11/06/13 V4i45

Obama: Pass ENDA Now 15

AIDS & Meth: A Survivor’s Tale 22

Spotlight: 5 Local DJs 38

local name, global coverage

november 6, 2013 // vol. 4 // issue 45

can we believe in charlie?

Directions

Pages 2 & 14

Poverello Feeds the Needy 12

SFGN.com //

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The SoFla AIDS Network Report 13

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SouthFloridaGayNews

Top 3 on SFGN.com

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

November 6, 2013 • Volume 4 • Issue 45 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Last week’s hottest items couldn’t wait to be printed

O’Connor Officiates Gay Wedding At Supreme Court Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has officiated at the wedding of a gay couple at the Supreme Court, at least the second such ceremony at the court since its June decision that expanded federal recognition of samesex marriage.

Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says O’Connor

presided over the private ceremony Tuesday in the court’s lawyers’ lounge for Jeffrey Trammell and Stuart Serkin of Washington.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg officiated at a weekend ceremony at the court in which two New Yorkers, including a former Ginsburg student at Columbia

Law School, were married.

Ginsburg has officiated at three same-sex weddings.

In June, the court struck down part of a federal law that denied a range of federal benefits to gay couples who were married in states that allow same-sex unions.

From the Associated Press

Charlie Crist Upends Governor’s Race Get ready for the second coming of Crist.

When Charlie Crist stepped to the microphones Monday in St. Petersburg, he instantly changed the dynamics of Florida politics and set in motion a 52-week campaign that could end up making history: a former governor who switches parties and attempts to unseat his successor.

“The race begins,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, who as a top Democrat in the Florida House of Representatives worked closely with Crist when he was the state’s Republican governor.

“Up until now, there has been a lot of campaigning, but there has not been a race. I think it’s officially election season.”

After waging a shadow

campaign for months, Crist emerged to formally announce he’s entering the contest for the Democratic nomination for governor. Members of both parties say Crist’s move will immediately catapult the Sunshine State governor’s race to the No. 1 contest in the country in the 2014-midterm elections.

From our media partner Sun Sentinel

Maine Gubernatorial Candidate Comes Out Democratic gubernatorial hopeful and U.S. Representative Mike Michaud of Maine announced Monday he’s gay, writing about his personal life in an opinion piece for newspapers in his state.

If Michaud wins in 2014 and unseats Republican incumbent Gov. Paul LePage, he would become the first openly gay candidate to be elected governor.

The six-term U.S.

Congressman’s announcement makes him the 8th openly gay member of Congress, with seven in the House and one in the Senate.

Michaud, who announced he was running for governor in August, says he made his decision to come out in response to “whisper campaigns, insinuations and push-polls” from his political opponents.

“Allow me to save them the

trouble with a simple, honest answer: ‘Yes I am. But why should it matter?’” he writes.

He’s not the only “out” candidate running for governor next year. Others include Democratic state Rep. Heather Mizeur in Maryland and independent Todd Giroux in Rhode Island. Both states allow same-sex marriage.

From our media partner CNN

Editorial

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A Day in Gay South Florida Join SFGN on Saturday, Nov. 16 in capturing one day in the life of Gay South Floridians. We’re looking for normal LGBT folks doing everyday activities like taking a jog in the park, walking your dogs or dancing the night away.

Social Media Director • Sergio N. Candido sergio.candido@sfgn.com

Cover

Palm Beach Cover: Members of the Roosters team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event last month.

Photo courtesy of Roosters Broward/Miami-Dade Cover: Charlie Crist Photo Courtesy of Charlie Crist’s Facebook South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com.

SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2013 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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news highlight

ENDA Clears Hurdle in Senate Associated Press The Senate pushed a major anti-bias gay rights bill past a first, big hurdle Monday, a clear sign of Americans’ greater acceptance of homosexuality nearly two decades after the law prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

The vote of 61-30 essentially ensured that the Senate has the votes to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

Final passage, possibly by week’s end, would cap a 17-year quest to secure Senate support for a similar discrimination measure that failed by one vote in 1996, the same year Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act. Prospects are dimmer in the Republicanled House where Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, remains opposed. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a chief sponsor of the legislation, said the 60-plus bipartisan vote should force the House to vote on the legislation.

The three potential Republican

presidential candidates – Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky – voted against, a reflection that among core GOP conservative voters opposition to gay rights remains strong. No senator spoke in opposition to the measure during Monday’s debate.

Tony Perkins of the conservative Family Research Council said in a statement that he was disappointed in the Senate vote, but “confident that the U.S. House of Representatives will ultimately reject ENDA because it not only threatens the free market but religious liberties as well.”

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have approved laws banning workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and 17 of those also prohibit employers from discriminating based on gender identity.

About 88 percent of Fortune 500 companies have adopted nondiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

About 57 percent of those companies include gender identity.

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News Briefs

+Defense Secretary Challenges Florida on Same-Sex Benefits Policy Just days after U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel admonished states such as Florida for refusing to provide same sex benefits to National Guard members, the Sunshine state is reversing course.

Florida was amongst a handful of states that refused to issue military ID cards or process benefits for same-sex spouses of troops within their National Guard units. The state instead advised that gay spouses have to sign up at “federally controlled military bases within the state.”

Last Thursday, however, Hagel told a New York audience at the Anti Defamation League Centennial Dinner, “these states are violating their obligations under federal law.”

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Secretary Hegel said that these states are intentionally creating hardship and inequality “by forcing legally married gay partners to travel long distances to federal military bases to get the ID cards to which they are entitled.”

Under Pentagon policy that took effect Sept. 3, same-sex spouses of military members are eligible for the same health care, housing and other benefits enjoyed by opposite-sex spouses. That decision followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. The American Military Partner Association, an advocacy group for gay

and lesbian military members, called Florida “one of the rogue states refusing to comply with federal law.”

But on Monday afternoon the Florida National Guard found a way to issue full military benefits to samesex wedded couples, while still not violating the state’s gay marriage ban.

“We have moved the functions from state buildings to federal buildings and we’re in compliance all the way around,” said Lt. Col. James Evans, director of public affairs for Florida National Guard. “We want to ensure that everyone is treated equally and all Florida National Guard members get their benefits in the same place.”

West Point Hosts First Wedding Between 2 Men

Two West Point graduates were married Saturday in the military academy’s first wedding between two men.

Larry Choate III, class of 2009, married Daniel Lennox, class of 2007, before about 20 guests.

Choate, 27, taught Sunday school at the U.S. Military Academy’s Cadet Chapel and said he always thought of it as the place he would get married if he could.

West Point hosted two same-sex weddings of women in late 2012, more than a year after New York state legalized gay marriage. But Saturday’s wedding was the first time two men wed at West Point.

“It’s maybe one more barrier that’s pushed over a little bit, or maybe one more glass ceiling that’s shattered that makes it easier for the next couple,” Choate said Friday.

Choate and Lennox are out of the military and wore tuxedoes for the ceremony. Some of their guests were in uniform.

The 28-year-old Lennox is getting his master’s degree in business administration at Harvard University.

Choate is applying to Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The pair did not know each other as cadets but met later through a friend.

Chaplain Cynthia Lindenmeyer officiated at the ceremony.

From the Associated Press

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Trial Date Set for OutFest PA Arrests

A gay couple arrested at OutFest turned down a plea agreement this week, choosing to have their case head to trial later this month.

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Seven National Guard facilities in Florida, including Homestead Air Reserve Base, will process benefits, Evans said. Also, benefits will be processed at U.S. military bases in South Florida including Southern Command in Doral, Opalocka and Miramar.

“We are pleased that gay National Guard members won’t have a separate, more difficult process for getting benefits for their spouses,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, the state’s largest gay-rights group. She had previously blamed the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, for failure to comply with the Secretary’s directive. police response was entirely inappropriate and excessive.”

Requirements of ARD programs differ based on the offense but, Long said, had they accepted the offer, the pair may have been placed on probation and asked to pay court costs. Once the requirements of the agreement are satisfied, the charges are dropped and the parties are eligible for their records to be expunged.

“They’re not doing anybody any favors by offering them the right to make payments and be on probation when they didn’t do anything,” Long said.

From our media partner PGNThe Philadelphia Gay News.

+

Suburban Mayors Back Gay Marriage Legislation

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Photo courtesy of Glenn Fawcett

After a status hearing Oct. 28, Anthony Reto and Thomas Berner rejected the prosecutor’s proposal for the pair to enter the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program. Instead, they will face a trial at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 25 on the summary charges of disorderly conduct and criminal conspiracy.

Reto was arrested Oct. 13 by a Civil Affairs officer who said Reto pushed him.

Reto, Berner and two friends had been posing for a photo in front of the antigay protesters shortly before the arrest, and Reto and witnesses contend he did not approach the officer. The officer says he was pushed from behind and grabbed the person standing behind him before turning around. soflagaynews //

Video at the scene shows several officers forcefully holding Reto on the ground.

Berner was later arrested after attempting to reach his partner.

The pair filed a complaint with Internal Affairs, and the investigation is ongoing.

The couple’s attorney, Lloyd Long 3rd of Krasner, Hughes & Long, LLC, said the pair is eager to tell their story in court.

“Both Mr. Berner and Mr. Reto have decided that they want to go to trial in this matter because they were wrongly arrested and accused of acts they didn’t commit,” Long told PGN. “We look forward to the opportunity to prove that neither gentleman did anything wrong and that the

SouthFloridaGayNews

Seven suburban Chicago mayors are signing on in support of same-sex marriage.

Nonpartisan officials largely comprise the group from Plano, Geneva, North Aurora, St. Charles, Elburn, DeKalb and Sleepy Hollow.

They released a letter Tuesday morning through the gay marriage advocacy group Illinois Unites for Marriage. The mayors say same-sex couples and their families are denied full protection under Illinois law.

Same-sex marriage legislation got a February Senate OK but has not been called for a vote in the Democraticcontrolled House.

Activists are targeting moderate suburban Republicans as well as socially conservative members of the House Black Caucus Democrats to get the 60 votes needed.

Illinois allowed civil unions in 2011. There are now 14 states, plus Washington D.C., that allow gay marriage.

From the Associated Press

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5 SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 // 10/25/13 3:00 PM

news national New York- Marriage Equality USA launches the National Equality Action Team (NEAT) Andrea Richard On Monday, Oct. 21, New Jersey became the fourteenth state to legalize gay marriage. While newly nuptial celebrations are in order, fighting for the freedom to marry in other states continues. The xext state to possibly recognize same-sex marriages is Illinois, where its active marriage equality campaign is soon to be voted on.

Advocacy groups, such as Marriage Equality USA, are making big impacts on the fight for the freedom to marry.

In early October, this group launched the National Equality Action Team (NEAT), a volunteer-driven coalition.

NEAT hosts two phone banks and a virtual one, so volunteers can make calls to voters from a pre-dialing system that can function anywhere there’s an Internet connection.

“NEAT was launched to allow Volunteer Joanne Tosti-Vasey Phone Banking with PA NOW. passionate marriage equality supporters Photo courtesy of NEAT form around the country to support active excited that I called that she shared with me state marriage campaigns,” said NEAT program manager Tracy Hollister, who resides three phone numbers of her family,” Tostiin Brooklyn but went over to New Jersey to Vasey said. “So that one call ended up with four calls going to the New Jersey legislator” celebrate their big day.

It’s a two-part process: A call is made to “What we do is work in close partnership with state campaigns, plugging our a targeted gay marriage supporter, and the volunteers into the state campaign volunteer explains the issue and asks the infrastructure,” she said. “It makes a big called individual to leave a voice message with difference because legislators are influenced the legislator demonstrating their support. If by their constituents. Every door we knock an agreement is made, then the volunteers on and every phone call we make is to pass the call through to the legislator’s voice identify local marriage equality supporters, mail system per the campaign. Tosti-Vasey and ask them to contact their own legislator was able to connect nearly 50 callers to leave messages in support of the New Jersey to vote for the freedom to marry.”

With campaign New Jersey wrapped United for Marriage campaign.

“NEAT shows what organizations and up now, Hollister urges volunteers to sign up to help win in Illinois, whose active individuals can do, when we come together as marriage campaign is slated to be voted on a coalition to empower our community to take individual action in support of all 50 states,” in November.

Volunteers can call from anywhere, using said Brian Silva, executive director of Marriage a landline or cell phone. The way to sign up Equality USA. “Until everyone can marry the is via www.TheNEAT.org, and an email will person they love, we all have work to do.”

NEAT is a continuation of Marriage Equality confirm shift and training information. The training is done by phone and takes a half USA’s strides over the past year in winning hour. Volunteers are prepped on how to talk to campaigns in Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, voters, briefed on campaigns, and instructed Washington, Rhode Island and Delaware.

Through its nearly 150 phone banks, and on how to keep track of the calls made.

“The way the calling system works is that the volunteers making 100,000 calls and counting, calls come to you. By entering in your phone this collective effort means big impacts.

“The urgency now is to make calls to number online, the system will call you, so you Illinois, so we are looking for volunteers to don’t have to dial a number,” said Hollister.

Joanne Tosti-Vasey, social justice advocate act now,” said Hollister.

To sign up as a volunteer and make phone and NOW leader of Pennsylvania, served as calls to support gay marriage in Illinois, visit a volunteer.

“There was this one woman who was so www.TheNEAT.org.

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news palm beach

Bright Spot in Clouds for Ex-TV Weatherman

Rob Lopicola pleads guilty to attempted battery to avoid second another sex crimes trial

Marc Freeman, Sun Sentinel Rob Lopicola, the former West Palm Beach TV weatherman who last month became a convicted sex offender, will be saved from the embarrassment of a second sex crimes trial in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.

In a deal with the State Attorney’s Office, Lopicola on Monday pleaded guilty to one count of attempted battery of a child; the third-degree felony is not considered a sex crime.

For the plea, prosecutors dropped a more serious charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, involving a 17-year-old West Palm Beach teenage boy whom Lopicola, 43, testified he met online through Craigslist in late 2010.

Assistant State Attorney Michael Kugler called the plea offer “a good, strategic West Palm Beach Ex-Weatherman Rob Lopicola was recently convicted decision,” while he was ready of ‘sexting’ with a minor, but acquitted of a more serious charge of sex with a minor. In a second case he was also charged with having sex with for a trial if it didn’t pan out. a 17-year-old but accepted a plea deal that reduced it to battery.

Circuit Judge Stephen Rapp approved the plea. soliciting the former West Boca teen through The deal provides Lopicola will not be hundreds of sexually explicit text messages sentenced to any prison time in addition to in early 2011, the panel acquitted Lopicola what he could receive in his sentence from of a charge of lewd or lascivious battery the first trial, which ended Oct. 24 with a concerning an alleged oral sex encounter in jury’s conviction on two charges concerning Lopicola’s car in October 2010. an alleged 15-year-old victim from west of Lopicola denied meeting the teen, but Boca Raton. testified he texted someone he thought was The former Wilton Manors resident faces 18 for “fantasy fun.” Lopicola said he prefers up to 20 years when Judge Barry Cohen to date young men; the alleged victim listed sentences him Dec. 6 on one count of lewd or his age as 18 on the “males seeking males” lascivious conduct and one count of computer section of Craigslist. pornography and child exploitation. He faces The Sun Sentinel is not identifying the up to 5 years for the attempted battery, though teens from both cases because of their whatever time he gets would run concurrent ages during the incidents and the nature with the other sentence. of the charges.

Lopicola told the jury he was humiliated In the case resolved Monday, police by the allegations and media attention. The accused Lopicola of meeting a then-high former weekend meteorologist at WPTV-Ch. 5 school junior for oral sex in December for nearly eight years until 2006, will remain at 2010 and January 2011; the teen’s mother Palm Beach County Jail until the sentencing. discovered Lopicola hiding in her shower “It was a guilty-in-his-best-interest plea,” and called 911 before a planned third hookup Assistant Public Defender Kristy Militello said. in April 2011, records show.

The defense attorney on Monday filed two Lopicola testified he thought the person motions concerning the first case. One seeks was 19 and “felt like an idiot” being caught a new trial, and the other asks Cohen to in the shower. override the jury and acquit Lopicola of the Sun Sentinel is a media partner of SFGN. computer porn charge. mjfreeman@tribune.com, 561-243-6642 While jurors found Lopicola guilty of or Twitter @SSCourts soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

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news local

Equality Florida to Honor Broward Schools, Sen. Sobel Hyatt Regency hosts annual fundraising gala John McDonald The leadership of South Florida equality is ascending to high places.

For its annual Broward Gala, Equality Florida will occupy a waterfront ballroom and terrace atop Fort Lauderdale’s Hyatt Regency.

It’s a new and lofty location for the non-profit civil rights organization and deservedly so says its co-founder Stratton Pollitzer.

“Broward County is definitely one of the leaders in the state,” Pollitzer said. “We have worked on many local policy decisions in Broward County.”

Florida’s largest organization dedicated to securing full equality for the LGBT community, Equality Florida formed in 1997 and was instrumental in helping craft Broward County Schools’ anti-bullying regulations. The county’s school system, Pollitzer said, has led the state in terms of equality issues and for that, it will be honored along with State Senator Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) at the annual gala.

Row Ilieseu, Equality Florida’s South Florida development officer, expects a crowd of 400 people, including 50 elected officials, at Hyatt’s “iconic tower” overlooking the intracoastal waterway.

“We are very pleased with the public schools in Broward County,” Ilieseu said.

“They have been pioneers throughout the whole country for diversity and inclusion.”

