---

To go back to the top of the page, click here

---

Planning Meeting Notes 

 

Planning meeting March 15, 2009

Announcement:

New GLBT center opening in town. 1300 Locust – a half block from Ritual Café. They need books, office supplies and equipment.

Treasurer’s Report:

What we’ve spent money on this past year:

• Support Iowa women’s music festival
• flowers for WCCers who have been ill or lost loved ones
• Purchased a portable hard drive to store digital images of our historical documents
• Newsletter printing and postage costs
• Pride ads and booth.

We have a little over $3,000.

Monthly Events:

April – concert with Iowa City musicians. Sandy G. is coordinating.

May – camping weekend. Checking out sites. We think the Astor location is filled already; may move it to Dogs Bain. We will reserve 4-6 sites and ask those who plan to camp to pay ahead of time so no one gets stuck paying for sites that were requested but then women don’t show up. Bonnie C. and Elaine R. will be in charge or organizing this event.

June is Pride Month. Dates: June 12-14 th. Pride Guide Ad due date – March 27th. We voted to pay for a ¼ page ad for $110. It was also suggested that we ask Capital City Pride to place an ad in our WCC newsletter. Pride Guide will be distributed on May 4 th. Jan B. will contact Megan 515-9716022. prideguideads@capitalcitypride.org to pay for the ad. Sandy G will create the ad.

Pride Parade route changing this year. It will go on the east side of the Capital and end in the East Village.

Vendor sites need to be reserved by April 3 rd. $75 per booth. One table two chairs. Jan B. will also take care of this. Set up is between 10:00-11:30 a.m. The booth needs to be staffed at all times. We will be seeking volunteers to staff the WCC booth.

July – picnic at Big Creek. Jan B. will reserve Cadet Shelter for July 25.

July 4 th TDD will change to Chris and Nancy’s house for a potluck. We will not go to Raccoon River.

August 22 nd - Krista Williamson, a friend from Kansas City who launched a new business, K2Workshops,  will offer a basic home repair skills workshop. Her business caters to women and is taught by women, to provide a safe, friendly and fun environment to learn basic home repair skills. Besides information on basic tools and home repair, she offers advice on preparing a home for sale.  Check out her new website www.k2workshops.org .

September 2009 – Diane W. will try to schedule a concert with Laura Berkson.

Sept. 12 th is the Iowa City Women’s Music Festival.

We discussed the WCC 30 th anniversary reunion. We decided to move the reunion to spring since we recently learned the 30 th anniversary is really next year. Our efforts to learn more about our history lead us to revise our anniversary date.

October – We’re not sure exactly when LVF will be held (maybe Oct. 17 th?) – we talked about having newsletters available for distribution and then agreed to instead offer an item for auction. We will work on making a WCC basket for the auction.

 

Other Business:

Cindy Wiley’s ad is done and will be removed from the newsletter and website.

Our one year subscription is up on Lesbian Connection magazine. We will renew it and make a donation of $100.

 

Next Planning Meeting:

Sunday, 30 th of August, 2009.

---

Planning Meeting December 14, 2008

 

Sandy V. asked if her newsletter subscription fees could be waived by WCC in exchange for her help with the printing of the newsletter and other work she does for WCC. Attendees agreed unanimously.

Sandy V. will be going to Denver to talk about LGBT aging. She just came back from another conference on these topics. She will be putting together a meeting of those interested in needs for aging LGBT folks. She is working with SAGE (Services & Advocacy For GLBT Elders, see www.sageusa.org).

Susan J. reports that Carol Mulling’s mom called to say how much they appreciated WCC and what a special group we are. We also talked about finding ways to bridge personality conflicts among those in the group. We plan to do outreach with people who have fallen away. Marie K. will begin by writing an article for the newsletter. Chris B. will maybe write up another piece for the newsletter. We should go through newsletter list to see who hasn’t come for awhile and make an effort to get in touch with them.

If you need a ride to WCC events, call us or email (wcc@iowawcc.org) and let us know. We need to do a “needs assessment” to find out what services women need and want.

Susan also talked about how WCC could reach out to women in our community who have felt less welcome. We all agreed we would try to do more to invite people to join us at events who haven’t come in a long time.

Monthly Coffeehouse Planning

Jan. 24 th, 2009- Carnival
Susan J., Kathy M. and Marie K. will help. Carnival will include booths with bingo, maybe a fish pond, palm reading, faux tattooing, angel cards (Yvonne?), chair massage, cake walk. Admission fee will pay for tickets that you can spend anywhere. Women are asked to bring white elephants for prizes. Chris B. will help with something.

Feb. 28 th – maybe Laura Berkson will sing for us.

March 28 th – have a true coffee house where we exchange coffees, teas, hot chocolate, bring cds of women’s music we like, conversation. We will switch with Laura if this week would works better for her schedule. Chris B. and Marie K. will coordinate this coffeehouse. Maybe Barb and Betty would be willing to be part of planning this event. Maybe Shelly would volunteer.

 

April 25th – pizza and movie night – Diana will be in charge.

May 31 st - camping and possibly drumming. Bonnie and Judy or Lisa and Elaine (or all of them) could be in charge of organizing. Sandy and Kathy will twist their arms.

June is pride month.

August – maybe home improvement workshop. Sandy G. has a friend who is starting a business of teaching women basic home maintenance. Iowa State Fair is Aug 13-23.

Sandy K. has an idea for another WCC roadtrip/vacation in place of Itasca but she was not at the planning meeting so we did not discuss it at length.

History of WCC

Susan and Marie met with Morgan and we have all the old newsletters. Susan J. will loan her scanner to Marie K. who has volunteered to scan the historical documents and submit them to archives somewhere…possibly Iowa State Historical Society.

This year is WCC 30 th anniversary!

We discussed the idea of having a reunion. We will look into renting a spot like Walnut Woods or Raccoon River for a September gathering.

Sandy V. will ask about non-profit rates for Raccoon River.

We will need help and volunteers for the planning of this special event.

---

WCC Planning Meeting August 24, 2008

• TDD: Need new volunteers: Marie volunteered to take over with back-up from Chris G. Sandy G. volunteered to continue to do the TDD card. Kathy volunteered to email a list of previous TDD places. Discussed whether to cut TDDs to once a month. Turn-out is affected by the need for reservations as well as prices. We discussed about cutting it to once a month and entertained a suggestion to change to a Saturday night.

We agreed to change to Saturday night – make it the alternate of Wed. Eat Out groups.

Suggested restaurant – Ruby Tuesday.

 

• Contact page for the newsletter needs updating. Chris Brown offered to help and Marie will also assist.

Coffeehouses

Sept. Coffeehouse – Catch the WCC spirit. Bring drums or other instruments. Dream cards, goddess cards, sweat lodge cards – Susan J. has cards and resources we could use. Ask others like Billie W, Shelley. Tarot card readings (ask Anita if she’ll help). Ask Yvonne if she will read hands. Chris G. will coordinate this event.

Other events in Sept.: Sept. 20th Iowa City women’s music festival and Lisa and Elaine’s party.

Discussed using Walnut Woods shelter. Found out It’s $200 to rent (which is too much). Other suggestions: Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Oct. – first weekend is Pride; Oct. 18th weekend is LVF;

Paula and Donna volunteered to do something on the 25 th of Oct. perhaps view Celluloid Closet movie and dress up for a pre-Halloween thing.

Nov. – 29 th – Annual Thanksgiving potluck – Chris and Nancy volunteer for game night.

Dec. – holiday party; place suggestions – Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse; Kathy will help with this; early in the month. Need reservations early. Suggested date: Dec. 6 th.

Jan. – Carnival night – Susan J. , Chris G., Kathy M. will help. Susan J. is in charge.

PRIDE volunteers to staff the WCC booth – Sandy G. & Kathy M. volunteered. Susan J. will help with set-up but then she performs. Date is October 5 th. Set up between 10:00-11:30. Parade starts at noon. Chris G. will help after the parade. Someone will check with Cindy W. about pride guides. Will they be available at Pride? WCC submitted an ad.

Other ads – Stacy (done now). Cindy good through Dec. Bowman through Sept. (unless renewal); Jan will probably renew.

WCC logo products – discussed purchasing clip magnets. Price is $1.50 each for $300 = $450. If you subscribe to the newsletter, you get one. Neat idea but too costly. Jan will check with woman in Omaha and with Cindy about doing tee shirts instead. Susan J. has a friend who may be able to do embroidery at a low cost. Suggestion was made for purple shirts with white logo.

New Year’s Eve Dance Discussion

• Location – could not figure out where to go that had accessibility and large enough room; last year wasn't great, previous year location hotel staff uncooperative
• Do we have enough volunteers? Determined that we did not.
• Music – don’t know what to do

We agreed it was a lot of work and an expensive evening and we can’t predict how many will show. Agreed to skip it this year and return to the idea next year.

Announcements: Lavender Lace playing at Urbandale UCC on Sept. 5th

=============================================================================

November 2007 Planning Meeting

WCC New Year’s Eve Dance:

Music will be provided by Jennie S.

Jan B. has arranged location, snacks, cash bar, and the dance floor. 

Decoration/Clean up committee:  Chris G., Elaine R. and Susan J.  (All volunteered at previous meeting July 15^th.)

 

TDD Restaurant Ideas:

Sonny’s Bistro  (far North side of Des Moines )- very small place

O’Charlies, 6450 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines

Yanni’s, Ankeny

Ruby Tuesday’s, Jordan Creek Town Center , West Des Moines

Cheesecake Factory, Jordan Creek Town Center , West Des Moines

Café Sue, in Valley Junction, West Des Moines

The Continential, E. Locust St (in the East Village ), Des Moines

Lone Star Steakhouse, 22^nd St, West Des Moines

Cool Basil (more than one location?)

Christopher’s, Beaver Ave. , Des Moines

 

Coffeehouse Events:

Jan. 26, 2008- Casino Night at Friend’s House

                        Hosted by: Chris B., Paula and Chris G. 

                        Diana W. will bring the large game table (roulette/craps/blackjack).

 

Feb. 23, 2008- Karaoke Night & Potluck at Friend’s House

                         Hosted by: Marie K. and Sara N.

 

Mar. 22, 2008- Concert Night at Friend’s House.

                          Featured musicians: Kelly Carrell, BeJae Fleming, Laurie Haag, Deb Tiemens & Mary Pat

                          Hosted by: Sandy G. and Kathy M.

 

Apr. 26, 2008- Movie Night at Friend’s House

                        Hosted by: Diana W. and Angel G.

 

WCC Annual Holiday Dinner:  Just a reminder that the Holiday Dinner is Dec. 1, 2007, 6:30pm at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse,

6800 Fluer Dr. , Des Moines .

 

Memorials/Flowers:

It was decided that instead of one person collecting money for flowers from the WCC that we will use WCC Funds to pay for flower arrangements/memorials and cards.  This will be for immediate family (siblings, spouse and children) and parents of WCC members.  Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, etc will not be included in this.

