2008 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE
RECORD-BREAKER with 8,542,507 visits!
The STONEWALL Veterans'
Association website, once again, broke all annual
records with the busiest year -- over eight-and-one-half million --
and the busiest month, busiest week and busiest
day statistics in 2008!
Wednesday, December 31 -- NEW YEAR'S EVE
Sunday, December 28 -- HAPPY
BIRTHDAY to "THE SWEETHEART of THE STONEWALL": Miss MARY WEISS of
THE SHANGRI-LAS
Saturday, December 27 -- S.V.A.
BOARD of DIRECTORS ANNUAL MEETING and YEAR-END MEET of
the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE at the NYC GAY CENTER
This end-of-the-year meeting is conducted by S.V.A.
Director Williamson Henderson,
who also hosts this Christmas weekend holiday get-together. Jeremiah Newton presents
some S.V.A. planning and related events for "Stonewall-40" in June 2009.
Ruthybird
gives public official and candidate updates telling "who's naughty
and who's nice". Betty Bristol
gives the list of confirmed (to date) guest speakers for 2009 at S.V.A.
meetings. Leigh
McManus names
high schools for which the S.V.A. will provide in 2009 the
service of SW-vet speakers who commendably still
provide their knowledge to educate youth and
others about the historic Stonewall Rebellion forty years later!
Rogers Hunt reveals the
S.V.A. website lay-outs and special features for next year's "SW-40".
King Storme DeLarverie is
celebrated for his octogenarian birthday and serenaded with a
spirited "HB2U"! To include relevant meeting agenda
items, please contact AnDre C
at (212) 6-27-1969! The meeting starts @ 4:15 p.m.
Marlon Hunter
representing PRIDE Democrats
will give the Gay guidelines for considering support of, donating to or
voting for political candidates in the all-important 2009 New York City
contests. A young journalist Victor
Barroco from Rio De Janero, Brazil interviews several SW-Vetz.
Big homemade birthday cake -- made by Hal
Weiner -- and coffee are served to S.V.A. members
and guests in celebration of the birthday of King Storme.
Thursday, December 25 -- STONEWALL SONGSTRESS EARTHA KITT
SUNSETS @ 81
Miss Eartha
Kitt is an international and multi-lingual singer,
actress, dancer and activist. "Santa Baby" by
Eartha was of the most popular holiday songs at The
Stonewall. That song makes it all the prophetic that
she died on Christmas Day while the song was being played all around
the World! Eartha's unique talents, personal struggles,
speaking-out and a discrimination victim (she is biracial) all combined
to make her one of the favorites at The Stonewall and beyond
to emulate and impersonate, particularly as an inspiration for the
Gays of color. Miss Kitt advocated more recently on
behalf of HIV and AIDS.
Thursday, December 25th -- CHRISTMAS
DAY (INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY)
Supremes + Stonewall @ Christmas
= S.V.A.
Wednesday, December 24 (Xmas Eve) -- S.V.A.
AMBASSADOR STORME DeLARVERIE'S 88th BIRTHDAY!
Tuesday, December 23 -- DARLENE LOVE,
BROADWAY, FILM & STONEWALL SONSTRESS, on TV
Ultimate #1 holiday dance song at The Stonewall Club was "Christmas, Baby Please Come Home"
belted out by Darlene Love
year after year! It was
produced by legendary Phil Spector and written by renowned Ellie
Greenwich. The popular song "CBPCH"
is played every Christmastime on the radio. In the NY/CT/NJ
area, listen to WCBS 101.1 FM radio. You won't have to wait long
to hear it. See Darlene perform it tonight with a full
production on the "Late Show with
Dave Letterman" @ approximately midnight (EST) on CBS-TV
(channel 2 in NYC). Look for an all-star girl group including Patti Austin & Patti Darcy as the back-up choir, a
dressed-up rockin' Santa Sanborne
to be playing the sassy sax and Paul
Shaffer wildly leading the Wall-of-Sound orchestra with an
additional string section -- plus dynamite Darlene scoring a
snow-falling standing ovation!
Monday, December 22 -- SANTA
STONEWALL'S SUPPER
Santa Stonewall's bi-polar
and bisexual elf Bruno will
be contacting SVA-ers who have been 'nice' (i.e., helpful to
the S.V.A.) and not 'naughty' (e.g., good-for-nothings) in 2008 for
this super Stonewall supper in G.V. @ 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 21 {sundown} -- HAPPY CHANUKAH
The symbolic Jewish Festival of Lights is celebrated for eight
nights and days.
Thursday, December 18 (eve) -- NYC HOLIDAY ROCK & SOUL
CONCERT STARRING FELIX CAVALIERE & THE RASCALS, MARTHA REEVES &
THE VANDELLAS and TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS
This rock 'n' soul holiday concert has
1960s "Songs of The Stonewall" jukebox gal-ore!!! Some of the
great "SOTS" tonight include: "Good
Lovin'", "Heat Wave", "Hanky Panky", "Groovin'", "Dancing In The Street", "I Think We're Alone Now", "How Can I Be Sure", "Nowhere To Run", "Mony,
Mony", "A Beautiful Morning", "I'm Ready For Love", "Crimson And Clover", "People Gotta Be Free",
"Jimmy Mack" and
"Crystal Blue Persuasion". Concert is at
the Hammerstein Ballroom at Eighth Avenue and West 34 Street in
MIdtown Manhattan. Showtime is @ 8 p.m.
Thursday, Deeember 18 (day) -- S.V.A. INVITED and ACKNOWLEDGED at
the UNITED NATIONS
The occasion is the 60th anniversary of the Human Rights Commission at the
United Nations. It now includes Gay Rights! The reality is
that, since the age of the internet, the S.V.A. provides 411
worldwide 24/7. Besides professors, scholars and the general
populace, we receive daily educational requests from students all over
the world. Some, who visit New York, attend an S.V.A. meeting.
At this U.N. event, the S.V.A. was given the choice to
also have a public official representative. The group chose
U.S. Congressmember Yvette D. Clarke. Note:
This occasion is not open to the public. All invited guests
must be prior 'presented' and provided official 'passes' to the U.N.
Saturday, December 13 --
CONGRESSMEMBER YVETTE CLARKE'S
CHRISTMAS PARTY & TOY DRIVE
Holiday party is sponsored by Congressmember Yvette D. Clarke. It is
also a "toy drive". Unwrapped new toys are collected to be
donated among several children's services agencies for
needy families. The S.V.A. is rep'd by Brooklyn-born Williamson Henderson, Brooklyn SVA-Vetz
Keith Lonesome, Ruthybird Campbell, Leigh McManus and Bill Salzman
plus Youth-for-SVA's Gina Wright.
The Brooklyn festivities are at the bi-level Cattyshack Bar & Dance Club at
249 Fourth Avenue between President Street and Carroll Street in Park
Slope. For rsvp's, please call Congresswoman Clarke's campaign
manager Maritza Myers @
(718) 940-2008. Closest subway is the "R" to Union
Street. Fun starts @ 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. For
venue 411, call Brook Webster at (718)
230-5740. To coordinate transportation, contact SVA's AnDre Christie at (718)
901-1969 at the auxilary office of the S.V.A.
Friday, December 12 --
MAYOR ED KOCH'S 84th BIRTHDAY!
Ed Koch, the S.V.A.
Honorary Male Chairperson, is our longest public official
supporter! He backed the S.V.A. in 1969 when he
had become Congressman and we had just formed. Ed
Koch did it when it was not in vogue to support anything Gay!
Once Mayor in 1978, he issued an executive order to stop Gay
discrimination in housing and employment. Mayor
Koch approved our request for the Gay parade to march down Fifth Avenue! In 1986,
he signed the NYC Gay Rights Law. Mayor Ed deserves a
real "Fun City" birthday celebration!
Wednesday, December 10 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE SMASHES ANNUAL VISITS RECORD as it
HITS 8
MILLION!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 9 --
BROADWAY
CARES BENEFIT "GYPSY OF THE YEAR"
Broadway Cares
/ Equity Fights AIDS presents its 20th annual competitive
"Gypsy-of-the-Year". Competing shows include: "All The Sons", "Avenue Q", "Boeing Boeing", "Chicago", "Dividing The Estate", "Equus", "Grease", "Gypsy" (the musical), "Hairspray", "In The Heights", "Jersey Boys", "Mamma Mia", "Mary Poppins", "South Pacific", "Spamalot", "Spring Awakening", "The Lion King", "The Little Mermaid", "The Phantom Of The Opera", "Wicked" and "Young Frankenstein". The
great locale is the New Amsterdam Theater on West 42nd Street at
Times Square. Curtains up @ 2 p.m. For more
411, visit the important and interesting Broadway Cares
website at www.BCEFA.org.
BC/EFA also has a unique on-line gift store well-stocked
with Broadway-themed gifts galore for the holiday season!
Thursday, December 3 -- STONEWALL
STORY: MEMORIES FADE, APATHY GROWS
This informative and interesting project about the veterans of
the Stonewall Rebellion has been recently republished in
a magazine. To read the article, see: http://www.EDGEboston.com/Stonewall-SVA. Originally, the
investigative story with interviews of Dr. Tom Stevens, Rev. Magora Kennedy and Jeremiah Newton was published in The New York Blade.
.
