (formerly roses) are rose hips.

They are a great source of Vitamin C, so their healthful benefit is similar to all of those benefits from consuming that vitamin. If your roses are organic or have not have pesticides on them, you can dry the buds and use them to brew an herbal tea. It will take several pods, dried and crushed, soaked in boiling water for 20 minutes to create the infusion. They have a wonderful flavor and make a lovely caffeine- free beverage. Serve hot or over ice. The tea is refreshing and delicious.

A healthy GBLT community is a productive, effective, and powerful one. Readers, please write in. I am happy to respond!

Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD has a private medical practice near Chandler Fashion Square Mall. Health is a simple drive for you! Please visit drbrandeis.net or call 480-855-6560 for an appointment.

news / politics / business / opinion

ETHICS

The ethics of...So?

By Dr. Dina Evan

I

waited the usual 45 minutes past the appointment time with my Doc. In the course of our visit, I mentioned that I was aghast at the price of medicine and shared my concern about the couples with children who could not afford what they needed. His response? “So?” I have written St Jude, AARP, CARE, and several other organizations to say, “Please stop take me off your ground mailing list. You are spending money on postage and printing to solicit donations and membership from someone already enrolled with you!” Their response?

“So?” I sent my bill back to the City of Phoenix, by way of the City Manager, because my water bill, now nearly $500.00 a month was enraging me. I wrote, “At some point we, the people, will become tired of

being fleeced.” They sent out a very sweet woman who checked everything and informed me, “I did not have leaks but I did have a big yard.”

I looked at her incredulously wondering if she really thought I didn’t already know that I had a big yard, and I asked her, “$500.00 worth of big?” She awkwardly shrugged and apologetically said,” The city was just over its head in debt.” When I asked how she deals with the issue, she said, “I work two extra days at another job to pay my bill because when I complained, all they said was…So?” I remember sitting with the Board of a local community organization reviewing their vision and purpose. They had, after five long years, accomplished only one of the ten priority commitments on their list. When asked about how they felt about that, their answer was...

36 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

you guessed it. … So? I asked the produce manager in Safeway the other day, “How much of this produce is genetically altered.

He said, “All of it.” I said but you haven’t labeled any of it that way!

He said…so?

You are not present. So? You’re emotionally cheating. So? You are taxing my Social Security twice. So? You are lying about the other candidate. So? You said that stock was a no brainer. So? You are charging me $225.00 for a medicine that costs you $.27 cents to manufacture. So? Have we somehow lost the difference between having the right to do a thing, and doing the right thing?

The loss of trust in nearly every major organization, corporation, governmental entity is rampant and all of it is due to a lack of ethics. We’ve lost trust in major brands, in banks, in doctors, and unfortunately in each other. The enormous cost of this recent loss of trust is beginning to peak its ugly head over the horizon, but there is no way to measure the bottom-line impact yet.

“Recommendations from personal acquaintances or opinions posted by consumers online are the most trusted forms of advertising, according to the latest Nielsen Global Online Consumer Survey of over 25,000 Internet consumers from 50 countries.” (2009) Most of us will agree, that we can’t trust anything we hear on television, read in newspapers or magazines and we absolutely cannot trust a single word any candidate utters or a single thing they promise.

We have been disappointed so

many times, that we have dumbed-down, numbed out, given up, been overpowered, made immobile and are standing knee deep in so, ourselves! Perhaps, this is perfect.

Maybe we put too much trust into the government. Maybe we gave to much authority over to too many people. Maybe we left the work of taking care of ourselves to others, too often. Maybe it’s time for a little due diligence of our own. After all, who should be in charge of your life and mine and who would do the best job?

Providing we can still find it, its time to get back to our own moral compass, be our own best accountant and stop acting like babies who can’t learn a few financial terms. We can check on a judges record, find out the truths about candidates by meeting with them and holding their proverbial lying feet to the fire. We can write outrageous letters and frankly, shout out of the damn window, “We are mad as hell and not going to take it any more.” This lethargy and deference to people who are screwing it up and us over, has got to stop. We need to start haranguing, ranting, criticizing, scolding and taking back our power with erumpent voices. And, when they can’t hear themselves above the din of our uproarious chant? Well I know what I will say. “So?” Dr. Dina Evan is a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist in the State of California. She has offices in Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Evan has won national acclaim as a human rights advocate. She is a columnist for several newspapers and has written five best selling books.