 

New Group in Ames :

Sandy G. brought to our attention that a new group called “Amazon Rising” is meeting every Friday after work (around 5:00-5:30pm ) at Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop in Campus Town .

 

Next Planning Meeting: Sunday, Mar. 9, 2008 at 1:00pm at Ritual Café, Des Moines .

---

July 15, 2007

Planning Meeting - 12 women attended at Ritual Cafe

Phone Line

Phone line: we no longer have directory listing in phone book and can’t get it without having a business line.

Susan J. is passing the care of the phone line back to Liz.

Advertising

Larry from Liberty Gifts is still advertising; Liz might be getting an ad from an apartment building. Other former advertisers should be approached like Bone-Appetreat ; Heartland was once a yearly one. Tender Touch. Chris G. will help with securing advertising.

TDDs

Kathy and Elaine volunteered to continue as TDD coordinators. Suggestions: Olympic Flame, find out when belly dancers are there (Friday nights); Bella Italian in Pleasant Hill, North End Diner, Lucullan’s in Ames, Lonestar Steak House; Noah’s Ark; Papa Chubbys in Ankeny; Marinos; Café Su; Baratta’s; House of Hunan; El Rodeo; El Azteca in Ames;
September will be back to twice a month.

Holiday party --  needs to be determined, not Dec. 7^th (Wishing Chair concert at Lighthouse). Elaine will call some possible sites.

CoffeeHouses:

September

Jamie Anderson – Sept 8^th, at Friend’s Meeting House.
Iowa Women’s Music Festival is 15^th in Iowa City
Sept. 22^nd (Fourth Sat.) possibly some sort of political event – Sandy G. will see if Sandy V  can organize something.

Need volunteers for Jamie’s concert – contact Jan B. A sign-up sheet was sent around and I think the concert is covered for refreshments.

October

October 20^th is LVF (Lavender Victory Fund) dance and silent auction.
All Iowa Aids benefit is 21^st (Sunday);

Chris G. will organize a Halloween Party Oct. 27th

November

November 24th – Thanksgiving weekend; Game Night and Potluck; Chris B. phoned in her willingness to coordinate.

December

December 7^th – Wishing Chair at Lighthouse West Des Moines Christian Church

December 1^st or 15th – Holiday Party (Kathy and Elaine) Suggestion of places for the Holiday Party: Hanna’s in Adel (old library).  Johnny’s Steak House south side;

Dec. 31^st – Jenny will DJ. for the New Year’s Eve Dance. Jenny will look for locations – suggestions for Holiday Inn on Merle Hay (last year’s site) or Wildwood.  Jan will call Holiday Inn. We learned from last year we should not use confetti because it costs more for hotel to clean up. Liz called Wildwood at the meeting. 

Chris G. is doing decorations, Susan J., Elaine R. will help.

Other Business:

Newsletter subscriptions are down. Discussion followed about how to support and advertise WCC.  We don’t have memberships but people should feel free to contribute for more than just the newsletter. Susan will send something to Access line about WCC.

We need better networking to get the word out about WCC with other groups like MCC, GLBT Center, Principle group; Wells Fargo group.

Anita suggested support groups (coming out group) and educational programs; Karyn L. would help with a coming out group if there is a need; we need other volunteers. Diana will put an announcement in the newsletter to see if anyone wants to volunteer or to be part of a coming out group.

Suggestions were made to advertise at the annual Governor’s LGBT youth conference. Susan J. had been an advocate at last year’s conference but she could not stay the whole day.  Anita suggested we have a panel discussion at the conference but no one volunteered to take charge of that.

We discussed the need for a broad range of access points; GLBT Resource Center – Chris G. will be volunteering there and can be a liaison for WCC and LGBT Resource Center. Discussed putting an ad in Juice and other publications as well as getting into the Juice calendar and in  DM register calendar.  Jennie volunteered to put our events in calendars. Some discussion followed about making sure we remained a “safe place for lesbians” as is part of our mission statement.

Susan J. reminded us that next year is our 30^th anniversary and that we need to boast about ourselves and the fact that WCC has remained viable while other lesbian groups have disbanded. Morgan has all of the old newsletters and we would like to do something with them.  Jan is working on creating WCC shirts with our logo.

There was a suggestion to talk to Ritual Café owners about what the young women are interested in and how to attract the younger crowd.  Susan J. will talk to Linda and Denise.

Our 30^th Anniversary will be in September.  [Note from Sandy G. -- our history statement on the web site says WCC started in 1979 so our 30^th anniversary will be in 2009.]

Diana will create an announcement about New Year’s Eve dance.

Next meeting date set for November 4^th 2007.

 

March 18, 2007

Mailing List: Jan will take over the mailing list from Sarah N.

Diana will have access to write checks though Jan will still be responsible for deposits to the account.

Newsletter:  We will send one copy of the newsletter to advertisers unless they have a year long ad, then they will get a subscription.

Larry, Liberty Gifts -- ad ends in December
Brenda Bohall -- only Jan.
Tax office -- ad ends after April

Coffeehouses

• April 28th (Floored by Love, April's Shower, Imagine You and Me), reschedule movie night 7 pm. Angel and Diana are organizing.
• May/June -- June 1st & 2nd, Potluck on the 2nd, Prairie Flower, Saylorville Lake, Sandy, Sandy and Bonnie are organizing this event.
• June, Pride -- June 10
• July/August Aug 25th - Picnic at Big Creek, Cadet Shelter -- Sandy K. will make the reservation, bring chairs
• September 8th -- Jamie Anderson, Mary McAdams opens and will do sound, 
• September 15th Iowa Women's Music Festival (Wishing Chair will be there). 

July 15th Next WCC Planning Meeting

PRIDE
We will have a booth again this year. Check with Susan and Becca to see if they'll volunteer.. Magnets and bookmarks and extra newsletters for giveaways. Will do a color version of newsletter for June. About $70 for color copies (about 100). An extra 50 newsletters will be printed for the booth.

Trips for Pride
St. Louis -- Tower Grove Park June 23-24th 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. both days. Liz will organize names for this trip.

Chicago, June 24th Pride

Minneapolis, June 23-24th. Rally at Loran Park, Parade is Sunday morning. On 6/22 Uptown block party; also block party after parade; Sandy V. & Terri and Angel and Diana are organizing WCCers who want to go. June 22nd WNBA game, $15-40 ticket prices. Terri G. and Diana W. will be contacts. By end of next month, want to know how many want to go so we could get a block of rooms. 

Email Diana if you plan to attend: rnbwldy@hotmail.com. Send message to email list.

TDD dinner -- Dec. 7th Wishing Chair will be at Lighthouse so don't have TDD then.

TDDs for next few months have to be planned.

We want to consider another summer vacation together like we did with Itasca. If we do Itasca, we need to get reservations a year in advance. Sandy K. doesn't want to make the decision alone. She needs someone one else to help with that. Is July or August preferred? Kathy M. will help work on this with Sandy K.

 

---

November 19, 2006

WCC Planning Meeting
Ritual Café

Agenda Items
Mailbox
Coffeehouses
TDD
Eat Outs
Phone line
Newsletter Ads
New Year's Eve Dance
Newsletter mailings
Article submissions
LGBT AA
WCC Calendar

Announcements

• Thanksgiving is officially at Jan and Sue's.

Mailbox

• Kelly - not doing check book or mailbox anymore so we need new volunteers.
•  Jan will do the checkbook;
• Need someone to pick up mail - Sara N. will do this. Need info on where mailbox is located from Kelly.
  

Coffeehouses

• November coffeehouse is Potluck at 6:30-9:00 p.m. and Game Night.
• No December coffeehouse.
• January is casino night - Jan 27th; Susan has asked that people bring no more than 3 white elephant gifts. Susan and Paula will sponsor this event.
• February - Movie Night - Feb. 24th -- Friends House (suggested movies: When Night is Falling) Liz will bring it. Diana and Angel will be hostesses. Liz will bring popcorn. Marie will bring popcorn.
• March - Celebrating Women's History Month. Marie, Sandy K. and Kelly might help with readings. Sara N. will help. Kathy M. will help. Susan J., Gail G., and Morgan will maybe play. Brenda plays flute. Susan will coordinate music.
• April - concert? Does Jan have someone? Suggestions: Laura Berkson. Lavender Lace?
  

Phone line

• Phone line has had same message since September. Susan J. had volunteered to take it but not updated.
• Susan needs information about how to update; needs number and lessons.
  

Advertising

• Liz is listed but we didn't have her phone number and email listed in newsletter. This will be added to the newsletter. lizlmt@hotmail.com
• Liz will follow up with Kelly to find out how it was done in the past.
• We could call business owners and have on flat fee for a year.
• Suggested a new yearly fee of $100 to cover space in both newsletter and website - business card size. For a flyer -$30 per issue; It was suggested we run an ad in newsletter telling people about the new yearly rate.
• Liz making a media kit to give to advertisers.
• Sandy G. will get magnets and business cards to Liz.

TDD

• Great turnout last Friday and we got a list from attendees of new places.
• Elaine will call restaurants to find out about their reservation policy.
• We'll have a card ready for Jan. newsletter.
• Adding Elaine's phone number to newsletter and cards.
• Eat Out's - at Paradise Pizza but not the Wed. before Thanksgiving. No TDDs in December, just the Holiday party at the Tournament Club.
  

New Year's Eve Dance

• Dance is at Holiday Inn (that used to be the Four Points Sheridan) near Benigans on Merle Hay Road.
•  Everything is reserved. Space larger than Wildwood.
• Wisconsin Room - it is accessible. Larger floor.
• There is a block of rooms if you want.
• LGBT center will have the flyer in their newsletter. They are not charging us postage. LGBT center has a good calendar. Flyer will say "For women only" to LGBT center.
• Jan B. will contact Access newspaper to get it in but may miss deadline.
• We put a lot of money out for this event so we need people to show.
• A separate flyer will be sent to the mailing list.

Newsletter Mailings

• Submit articles to the WCC P.O. Box
• Electronic submissions will go to wcc@iowawcc.org.
• Due date for deadlines in newsletter needs to be corrected to a certain date of the month.

 

LGBT AA

• There are two AA meetings in Des Moines for LGBT folks.
• We've advertised the meeting in the newsletter as a public service (no charge).

 

WCC Calendar

• LGBT center will allow us to submit our calendar to their publication if we submit by the 15th of the month.
• For our next calendar: the women's football team, Crush, is doing a fundraiser and silent auction on Dec. 3rd at the Saddle.

Next Planning Meeting will be in March.

---

August 3, 2006

The meeting was held after the Wednesday Eat Out dinner. A large group of women attended.

Calendar of Events

August events include a trip to Itasca State Park in Minnesota for a number of WCC women. Sandy K. organized the Aug. 6-10 event. We've rented a lodge and plan to caravan north to where the Mississippi headwaters begin. Other WCCers will be attending the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, Aug. 8th-13th. Susan J. reported that Ritual Café has a sign-up sheet if anyone is looking for carpooling to Michigan.