Students representing Gay-Straight Alliances throughout the county will also attend the gala, one of 12 Equality Florida holds across the state. The Broward gala, Pollitzer said, is the biggest and represents 20 percent of the organization’s funding.

Giving Sen. Sobel top billing, he added, was a no brainer.

“She is our No. 1 champion in the Florida Senate,” Pollitzer said.

At a recent LGBT Town Hall, Sobel showed why she is such a champion, advocating for statewide protections while saying many in

Photo courtesy of John McDonald

the community have left the state all together due to the current oppressive climate.

“We have to continue this fight for equality,” she said inside the Wilton Manors Commission chambers. “Open discussions help. I know a lot of gay people that don’t want to come back to Florida. Our state policies are hurting us economically. We have to accept people for who they are.”

Equality Florida is currently advancing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to state employment nondiscrimination laws. Twenty-six Florida municipalities, covering 7.2 million people, already provide such protections. This proposed legislation is to be discussed at the Broward Gala, being held for the first time in a panoramic ballroom atop the Hyatt Regency, Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“We outgrew the Museum of Art,” Pollitzer said. “That’s a good problem to have.”

Superintendent Robert W. Runcie will accept Equality Florida’s 2013 Voice of Equality Award on the Schools’ behalf.

Dress attire for the gala is cocktail casual

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with hors d’oeuvres and brief remarks from the honorees.

“We’ll feed you, inspire you and send you on your way,”Pollitzer said.

Individual ticket prices are $150 with sponsorship opportunities beginning at $500. For more information, call 305-3352102 or visit eqfl.org

IF YOU G What

Equality Florida’s Broward Gala

When

Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Where

Fort Lauderdale’s Hyatt Regency

Cost

$150 and up

More Info.

305-335-2102 or visit EqFL.org

news local

Doc Gives Healthy Hiney Tips Anal cancer on the rise in gay men John McDonald

Dr. Elie Schochet Photo courtesy of The Pride Center

Doctor Elie Schochet is a handsome, young, successful board certified surgeon – with some important news for gay men.

“Anal cancer in South Florida is high,” Schochet warned a large crowd last week in Wilton Manors. “It’s the next calamity to affect the gay male population.”

Those dire words sent a hush through the audience, many of whom just minutes earlier had shared laughs over a chicken and platain dinner. The evening was sponsored by the Pride Center and Project Pals, a Elton John AIDS Foundation. More than 200 people attended Dr. Schochet’s presentation, titled “Happy Hiney Health.”

“I’m a straight guy about to get up and tell a room full of gay guys how to use their asses right,” Schochet remarked before his presentation. “I should have had a drink before this.”

The recently engaged doctor, who has been practicing in South Florida for five years now, delivered sobering news and statistics regarding anal cancer. Schochet said the majority of cases he has seen are stage three cancers, which if the patient is HIV positive, has only a 40 percent survival rate over a five-year span. He stressed early treatment, declared every male over the age of 50 should have a colonoscopy and also gave tips on healthy hiney play.

“You gotta respect these sphincter muscles,” he said, showing anatomy diagrams to the audience. “If it hurts, don’t do it!”

Schochet also showed x-rays of items that

had been “swallowed” by the anus. It is his job, after all, to remove these foreign objects.

The list included beer bottles, forks, cell phones and even a Buzz Lightyear action figure.

“Call me before attempting removal at home,” Schochet said. “I’ll come to your home.”

Ironically, Schochet said most “swallowing” cases involve heterosexual men.

“You know, the guy playing with his girlfriend’s toy while she’s out of town and gets carried away,” he said.

During the course of his two-hour presentation, Schochet advised treatment for constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and STDs. Citing statistics that Americans spend $1 billion a year on laxatives, Schochet said Imodium, an over the counter drug, is the best treatment for diarrhea and recommended Solesta for those fighting fecal incontinence.

Above all, the doctor stressed the importance of fiber in your diet. Saying fiber is, “the answer to everything,” Schochet suggested trying “gummy” type fiber pills if oatmeal isn’t your thing.

Hemorrhoids, the audience learned, are a universal problem. Schochet found this to be true during a disaster relief visit to Haiti where he helped earthquake victims by categorizing hemorrhoid creams sent from all across the planet.

“Everyone is born with hemorrhoids, it’s a matter of how sore they get over time,” Schochet said. soflagaynews //

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news palm beach

Roosters Bar Makes Great Strides in Fight Against Cancer Denise Royal

Members of the Roosters team at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event last month.

Photo courtesy of Roosters

Every October the pink ribbons come out for Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you’re like me, you usually pick up a pink lipstick or donate a few dollars to a friend’s charity. But a little bar in West Palm Beach showed how a few people can make a big difference when it comes to raising money to fight cancer.

On October 19, teams gathered in West Palm Beach for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser. Almost 250 teams participated raising nearly $139,000. The top fundraising team was Team Roosters, bringing in an impressive $8,000. The team is named for Roosters bar in West Palm Beach.

Captain AJ Wasson attributes the success to teamwork.

“We had benefits, bake sales and raffles.

Our patrons are very generous folks and each Monday night at Bingo we would pass the bucket and collect donations. Melissa St John and Daizee DeLuxx donated all of their tips from [a recent] Saturday’s show to the cause. All of our donations have not been posted yet, but our running total of contributions is $8,388.16. Next year’s goal will be $15,000,” he said.

The team was made up of nearly 20 members – Roosters patrons, friends and employees. Each, with his/her own connection to breast cancer. David Simpkins was the team’s largest fundraiser, collecting nearly $2,000 in donations.

Simpkins works for Good Samaritan Hospital and commits his time to numerous fundraisers each year for various causes.

Theo Smith brought in nearly $600 to the team.

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“You can always count on Theo to roll up his shirtsleeves and lend a hand when one is needed,” said Wasson.

Christopher St. John, a former Roosters night manager and cancer survivor needed a cane, but was excited to be able to complete the walk. Daizee DeLuxx came as himself (Derrick) this year. Last year he walked in full drag. But it’s a long 5k in heels.

The team was formed a few years ago after Wasson reflected on the support the LGBT community receives from the surrounding community in Palm Beach County.

“I started thinking about ways that we as members of the LGBT community could return that support to the larger community.

I read something about an upcoming Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk in West Palm. I brought the idea of organizing a team to one of our patrons, Theo Smith, and he said, “Hell Yeah, let’s do it.” We contacted the American Cancer Society in Palm Beach County and Team Roosters was formed,” he tells SFGN. “The first year, the team raised nearly $1,000. Last year, donations increased and it was the third largest fundraising team.

This was our best year yet.”

Wasson says the end of this year’s walk was emotional. “Martha Gilmartin, the Executive Director of the Palm Beach Chapter of the American Cancer Society and I hugged.

We were both amazed that from such a humble beginning we had grown to the number 1 fundraising Team in Palm Beach,” he said.

Donations can still be made to Team Roosters by clicking this link. (Main. acsevents.org/goto/TeamRoosters)

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news local

Poverello Center’s Annual Food Drive is On! Denise Royal

Father bill Photo courtesy of Poverello

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This holiday season, hunger remains a serious problem in Broward County. Those going without food include children, our neighbors and in some cases, our coworkers. To some people, it may feel like the economy is rebounding, but many others still struggle to make ends meet. And that includes putting food on the table, especially as the cost of living continues to increase.

As Thanksgiving approaches, you will be asked to donate money, food and time to organizations throughout South Florida.

All of them help people in need. But The Poverello Center is unique.

For more than 25 years, Poverello has provided food and basic life essentials to nearly 2,500 youth, women and men living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses living at or below the poverty level. According to the company, it is the only special needs food pantry in our area and one of the only ‘consumer choice’ pantries in the country.

“Our goal is that no indigent HIV client, especially the most needy go with out food,” said Arlie Smith, a volunteer with Poverello’s Development Department Staff.

Over the past few years, The Poverello Center has offered turkeys, stuffing, cranberries and other side dishes as part of a proper and nutritious holiday meal. While it would cost a family about $35 for this meal, The Poverello Center offers them for less – around $15 each.

This year, Poverello’s goal is to provide 2,000 holiday meals to families in need.

“Many individuals live alone or don’t have anywhere to go for the holidays,” said Thomas Smith, Poverello’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to brightening their season with a joyful and nutritious

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meal and encourage others to help us feed one or more families by making a donation.

We are grateful to our generous supporters who recognize that we need their help now more than ever.”

This year’s food drive comes at a critical time. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia recently published their statistics affirming that Broward County leads the nation in newly diagnosed HIV cases. That, coupled with the continued economic downturn has led to a grim reality: One out of every six newly diagnosed households in Broward County will go to bed hungry this evening.

“We are also seeing and an increase in clients need for food due to the fact that other food pantries are experiencing cut backs. In the up coming months we are expecting this trend to increase as the government reduces the SNAP or food stamp program by $38 per person per month,” says Brad Gammel, Poverello’s Food Bank Quality Manager.

There are many ways that you can help.

You can visit www.Poverello.org and go to the Ways to Help button and click on Virtual Food Drive. In addition, look for servers in restaurants throughout Wilton Manors wearing Hunger Fighter buttons. Those servers are helping Poverello by asking patrons to round up the dollar amount of their meal check to raise money for the food drive. Look for Poverello’s canned goods donation boxes around town to give food. And last but not least customers who come in to shop at the Poverello Thrift Store get a 10 percent discount when they bring in two items of canned food from now until Christmas.

news local

The Monthly HIV Report News from South Florida AIDS Network, 11/01/13 Sean McShee Each month HIV service providers and members of the HIV infected and affected communities meet to exchange information and gain knowledge about HIV at the monthly meeting of the South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). Three major themes emerged at the December meeting.

Free 31-day Bus Passes As of November 1, 2013, the free bus pass program of Ryan White Care has increased the maximum eligible income to include people with incomes at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level – $45,960 yearly income for a single person. In order to receive these bus passes, a person must provide proof of the following: 1 HIV positive diagnosis 2 Residence in Broward County 3 Annual income at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 4 Current certification for Ryan White Care eligibility 5 Ineligibility for Medicaid 6 Exchange of the used pass to obtain a new one 7 Having at least two Ryan White Care related scheduled appointments per month, for example pharmacy, food bank, substance abuse treatment, dental, legal, eligibility, or medical appointments.

New Anti-Retroviral Available Lynn Albertelli presented information on Tivicay, a newly approved anti-retroviral, specifically an integrase inhibitor.

Depending on treatment history and current drug regimens, the FDA recommends a once or twice daily dosage of 50 mg of Tivicay. In either case, people should take Tivicay with other anti-retrovirals. ADAP, Medicaid and Medicare will pay for Tivicay.

In clinical trials, 2 percent or less of participants reported insomnia and headaches.

People considering Tivicay should talk to their doctor about possible drug interactions that minimize the effectiveness of Tivicay. People taking Tikosyn (dofetilide), used to treat irregular heartbeats, should not take Tivicay. Serious health problems can occur if people take these drugs together.

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World AIDS Day Two World AIDS day events are scheduled for Broward.

December 1, 2013 at the Christian Community Church of God, 2052 NW 49th Ave, Lauderhill, from 6 to 8 p.m. Organizers stressed that this was a LGBT inclusive church.

December 3, 2013 at Hagen Park from 4 to 7 PM, 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Next Meeting Next meeting takes place December 6 at 10 a.m. at the Holy Cross Healthplex, Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center, 1000 NE 56th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334.

These meetings are open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend.

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Since January 2013 in Broward County, 51.7 percent of all new HIV infections among males occurred among guys over 40. It’s not just young guys getting infected.

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Where to find Affordable Care Act Navigators in Broward County Navigators are people especially trained to help others to enroll in the Affordable Care Act by phone, paper, or the website. Navigators are available at Holy Cross Hospital (www.holy-cross. com/aca or call 954-678-3910). Bilingual (English Spanish and English-Kreyol) navigators are available.

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opinion publisher’s editorial Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Give us a Reason to Believe The LGBT community could become very depressed or shockingly surprised about this year’s gubernatorial race in Florida.

The likely candidates are an incumbent who does not support us, and a former governor who never did, and never has.

So why is there maybe a sliver of light in this nightmare?

Let’s for a moment disregard the rumors or the realities of Charlie Crist’s personal life. Let’s just respect a zone of privacy. Let’s just look at the professional politician’s track record and history on all issues gay.

Mr. Crist comes to the table having served in the Florida Senate, as the state education commissioner, attorney general and governor. He served in all these offices as LGBT issues emerged in the news politically.

Office holders were called upon to articulate their stands on gay adoption, gays in the military, domestic partnership ordinances, and now, gay marriages.

In both 2006 and 2008, Crist supported

the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida, and supported the current ban on adoption by homosexual prospective parents – saying that a “traditional family provides the best environment for children.” He refused interviews from gay journalists and spent a long decade circumventing and denying the rumors swirling around him that he is gay.

Often considered more expedient than principled, Crist is nevertheless moving progressively forward on equal rights issues.

He was the first Republican governor to accept an invitation to address a statewide convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 2010, he stated that he no longer supported Florida’s ban on same-sex adoption.

On May 9, 2013, Crist announced that he supports same-sex marriage; “I most certainly support marriage equality in Florida and look forward to the day it happens here, “ he stated.

Although he has not yet publicly addressed the issue, he is presently employed by a law firm supporting a constitutional amendment to provide Floridians with medical marijuana.

One of the first things he can do as a candidate, which he now is – would be to announce that he will support same sex benefits for members of the Florida National Guard, and put our state in line with Pentagon policy. It would also be appropriate for Crist to finally stop declining interviews with the gay press.

When Crist took the national podium to endorse Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, we all saw what was coming.

Well, it’s here now. It’s early in a race where a popular local politician, Nan Rich, is also running. She has an admirable track record on issues of importance to our community.

She also has an uphill battle against a popular centrist former governor seeking to bear the Democratic standard.

Whether or not Mr. Crist gains the support of the LGBT community will turn, not on whom rumors say he may have slept with yesterday, but the positions he takes on social issues today. After all, it is an old axiom that politics make strange bedfellows.

Let’s hope Mr. Crist becomes ours.

Florida needs a progressive governor, able to integrate international populations from South Florida with still conservative communities in Tallahassee. We need a candidate, who is not a politician, not parochial, but a global, world citizen. Mr. Crist has shown all the signs that he can reach that stature.

Give us a reason to believe Charlie. Give us a reason to believe.

It’s our differences that make us great.

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opinion president’s op-ed Barack Obama

Obama: Pass ENDA Now

Here in the United States, we’re united by a fundamental principle: we’re all created equal and every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law.

We believe that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve the chance to follow your dreams and pursue your happiness. That’s America’s promise.

That’s why, for instance, Americans can’t be fired from their jobs just because of the color of their skin or for being Christian or Jewish or a woman or an individual with a disability.

That kind of discrimination has no place in our nation. And yet, right now, in 2013, in many states a person can be fired simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

As a result, millions of LGBT Americans go to work every day fearing that, without any warning, they could lose their jobs -- not because of anything they’ve done, but simply because of who they are.

It’s offensive. It’s wrong. And it needs to stop, because in the United States of America, who you are and who you love should never be a fireable offense.

That’s why Congress needs to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, also known as ENDA, which would provide strong federal protections against discrimination, making it explicitly illegal to fire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This bill has strong bipartisan support and the support of a vast majority of Americans.

It ought to be the law of the land.

Americans ought to be judged by one thing only in their workplaces: their ability to get their jobs done. Does it make a difference if the firefighter who rescues you is gay -- or the accountant who does your taxes, or the mechanic who fixes your car? If someone works hard every day, does everything he or she is asked, is responsible and trustworthy and a good colleague, that’s all that should matter.

Business agrees. The majority of Fortune 500 companies and small businesses already

“

have nondiscrimination policies that protect LGBT employees. These companies know that it’s both the right thing to do and makes good economic sense. They want to attract and retain the best workers, and discrimination makes it harder to do that.

So too with our nation. If we want to create more jobs and economic growth and keep our country competitive in the global economy, we need everyone working hard, contributing their ideas, and putting their abilities to use doing what they do best. We need to harness the creativity and talents of every American.

So I urge the Senate to vote yes on ENDA and the House of Representatives to do the same. Several Republican Senators have already voiced their support, as have a number of Republicans in the House. If more members of Congress step up, we can put an end to this form of discrimination once and for all.

Passing ENDA would build on the progress we’ve made in recent years. We stood up against hate crimes with the Matthew Shepard Act and lifted the entry ban for travelers with HIV. We ended “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” so our brave servicemen and women can serve openly the country they love, no matter who they love. We prohibited discrimination in housing and hospitals that receive federal funding, and we passed the Violence Against Women Act, which includes protections for LGBT Americans.

My Administration had stopped defending the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and earlier this year the U.S. Supreme Court struck down that discriminatory law. Now we’re implementing that ruling, giving married couples access to the federal benefits they were long denied. And across the nation, as more and more states recognize marriage equality, we’re seeing loving couples -- some who have been together for decades -- finally join their hands in marriage.

America is at a turning point. We’re not only becoming more accepting and loving as a people, we’re becoming more just as a nation.

But we still have a way to go before our laws are equal to our Founding ideals. As I said in my second inaugural address, our nation’s journey toward equality isn’t complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.

In America of all places, people should be judged on the merits: on the contributions they make in their workplaces and communities, and on what Martin Luther King Jr. called “the content of their character.” That’s what ENDA helps us do. When Congress passes it, I will sign it into law, and our nation will be fairer and stronger for generations to come.

We’re all created equal and every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law.

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legal analysis

Breaking News:

Appellate Court Rules Same Sex HIV Transmission is a Crime Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

A stunning legal decision by the third district court of appeal out of Key West, Florida is going to forever impact the law on the prosecutions of same-sex HIV transmission in this state.