For more information you may go to DrDinaEvan.com. news / politics / business / opinion

PET BRIEFS

AZ no-kill shelters get help in national adoption challenge Phoenix — The state’s two largest no-kill animal shelters have teamed with PetSmart Charities to boost their standings in a national adoption challenge, which could net them $100,000 from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (ASPCA).

The two organizations — Arizona Animal Welfare League & Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) and HALO Rescue — comprise the only Arizona team competing in a nationwide challenge that began Aug. 1 and runs through Oct. 31.

Out of 44 competitors, the Arizona team currently ranks among those that have saved the most lives.

With 1,000 dogs and cats euthanized in Maricopa County each week, Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA and HALO Animal Rescue try to save more lives by finding forever homes for another 200 dogs and cats during a special adoption event Oct. 16 & 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PetSmart® Corporate Headquarters, 19601 N. 27th Ave., in north Phoenix (27th Avenue and Yorkshire Drive).

During the event, adoption fees will be $25 for dogs, $50 for puppies, $5 for cats, and $25 for kittens.

All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinat-

ed. Each adopter will receive free samples of dog or cat food and kitty litter, courtesy of Purina Pro Plan® and Tidy Cats® when they adopt a dog, cat, puppy or kitten during this special event.

Why adopt?

About 8 million dogs and cats end up in U.S. shelters every year.

While Most of these animals are healthy and would make loving

companions, only about half of them find homes. The others are euthanized (put to sleep). Adopting from a shelter or rescue group saves lives.

“More than 1,000 animals are being killed each week in Maricopa County because open-intake shelters do not have the resources to keep them alive,” says Shannon Blizzard, Director of Operations for AAWL & SPCA. “For every dog or cat that finds a new home through our no-kill organizations, a second life is saved because it allows us to go to those other facilities and rescue another animal.”

In addition to adopting, people can sign up as a friend of the Arizona team on the ASPCA “Save More Lives Community” at challenge. aspcapro.org and comment on the team’s blog.

For more information about how to help AAWL & SPCA and HALO in the $100K Challenge, go to aawl.org or call 602-273-6852, ext. 116, or go to halorescue.org or call 602-971-9222.

The Walk to Save Animals Nov. 13 Phoenix - For over 30 years, the AAWL / SPCA has helped thousands of homeless animals find their forever home. This is made possible with the help of our friends and partners just like you! Your participation shows the community you care and helps save animal lives.

On Nov, 13 you can support AAWL/SPCA by joining in the 2K & 5K Pet Walk.

Besides the walk, there will be food and activities for the whole family!

Bring a bag of dry pet food donation and receive extra raffle tickets.

The walk will take place at Tempe Town Lake, 54 W Rio Salado PkwyFor more information and to register go to aawl.org

38 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

Saturday, Nov. 13 - Event Day Schedule (Subject to change) 9:00 am: 9:30 am:

10:50 am: 11:15 am: 12:30 pm:

Registration Begins - Arrive Early!

Enjoy Booths, Games, Activities, Food, and More 5K Walk Begins 2K Walk Begins Live Entertainment, Demonstrations, Raffle Drawing, Prizes

news / politics / business / opinion

YOUR PETS

Pets in search

Your Pet Questions Answered

By Dr. Alicia Ruiz

of a Loving Home Located in Phoenix, Arizona Rescue is the last voice for dogs and wcats who, through no fault of their own, find themselves awaiting death at our county pounds.

Billy

My dog eats everything - remote controls, telephones, cans, stuffing from the bed, then he gets stomach aches and won’t eat. I am in the process of training him and puppy proofing the house and yard. At what point when he isn’t eating or pooping should I take him to a doctor.

If the pet is depressed it should be examined. If the pet is vomiting everything it takes in includ-

ing water or has projectile vomiting, it should be examined as the pet can become dehydrated very quickly. If the pet is acting normal, sporadically vomiting, still has an appetite you have a bit more leeway and must base your decision of your knowlege of your pets normal behavior. If you suspect that the pet ingested something potentially toxic such as batteries, coins, or electronic components the pet should be checked. If you are not sure you can get advise from your veterinarian.