The September Coffeehouse will be a concert by Joni Laurence, a Portland-based singer-songwriter with a beautiful voice and a brand new CD. She was at the Ritual Café last April. She'll be performing on Sept. 23rd at the Friends Meeting House at 42nd and Grand. Sandy G. and Jan B. have organized this event. Kelly Carrell of Iowa City will be the opening act for Joni. Volunteers are needed to bring food and drink to this event. Contact Sandy G. (roodoc@hotmail.com) or Jan B. (jbelluchi@mchsi.com) if you plan to bring food. For more information about the concert, check out the website: www.iowawcc.org.

October's events include the Lavender Victory Fund dance on October 21st. The WCC coffeehouse will be on its usual 4th Saturday - October 28th. Sara S. and Sandy V. will work on a coffeehouse event to discuss the political scene and what we need to know to support our community.

The November 25th event will be the annual potluck and game night at Friends Meeting house. Chris B. and Diana W. will coordinate. Bring a dish to share (probably not leftover Thanksgiving turkey!) and a game to play.

December's event will be our annual Holiday party. The date is not finalized but it will probably be one of the first two Saturdays in Dec. (either the 2nd or the 9th). Sue D. has volunteered to coordinate this event. We will be having dinner at a nice restaurant and time to celebrate the season together.

January New Year's Eve dance. Jennie is working on finding a location for the dance. Elaine R. has agreed to help coordinate this event. Watch for more details as they become available.

Volunteers Step Up

Newsletter Editor - Diana W. has volunteered to take over the newsletter from Susan J. and Becca K. Please thank Susan and Becca for all their hard work with the newsletter over the last several years!!! You guys rock!

Diana does not have a computer so Jan B. donated one to the cause (thanks, Jan). Sandy G. refurbished it so it's ready to go for the new WCC newsletter editor. Diana also does not have a printer so WCC will purchase one. An anonymous donation was made at the planning meeting (thank you, whoever you are) so that Diana could get a printer and virus protection. Deadlines for submission of announcements and articles for the newsletter will be on the 15th of each month. Diana plans to have her first edition out by early September. A suggestion was made to have a newsletter envelope stuffing party at Borders on the first Friday evening after the newsletter is ready.

TDD - Liz Q. is stepping down as TDD coordinator. Thanks Liz, for your work with this event over the past year. Kathy M. and Elaine R. have volunteered to be the new TDD coordinators. They will be picking restaurants for the Friday dinners. They plan to schedule two TDDs per month. We'll be hearing more from them as the TDDs are scheduled.

Advertising coordinators - Two volunteers stepped forward to help us maintain and increase our advertising revenue. Jan B. will work on keeping track of fees paid and due dates for ads. Liz Q. volunteered to help seek out new advertisers for the newsletter.

Phone line - Susan J. volunteered to take over the phone line. She will need some training on the procedures but will soon be our new resource for those seeking info about WCC from the phone line.

Database Manager - Sara N. plans to verify all of the addresses on our mailing list and work to make sure we have current addresses for the businesses and supporters who receive copies of our publication. Sara would welcome volunteers to help make sure our addresses are current.

Announcements

On Wednesday, August 16th, a vote will be taken to determine the next location for the Wed. night Eat Out group. We've been at the LoneStar Steakhouse for several months and we try to rotate the location to different restaurants every few months. Please come on Aug. 16th with your suggestions for new locations and your vote for your favorite Wed. night eating location.

Everyone is invited to join Jan. B. on Saturday, Sept. 30th at the Wildwood Hotel in Clive to celebrate her birthday!! It's a big one, but you'll have to ask her which one. There will be drinks and hors d'oeuvres served.

The next Retirees Luncheon will be held on August 24th at Chips Restaurant in Ankeny. The retirees meet at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome, even if you're not officially retired!

Sandy V. is heading to Boston for a national meeting of Equality leaders. If you'd like to support her with a donation for the volunteer work she does for LGBT equality in Iowa, please check out her website at: www.equalityiowa.org. She announced that she is working on hosting next year's national gathering of Equality leaders in Des Moines. Their annual conference is in August and she would like to bring the group to Iowa to meet the political candidates who will be here for Iowa's primary, the first in the nation. She would also invite Equality leaders to enjoy the Iowa State Fair. If they agree to select Iowa as the next meeting site, there will be 200-400 LGBT leaders in Des Moines - a great opportunity for WCCers to interact with leaders from around the country.

We welcomed some new faces to the group on Wednesday. We hope to see them again at future events. Pass the word that WCC is open to all interested women.

The meeting adjourned about 8:30 p.m.

---

March 2006 planning meeting

Planning meeting minutes - March 5, 2006 

Birthdays and anniversaries - give changes to Sara 
$15 for WCC support - not just for newsletter

Concert: Jamie Anderson March 25th Suite E, Betsy West opens; need people for door, money collection; need a table for cds for Jamie, have a raffle prize (necklace); Chris and Sandy K. will do door; tickets $10. Susan J. will do raffle and cds. Jennie & Mary pop; set up/tear down help; helpers here at 6:30 p.m. Need chairs. Bring some folding chairs if you have them to share.

Wishing Chair, BeJae Fleming - next month; April 22nd (Jan has sound for this event). Talked about creating a program - with ads; bio of performer; Metropolitan will place an ad.

Marie will help with pop and set up. Email Jan if you want to volunteer for door, etc.

Coffee houses
Concerts for next two coffeehouses 
May - 4th Sat. is Memorial Day weekend - May 27th, potluck, picnic at Chris and Nancy's house
June 3rd - Sandy & Sandy organizing - camping at Saylorville. Will try for the same spot as last year.
June 10th, 11th June Pride in Des Moines -- two day event this year 
Minneapolis Pride - June 23rd; back afternoon Sunday 25th; Sat night dance; WMBA game on Sat. so could get Pride package; don't know hotel rates yet (trouble finding places close to Hennepin) call Diana - she's the contact person; 282-6011. Pride package tix cost about $43.50 for court side seats with hot dog and drink added and pom poms. 
July 22nd - Potluck Picnic- Big Creek
August will be trip to Minnesota. Sandy K. is organizing.

Pride Events
Ad is set for WCC in Pride program; Pride booth has been ordered.  Pride will be Sat. and Sunday. Volunteers needed to staff the booth: Marie, Sandy G. have volunteered. Susan and Becca have a shelter; will share booth with Lutherans Concerned. Discussed organizing a talent contest and sponsored by Ritual Café. Winner of PRIDE Idol contest will perform on Simon Estes stage. Ritual wants to do something and they are open to WCC co-sponsoring. Could have some recognition and history of WCC announced on stage also. For the Pride Idol contest, performances at Ritual before Pride.  Vote on a winner at Ritual.
 *** Sunday, May 21st - Pride Idol at Ritual Café; Becca, Nancy, Sara, Chris will organize.
At Pride, we need an MC to talk at Pride - to talk about WCC and to introduce Pride Idol winner.

Professionals Luncheon
2nd Thursdays of the month -- how can WCC get connected with them?  City view or Datebook interview with Jessica B.; Susan Webster volunteered to put together a listserv for professionals luncheon. More than 20 people showed up for first events.  

Paperwork, Newsletter ads
Who is keeping track of paid ads for newsletter? Separation of money and database (ads). Kelly was keeping track of what people paid for ads. Do we have ads that are in that haven't been paid for? Kelly still has check book and can sign. We'll check with Kelly. Kelly has the key to the mailbox.

Newsletter 
Susan and Becca have done it for three years (YEAAYYY Susan and Becca, you grrrls ROCK!!!!)- 
They would like to pass it on. How long do we want a print newsletter? We will poll existing subscribers to see who wants printed or electronic.  Chris B. & Sara to contact folks re: electronic vs. paper copies of newsletter.

Sandy G. will look into putting a password protection for e newsletter. Discussed doing a quarterly newsletter; Redo brochure; put calendar online. Check out Airset for WCC electronic calendar.

phone line -833-1775 

Possible TDD Locations
Chips, The Café (Ames), Taki
Liz wasn't present at meeting. Sara will contact her to see if she's still interested in coordinating the TDD.

Next week planning mtg.- July 16th @ Ritual

 

---

---

---

---

Past Events

---

---

---

Calendars

 

---

Saturday., December 12th, 2009

WCC HOLIDAY DINNER

Saturday, November 21st, 2009, 8:30am - 5:30pm
Drake University Olmsted Center, Des Moines

AROUND the TABLE
Iowa’s First Annual Summit of LGBT Families & Allies


with a family dinner & gathering hosted by Family Equality Council from 6-8pm on
Friday, November 20th at the Urbandale United Church of Christ (3530 70th St, in Urbandale)

Lambda Legal is proud to announce Around the Table: Iowa’s First Annual Summit of LGBT Families & Allies! This summit is the first statewide gathering of its kind in Iowa, and will provide LGBT parents, prospective parents, and their children, friends, and allies an opportunity to come together for advocacy, support, learning, and fun.

Around the Table brings together a broad coalition of advocates who want to strengthen Iowa’s LGBT families. Workshops will include topics relevant to participants who want to:
- get perspectives on how to start a family
- share experiences and learn from others what it means for same-sex couples to raise children in Iowa
- support LGBT parents and their kids in their classrooms, neighborhoods, and living rooms
- learn about how to best protect their families under existing law
- empower their children to talk about their family proudly
- be advocates for protecting marriage equality in Iowa  

This is a family friendly summit. Child care will be provided and COLAGE will provide learning & fun for youth 9-17 years old.

Hosted by Lambda Legal with COLAGE, Drake Rainbow Union, Equality Iowa, Family Equality Council, and One Iowa.  

To register and get more information, please visit the event website: www.lambdalegal.org/iowafamilysummit

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Fender at mfender@lambdalegal.org or call (515) 288-4019 ext. 202.

---

Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Thanksgiving potluck dinner at Chris and Nancy's house in Urbandale. If you are looking for a woman-friendly place to give thanks, contact Chris at tallpine5@aol.com or call 515-278-2483.

---

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

WCC Potluck and Game Night, 6:30 p.m.

Join us at the Friend's Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave. for a potluck dinner and game night. Bring your favorite board games or card games and plan to have fun! If you have questions, send a note to us at wcc@iowawcc.org.

---

Saturday, September 26th, 2009
7:00 p.m.

WCC Casino Night!!

 

---

October 2009

---

 

 

---

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Lavender Victory Fund (LVF) Fundraiser and Dance

Adventureland Palace Theater

Annual dance and silent auction to raise funds for women in our community with health care needs.

If you would like to help or have an item to donate to the silent auction, please send an email to:

lavendervf@aol.com or call 515-244-7964.

---

Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Picnic at Big Creek State Park. Meet at the Cadet Shelter at Big Creek State park anytime around 5ish. There are also a small group of women who will be camping that weekend. Contact Elaine if you're interested in camping with them. Her number is 515-971-6373!