Monday, December 1, 2008 -- WORLD AIDS
AWARENESS DAY
Saturday, November 29 -- STONEWALL V.A. EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING with GUEST SPEAKERS
Presiding
S.V.A. official is Williamson
Henderson. A planning report for "Stonewall 40" is
delivered by Jeremiah Newton.
Business updates provided by Mark
Zatlow (who is in NYC for Thanksgiving). Ruthybird tweets the public
officials scorecard. Storme
DeLarverie informs about a forthcoming Gay-related tribute at
The Apollo Theater. Contact AnDre
C with any agenda items at (212) 6-27-1969. The
monthly meeting is always the
last Saturday of every month @ 4:15 p.m at the GLBT Community
Center in Greenwich Village until 6 p.m.
Newest business sponsors Care
Alternative * North America present their
alternative healthcare partnership plan to the S.V.A. membership @
5 p.m. Pasquale Fiorito is their healthy (and hot)
spokesperson. Heritage
of Pride is represented at this S.V.A. meeting by Gerald Tucker who updates on HOP.
Thanksgiving quality foods -- in recognition of Thanksgiving
weekend and the significance of "thanks" + "giving" -- will be served
up to S.V.A. members.
Thursday, November 27 -- THANKSGIVING (AMERICAN HOLIDAY)
Friday, November 21 -- PINNACLE CHOICE & S.V.A.
LUNCHEON
The ninth annual S.V.A. business pow-wow and eatfest with
S.V.A. sponsor MacGregor Insurance
Company ("MIC") convenes @ high noon. This
meat-ing launches the renewed partnership with the S.V.A. and
the new health plan of Care
Alternative * North America.
Representing the S.V.A. are Williamson
Henderson (Director), Mark
Zatlow (Treasurer) and AnDre Christie (Assistant).
Rep'ing MIC are the 3 B's: Billy Dickerman, B.J. Fiorito and Brian Silva. Eatery
is Bruxelles Restaurant off Eighth Avenue at 118 Greenwich
Avenue at West 13 Street in Greenwich Village. [pix]
Wednesday, November 19 -- S.V.A. MEETING with a NYC BOROUGH
PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
This private conference of the SVA-5 with Mr. B.P. Candydate with real
political potential is scheduled at a non-government site @ 2
p.m. including a luncheon! The S.V.A.'s Andre C has contacted all of the
invited SVA-ers.
Saturday, November 15 -- NATIONAL DAY of PROTESTS in FAVOR
of GAY MARRIAGE
Friday, November 14 --
MEMORIAL SERVICE for BOB DIAMOND'S MOM ELSA
The memorial service for wonderful
Brooklyn native Elsa Diamond,
who lived nearly 86 fun-filled years, is today. Besides the
involved mother of SVA-er "Brooklyn"
Bob Diamond, founder of the Brooklyn Historic Railway
Association, lively Elsa was an ardent of the S.V.A.
Over the years she offered innovative fund-raising
ideas. Friends and family are gathering at the chapel from 1 p.m.
to 1:45 p.m. The rabbi commences the service @ 2 p.m. The
S.V.A. is represented by Williamson, Greg Castillo, Mary S. Twist and Rogers Hunt. The PRIDE
Democrats is represented by
Steven Gradman. Sherman's Memorial Chapel
is at 1283 Coney Island Avenue, between avenues "I" and "J", in
Brooklyn. Traveling by subway is best by the "Q" train to the
Avenue "J" station at East 15 Street. For
more 411, call AnDre C at
the S.V.A. at (212) 6-27-1969. For direx, phone the
chapel at (718) 377-7300.
Thursday, November 13 -- NYC GAY CENTER HONORS ROBERT A.
WOODWORTH
Robert A. Woodworth ("RAW")
has been a top management staffer of the New York City Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center for a stellar
quarter-of-a-century! Although RAW's title has changed
many times, he is best-described by one of his
titles, Deputy Director. The S.V.A. is rep'd by Williamson, Jeremiah, Storme and Rogers plus AnDre C. Event begins @ 6
p.m. It happens at The Center! For more
411, visit: www.GayCenter.org
Tuesday, November 11 --
AMERICAN VETERANS' DAY
Monday, November 10 --
BUSINESS MEETING with MATCH-2-BLUE NETWORK
The buisness meeting is at Match-2-Blue's representative ad
agency off West Broadway in SoHo. Today, M2B's reps are Jakob and Ellie. Confirmed to attend
from the S.V.A. are Leigh M., Rogers and AnDre C.
Partnership discusssions start @ 4 p.m. prior
to signing.
Sunday, November 9 --
SVA-ER BOB DIAMOND'S MOTHER ELSA DIAMOND DIES in BROOKLYN
at 86
Friday, Novemnber 7 -- S.V.A. ARCHIVES:
TREASURE TROVE of GLBT HISTORY
S.V.A. Director
Williamson Henderson with the assistance of S.V.A.'s AnDre Christie will be heading up
the archival search for many requested documents, proclamations,
letters, photographs, flyers, paintings, infocards, posters, etc. of
the S.V.A. Besides endless pix of many Stonewall Vetz --
many of whom have since passed -- there are great photos of Gay
events such as Gay Pride parades and Gay movie premieres. There
are incredible photos of public officials such as campaigning
with Bella Abzug (1976),
mayoral victory night with Ed Koch (1977), proud candidate Karen Burstein at fundraisers
sponsored by the IQKNY (1994), sitting Mayor Rudy Giuliani parading
with the S.V.A. and the "SW-Car" (1996), legendary Geraldine Ferraro as
speaker at an S.V.A. forum (1998) and 1990s candidate Eliot Spitzer being given a tour
of the Gay community by Williamson!
To get access to its property, the S.V.A. was on a
dedicated mission to raise funds to pay the holding company.
The "helpers" will be acknowledged and, in turn, helped;
the thwarters will not! These archives are informative,
exciting and priceless for Gay history and education, and,
particularly, Stonewall veterans. We greatly appreciate
those who helped. The next archival search, review and
re-boxing takes place on Thursday the 13th in Chelsea.
SVA-ers to partake may call Ruthybird at (347) 365-4227.
Tuesday, November 4 -- "ELECTION DAY"
in AMERICA: VOTE!
Monday, November 3 -- TERRI VAN
DYKE: 5-YEAR TRIBUTE
Remembrance of
Terri Van Dyke's wild Gay life will be partied as
a dinner dubbed "Tears for Terri" and hosted by longtime Terri
pal Jeremiah Newton. Our Terri
is recalled in the 1960s gussied up on Christopher Street
walking his miniature collie. From the 1980s until his expiring
at home in Manhattan (with S.V.A. files nearby), Terri
was an outspoken Stonewall vet, a longtime AIDS activist,
a dishy Gay princess and the proud S.V.A. treasurer. Glasses
cling @ 6 p.m. Rsvp to Terri's former evening
attendant AnDre C at
(212) 6-27-1969. See Terri's tribute at: www.STONEWALLvets.org/TerriVanDyke.htm.
Sunday, November 2, 2008 -- SVA-ER BETTY BRISTOL'S MOTHER
BEATRICE BRISTOL DIES in CLEVELAND at 88
October 2008 (month's end) -- S.V.A. WEBSITE SCORES
A TRIFECTA!!!
The S.V.A. website scored a record-breaking
trifecta with the busiest month, busiest week and busiest day!!!
Nearly one million -- over 989,000 -- 'verified' visits to the
S.V.A. website just for October of 2008 makes it the busiest month ever! The last
five days of October and first two days of November
is also the busiest week with 289,479 visits for the S.V.A.
website! This month provided the busiest day! All
the factors combined confirm that this will be the busiest year
for S.V.A.! To quote the Capital One Bank ads
punchline: "What's in your wallet?" Visit: www.STONEWALLvets.org/businessadvertisers.htm
Friday, October 31 -- 35th
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE in GREENWICH VILLAGE
The famous Greenwich Village
Halloween Parade in NYC starts @ 7 p.m. This is
the original, wildest, biggest, most creative and most
spectatored Halloween parade in the World!
Besides fabulous costumes and spooky floats, there are
hundreds of life-size or larger puppets, over 50 bands and over one
million in attendance! For the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's #1 Halloween-themed
"Thriller" song, there is an original music and authentic
dance presentation by a costumed dance troupe as the parade
travels. To see S.V.A. survivors of the 1969 Stonewall
Rebellion, look for the 1969 blue "Stonewall Car"
convertible. Manhattan line-up is on Avenue of the Americas
below Spring Street and above Canal Street including the witchly-named
"Broome" Street. The parade heads north to West 23
Street in Chelsea. Over another million people see the parade
televised 'live' on New York One News channel (1). For more 411,
direx and pix, see: www.Halloween-NYC.com.
Wednesday, October 29 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE HAS BUSIEST DAY
EVER!
Over 71,500 verified visits at the
S.V.A. website today bests all records! This is an
atsronomical number for Gay educating the world and introducing endless
more people to the impressive and important legacy of "Stonewall".
No matter why anyone initially visits the S.V.A. website,
they soon learn of the Stonewall Rebellion!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 -- "TOP 5" in S.V.A. DAILY WEB
STATISTICS
Ther S.V.A. website hits its 5th busiest
day ever today with 42,877 vists! Hey, it's not Gay
Pride Month; it's not even summer! It is more validation
that the S.V.A. is 24/7/365! Congratulations to all in the
S.V.A. Website Gang!
