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| April/May 2006
Vol.18, No. 3
Triangle Community Center Turns 15
Margaret O’Connell and Bob Scrofani Honored for Service
On Saturday, April 29, the Triangle Community Center will celebrate fifteen years of service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of Fairfield County with a Gala Anniversary dinner and dance at Silvermine Tavern in Norwalk. Margaret O’Connell and Bob Scrofani will be honored for their outstanding contributions and unwavering support of the Center and LBGT community over the years.
Margaret J. O’Connell served on the TCC board of directors for five years, including terms as President, Vice President, Volunteer Coordinator and co-chair of Fairfield County Pride. Margaret makes communication within the LGBT community a top priority. She is one of the founders of the Womyn’s Social Group, now celebrating its 5th year, and the Womyn’s Update e-newsletter, an ever growing tool connecting the LGBT community. Whether on the softball and football fields, hosting potluck at her home, or running a board meeting, Margaret’s high-spirited, “can do” presence and her influence on TCC and its surrounding community are indeed greater than the sum of the parts.
Bob Scrofani has been an activist for the LGBT community for many years, back when being out was dangerous to the point of life, safety or career threatening (immensely more so than now). As one of TCC’s founders, he has led the men’s rap group, helped found the Gay Men’s Network of Fairfield County, designed and maintained TCC’s second website, worked on most of the committees at one time or another, and been a regular at TCC functions. Bob lives his life fighting for our civil rights. “The best thing anybody can do for the LGBT community is to be out, proud, and visible every day,” said Bob when asked to comment for this article. “Do not let any injustice go unchallenged. If you live your life this way, you will change the world one person at a time.”
For the last fifteen years, the Triangle Community Center has provided a hub where members of the community find a safe haven separate from home or office, where people are free to question and affirm their sexuality in a positive light. Through educational outreach, scholarships, networking and social events, the Center offers a wide range of programs and services to support the varied needs of its diverse membership.
TCC’s programs and operations are funded through annual membership fees, private donations, and a growing body of corporate sponsors and government grants. An all-volunteer board oversees financing, operations and policies. With a strong sense of the Center’s legacy, the board has spent the past year studying the means to grow and enhance the Center as a tremendous community asset - to take steps toward strengthening the LGBT community’s sense of identity, pride and visibility and working with great Fairfield County to foster understanding and awareness of LGBT issues.
Later this year, TCC will throw its fifth Gay Pride celebration, produce two theatrical events, and host educational programs. Reaching out for new members while continuing to serve our existing members with stimulating, fun, supportive activities. We hope you will join the celebration of TCC’s history and hopes for the future - throughout the year, at every opportunity. Visit our newly redesigned website at www.ctgay.org to keep up to date on all of TCC’s upcoming events.
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 Lesbian Literature Group
The Lesbian Literature Group had its final meeting last month & will no longer be meeting at the center unless.......
The Lesbian Literature Group is in need of a new leader. Marlene Leja, who took the lead as facilitator from PJ & Christine a few years ago & continued with this fine TCC tradition, has moved on to become coordinator of the Womyn’s Social Group (with the departure of our dear Margaret O’Connell). The Lesbian Literature Group has been a big part of TCC’s history for years. Each month the Literature Group discusses a previously chosen novel, most either written by Lesbians or have a Lesbian-themed content. The books range from fiction, biographies to mysteries and romance. The group was also known for its discussions outside just the novels. This is a fun and outgoing group (as any of its regulars would attest to!). All are welcome, even if you have not finished or even read the book. The group has grown over the last couple years and we would all love to see this group continue to thrive and therefore are looking to you for help. TCC is looking for special someone to carry on this labor of love. If you are ready to answer the call to keep the Lesbian Literature Group going, please contact TCC at TCCenter@aol.com or call (203) 853-0600. We want to thank everyone for their support.
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Job Opportunity
TCC seeks to hire an Administrative Coordinator, 10-15 hours per week. The position reports to the President of the Board and will be responsible for maintaining and managing membership and volunteer databases. advertiser billing, updating and maintaining calendar information, monitoring and managing emails, voicemails and postal mail, maintaining the TCC office. Please contact Joe at joeguttadauro@sbcglobal.net for additional information and to apply.
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TCC to Present Two Plays in 2006
 The TCC in cooperation with the Carriage House Arts Center is proud to present 2 LGBT productions in 2006. These will be the 9th and 10th productions for the TCC play committee. Both productions are TCC fundraisers that will be presented as part of the Carriage House Arts Center’s premier season. The Carriage House is located in Norwalk’s Cranbury Park.
The TCC’s 9th play Fundraiser with be ‘When I Knew’ (June 23, 24, 8 PM). A multi-media presentation directed by TCC member Frank Gaffney, this touching play takes us on a journey through a number of sometimes funny and always touching coming out stories. This is a great addition to our Pride month calendar. Tickets are $20 and include a post-show reception.
The TCC’s 10th play fundraiser will be ‘The Sum of Us’ (October 13-21) directed by Kenny Sanders. This intelligent comedy takes us inside the relationship of a father and his gay son. Ticket prices will range from $20 - $30. Both Saturday night performances will include the traditional TCC gala post show reception. Both shows will be produced by the acclaimed TCC production team of Elliot Arluck , Joe Guttadauro and Steven Marchese.