Bring your chair, a dish to share and something to throw on the grills!

Here's directions to Big Creek:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/big_creek.html

 

---

Saturday, August 22, 2009
WCC Presents a Basic Home Repair Workshop

Krista Williamson, a friend from Kansas City who launched a new business, K2Workshops, will offer a basic home repair skills workshop. Her business caters to women and is taught by women, to provide a safe, friendly and fun environment to learn basic home repair skills. Besides information on basic tools and home repair, she offers advice on preparing a home for sale.

Check out her new website www.k2workshops.org

---

.

May 29, 30, 2009 WCC Camping Weekend and Picnic/Potluck

Time for our annual camping weekend! This is the weekend following Memorial Day weekend. The potluck for non-campers will be Saturday, May 30th. Bring something for the grill and something to share with everyone.

We have a new location from last year. Contact Elaine (phone number below). This year, we are asking campers to pay for their sites when they contact us to reserve a spot. We're trying to make sure all who commit to camp pay for their sites ahead of time so we don't get stuck with the bill!

For more information, contact either of these camping experts:

Bonnie C. at tabbonnie@gmail.com or Elaine R. at 515-971-6373.

---

June is PRIDE Month!!

2009 PrideFest is June 12 - 14, 2009!

WCC will have a booth again this year. Look for our ad in the Capital City Pride Guide.

Check out all the events at: http://www.capitalcitypride.org/

---

 

We've heard a new Des Moines LGBT Center will be opening in April!

Location: 1300 Locust – a half block from Ritual Café.

We'll post more info as it becomes available.

---

April 18, 2009 - AIDS Project of Central Iowa Walk/Run

Put your feet to work for a good cause!

For more information or to sign up, go here: http://www.aidsprojectci.org/

---

Saturday, April 25, 2009, 7 p.m.

WCC's Iowa City Friends are returning for another kick-ass concert!

 

Join us for a fun evening with our musician friends from Iowa City - Deb Tiemans, Laurie Haag, Kelly Carrell and Mary Pat Reasoner!!

Kelly Carrell  originally from St. Louis, and the owner of a powerful, bluesy voice, burst onto the Iowa City scene with her first performance at a coffeehouse in 1999. Since then, Carrell has wowed audiences in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Kelly has opened for Rebecca Riots and Tret Fure, and has performed for a host of local community events such as Take Back the Night rallies, the ICARE Pancake Breakfast, Iowa City Pride, and Divas and Desserts. Kelly Carrell writes her own songs, such as the oft-requested "The Boyfriend Song" and adds spice to her show with covers of the Cranberries' "Zombie" and Bobby Darrin's "Dream Lover"

Deb Tiemens Ever since Deb Tiemens first found her voice, singing has been a part of her life. At the age of twelve she taught herself to play guitar and began writing her own music. She performed in the Midwest for over 15 years. After moving to Washington, DC, Deb appeared in area clubs such as Hill Haven, Food for Thought, and Friends Piano Bar. She regularly appeared at the Old Post Office Pavilion and was a featured artist in Lammas Bookstore's Women's Music Concert Series and the Seventh Annual Kennedy Center Open House. Since returning to Iowa in 1992, Deb has performed at Prairie Voices’ Women’s Music Festival and at SisterSpace Weekend in Darlington, MD. Ladyslipper Inc. writes, "'Heartwarming' the word which comes to mind when listening to Deb's angelic voice and emotionally-rich lyrics....soothing and cathartic!"

Laurie Haag has performed with many different groups in the Midwest, in genres ranging from folk to punk to jazz to musical theater, most recently as the bass player (and sometimes drummer or guitar player) for the Mad River Band. She was the musical director for the feminist theatre troupe Graffiti Theatre, and can sometimes be heard along side BeJae Fleming, as well as Kristin Lems, with whom she performs on the Smithsonian Folkways Grammy-nominated CD Anthology "The Best of Broadside: Anthems from the American Underground” and the recently released double CD “Equality Road”. Laurie also performs in a new duo with Mary Pat Reasoner.

Mary Pat Reasoner adds the jazzy, sexy saxophone stylings in duos with Laurie Haag as well as adding just the right notes to accompany each of these fine musicians.

The concert will be at the Friends Meeting House located on the NW corner of Grand Ave. and 42nd St., Des Moines.

Admission is $10 per person (more if you can, less if you can't).

For more information, contact Sandy G. at roodoc@hotmail.com.

---

---

Saturday, March 28, 2009, 7 p.m.

WCC movie night is back

The Oscars, Emmys and Grammys are over.  Now we can kick back and laugh. 

We have a great comedy in store for the March Coffee House.  Come join us for movie night on Saturday,  March 28th, 7PM at Friends Meeting House located on the NW corner of Grand Ave. and 42nd St., Des Moines.

This year we will be watching “Nina’s Heavenly Delights”; a romantic feast of love, life and spices.

This film is a surprising love story about a young woman who must take over her father’s Indian Restaurant and compete in The Best Of The West Curry Competition.  When Nina then falls in love with the beautiful Lisa, she begins to question a world that has been thrown into sudden turmoil.  Can Nina’s feelings every be reciprocated?  And, if they are, what will this mean for Nina and her family?

What ensues is a comical and touching exploration of what it means to be true to yourself and true to the ones you love.

So, if you are ready for some laughter with a bunch of fun ladies, join us for our movie night.  Suggested donation is just $5 and there will be beverages and snacks.  If you don’t want to sit on a metal chair, bring one of your own or even a blanket for the floor.  We just want you to be comfortable and have fun.  Remember to invite your lady friends!

---

Saturday, February 28, 2009, 7 p.m.

WCC Coffeehouse

Now that we are starting to think about getting our tax returns done, we need to also remember to RELAX!

Our Coffeehouse event will be held at the usual location - the Friend's Meeting House at 4211 Grand Ave. in Des Moines.

Come join us for a relaxing evening reminiscing and/or learning about early women's music. There may even be some singing. Also we will have women attending who can give us a little history about how WCC began 30 years ago.

There will be information available regarding lesbian publishers and authors for those who love reading as well as information on where to get LGBT videos.

What would a "coffeehouse" be without coffee? We will have coffee available as well as a variety of teas, hot chocolate, soda and snacks.

This is a great opportunity to relax, laugh, sing and learn a little bit more about our community.

So please come out and join us!

If you know of someone who used to attend WCC events, please invite them along as we would love to see them again. If you or someone you know needs help with transportation, please don't hesitate to let us know. Send a note to our email box at wcc@iowawcc.org and let us know if you need directions or transportation.

---

Saturday, Jan. 24th, 2009 7:30 p.m.

CaRNiVal w/WCC
 
This Satuday night Jan.  24th come join the party
and help kick off the CaRNiVal SeaSon
 
Doors officially open at 7 pm  
$5 suggested donation
 
Games of chance and minimal skill! Noteworthy and Not-worthy Prizes!   
Food!   Friends! Music! Silliness guaranteed!
 
Betty and Barb are creating a Carnival Arch
Sue and/or Diane will do the Greet and Grab
Diana is making Magical Brownies ---no, not Alice B. Tolkias! Legal ones!
Susan is Icing the Cakes.
Marie and Shelly will POP everyone so inclined.
Billie will Harness Energy in swinging ways!
Someone (I've forgotten who I asked) is going to "Bait You" and "throw you a line!" (Who did I ask --call me)
 
More help is requested:
 
1> Help get more women to attend:  invite someone new, invite someone old or young, invite a woman who might enjoy a night out with other women,  ....invite someone !
 
2>Help fill the prize pool: bring white elephant items for the fish pond and bingo
 
3>Help create the Carnival: come early and help set up. We start at 6 pm (at least I asked Pam for that, haven't heard back from her yet)
 
4>Help feed the Carnival Frenzy: wear some wild bright sassy clothes or a mask and bring a bit of sizzle to Carnival 
 
5>Surprise me with how you want to help -- call Susan J, 243-4367

---

Saturday, Jan. 24th, 2009 7:30 p.m.

CaRNiVal w/WCC
 
This Satuday night Jan.  24th come join the party
and help kick off the CaRNiVal SeaSon
 
Doors officially open at 7 pm  
$5 suggested donation
 
Games of chance and minimal skill! Noteworthy and Not-worthy Prizes!   
Food!   Friends! Music! Silliness guaranteed!
 
Betty and Barb are creating a Carnival Arch
Sue and/or Diane will do the Greet and Grab
Diana is making Magical Brownies ---no, not Alice B. Tolkias! Legal ones!
Susan is Icing the Cakes.
Marie and Shelly will POP everyone so inclined.
Billie will Harness Energy in swinging ways!
Someone (I've forgotten who I asked) is going to "Bait You" and "throw you a line!" (Who did I ask --call me)
 
More help is requested:
 
1> Help get more women to attend:  invite someone new, invite someone old or young, invite a woman who might enjoy a night out with other women,  ....invite someone !
 
2>Help fill the prize pool: bring white elephant items for the fish pond and bingo
 
3>Help create the Carnival: come early and help set up. We start at 6 pm (at least I asked Pam for that, haven't heard back from her yet)
 
4>Help feed the Carnival Frenzy: wear some wild bright sassy clothes or a mask and bring a bit of sizzle to Carnival 
 
5>Surprise me with how you want to help -- call Susan J, 243-4367

Thursday, November 13th, 11:30 a.m.

---

Saturday, October 25, 2008, 7 p.m.

WCC Coffeehouse - Friend's Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Festivites include some ice breaker activities with prizes and showing of the classic movie, "The Celluloid Closet."

Halloween costumes optional but there will be prizes for the best costumes.

There is a suggested donation of $10 (more if you can, less if you can't).

So come on out for a little fun, perhaps dressed as your favorite lesbian movie character or actress.

There will be snacks and beverages, games and laughter. Bring a friend or two or three!

---

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Lavender Victory Fund (LVF) Fundraiser and Dance

Adventureland Palace Theater

Annual dance and silent auction to raise funds for women in our community with health care needs.

If you would like to help or have an item to donate to the silent auction, please send an email to:

lavendervf@aol.com or call 515-244-7964.

---

This Saturday's event has been canceled due to a death in the family.

Saturday, Sept. 27th, 2008 7:00 p.m.

Catch the WCC Spirit!! -- 1st Coffeehouse of the Season

Now that summer is officially over, the WCC Coffeehouse season begins. Meeting at the American Friends Meeting House on the northwest corner of Grand Ave and 42nd St., Des Moines. Be ready for coffee (pop and tea, too!), conversation and cards. The first coffeehouse of the season is Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. Doors open around 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. We're gonna stack the deck that night!