Saturday, October 25 --
S.V.A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS at the GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER
Williamson Henderson is the presiding S.V.A. official for this
month's E/C meeting. Reports are confirmed by Hal Weiner, Storme DeLarverie, Ruthybird Campbell and Rogers Hunt. Business reps Eric So and Sammi Shahabi present a
partnership proposal from
Match-2-Blue national network services. If you have an
agenda item, we request that you advise the S.V.A. in
advance. Call AnDre C
at (212) 6-27-1969. Meeting starts @ 4:15 p.m.
Guest speakers are confirmed @ 5 p.m. All is
adjourned @ 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 -- NEW YORK
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES "TERM LIMITS" EXTENSION
New York City proves once again that it is a leader! Instead of
the too limited two terms of four years each term, at
least all NYC legislators will have the opportunity to be elected
for three terms!!! Indeed,
it gives the voters greater choices.
This is a giant step forward! It particularly improves
relationships and procedures for non-profit groups. A greater improvement would be to "86"
term limits. For those who extol how "controversial" this
matter is, so what! This is New York City; in some
eyes, the entire city is controversial!
Monday, October 20 (evening) -- ELTON JOHN & FRIENDS PERFORM for
BC/EFA BENEFIT
Tonight's benefit for
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS ("BC/EFA") and the Elton John AIDS Foundation
("EJAF") is based on a celebration of the 35th anniversary of Dame Elton John's double platinum rock
classic Grammy Award-winning album
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973). The performers are Elton John herself and
surprise friends!! The twenty-plus songs include "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting",
"Bennie And The Jets",
"Candle In The Wind", "All
The Girls Love Alice" and, of course, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".
For more benefit concert 411, see listing at:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/businessadvertisers.htm.
Monday, October 20 --
CONGRESSWOMAN CAROLYN CONVENES at CORNELL
The informative book, "Rumors Of Our Progress Are Greatly
Exaggerated", gets another presentation, discussion
and signing by the charming authoress
Congressmember Carolyn Bosher Maloney. This
time it is at Cornell University. Through the writer's
real-life experiences as a prominent woman, her extensive research and
her know-how, the writer shatters many myths on the progress
of women and exposes the discrimination
and injustices against women. There is a panel
discussion. Cornell Conference Center commences @ 6 p.m. at their
facilities on the sixth floor at 6 West 34th Street, off Fifth
Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan. For more 411,
e-mail FAM5@Cornell.edu.
Call CBM's special friend
AnDre C to confirm presence at (212) 6-27-1969.
Saturday, October 18 --
DEE DEE WARWICK, "STONEWALL SOUL SINGER" DIES
When The Stonewall opened in 1966, Dee Dee Warwick
had her begging soul
ballad "I Want To Be With You".
When The Stonewall closed at 1969's end, Dee Dee had her
fierce soul hit "Foolish Fool". That title became a favorite
Gay dish-term when 'reading' someone: "You are a
foolish fool"! Dee Dee scored with her original of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me".
Admired Dee Dee is well-related with famous singer Dionne Warwick (a Stonewall icon)
as her sister, soul singer Cissy
Houston of The Sweet Inspirations (also faves at
The Stonewall) as her aunt and singing superstar Whitney Houston as her
younger cousin. Gays preferred solo female
singers; Dee Dee was a fave!
Friday, October 17 -- STONEWALL SINGING STAR LEVI
STUBBS DIES
Levi Stubbs, the one and
only longtime lead singer of the Four Tops and a major
musical legend, died during his sleep at his home in
Detroit, Michigan -- a place he helped make famous as Motown, USA!
Levi's emotionally-ridden and usually dance-driven songs
were big hits throughout the World and part of the fabric at Gay
clubs like The Stonewall in the mid- and late-1960s. Four Tops hits on Motown
Records during the Stonewall Era include: "I Can't Help Myself", "It's The Same Old Song", "Shake Me, Wake Me", "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever",
"Reach Out, I'll Be There", "Standing In The Shadows Of Love",
"Bernadette", "Seven Rooms Of Gloom", "Walk Away Renee" and "Don't Bring Back Memories" --
plus several popular flipside songs like "Helpless", "I'll Turn To Stone" and "I've Got A Feeling".
Except for one song stated, all were written and
produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland
who described Levi's booming and emotive voice as "the best"!
Motown Records impresario
Berry Gordy, Jr., stated: "Levi was the greatest
interpreter of songs I've ever heard".
Friday, October 10 --
"FROM STONEWALL to HARTFORD": SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE in CONNECTICUT
Another victory: Gay couples have a right to wed! The
Connecticut Supreme Court rightly invoked the state constitution's
equal rights protections. In a Gay history perspective,
ironically, Connecticut had Gay people who travelled all the way
to The Stonewall. Joining Massachusetts and California
before it, Connecticut is the third American state
guaranteeing Gay marriage. The law goes into effect on the
28th of October in plenty of time to have a dress-up Halloween wedding!
FYI, Halloween is a Gay fave, if not the top, holiday!
Monday, October 6 --
S.V.A. LUNCHEON with N.Y.S. ASSEMBLYMAN
Eggroll-breaking at a Wall Street restaurant on William
Street breaks @ 1 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 ("10/5") -- S.V.A. DIRECTOR
WILLIAMSON'S B-DAY
Thursday, October 2 --
S.V.A. HONORARY MEMBER MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG SPECIAL PRESS
CONFERENCE
New York City's Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, like former
three-term NYC Mayor Ed Koch yesterday,
announced his support of extending "term limits" to three terms,
instead of the current two terms of four years each term, for all elected New York City public
officials. This includes the three citywide positions and
the 51 district councilmembers. Such a practical action
actually increases democracy with more voting choices and lessens the
limits! It is not the Founding Fathers -- or mostly
knowledgeable people -- who chose "term limits". Especially
for a non-profit organization such as the S.V.A., this is a
subject of real concern. It is more difficult and less productive
to be forced to start up again educating "101" and developing
workable relationships with vast new public officials and particularly
all the new members of each of their staffs. That
understandably occurs naturally from higher office seekers;
however, the less it happens, i.e., "term limits", the
better. Considering recent election results (e.g., SchMarty
Connor), the savvy voters of NYC do not need to be told who to vote
out!
Wednesday, October 1 --
S.V.A. HONORARY MALE CHAIRPERSON FORMER MAYOR ED KOCH ENDORSES 3
TERMS!!!
Legendary mayor Edward I. Koch knows
all about three terms as New York City Mayor. He served
them! In fact, a majority of the general public -- not the
diehard left-wingers in the 1989 Dem Primary -- wanted
Koch-for-four! In his press conference today, he democratically
stated: "Keep term limits but extend them for a more
reasonable three terms". That would be in the tradition of Mayors
LaGuardia, Wagner and, of course, Koch. "How's he
doin'?" Fine! Mayor Ed sent the S.V.A. an appreciative note
today thanking us for supporting him then and now. The mayor
admirably renewed his sponsorship of the S.V.A. during Gay Pride
Month.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE BLASTS OFF with
ANOTHER RECORD BREAKER
The new season Autumn and the new month October -- Gay History Month -- blasts
off with 35,702 verified website visits in one day to the S.V.A.!
Tuesday, September 30 -- S.V.A.
SEPTEMBER STATISTICS SURGE
The Stonewall song "See You
In September" proved totally true! More people chose to "Come See About Us" at
the S.V.A. website and our interesting and
unique information, narratives, photos, quotes, images,
etc. than any prior month. With nearly
810,000 visits, "September 2008" hit #1 at the S.V.A!
Monday, September 29 -- MEMORIAL
SERVICE for DAVID JENKINS FOXWORTH
David Jenkins Foxworth's memorial
services are in his old hometown of the "Sixth Borough of New York
City" namely Philadelphia! David loved that analogy. The
location is the Beulah Baptist Church at 5001 Spruce Street in
West Philadelphia. Yes, David was initially a member of that
church, resumed membership when he returned to Philly in 2003 and sung
in the church choir! Their 6-page leaflet tribute, obituary,
order-of-service, eulogy, last requests and "thanks" failed to mention
one key word -- the main one -- in DJF's life: Gay! Services
start @ the un-Godly hour of 11 a.m. on a Monday mourning!
Saturday, September 27 (afternoon) --
MONTHLY MEETING of
the STONEWALL VETS' ASSN. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Guest presenters are producer
Kimberly Gray, director
Maria Clara and writer Mama Nia of the upcoming Gay
Pride and Gay Life documentary "PRIDE".
The film features movie studio interviews about the
Stonewall Era and the Stonewall Rebellion with SVA-ers Storme DeLarverie, Williamson Henderson, Emile Griffith, Bert Coffman, Reverand Magora, Aubrey Lees and Keith Lonesome plus a chat up with
Youth-for-SVA's AnDre Christie.
A premiere film clip is presented!
There is a project producer via the British Broadcasting Company
("BBC") who has
sent e-mails to attend for I/Vs of SW-Vetz. It
regards a "SW-40" tribute via
the BBC next June. He also marked an I/V with the
S.V.A.'s Jeremiah Newton at his NYU office.