Stay tuned on how you can reserve your tickets! Additional information on both productions will be in the next News & Views and posted on the TCC website (www.ctgay.org).
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TCC wishes fond farewells to:
 Jeffri Harre, board member, whose term in office has ended. Jeffri will become our Education Committee Chair.
Margaret O’Connell, past President and board member, resigned from the TCC Board after accepting a new job in Portland, Maine. At this time, she continues to manage the Womyn’s Update and TCCHappenings email lists.
Michele Stone, TCC News & Views editor, advertising sales, billing and membership manager, has resigned after many years of steadfast service.
All three will be sorely missed and difficult to replace. We wish them well in their future endeavors!
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Womyn’s Social Group
April 7, 2006, Friday, 7:30pm
THE WOMYN’S SOCIAL KICKS ASS - A NIGHT OF SELF-DEFENSE
Donation: $10, with all proceeds to TCC ($20 value)
KEMPO KARATE & SELF DEFENSE
35 Danbury Road, Wilton CT, (203) 563-9781
Learn the basics of self defense in one evening session, gaining confidence and strategies for getting out of potentially harmful situations.
Sensei June, owner of Kempo Karate and Self Defense, Inc. a second degree Black Belt and TCC member, has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years. She conducts self defense clinics throughout the tri-state area.
Please RSVP by April 5 to Marlene at ml3017@hotmail.com, where you may also direct any questions.
MAY 5, 2006, FRIDAY, 7:30PM @ TCC
THE WOMYN’S SOCIAL GROUP CELEBRATES 5 YEARS WITH ITS OWN CINCO DE MAYO - SPECIAL “WOMYN’S SOCIAL MARGARITA”, TAPAS & MORE!
TCC- members -$10. Non-members -$20 (All inclusive) Many friends and couples have met at the Womyn’s Social. Come celebrate this great womyns community event!
For questions or additional information, contact Marlene at ml3017@hotmail.com.
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My Pride, My Soul
My Pride, My Soul is a social and discussion group that reaches out to Women of Color, as well as their friends, admirers, and partners. We meet once a month to discuss various social, political, and economic issues in our community. We also celebrate and support spoken word and other artistic endeavors.
JULY 27 - 28, JOIN MPMS FOR A WEEKEND RETREAT TO FOXWOODS AND MOHEGAN SUN. WE ARE TAKING OVER ABBEY’S LANTERN HILL INN - A LOCAL BED AND BREAKFAST JUST MINUTES FROM FOXWOODS.
Rates range from $300 to $400 for single occupancy and $200 to 250 pp for double occupancy.
The house only accommodates 18 to 20 people - First come, first served.
Additional details at www.ctgay.org/events.htm or email mypridemysoul@yahoo.com
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Love Makes a Family
Love Makes a Family Chapter Meeting -- The Fairfield County Love Makes a Family Chapter will be holding a chapter meeting on Monday, April 17th at 7:30 pm at the Triangle Community Center, 16 River Street (Mechanic St. entrance) in Norwalk.
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SLAPHAPS - (Senior Lesbians At Play Happily)
A social group for Lesbians 55 & over and their younger friends.
SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2006
SAT. 4/1/06 11 A.M. --- BRUNCH & MUSEUM. Meet at SoNo Baking Co. & Cafe, So. Water St., South Norwalk.
Tour Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk.
FRI. 4/7/06 2 P.M. --- LAZER TAG, GO CARTS, MINI GOLF, ETC., at Dadd’s Xtreme, 867 Post Rd., West Haven. Dinner after at 742 West Restaurant, Post Rd., West Haven.
THURS. 4/13/06 11 A.M.--- RODIN SCULPTURES EXHIBIT at Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St., Hartford. Lunch afterward.
WED. 4/19/06 12:30 P.M.--- SLAPHAPS MONTHLY MEETING at New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community Center (NHGLCC) 50 Fitch St. 2nd floor. Bring lunch, help plan future activities, & play dominoes.
TUE. 4/25/06 12:15 P.M.--- LUNCH at Cafe Vincenzo, Gateway Community College. 60 Sargent Dr., New Haven. Call 488-7103 by 4/3/06 for reservation.
IF YOU’RE GOING TO GO, PLEASE LET US KNOW! SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
For more SLAPHAP info: Kathy katslew@aol.com 203-929-8113, Linda Lloudyeller@comcast.net 203-934-1263
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Committee and Volunteer Opportunities
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TCC Scholarship Applications are now being accepted.
The Triangle Community Center Scholarship Fund was established to provide awards to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons attending accredited vocational, undergraduate, or graduate programs in Connecticut.
For information on how to apply please see the attached information including the application, the process, purpose, award & eligibility or contact barb@schade.us
Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 21, 2006 | Please contact Joe at joeguttadauro@sbcglobal.net for additional information about the opportunities listed below. No prior experience needed. We will tailor the opportunities to match your skills, time commitment and interests. Come join the fun and help to keep the TCC the hub of activity for the LGBT community.
Special Events and Programming Committee
Responsible for evaluating and producing educational, social, sporting, outreach and fund-raising events for TCC. Includes the following sub committees Pride, Festivus and The Play.
Responsible for scheduling, coordinating TCC’s programming calendar. Works with publicity committee to promote events. Defines event budgets and reviews them with the TCC treasurer. Works with volunteer coordinator to staff events. Works to ensure TCC is the hub of LGBT cultural events in Fairfield County. Meets quarterly with board liaison.
Policies and Process Committee
Works to ensure TCC bylaws are up to date. Ensures TCC’s policies and procedures are documented, followed and clearly communicated. Works with TCC secretary to ensure documentation is archived.
Communications Committee
Coordinates information and brand identity of all Center visuals including website, newsletter, published and press materials. Works to ensure the TCC brand is consistently communicated.
 Finance Committee
Works to ensure that the TCC remains financially stable. Includes the following sub committees:
Advertising - handles advertising for newsletter and website. Pursues advertisers and keeps billing current.
Grant Writing - actively looks for and applies for grants.
Sponsorship - Promotes TCC. Actively looks for sponsorship opportunities for the TCC.
 