And what a variety of cards we'll have. Dream Cards, Animal Medicine Cards, Tarot Cards, Angel Cards, Sweat Lodge Cards, Goddess Cards, and even a couple of plain decks of cards. Several special card-seekers will be available for brief readings. Or a woman may want to try her hand with these evocative pieces of art and lay down a spread herself. For the tea drinkers, we may even have a wonderful lady reading tea leaves. There will be soothing music and perhaps a little drumming and flute playing.

The main goal of the evening is not necessarily to predict someone's future or solve problems of the past, but to get into the WCC Spirit of gathering together for some fun, some support, some food and some friends.

Chris G. had such a good time being one of the organizers of last month's playful event out at Big Creek, she volunteered again! To succesfully shuffle a variety of elements together to create another memorable evening, here is what she needs: YOU and Bring a friend who'll bring a frind!!

If you would like to volunteer by bringing some refreshments or helping set up, email a message to Chris G. through the WCC website at: wcc@iowawcc.org.

If you play your cards right, who knows what could happen...!!!

---

 

Sat. August 23rd, 2008

 

WCC Picnic at Big Creek State Park

 

Come join WCC for one of the HOTTEST events of the year. It's our annual cookout at Big Creek State Park.

We will be gathering at the Cadet Shelter at Big Creek. Come out and enjoy the afternoon and evening with old friends and possibly some new ones. There are walking and biking trails, canoeing, fishing, or you can bring a game to play.

 

The grill will be fired up around 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, dinnerware, beverages, grill item and something to share.

 

Later, as we sit around and enjoy the company of WCCers, we can enjoy stories of summer vacations, singing around the fire, and maybe even some drumming.

 

Spread the word and bring a friend or two or more to this end of summer gathering. If you need directions or are interested in helping organize this event, please contact Sandy K. at 515-964-1626.

 

---

Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The next WCC planning meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th. Location is yet to be determined. The location of the meeting is being moved as Ritual Cafe is no longer open on Sundays.

Check back for more information!!! We need your help in planning events!!

---

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO MOVIE - STILL ON!

6/12/08 7:30 p.m.

Join Capital City Pride and other local LGBT groups for a showing of "For The Bible Tells Me So."
Thursday, June 12, 7:30 p.m. at the State Historical Society, 600 East Locust, Des Moines
View the trailer here!
About the movie: Does God really condemn loving homosexual relationships? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? The provocative, entertaining documentary, "For the Bible Tells Me So", addresses these questions and more.

 

Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus - STILL ON!

6/13/08 7:30pm

Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Des Moines
Tickets at the door $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under
Ticket information at www.DMGMC.org
Retail ticket outlet - Liberty Gifts, 333 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines

 DES MOINES PARADE

Thursday, June 12, 6:00 a.m.

Due to the worsening flooding situation in Des Moines, Capital City Pride, in consultation with Des Moines authorities, has decided to postpone major weekend PrideFest 2008 events until September. All available city resources are needed for emergency preparations. Please watch for an announcement in the coming days about a rescheduled Saturday Night Street Party, Pride Parade, and Sunday Community Pride Festival.

At this time, the community's resources must be dedicated to protecting downtown Des Moines. We encourage all members of the LGBT community to get involved by registering to volunteer at www.unitedwaydm.org.

For questions, please contact CCP President Eric Galvan at eric_galvan@capitalcitypride.org.

Capital City Pride thanks the entire community for its support and understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you in September.

Capital City Pride Street Party - POSTPONED

6/14/08 6pm to 12am

Des Moines Pride Festival - Pride Fest POSTPONED

6/15/08 12pm to 6pm

POSTPONED until September due to flooding!
 

First Annual Iowa Pride Institute LOCATION/TIME CHANGE

6/13/08 1pm - 3pm

Please Join Us for the  FIRST ANNUAL IOWA PRIDE INSTITUTE
Hosted by Iowa Pride Network and Capital City Pride
WHO: Leaders of Iowa’s LGBT & Allied Organizations
WHEN: Friday, June 13, 2008; 1:00 – 3:00
WHERE: The Pride Institute will take place at the Drake Legal Clinic located at 24th Street and University Avenue in Des Moines.
(Enter through the front door, take the stairs and head to the Legal Clinic Library on the second floor)PARKING: Participants will have to utilize on-street parking as well as the small parking lot South of the Clinic

MISSION: The Iowa Pride Institute is designed to serve as a catalyst for collaboration by bringing the leaders of Iowa’s LGBT and Allied organizations together to discuss challenges, issues and ideas facing Iowa’s LGBT community and developing proactive strategies to advance our cause of equality and respect.

LGBT Musicians at Ritual Cafe - STILL ON!

6/13/08 7pm

Come to Ritual Café in Des Moines on Friday the 13th and enjoy the music of Chris Schultz • Steph Hayes • Namoli Brennett and more! 

Events at the Garden this weekend - STILL ON

6/13/08

The Garden Nightclub is dry, geared up, and queered up for this weekend! Our events will remain as scheduled with one exception – we will open at 3pm on Sunday instead of 10am. Come out for our Drag King and burlesque show on Thursday, Chicago Beef strippers on Friday, and Cassandra Cass headlining our Saturday and Sunday shows. All ages are still welcome on Sunday until 8pm for the BBQ, Karaoke, and Dance Party! Even though the parade and rally have been cancelled for this weekend, we are still celebrating pride at the Garden! Thanks for your support, spread the word, and we will see you this weekend! 

PROUD FAMILIES AFTERNOON “OUT”

Saturday, June 14^th 12 – 2 p.m.

Mercer Park Scanlon Gym

2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City

An afternoon of fun and games for GLBT families and allies.

 

One Iowa/Capital City Pride Lecture: Mental Health

6/14/08 1pm

One Iowa/Capital City Pride Lecture: Mental Health - June 14 - 1:00 PM - Central Library, Des Moines
Speaker: Myke Selha, LISW with LGBT Community Center. RSVP HERE

 

Comedienne Christine O'Leary @ Ritual Cafe - STILL ON!

6/14/08 5pm

Time to laugh with hilarious and sassy comedienne Christine O'Leary. She was nominated Funniest Lesbian in America by Curve Magazine.   $10 donation at the door.

Gay Pride Brunch 2008 - STILL ON!

6/15/08 9am to 2pm

Come join members of our extended family for great food, fun and entertainment before the parade. The event is being hosted at the Thoreau Center located at 3500 Kingman Blvd. Des Moines starting at 9 to 2pm. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance ($20 at the door) from Anthony at 710-6658 or pridebrunch@inbox.com. More information can be found at myspace.com/gaypridebrunch

 

Gay Pride Day at Adventureland 2008

6/16/08 10am

Capital City Pride hosts its annual Pride Day at Adventureland in Altoona.
Gates open at 10am.
NEW: Buy your tickets through Capital City Pride and save $6 off gate admission. Find the Capital City Pride booth at all PrideFest 2008 events for an opportunity to purchase tickets for just $25!
Wear blue this year to help make your presence known.  We'll take a group photo at 4 p.m. in front of Train Station. 

---

“Culture, Mind, Body and Spirit” LGBT Lecture Series

Capital City Pride, LGBT Community Center and One Iowa have partnered to present a series of speakers in recognition of Gay Pride Month. During the four Saturdays in June a free lecture series will be presented on topics related to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender sexual orientation.

The Saturday presentations will be offered at the Central Library in downtown Des Moines from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Each event is open to the public. Free underground parking is available. Also, during the weekend, parking on the street is free.

· Saturday, June 7 "Culture" - Marriage Equality. Andrea Fehring, "One Iowa"
· Saturday, June 14 "Mind" - Positive mental health. Myke Selha, LISW, LGBT Community Center
· Saturday, June 21 "Body" - Pro-active physical health. Joe Freund, M.D., a physician in private practice
· Saturday June 28 "Spirit" - Spiritual or religious health. Rev. Paul Johnson, United Church of Christ minister.

For further information, contact One Iowa at 1-515-288-4019.

---

June 19th-22nd, 2008

 

2008 National Women's Music Festival

is MOVING to...

June 19, 2008 – June 22, 2008
Alliant Energy Center
in Madison, Wisconsin

 

Our first on-line professional registration system will be available for your use SOON!

We look forward to seeing you in MADISON, June 19-22, 2008!

2008 National Women's Music Festival

June 19, 2008 – June 22, 2008 Alliant Energy Center In Madison, Wisconsin

 

For more information, go here:  http://wiaonline.org/

---

Saturday, April 26, 2008, 7 p.m.

 

Movie Night

 

Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA

Featuring a lesbian or gay-themed movie.

 

Popcorn and treats will be served.

---

Saturday, March 29th, 2008
7:00 p.m.

WCC PRESENTS: 

WOMEN’S MUSIC EXTRAVEGANZA!

 

 

Check out our own Susan J. on Gay TV:

http://www.ig.tv/VideoPlayer/tabid/59/VideoId/510/What-Is-The-Iowa-Caucus-.aspx

---

Saturday, February 16th, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Karaoke Night & Lasagna Dinner 

Join us for a wonderful dinner and entertainment of musical performances and "open mic" karaoke.  The event will be held on the basement level in the dining hall and kitchen area of the Friend's Meeting House at 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines. 

The menu will include lasagna, garlic bread and beverages. Guests are asked to bring a salad or dessert to share. Cost for this event is only $5 per person. For planning purposes dinner reservations will be required. To reserve you seat, please contact Marie K. at 515-727-6314 or Sara N. at 515-975-3950 no later than February 13th.  

Remember February is Valentine's month. Is there any better time to 'sing those silly love songs'? This event is for single gals, too! We have had singles meet at these types of events who later became a couple. So please plan to join us for dinner, fun and a lot of laughs.

---

Saturday, January 26th, 2008
7:00 p.m.

WCC Casino Night!!

 

Saturday, November 23, 2007            

 

WCC After Thanksgiving Potluck and Game Night

 

Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines.

 

Bring a dish to share and your favorite game to play with the WCC gang.

 

---

Saturday, October 20, 2007

6:30 pm-12:30 am

 

 

The Lavender Victory Fund
 "Fabulous Fall Fling" ...

Adventureland's Palace Theater in Altoona, Iowa, I-80 Exit 142A

 

Join us for an evening with...

 

Lavender Lace, with special performance by Rae

 

Free keg beer & Hors d'oeuvres (while supplies last)

Free Pop & Cash Bar (while supplies last) 

50/50 Cash Split Drawings 

 

Fabulous Silent Auction 

If you would like to volunteer or have an item for the auction, please call 515-244-7964 or email: lavendervf@aol.com 

Auction Ends at 10 p.m. - Don't forget your checkbook! 

 

$20 Donation at the door 

 

Smoking is not permitted in the ballroom. 

Ther will be a designated area outdoors. 

No one under 16 allowed! ID required! 

 

All proceeds go to LVF to support lesbians in financial need uew to life affecting llness or injury.