Florida is one of at least 32 states nationwide that have criminal statutes specific to HIV. However, a series of legal decisions in Florida banned the prosecution of same-sex HIV transmission, on the grounds that in Florida “intercourse” is only defined as sex between a man and a woman.

Those ruling led to courts overturning convictions of a lesbian couple in Tampa and a gay equestrian in Ocala. Similarly, a Key West judge dismissed a prosecution of a male-on-male HIV transmission last year based on those rulings. 71 other prosecutions in Florida have also been stalled due to the ‘heterosexual hookups only’ glitch.

However, district courts have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning one court’s ruling does not bind the other. And the 3rd District court

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of appeal would not abide by the earlier court’s rulings. The end result is that the legal conflict will now immediately go to the Florida Supreme Court for a resolution. It will have to decide which court to side with.

SFGN will cover this in detail in next week’s issue. What do you think? Should HIV even be criminalized? And if so, should it apply to same-sex couples as well? Let us know, and maybe your thoughts will be in next week’s paper.

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column guest Ric Reily

Journey’s End: The Return to Wilton Manors The familiarity of the established and routine can be comforting. Just as much, the foreign and new can be interesting – even energizing. Spending a great stretch of time away, surrounded by pieces of the familiar set in a different place can deliver a distinct sense of comfort as the world moves past us along our journey. Arriving home from an extended absence contains in itself a certain dislocation, disorientation.

Arriving home after four months away felt much like that. That last travel day was long. Getting Heath, the fifth wheel trailer, unpacked and cleaned up and then hauling him from Sawmill to storage, on the last four hours of our four-month trip proved trying. He seemed a bit despondent as I covered his tires and shut down all of his systems except the air conditioning, which we leave running to keep the interior dry. Perhaps it was just me.

After leaving Heath parked and shedding a silent tear at the ending of an epic voyage there is another hour and a half to home and

then the task of unpacking the truck into the house. Unloading is a better term, as little makes it far past the front door where the bulk is dropped awaiting another day for sorting and finding its rightful place.

Finally, the unloading is done. A cocktail is served. The dog is fed and a few things put away to clear the room to function in the entry and kitchen. In the house I put things away, aboard Heath, I stow things. I prefer stowing.

Dinnertime arrives and I begin rummaging around the kitchen. I have to stop and think, where would that be if I had put it away?

But I did put it away, and on more than one occasion, I open several cabinets or drawers to find what I want. Then I have a quiet laugh because I feel like I am in someone else’s house, an interloper, trying to make do with that which is available for my use. Even the dishwasher detergent was in the right place, though in the third place I looked.

Have you ever rented a vacation condo? A furnished one; perhaps at a ski resort where

you arrive early, ski a day and head back for a shower and dinner. Or a beachfront house completely setup up for the renters comfort with all the tools and equipment that make a visit comfortable. All you need is there, that’s certain; exactly where, is the challenge. Home felt like that. I’ll pick up the lay of the land in a day or two. Everything will be in its place and readily available at the reach of my hand.

The loss remains; the loss of access to the places we have seen and persons who have crossed our paths in the past four months. The adventure, places and people are available in memory while we sit in one place enjoying summer year around as most others hide from cold and yearn for light past four in the afternoon.

Once the supplies and equipment are put away, the laundry is done, the mail is sorted and mostly thrown away, after the neighbors are greeted and short versions of ‘what did you do last summer’ are complete the time will

come to begin reconnecting with friends and family who have supported us through our adventure. Then will come the time to catch up over coffee at Starbucks, with a draft at the Village Pub, or a day in the sun on the beach.

Let’s get to it, we have returned.

Columnist Ric Reilly returns home to Wilton Manors after a long camping trip.

Photo courtesy of Craig Dennis

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5/10/2013 5:40:28 PM

opinion media

On Fox News, Being Gay Is A “Belief” That May Conflict With A Company’s Goals Media Matters Fox News continues to push myths about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), baselessly claiming it will undermine religious freedom. In fact, ENDA contains explicit language providing for an exemption for religious organizations from the law.

ENDA, introduced in Congress by a bipartisan group of senators and scheduled for a Senate vote as early as next week, would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. An overwhelming majority of Americans support the law, including a majority of Republicans, Catholics, and senior citizens. Small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike support policies protecting LGBT employees.

On the October 30 edition of Fox News’ Special Report, host Bret Baier

introduced a segment on ENDA and stoked fears that it could endanger religious freedom, saying, “some people want religious freedom to take a backseat to another kind of freedom”: Correspondent Shannon Bream shrugged off the fact that ENDA includes exemptions for religious organizations and instead pointed to “skeptics” who are unconvinced by “the bill’s language on religious exemptions.” In fact, ENDA’s language on religious exemptions is clear: SEC. 6. EXEMPTION FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. This Act shall not apply to a corporation, association, educational institution or institution of learning, or society that is exempt from the religious discrimination provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 pursuant (42 U.S.C. 2000e

et seq.) to section 702(a) or 703(e) (2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e-1(a), 2000e-2(e)(2)). [S.815, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013, accessed 10/30/13] Baier ended the segment by asking his audience: “Do you think businesses should be forced to hire people whose beliefs conflict with that company’s goals?”

When it comes to discrimination against LGBT and transgender people, Fox has a long history of promoting extreme antigay, anti-transgender views.

Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.

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Brett Baier Photo courtesy of Brett Bair’s Facebook

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opinion

chamber chat

Support Our Members Always Jorge Richa

(Marketing & Programming Director, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)

S.O.M.A. means “Support Our Members Always.” As a community chamber (versus a civic chamber), we encourage both our gay and gay-friendly family to support those who support us. One of the benefits of membership in the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is the knowledge that a $6 billion local LGBT market searches our roster of members first when making purchase decisions about goods and services. With a list of over 600 companies comprising our membership, more likely than not you will find what you are looking for.

As corporate America looks to diversify its revenue stream, the LGBT market is increasing looked to for growth. The best way we can make the greatest impact is to speak with our pocketbooks and use Chamber Members whenever possible. The S.O.M.A. Membership Directory & Resource Guide is “Where to Shop, Stay and Play in South Florida!” You can obtain a copy at the MDGLCC’s office and LGBT Visitor Center located at 1130 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach as well as in many high LGBT traffic locations in Miami-Dade & Broward. This amazing guide is provided with the generous support of Bacardi®.

Another way to “Support Our Members

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Always” is attending some of the educational events we put together in conjunction with our members which add value to the way our members conduct their business. One such opportunity is the upcoming “The New Leadership Equation” Seminar & Networking Breakfast to be held on November 15th, 2013 @ Soyka Restaurant (5556 NE 4th Court, Miami).

Great opportunity at an incredible value to hear Jaime T. Yordan-Frau, respected coach and owner of Integro Success (www.integrosuccess. com), speak and interact with attendees.

At this workshop guests will learn: what is the #1 obstacle to business growth, about the missing component in strategic planning, and how to make the shift that will increase your group’s performance. We invite you to join us in this engaging seminar. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with seminar from 9 a.m.

– 11 a.m. Cost: MDGLCC Members ($35), Potential Members ($45, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). Includes light refreshments. Limited to 50 persons. RSVP at www.GayBizMiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami. com or 305-673-4440.

To become a member of the MDGLCC or to learn more about our members and calendar of events, please visit gaybizmiami. com or contact us at 305-673-4440 / info@ gaybizmiami.com.

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column guest Mark S. King

Surviving Two Epidemics: AIDS and Meth I don’t write about my drug addiction very often anymore. There’s no shame there; I’m really proud of my recovery process. It just seems too delicate, too precious to share as publicly as I do my journey with HIV. That’s interesting, considering of the two diseases, my addiction is far more likely to kill me.

So, when a member of The Tweakers Project invited me to contribute to an

ongoing column in Frontiers magazine

that spotlights people recovering from meth addiction, I felt it was an appropriate venue to briefly share my experience. Here is my column as it appeared in Frontiers: I thought I had a right to get high; that I deserved it for all my pain. I figured any gay man who suffered through the 1980s needed to medicate. Living in West Hollywood as a young man, I was dodging bullets in a war zone, busily planning memorials and

Mark S. King produces the award winning video blog MyFabulousDisease.com about life as an HIV positive addict in recovery. He can be reached at Mark@marksking.com.

Photo courtesy of Andres Rodriguez

attending town halls while hoping to God I wasn’t next. My prayer was answered but came with a price — watching scores of men die around me.

Pop a pill. Snort a line. Check your nose and visit your friend in the ICU. Maybe others found healthier ways to cope, but I wasn’t equipped for the onslaught of mortality, the preachers on television proudly announcing the evidence of God’s wrath against people like me, the dire news that no medications could combat this plague and my own HIV-positive test results. I couldn’t comprehend my emotions, much less face them. So when treatments improved years later and the dying abated, I felt entitled to celebrate.

Pop a pill. Smoke a bowl. Stash the drugs and get back on the dance floor. That’s when I knew I was a drug addict. When any occasion qualified. Whether we were dying or living, I was high. Maintaining a functional existence slipped away, just slowly enough not to alarm me, as if the drugs were quietly sneaking out the door with my life. And along with it, all those broken promises it made about euphoric deliverance and endless nights of pleasure.

There wasn’t a single event that brought it

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to an end, because the truth is my recovery from drugs has been uneven and imperfect.

Through the help of professionals and fellow addicts, I have slowly gathered the tools I need to remain clean and sober. Vigilance.

Patience. And more honesty than is ever comfortable to me.

For the last 10 years I’ve been climbing back out of a hole I had finally stopped digging. I’ve managed to locate the man I had once hoped to be. I have found my joy again, which is truly the guiding emotion that helps me remain clean. I have come to terms with surviving AIDS and for living when so many worthy men did not. I have forgiven myself for having such good fortune and responding to it by sticking needles in my arm. Today, my health and recovery are primary to my daily life. I have regained gifts and talents that had laid dormant for many years, and I use them in the service of others.

As a writer and HIV activist, I’m known for my sense of humor. But I’m dead serious about my addiction. I don’t want to go back there. I love this life too much.

Mark S. King produces the award winning video blog MyFabulousDisease.com about life as an HIV positive addict in recovery. He can be reached at Mark@marksking.com.

column jesse’s journal Jesse Monteagudo

Memories of Jack Nichols I first met Jack Nichols (1938-2005) in 1978, around the time that he moved to Florida’s space coast after living for decades in Washington, D.C. and New York City. We were in a bar in Hollywood, Florida when we were introduced by our mutual friend Mark Silber. The first thing I noticed about Nichols was that he was very tall (compared to me) and very friendly. We exchanged a few words and then moved on. Little did I know that it was to be the start of a friendship that lasted until death took him away from us.

At the time we met, Jack Nichols did not know who I was. On the other hand, I certainly knew who he was. In fact, Jack was one of my personal idols: a gay pioneer who paved the way and who inspired me when I came out in 1973. I Have More Fun With You Than Anybody, which Jack wrote with his first long-term partner Lige Clarke (1972), was one of the books that informed my coming out process. By 1978, Nichols was already a legend: co-founder (with Franklin Kameny) of the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. (1961) and co-founder (with Richard Inman) of the Mattachine Society of Florida (1963). In 1965, Nichols, along with Dr. Kameny and Barbara Gittings, organized the first “homophile” demonstrations in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. During Jack’s last weekend on earth, Philadelphia’s Equality Forum held a National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the first LGBT civil rights demonstration. Though Nichols was obviously unable to attend, he was on the minds of all who was there.

During the years that followed our first meeting, Jack and I established a rapport assisted the fact that both of us contributed to South Florida’s great gay community newspaper, The Weekly News, aka twn (1977-2006). He often invited me to visit him at his condo in Cocoa Beach, which I finally did in 1984. Jack was the perfect host, even though at the time he was often distracted by the presence of a young man whom he was obviously fond of. Jack helped me to his collection of movement memorabilia, his extensive library, his Prairie Home Companion tapes and his stack of Utne magazines, which at the time I had never heard of. When we had the time Jack and I talked about every subject under the sun. I was impressed

by Jack’s encyclopedic knowledge and his capacity to extensively quote poets and philosophers. (Jack himself was a poet and a philosopher.) Since then I made a point to visit Jack in Cocoa Beach once every few years, often accompanied by my life partner, Michael Greenspan. The last time Michael and I visited Jack was a few months before Jack’s death; and though Jack was obviously sick at the time he kept us entertained with his wit and wisdom Jack Nichols’s career in journalism is as notable as his achievements as an activist. In the late sixties, Jack and Lige wrote a “Homosexual Citizen” column for Al Goldstein’s notorious sex magazine SCREW. From 1969 to 1973 the partners also edited GAY, America’s first gay weekly newspaper. (The Advocate was never more than a biweekly.)

In 1997 Jack became Senior Editor for GayToday.com, an online magazine published by Badpuppy. Always loyal to his friends, Jack invited me to contribute to GayToday. This soon became a pleasurable task, mainly because it gave me a reason to communicate with Jack, by phone or by e-mail, on a regular basis.

I also got to be in the same Webpage as Paul Cain, Bob Kunst, James Sears, Rodger Streitmatter, George Weinberg and Randy Wicker, among others. We were a disparate group of individuals, who had nothing in common with one another but our writing ability, our commitment to the cause, and our love for Jack Nichols.

Through it all, Jack Nichols continued to write. His two books with Lige Clarke – I Have More Fun With You Than Anybody and Roommates Can’t Always Be Lovers (1974) - are sadly out of print; though dog-eared copies of his Men’s Liberation (1975) and Welcome To Fire Island (1976) may still be found in used bookstores.

During the decades of our friendship Jack wrote The Gay Agenda: Talking Back to the Fundamentalists (1996) and The Tomcat Chronicles: Erotic Adventures of a Gay Liberation Pioneer (2004), the latter based on a column that he wrote for twn’s randy younger brother, Contax.

In an age of assimilation and same-sex marriage Jack continued to celebrate his adventurous youth and the pleasures of unbridled sex. But he was always ahead of his time.

To know Jack Nichols, as the song goes, is to love him. Those of us who were blessed with his friendship will remember his kindness, his loyalty, his bright wit and his commitment to the cause of freedom for all humanity. In his lifetime, Jack enjoyed two great partnerships: with Lige Clarke and with the entertainer Logan Carter (best remembered as the drag queen Roxanne Russell). Lige was murdered in Mexico in 1975 and Logan died of AIDScomplications in the late eighties. For the rest of his life, Jack kept their memory alive.

Now he has joined them. It is up to us who remain behind to preserve Jack’s contributions and continue his cause.

Jack Nichols Photo courtesy of Jesse Monteagudo

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Estate Auctions Can Bring Light to your Life Welcome to Sound Bite Q, the column that thanks advertisers who support SFGN. We invite you to support them, because without their outreach to us, we would not be here to reach out to you. More importantly, local papers only survive in our busy world because we are all connected to each other. For me, this column does more than encourage you to patronize one of SFGN’s advertisers. It lets you know a little more about our friends and enables you to feel a little more comfortable using their services with the limited dollars you have.

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Ever been to my law office and seen the brass Napoleon as you enter? Got it at an estate auction house. I love these places!

Handling all household goods, jewelry, art work, furniture and collectables, they feature a diverse range of products at the lowest commission rates in Florida- so you keep more for yourself. At the same time, to insure professionalism, they maintain licensed appraisers on staff at all times, who are thus equipped to handle all your estate needs.

Estate Auction Co holds its auctions auctions each and every Friday evening from 6:00 pm till every customer is served.

In addition, once a month, they conduct a high end special Internet auction where their items are shown all over the world.

The company features Jay Keilstock, who has been a licensed auctioneer for 12 yrs and is one of the most respected in the business.

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You are treated with respect and courtesy and every auction is a culinary, catered affair. New clientele come in weekly, so you are likely to meet friends as intrigued as you at the diverse collection of estate costume jewelry.

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email option. You can send your pictures to info@estateauctionco.com.

Located in the heart of the Dania Beach Antiques District at 6 South Federal Hwy, the Estate Auction Company is a fun way to spend an early weekend evening; an opportunity for you to secure a unique treasure for your home at a very modest cost. They are fun.

A Newsletter by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County @CompassCenter

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

Fall 2013 Issue

OUR MISSION

A LETTER FROM TONY PLAKAS, CEO OF COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER @plakas We ARE the generation; can’t you feel it?

We are the generation to see it all come together. We are the ones who no longer need ammunition, because we’ve placed ourselves in the perfect position, to overcome every superstition that led us to sedition.

We are the generation with the fortune to see the future that so many women, men & youth fought to bring to fruition. We are the generation because we are the greatest generation’s ambition.

And we are the generation forever grateful to those who came before - who risked everything to be seen – so we survive the tactics to demean.

We are the generations who march because we’ve served one another for decades. We cared for one another through the height of AIDS. We sparked a sexual liberation movement built upon the work of women who fought for the right to vote. We turned to our schools demanding that safety for all youth be rote. We pushed our governments – local, state and national – to hold employers accountable for polices that harm us in the workplace or kept us from serving openly in the military.

We are the generation of marriage equality.

The ones to see the bullied emboldened to be who they yearn and strive to be, because it does

@TonyPlakas get better and better as more of us are free to be just like you & me.

We are the generation softening one heart at a time, humanizing ourselves at a faster rate than those who undermine. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Friends, Families, Loved Ones in unity – generations upon generations of solidarity.