The BBC has worked with the S.V.A., e.g., on the 1996
movie "Stonewall", which they
co-produced. The S.V.A. and Williamson
Henderson
are both acknowledged in the film's "credits".
Also attending the S.V.A. today are two dozen
students from the Newhouse
School of Journalism in
Syracuse, New York. The diverse students are taught and
(today) chaperoned by S.V.A. friend and Gay writer Tony Philipps. The S.V.A.
meeting at the GLBT Center starts @ 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 (day) -- STONEWALL STREETFAIR
The annual "Stonewall Streetfair"
sponsored by the STONEWALL Veterans' Association happens on good ole
Gay ole Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich Village. Streets included
stretch from Seventh Avenue, crossing Perry, Charles, West 10th and
Christopher Streets, to Avenue of the Americas. The opening is @
11 a.m. and the streetfair closes @ 6 p.m.
Non-profit supporters of the S.V.A. get free table space and
chairs. Youth-for-SVA's Justin
Holt is the
S.V.A.'s on-site representative. The streetfair is produced
by Cleaview Festivals. Visit:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/StonewallStreetfair.htm
Thursday, September 25 --
CONGRESSMEMBER =IN THE NEWZ= CHARLES RANGEL
Yes, Congressman Charles B.
Rangel is in the STONEWALL
Newzletta!
With all that is percolating in Washington, D.C., with a
national financial crisis that has been brewing for years and years,
the Congressman nonetheless thoughtfully took care to renew his annual
sponsorship and journal ad with the civil rights S.V.A. It
helps us to continue our educational and outreach efforts.
All public officials should be so responsible and inspired.
The S.V.A. is especially grateful to "Congressman Charlie", as he
is affectionately called!
In a separate item, we are reprinting Congressman CBR's
letter to all NYers:
----------------------------
Original Message ----------------------
Subject: An Open Letter to all New Yorkers
From: "Charles B. Rangel"
<Congressman@RangelCampaign.org>
Date: Fri., September 19, 2008, 2:27 p.m.
To: SVA@STONEWALLvets.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
An Open Letter to New Yorkers
from Congressman Charles B. Rangel
The campaign season has begun, and to no great surprise, I'm now a
Republican talking point. But I assure you, I've brought no
dishonor
to my family, the Congress, my constituents, nor my country.
My Democratic colleagues in the House -- and, privately, many
Republicans
-- have rallied on my behalf. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and her
leadership
team, have embraced me while denouncing politics as
usual. My
colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, and members of the
New York
delegation, are standing tall by my side. Most importantly,
my family,
neighbors, constituents, pastors and local leaders are solidly
with me.
My record in the Ways and Means Committee and 38 years in
Congress is
unassailable, so some political foes pried into my
private life and used insinuation and half-truths to write
stories that sell newspapers -- what car I drive; where I
live; where I vacation with my family; and, of course, how I
handle my personal finances. They've piled on, even
questioning my
motives for raising funds for a public college in my district.
I've never violated the public trust, so I'm not worried.
I've laid all
the available facts on the table and answered every allegation,
all of
which were based on inaccurate newspaper stories. At my
request, the
Ethics Committee is investigating whether I've committed any
errors of
omission. Independent experts are being called in to
correct any mistakes
in my government filings. In the meantime, my work as
Chairman of the
Ways and Means Committee has not been affected in any way.
The devastating meltdown of the economy has made even clearer the
urgent
need for an end to policies that favor war over prosperity and
greed over
fairness. Next year, the nation's priorities must be the
creation of
jobs, healthcare for all Americans, the best education for our
children,
security for our seniors and fairness to all in our tax
system.
Thank you for the prayers and all of the support over the years.
Sincerely,
Charles B. Rangel
Wednesday, September 24 --
BOOK
=REVELATIONS= "THE SECRET LIFE of RUDY GIULIANI"
America's Mayor Rudy W.
Giuliani ("RWG") has an unrequested book aimed at
highlighting and exposing how liberal is RWG! It is slam-bammed
with the sensational title "The Secret Life of
Rudy Giuliani", primarily trying to link him to Gays and Drag
Queens. Sounds good to most free-thinking people! Well, of
course, the STONEWALL Veterans'
Association (criminally and
wrongly portrayed as 'rioters' -- yet with political influence) and the
Imperial QUEENS & Kings of New
York(blanketly and wrongly referred to as 'transexuals') are
mentioned or referred to several times. An
exciting photo is shown of a beaming Mayor Rudy and sexy Queen Allyson together
leading a Gay Pride parade with the S.V.A. The obvious
motivation (unneeded and too late) for the book is to
ensure that Rudy will never be the Republican nominee for
President! The flame-throwing book cover shows
him in drag as "Rudia"!
The "Stonewall-25" Gay Pride marches -- yes, thanks to the
S.V.A. and Act-Up, et al., there were two in 1994 -- are covered in
this book. You rarely see those monumental events boasted
even in a Gay book. The reality is that while most everyone (99%)
-- Gay and non-Gay -- were mindlessly saying and foolishly writing that
"There would never be two
Gay Pride marches in one day in New York City", the S.V.A. was saying,
chiefly through Williamson Henderson, that "Yes, there
will; yes, there will!" People saying 'never' made the
SW-Vetz, et al. more determined to make it happen! It did!
All the while during the public discussions and debates and even
court hearings, Williamson and inner circle SVA-ers knew that we
had a very admiring and close friend in City Hall who would back
us up allowing two Gay marches: Mayor Rudy!
Ultimately, at a Gay Games press conference, Mr. Giuliani
with practicality and sensitivity stated: "Let's say 10,000 (Gay)
people wanted to march up Fifth Avenue illegally without a permit.
You cannot arrest 10,000 people! You can't do it!
It's not conceivable that you can arrest 10,000 people
without causing an enormous (real) riot and tremendous destruction
of property and all that goes with it! So, what you do is
you allow them to march. Try to keep it to as minimum a number
possible." Again, thank you, Mayor Rudy! It was the best
Gay celebration day ever! Then it was the huge rally in the park!
By the way, the number in the unauthorized yet fabulous "Spirit of
Stonewall March" from the Stonewall Club into Central Park on a
beautiful sunny day numbered approximately 17,000 (by police estimates;
translation 20,000+). The 'legal', not as interesting
and far less media, "GLBT 25 March" from the (closed) United
Nations to the park had about 30,000 people. It was led by
a gigantic, inanimate, money-collecting rainbow flag. In
real contrast, the "Stonewall March" was appropriately led by
the human Stonewall Rebellion Veterans and the symbolic 1969
"Stonewall Car".
Perhaps
more than anything, the semi-investigative and wholly-piquing book
proves what a thoroughly interesting and compelling life that Mayor
Rudy has had and continues to have. It confirms what an
oustanding socially liberal person, e.g., pro-Gay rights,
pro-choice, signed domestic partnership law, etc. is Rudy! He
remains -- along with the past four other NYC mayors -- an excellent
example of a prominent public official who respectfully
and sincerely supports the renowned STONEWALL
Veterans' Association.
Tuesday, September 23 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE ROCKET: #2
BUSIEST DAY
The S.V.A.'s website -- a source of so
much unique information and great images -- rarely ceases to amaze
with its frequent record-breaking statistics. There were
57,356 verified visits today and it's still the season of
"Stonewall-39"! Surely, September 2008 is one of the busiest
months ever for S.V.A. website activity.
Monday, September 22 --
CLAY AIKEN =SHOCK= COMES OUT GAY
OMG! First the
shocking Stonewall Rebellion -- and now this Gay shocker!
Who's next? Michael Jaxson? Barry Manilow?
Whitney? Sanjaya?
Sunday, September 21 -- BROADWAY CARES PRESENTS ANNUAL
FLEA MARKET & GRAND AUCTION
The exciting outdoor event opens @ 11 a.m. and closes
@ 7 p.m. Please see the BC/EFA ad at: www.STONEWALLvets.org/businessadvertisers.htm.
Thursday, September 18 -- WEBSITE of S.V.A. SCORES ANOTHER
MILE-STONE
Today outdid yesterday with a new #6 busiest day with
visits of 34,796! To view the statistics,
see:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/stats/2008_09.html.
Wednesday, September 17 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE RECORD-BREAKER
The popular S.V.A. website -- even when it's not
Gay Pride Month -- hit a strong 32,611 verified visits today, making it
the tenth busiest day ever. That is quite a benchmark considering
that the S.V.A. website is in its 11th year!
Tuesday, September 16 -- STONEWALL "COUPLES" DINNER
This social summer supper is for the "couples" -- regardless of
gender or orientation -- of the S.V.A. Location in Lower
Manhattan is at the famed City Hall Restaurant at 131 Duane
Street off Lower Broadway near Church Street.
Drink-drinx are @ 5:30 p.m.; din-din @ 6:30 p.m. and
dezz-erts @ 7:30 p.m.
Monday, September 15 --
CONGRESSMEMBER CAROLYN at the CORNER...
...Corner Bookstore, that is!