 

Lavender Victory Fund (LVF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

---

Saturday, September 15, 2007

13th Annual Iowa Women's Music Festival 2007

Iowa City's Upper City Park

12:00 to 6:00pm

For more information, go here: http://www.prairievoices.net/

---

Tuesday, September 18,  2007

 

Iowa Women’s Music Festival is very proud to announce that Hancher Auditorium, on the campus of the U. of Iowa in Iowa City, is bringing the one and only ANI DIFRANCO to Iowa City on Tuesday, September 18 (three days after the IWMF).  If that isn’t cool enough, MELISSA FERRICK will be joining her!   Presale starts on the Ticketmaster website, at www.ticketmaster.com, on July 10 at 10 a.m. CDT.  Email Lisa at iowalisa@juno.com to get the password.  Presale ends on Thursday, July 12 at 10 p.m. CDT.  Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. CDT. 

---

Saturday, September 22, 2007 

   

WCC September Coffee House

We're meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House at 42nd and Grand

 

---

August 7-12, 2007

Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

For more information, go here: www.michfest.com

---

Check out the work of WCC regular, April Katz. She writes:

I have a one-person exhibition from July 31 - August 26, 2007 at the
Washington Printmakers  Gallery at 1732 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington DC. The opening reception will take place on Friday,
August 3 from 5 - 8 pm. I will present an artist's talk/brown bag
lunch on Thursday, August 9, from noon - 1.

You can check out some of the pieces on the gallery's web site
www.washingtonprintmakers.com

Click on my name to see my work.


April

---

Wednesday, Aug. 22nd, 2007

Next luncheon gathering for retirees and friends is at 11:30 Wednesday, Aug. 22nd, at Grounds for Celebration, 6601 University.

---

Saturday, Aug 25th, 2007

WCC Picnic at Big Creek State Park
Cadet Shelter

Bring your lawn chairs, a dish to share, and something to grill for our annual summer picnic

Check with Sandy K. for more details

---

 

---

2007

 

Saturday, April 28, 2007,  7:00 p.m. 

---

 

A Thank You Note From Anna's Family:

Dear WCC,                                        4/4/07

 

Anna’s family and I would like to Thank you for your memorial donations and outpouring

of generous love from all our community.

 

We (Anna & Shelly) moved to Des Moines over 20 years ago.  We have been a part of so

many blessings.  May you all feel the kind, loving spirit of healing.  May our grief turn into miracles of on-going growth and peace for each one of you and our community of Loving women. 

Sincerely, Shelly & Anna

            

            Perhaps you sent a lovely card,

                        Of sat quietly in a chair.

            Perhaps you sent some flowers,

                        If so we saw it there.

            Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,

                        As any friend could say,

            Perhaps you we’re not there at all,

             Just thought of Anna that day,

            Whatever you did to comfort our hearts,

            We thank you so much whatever the part.

            Families of Anna Parks & Shelly Yadon

 

March 26, 2007

Born: November 03, 1932,  Died: March 26, 2007 

Services: Memorial Celebration of her life 9:30 am Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Chapel, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA.

 

 

Mother of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement 

PHILADELPHIA: Barbara Gittings, a seminal gay activist, died on Sunday, 
February 18. She was 75 and resided in Wilmington, Delaware. Her death was 
announced by her partner of 46 years, Kay Tobin Lahusen. 

Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum, noted, "Barbara Gittings 
is the mother of the GLBT civil rights movement. She is our Rosa Parks. 
Barbara helped organize the first gay and lesbian civil rights demonstrations in 
the face of a tsunami of homophobia. Her courage helped launch the GLBT civil 
rights movement."

Barbara Gittings began her career in activism in 1958 when she founded the 
New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), the first lesbian 
organization. She edited DOB's national magazine The Ladder from 1963 to 1966. 
Describing those years, Gittings said, "There were scarcely 200 of us in the whole 
United States. It was like a club; we all knew each other."

In 1965, Gittings marched in the first gay picket lines at the White House 
and other federal sites in Washington, DC to protest discrimination by the 
federal government. She joined other activists in the pioneering annual 
demonstrations for gay and lesbian civil rights held each July 4 from 1965 to 1969 at 
Independence Hall in Philadelphia. These seminal yearly protests laid the 
groundwork for the Stonewall rebellion in 1969 and the first New York gay pride 
parade in 1970. Gittings' role in these early protests is featured 
prominently in Equality Forum's documentary, Gay Pioneers. 

In the 1970s, Gittings campaigned with other activists to remove 
homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental disorders. She 
recruited "Dr. H. Anonymous," a gay psychiatrist who appeared, masked, on a 
panel at the 1972 APA conference to tell his colleagues why he couldn't be 
open in his own profession.

Gittings also crusaded to make gay literature available in libraries. Though 
not a librarian, Gittings found a home in the Gay Task Force of the American 
Library Association, the first gay caucus in a professional organization. 
She edited its Gay Bibliography and wrote a history of the group, Gays in 
Library Land. Her campaign to promote gay materials and eliminate discrimination in 
libraries was recognized in 2003 by an honorary lifetime membership 
conferred by the American Library Association. 

For her lifetime of activist work, Gittings was selected as one of 31 leaders 
for GLBT History Month in October 2006. 

-----------------------------------

Some of us were blessed to meet Barbara, a few of the pictures from her 
visit to Des Moines, can be seen on the Equality Iowa website (here). These are pics mostly 
taken, by me when she was here. I have the one's of a few womyn and Barbara, 
please let me know if I took one of you and her and I will email it to you.

I am feeling a great lose today.

Sandy V.

Saturday, March 24, 2007,  7:00 p.m. 

Friend's Meeting House 
4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA

Program

Welcome
1) "ONE FINE DAY" Video
2) PRAIRIE VOICES --IOWA'S PIONEERING WOMEN
3) Speakers #1-5, Sharing the stories of important wymyn from our past
BREAK
5) Congressional Resolution
6) Speakers #1-5, More wymyn's stories
7) 'TAKE THE POWER' Video
9) "One Moment Time" Audio Recording - Sciota Valley Sweet Adeline Women's Chorus (Columbus, Ohio)

 

 

2006

Sunday, December 31st, 2006

WOMENS CULTURAL COLLECTIVE

ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE!

To view or print the flier, click here.   

TIME: 8:PM - 1:AM PLACE: WISCONSIN ROOM Lower Level HOLIDAY INN * MERLE HAY RD. DES MOINES, IOWA 515-278-4755

ADMISSION: SUGGESTED DONATION: $15.00 PER PERSON

ROOM RESERVATIONS: If you call Holiday Inn Merle Hay direct, no later than December 9, 2006 and if you mention the block of rooms reserved for WCC (15) you'll get a room rate of $94.95 (two queen beds or 1 king.) Call 515-278-4755 to reserve your room.

" CASH BAR AVAILABLE.

 " MUSIC * A variety of music provided by Jennie S., WCC volunteer.

 " ADULTS ONLY PLEASE. 

" PLEASE NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED.

 " COME, HELP US WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR 2007!!!!!

---

 

From Iowa Safe Schools---------

 

 Dear Friends,

Help us show our policy makers that Iowans want safe schools!  Whether you are a parent, student, educator, or concerned citizen, we ask you to join us in our ongoing attempts to create safer schools for all students in Iowa by signing the Iowans for Safe Schools online-petition at http://www.iowasafe schools.org/ publicpolicypare nts.htm.

Your name(s) will be added to a list of Iowans from around the state that want all students—regardless of their race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, or any other characteristic—to be safe and valued in our schools. 

Iowans for Safe Schools (online petition)

http://www.iowasafe schools.org/ publicpolicypare nts.htm

 

As Iowans, we want schools that are safe, inclusive places for all students.  Our instinct is to protect children from harm.  No child should be the victim of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

All students— black, brown, white, straight, gay, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, fat, skinny, short, tall, girl, boy—deserve to learn and grow free from physical and emotional abuse.  Thus, as Iowans, we fully support policies and legislation in Iowa including the language below to protect all children in Iowa from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Bullying, harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated based on any real or perceived characteristic, including, but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental disability, ancestry, socioeconomic status or familial status.

Brad Clark
Executive Director,
GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force

P.O. Box 1797
Des Moines, IA 50305-1797
(515) 243-1221
brad.clark@iowasafe schools.org
www.iowasafeschools .org

---

Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2006 -- 6:00 p.m.  (NOTE TIME!)

WCC Holiday dinner 

Tournament Club of Iowa, Polk City.

Please contact Sue D. to reserve a spot for this special event. Sue can be reached at: 515-267-9065

---

Saturday, November 11th, 2006

7:00 – 10:00 pm

The November PROS Party

will be at the home of Michael Thompson and Allen Vander Linden
7500 Benton Drive, Urbandale

Whether you’re celebrating landslide victories by pro-GLBT candidates or
drowning your sorrow form their defeat, come join us for a fun time.

Since it will also be Veteran’s Day, there may even be a few men in uniform!

PROS is a gay social organization that meets 6 times per year.

Membership is $50 per year, or you may attend individual events by paying $10 at the door.

Please call 515.986.3966 or email dennyschrock@msn.com
by Sunday, November 5th to reserve a spot at the party.

Contact Denny at the same phone or email for more information about PROS or to get directions.

 

---

 

Saturday, November 25th, 2006

 

WCC Potluck and Game Night

 

6:30 p.m., Friend's Meeting House, 42nd & Grand Ave.

Bring a dish to share and your favorite board games or card games

---

 

 

Sunday, October 29, 2006

 

Family Pride Coalition joins Urbandale United Church of Christ for a…

    Halloween Costume Party!

5 – 7 PM
Urbandale UCC
3570 70th Street, Urbandale

Join other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied individuals and families for a fun evening! Costumes welcomed and encouraged! For more information and to RSVP (by October 26), contact Laura Fefchak at lfefchak@msn. com

---

Thursday-Saturday, October 19-21, 2006 

 

HOLY RELATIONSHIPS MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE.  "One standard, all people!" is the theme to help promote the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in mainline churches and society.  With roots in an ecumenical Christian concern for peace, justice, and the dignity of all people, this conference invites people both in and outside of Christian traditions to gather for dynamic conference leadership, keynotes by Rita Nakashima Brock and Mel White, workshops, networking, story-telling, and strategy-sessions.  While the conference is focused by the goal of LGBT inclusion, the conference also will address relationships between race, religion, and sexuality, relationships with ourselves, with our families of origin, and many more!  Individual registration is only $150 (or $100 for students), and when four or more register together, there is a special group rate of $115 per person.  Visit www.holyrelationshi psmidwest. org for a complete conference schedule, as well as a list of registration options.  For more info, contact info@holyrelationsh ipsmidwest. org or 319-270-5140.

---

Friday, October 27, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. 

 

Benefit Dinner at Lucullan’s , 400 Main Street, Ames, IA.
to raise funds for the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force
Friday evening, October 27 at 5:30 p.m.  $35
Keynote: “Liberal Theology”
To purchase tickets contact Linda Trudeau at ltrudeau@iastate.edu or 515-294-4588

Homosexuality and the Bible seminar
Free and open to the public
Saturday, October 28
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
611 Clark in Ames
Lunch provided; RSVP to Linda Trudeau (contact info above)

Sunday morning presentation
First Christian Church, 10:30 a.m.