We are the generation that will say goodbye to prejudices past, with the tools to fight the prejudices before us, and the integrity to stand with our allies in chorus. We are the generation built on the work of past generations, and we are the generation future generations will surpass. We are a generation surviving under fire, the ones thriving because of the courageous people before us who suffered or were spared the pyre.

Compass is celebrating a generation of community-centered organizing with you - a community marching year after year with dignity and pride on cue. Because after all the things we all have tried –we have moved to center and will not be cast aside. We have changed the tide and soon future generations will be Our guide.

Our strength is in numbers. The source of our power is the right side of history, and our future lies in making sure future generations never forget how to fight for respect, fairness and dignity. Thank you for being you because you are just like all of us, generations of commitment and passion - striving toward what is just.

Compass aims to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

!We accomplish this by emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community organizing.

IN THIS ISSUE P. 5

What the Affordable Care Act Means to you

P. 6

Youth Group plans to attend Lobby Days

P. 8

Mental Health Services Expanded

P. 10

The Compass Confidence, an open letter from a Youth Member

www.CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

THE EXPO: AN ALLIANCE OF PROUD BUSINESSES SUPPORTING COMPASS

By Will Castano, Outreach Associate

Compass hosted Palm Beach County’s Inaugural LGBT Business Alliance Expo on Saturday October 12, 2013. The event was a resounding success, with over 300 attendees, 30 exhibitors, educational seminars and food trucks the center was glowing with community organizing.

Attendees made connections with members of the community and participated in free seminars with outstanding speakers and professionals on topics ranging from resume building, social networking, estate planning, and the Affordable Health Care.

The biggest highlight of the day was the panel discussion on DOMA, sponsored by RBC Bank. The panelists were comprised of Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Dean Trantalis, Immigration attorney Jacqueline

Delgado, Research Attorney Jamie Foreman, Estate Planning Attorney Cynthia Jamison Jackson and RBC Wealth Management representative Steven Karmelin.

One community member described her experience when she said “It is really overwhelming to try to navigate all the information by myself, I am so glad Palm Beach County has a community center that keeps the community educated.”

Our exhibitors shared similar experiences with the great turnout and connections they made. One exhibitor said, “I have been to many expos and this was the most interesting and dynamic one yet”. And the positive feedback keeps coming in.

With such great success, Compass is already planning the 2nd Annual Business

Alliance Expo next October.

The leading sponsors for the Business Alliance Expo were RBC Bank, Palm Beach Memorial Park, Scott, Harris, Bryan, Barra & Jorgensen, P.A., Napleton Kia, Recovery Associates of the Palm Beaches, Commcare Specialty Pharmacy, Cirone Chiropractic and South Florida Gay News.

For more information contact Will Castano at 561-533-9699 or email will@compassglcc.om

On October 17, 2013 Compass collaborated with Reigan Zapatier owner of Lotus Hair Studio in West Palm Beach to fundraiser for World AIDS Day. The evening was beautiful with refreshments, live music from The Kinected and raffles. Longtime supporter of Compass, Virginia Sinicki from 97.3 The Coast’s KVJ show stopped in to show her support.

Photo courtesy of Charlie Fredrickson

THE BUSINESS ALLIANCE: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Staff writer

As a community-based organization, with partnerships in the local, state, and national level, Compass’ visibility is at an alltime high. Through Compass’ Business Alliance our partners have a unique way to both support the LGBT community and gain important exposure and recognition for their businesses and their dedication to serve all people with dignity.

Compass’ Business Alliance is growing more than ever with an expanded and engaged member base. The Business Alliance welcomed 30 new members in the past three months, and with a mission to create a network of thriving gay and gayPage 2 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

friendly businesses and professional community throughout Palm Beach County, the benefits are endless.

As the longest running business professional group of its kind in Palm Beach County, the Business Alliance offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to make connections or in are simply in search of a new realtor, accountant, hotel or photographer, our Business Alliance is the community’s choice.

The Compass Business Alliance fulfills its mission by working toward the following objectives: diversifying membership, enhancing networking and educational opportunities, a providing a forum for

members to enhance their business organization, and creating a support system for all members to meet professionally and socially. It offers social gatherings, events, and workshops tailored toward the enrichment of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and invites professionals to get more involved.

The support of Business Alliance members enables us to continue providing much needed programs and services to the LGBT community, and helps you reach your professional and business goals. We encourage you to get involved. And here is how you can do that.

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S INAUGURAL LGBT BUSINESS EXPO

Compass’ Business Expo exhibitor area

Tony Plakas, City of Lake Worth Mayor & Commissioner

Life After DOMA panelist featuring FLL Commissioner Dean Trantalis

Compass volunteer & staff greeting guests

@CompassCenter

@CompassCenter

Food Trucks set up outside the Business Expo

@Compassglcc

COCKTAILS FOR COMPASS ALMOST SOLD OUT!

By Jimmy Zoellner, Development Director

As Compass prepares for the conclusion of its 25th Anniversary Celebration, the early overwhelming response for our annual December gala has inspired everyone to participate more than ever this year.

With amazing response to this year’s Membership campaign, we already have over 100 seats confirmed for the 11th Annual Cocktails for Compass.

This year’s gala co-chairs, Sonja Stevens and Ross Meltzer, volunteered their time and efforts and are connected by their shared commitment to Compass, the success of this fundraiser, the fight against HIV and AIDS, and the

hope for a more welcoming future for our kids. The generosity of returning premier sponsor, PNC Wealth Management as well as The Friends of Mark Foley Foundation, have ensured each gala ticket’s full value will be realized as a 100% contribution to the center and its programs.

This year is exceptional, as the Friends of Mark Foley foundation has once again generously sponsored two tables for members of Compass’ Youth program and the young mentors of the Compass’ youth leadership program. This generous gesture enables the youth to meet and network with the contributors who help to brighten their futures by providing a unique and inspiring place for them to gather: our center.

We all look forward to Cocktails for Compass, as it is an amazing evening to

celebrate with friends, supporters and guests while enjoying a gourmet dinner, beautiful music and the famous Worth Avenue silent auction. Together, we have built the success of our annual fundraiser helping to provide hope to over 25,000 people who visit Compass throughout the year.

The invitation-only event allows top donors and supporters to highlighting the success of Compass’ achievements.

This year’s event will be held at 7pm on Monday, December 16th at philanthropist Dan Ponton’s exclusive and private restaurant, Club Colette in Palm Beach. If you would like to attend the 11th Annual Cocktails for Compass or for more information, please contact Jimmy Zoellner at (561) 533-9699 ext. 4018

Page 3 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

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Page 4 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

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Take Pride In Your Health The health law helps LGBT Americans access high-quality

health care and protects their rights to affordable insurance.

IT”S THE DAWN OF A

NEW DAY FOR LGBT

HEALTH

COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER IS

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!

Compass is a certified application counselor organization and can guide the community

WHAT THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT MEANS TO YOU!

By Marsharee Chronicle, Health Services Director

This October we saw the launch of the health insurance marketplace under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), more commonly referred to as “Obamacare.” Although the law has been in existence for the last three years, this part of it has garnered a lot of attention. For the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, the ACA means healthier outcomes.

In 2009, the Center for American Progress identified 14 health disparities in the LGBT community, four of which were issues related to access to health care and health insurance. According to that study, LGBT adults are less likely to have health insurance coverage, are more likely to delay or not seek medical care, are more likely to delay or not get needed prescription medicine, and are more likely to go the emergency room to seek health care services. These health disparities adversely affect the mental and physical well-being of the LGBT community as a whole.

Now that affordable health care is the law of the land, here are just a few of the benefits to our community.

• Many LGBT Americans will be able to have health coverage for the first time in their lives.

• Beginning in 2014, insurance companies cannot deny coverage to applicants with a pre-existing condition.

• Transgender individuals can access health coverage for necessary medical care.

• Coverage is available regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

• Financial security and freedom from worrying about crippling medical bills in the event of a serious illness.

• More services covered under health plans including mental health and behavior health services.

Since this part of the law is very new, there are more questions than answers, but you do not have to try to figure it out on your own. There are many resources available both locally and nationally to assist people with navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Now that Compass has been designated a certified application counselor organization, you can come to your community center and our trained staff will be able to help you with your marketplace questions. Just call our main line to schedule an appointment to meet with a certified application counselor during business hours.

navigate the marketplace. Schedule your

appointment today by calling 561-533-9699 Page 5 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

YOUTH DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT!

By Ryanmarie Rice, Youth Program Coordinator

It’s a great time to be part of the Compass Youth Program; Allied Nations is in full swing. Since our inaugural Equality Prom last May, Compass Youth have been busy not only in our center - but throughout Palm Beach County.

In October, Palm Beach County Superintendent E. Wayne Gent and the Palm Beach County School Board issued a proclamation in support of LGBT History Month. Karen Brill, School Board Member, District 3, and Rand Hoch, President and Founder of Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC) were both integral in making this happen.

For the first time in Palm Beach County, youth from Allied Nations received the proclamation, shook hands with school board members, and put faces on the oftenanonymous LGBTQ youth population. Tony Plakas, Julia Murphy, and I watched on as our young leaders accepted the proclamation with honor. It was a proud moment in history for the Palm Beach County School District and Compass Youth, alike.

Compass Youth have witnessed firsthand how far this county has come in terms of achieving equality, and just how far we have to go. Their experiences have lit a spark inside them and I believe it is within our ability to provide them with the tools and opportunities to lead the movement. This January, our own Emma Zagkos will represent LGBTQ youth of Palm Beach County as a YouthLink Scholar at the 26th National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Conference: Creating Change; and next Spring, we plan to bring our talented youth to Tallahassee for Lobby Days. The chance to discuss policy-change and advocate for equality in our state’s capitol is an opportunity of a lifetime for our youth. We are currently looking for donors to help the youth program’s fundraising efforts and make their Lobby Days plan a reality.

The Youth Drop-In Center is full of brilliant young minds with innovative ideas. From the youth-writtenand-edited Create Magazine to ComingOutCrusaders.tumblr.com, this generation of youth is full of big ideas and determination; and we are going to do whatever it takes to ensure their dreams take flight.

If you would like to donate to the Youth Program or sponsor a youth leader’s trip to Lobby Days, please contact Ryanmarie at ryanmarie@compassglcc.com or call 561-533-9699.

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Youth group, Palm Beach County School Board members, Compass’ CEO and Youth Program staff receiving the proclamation in support of LGBT History month.

YOUTH GROUP BEAUTIFY OUR GARDENS Compass Youth planned and executed the Michael Brown and Bill Capozzi Memorial Garden Beautification Project.

Youth, staff, and community volunteers worked for a full weekend in the September heat to tear up weeds, re-sod, and plant a beautiful butterfly and herb garden in Compass’ courtyards. The space is newly renovated and is perfect for South Florida’s cooler months. The next time you’re in the center, make sure you peek outside and take a moment to smell the flowers.

Check out the pictures during the beautification (top) and after (bottom).

ENTOURAGE HELPS SECURE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT AT COMPASS! Staff Writer

Compass Entourage held a White Party fundraiser for the upcoming World AIDS day events at the community center. The event, held at Penny’s at the Duke, drew in a crowd of over 200 people and raised $1,077 for Compass’ World AIDS Day. The members of Entourage organized the event and raised funds because they understand the importance of bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Palm Beach County every year. And our mission at Compass, is to educate the leaders of our future to take care of themselves and each other.

Compass Entourage efforts are more important than ever, since even after more than 30 years of AIDS, this community remains at the center of the US epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, young gay and bisexual men are the only group where new infections are

@CompassCenter

on the rise. Entourage is responding to these disparities by strengthening an ever growing group of young gay and bisexual men with ideas, voices, skills and talents that not only care about their community but work together to make change in fun and innovative ways. They promote an image of unity, understanding and health.

With the great success of the White Party, Entourage is already looking forward and planning similar events in local establishments as well as activities for it’s members. Some of the activities include volley ball games, yoga classes, video game nights and movie nights. In addition to activities within the center, Entourage goes out as a group and takes over the town.

If you would like to be part of Compass Entourage please call us at 561-533-9699.

@CompassCenter

@Compassglcc

Page 7 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

PEER NAVIGATION REPORTS RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

by Patrice Huntley and Danielle Ciago, Case Managers Now in its second year of existence, Compass’ Peer Navigation support group reports accomplishments nothing short of awe-inspiring. “It’s amazing what happens in an hour,” stated one participant after their group meeting.

But it’s not exactly what happens “in” group that is groundbreaking, it is the actions that it sparks on the participants to take better care of themselves and each other that is the result we see time and time again.

During a recent meeting, a new member diagnosed with the HIV/AIDS virus at birth, found the social support he has lacked since childhood. Those closest to him were unable to identify with his real-life struggle of accepting his health status. And when others his age were thinking about going to the park, watching cartoons and playing with his friends, he was often told to take his medications or die. It was during his first

group attendance that he expected sit back and hear the stories of others instead of sharing his own. But group members heard his silent cry to share his story and encouraged him to share with the group.

We are proud to report that he is now using community resources, feeling less isolated and becoming more self-sufficient.

Compass Peer Navigation Support Group differs from most support groups in several ways. First, it is funded by Elton John and the foundation he has dedicated to creating a world free of HIV/AIDS. Also, the group is led and facilitated by its participants who determine and create the group rules and select the topics. The best part of this Peer Navigation support group is that you don’t have to be a member or client of Compass to attend; the group is open to anyone that is HIV positive.

One group participant reported she was very depressed and had isolating herself.

However after attending a few meetings she said, “By the motivation of my group members pushing me to come to group, I have been less of a hermit crab and started taking my medications.”

She is one of the many participants of the Peer Navigation program reporting that their involvement in the program has encouraged them to begin living healthier lifestyles, adhering to their medications and feeling less isolated. Peer Navigation is encouraging clients into becoming advocates for themselves. By attending this group, members are connecting with others in the community, promoting awareness of healthy life choices, and helping themselves by helping others.

If you would like more information about the Peer Navigation program, please contact Danielle Ciago at danielle@compassglcc.com.

MENTAL HELTH SERVICES AT COMPASS EXPAND!

By Hugo Rocchia, MSW, Mental Health Therapist Compass is proud to announce our in-house mental health services have been expanded. As more professionals express a desire to be sensitive and culturally competent in our issues, we still face an omnipresent truth that some of our friends and loved ones are exposed to oppressive approaches to therapy like conversion therapy.

New Jersey and California signed a ban on therapy that claims to convert gay people into heterosexuals and more states have introduced similar bans in their state legislatures. In Florida, Sen. Jeff Clemens (D-Lake Worth) has sponsored the bill banning “gay conversion therapy” for children. This is a signal that, if you are looking for psychotherapy services in our state, some may end up receiving “conversion therapy”, intended to “cure” homosexuals.

To address this, Compass has decided to provide a sliding scale fee for

Page 8 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

mental health services for our community. We provide psychotherapy services for HIV positive individuals, and now; we are opening our doors wider to reach all LGBT persons and families. The new program provides a full range of outpatient mental health services, including individual, couples and group therapy.

The patients will have an initial intake and will contract for a number of sessions necessary to reach the goals established within the therapeutic relationship. The program will be in pilot mode until October 2014, that is, we will present limited personnel but we are planning to increase the number of master’s level interns that will assist and attend our population.

To supplement the one-on-one therapy services we will also offer psychotherapy groups. For some people in our community, holidays can be a time

of added stress. For those who have lost a loved one, we are facilitating a LGBT bereavement group beginning November 18, 2013 open to our community to assist with the grieving process. And in the new year, we will offer psychotherapy group for gay men working on our evolving identities in a diverse society.

Compass is partnered with Sunserve and Florida Atlantic University to provide collaboration, education, and training opportunities - bridging individuals and organizations to provide specific research, cultural competency and therapeutic modalities working with the LGBT population. The counselors are trained and educated on issues related to LGBT issues.

The services will be provided using a sliding scale fee based on income making psychotherapy affordable regardless of the ability to pay.

WORLD AIDS DAY AT COMPASS: A TIME! TO REMEMBER AND DO YOUR PART!

by Lorenzo Lowe, HIV Prevention Coordinator

For this year's World AIDS Day, Compass will once again have the largest displays of The Memorial AIDS Quilt in Florida. World AIDS Day is December 1st and brings an opportunity to not only remember the lives of those who have succumb to AIDS, but also to celebrate their memory by bringing awareness to a disease that continues to strike our community. It's about so much more than just wearing a Red Ribbon. It's about remembering those who started the fight and those of us who are determined to finish it. On this day we acknowledge how far we have come in a battle that has lasted for over 30 years and re-dedicate ourselves to those who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Compass has always been the organization where the community gathers to view The Memorial AIDS Quilt in a virtuously profound setting. Panels from The Quilt hang from the ceiling in a captivating scene displaying stitched names and photos while simultaneously telling meaningful stories; their stories, to everyone who views them. Over 160 Panels from The NAMES Project Foundation will be the focal point of a two week long observance of World AIDS Day. Candlelight vigils, calling of the names, movie screenings and a host of other activities will be part of this year’s World AIDS Day at Compass. Members of the community are invited to visit and take part in this event that is sure to make you feel, think, and act. This is an event in which you are proud to be a part of. More so, it is an event which will ignite a desire to do your part.

There are 48,000 panels dedicated to more than 94,000 people whom make up the The Memorial AIDS Quilt. It represents an answer to "What is HIV/AIDS?" It can prompt a promise from a first time visitor to do whatever it takes to never loose a friend from infection. It can even embrace someone with hope to move forward by educating themselves and others. The Quilt is a declaration to us all that we are responsible for one another. It's a challenge to those who believe that it has nothing to do with them. It is an uncompromising truth that the end of this era starts with us.