Here's another opportunity to see the wonderful Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney in person and
to hear her tell about her women's book, "Rumors of Our Progress Have Been
Greatly Exaggerated". There will be a book reception and a
book signing by CBM. Heading up the S.V.A. delegation is Williamson Henderson and AnDre Christie. Also present
is the Congresswoman's longtime District Manager Mrs. Willie Reyes. Light
foods and more will be dished! The Corner Bookstore -- yes, that
is the name -- is a quaint bookstore at 1313 Madison Avenue at the
corner of East 93rd Street in Manhattan. The time is @ 6 p.m.
until 8 p.m. For further 411, ask for Meg at (212) 987-5516. [pix]
AnDre, Congresswoman "Carolina" and Williamson
AnDre Christie's third
-- after the office visit and the outdoor restaurant -- Congressmember Carolyn Maloney-related location
today is the casual scene in the photo above with Williamson Henderson at the Corner
Bookstore in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Monday, September 15 --
DAVID JENKINS FOXWORTH, STONEWALL VET, DIES in PHILADELPHIA
We never met anyone more gayly proud of Philadelphia than David Jenkins Foxworth. He was born in
Philly in the Summer of 1947 on August 3rd and David died there in
the Summer of 2008 on September 15th. When he met
people at The Stonewall Club in 1969, his greeting was: "Hi, I'm
David and I'm here alllllll the way from Philadelphia". The
following year, David lived part-time in New
York City. He permanently moved to Manhattan in
1971 for over three decades. As a singer, musician and
songwriter, David's musical celebrity friends include Patti LaBelle, The Village People, Darlene Love, The Intruders, Maxine Brown, Teddy Pendergrass and The Ritchie Family,
among others. David headlined shows in the Gay
community benefiting the S.V.A. in the 1970s and benefits for AIDS in
the 1980s, the 1990s and into the New Millennium.
For many years, David lived at the Times Square
Hotel residency before moving back to Philly due to health
issues to be near relatives. Although dealing with HIV
for two decades, it was lung cancer from long, excessive cigarette
smoking that killed him. To visit Stonewall vet
DJF, please see: www.STONEWALLvets.org/DavidFoxworth.htm
Monday, September 15 -- S.V.A.'s ANDRE CHRISTIE PAYS a
VISIT to U.S. CONGRESSMEMBER MALONEY'S N.Y. OFFICE
Today was actually a trifecta for S.V.A.'s staff assistant AnDre Christie with Congressmember Carolyn Maloney as
there was the overdue visit to her office and catch-ups with many
staff members, the perfect outdoor supper at a trendy restaurant at the
Congressmember's office building and then the
Congressmember's book reception and signing in the evening. (See above.)
Thursday, "September 11th" --
7th ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY of MOURNING.... REMEMBERING ALL of
the LOSSES from the 1-2-3-4 TERRORIST SNEAK ATTACKS!!!!
The unforgettable Twin Towers at the World Trade
Center
[Photo by Stonewall
vet Bob DeSantis during Gay Pride Week 2001]
This
"9/11" Message was sent out to S.V.A. Members & Friends
The STONEWALL
Veterans' Association is closed on September 11th
in honor of the sad occasion of the
seventh anniversary of nearly 3,000
people murdered (including
3-year-olds) and over 10,000 injured victims
plus the WTC Twin Towers destroyed from the four (4)
terrorist attacks
on America, particularly Manhattan, New York, on September 11,
2001.
We emphasize attacks with an "s" (more than one) because that is what
it was! Even the WTC owner had to sue the insurance company which
was deceptively claiming that it was 'one attack' to avoid
paying half of
the insurance for the two buildings. They lost in court! If
there was only
one attack on Manhattan, the South Twin Tower would still be
standing
with about one-and-a-half thousand lives saved -- and the replacement
for the other WTC Twin Tower would have been completed years ago.
For other WTC 411 and pix, visit: www.TwinTowersAlliance.htm
During the Stonewall Era ('66-'69), the Twin Towers were built!
The S.V.A. lost a Stonewall veteran who worked in Tower One for
many years on a very high floor. The sneak attacks gave him no
chance to survive. Ironically, heroic "Ronnie" lived a double
existence for his adult life and conducted both most admirably.
As a 9/11 tribute, the S.V.A. has posted a previously-unpublished
photograph of the W.T.C. Twin Towers taken by a Stonewall veteran
from a boat on the Hudson River during "Gay Pride Week" of 2001!!
See: www.STONEWALLvets.org/upcomingevents.htm#Twin_Towers
The memorable entry is, of course, at "September 11th".
Peacefully,
S.V.A. Executive Committee
STONEWALL Veterans' Association
telephone: (212) 627-1969 (24/7/365)
Tuesday, September 9 -- PRIMARY ELECTION DAY -- VOTE!
The barometer for who Gay
people should support and Gay groups should endorse is
whether or not they have real respect for the entire Gay community and
its living history and education by supporting the STONEWALL Veterans'
Association of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion. Then, proceed to
additional criteria such as a candidate's support for same-gender
marriage, SONDA, Gay rights, ENDA, hate crimes
legislation, GENDA, repeal "DADT", safe schools, etc.
But make no more mistakes, first comes consideration of "The people who ignited it all!"
Heads Up Editorial: As a
respectful and positive example, congressional candidate Kevin A. Powell ("KAP") in the
10th District of Brooklyn is a supporter and a sponsor of the S.V.A.
Despite that his sitting opponent Edolphus Towns
has been contacted over the decades, the S.V.A. never
heard from him since he took office over a
quarter-of-a-century ago! It is shameful, especially
in diverse New York City. In comparison, Kevin is
a welcomed S.V.A. guest speaker. In sharp contrast to
his sitting opponent, KAP
has earned the support of S.V.A. members and others in
the GLBT community. Like us with the "Spirit of Stonewall", KAP
is a fighter! If he doesn't get him this time, he'll get
him next up! Among other GLBT political groups, Kevin
is proudly endorsed by the G.L.B.T. Political Coalition, the PRIDE
Democrats and the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC (no
relation to S.V.A.; we are not a political club). -- Leigh P. McManus, Ed.
Saturday, September 6 -- PRIDE DEMOCRATS ENDORSES!
To see the political endorsements of PRIDE Democrats in New York City
Congressional, State Senate and Assembly district contests, please
visit: PRIDE Democrats.
They are chiefly renowned for producing the largest candidates'
forum (August 1998) -- whether in or out of the Gay community -- in the
history of the State of New York! For your information, "PRIDE" is an acronym standing for Pride Rainbow Independent Democrats Etc.
Special appreciation to the elected officers of P/D namely Marlon Hunter, Shari Clemons, Steven Gradman, Suzie Passarelli and Lucy Santiago for all that you do to
advance GLBT rights, genuine concerns and real issues. To
see the endorsements of
PRIDE Democrats in New York City Congressional, State Senate
and Assembly district contests, please visit: PRIDE Democrats.
Unlike some GLBT political clubs, PRIDE does not give meat bones to bad
dogs!
Friday, September 5 --
NEW YORK BLADE FEATURE STORY:_ TRIBUTE to S.V.A. STORME
Storme
DeLarverie's tribute and the combined art show by Artists of The
Chelsea co-sponsored by the S.V.A. is described at the August 21
"Events" entry. The New York Blade
was present and has their detailed report by Joelle Quartini in the story
"Feted with Paintings, Poetry:
Activist Storme DeLarverie was a Male Impersonator".
(Actually, he still is!) A photo by the S.V.A.'s official
photographer Hal Weiner is included in the new bi-weekly issue of The Blade. You can pick
up your free copy at news boxes and other locations such as
the GLBT Center. You may also read the Storme tribute story and see
the photos at: www.NYBlade.com.
Wednesday, September 3 -- S.V.A. MEETING with
N.Y.S. ASSEMBLYMAN HAKEEM JEFFRIES
Today's meeting with longtime S.V.A. supporter
Assemblymember Hakeem S. Jeffries
(57th District) and the S.V.A.'s
Williamson Henderson encompasses recertification of the
S.V.A. presence in Brooklyn. The assemblyman stated in advance
his renewed support of the S.V.A. Agenda items include
the S.V.A. plans for "Stonewall-40" in Brooklyn next June. This
get-together is more of a reunion. When candidate Hakeem
ran for the Assembly in 2000 and 2002, in the GLBT community he only had the support of the
S.V.A. and the endorsement of PRIDE Democrats, a political arm of
the S.V.A. Today, PRIDE is represented by Steven Gradman. Youth-for-SVA
is rep'd by AnDre C.
Revised time is @ 5:30 p.m. The meeting is at the
assemblyman's location at 55 Hanson Place off Flatbush Avenue in
Downtown Brooklyn. Subway direx are to the Atlantic Avenue
station (2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, F, N, Q) and just walk up the block.
For contact, call HSJ's office at (718) 596-0100.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 -- S.V.A. SUPPORTER BACKS GAY
MARRIAGE RECOGNITION with JUDICIAL ORDER
A nother landmark decision has been made in the on-going
four-decade cibvil rights struggle for same-gender marriage. This
time it happened in The Bronx! New York Supreme Court Justice Lucy A. Billings decided
justly, resolutely and fairly in supporting the recognition
of same-gender marriages in New York State. We are so
pleased of Justice Billings and likewise proud that she has
been a steadfast supporter of the S.V.A.
The STONEWALL Veterans' Association is the first Gay
organization that Supreme Court Justice Lucy A. Billings became familiar
with decades ago. She has received our Stonewall
Newzletta for
many years. As a matter of fact, S.V.A. Founder Williamson Henderson has had many
occasions to inform her about the Stonewall Rebellion.