The Rev. S. Michael Pater joined the staff of Urbandale United Church of Christ on July 1, 2004, after serving as Associate Minister of First Congregational Church in Houston, Texas. A native of Kansas, Michael has lived, studied or ministered in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois and Texas. Outside of local parish ministry, he has served as chaplain to a day school and a major hospital. In addition to his Master of Divinity, Michael has a graduate degree in pastoral counseling and is a doctoral candidate at the Graduate Theological Foundation. He is a member of the Administrative Cabinet of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and on the board of The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Michael is a frequent contributor to The Des Moines Register, and his professional interests include the intersection of faith and social justice, interfaith dialogue, and helping folk rediscover and retool their faith and spirituality.

---

 

Saturday, October 28th, 2006 

6:30pm-12:30am

 

LVF Fabulous Fall Fling

Adventureland's Palace Theater

Lavender Victory Fund’s  $20 suggested donation at the door 

Smokers and non-smokers will be welcome in the ballroom. There will be designated sections for both. 

NO one under 16 allowed! ID required! 

 

Join us for an evening with… A performance by Betsy West 

Lavender Lace 

Free Keg Beer & Hors d’oeuvres (while supply lasts) 

Free Pop & Cash Bar (All night long) 

50/50 Cash Split Drawings! 

All proceeds go to LVF to support lesbians in financial need due to life affecting illness or injury. 

Fabulous Silent Auction 

Don’t forget your checkbook! Auction Ends at 10 pm 

LVF is a 501(c)(3) organization 

Adventureland’s Palace Theater Altoona/Des Moines, IA 

1-80 Exit 142A

If you'd like to volunteer or have an item for the auction, please call 515-244-7964

To view or print the flier, click here.

 

---

Sunday, October 22, 2006

20th Annual

All Iowa AIDS Benefit

2006

Variety Show & Auction

Embassy Suites on the River
101 E. Locust, Des Moines

Pre-Show Party
4:30 pm
Embassy Suites, Des Moines (Atrium)

 

Silent Auction
5:00 pm till 7:00 pm
Embassy Suites (Atrium)

Featuring:
Beautiful Artwork by Iowa Artisans
Holiday and Gift Items
Gift Certificates, Entertainment Packages
Movies, Shows, Lodging
and Much More.

 

Variety Show
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Embassy Suites (Ballroom)

Featuring:
Iowa’s Finest Female Impersonators
Dance Groups
Vocalists
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

All of the money raised by the All Iowa AIDS Benefit goes to organizations throughout the state
to help support direct service programs for those living with hiv/aids.

Thanks to the people who support the All Iowa AIDS Benefit
we can continue to be there for those people.

---

September 14 through September 17, 2006 -  

The Gaea Goddess Gathering is a 4-day women's spirituality event
focusing on the Celebration of the Goddess in every woman.
 
UBAKA HILL, internationally known drummer, teacher, performer, and
visual artist will be presenting her workshop on Friday, and will also be
performing in concert on Saturday night.
 
Workshops covering a wide range of subjects are offered on Friday and
Saturday. Some topics covered at recent festivals include: Psychic
Development, Self-Healing, Political Action for Peace, Drumming,
Therapeutic massage, Hands-on Artistic Creations, Herbal Mysteries,
Goddess Lore, and Tribal Dance. Maiden workshops are offered for young
women aged 10 to 16, and "Mini-Maiden" workshops are available for younger
girls. For more information please see our website at www.gaeagoddessgathering.com or call
Elaine at (913)-287-8601

---

 

Friday, September 15th, 2006

 

Christine Kane is coming to the Lighthouse coffee house on Friday September 15. Her website is www.christinekane.com, or the Lighthouse website for info is www.lighthousecoffeehouse.com. She is an outstanding performer and storyteller with a folksy sound. We think WCCers would enjoy the show!

---

Monday, September 18th, 2006
6-8 pm

PRIDE 2007 Planning Meeting

Greater Des Moines Partnership
700 Locust St.
(Free meter parking after 6pm)

Capital City Pride is seeking creative, energetic, and civic minded individuals to assist in the planning of Pride 2007 which is slated for June 9th & 10th. Please join others who are willing to volunteer their time for a worthy cause and help make a difference.

Capital City Pride Mission: "To promote acceptance, tolerance and understanding of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender community through education, programming and visibility."

Questions please contact Capital City Pride President Carlos Garza (515) 556-5004.

(Please note that our Capital City Pride server is being reconstructed and therefore for the time being I will be sending out emails to those on the CCP mailing list via my personal account until all info has been updated. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

---

Wednesday, September 20th, 2006

The Fall season of the Des Moines Rainbow League will start on Wednesday, September 13 at 8pm with an organizational meeting for returning and new bowling teams. Merle Hay Lanes is looking forward to hosting our league again this season. League play will start the following Wednesday, September 20 at 8pm. Teams consists of 3 members with $8.50 weekly dues which include the 3 games and shoe rental. The league had 12 teams in the spring and hope to expand even more this fall. You can contact Mike Gorsuch at 314-2819 or the staff at Merle Hay Lanes at 253-3901 with questions.

 

---

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006

The WCC coffeehouse presents:

 

Joni Laurence at Ritual Cafe, 8:00 p.m.

**********
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2006

Joni Laurence, a singer-songwriter of the modern folk kind, will appear in
concert at the Ritual Café located at 1301 Locust St. #D in Des Moines, IA
on Friday, April 7, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.  

Joni’s music has been praised by both reviewers and fans, who are mesmerized
by Joni’s imaginative stories, her warm and powerful voice, and lyrics that
bring tears in one song and contagious laughter in the next.  Joni has a
unique and soul-stirring talent for translating the human experience into
insightful lyrics and unforgettable music.  

Joni was born with a genetic predisposition for making music, as both her
parents were professional musicians during their early adult years.
However, Joni’s latent passion for making music didn’t show itself until her
senior year of college when Joni borrowed a guitar from a friend, and with
the help of library songbooks, taught herself to play.  

Fast forward 15 years, Joni has played in bands, as a duo and performed as a
soloist.  By 2003, Joni had been recognized in several songwriting contests
and had released two solo albums, Short Time and daphne speaks.  Then, with
the release of Trashbag Birdie in 2004, Joni strapped on her Martin guitar
and left her professional day job to pursue her passion for making music.  

Highlights of 2005 include touring in support of well-known
singer-songwriter Catie Curtis and performing live on the television program
“Arts Across Illinois: Center Stage,” at WTTW in Chicago, IL, the nation’s
third largest PBS television station.

Joni has recorded her forth CD, a live recording of eleven new songs, to be
released in the June of 2006.  

Join Joni for a relaxing and fun evening of entertainment at the Ritual
Café, 1301 Locust St. #D in Des Moines, IA on Friday, April 7, 2006 at 8:00
p.m.  

www.jonilaurence.com

---

February 25th, 2006 WCC coffeehouse features FILMS and Fun with Friends!!  7 p.m.

Angel and Diane love movies, books and sports events. This month they're planning a vibrant viewing of a great lesbian oriented feature film. They haven't totally decided on which one of their newest selections, but are leaning toward Saving Face, a ground breaking romance set in a traditional Chinese American community or DEBS, a grrls spy film with lots of action that gives us the Bond-esque women we'd really like to see. Whatever they decide, suffice it to say no one's been disappointed with the choices at past movie nights!

Come to the Friend's Meeting house at 42nd and Grand in Des Moines for WCCs movie night. 

 

---

Are you ready?

Powerhouse Pussy Productions Presents:

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Suite "E"

Next to Ritual Café

Featuring

Betsy West!

Live Dancers!

Music*Contests*Prizes!

Doors open @ 7 PM

$5.00 suggested donation

---

Saturday, February 25th, 2006

Leadership and Social Responsibility - Angela Davis
8:00 PM @ Stephens Auditorium, ISU Center - Angela Davis is known
internationally for her work to combat all forms of oppression. Her
political activism began when she was a youngster in Birmingham, Alabama,
and continued over the years in her work as a student, teacher, writer,
scholar, and activist/organizer. In 1969 that she came to national attention
after being removed from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department
at UCLA as a result of her social activism and her membership in the
Communist Party, USA. In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted
List on false charges, and was the subject of an intense police search that
drove her underground, and that culminated in one of the most famous trials
in recent U.S. history, leading to her acquittal in 1972. Her articles and
essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, and she is the
author of five books, including Angela Davis: An Autobiography; Women, Race,
and Class; Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie
Smith, and Billie Holiday; and The Angela Y. Davis Reader. She is in the
History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa
Cruz. In 1994, she was appointed to the University of California
Presidential Chair in African American and Feminist Studies.

4th Annual Omaha Womyn's Riverboat
Dinner/Concert Cruise
Saturday, June 4, 2005
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Boarding around 4:30)
Contact Tauni or Sheryl @ 402-467-5737

BETH MULLANEY

Beth Mullaney; singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has been a
featured performer in Las Vegas since 1994.  Originally from Lincoln,
Nebraska, Beth has entertained thousands of people from all walks of life
with her smooth, powerful vocals and energetic instrumentation.  Her
collection of songs include an eclectic blend of styles past and present.
Her original music speaks of life and love with an honesty captured within
the words and melodies.

Four years ago, Beth formed the popular Las Vegas band,  Killian's Angels.
Along with their tight vocal harmonies, collectively, the six women of
Killian's Angels play over 20 instruments, from tin whistle to tuba.  It is
here that Beth's lifelong passion is fully realized as she is featured on
vocals, mandolin, guitar, drums, harmonica, bodhran (Irish frame drum) and
spoons.

Recently, the band was chosen by King World to record their original
version of the Jeopardy theme song.  The jingle, which takes a 60 second
journey from traditional celtic to punk rock, played in the top 30 national
radio markets in 2004.

Beth's original songs, "Can I Hold You" (a love ballad) and "In Santo
Tomas" (about her mother's childhood experiences as a prisoner of war
during WWII) have received worldwide airplay and distribution.  This year,
she will release a holiday CD called, "Home".

Beth is looking forward to returning "home" to Nebraska to play for the
June, 2005 Omaha Women's Riverboat Cruise.

4th Annual Omaha Womyn's Riverboat
Dinner/Concert Cruise
Saturday, June 4, 2005
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Boarding around 4:30)
Contact Tauni or Sheryl @ 402-467-5737




                 FOURTH ANNUAL OMAHA WOMYN'S RIVERBOAT
                                    DINNER/CONCERT CRUISE


All womyn are invited for an evening of music, food, womyn-spirit
and cruising the Missouri River on the historic River City Star.