Observance of World AIDS Day at Compass will begin with the Opening Ceremony on November 19 and end with the Closing Ceremony on December 3. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a representation of work that continues to be done and memories that continue to live. The Quilt display at Compass' World AIDS Day 2013 will commemorate lives of those yesterday and today, because no disease stands a chance against human spirit.

Page 9 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

COMPASS MEMBERSHIP NOW WITH BENEFITS AND MEMBERSHIP CARD! Staff Writer

This past year was one of the most momentous and memorable years in our history. We exceeded our ambitious goals for Compass' 25th year anniversary kickoff, and it's been a year we will never forget.

The success of Compass' community events captures only a fraction of what brings us pride. To the right of this article is an unsolicited, unedited appreciation letter from one young man attending Compass' Entourage Youth Program.

Ethan sent his letter with his permission for it to be shared with you. His honesty and forthrightness gives Compass' supporters a glimpse of stories we see everyday, but are often unable to share due to concerns related to confidentiality. Yet Ethan has chosen to be an advocate to tell his story - so others could know the opportunities you've helped us make available for youth facing his circumstances.

Ethan expresses vibrantly the impact the community center we've built has had in his life. Please make the time to read his thoughtful letter.

We are building a healthier, more vibrant, appealing community - together - and we are a leading example for community centers all over our nation.

Your continued support and generous contributions, your participation in our annual outreach and fundraising events, and your yearly memberships ensure we can continue to be a part of the promising future that lies ahead of us.

Our new membership benefits features unique opportunities to be recognized in support of Compass and all of its programs offered as well as being able to receive tickets to many of Compass’ signature events as a nice perk.

Please make a financial commitment, become a member today and help us ensure Compass is around for generations to come.

!

Memberships Levels start at: $35 - Individual $70 - Couple $100 - Supporter $250 - Community

!

To become a member stop by Compass, visit compassglcc.com or mail the last page of this newsletter back to Compass.

Every member receives a Membership card and keychain tag

Page 10 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

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The Compass to Confidence Name? Ethan Kennedy. Age? 15 years old. I’m a sophomore, older brother, loving son, musician, writer, composer, and a proud LGBT youth.

Believe it or not, the last part is a new addition to the list. I wasn’t always proud to be myself. For those of you who don’t know me, up until a few months ago, I had no self-confidence.

I was the common stereotypical social outcast. I sat in the back of the class whenever possible, I only spoke to a few friends, I kept my head down when I walked, and I never did anything on the weekends. I locked myself in my room, wondering to myself why everyone had to be so cruel to me.

Random strangers would call me faggot as I walked home. I was the easy target for bullying at my school. There was a moment in my life where I was contemplating suicide.

While I was going to therapy, my therapist had suggested Compass to me. At first, I shrugged off the idea. What could I possibly benefit from going to a meeting with a bunch of confident, attractive LGBT teens? Would going just make me feel worse about myself ? Would they treat me the same was as the jocks from my school?

I distinctly remember my biggest fear when entering Compass was the thought that everyone was going to have beautifully clear skin, a smile that could overpower the sun, fantastic fashion sense, and the ability to break into show tunes at any moment and sound like Broadway legends. I was afraid that even at a group full of LGBT teens like myself, I’d still not fit in.

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How wrong I was.

From the first moment I walked into that room, I knew I was amongst friends. Everyone in the meeting greeted me. People actually came up to hug me and welcome me to Compass. By the end of the meeting, I was walking out, chatting to three different people at once, and rapidly exchanging phone numbers. These were people who were going through struggles, just like me, and coming to Compass for sanctuary. Compass was my saving grace. It was the facility I needed to convince myself that I was gay, and that I had friends who accepted that.

Compass gave me confidence. To me, as I just became a sophomore, confidence was a foreign feeling. The people I’ve met through Compass have now become some of my closest friends, and to me, a family. I now walk down the halls with my head held high. I rarely deal with bullying from others now, because they can see that I’m confident enough with myself to walk away unfazed by their comments.

I’ve come to terms with who I am, and I’m helping others do the same.

I’ve come out to every close friend I’ve had at school, teachers I’ve grown relationships with, and I’ve even told my family. The support I’ve gotten from my teachers and friends is overwhelming, and everyone has noted that my mood has drastically changed since last year.

Since entering Compass, I’ve gained the confidence to be myself without caring of the negativity of others, to express myself in a way that makes me happy, and the ability to lead others to acceptance.

Since Compass, I’ve become inspired to begin a Gay-Straight Alliance at my school. We are currently the largest club in the school (with 20 members).

We’re striving to promote equality and build friendships with each other that will help us during our tough spots in high school. I never want anyone to feel the depression I felt. I never want to lose another friend to suicide.

Because of the incredible staff, youth group, and even the adult group at Compass, I’ve become a whole new person. I can now proudly say that I’m gay. I can proudly say that I’ve overcome thoughts of suicide. I can wake up each morning knowing that I have a huge support system both at school and at home. I can safely say that none of this could even be possible without Compass.

Ethan Kennedy. 15 years old. Sophomore. Aspiring musician and composer. Gay. Happy. Loved.

A THRIVING COMMUNITY CENTER!

by Julie Seaver, Center Director

With the changing of the season, Compass has been busy hosting social activities and filling the center calendar with fun things to do. After 25 years of serving the LGBT community, we welcome new groups, new faces and new adventures. In the month of October alone, Compass distributed over 1,200 copies of the center calendar and hosted over 100 group meetings and events.

Returning dance instructor, Grace Greenberg has been teaching us all how to swing, hustle and do the salsa at Compass on Tuesday evenings. Grace has helped us all become lighter on our feet regardless of skill level. In October, over 200 women attended

BLAST (Bisexual Lesbian and Straight Together Women of the Palm Beaches) 5th Anniversary Dance Party and Art Show at Compass. The evening featured live music with lesbian activist, singer and songwriter Lucie Blue Tremblay. And just a few weeks ago, Compass teamed up with Voices of Pride to host their annual Halloween Drag Bingo at Compass. Over 250 people attended the event and supported both organizations.

This year, the Joel Starkey Lending Library received a Continuous Improvement Grant and our volunteer librarian David has been cataloging his heart out ever since.

Soon, community members will be able to access a web-based, searchable e index to

authors, titles and LGBT categories of interest. This much-needed improvement project should be complete by the end of the year and community members can enjoy the LGBTQ focused library in the Great Hall to its fullest potential.

And with the upcoming renovation and dedication of the Alfred Fiandaca Community Ball room coming in January, many more events are being scheduled in our center. It is a great time to get involved and come out, we will sure have something for everyone. If you have an idea for a new group or are looking to host a special event at Compass, we would love to include it on our calendar.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED • Share you support - Membership and contributions enhance Compass’ funded programs by providing financial resources for community center activities and events held outside the scope of our funded, direct services programs. Memberships start at 10 cents a day.

• Share you time - Compass is always looking for volunteers for events, groups, the front desk, data entry and much more. If you would like to volunteer your time at Compass please come by and fill out an application.

• Share you thoughts - If you have an idea for a group, event, or gathering for Compass please email us at events@compassglcc.com

INTRODUCING THE NEW LGBT TASK FORCE ON AGING IN PALM BEACH COUNTY!

by Julie Seaver, Center Director

In addition to new social and support services, it’s a great time to act your age here at Compass. This past summer, new initiatives were created as Compass partnered with the Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach and Treasure Coast to form the LGBT Task Force on Aging. With over 20 leaders from various organizations, the Task Force meets monthly at Compass to discuss the needs and challenges that LGBT seniors face.

We must continue to improve the quality of life and care of our LGBT seniors to ensure they age with dignity, respect and are provided with the same

services regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT seniors have additional concerns as they move into assisted living facilities as a samesex couple or may be experiencing a lack of cultural competence from their caregivers.

The LGBT Task Force on aging is comprised of a group of caring administrators from south Florida’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities, LGBT advocacy groups, and directors from Compass and the Area Agency on Aging.

Together, we are agents of change for seniors seeking LGBT specific resources and Compass is the perfect central location

with the thousands of phone calls we receive from LGBT adults every year.

As we continue to work with the State of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, we want to ensure our senior population are receiving services to which they are entitled. Currently in it’s needs assessment stage, the LGBT Task Force on Aging’s goal is to help LGBT seniors and their caregivers find solutions to the many questions and challenges of growing older without facing any discrimination.

If you would like more information contact Julie Seaver 561-533-9699.

TAKE THE SURVEY

To share your input, please help us by taking the anonymous survey available both online and at the center. We encourage LGBT community members 50 and over to help us advocate for all LGBT seniors and their caregivers are seeking resources on a local, state and national level. The survey can be found at www.youragingresourcecenter.org

Page 11 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY! MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

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Membership and contributions enhance Compass’ funded programs by providing financial resources for community center activities and special events held outside of the scope of our funded, direct service programs.!

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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS! __ __ __ __ __ __ __

$35! ! $100! ! $250! ! $750! ! $1,200! $5,000! $10,000+!

Member!

Supporter!

Community!

Advocacy!

Legacy!

Vitality!

Visionary!

Name:____________________________________________!

Phone Number:___________________Birthday __________!

Email Address: ____________________________________!

Billing Address: ____________________________________!

City:______________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ !

Name as you would like it to appear in all published materials, plaques and signs: ! _________________________________________________!

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I would like to remain anonymous !

I am interested in quarterly or monthly payments, please contact me to set that up.

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! ! !

METHOD OF PAYMENT! Checks enclosed payable to Compass!

Visa | MasterCard | Discover | American Express!

Card #:______________________________Exp: _ _ / _ _! !

Signature:_____________________ CCV Code: _________!

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Mail completed form to:!

Compass | Attn: Membership!

201 N. Dixie Hwy.!

Lake Worth, FL 33460!

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Questions? 561.533.9699 or Compass@compassglcc.com

This newsletter is printed by Compass Gay & Lesbian Community Center in partnership with South Florida Gay News

Page 12 | CompassGLCC.com | 561.533.9699

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@CompassCenter

@CompassCenter!

@Compassglcc

COMPASS GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE PALM BEACHES!

!

201 North Dixie Highway!

Lake Worth, FL 33460!

Phone 561.533.9699 | Fax 561.586.0635!

Compassglcc.com | Compass@Compassglcc.com!

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HOURS OF OPERATIONS! !

Community Center Hours!

Monday - Thursday 10 am - 8:30 pm!

Fridays 10 am - 5 pm!

Saturdays 2 pm - 6 pm!

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David Bohnett CyberCenter Hours!

Monday - Thursday!

11 am - 7 pm!

Fridays 11 am - 3 pm!

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Rapid HIV Testing Hours!

Mondays & Thursdays 4 pm - 7:30 pm!

Tuesdays 1 pm - 5:30 pm!

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First Thursday of the month! the Department of Health provides Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations, Hepatitis C & Syphilis Testing, Tetanus Shots & Flu Shots (seasonal).

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lifestyle music

5 Local DJ’s to Get Your Groove on With

You’ve listened to them for years, now meet them Dennis Jozefowicz As a local weekend warrior all over the Fort Lauderdale area, I thought it would be a great idea to share 5 local DJ’s I feel worth noting.

Each one of these DJ’s has their own unique style, to give you a wide range to choose from.

There’s no particular order here in who’s best,

and this, by far, is not a complete list of what is out there, they are all awesome in my opinion, and I always find myself dancing to their beats.

Hear them at:

DJ Katastrophy and Lil P

Scandals Saloon Sundays 4 p.m.

3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors ScandalsFla.com

Pop Remixes/Karaoke

Also known as Andy and Ricky of “2 Guys on a Mic” karaoke, (Fridays at The Stable, 8 p.m., and Tuesdays at Bill’s 9 p.m.,) this DJ team get the party hopping in Wilton Manors’ only weekly outdoor Tea Dance on Scandals Saloon’s patio. The party starts at 4 p.m., but goes on after the sun goes down, and then the laser light show begins. And we’re talking a lot of lasers, more than anywhere I’ve seen locally, all brought to you by the DJs themselves. To quote DJ Katastrophy, “Some people buy shoes, I buy lasers.”

There’s plenty of pop remixes, top-40 hits, and cocktails under the stars and shiny disco balls. And if you feel like singing, they start karaoke at the same time starting at 9 p.m. inside the bar.

Once a month, the legendary DJ Merrit (formerly of Casablanca Records,) joins in and battles DJ Katastrophy to mix in a few disco hits for a unique music experience.

As an added bonus, Sundays are “Happy Hour” all day long, and offer a $10 domestic draft beer bust.

VJ Barry Browder Trending Videos

Bringing the best in pop and trendy videos to Wilton Manors, VJ Barry Browder is a staple on Wilton Drive at Alibi, and has been since October 2000. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always seen Barry’s videos, whether having a couple cocktails in the main bar, or sitting outside having lunch.

He always has the perfect mix of music and comedy sketches going for the atmosphere at hand.

On Wednesday nights at 9 p.m., Barry plays the part of “game show announcer” to

Nikki Adams on Alibi’s ever-so-funny “Game Show Night.” The games change regularly, from “Family Feud” to “Dirty Pictionary” and even “Giant Jenga.”

Thursdays, he supplies the jams for Alibi’s infamous Iced Tea Night.

Barry also plays at their sister club, Bill’s Wilton Manors, across the street on Fridays for Growl starting at 9 p.m. (Also known as their bear night.) If you like the fur, this is where to be!

The Stable (Karaoke) Fridays 8 p.m.

205 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park StableFla.com

Alibi Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 p.m.

2266 Wilton Drive AlibiWiltonManors.com

Hear him at: Bill’s Wilton Manors Fridays 9 p.m.

2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors BillsFillingStation.com

DJ Richie Rich Torrez Disco, 80’s Pop, Latin

If you want traditional Sunday Tea Dance, then the only place to go is Boom Nightclub, where DJ Richie Rich Torrez spins the best in 70’s disco goodness starting at 7 p.m. This is definitely the place to dance and remember the good ol’ days of Studio 54 and Saturday Night Fever, in a traditional dance club setting. By 9 p.m., the place is a giant party not to be missed. He knows his disco, and you will hear all the hits, as well as the occasional obscure song that makes you think “WOW, I haven’t heard that song in ages…”

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But he doesn’t stop there. He does all your 80’s favorites on Wednesday Retro-pop nights. From ABC to YAZ, Madonna to Flock of Seagulls, those shoulder pads and big hair days will be back in no time. I can just smell the Aqua-net now.

He also holds court for Latino Sensation on Friday nights at 10 p.m. Spanish music, female impersonators, and lots of hip shaking. And of course, if it is going to be a Latin theme, you can be sure there will be $4 Corona, Bacardi, and Cuervo specials!

SouthFloridaGayNews

Hear him at:

Boom Nightclub Wednesdays 9 p.m., Fridays 10 p.m., Sundays 7 p.m.

2232 Wilton Dr.

Herbie James Electronica

His music is internationally known as “Herbicide.” Herbie James is a no-holdsbarred, unforgiving, relentless, hard core, electronic genius. And when he plays at Ramrod, you WILL sweat to his loud, chestpounding beats and hypnotic synths and samples. Where he finds his music is still a mystery to me, the only way I get it is from his podcasts.

This local icon has been spinning since 1989 in South Florida. James’ first “residency” was at the famous Marlin Beach Hotel in

Tim German

1990/91, where he played 12-hour sets Thursday through Sunday. James recalls, “They had put in an incredible RenkusHeinz sound system which was amazing. I have some really fun stories of those days.”

Today, when he’s making men sweat all over the dance-floor at Ramrod, he does it the old fashioned way. You don’t see a computer on his control board, he’s all about 2 CD players and a mixer.

He also spins for the monthly DILF parties at Bill’s.

Hear him at:

Ramrod Thursday and Friday nights starting at 10 p.m.

1508 NE 4th Ave (Wilton Drive) Fort Lauderdale

Country

Also at Scandals is our community’s only C&W dancing, and Tim German is not only a dance teacher on Mondays (review lessons), and Tuesdays (new line dances) at 7 p.m., but he also DJ’s every other Saturday at 9 p.m, at the club. (And just a reminder from my last column, Wednesday’s at 7 p.m. is beginner’s lessons with Rebecca Heyman.)

Tim is part of a DJ team that rotates on

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a schedule. What sets him apart is that he keeps track of all the dance lessons.

Occasionally, you’ll hear him announce a line dance with an added phrase, such as, “Dancers from Wednesday’s lessons, you know this one!” He really encourages everyone to participate. Beginner line dancers like me have our ears open for these announcements!

Helpful hint: Wear cowboy boots or dance shoes.

Rubber soles make for difficult dancing on the wood floor.

Neel Amin, MD

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Dr. Amin and Dr. Macek are double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Both physicians are fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern pain management in the United States.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

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column gay car geek Steve Siler

60-Second Car Reviews: Just a Minute!

Check out the badass 2014 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Forget everything you know about Camaros, cuz this is NOT your mullet-wearin’ second cousin’s rusty IROC-Z. No, this is one thoroughly badass yet wonderfully refined musclecar, with massive matte black wheels, a sinister front end, huge quad exhaust pipes,

and a 580-hp monster motor stuffed under its louvered, carbon fiber hood. Acceleration will peel the skin off your face, with 60 mph flying by in a tick over four seconds from a stop, so long as you can keep from melting the rear tires when you drop the clutch. And being the

modern-day musclecar it is, the Camaro ZL1 can turn and stop as well as it goes, thanks to a slammed suspension, scintillating steering and astonishing brakes. Sure you can’t see out of the thing, but you look great getting in and out. And once inside, you’ll enjoy a cavelike cabin chock full of goodies ranging from a slick infotainment system with navigation to OnStar services, awesome racing seats, a rumbling audio system, and an Alcantaracovered flat-bottom steering wheel. Sure it’s expensive, but seriously, the ZL1 is to a workaday Camaro what the Concorde is to

a Cessna: both will get you where you want to go, only one will get there much, MUCH faster.