Having said that and informed you of Justice Lucy's
longtime Stonewall connection, the honorable justice decided
remarkably in endorsing the rights of Gay couples in New
York. And, unlike lip servicers and outright users,
she has put her money where her mouth is vis-a-vis support of the
S.V.A. It was nice for us to see Justice Lucy recently
at the Gay Pride event honoring of our Corporate Counsel Karen Burstein!
Sunday, August 31 -- LABOR DAY WEEKEND CARAVAN
The S.V.A.'s annual out-ing via automobiles to
oceanfront Long Beach, Long Island. Dr. Dyane Karron is hosting an
oceanview dinner at a boardwalk restaurant in Long
Beach. The 3-convertible caravan (red, white and blue cars)
launches @ 1 p.m. Manhattan rendezvous location is disclosed
only
to caravaners who sign up at the S.V.A. meeting or r.s.v.p. to AnDre C at (212) 6-27-1969.
Saturday, August 30 -- MONTHLY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING of the S.V.A.
Williamson Henderson
presides over this Executive Committee meeting. Storme DeLarverie reports on his
recent tribute sponsored by the Artists of The Chelsea in
collaboration with the S.V.A.
Rogers Hunt has 411 on the expanded S.V.A. website.
Every E/C member has the opportunity to present in
person or via mail their relevant agenda item. Topics
include the "Artists Tribute to Storme" in August, the 1969
"Stonewall Car" in Summer, "Gay History Month" in October and
"Stonewall 40" next June.
Special appearance is by the Storme tribute
producer and artist painting donor Susan Olmetti. She is accompanied by project
coordinators Shira Newmark
and Lisa Ackerman. If
he's still available, we will have the donated for-sale
painting "Mr. Minkel" on display.
He's asking $5,000.
Perhaps, pretend that you are contributing to a political
campaign? At least with "Mr. Minkel", you will have
something after the ballots are counted! To see the colorful
abstract painting, visit: www.STONEWALLvets.org/businessadvertisers.com.
In our mutual exchange of representatives, guest speaker Maurice "Maury the Gay" Michaane from the Heritage of Pride
organization speaks as the new HOP parade chairperson. We
discuss the problems with the recent "SW-39" parade line-up and
group positioning vis-a-vis the S.V.A. MM provides an
"SW-40" Gay Parade special announcement. The meeting is
at the GLBT Center in Greenwich Village.
Convention time is @ 4:15 p.m.
There is an outdoor "Stonewall Supper" at the Village Den
Restaurant @ 6 p.m. hosted by the S.V.A. Director's assistant AnDre Christie for (only)
SVA-ers.
Friday, August 22 -- S.V.A.
STORME DeLARVERIE TRIBUTE EVENT REPORTED in THE OBSERVER
The article is titled "Stonewall Rebellion Veteran is Honored
at The Chelsea". It is interestingly written by The New York Observer's (Mr.) Chris
Shott. The story is accompanied by an
impressive photo of the blue 1969 "Stonewall Car" featuring Storme DeLarverie standing on the
outside and Jeremiah Newton
and Reverand Magora sitting
on the inside. Read the full article with art show details
at www.Observer.com/SW-Storme-Art.htm.
Thursday, August 21
-- TRIBUTE
to S.V.A.'s STORME DeLARVERIE
K. Storme DeLarverie
is finally receiving -- other than from solely the S.V.A. -- an
in-person tribute! But there was no rush; Storme is only 87 (or as he tells it just 79)! As a matter
of fact, this recognition is not sponsored by the Gay community
but by the artists community in collaboration with the S.V.A.
The tribute is for Storme's legendary Gay entertainment history
in the famous Jewel Box Revue in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and,
particularly, for Storme's active officership work with the
STONEWALL Veterans' Association and his longtime
activity with the Imperial QUEENS & Kings of New
York. The renowned abstract artist Susan Olmetti is the project
producer and chief artist.
Generously, the talented Miss Olmetti donated one of
her vibrant abstract whimsical paintings, titled "Mr. Minkel" (5x5
acrylic on canvas), for sale at the art show with the proceeds to
the non-profit S.V.A. To view that painting, look at 'sold'
paintings (since it is now donated) at:
www.SusanOlmetti.com. Another painting, a special
acrylic-on-canvas tribute portrait of Storme is by acclaimed
portraiture artist Anthony Zito. That profilific
painting is presented as a gift to Storme. For a view of the
portrait, visit www.ZitoGallery.com.
There is a rare appearance (as urged by the
S.V.A.) of notorious Chelsea Hotel owner-in-exile Stanley Bard and his lovely
wife Phyllis.
Hosting the opening ceremonies @ 6 p.m. -- including a nutshell
Stonewall Rebellion history -- is S.V.A. Director Williamson L. Henderson (WLH).
He does the captivating introductions of Storme,
Stanley, Susan and Zito! Confirmed to represent
the S.V.A. are Jeremiah Newton, Ruthybird and Rogers Hunt. Presenting the
Storme tribute painting is S.V.A. Executive Committee member Mary S. Twist. Photography is
assigned to Linda Troller,
the official photographer of The Chelsea, and Hal Weiner for the S.V.A. Hillory Beckford is the agent for
"Mr. Minkel", the S.V.A. painting (among others) for sale. She
can be contacted at
MissBeckford@hotmail.com. WLH hosts an encore
re-intros and acknowledgments @ 8 p.m. Besides
mainstream press such as
The New York Observer, Gay press
coverage is exclusively by The New York Blade.
This art show and tribute happen in the main floor ballroom
at the famed Chelsea Hotel, located between Seventh and Eighth
Avenues in Chelsea, Manhattan. For more 411 on the hotel visit
www.HotelChelsea.com. Storme arrives by elevator!
For most others, corner subway stops are the "1", "C" and "E"
plus nearby "F" and "Q" as well as the crosstown 23rd
Street bus M-23. Times are symbolic from "6" to "9"
p.m. as in Stonewall '69. On display (shown below with
Storme) is the 1969 "Stonewall Car". For more 411 and
art samplings, visit www.OlmettiArtShows.com.
To r.s.v.p., phone Storme's "Baby Boi" AnDre C at (212) 6-27-1969.
Saturday, August 16 (evening) -- SUSAN'S STONEWALL STORME SATURDAY
SALSA SUPPER
Storme DeLarverie's tribute
producer and renowned artist Susan
Olmetti is hosting a planning supper for Storme's tribute next
week. There will be a pre-exhibit viewing at Susan's art studio
of some of the artwork to be displayed for sale. Everyone is
meeting at The Chelsea Hotel in the famous lobby @ 4 p.m.
Confirmed to attend are Storme,
Williamson, Ruthybird, Rogers and AnDre C. After art, it's
out to supper at the Salsa & Salsa Restaurant on Seventh Avenue at
West 22 Street in Chelsea.
Saturday, August 16 (morning) -- 15th ANNUAL JAMES E. DAVIS "STOP
THE VIOLENCE" MARCH
The late and great Councilman
James E. "Jed" Davis (Brooklyn, 35th District) started this "Love Yourself / Stop The Violence"
peace march and rally 15 years ago! This year's
event commemorate's the fifth year of the tragic death -- from
black-on-black violence -- of Jed Davis. Start-up
location is on Nostrand Avenue at Fulton Street in Brooklyn.
Opening ceremonies commence @ 11 a.m. The peace
walk concludes about 12 noon at Nostrand Avenue and Empire
Boulevard. It is followed by a rally with speakers and
entertainment. Chief host is Jed's community activist brother Geoffrey A. Davis.
Entire event is sponsored by the JED Foundation which may be
visited at the James E. Davis Foundation
website. Confirm your attendance marching with the S.V.A. by
calling AnDre C at (212)
6-27-1969.
Tuesday, August 12 --
N.Y.C. MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG HONORS the AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT
New York City Mayor Michael
R. Bloomberg hosts the awards in honor of the American
Disabilities Act (ADA) at Gracie Mansion. The
invitation-only event honors the ADA with an awards
ceremony. In many ways, the S.V.A.
works with organizations and individuals with physical
disabilities and mental health issues. Volunteers and members of
the S.V.A. help disabled members get accessibilty, services
and homecare throughout the year. Today's S.V.A.'s delegates
are Director Williamson Henderson
(with two broken toes) and AnDre
Christie (recovering from
trauma). The late S.V.A. Public Relationist Dave West is
designated by Friends-of-SVA Maria
Estevez and longtime Gay couple K.C. and Elaine. The
mayoral festivity provides jazz entertainment.
There is an outdoor fresh food festival and multiple
sizzling barbeques. Location is near the East River at East End Avenue
and East 88 Street in the Upper East Side of the "Capital of the
World".