To know Billy is to love Billy, it is as simple as that! All Billy needs is a few seconds in your presence to make you fall in love with him.

His handsome tiger stripes, squinty eyes, and perpetual grin on his face are the tools he uses to draw you in...as you spend more and more time with Billy it is his endearing purrsonality that seals the deal!

How do you find a miniature horse veterinarian?

Miniature horses are horses so equine veterinarians should be able to see them but may prefer not to. Locally one recommendation would be Southwest Equine Medicine and Surgery in Scottsdale. Their phone number is 480-9989460. If you would like to do your own research call equine veterinarians and see who will see them.

Dr. Ruiz is a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at Central Phoenix Animal Hospital, 602- 277-5155. Questions for Dr. Ruiz can be emailed to editor@ntouchaz.com

Dash Any guesses on how Dash got his name?!

Because he is a fast, active dog that’s all Beagle!

Just go, go, go, go! He loves to go on walks, smelling as much of the world as he can fit into his little nose. He loves other dogs, playing chase, toys, people, and like most Beagles he is very smart!

To learn more or about Billy or Dash, go to azrescue.org.

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 39

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Arizona premier of Israeli play opens AJTC’s 23rd season Phoenix - The Arizona Jewish Theatre Company opens its 2010-11 season with Hard Love, written by one of Israel’s most foremost playwrights, Motti Lerner.

Performances are Oct. 28- Nov. 7, Thursdays through Sundays. The production will be presented at the Theatre’s new home at the John Paul Theatre on the campus of Phoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Hard Love tells the moving story of a young ultra-orthodox couple from Jerusalem. Hannah and Zvi separate within a year after their wedding, when Zvi loses his faith. They marry others and each have a child; they meet again nearly 20 years later to discuss the fact that their children have become romantically involved. Zvi has abandoned religion and lives as a famous author in Tel Aviv, while Hannah has remained true to her faith.

Upon their meeting, they attempt to mend the tear created by time, love and faith.

The play was translated from the Hebrew by Anthony Berris, and had its American Premier at Theater Or in North Carolina in 2005. Since then, it has been produced around the country. AJTC is producing the Arizona premier of the show.

The two-person play features Lesley TutnickMatchbitz as Hannah and Eric Schoen as Zvi. AJTC patrons will remember Eric from his debut with the company last season as the lead in Fools. He is currently appearing in Blood Royal at Southwest Shakespeare, marking his 11th appearance with the Company. He also spent 3 seasons each with the Texas Shakespeare Festival and the American Shakespeare Center. Last year, Eric began his own theatre company, Class 6 Theatre.

Lesley’s stage work includes repertory theatre, regional theatre, National touring theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences. She was featured along side Michael York, E.G. Marshall and Michael Learned in Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s World Premiere of Whisper In The Mind, the roll of Sonya in Arizona Theatre Company’s U.S. debut of Crime and Punishment; Isabel in My Children! My Africa! with Actors’ Lab; and Juliet in Romeo & Juliet at the Marin Theatre, and has performed with Theatre Actor’s Studio.

Motti Lerner, playwright and screenwriter, was born in Israel in 1949. He teaches playwriting at the Kibbutz College in Tel Aviv and has been active in the peace movement in Israel since 1973.

He frequently lectures at European and American Universities on playwriting, on the Israeli theatre, and especially on the Israeli theatre and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Most of his plays and films deal with political issues.

Among his plays are: Kastner, Pangs of the Messiah, and Paula and Pollard all produced by

40 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

the Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv; Exile in Jerusalem and Passing The Love of Women at Habima National Theatre, Autumn at the Beit Lessin Theatre, Tel Aviv; and Hard Love at the Municipal Theatre in Haifa. His play The Murder of Isaac, about the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, was produced at the Heilbron Theatre in Germany (1999) and had its American premier at Centerstage Theatre in Baltimore (2006). He has written screenplays for the films: Loves in Betania, The Kastner Trial, Bus Number 300, Egoz, the 12 episodes of the TV drama series The Institute, A Battle in Jerusalem, and The Silence of the Sirens.

His feature film Altalena was premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival in July 2008. His feature film Spring 1941 with Joseph Fiennes and Claire Higgins in the title roles was released in October 2008.

