A THANK YOU for the Butler Picnic

On Sunday, July 18, 80 people gathered at Butler's Alameda Park to share in a picnic sponsored by Persad Center's "Community Safe Zone Project" (CSZP) and Butler County PFLAG. CSZP is a program of Persad Center which provides GLBTQI community building projects and events to non-urban areas outside of Pittsburgh. Directed by Ted Hoover of Persad, this new program and Butler County PFLAG sponsored a showing of "Out in the Silence" in May.

CSZP is at work in five counties and is organizing similiar activities there.

At the July 18 gathering, the widely diverse and happy crowd talked, played games, and listened to a presentation about CSZP, PFLAG, Dreams of Hope, DELTA Foundation, and Persad's outreach to the HIV community. Grilled burgers and hot dogs as well as a "groaning board" of salads, side dishes, and desserts filled up the guests who also participated in a "50/50" for the benefit of PFLAG. A discussion among the crowd was held concerning PFLAG's role in bringing faculty and staff training on GLBTQI issues to the Butler Area School District; a current project of Butler County PFLAG.

Many new connections were made and old friendships renewed. Representatives from many GLBTQI organizations were present to share information about their groups. It was a wonderful day for all!

Many heartfelt thanks are extended to Ted Hoover for his superb organization, to all those who attended and to those who sent their well wishes for a good day.