Sunday, August 10 --
STONEWALL & SOUL SINGING LEGEND ISAAC HAYES DIES
Isaac
Hayes is widely known as a powerful soul singer,
successful songwriter and unique entertainer. He has been greatly
acknowledged winning Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy
Awards. Isaac's million-selling record album in 1969, "Hot Buttered Soul", yielded his
hit version singles of "Walk
On By" and "By The Time I
Get To Phoenix" -- both hits at The Stonewall! He
also co-wrote big hit songs such as
"Hold On, I'm Coming" and
"Soul Man". Ironically, in the Isaac Hayes-written,
produced and performed music in the film "Shaft" (1971), Stonewall
veteran John R. Watts, Jr., was in the film. Mr. Hayes was the
first Black composer to score an Oscar! Years later, besides his
constant music career and performing, Isaac Hayes was a
popular New York morning radio disc jockey on "98.7 Kiss-FM" from 1996
to 2001. More recently, he was the deep voice of Chef on the
"South Park" television cartoon show. Mr. Hayes was
exercising on a treadmill at his Tennessee home when he had a
fatal stroke and died at 65.
Thursday, August 7 --
S.V.A. ORGANIZATION SPONSOR MEETING
The S.V.A. is represented by Director Williamson Henderson and
Assistant AnDre Christie with
the Executive Director of a group sponsor. Congenial
planning meeting is @ 3 p.m. at the sponsor's Midtown West skyscraper
office.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 -- CONGRESSWOMAN MALONEY BOOK FORUM
New York Congresswoman Carolyn
B. Maloney is on a book-discussing and book-promoting
and signing tour this Summer. The women's issues and
solutions book is "Rumors of Our
Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated -- Why Women's Lives Aren't
Getting Any Easier and How We Can Make Real Progress".
Today's event is doubly special as the Congresswoman is the
Honorary Female Chairperson of the STONEWALL Veterans' Association and
the event is at the GLBT Center. Those planning to attend
via the S.V.A. may r.s.v.p. to CBM favorite AnDre C at (212) 6-27-1969.
The book discussion commences @ 6 p.m.
Monday, July 28 --
CONGRESSWOMAN YVETTE CLARKE MEETING with S.V.A.
The S.V.A. history with the Clarke women dates way back to
Councilwoman Una Clarke, renowned mother of
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.
Born in Brooklyn, Williamson
Henderson is
representing the S.V.A. at the Brooklyn rendezvous. PRIDE
Democrats is rep'd by Steven
Gradman. The meeting is
confirmed @ 4 p.m. at the Congressmember's
campaign headquarters on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
Saturday, July 26 --
S.V.A. TRANSITION and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
July is always the end of the Gay Pride season meeting for the
S.V.A. This year is different insofar as the
organization transitions from elected officers to Executive
Committee. Williamson Henderson
presides over the transition meeting. Storme DeLarverie chairs the recent
Gay Pride events review. Jeremiah
Newton reports on
the Gay Pride Parade vis-a-vis the S.V.A. and pending matters with
Heritage of Pride, the parade organizers. Gay media are
attending. The meeting at The Center hits @ 4:15 p.m. until
6 p.m.
Friday, July 18 -- MARY
WEISS of THE SHANGRI-LAS CONCERT
As the "Sweethearts of The Stonewall", anticipate Shangri-Las lead singer Mary Weiss performing several
"Songs of The Stonewall" such as
"Give Him A Great Big Kiss",
"Out In The Streets", "Remember, Walking In The Sand", "Heaven Only Knows" and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore".
The exciting outdoor venue is the South Street Seaport at
Fulton Street and South Street in Lower Manhattan. Concert starts
@ 7 p.m. Many subways stop at Fulton Street. For further
411, visit www.MaryWeiss.com.
Friday, July 4 --
INDEPENDENCE DAY
American Independence Day since 1776; Gay Independence Day since 1969!
July 2008 -- S.V.A. TRANSITION to EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE RULE
As of the 1st of July 2008, the
STONEWALL Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") transitions to an Executive
Committee ("E/C") form of governing. According to the S.V.A.
"Bi-Laws", if there is no president, the organization must convert to
Executive Committee. The term of former S.V.A. President Williamson L. Henderson completed on June
31st; WLH declined to again be a nominee for same. At
the S.V.A. monthly meeting, headed by Williamson,
the membership was unable to elect a successor.
Approved S.V.A. officers such as Jeremiah Newton, Storme DeLarverie, Mark Zatlow and Jackie Barrett were
transferred without titles into the existing E/C. Basic
decision-making is henceforth performed by a majority of good-standing
E/C members at the monthly meetings held at the regular S.V.A.
time and place. Said meetings welcome group representatives,
public officials and invited guests.
June 2008 (Gay Pride Month)
--
S.V.A. HIT RECORD for WEBSITE VISITS
The S.V.A. website had over
700,000 verified "visits" positioning June 2008's Gay Pride Month as
the fourth busiest month ever! Congratulations namely to Williamson Henderson (website
mastermind), Babsala
Lynne (webmistress), Leigh McManus (editor), Brooke Lynn (data-entry), Jon
Buenatesta (advertising) and
AnDre Christie (all-around assistant) in their respective
responsibilities and compelling creativities, without whom none of this
outreach, education and success would be possible!
Tuesday, "June 31"* -- S.V.A.'s
39th ANNIVERSARY of the STONEWALL REBELLION PARTY
*{July 1st}
The "Stonewall Rebellion celebration at The Stonewall" is sponsored yearly
by the STONEWALL Veterans'
Association ("S.V.A."). This is the ultimate -- bare
none -- Gay Pride event! To quote a
#1 Stonewall song: "Ain't
Nothing Like The Real Thing". We all know how the GLBT
community is overflowing with pride! Traditionally, the S.V.A.
function at The Stonewall is the suitable Stonewall story ending
this year for the month of celebrating the 'pride' of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
("GLBT") community!
Music: Stonewall music is
exclusively from the original Stonewall
Jukebox -- now on compact discs thanks to the S.V.A. and courtesy of Williamson Henderson -- compiled as the "Songs of The Stonewall"(c).
Tonight's S.V.A.
theme song is "There's No Stopping
Us Now" (by DRS).
Stonewall singing
artists to be played include: Diana Ross & The Supremes; Frankie Valli & The
Four Seasons, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, The Shangri-Las featuring Mary Weiss,
Smokey Robinson &
The Miracles, Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder, Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes, The
Spiral Starecase, Dusty Springfield,
Edwin Starr,
The Shirelles, Sly & The
Family Stone, Jackie De Shannon, Mr. Shorty Long, The Sweet Inspirations,
Mick Jagger & The Rolling Stones, Nancy
Sinatra, Tommy
James & The Shondells,
et al. Incredible music! Incredible talent!
Incredible songs! And, they are just the "S" names -- as in "Stonewall"!
Special Musical Guest:
Legendary Stonewall
singing soultress Lady Maxine
Brown. Anyone who was a regular at The Stonewall knows that when Maxine's song "Oh, No, Not My Baby", written
by Carole King,
played on the jukebox, most of the Stonewallers sang the dramatic
refrain. Maxi is a
longtime 'solid gold' supporter of the
S.V.A.
Entertainment:
The solo D/Q show is by
Ron B performing as Tina
Turner doing her
Stonewall songs namely
"River Deep Mountain High",
"I Can't Stop Loving You",
"Bold Soul Sister", "Try A
Little Tenderness" and
"Honky Tonk Women". The young emcee is the Youth-for-SVA's young
mocha Andre C.
Dee-Tails: Our Stonewall event lights up @
6 p.m. Stonewall festivities
and fun continue until the white lights come on @ 9 p.m.
Refreshments. Suggested admission is $25. The
original location is in
Greenwich Village, Manhattan,
New York, opposite Sheridan Triangle
at 53 Christopher Street on the block now known as Stonewall Place at -- where else
-- The Stonewall Inn!
* "June 31st" is the Gay calendar
date; regular calendars show it as July 1st!
Historic note: This is
the exact 40-year anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion
when the uprising was still on into the beginning of July!
The last night was Thursday, July 3rd. On July 4th,
1969, New York City Gays proudly celebrated what Williamson
Henderson coined "Gay Independence"!
Monday, June 30 --
S.V.A. WEBSITE HITS ANOTHER TOP-SCORE DAY
On Stonewall Sunday, June 29th, the interesting, informative
and popular S.V.A. website scored over 33,000 verified "visits" in one day!
The monthly total for Gay Pride Month June hit over 700,000 verified "visits" to S.V.A.!
Monday, June 30 --
N.Y.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW CUOMO DELIVERS PROCLAMATION to
the S.V.A.
"Since its birth
following the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, the STONEWALL
Veterans' Association (SVA) has proudly and passionately
represented Gay,
Lesbian, Bi and Transgender history and culture. Championing
education, community-building, support, communication and outreach as
their primary purposes, the S.V.A. has been at the forefront of
combating discrimination
and encouraging tolerance, diversity and equality since its founding.
As always, I am honored to have this opportunity to commend the
outstanding individuals who have worked with the S.V.A...."
Sunday, June 29 --
NEW YORK 39th ANNUAL GAY,
LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER ("GLBT") PRIDE PARADE
The
39th annual New York City Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender
("GLBT") Pride Parade in
Manhattan, New York --
where it all started and, expectedly, the first to have a Gay
march/parade -- commemorates the 39th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion and
celebrates all the Gay freedoms and Gay rights ever since that
milestone. This NYC
parade is the only one
this year that gets the actual veterans of the Stonewall Rebellion leading
a parade.