He is a recipient of the Meskin Award for the best

play (1985), and the Israeli Motion Picture Academy award for the best TV drama in 1995 and in 2004. In 1994 he won the Prime Minister’s of Israel Award for his creative work. His plays have been produced in the US, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Australia. He is teaching this fall in Delhi, India.

The play is directed by Janet Arnold, AJTC’s founding producing director, and stage director of Kindertransport and Half and Half.

Both AJTC and Phoenix College are very excited about the collaboration. The Theatre has 275 seats with a modified-thrust stage, allowing great visibility from all seats. The college is located at 1202 W. Thomas Road – the Theatre is near the North parking lot, off 11th Avenue, just south of Osborn.

Founded in 1988, the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company (AJTC) is a non-sectarian, not-forprofit 501 (c) (3) Arizona corporation. AJTC is one of only a few professional theatre companies in the Valley and one of the oldest and largest Jewish Theatres in North America. The company was founded to preserve and enhance Jewish culture, by producing quality plays which reflect the Jewish experience.

To purchase season or individual tickets, please contact the AJTC office at 602-264-0402 or order on line at azjewishtheatre.org.

Slamdance winner comes to Valley Tempe - Ashes of American Flags (2009) is an award-winning film presenting Wilco live in concert during their 2008 tour. This documentary comes to the Valley Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. at MADCAP Theaters in Tempe.

Culled from concerts in five quintessentially American venues – Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Tipitina’s in New Orleans, The Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. – the film captures the energy, poignancy and musicality of a Wilco concert and tour. Directed and produced by Brendan Canty and Christoph Green (Sunken Treasure, Burn to Shine), the film intersperses interviews with band members and day-in-the-life footage as the band travels across the U.S. Then on Oct. 22 & 23 MADCAP will be play-

ing Strongman. Strongman (2009) is a cinema verité documentary about Stanless Steel, The Strongest Man in the World at Bending Steel and Metal.

Told with the kind of intimacy that can only be achieved with years of filming, Strongman follows the dreams and heartbreaking humanity of Stanless Steel—the only man alive who can bend a penny with his fingers—as he struggles to gain control of a world that seems constantly out of his grasp. It is a film about faith, about believing in yourself and a film about never giving up. It is a film about weakness and a film about strength. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival 2009.

MADCAP Theaters are located at 730 S Mill Ave, Tempe. Phone -480-634-5192. news / politics / business / opinion

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news / politics / business / opinion

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ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 45

Phoenix Pride Community Foundation and Aunt Rita's Foundation Present

of Giving

Reid Park, Tucson 2010 Pride in the Desert

FOCUS TUCSON

The Virtual Lesbian Looks festival

By J. Ursone Since 1993, Lesbian Looks has been presenting cutting edge features, shorts, documentaries and experimental films and videos not otherwise available to Tucson audiences. Most of the non-profit’s screenings have taken place in the Modern Languages Auditorium or the Gallagher Theater on the University of Arizona campus, free of charge and open to the public. For the past several years, the Loft Cinema has also partnered with Lesbian Looks to show a narrative feature each season.

But there is something new to the festival this year!

Virtual Lesbian Looks offers a portal to the exciting new world of made-for-the-web programming. When organizers started Lesbian Looks in 1993, you could count the number of lesbianthemed feature films on one hand, and the number of television shows with a lesbian character (usually a special guest on one episode) on the other. Today, you can find dozens of programs online, created by LGBT filmmakers for LGBT audiences.

In today’s media landscape, in which iTunes, YouTube and Hulu have joined network and

cable programming in the competition for viewer attention, web-based series present an exciting new avenue for both veteran and emerging filmmakers to launch fresh projects, develop a fan base, and sometimes parlay a low-budget experiment into a television deal or feature film.

For this year’s Virtual Lesbian Looks, Media Arts/Film & Television graduate student Tanya Zuk has selected 3 stand-out programs from a list of 23 lesbian-themed web series.

Check out some webisodes online at lgbcom. web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html, and then join Lesbian Looks (in person!) on Oct. 26 for a discussion with UA Media Arts alum Reena Dutt, an actor and associate producer on The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else.