Renowned automotive journalist and gay car geek Steve Siler has turned his life-long love of cars into a fruitful and enthusiastic career traveling the world to test thousands of new vehicles as they are introduced. Siler is s regular contributor to Car and Driver Magazine, Edmunds.com,AutoTrader.com, AOL Autos and Yahoo! Autos, and also pioneered automotive writing for the GLBT community more than a decade ago.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Base Price: $57,250 (including destination/gas guzzler tax) Power: 6.2-liter V-8 (580 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque) Tranny: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 12/19 mpg Or you could buy: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra Audi RS5 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 40

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SouthFloridaGayNews

column the book worm Terri Schlichenmeyer

Drama High by Michael Sokolove

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Author Michael Sokolove and the cover of his latest book ‘Drama High.’

c.2013, Riverhead Books $27.95 / $29.50 Canada 352 pages Sometimes, you just don’t feel like yourself.

Lately, for instance, you’ve been acting differently and people have noticed. You wear outfits you wouldn’t normally wear and you say the oddest things. It’s almost like you’re possessed by another person.

Such is the life of an actor in a play: to do it right, to convince an audience, you have to become someone you’re not. You know the pressure can be enormous, so read “Drama High” by Michael Sokolove, then imagine performing with New York theatre executives in the audience.

Like most schools, Harry S Truman High School in Levittown, Pennsylvania, had its budget slashed last year. Gone are extravagances, extracurriculars, and extraneous activities. But teacher Lou Volpe’s theater classes survived the cuts, just like they had for some forty years.

Volpe hadn’t intended on becoming Truman High’s drama teacher; in fact, before he was hired, he’d had zero experience with theater. None at all. But, as he did many other times (and like many other teachers), he threw himself into making Truman’s students into a first-class troupe.

Michael Sokolove, one of Volpe’s students back in the 1970s, remembered the way Volpe had of finding one special, latent talent that each of his students had, and highlighting it. Volpe urged his students, stood up for them, supported them, and expanded their horizons, making them want more from life.

Sokolove remembered spaghetti suppers

at Volpe’s house, and never wanting to disappoint his teacher.

But he also remembered the town in which Truman High sat. Once a subdivision of the future, Levittown was the kind of place people moved away from, and hard times only made it worse.

Still, Volpe and his drama students made their school proud through first-class, competition-winning, Broadway-quality plays – but not of the Arsenic and Old Lace ilk. No, Volpe liked to push his students to the edge of their comfort zones, asking them to sing and act in ways they didn’t think they could, making them become people they didn’t think they’d ever be – both personally, and on-stage.

And in doing so, Volpe changed their lives.

Like any good actor, “Drama High” plays several roles.

For adults, it’s definitely a book of nostalgia.

Like many people, author Michael Sokolove moved away from Levittown, and his trip back is filled with wistfulness and eagerness to see how time alters old memories.

For students – especially those who are struggling or who harbor a secret love of theater – and for their parents, Volpe’s story offers strength and an urge to commit to ones’ heart. His students spurned sports in favor of stage and in turn, he supported their dreams and nurtured their talents. Some of his former students, in fact, have become Emmy winners, entertainment executives, and Broadway actors.

Despite that it occasionally shows a tone of despair, it’s hard not to cheer when you’ve got this story in your hands. I loved it, and I think that if you’re a Broadway fan, an actor, or a parent of either, you’ll sing the praises of “Drama High,” too. soflagaynews //

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See it For Yourself

Photos by JR Davis

October 2013

Wilton Manors

Wicked Manors

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lifestyle food

The Men Behind the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival

Robert and Russell balance love and business Andrea Richard Several years ago, Robert Stanfield and Russell Spadaccini met at a networking event and quickly discovered their shared love for culinary arts. For them, delving into food and wine adventures also made smart business sense.

They joined forces, marrying their professional expertise and began producing culinary festivals like this weekend’s Fourth Annual Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival. Russell comes from an information technology background, and Robert works as a communications professional. Neither has a former experience in food, but they didn’t let that stop them.

Their event production efforts garnered success. Robert claims that the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival is “the largest outdoor culinary affair in South Florida.” The duo also do other events

including Deerfield Beach Festival, Galt Mile Wine & Food, and the wildly popular Boca Burger Battle.

The two are also life partners, and like anything in life, have found a seamless dynamic between work, love and family life.

“When you are a couple working together, you really have stick to your guns and have a good balancing act. I say when it comes to personal things to ‘leave it at the door,’” said Robert Stanfield. “We use the restaurant analogy with us being biz partners. Russell is the chef at the back of the house, and I am the maître d at the front of the house.”

To keep their events on point and fresh, they frequently travel to vineyards and food destination cities.

“Each year Russell and I take a different trip to wine country in the United Sates,” said Stanfield. “Italy everyone knows about,

Feast on the finest foods and drink galore this weekend!

Photo courtesy of Boca wine and food festival

but there are ones in the U.S. that are great.

One of the wineries that we visited in Oregon had a garden where they grew spices and herbs. So we thought ‘wow, I don’t think a lot of people know what sort of plants go into wine making. Some have cocoa, herbs, and sage even.”

The three-day outdoor festival features a line-up of sit-down dinners, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations, chef talks, sustainable food lectures, a farmers market, live music, networking. A honey maker is coming in from North Florida to give an interactive lesson on endangered bees, how honey is made inside of hives.

“We have an entire farmer’s market set up to teach people how to grow food and make an urban garden for condo dwellers,” said Stanfield.

To foster a worldly vibe, the festival is divided up in regions from around the world like Italy, each is treated with authentic décor touches and music. Attendees can stroll about and go on a sensory journey.

The partners value independent sellers as apposed to massive enterprises. “We’ve brought in boutique chefs and restaurateurs to do the event as a way to support small businesses,” Spadaccini said.

This weekend’s shindig is open to families, children, and those with distinctive palates to those unfamiliar with the vast culinary offerings available.

“There is something for everyone from

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an elaborate four-course dinner and wine parings to everyday meals that you can make in your own home. We reached out to boutique chefs and eateries---- to help create biz locally----and will have over 70 tasting stations at our grand tastings, so someone with a high-end palate, and those without, will be pleased,” said Stanfield. “We’re also introducing a whole organic region this year, showing local and regional vegan and vegetarians chefs.”

2013 Festival Schedule

Friday, Nov. 8 Dinner Under The Stars, a four-course food and wine affair, 7 to 10 p.m.

Vineyard Party, A Vine to Glass Affair, 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9 Grand Tasting, A Culinary Affair, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10 Jazz Bubbles & Brunch, A Social Affair, noon to 3 p.m.

Fourth Annual Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival occurs November 8, 9, and 10 at Boca Corporate Center and Campus, 5000 T-Rex Avenue. Visit www.

BocaRatonWineAndFoodFestival.com .

Ticket costs vary per event.

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HUNGER FIGHTER HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Help provide food for 2000 meals for Broward residents with HIV/AIDS this Holiday Season.

Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce • 512 NE 3rd Avenue Midland Medical • 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Suite 101 City County Credit Union • 2242 Wilton Drive City of Wilton Manors City Hall • 2020 Wilton Drive Island City Park Preserve • 823 NE 28th St. Sullivan Library • 500 NE 26th St - Center for Spiritual Living • 1550 NE 26th St Bank United • 2723 No. Dixie Hwy - Gary Robinson P.A. • 401 E Las Olas Blvd Ron's Barber Shop • 1220 NE 4th Ave - Yarns & Arts • 3310 NE 32nd St Wilton Towers • 520 NE 20th Street - Johnny’s • 1116 W Broward Blvd Pivotal Fitness • 928 N Federal Hwy - Boardwalk • 1721 N Andrews Ave SunServe • 2312 Wilton Drive - Dudes • 3270 NE 33rd St Hagen Park Community Center • 2020 Wilton Drive Allied Kitchen & Bath • 616 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve • 1937 Wilton Dr.

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announcement

Now Hiring!

SFGN is looking for sales associates to cover the Tri-County area

faces in the news

Married!

On October 15th at San Francisco City Hall, Raphael & Nate Klarfeld got hitched!

Need money? Need work? Need a job?

Well SFGN might be the perfect fit for you.

We’re looking for enthusiastic sales people to add to our growing team. SFGN is currently expanding throughout Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, so familiarity with those areas is a big plus.

Contact Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@

sfgn.com for more information.

lifestyle passages

Bob Lawson Dies

“I will miss him. He was a true friend, whose personality always brightened the room, and whose work always brought a smile to the face of his customers.” Said Pompano Bill, who snapped and provided us with this picture of Lawson.

SFGN mourns the loss and sudden passing of a popular local businessman, Bob Lawson, whose body was found inside his Fort Lauderdale home last week.

Lawson, whose family is from Rochester, New York, apparently passed away in his sleep. No foul play is suspected, but the county coroner will be investigating his passing.

If you have been to a local gay nightclub, you have probably seen Lawson’s work. His company, R.J.L. International Group, has been a fixture for decades in hospitality establishments, designing and providing unique and modern sound, lighting, and video services to keep clubs at the cutting edge of technology.

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SouthFloridaGayNews

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

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outeats

Special Advertising Section

Humpys Pizza SFGN Staff

W

hether you need a quick bite to eat on your lunch break, or you’re ending a night out, you can include Humpys Pizza in your day.

Seven-year-old Humpys, now a staple on The Drive, started out serving up slices and cupcakes (more on those later) to the locals.

Recently, though, Humpys has expanded their menu to include a variety of flatbreads.

Starting at $9, you can choose from a multitude of flatbreads, including Veggie (spinach, mushroom, red and green peppers, onions) and BBQ Chicken. You can build your own flatbread for as low as $7. You can also build your own pizza or calzone as well.

Don’t worry: Humpys is still shelling out your favorite slices (starting at $2.75).

You can get just cheese or pepperoni, of course – huge fan favorites – or you can get Margherita or BLT. If you’re around for lunch, get a slice, a salad and a soda for $5 or a large, one-topping pizza for $13.

If you’ve got a little more time to venture off the pizza path, try the meatball sliders – a mini meatball hero on small onion rolls (2 for $3.75). BBQ Chicken sliders are also available.

For larger portions, try one of the halfdozen sandwiches – everything from the ever-popular Grilled Chicken Hero or the Pesto Chicken Panini (starting as low as $6.95).

But if pizza is your main calling and you’re not trying to eliminate all the carbs, opt for a honey wheat crust with Turkey Sausage or Wild Mushroom (starting at $13.50).

Multigrain pasta is also available if you’re looking for a healthier option for your Penne

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Pomodoro or Baked Ziti (starting at $7.50).

Don’t ignore the salads! Try the mixed greens with fresh veggies salad with Humpys homemade balsamic vinaigrette ($6).

Humpys isn’t just limited to the drive, either. Delivery is available and there are even delivery specials, like buy one pizza get one 50 percent off or a large, one topping pizza and six wings for $15. Humpys delivers until midnight Thursday-Saturday and 10 p.m. all other nights. Lunchtime delivery is also offered in case you can’t get away!

Don’t forget to grab a cupcake (or four) on your way out. Baked fresh in the pizza oven daily, there are a dozen variations – including the seasonal pumpkin spice – to choose from. Customer favorites include buttercream and red velvet ($2.75 each).

Look out for a peppermint cupcake during the winter holidays and a Bailey’s Irish Cream version on St. Patrick’s Day.

IF YOU G What When

Where More Info.

Humpy’s Pizza

Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

2244 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 566-2722 www.humpyspizza.com

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SouthFloridaGayNews

$y 6Goose!

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

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J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THUR Opera

11/7

The Florida Grand Opera opens its 2013-14 season tonight at the Broward Center with Mourning Becomes Electra by local composer Marvin David Levy. Based on the play cycle

by Eugene O’Neill, this mythic tale is set in Massachusetts shortly after the Civil War and fueled with the seething passions of bitterness, infidelity, incest, and even murder. Come see why this opera received a 25-minute standing ovation on opening night at the Metropolitan Opera in 1967. Repeat performances at the Broward Center on Nov. 9 and at Miami’s Arsht Center, Nov. 16, 17, 19 and 23. Tickets at FGO.org.

FRI Cars

11/8

We all know boys like their toys and some of the newest toys on four wheels are on display at Miami International Auto Show, Nov. 8 – 17 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. But unlike many other car shows, you actually get to hop behind the wheel in Miami Beach. Test drive your favorite models, take a rough and tumble ride at Camp Jeep, admire hot rods of the past on Memory Lane and see the most expensive rides in the world on Million Dollar Alley. Open most days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults at SFLIAutoShow.com.

SAT Music

11/9 SUN

The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the region’s LGBT and allies concert band, presents its fall concert, All’s Fair in Love in War, tonight at the Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center. As the title implies, the concert features music representative of man’s best and worst endeavors, love and war. Performances from the organization’s flute choir and steel drum band will be augmented by soloists, dancers and signature multimedia presentations, concluding with Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture. Tickets are $25 at BrowardCenter. org.

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The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the region’s LGBT and allies concert band, presents its fall concert this Saturday at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theatre in Fort Lauderdale.

Photo Courtesy of Brett Hufziger

// 11.6.2013 // SFGN.com //

Film

11/10 MON

The 12th Miami Short Film Festival returns Nov. 8-15 to the Paragon Grove 13 theater in CocWalk at Coconut Grove and Miami Beach Cinematheque, 1130 Washington Ave. More than 100 short films (30 minutes or less) were selected from 700 international submissions for the festival. Each night will feature three repeated screenings, two at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in Coconut Grove and one at 9 p.m. in Miami Beach. Tonight, the festival features works by local filmmakers, including Viggo Labbe, Mario Garza, Jacque Santos, Camilla Alvarez, Natalie Edgar, Michael Rui and Lance Oppenheim. Tickets are $12 at MiamiShortFilmFestival.com. soflagaynews //

Cabaret

11/11 TUE

Unlike most Monday nights, the Plaza Theater, 262 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan, is not dark. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., the company, tucked away in an unassuming strip mall, offers the first night of exciting cabaret performances. Leah Sessa and Mike Westrich will perform songs from some of the biggest hits by John Kander and Fred Ebb. From Cabaret to Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Chicago and more, the duo’s immortal songs evoke the spirit of Broadway. The program will be repeated on Monday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Nov. 12 and 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 at ThePlazaTheatre.org.

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Ehxibit

11/12

We love food and, in celebration of the Viva Florida 500, the anniversary of Ponce DeLeon’s discovery of Florida, the history of Spanish tapas is being highlighted in a new exhibit at the Moore Building, 4040 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami’s Design District, through Dec. 15. The show encompasses 8,000 square feet with more than 200 exhibits, displays and installations by Spanish chefs, designers, architects, wineries and restaurants spanning the last 25 years of Spain’s avant-garde experimental blending of design and food.

Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday, 12 noon – 7 p.m. For information, go to AccionCultural.es.

Next to Normal w Nov 7-10

Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, this intensely complex and poignant rock musical continues to wow audiences worldwide. This emotional powerhouse and its energetic pop/rock score show how far two suburban parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact, as the household copes with crisis and mental illness.

“A brave and breathtaking musical.”--The New York Times

3385 NE 188th Street | Aventura, FL 33180 Tickets at: 877.311.7469 | AventuraCenter.org @aventuracenter All programs, artists, dates and times are subject to change.

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SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

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a&e music

Rob Russell: Prince of the Royal Room J.W. Arnold The spotlights in the Colony Hotel’s storied Royal Room may be dark, but Rob Russell’s eyes brighten the room when he talks about the renowned entertainers who have performed on the cabaret stage in Palm Beach.

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., Ann Hampton Calloway, Kitty Carlisle, Michelle Lee, Julie Budd, Diahann Carroll, Marilyn Maye, Melissa Manchester, Ben Vereen— they’ve all thrilled audiences in the room that earned its moniker as a favorite dining spot for the former Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Russell admits he’s not much of a morning person, due to the late nights he works as the hotel’s entertainment director for the past 12 years. He books the performers, some more than a year out, but is also responsible for all the other “details,” too.

Russell arranges for special instruments for the singers’ musicians, picks the performers up at the airport and sees to their every need during their runs. He’s even found himself on stage: “Michelle Lee was here,” he recalled with a chuckle. “A lot of people don’t realize she got her start on Broadway as a singer, even though she’s probably most famous for starring on Knot’s Landing for 14 years. She was doing her show and came back to the sound booth. I had this beautiful beaded cape for her to wear for the encore number when we realized my button was stuck on the cape.”

He smiled, “She kept telling me, ‘Rob, we’ve got to go, we’ve got to go. Just put your arm around me.’ She did the encore and I helped her finish the song.”

As the saying goes, “That’s show business,” and Russell was certainly prepared. A native of Babylon, New York, a seaside community on Long Island, he could be found in the audience at Broadway openings as a youngster. And his neighbor was Bob Keeshan, better known to a generation of children as Captain Kangaroo. Russell later completed a degree in musical theater at the State University of New York at Fredonia, one of the leading programs in the country.

Above all, Russell cherishes the relationships he has developed with his performers. Many have become close friends and he has vacationed with others. When Russell suffered a heart attack a couple of years back, Marilynn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. called him at the hospital and, after listening to endless adulation from the attending nurse, prayed with Russell as he was wheeled into surgery.

