FLORIDA DIGEST December 16, 2008

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Allow gay marriage. They have a right to be miserable too.
Enough with the bickering about gays not being allowed to marry. They have the right to alimony, divorce, fighting, child support, etc. They have the right to be miserable like the 60 percent of heterosexual marriages.
Rick Danza, Hollywood
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-br544pndec15,0,6836493.story


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Attached are application forms for ArtExplosion 2009. There are three forms as follows:
1. Visual Art Exhibit which runs 2/2-28/09
2. Erotic Exhibit one night only on 2/7/09
3. Performance Artists one night only on 2/7/09
Please select the form(s) appropriate for you.
Because we have developed a new Gay and Lesbian Literary Arts Festival for April, authors are not included in ArtExplosion this year at ArtServe. The other changes this year are admission to the opening reception is $10, up from $5, and there is an application fee of $20 for members submitting work for the main exhibit. In the past we have relied on sponsors to cover most of the expenses related to producing ArtExplosion. In today's economy, a number of our sponsors are not able to support us this year. We will be providing all applicants with 2 passes to the Opening Reception, which is a $20 value. We hope this will not discourage any of you from participating.Chuck Williams
President
ArtsUnited, Inc.
954-530-2723


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GLCC Year End Appeal
Dear GLCC Stakeholders and Friends:
As a dynamic year comes to a close, I would like to personally thank you for your generosity as a supporter of the GLCC and the important work that we do. During the last year we have experienced tremendous growth with the acquisition of our new campus. The GLCC completed a Strategic Planning process more than two years ago and the public's message was clear - you want a home where you can connect and come together-- not only for services, but for social, spiritual and cultural experiences. Our plans for the new campus include all of these and more. In order to grow the GLCC's programs and services, the Board and management team have embraced the following planning priorities: Priority #1: Increase diversity and unity relative to staff, board, membership and the greater community. Priority #2: Communicate to enhance awareness of Mission, Vision and Values. Priority #3: Ensure financial stability, integrity and operating efficiency. Priority #4: Achieve enhanced levels of community engagement and satisfaction with programs and services. Priority #5: Enrich gay culture in the community.
We are particularly proud of our:
. United Way funded Domestic Violence Hotline
. Crime Prevention and Civic Empowerment (SafetyNET) program funded by the Community Foundation of Broward
. Lavender Events for Women
. Senior Advisory Council-Coffee and Conversation and Name That Tune
. State of Florida Department of Health funded Rapid HIV Testing (more than 250 tests per month) and P.A.L.S. Project HIV prevention and support programs
. 50+ groups that meet each week
. Volunteer staffed Switchboard Hotline
Fundraising is the foundation on which all of this is built. In order to continue our growth, I am asking you to include the GLCC as a significant part of your 2008 year-end giving plans. Growing membership, securing sponsorships and grants, succeeding in our upcoming capital campaign will ensure that the community benefits from the GLCC's offerings well into the future.
Sincerely,
Paul Hyman
Executive Director
http://www.glccsf.org/membership/index.htm


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Wilton Manors: A Holiday Celebration, Free Trolley and Refreshments
It's not often you get an invitation to attend 25 private parties. The Island City Art Walk continues to thrive even in difficult times. Please visit Wilton Manors between 7 - 10 pm on Friday, December 19, for our monthly Art Walk. Twenty-five businesses will host over 35 fine artists along the one mile stretch known as The Drive. Many of the eclectic shops will have special Holiday shopping sales. The local artists will offer a variety of original works: paintings, photography and sculptures, all wonderful gift ideas. Take a hiatus from the malls and join us for the fun in historical Wilton Manors, one of Florida's premiere small towns, which offers fine restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The Island City Art Walk provides a free trolley and the participating business sponsors will be serving refreshments. The Island City Art Walk is organized by Island City, Inc. and is sponsored by the following business members. The Island City Art Walk takes place on the Third Friday of the month and will continue through April 17, 2009. Wilton Manors is situated between Sunrise Blvd. and Oakland Park Blvd. East of I-95 and West of Federal Highway. Please see Directions/Map Page for further information:
http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/directions.html


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Happy Holidays from the Dolphin Democrats!
CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDE SHOW OF OUR HOLIDAY PARTY
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/yA3jV5hv


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles

-Florida's 27 electors cast historic ballot for Barack Obama
State Rep. Joe Gibbons, a son of Harlem, lived to see a day he never thought would come. On Monday, he was among Florida's 27 presidential electors to cast their ballots for Barack Obama, helping send the first black president to the White House.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-flfelectors1216sbdec16,0,6897734.story


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