The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else The Real Girl’s Guide to Everything Else focuses on a Lebanese-American political journalist. Dropped by her agent because her work is too smart, political, lesbian and feminist, she is compelled to write a Sex and the City-like chicklit book to raise money for her political work, and goes undercover as a “glitter-wearing, shoeobsessed, Cosmo-drinking straight girl.” With its multi-ethnic cast, “the project was kind of our answer to all the mainstream chick-lit and chickflicks about rich white women whose main connection to each other is bonding over unavailable men and shopping,” the creators say.

Anyone But Me From the Executive Producer/Writer team of Susan Miller (L Word and Thirtysomething) and Tina Cesa Ward, (In Their Absence) Anyone But Me introduces a new generation - gay, straight, and ethnically diverse - struggling with identity and modern relationships.

This award winning web series revolves around sixteen year old Vivian McMillan (Rachael HipFlores), the daughter of a NYC firefighter. When her father’s post-9/11 health problems force them to move from the city to the suburbs, Vivian goes through seismic changes of her own. Her long distance relationship with girlfriend Aster (Nicole Pacent), and growing friendship with a straight, African American boy, fuel the heart of this dynamic drama, which follows the journey of six teenagers riding the waves of sexual awakening.

Available at Hulu.com and iTunes as a free podcast download.

GirlTrash!

GirlTrash! is the story of three hapless chicks getting by any way they can. Tyler and Daisy are

48 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

small-time criminals and best buds. Their friendship is put to the test when Tyler is seduced by the two-timing temptress, LouAnne. When LouAnne double-crosses Tyler and Daisy by stealing money from the local Kingpin, Tyler and Daisy are thrown into a world of shit. They need to find the money and LouAnne before they turn up dead... or worse.

Created by Angela Robinson (The L Word, D.E.B.S.), the 10 original webisodes premiered online weekly, to overwhelming success. The GirlTrash! saga is now in the process of making the leap from webisodes to feature film. GIRLTRASH: All Night Long! Is being produced by POWER UP, the production company that created Itty Bitty Titty Committee.

Tanya’s Complete List of Lesbian Web Series: 3Way Anyone But Me Apples BJ Fletcher: Private Eye Brooklyn is for Lovers Cat On the Prowl Cherry Bomb Chica Busca Chica (Girl Meets Girl) Emma Stahl Far Out Feed Girltrash!

Joni & Susanna The Lovers and Friends Show Plan V Rose by Any Other Name The Real Girls Guide to Everything Else Seeking Simone The Sweet Adventures of Nat and Meg The Time Traveling Lesbian Venice We Have To Stop Now The discussion will take place Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Marshall 211 (Marshall Building, 845 N. Park Ave.). This is a free event. For more information call 520-626-3431. news / politics / business / opinion

James Franco is Allen Ginsberg

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On November 7th 2010 We Will Be Honoring the 10 Year Anniversary of The Arizona Rainbow Memorial

On November 11 2000, The Arizona Rainbow Veterans dedicated the “The Arizona Rainbow Memorial” at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

It is time to celebrate and honor the work of the brave members of “The Arizona Rainbow Veterans” on the ten year anniversary of the monuments placement.

Please join us on Sunday, 7 November 2010 at 2:00 p.m to hear the story of the monument’s placement, hear from members of the armed services on what the monument means to them, as well as hear from other distinguished guests.

We will also be placing a wreath at the The Arizona Rainbow Memorial in memory of all service members who have defended the honor and freedom of the United States.

The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 North Cave Creek Road.

The Arizona Rainbow Memorial is located inside the Founders Plaza.

For information www.herophoenix.com or email info@herophoenix.com

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ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 51

CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY INFO

Emergence International 2010 Conference! Join a diverse group of Christian Scientists, their families and friends, for a 2 day conference of lectures, events, and spiritual support for the LGBT community. www.emergenceinternational.org

Free Social Group and Nonprofit listings. List your social group or non-profit organization for free at ntouchaz.com! Click on the community directory page and add your listing today!

Happy Birthday Grandpa! Love Fagan & Oscar Happy Birthday Lynette! Hope it is a great one!

PERSONALIZED PET SITTING! Pets First is now expanding service to downtown, north central Phoenix and Paradise Valley!

Professional in-your-home care.

Bonded, Insured. Call George, Judy and Mary. 602 548 9628

COUNSELING Licensed Professional Counselor - Call Rene Broussard, LPC for a Caring Counselor who knows our community, from the inside out: 480-751-1020. Sliding Scale Fee and Free Initial Consultation Available.