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“The greatest thing is the friendships, by far,” he said with his slight New York accent. “There’s a trust that is built between us. I always come through and that’s not always the case in a lot of places where they work.”

“Rob truly does understand the entertainment business and that’s often times rare….and he’s also such a lovely host. He understands the tremendous importance of meeting and greeting the guests,” explained Marilyn Maye, who performed more times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson than any other singer and is returning to the Royal Room for her seventh appearance.

“I call him the Prince of the Royal Room,” Maye said.

As the Royal Room announces its 201314 schedule, Russell remains true to his commitment to The Great American Songbook, booking artists who sing the classics penned by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Harold Arlen. But he also recognizes the songbook is evolving.

“My thing is to keep teaching the younger generation the Songbook….but it is changing and there’s new material being added. For instance, The Beatles’ Yesterday was written in the ‘60s, now it’s over 50 years old, and we’re hearing songs by Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Elton John and Joni Mitchell,” Russell noted.

He’s also eager to introduce the Songbook to younger audiences: “Once they come in, they’re hooked.” He recently launched a successful summer series geared to those younger audiences and featuring rising artists like Ariana Savalas, daughter of the famed television detective.

This season, he’s already looking forward to a live performance from Melissa Manchester of the theme from the movie, Ice Castles. The Royal Room will also welcome a debut by television host Regis Philbin, who co-starred on The Joey Bishop Show for years and is quite a crooner himself.

But, for Russell, the highlight will be the New Year’s Eve performance by the Tommy Tune, winner of nine Tony Awards, more than any other performer.

Always working, Russell is already booking next season and his dream would be to snag Liza Minnelli, a task made much easier by the enthusiastic word of mouth from the long list of stars he’s already hosted.

“We all know how wonderful Rob and The Colony are,” attested Maye. soflagaynews //

Rob Russell, right, entertainment director of the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, works with many of the leading stars of the cabaret world, including seven time Grammy winners Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo Photo courtesy of Rob Russell

ROYAL ROOM 2013-14 SCHEDULE •Nov. 29-30, Dec. 4-7: Michel Bell and Catherine Matejka •Dec. 11-14: The Four Freshmen •Dec. 31, Jan 3-4: Tommy Tune •Jan. 7-11, Jan. 14-18, Jan. 21-25: Steve Tyrell •Jan. 28-31, Feb. 1: Marilyn Maye •Feb. 4-8: John Pizzarelli and Bucky Pizzarelli •Feb. 11-15: Clint Holmes •Feb. 18-22: Regis Philbin •Feb. 25-28, March 1: Amanda McBroom •March 4-8: Paulo Szot •March 11-15: Melissa Manchester •April 1-5 and April 8-12: Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.

For more information and reservations, call (561) 659-8100 or go to TheColonyPalmBeach.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

South Florida Symphony Orchestra

2013-2014 Season MASTERWORKS CONCERT SERIES

TROPICAL BEATS TANTALIZING MUSICAL EXCURSIONS!

A SOUL UNFETTERED

THE HUMANITY OF MUSIC FOLLOWED BY STARRY NIGHT, ALL IN WHITE

November 15-19, 2013 Elgar: Introduction and Allegro for Strings Barber: Cello Concerto, Opus 22 Clancy Newman, cello Schubert: Symphony No.9 “The Great”

DOUBLE SPEAK AND HIDDEN MEANINGS

January 30 - February 3, 2014 Liszt: Symphonic Poem No. 10 “Hamlet” Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3 Christopher Taylor, piano Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

A SUMMONS TO LIFE

"PBHRC 25" art created by Eric Telchin, using digital recreations of some of PBCHRC's accomplishments over the past 25 years.

EVENT CHAIRMEN

Victor Figueredo Ross Meltzer COMMITTEE

Christine DiRocco Jamie Foreman Anne Gannon Dan Hall Rand Hoch Michael Kagdis

THE EVENT CHAIRMEN AND COMMITTEE KINDLY REQUEST THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY AT:

March 27-31, 2014 Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner” Zwilich: Shadows for Piano and Orchestra Jeffrey Biegel, piano Schumann: Symphony No. 1 Spring

PALM BEACH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

January 10-11, 2014 Blue Door String Quartet Piano Trio TBA Karl Goldmark: String Quartet in B Flat, Opus 8 Ellen Zwilich: Septet for String Quartet & Piano Trio

CELLO SPIRIT

February 22-24, 2014 Arthur Cook, cello Music of Bach & Kodaly

PASSION UNLEASHED

March 12-15, 2014 Zuill Bailey, cello Natasha Paremski, piano Debussy Sonata Britten Sonata Franck Sonata

BLUE DOOR STRING QUARTET CHAMBER SERIES MURDER IN THE CHAMBER

May 4-6, 2014 Bernard Hermann: Echoes Janacek: String Quartet No. 1 The Kreutzer Sonata Smetana: String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor

THE GRAND TOUR

June 15-17, 2014 Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 2 Barber: String Quartet

A DISTANT SHORE

July 14-16, 2014 Hugo Wolf: Italian Serenade Amy Beach: String Quartet in One Movement Brahms: String Quartet No. 1 in C Minor

Claim Your Seats Today!

Subscriptions and Tickets Online at southfloridasymphony.org 954-522-8445

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION NOVEMBER 19 6-9PM FOUR SEASONS RESORT PALM BEACH •

COCKTAILS AND DINNER BY THE BITE

PJ Layng Burt Minkoff Bill Proctor Tony Plakas Joseph Pubillones Alex Rosenberg Julie Seaver Eric Telchin Don Todorich Scott Velozo

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

We are dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We promote equality, through education, advocacy, direct action, impact litigation, and community outreach.

Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased online at PBCHRC.ORG/EVENTS

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

For more information, please call or 561.586.0203. soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

53

T

DateBook Theater

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes new listing

Broward County * The Piano Guys

Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The YouTube sensations bring their piano and cello to the stage to perform mashups and covers of classical and modern pop music. Tickets $27.50 to $37.50. Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse.com

* Ethan Bortnick in Concert

Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

The 12-year-old musical phenom will be performing in a concert honoring Rose Miniaci and benefiting private education and importance of music. Tickets $99 to $250. Call 954-462-0222 or visit MiniaciPAC.com

* Kenny G

Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs.

Acclaimed saxophonist Kenny G, who has worked with the likes of Whitney Houston, Weezer, Aretha Franklin and everyone in between, takes the stage of a night of smooth jazz. Tickets $51.94 to $83.74. Call 954-3445999 or visit CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com.

* Mozart “Romanze”

Nov. 12 at 8:15 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Russian pianist Alexander Kobrin performs Mozart’s famous concerto. Tickets $50 to $75. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Frank Derrick Big Band

Nov. 13 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets $40. The band will be performing a tribute to Buddy Rich. Call 954462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Jim Brickman

Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Brickman modernizes the piano with his pop songs. Tickets $49. Call 954-4620222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

* Forever Tango

Nov. 15 at 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Fourteen world-class dancers show off the sexy dance that is tango.

Tickets $35 to $75. Call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

Palm Beach County The Longing & The Short of It

Nov. 1 to 24 at Arts Garage, 180 NE First St. in Delray Beach. Six characters sing and play out the awkward and heartwrenching parts of being alive that everyone in the audience can relate to. Tickets $30 to $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.org.

Cuff Me

Nov. 7 and 8 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. A parody of the raunchy “Fifty Shades of Grey” series takes to the stage, including parodies of some our favorite songs.

Tickets $40. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

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Celtic Thunder: Mythology

Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The six principal performers tell the story of their Irish history, culture and folk tales through song. Tickets $25 to $110. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* Letters Home

Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Palm Beach State College Duncan Theatre, 4200 Congress Ave. in Lake Worth.

A play telling the stories of soldiers fighting in the Middle East by the letters they write home to loved ones. Wear red, white and blue! Tickets $5, veterans with ID get two free tickets. Call 561-868-3309.

* Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The country’s 90-year-old orchestra comes to South Florida after a performance at the Lincoln Center, bringing with it guest cellist, Narek Hakhnazaryan. Tickets $153 to $603. Call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

* The Importance of Being Earnest

Nov. 15 to 24 at FAU’s Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Oscar Wilde’s comedy takes place in 1890s England with four characters taking on different personas in order to get out of different obligations. Tickets $20. Call 1-800-5649539 or cisit FAUEvents.com

* Black Violin

Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Plumosa School of the Arts, 2501 Seacrest Blvd. in Delray Beach. Classically trained violinists Kev Marcus and Will B take their instrument to the next level by infusing it with hip hop beats. The two have performed at President Obama’s inauguration and collaborated with major artists such as Kanye West, Aerosmith, P. Diddy and more. Tickets $35 to $75 benefiting the Plumosa School. Call 561-402-3639 or visit PlumosaFoundation.org

* Larry Coryell

Nov. 16 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Arts Garage, 180 NE First St. in Delray Beach. The guitar legend of the ‘70s merges rock and jazz together in an unforgettable performance. Tickets $25 to $45. Call 561-450-6357 or visit ArtsGarage.org.

Free Friday Concerts

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

Miami-Dade County Next to Normal

Nov. 7 to 10 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The rock musical explores the impact that a mother’s bipolar disorder has on her family.

Tickets $34.50 to $39.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org. soflagaynews //

Photo courtesy of Josh Groban’s Facebook

Josh Groban

Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. Those who have fallen in love with Groban’s voice will be in for a treat as he hits South Florida. Tickets $49.50 to $99.50. Visit TheBBTCenter.org.

Sleeping Beauty

Nov. 8 to 10 and Nov. 13 to 17 at FIU’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center, 10910 SW 17th St. in Miami. The fairytale continues in this comedy of Goody the fairy, who places a curse on Sleeping Beauty, and the following story of Beauty rescuing her baby from her ogre mother in law.

Tickets $10 to $15. Call 305-348-0496 or visit wpac.fiu. edu/theatre.

* Knowledge & Noise

Through Nov. 16 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Shores. A brother and sister are bored and curious, so they set off to the “unknown.”

Tickets $20. Call 305-751-9550.

* The History of the Eagles

Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601

SouthFloridaGayNews

Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. The band that has put hit after hit for decades on end comes together. Tickets $67.30 to $203.40. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Known for their hits “Thrift Shop” and “Same Love.” Tickets $46.10 to $56.30. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena.com.

* Golden Dragon Acrobats

Nov. 24 and 25 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. The award-winning show brings together centuries of ancient Chinese music, dance and acrobatics to the stage. Tickets $34.50 to $39.50. Call 305-466-8002 or visit AventuraCenter.org.

The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

C

DateBook

Community Calendar

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County * American Sign Language 2

Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at 690 NE 13th St. #103 in Fort Lauderdale. $30 donation to Pride South Florida and Florida Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. Enroll to bbmpride@gmail.com.

Not on Allen Street

Nov. 7 to Jan. 12, 2014 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, 1650 Harrison St. in Hollywood. The newest work by photographer Francie Bishop Good.

Opening reception Nov. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., including the opening of five other exhibits at the center. Tickets $10 for nonmembers and free for members. Call 954921-3274 or visit ArtAndCultureCenter.org.

* Helping Mature Drivers

Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Seniors are invited to meeting with trained volunteers to help adjust their cars to make driving easier and safer.

* Veterans Day at the Parks

Nov. 10 at Broward County Parks. Visit Broward.org/ Parks for a list of parks that are coordinating special celebrations, hikes and barbecues for our nation’s veterans. Veterans and military personnel will be able to enter the parks for free. Call 954-357-8100.

* AARP Driver Safety Course

Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Get a good brush up on driver safety. Bring driver’s license and AARP card, if member. Cost $12 AARP members, $12 nonmembers. Call Betty Greenfield 954-531-0343.

* The Lang Ye Taoist Esoteric Qigong

Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Goddess Store, 2017 Harrison St. in Hollywood. All levels of qi gong students are welcome for a day-long exercise of the five elements. Cost $75. Visit heandeinstitute.com.

* Pride Center Flea Market

First Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

Scour through arts and crafts from area vendors every month. Call 954-463-9005.

PFLAG

Gender Bender Youth Group

Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com

Survivor Support

First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

Palm Beach County * Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Nov. 16 to April 20, 2014 at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. With your replica boarding pass of an actual passenger in hand, enter the world of 1912 on board the Titanic. Tickets $9. Call 561-843-1988 or visit SFScienceCenter.org.

* WITVA Showcase

Through Dec. 8 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts Crest Theatre Galleries, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Art by members of Women in the Visual Arts. Call 561-243-7922 or DelrayArts.org.

* Movies That Changed the World

Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach.

A look at early cinema and how it impacted the movie industry. Tickets $10, members free. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org

* South Florida Symphony Orchestra

Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts Crest Theatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach.

The orchestra returns for the season in the Master Concert Series. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org or SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

Miami-Dade County *Modern Buddhist Meditation

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

Mondays and Tuesdays at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Find inner peace with instruction on meditation with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu. Cost $10 and $5 per class.

Call 786-529-7137.

GayWrites

* Book Study

First and third Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall Library, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

Join other LGBT writers to work on your latest story, memoir or novel. Free. Email garri1@earthlink.net

SunServe Youth Group

Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Nurbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-5297137.

* Prayers For World Peace

Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon at he Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist teacher, Todd Ellenberg will lead prayers and meditation. Cost $10. Call 786-529-7137.

Visit SFGN.com/datebook soflagaynews //

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N

DateBook Nightlife

By Christiana Lilly, Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward County Alibi

2266 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Best and longest happy hour; Wednesdays $2 domestics and $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Call 954-565-2526 or visit GeorgiesAlibi.com.

Angel’s Cafe

2287 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Enjoy happy hour on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. with $3 wines and beers, free snacks, raffles, and music by DJ Sol. Two-for-one Sunday dinner special. Valet parking in rear. Call 954-900-5217.

The Club Fort Lauderdale

110 NW Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. A gym oasis with a pool, steam room, hot tub and half-priced rooms on Tuesday nights and half-priced lockers on Thursdays. Call 954-525-3344 or visit TheClubs.com.

Johnny’s

1116 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. Sixty hot dancers with drink specials to make it even sweeter.

Call 954-522-5931 or visit JohnnysBarFLcom

The Manor

2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dance club Friday and Saturday nights.Call 954-626-0082 or

Hot ’n horny hookups.

visit TheManorComplex.com. Call 954-626-0082 or visit TheManorComplex.com.

Naked Grape Wine Bar & Tapas 2163 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. A casual, hip bar to try out all sort of wines. Happy Hour all night on Thursdays. Call 954-563-5631 or visit NakedGrapeWineBar.com.

Rumors Bar & Grill

2426 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Come check out Rumors Bar & Grill. Call 954.565.8851 or visit rumorsbarwm.com

Sidelines Sports & Video Bar

2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Relax with a cold beer for some friendly competition on the pool table. Call 954-563-8001 or visit SidelinesSports.com.

Swinging Richards

1350 SW 2nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. Fully nude male dancers for the best shows in the South.

Call 954-357-5521 or visit SwingingRichards.com.

Village Pub Wilton Manors

2283 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Never miss out on a happy hour, as the pub is serving up two-forone drinks Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, hit the dance floor with world class VJs. Call 754-200-5244.

Palm Beach County

Eros Lounge

522 Lucerne Ave. in Lake Worth. Tea Dance Sundays with great service, food and drinks. Call 561-586-0080.

Score

The Cottage Fort Dix

6205 Georgia Ave. in West Palm Beach. A great place to mingle and relax with DJs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 561-533-5355.

727 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Located in the heart of South Beach with hot male dancers, Pop Fever Thursdays and Filthy Gorgeous parties Fridays.

Call 305-561-5521 or visit ScoreBar.net.

H.G. Roosters

Twist South Beach

Vita Ultra Lounge Saturdays

Key West

823 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. The city’s oldest gay club, with hot male dancer, free BBQ and karaoke. Cal 561-832-9119.

1225 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. LGBT Saturdays with the best drag queens around. Call 561835-8482 or visit VitaUltraLounge.com.

Miami-Dade County Azucar

2301 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami. Jock night Wednesdays, drag Thursdays, girls night Fridays and more. Call 305-443-7657 or visit AzucarMiami.com

Club Space

34 NE 11th St. in Miami. Come out for a night at the infamous nightclub known for crazy all-nighters to the best live electronic dance music. Call 305-3501956 or visit ClubSpace.com.

Discotekka

950 NE Second Ave. in Miami. Come on Saturday nights for some of the best DJs around. Call 305-3509084 or visit Discotekka.com.

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8201 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Bingo Tuesdays and Born to be a Drag Fridays. Call 305-754-3444 or visit ErosLoungeMiami.com.

SouthFloridaGayNews

1057 Washington Ave. in Miami Beach. Multiple rooms to give you the music you want, muscle boy dancers, and never a cover. Call 305- 538-9478 or visit TwistSoBe.com.

801 Girls Cabaret

801 Duval St. in Key West. The island’s only daytime drag show. Call 305-923-9296 or visit 801Girls.com

Bottlecap Groove Lounge

1128 Simonton St. in Key West. Thursday pool tournaments and dance parties Friday and Saturday nights. Tips during Happy Hour on Fridays will benefit a different nonprofit every week. Call 305296-2807 or visit BottlecapKeyWest.com.

The Bourbon St. Pub

724 Duval St. in Key West. Get a taste of New Orleans with the best video bar with live DJs every night. Call 305-296-1992.