   DATE:       Saturday, June 4, 2005
   TIME:         5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  (Boarding around 4:30 p.m.)
   PLACE:    Boarding at Freedom Park
                     Carter Lake, Iowa

Join us for the 4th Annual spring dinner/concert cruise.   OWRC presents a
catered dinner and Beth Mullaney in concert.  Tickets are $30.    For
further information call Tauni or Sheryl in Lincoln at 467-5737.     $30
service charge on all returned checks.

                            Registration Form

NAME
Vegetarian Dinner? Y/N
ADDRESS

CITY                        STATE             ZIP
PHONE

# OF REGISTRATIONS            AMOUNT ENCLOSED  ($30 EACH)

Make checks payable to:  Omaha Womyn's Riverboat Cruise (OWRC) and send to
4949 North 73rd Street,  Lincoln, Nebraska  68507

NOTE:  TICKETS AND DIRECTIONS WILL BE MAILED THE WEEK BEFORE THE CRUISE.

               BECAUSE OF THE MEAL, WE MUST HAVE A FINAL HEAD COUNT BY JUNE
3!
(The 21st Annual Omaha Womyn's Riverboat Cruise will be September 10th)

---

May 20-21, 2005

WCC's annual campout at the Prairie Flower Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake. Join us for a potluck dinner on Saturday evening. Camping Friday and Saturday evenings; recreation includes bike and walking trails; canoeing and kayaking; golf course nearby. Sites include electricity and are located close to water and restrooms. Sites will accommodate both tents and RVs. Call Sandy K. for details about where we'll be located: (515) 964-1626. To make reservations at Prairie Flower, go here:
http://www.reserveusa.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/ia/praf/newindex.html

Other May events
Des Moines Courage home game: May 7 - Detroit Predators

Saturday, May 21, 2005, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Urbandale United Church of Christ
Reverend S. Michael Pater
"Homosexuality and the Bible"

---

2005 Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner

Friends:

Attached is a reservation form for the 2005 Matthew Shepard Scholarship
Awards Dinner, on June 3.  This wonderful event recognizes this year's
Matthew Shepard Scholars.  As you may know, we sold out last year, so I
wanted to be sure you received a reservation form.  I encourage you to
complete it and return it soon, as we could easily sell out this year too.

Congressman Jim Leach will keynote and receive an award for his 25 year
support of LGBT rights.  We'll have music from the Des Moines Gay Men's
Chorus, and we'll have the first Iowa PrideNet Awards, recognizing the best
Iowa high school Gay-Straight Alliance, and best Iowa college LGBT group. 
And, we'll be awarding 5 full scholarships (tuition, books and fees for 4
years) and 10 honorary scholarships ($500).

It will be a delightful evening, full of friends, new friends, great
students and community.  I hope you will be able to attend.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best wishes,

Rich Eychaner
P. O. Box 1797
Des Moines, Iowa  50306-1797
(515) 262-0000
(515) 280-8048 FAX

---

Des Moines Courage Schedule

The Independent Women's Football League (IWFL) is a full tackle women's football league focused on creating a positive, safe and fun environment for the women who play the game and fans that come out to watch them.

The IWFL was founded in 2000 by a group of women dedicated to making the sport a household name. The IWFL currently has 31 teams across North America from Southern California to Montreal and Oregon to Florida.

2005 Des Moines Courage Schedule; they play all home games at Southeast Polk High School, (usually 7 p.m.); Tickets are $8 for adults, and $4 for children and senior citizens.
 
Date Opponent Time/Result
Regular Season
Apr 2 Kansas City Storm - Win (50-20)  
Apr 16 @ Detroit Predators - Loss (12-20)
Apr 23 Chicago Force - Loss (0-40)
Apr 30 Kansas City Storm    
May 7 Detroit Predators    
May 14 @ Detroit Predators    
May 28 @ Kansas City Storm    
Jun 4 @ Texas Revolution    
Jun 11 @ Chicago Force    
Jun 18 Texas Revolution  

Playing for pride
Sunday, April 17, 2005
By Sharon Baltes, sharonbaltes@bpcdm.com

Fall is traditionally known as football season, but the Des Moines Courage, which kicked off its season earlier this month, is not a typical football team. For starters, its players are all women, and they come from a wide range of backgrounds.

"We have players who work as teachers or police officers and another who owns beauty salon - we have people all across the board," said Holly Stevens, a mechanical designer for Brooks Borg Skiles Architecture Engineering LLP in Des Moines.

Besides Stevens, several other Courage players work in the professional arena. Jennifer Shaffer is a Web programmer for Ortho Computer Systems in Ames and Holly Seifert is a job captain and regional computer-aided design manager for Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects and Planners Inc.'s regional office in West Des Moines.

All three women played with the Courage last season, and they said their co-workers have grown used to seeing them hobble into the office on Monday, sometimes visibly bruised and battered.

"The owner of my company has season tickets to the games, and a couple of my co-workers always ask me about the games when they see me on Mondays," said Shaffer, 29, who describes her role on the team this year as "being the one who runs the ball back and gets creamed." She plays free safety and linebacker and returns punts and kickoffs.

Last season, the Courage's inagural year in the 21-team Independent Women's Football League, was challenging as many players had to learn the fundamentals of the game, said Stevens, who plays left tackle and defensive end.

"It was kind of like having a new job," said the 31-year-old. "You're nervous. You don't know what you're doing and you're working to fit in. That's how it was last year. Now that we know the process, we're able to put it together naturally."

"Last year was a big stepping stone for us," said Seifert, also 31, who is currently on the injured list and hopes to resume playing later this month. Like other team members, Seifert has participated in athletics for most of her life, including college, but she found that football was far more challenging than she had imagined.

"You get a whole new appreciation for football after you've played it," Seifert said. "Out of all the competitive sports that I've played, nothing compares to football. It's the ultimate team sport."

Shaffer said the Courage had one victory last season, and winning their first game this season April 2 against Kansas City was a big boost to the team's morale and got the players excited for their nine remaining games.

"We have come so far," Shaffer said. "We're a lot more organized, and everything seems to flow together smoothly. The score of our first game this year was 50 to 20, with us being the winners. We had one win last year. But we've already met, and will hopefully exceed, last year's record."

The Courage began practicing for the current season last November, and by January, had built up to two three-hour practices each weekend. The team will play its final game June 18, but Stevens said many players will continue practicing once a week in the summer to stay in shape. Weekend practices and travel time to out-of-state games make for a busy week, especially for Stevens, who is also trying to fit in coursework to become a mechanical engineer.

"You have to be very committed and very dedicated to be on the team," Stevens said. "You miss one practice and you just lost three or four hours of being educated."

Shaffer said she had not planned on playing for the Courage this year because of the substantial time commitment, but in the end, she decided she would miss the action and the relationships she had formed. Plus, she said, another big reason that almost all of last year's players returned this year is because they collectively want to prove to Central Iowa that women can play football.

"Some people's attitude about women playing football is that it's a joke, but I wanted to show that it wasn't," Shaffer said. "I've always been a hardhead. I've always known that I could do something if I put my mind to it, and this just enhanced that."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Content © 2005 Des Moines Business Record
All Rights Reserved

---

April 2005 Book Club

Thanks to everyone who came to March's book club!

Our book for April will be As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised As A Girl by John Colapinto. We'll meet Wednesday, April 27th at 6 pm at the LGBT Center in the Merle Hay Mart at 3839 Merle Hay (http://www.lgbt-dsm.com/index2.html).  

As Nature Made Him brings up questions of gender, health care and the nature vs. nurture debate. As the victim of a botched circumcision at 8 mos. David Reimer was reassigned as a female while his twin brother grew up as a male. During high school David decided to have  reassignment surgery and switch back to being a male. He married and became a stepfather. After Rolling Stone's John Colapinto wrote As Nature Made Him Reimer became famous, going on Oprah and making money from selling his story to DreamWorks. In 2004, at the age of 38 he committed suicide.   

-Amanda

RESOURCES

New York Times Review:

http://partners.nytimes.com/books/00/02/20/reviews/000220.20angiert.html

Mensight Magazine Review:

http://mensightmagazine.com/reviews/Svoboda/twocircbooks.htm

The BrothersJudd.com Review, Carthago Delenda Est (It just doesn't matter):  

http://mensightmagazine.com/reviews/Svoboda/twocircbooks.htm

The Intersex Society of North America:

http://www.isna.org/

Bodies Like Ours, Intersex Information and Peer Support

http://www.bodieslikeours.org/

Oprah's Cast of Characters for her show:

http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_2000/tows_past_20000209_d.jhtml

The Monday, May 10, 2004 Winnipeg Sun story on David Reimer's death:

http://canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/News/2004/05/10/453481.html

John Colapinto's article in Slate called "Gender Gap: What were the real reasons behind David Reimer's suicide?"
http://slate.msn.com/id/2101678/

NPR talks with John Colapinto after Reimer's death:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1894187

Saturday, Feb. 12th, 2005, Valentine's Day Dance 
 Wildwood Lodge, 11431 Forest in Clive.  
8 p.m. - midnight. $10 donation (more if you can, less if you can't). 
WCC Planning for the Future

---

Iowa Equality Day

Friends,

 We want to encourage you to attend Iowa Equality Day on Thursday, February 3, 2005.  This day of education is being sponsored by the LGBT Community Center of Central Iowa at the State Capitol for LGBTQA people of all generations.  Attendees will be provided with training, an opportunity to talk to elected officials, and a chance to network with other LGBTQA people from across the state.  The schedule is as follows:

 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Table set up

8:50 AM – 9:00 AM Benediction

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Training

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Sharing photos/talking to legislators

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch and Quire to sing

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM Talking with legislators

2:45 PM – 3:30 Sharing photos 

 As some of you are aware, prideNet is offering grants to high school and college/university Gay-Straight Alliances to attend this event.  For more information on these grants, go to www.iowapridenet.org.  If you have any question, contact me at brad.clark@iowapridenet.org or 515-243-1110.  We look forward to seeing you on February 3!  Best,

 Brad Clark

 Director, Iowa Pride Network
P.O. Box 1797
Des Moines, IA  50306-1797
(515) 243-1110
brad.clark@iowapridenet.org

www.iowapridenet.org

Note: Please do not confuse IED 2005 with "HIV/AIDS Day on the Hill," another statewide gathering at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines exactly two weeks later, on Thursday, February 17, 2005. For more information on "HIV/AIDS Day on the Hill," a valuable opportunity to educate our legislators about important health issues, contact Jordan Selha, AIDS Project of Central Iowa, 515-284-0245, jordans@aidsprojectci.org.
back to the top

Chris Glaser,M.Div., is known widely in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for his pastoral approach while encouraging the church to fully welcome its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members--probably the reason he was selected as preacher for the closing worship for the denomination's 2004 General Assembly.

His first of nine books, "Uncommon Calling: A Gay Christian's Struggle to Serve the Church, published by Westminster John Knox Press, described our denominational struggle with the issue of ordination. His most recent book is "Henri's Mantle: 100 Meditations on Nouwen's Legacy".
back to the top