Room for Rent Great rental in south Phoenix, close to South Mountain, downtown, ASU, shopping & restaurants. Large master suite on second level with walk in closet & over-sized private master-bath. Very nice home with modern decor, private courtyard, open floor-plan, patio & more.

Monthly Rent $750 which includes utilities- water, power, cox cable. Available immediately. The Ron Houston Group. Call for more info 480-861-8744 Arizona Lifestyle Realty

Happy Birthday Patrick!!! Even if you are a pesty little brother!

Don’t scare us again mom. Love Zoe & Buster ‘N Touch News would like to say thank you to all of our advertisers, supporters, and readers. There are many people who say they do it for the community, but all of you really do.

Downtown Phoenix Public Market is now open on Wednesdays from 4-8pm. Not just on Saturdays anymore!

Support local farmers and artists while also supporting the local economy... and by the way, a little organic food won’t hurt you!

BUSINESS / SERVICE

Mobile bookkeeper for small business. I’ll crunch your numbers so that you can focus on what you do best. Contact Dave Connell at 602-400-5383.

FOR RENT/LEASE Blake Housecleaning. Taking care of all your housecleaning needs. Serving all parts of the Valley. Ron Blake 480-241-5651 rblake5551@hotmail.com

Having a bad hair day? John Krebs of Panache Salon can help you with all of your hair needs. 5533 N. 7th St, Suite 401, Phoenix. Call (602)678-5517.

Professional tax preparation for individuals and small businesses.

Call Rainbow Tax Service today for your appointment. (602) 265-1631.

Personal Fitness Training.

Blake Fitness is the name to know for all your fitness training needs.

15 years of experience and still having fun! Ron Blake 480-2415651 myblakefitness.com

Now, Voyager Hypnotherapy/ Coaching- Let me help you improve many areas of your life.

Visit NowVoyagerHypnosis.com for some ideas or call 602-3016551. The Mind Is The Greatest Vessel!

PLAY PIANO IN 2010. You can fulfill your dream. My method GUARANTEES success. Vocalist? Learn to accompany yourself Central Phoenix and Mesa locations.

Kenny Thames 602-538-8241 kennythamesproductions.com Writing your biography? Let a professional edit and proof your manuscript for a reasonable price.

Call for rates. 602-957-1638.

Classified Ads Also Online! ntouchaz.com

52 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

Rental Home - Phoenix, AZ Single family rental, NICE 2BD/1BA HOME IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT AREA Available 9/1/2010. $1150/ mo, pets on approval. If you are looking for a cozy, spacious house to call home, you have found it! This home offers ceiling fans, fireplace, cable/ satellite TV ready, 1 car garage with remote, plenty of shelf space and lots of storage in the garage. It has a nice fenced backyard with landscaping maintenance included and a covered patio. Walking distance to the Central Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix Art Museum and Uptown Arts District. NO SMOKING PLEASE. Call Kim to schedule an appointment (480) 234-3870.

*FOR RENT* / Large N. Phx. Gay Owned 4-plex Apartments: 3BR-3BA (1300sq.ft.)

Ground Floor-*$945* ~ _2BR2BA (1145sq.ft.) Second Floor*$695* ~ 1BR-1BA (975sq. ft.) Ground Floor-*$595*. All have Washer/Dryer hookups, Community Pool & Spa, Covered parking, a Bathroom for every bedroom (great for family or roommates)! The 3 BR has new carpet and paint.

Small, well-trained pet OK. Gay couple living right next door!

Available NOW! Call Denise 602-765-7760 Looking for a Room to Rent?

Two story home located in newer South Phoenix neighborhood; close to ASU, downtown, easy freeway access. Private room for rent with shared bath. Beautifully furnished house with granite counters, vaulted ceilings, patio, private courtyard. Community pool, spa, basketball court. Asking $500 per month. All utilities are included. No Pets. The Ron Houston Group 480-861-8744. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

Purchase Classified Advertising Online! ntouchaz.com

news / politics / business / opinion

CLASSIFIEDS seller will carry, Contact for terms & more info! $29,900. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459.