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 Upcoming Meetings
We invite you to come to our monthly support meetings. We share our stories in a safe welcoming environment and promise strict confidentiality. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 P.M. at the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk. For directions, log on to www.ctgay.org. Any questions? Call Sandy at 203-226-0257 or email her at pflagswct@yahoo.com.
Mark your calendar for the next three meetings: Wednesdays - April 5th, May 3rd, June 7th.
PFLAG Mission
• Promote the health & well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families & friends;
• Provide support to cope with an adverse society;
• Provide education to enlighten an ill-informed public;
• Provide advocacy to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights;
• Provide an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, and work to create a society that is healthy and respectful of all human beings.
Rally / Protest & Candlelight Vigil at The Boy Scouts of America’s National Conference, Washington DC
Scouting for All is asking for your support in getting the word out to current and past BSA members and to those who believe in social justice. We will be holding a protest / rally and candlelight vigil at the BSA’s annual national conference. This year the national conference is being held in Washington, DC May 24-26.
We will be reading the names of those scouts who have turned in their scouting awards to Scouting for All in protest of the BSA’s national leadership’s policy of discrimination against gay and atheist youth and adults. We’d like current and prior BSA members to wear their uniforms. We want the National Leadership to see that members oppose its bigoted policy. National leaders from BSA National and BSA leaders from throughout the country will be in attendance at this conference. So a large number wearing uniforms will send a strong message to BSA leadership, that there is no room in scouting for bigotry and discrimination.
We are asking you to please get the word out to especially Eagle Scouts, current BSA members and prior members to stand
with us on May 24th and 25th. The issue at hand is pretty simple. How can we as a nation support any organization that discriminates against any segment of our society? Those who believe in justice and human rights for all should be offended by the BSA’s policy. The Boy Scouts of America’s national leadership through its exclusive policy gives out a dehumanizing message about the homosexual and atheist / non atheist communities. According to the BSA’s national leadership, GLBT and atheist people are not moral and are not good Americans simply because of their sexual orientation and atheistic belief. Currently our own Federal Government supports this discriminatory organization. President Bush is even the Honorary President of the BSA. Our own tax payer money is used to support the Boy Scouts of America and its discriminatory practice.
Scouting for All is asking YOU to step forth and speak out. Join us on May 24th and 25th. Become a courageous voice against discrimination, bigotry, and homophobia.
For more information contact Scott Cozza, Pres. Scouting for All. 707-778-0564, Email: Cozzahived@aol.com
www.scoutingforall.org
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Counseling
 
 
 
 
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Spiritual & Health
 
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Legal
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Real Estate
 
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Web Design
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Miscellaneous
 
 
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Download OUR NEWSLETTER, News & Views
(pdf format. Adobe Reader required - it's free)
News & Views is published bimonthly. To make an addition to the newsletter or calendar, send an e-mail to tcceditor@aol.com
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