Community News

Adoptions From The Heart Honors local adoption pioneers Joey And Jeff Grego

ERIE, PA, - Oct. 18,2005 - Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH), a licensed, non-profit agency offering domestic and international adoptions, will present Joey Grego with a Pioneer in Adoption Award as one of seven honorees to be honored for his contributions at AFTH's 20th anniversary gala in November, National Adoption Month. Joey will also accept the award for his partner Jeff Grego, who died in a small plane crash in late August. The couple became AFTH's first same sex parents when they adopted Zoey and Clay, now teenagers, Adoption pioneers who paved the way for second parent adoption in Pennsylvania, Jeff and Joey took their cause to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the belief that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, has the right to adopt their partner's children. The pair claimed victory when second parent adoption became legal in Pennsylvania. That same year, they received the "People of the Year" award from the Philadelphia Gay News.

"These are two people who had an impact on society, not just the adoption community. Jeff's loss is tremendous, but his legacy will live on," said Maxine Chalker, MSW, LSW, founder and executive director of AFTH.

Since opening in 1985, AFTH has gone from facilitating just 16 adoptions to nearly 500 domestic and international adoptions in 2004, and from no budget to a record $5 million. With 12 offices, AFTH is licensed in PA, NJ, DE, VA, WV, and NY and is approved to place children with families in CT. It is one of the largest placing agencies for domestic infants on the East Coast and coordinates international adoptions with 10 countries.

—Adoptions from the Heart

Raphael's Tavern welcomes you

Raphael's Tavern, 363 West Eighth Street, is the first smoke-free tavern in Erie. The tavern's owners also want the GLBT community to know that everyone is welcome at Raphael's.

The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, 3 PM to 2 AM. They are located at the corner of 8th & Chestnut Streets.

 

Zone raises $$$ for Katrina Victims

The Zone raised $202 dollars from the sale of the red crosses for the Katrina hurricane relief fund and the owners, Bob and Lou, matched the donation for a total of $404 - every little bit helped!- thanks for your support from the Zone!

—from Jared

Buffalo's "Cause for Celebration" moves to Statler Golden Ballroom

The gala annual fundraiser for AIDS community Services of WNY— "Cause for Celebration"—is moving! Look for one of Buffalo's favorite events November 5th, 2005 at the beautiful Statler Golden Ballroom in downtown Buffalo. This year's theme is "Saturday Night Fever at Studio 54" so dig those platform shoes out of the attic and start practicing your disco dance moves! There will be live music, dancing, special entertainment, casino gaming, our famous art auction, luscious desserts and much more! Pre-Cause parties are, of course, welcome throughout the year, so call us at (716)847-0340 for more information.

If you don't have an outfit for Cause yet, DivineFinds vintage boutique is offering a 15% discount when you mention Cause for Celebration. DivineFinds is located at 220 Lexington Avenue, just off the Elmwood Strip in Buffalo. www.divinefinds.com/

—AIDS Community Services of Western New York

New bar opens in Olean, NY

A new bar has opened up in Olean New York.

Mixers is at 204 Coleman Street, Olean, NY 14760 They are open Wednesday - Saturday 4 PM to close Sunday Noon - close (716) 372-1004

 

PFLAG NWPA rep meets with Curt Sonney

On September 22nd, a small delegation of people who live in the 4th legislative district of PA visited with Curt Sonney, Republican, who is our representative in the PA House of Representatives. We discussed legislative issues regarding equal rights for GLBT people. He was open minded regarding that issue. We made him aware of previous attempts by Representative Birmelin and other members of the PA legislature to attach anti-gay amendments to various bills in order to diminish equal rights for GLBT people. A lesbian member of our group requested help regarding a legislative matter and he was very receptive to her request. Mr. Sonney supports the concept of equal opportunity in employment, housing and public accommodations, as articulated in Erie County's Human Relations Commission Ordinance, which specifically bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

—Maureen

Lambda Ball on Nov. 12

The theme if the 18th annual Lambda Ball is "An Evening in Paradise." The Ball will be held on Saturday, November 12 at the Grand Ballroom, Pittsburgh Hilton and Towers, in Pittsburgh PA. This is a black tie event. There will be cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent auction, and live entertainment by "After Dark." For ticket information call (412) 521-5444 or visit www.lambdapgh.org Contact the Pittsburgh Hilton at (412)391-4600 for special Lambda Ball room rates. Proceeds benefit The Lambda Foundation. The Lambda Foundation exists to foster for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People - educational, social, cultural, health and artistic projects and programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area through grants and scholarships to organizations and individuals. The Lambda Foundation was incorporated in 1983. The first grants were awarded in 1984. Over the past 20 years the Foundation has raised nearly a half a million dollars and has granted back to the community over $500,000. (General Grants, Lambda Scholarships, Pittsburgh Tavern Guild Frank Borelli AIDS Fund, Buzz Pusateri Alpha to Omega AIDS Fund).

—Lambda Foundation

 

World AIDS Day at Cascade United Methodist

The 17th Annual World AIDS Day observance will be held at the Cascade United Methodist Church located at 1001 West 21st Street. A worship service entitled "A Candlelight Service of Love and Assurance in the Face of HIV and AIDS" will be held Thursday, December 1st at 7 PM in the church sanctuary. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service. The United Methodist Church celebrates "Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors." All are welcome! God loves us unconditionally and welcomes us as we are and where we are. For more information you may call Rev. Russell Shuluga at 452-3364. or 452-2870.

—from Cascade United Methodist

Pride March/Rally planning for next year

Meeting for next year's Pride March/Rally set for Panera's in Yorktown Plaza, 2501 W 12th St, Erie PA for Sunday, November 13 at 2 PM. Contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com for more info.

—from Mike Mahler

More Light Presbyterian weekend

Join with a group of More Light Presbyterian (MLP) members and supporters for a reflective weekend in the country an hour north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Called "Sharing Our Journey: Sojourning Together" the regional conference will be held November 11-13, 2005 Camp Crestfield-Slippery Rock, PA (Just off I-79). Our program will be built around stories as told by GLBT folks and their families and recorded by the Community House Church Learning Center. Listen for the disclosive spaces and reflective points in these stories. Hear them as modern parables. Hear success stories from high schools and colleges. Celebrate our creation in God's image in creative worship. Free time to explore the Slippery Rock Creek and camp trails….rest…talk. What to expect: Two nights in a warm bed. Five delicious meals. Get to know people in a richer way and come home richer for it. For information, and to register online, go to www.mlp.org email pgh_regional_mlp@verizon.net

——from More Light Presbyterians