Arizona Lifestyle Realty

RENTAL- NORTH SCOTTSDALE CASITA STYLE 1 bedroom/ 1 bath, stained concrete floors, open kitchen, fireplace, wrap around porch, w/d, parking. Use of resort style pool & outdoor grill.

Unfurnished $1250 per/month or Furnished negotiable. Additional $50 per/mo for utilities. Call The Ron Houston Group 480-8618744. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

Bank Owned Spanish Style Home. Just reduced $30k! Over 2000 sqft, 3 bedrooms/ 3 baths, open kitchen, large laundry room, travertine flooring, 2 car garage, pool, built in bbq; home needs work but lots of potential.

Contact the RON HOUSTON GROUP 602-402-2459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

FOR SALE

Chandler Home with POOL & SPA Foreclosed, Reduced $40K! 4 bedroom/ 2 bath , 2100 sqft, skylights, great room, large kitchen, breakfast bar, formal dining, fireplace & separate living room. Covered patio, pool, spa and water fall. Sold AS IS. $219,900 * Seller Arranged Financing is available- contact for more info! The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

South Phoenix Home - Move In Ready Just Reduced! Newer bank owned home. Well maintained, over 1500 sqft, one level, 3 bedroom/2 bath, open floor plan, inside laundry, RV Gate, 2 car garage. Low HOA & property has no rear neighbors. $84,900. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459 www.

RonHoustonGroup.com Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

LAND AVAILABLE - Seller will Carryback WOW-Vacant land in the 85018 zip code! Potential for multi-family units. With $10k,

news / politics / business / opinion

Condo LENDER OWNED Near Arcadia Opportunity for 1st buyers or investors! End unit, 2 bed/ 1.5 baths, 2 story, 968 sqft, open floor plan, eat in kitchen, 1 carport & more. $35,000. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

1950’s Charmer - 33rd Ave/ Bethany Home Rd Bank Owned, single level home, 3 bed/1.75 baths, over 1600 sqft, tile in all the right places, open kitchen, front patio, 1 car carport, storage & more. Sold AS IS. $48,000.

Contact The Ron Houston Group Arizona Lifestyle Realty 602-4022459. ronhoustonhomes.com FOR SALE: LUXURY PENTHOUSE 207 W. Clarendon #22E Spacious, bright, views. 1566 sq.ft. 2 split Master BRs/2 full baths. Eat-in kitchen. LR/DR. Pool,spa,tennis,light-rail. 24/7 front desk. Move-in ready. Priced to sell. $395,000.00. Linda Pool Keller Williams - (480)600-7504 lindapool@cox.net

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE: Uptown Gem of a Home 1024 West Georgia Avenue, Pasadena Neighborhood, Walkability Score 67, Energy efficient 3 bedrms, 1.75 baths. 1900 sq. ft has home office entry. Spacious corner lot, walled privacy, paddle fans, skylights, A/C and evap.

Security doors thruout & alarm system. Detached 2+ car port with secure storage, Offered at $283,800. MLS # 4186597, 10 2 4 w g e o r g i a a v e . e p r o p e rtysites.com. Owner/agent John E. Hughes, Jr. (602) 277 5402.

Bank Owned Peoria REDUCED $7k Beautiful home close to Lake Pleasant.

4 bedroom/2 bath, 1709 sqft, large eat-in kitchen, upgraded cabinetry, built in entertainment center, formal dining, tile throughout with carpet in the bedrooms, covered patio & more. Sold AS IS. $135,900.

Call Today. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

West Phoenix Bargain Lender owned, 1950’s block home, 1484 sqft, 3 bed/1.75 bath, formal dining, built in cabinetry, patio, 1 carport. large lot. Needs some TLC. Listed at $43,016. Call The Ron Houston Group 602-4022459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty

HEALTH Are you experiencing any of the following? Hot flashes, mood swings, low sex drive, weight gain, depression, headaches, anxiety, foggy thinking, vaginal dryness, prolonged fatigue? Call 1-888-314-3413

HELP WANTED As part of our expansion program, Millennium Magic Procurement Llc is in need of people to work as part time account managers,payment and sales representatives,it pays a minimum of $3000 a month plus benefits,email for more info: mprocurellc@aol.com Bartenders And Cocktail Servers Wanted Looking for at least 2 years experience or customer service equivalent. Stop into the Rock for an application, 4129 N 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85013. 602248-8559 Experienced Licensed Massage Therpist and Experienced Cosmetologist for upscale central Phoenix salon. Call George or David at 602-277-8849 for more information and to set up an interview.