Club Aqua

711 Duval St. in Key West. Dueling bartenders on Mondays as they sing, shake and stir their way to victory. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

Classifieds accommodations

PERFECT VACATION RENTALS! Spring & Summer specials from $69/night and $395/week.Award Winning Gay Hotel. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Self Catering Apts. with Full Kitchen.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, private parking. Central to Wilton Manors &HauloverBeach.Incl.Wi-Fi utilities, cable, tel. Gay Owned & Operated. Pets Welcome.

Celebrating 15 YearsCall Joe or Jack at (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com *Four Week+ Relocation Discounts Offered* LOOKING FOR LODGIING NEAR SUNLIFE STADIUM? Completely furnished luxury 1/ BD/1BA Condo. Easy access to public transportation and major express ways.

Shopping and dining are in walking distance.

Gated Community and private parking.

Reasonably priced @$375 a week or $1,500 a month plus $400 processing and move in fees.

Call 305-793-8650.

air conditioning HONEST, RELIABLE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING SERVICES Gay owned and operated company, Eiland Air, Inc. 24 hour service. Reasonable prices.

Licensed & Insured #CAC1817222 Call Mike 786-247-6022

antiques/collectables

CLEAN IT RIGHT The best cleaning for your buck. 1BD $50, 2BD $60, 3BD $70. Excellent rates & references. 10 years in business. Serving Broward, North Miami Dade & S. Palm Beach.

Call Manny 954-560-4443

counseling/psychotherapy LICENSED CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR Dr. Saul Thermidor, FACCT # LCCP 0365011212 Licensed Christian Psychologist provides Christian counseling on LGBT, anger, violence & personal issues. I speak , English, French and Creole. Call 305-407-9397 day, evening & weekend!

TERRY DAVIS, LCSW, LLC #SW1079 Supportive male therapist, specializes in LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS,addictions, etc. Affordable, sliding scale. Eves/weekend. TdavisLCSW.com* (954) 731-5505

dentist

MOVIE POSTERS WANTED Private collector buying vintage movie posters, lobby cards, film stills, photography and other old entertainment memorabilia. Call for a free appraisal to find out what your stuff is worth! All calls confidential.

Ralph (800) 392-4050 email: sell@ralphdeluca.com WANTED!!!Stamp Collections and Accumulations. Please call me for more information. (954) 467-7128 OR (954)-614-9425.

John MacDonald

computers

cleaning services

HOME AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Residential and Commercial cleaning.

Experienced with references and provide free estimates. Call (305)-896-7494 or (214)-356-0684

*

attorneys

To place an ad call 954.530.4970 or visit SFGN.com/getlisted

COMPLETE COMPUTER REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - no extra charge for in-home.

FREE Computer tune-up with any service.

Replacement of laptop screen & key board.

Viruses, spyware, data recovery, lockouts & more. SAME DAY SERVICE - LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE Call Ernesto: 754-234-5598

HATE WINDOWS 8?We can bring back the look and feel of windows. Same day service. Call 954-986-1316 www.gaycomputerwiz.com PERSONAL COMPUTER TUTOR! Basic computer skills* Emailing pics /docs, scanning* Microsoft office programs*Excel, Word, Outlook and Powerpoint* Virus Removal* PC speed optimization* Secured Wireless home network setup* Wireless printer installation* PC purchasing consultant. Call (954) 980-0383 or email jamesjcarter22@gmail.com.

employment

ENTRY LEVEL SALES EXECUTIVE Full time Sales, Client Services, Direct Marketing, Lead Generation, Telemarketing & Email Services. Microsoft Word & Excel experience.

Competitive Salary plus Commission, Medical/Dental, 401k & Profit Sharing .

Email Resume: aleen@lighthouselist.com HANDYMAN WANTED Small local restaurant wanting handyman service part-time 954-496-9000 ACCOUNT MANAGERS ,BOOK KEEPERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Work your own flexible schedule! Pays $1500 to $2000 monthly plus benefits. Must be computer literate, have 2-3 hours access to the internet weekly . We are looking for efficient and dedicated people who are at least 21 years of age. contact us for more details .If you are interested and need more information send your resumes to ruthmace7@gmail.com

employment wanted PERSONAL ASSISTANT & MALE COMPANION SEEKING a part-time job as a personal assistant & male companion in Broward County. Will take you to doctors appointments. Help you w/ your grocery shopping. Refill or pick up medications. Will drive you to do all your errands & assist w/ daily household chores. Great driving record, honest, professional, reliable, trustworthy, & always willing to help and assist. If you have any further questions please call 954-5481798 or email Ltn69@yahoo.com Thank you.

EXPERIENCED , LICENSED BARTENDER I am available for parties, weddings, private events and more. Available evenings and weekends. Call 410-299-6874 for more info.

flood/fire

HANDYMAN NEEDED!! Part time handyman needed to with building projects. Painting, Tile work, Electrical, Construction. Wages based on experience. Call 954-892-0494

STATE-OF-THE-ART-DENTISTRY General & Cosmetic Dentistry Sedation Dentistry

BROWARD HOUSE Case Manager for MEGA program working with 18 – 30 year old MSM (men who have sex with men) at risk for substance abuse and HIV. Candidate with have a Bachelors degree and provide testing and case management services addressing health care, social supports, and other life areas.

Individual must also have the ability to facilitate groups specific to target population. Forward resumes to AThornberry@Browardhouse.org FINANCIAL OFFICER Responsible for maintaining financial, acctng, admin. and personnel services in order to meet legal requirements and support organizational operations. Email denise@ lgbtcenters.org for more information!

cars for sale VW Golf Rabbit 2006 For Sale, VW Golf Rabbit 06 well serviced, well-keptand in great shape with only 57,500 mileage. Registered until, 12/14. Ready to be picked up and driven home! Sporty , smart and nice looking car. Great on gas!!! Please call: 954.770.2795, miami. craigslist.org/brw/cto/3921656419.html

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

HOLIDAY DECORATOR NEEDED Looking for a holiday decorator or skilled person to help during Christmas season. Starting Nov 1, must be reliable ,trustworthy, respectful and energetic.Call Staps Interior Design 561-929-2434 NOW HIRING!! H&R Block in Wilton Manors is looking to hire experienced Tax Professionals.

Experience is required as you will be asked to take an assessment. Please send your resume to dustin.jacobs@hrblock.com or kerry.meistermiller@hrblock.com

soflagaynews //

furniture repair AAA FURNITURE HOSPITAL We specialize in gluing and clamping of” broken and loose” tables, chairs and occasional pieces.

Other services include repair of cigarette burns,perfume stains ,dog bites, water damage,recluner and sofa bed repairs. Free estimates 954-493-5221

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handyman DEREK’S HANDYMAN SERVICE Cabinet shop for all your Custom Made Cabinetry, Countertops and Cabinet Re-facing. MUST SEE OUR WORK! JUST ASK OUR CLIENTS! ALL Electrical to code, any/all plumbing work, drywall finish work/repair, crown/baseboard pro-install, int./ ext. painting, demo work. Pressure washing, DÉCOR TILE Install, complete home up-dates. Also, PGT Windows (Wholesale) and Frameless Shower Enclosures. For large jobs, 4 man crew available. WE HANDLE IT ALL!!! Instant call back direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek 954-825-5598 or email: DerekGallaway@att.net HUSBAND FOR RENT! Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - In the house or the yard, small or big jobs: Tiles, Dry walls, paint, Plumbing, Roof leaks, broken furniture, Irrigation, Fences & more. It doesn’t cost to hassle us to see the work- so why wait? Neat, clean work for reasonable price Haim, 954-275-0952, Sidnalll@yahoo.com

home improvement THINGS YOU NEED TO ACCOMPLISH? Minds at ease, A+ handyman service. Prompt, Reliable & Honest. Call Keldon Keller 954-551-3127 krkeller@aol.com

home care HEART TO HEART HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION If you or your loved one are elderly, or temporary or chronic disabled, we can help you with home chores (cooking, lighthouse cleaning, laundry) and bring companion for home or where you need to go. We will work with you to find the Plan that fits your needs. (954)226-4660. Right in the heart of Wilton Manors.

human resources WE GOT YOU COVERED! Advocates for student needs. Specializing in helping foster student and others transition into responsible, independent Adults. We are here to help find resources and outlets for stable and healthy adult lives. Call 786793-8650 for more information.

landscaping IRRIGATION SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE 19 years experience, excellent work, referrals upon request. Call Roberto 954383-8980

licensed massage

EXP. MATURE MALE WPB MASSEUR Incalls only, private studio setting by Belvedere/ SR7 in quiet area.Highly skilled, intuitive TOP NOTCH CONTRACTING Knows all and does all!! Many years experience and easy on the theraputic bodywork by friendly LMT. Affordable rates but cash only. Early to late, 7 days. eyes! Remodeling, Trimming, Ground molding, Call (561) 254-8065 for appt. or walk-in OK. Drywall, Painting, Landscaping, Roofing , Tile work, Electrical, Windows, Doors and more. Very RELIEVE STRESS & TENSION WITH MAGIC reasonable rates and free estimates. Call Shawn HANDS PRO MASSAGE (FL: MA51008) 954-549-8243

lawyer

AFFORDABLE AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and LomiLomi Massage for Men; in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio, NOW conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street, with plenty of free parking. Same Day appointments are welcome; please call Jim, 954-600-5843 email: info@massagebyjim.com or visit my website for testimonials, rates and more. GREAT OPENING SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE! www.massagebyjim.com Licensed and Certified MM22293

pets STEVEN JAY’S LOVING WAYS PET CARE! I care for your pet in my home. One client at a time if requested. Multiple pets and all pets welcome! I have a very clean home and low rates! Call Steven Jay , 954 -565-1996 BEAUTIFUL PEKINGESE! Special Pekes, for Special people!! Please call for more information. 954-566-5069

WPB/ LAKE WORTH MASSEUR Strong, caring perceptive therapist for your body in need. Full time therapist for over 15 years! Easy and relaxed home studio for your comfort and healing.

Convenient and affordable, flexible hours, in and out calls. MA64031, Alan 954-279-9935 www. alantherapy4u.com WILTON MANORS MASSAGE Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports. $59 Swedish Hour. call or Text Chris Tunkus 954-258-8779 1322 NE 4th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL www.WiltonManorsMassage.com THE BRITISH POUND John Maroussas LMT Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Trigger Point, Swedish, Salt or Sugar Scrubs.

Private Studio w/ Shower. Wilton Manors Location near Bill’s Lic#MA51123 954-999-2240 REIKI MASSAGE BY JONATHAN Relieves stress and all other negative energy. You will feel great!

One visit will convince you. For more information or to schedule and appt. Call Jonathan 954-549-8243

Dog Walking: $10.00 starting at Pet Sitting: $40.00 In House Pet Sitting: $45.00 Training: $10.00 starting per visit Pet Taxi (FTL Area): $20.00 Dependable • Reliable Service Delivered with Love and Respect

954-297-5336

RECESSION RELIEF $40 per 90 MIN - Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts.

Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach. 16 years experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628

www.greendogpetservices.com

Lic# 11000106488

piano for sale LOVELY FAMILY STEINWAY & SONS GRAND PIANO Walnut color with Piano bench incl. Lived with same family since 1960. It taught their two daughters and now has taught the grandson how to play. Its parents are 75 and 89 years old and are moving to a small apartment and cannot bring it with them.It needs a new home with an owner who will love it and enjoy its marvelous sound .

Last tuned in June 2013. Appraised at $20K , will sell for $ 12K. Email Bobbi55bhi@aol.com

piano lessons WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher.

All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call (954)826-9555 for more information..

painting services PAINTING - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Residential & Commercial. Drywall & stucco repair. 20+ years experience in Broward. Lic & ins. CC#92-6690-PU-X. Great references. Call Bob for a free estimate 954-465-1041

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SouthFloridaGayNews

plumber BUTLER PLUMBING, INC.Residential & Commercial, Licensed & Insured, Palm Beach 561-613-338, Broward 954 -999-3315, Miami-Dade 786-999-2152 24/7 -365 days,info@butler-plumbing.com, www.bultlerplumbing.com“ Just tell your friends the BUTLER did it”

pool services POOL SERVICE Mention this ad and receive your first month

FREE! some restrictions apply

Serving Broward Since 1999

Call for a free estimate: 954-367-7007 Web: www.skimmerspools.com Email: skimmerspoolservice@gmail.com

condo for sale MANOR GROVE CONDOS Two bedrooms with two baths ,condo for sale.1180 sq ft located in a nice and quiet community. Beautiful pool with clubhouse and friendly neighbors. $145k. Call Louisa for more information 561-654-8708

real estate for sale DAYTONA BEACH Gay rental complex for sale 2br home + 5 detached rental units beach side.

Owner financing real estate, trade or cash down. $420k DaytonaGayComplex.com

FIXER UPPERS! Bargains, lowest prices. These home needs work. Call or go online for a free list with pictures. Free recorded msg.1-800-6795965 1D#1048 Mathew L. Eicholz, P.A. Weichert Realtors,3045 N. Fed Hwy, Ft. Laud 33306

rent/lease furnished

PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS!! 4 WEEK + SPECIAL FROM $325 A WEEK!!!. Gay Owned & Operated Apartment Hotel. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts.With Full Kitchens.Turn-key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Central to Wilton Manors & Haulover Beach. Incl. Wi-Fi, utilities, cable, tel.

Pets Welcome. Call Joe or Jack at(954) 9270090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

rent/lease west palm beach

PB COUNTY-LAKE PARK 2/1 CONDO 2nd Floor Corner - Next to Kelsey Park across from Intracoastal Great Locations. $750 per month - 1 year Lease • No Pets • No Smoking • 1st & Security Call 561-310-0615

rent/lease wilton manors

LARGE 2BR/1 BA Beautiful wood floors, private yard, single family home with canvas covered parking, amazing bonus room, washer/ dryer. Quiet neighborhood walking distance to Wilton Drive/restaurants, clubs, etc. Background check/credit check required. Available NOW!!! $1,650month Please call Terri Wright with Sea Island Realty, Inc 954-401-4918

Visit SFGN.com

rent/lease pompano beach

PALM AIRE Affordable and ready to move in.

Beautiful 1 bedroom King Apt. 1.5 bath, new flooring and freshly painted walls. Can be furnished or unfurnished. A great place to live!!

Call Myron 201-214-3992.

NEWLY RENOVATED 2BR APARTMENT Very private location, all stainless appliances ,tile throughout, minutes from beach, small dogs and cats ok, includes gas, water and electric $1300/ mo , first and security, for more info call Sean 954-621-7009

rent/lease ft. lauderdale LAKERIDGE FURN. GARDEN STUDIO Central to beach/downtown/Wilton Drive.Clean newly ren. 1 rm and bath. Lg. private fenced courtyard. private entry with parking,laundry onsite, water and electric included. $765/mo. 1st and security with lease. Avail March 1st call 941-548-7989 MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE 1/1 efficency $675/ mo. Or $165/week, 6 mos or 1 year lease. Large 3BD house $1,250, carport, office, and all tile.

Pay your first month’s rent with an approved application and you’re in. Water & electric included* Call for details. 954-527-9225 HUGE 2/2 POOL DUPLEX - POMPANO BEACH Updated, Lushly Landscaped, East of Fed Hwy 1 Mile to Beach, D/R, Sep. Laundry W/D, Fab Lrg Pool, New Central AC, Tile Floors, Small Dog or Cat ok. $1390, Available 2/1/13 Call Tim: 754-235-2911 1BD APARTMENT UPSTAIRS 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale $700/Mo. Yearly Call 954-764-0212 or 954-581-2573 LARGE TOWNHOME WITH POOL, EAST FORT LAUDERDALE Beautiful 2BR/2BA townhome in quiet 5-plex.Large eat-in kitchen with center island, central a/c, ceiling fans,Washer/dryer in unit, dishwasher, sparkling pool and more. All in tropical paradise within 5 minutes of the Atlantic Ocean & 1-95 & 8 minutes to Wilton Drive. Master bedroom has walk-in closet and sliding glass doors to private balcony.

Great neighbors and neighborhood .Small pet ok.$1,250 /mo. Check out photos & complete descriptions at www.YourPerfectApartment.com or call Rick at 954-253-1929 1BR/1BA Condo Oakland Park Near Wilton Manors. Pet Friendly. Recently remodeled bathroom. Wood and tile floors. Dixie Hwy. $775/ mo call 305.304.8405 EAST OAKLAND PARK Remodeled 2 BDRM/ 2 BA, super clean, 2nd floor unit in small quaint complex, available ASAP w/ credit/background checks/ assoc. approval. $1150/mo., first, last, security. Call Jeff Sullivan, EWM Realtors, 954383-2117 2BR/2BA MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE Charming 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with Gated Private Back Yard, Front Yard, Tile Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Washer and Dryer, 2 Private Off Street Parking Spaces and Pet Friendly. Walking distance to Wilton Drive. Centrally located and convenient to downtown, beach/shopping. Available November 1st.first/last /security deposit. By appt only , call Mike at 954-614-6603

roommates LAUDERLAKES ROOMATE WANTED Share a 2/2 on lake w/ hot tub, private bath, W/D , dishwasher ,central a/c and cable. $ 400/mo includes utilities & internet. Looking for a mature professional. 1st & security deposit. Background check req. Call Gary 954-803-0885 MALE ROOMMATE WANTED Male roommate wanted for 2/1/13. Beautiful WPB 2BD/2BA apt to share $650/Mo. Water, Elect, Waste Mgt included. Deposit + 1st. mo. Required. Call 561316-7236 soflagaynews //

SouthFloridaGayNews // SFGN.com // 11.6.13 //

59

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