‘N Touch News is growing!

Join our Advertising Sales Team.

E-mail traceystewart@ntouchaz. com if you are interested in a contract/commission position.

MASSAGE

Rainbow Massage Therapy.

Bring this ad in for $10.00 off your massage. Located near 7th Ave & Indian School. Swedish & Hot Stone. Call (602) 2651631 to make your appointment or e-mail rainbowmassagephx. com (MT-09329)

SPAS

Factory Direct. This 2008 6-person spa only $1,895. Spa & gazebo packages from $3,195.

See ArizonaCustomSpas.com for more great deals. Custom build your backyard vacation today! Free Chemicals w/this ad. 623-251-5100.

ntouchaz.com | November 2010 | Issue #76 | 53

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Building a great community starts with you!

Support these businesses that advertise in ‘N Touch News!

Adult Chute Chute Store Off Chute Too

chutestore.com 602-274-1429

Accomodations Holiday Inn Tucson Airport N

Real Estate Services

Internet Provider 602-234-1654

520-746-1161

Automotive

Qwest

888-923-6625

Law Firms

602-402-2459

Dorian Kreiling/ReMax

623-694-4737

Melinda Murphy/ReMax

602-695-2900

602-456-0545

Herman, Goldstein, & Forsyth

602-569-8200

Ronda Kelso

602-954-9313

Religious

J. Ross Firm

602-685-1177

Community Church of Hope

602-234-2180

Gentle Shepherd

602-864-6404

TIHAN

520-299-6647

602-992-2830

Massage

Community Tire Glendale

602-978-0251

Marc Anthony Massage

480-777-8366

Community Tire Airport

602-231-9090

Rainbow Massage

602-265-1631

Community Tire 40th St/Univ

602-470-0677

Community Tire Prescott Vly

928-772-9118

Community Tire Cottonwood

928-634-0705

Chute

602-234-1654

602-475-0342

Colors Restaurant (TUC)

520-323-1840

Night Life Kobalt

Beauty

Loft Cinema, The (TUC)

602-264-5307 loftcinema.com

Restaurants Caffé Italia

602-749-9228

Linda’s on Osborn

602-956-4420

Slice of Sicily Pizza

602-667-3331

Retail Shopping Boom Boom LaRue’s

Merry Lynn Guy (Rodan + Fields) 713-591-3682

Rainbow Cactus

602-971-1086

Chute Store

Salon Georvid

Rock, The

602-248-8559

Off Chute Too

Woody’s (TUC)

520-292-6702

602-277-8849

Bookkeeping & Taxes Dave Connell

602-400-5383

In Touch Chiropractic

Pets Central Phx Animal

Chiropractic 602-548-1998

Counseling / Addiction Man 2 Man

602-307-5330

Stonewall Institue

602-535-6468

GayTucson.com

Ron Houston/AZ Lifestyle

Tyler Allen Law Firm, PLLC

Community Tire North Phx

Midway Nissan (Billy Yvon)

Tony Ray Baker/Tierra Ant.

Pawzapalooza

480-659-9933

Speedway Vet. Hospital (TUC)

520-321-4235

STD Testing / Services 602-307-5330

Taxi/Transportation: Discount Cab

602-266-8747

Travel

Photography Danton Photography

602-274-1429

AZMAN2MAN 602-277-5155

602-265-3441 chutestore.com

480-287-3780

Camelback Travel

602-265-1706

Design/Production Services Fresh Prints Screen Printing

602-367-0007

Lionwood Visual Design

602-413-0954

Event Services Celebrate YourLife

623-463-3470

Financial Services Ameriprise Financial/Jarrod Dill 602-996-7355 Wells Fargo

wellsfargo.com

Florist Baisch & Skinner

602-285-0888

Health Care Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD

480-855-6560

Dynamic Pathways Wellness

602-254-0071

Southern AZ AIDS Foundation

520-628-7223

Home Services Floor Source PartyLite

602-2-SOURCE 602-410-9825

Information PFLAG of Payson

928-476-2358

Insurance Ken Leombruno

602-971-5799

54 | Issue #76 | November 2010 | ntouchaz.com

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