Heritage
of Pride Revelations: What
the S.V.A. originally wrote prior to the deceptions was "Hats
off to the Heritage of Pride
group for finally
providing a parade float to the
S.V.A. and confirming the S.V.A. in the 'lead section'
as always". That is what different SVA-ers were told at
different times by different HOPers. It includes voice
messages. WelI, HOP told half-truths and half-lies. HOP would provide
(via a cost-free donation by Bond Floats) a float to the S.V.A. rather
than getting convertibles for the Stonewall veterans.
It would be the
STONEWALL Veterans' Association float. Surprisingly,
they delivered on the parade float! In fact, Williamson Henderson spoke
with the float company owner (Tony) to coordinate colors (blue and
white to match the SW-car) and spell our "STONEWALL" name correctly.
(So, the float company got it half right.) On the day
of the parade, the SW-Vetz had the unwanted surprise of
seeing the "Heritage of Pride" logo hugely placed on the
inside rear panel of our float for all spectators to view. It
gave the false impression that the float was for "HOP" -- yet
everyone on it was S.V.A.
Heritage of Pride Item #2
- In the other matter of parade placement -- never a problem
until 39 years later -- HOP phoned many
times about their on-line internet registration form. They
complained that the S.V.A. did not 'check' a section. That's
right as there was no choice for "Lead" section. They stated that
"Oh, if we had a 'lead section' choice, everybody would check it".
Really? HOP attempted to deceive the S.V.A. into
indicating "Section 1" and that they would 'fix' it later.
The S.V.A. did not fall for that bait. HOP told the
S.V.A.'s Jeremiah Newton
that they would complete the form to get it on-line. Jeremiah
even queeried: "Must a group have internet access
nowadays to participate in the Gay parade"? Of course not,
they claimed. Ultimately, as was suspected by S.V.A.
officials, HOP -- particularly Finneky -- could not be trusted!
HOP insultingly placed the S.V.A. float in the "Disabled/Mentally
Challenged/P-Flag" section! What does that section have to do
with the veterans of the Stonewall
Rebellion? Nothing! This dastardly deed -- intended
to harm and upset -- was done as a sneak attack and, most unfairly,
when there was no chance to cure. HOP made false
promises once again and used trickery against, of all people, the ones
who brought the "pride"! This is their idea
of disrepect to the Stonewall tradition and the Stonewall survivors who
started it all! When does the heritage of shame end?
Never, so far! But, it will! FYI, the
S.V.A. is not the only group with the HOP horror stories!
So many in the GLBT community are so enraged at HOP for so long
and for so many reasons and it's growing. HOP
foolishly continues their bludgeoning "paradewreck? It's a
shame! It's a "Heritage of Shame". Let's never forget
that for "Stonewall 25" we had
to have two parades!! Stay tuned.....
Walking
Contingency:
Many Stonewallers
choose to walk, not ride, with the
S.V.A. namely Williamson
Henderson (identifiably wearing wooden clogs), Storme DeLarverie (wearing
rainbow military helmet), Bill
Salzman (w/ "1969 Stonewall Rebellion" sign), Jack Rojas (w/
"Gay Activists Alliance" sign), Leigh McManus (w/
Gay rainbow flag), Carl Keller (w/ "Gay Unity" sign),
Matthew Samuelson
(w/ "S.V.A." sign), et al. and scheduled (will-he or won't-he show)
guest Gerry
(aka Gerrydene) Hail (from
World Outgaymes).
S.V.A. vehicle #1
{weather-permitting}:
1969 blue Cadillac convertible a.k.a.
the "Stonewall Car"
Passenger list: Jeremiah
Newton (ridin' shotgun), Patti
Stone, Mary S. Twist and
Lucy Santiago (total 4 SW-Vetz plus non-vet driver)
Driver:
AnDre Christie
S.V.A. vehicle #2:
~~~STONEWALL Veterans'
Association FLOAT ~~~
Passengers: Mark
Zatlow (CA), Leigh McManus
& Benson (LI), Cristina Hayworth (PR),
Keith Lonesome, LaLa Belle (FL), Rogers Hunt, Rusty Rose (LI), Brooke Lynn, David Bermudez & Bob Isadore (MA), Princess Jenni June (IQKNY), Toni Polita, David Foxworth (PA), Richard Karlsson, Betty Bristol (OH), Jeff Greenfield (NJ), Lisa Sclafani, Dennis McLain & Ernest Von Thaden (MA),
Chyna Fucita, Jonathan & Dean Yoder
(LI), Dr. Dyane Karron
(w/o her bike), Antoine Williams
(DC), Sherman
Kilpatrick, Ivan
Medrano (NJ), Sidney Rowlet (LI),
Jon Lux (MD), Darren Taylor, et al.
Vehicle #3 has been cancelled due to mechanical problems with the
'66 -- and its unprideful owner!
Invitation:
Inviting all Veterans
of the original Stonewall Club
and/or the Stonewall Rebellion to march with the S.V.A. You do not have to
be a member of the S.V.A.
to participate. You will be welcomed even if you are a former S.V.A. member such as "Papa" Gene Devente or Rollo Tomasi. We
encourage all Stonewall Veterans who
live outside of NYC to
join us in the Gay Pride Parade. This Stonewall Sunday is a day of
Gay visibility, solidarity and remembrance. Join the Veterans of the Stonewall Rebellion proudly
leading the parade. You don't have to walk or stand; there's
seating on the "STONEWALL"
float! If interested, contact S.V.A. Assistant Andre C at (212) 6-27-1969.
S.V.A. Participants: S.V.A. President Williamson has suggested that everyone with
the S.V.A. contingency wear
one of the Gay rainbow colors. It would look cool to
wear any solid color pants or jeans with a top that is one of the
colors or a rainbow design! Or, you could wear two solid colors
of the Gay rainbow -- top and bottom. Someone may ask, what
if you don't? Hey, no
problema except that you will walk after the S.V.A. float! Please
do not wear anything tacky or tattered -- that's not Gay Pride! The unifying
idea is for the
S.V.A. to have a colorfully united and visually harmonizing
presence.
Parade Line-Up: Fifth
Avenue from 52nd Street to 56th Street and all of the cross streets
(both sides of Fifth Av.). The
S.V.A. is at the start at 52nd. We welcome you to come
visit and say hello to the Stonewall
veterans -- many of whom arrive in NYC just for this super special Stonewall weekend.
For registration info and 411 regarding the Gay Pride Parade and the GLBT Pridefest today, visit the Heritage of Pride website at www.HOPinc.org.
Saturday, June 28 (evening) -- S.V.A. on
NEW YORK 1 TELEVISION
New York 1 News (t.v.) covered the special STONEWALL
Veterans' Association "Annual Reunion & Gay Pride" meeting at the
GLBT Center. In their coverage inside the S.V.A. meeting, on
television you see Williamson Henderson, Storme, David Bermudez,
Ruthybird, Jeremiah Newton, Chyna and Richard Karlsson.
Speaking in the feature is WLH about the Gay Pride Parade
and public official participants -- then and now! Ruthybird
speaks on the gradual decrease in discrimination against Gay
people. The segment will be repeated many times throughout
Saturday evening and night and all day on Stonewall Sunday on NYC's
news Channel 1. (It is also accessible on the internet.)
Saturday, June 28 --
STONEWALL VETERANS ANNUAL
REUNION & GAY PRIDE MEETING
Veterans of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion come to
the birthplace of the Gay rights movement in New York City from all over
America and beyond for this historically unique S.V.A. annual
reunion. There are festive balloons, quality foods and
"good vibrations" (as in the
Stonewall song). All of these decades later, the S.V.A.
monthly meetings are still held in Greenwich
Village. The meeting percolates @ 4:15 p.m. at the GLBT Community Center. On
display out front is the 1969 "Stonewall
Car".
Stonewall Veterans: SW-Vetz from New York State (unless otherwise
noted) confirmed to attend (to date) include the following SVA-ers (alphabetically): David Bermudez and spouse Bob Isadore (Massachusetts); Betty Bristol (Ohio); Ruthybird Campbell; Bobalu Candelaria (Puerto Rico); Storme DeLarverie; Papa Jean Devente (Connecticut); Robert Fucito; Cristina Hayworth (Puerta Rica), Wayne Herndon (California); Carl Keller (Connecticut); Keith Lonesome; Leigh McManus and Benson (Long Island); Jeremiah Newton; Jack Rojas; Patti Stone (Florida); Mary S. Twist (New Jersey) and
Mark Zatlow (California).
Special S.V.A. Guest Speakers: S.V.A.
Honorary Female Chairperson Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney is
appropriately "Miss June". As an S.V.A. special guest
speaker "Carolina" is always joyously received. (Plus,
it qualifies her S.V.A. Board requirement of
attending a meeting yearly.)
Longtime confirmed -- preceding "Council Strikes
Back" and "Revolt in the Council" fame -- guest speaker "Mr.
June" is N.Y.C. Councilmember John
C. Liu of Queens. Our special Gay guest speaker is Gerry "Geraldine" Hail of the World Outgaymes 2009. Gerry
travels here with his husband
Jesper from Denmark, where they were married last year.
Our special Stonewall Veteran
speakers are married couple Bob
Isadore & David Bermudez from
Massachusetts. They have a special government honor award to
present to S.V.A. President
Williamson. Looking ahead, N.Y.S.
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo
is pending confirmation during the Summer of 2008. In the
meantime =AMC= had a
most impressive Proclamation for the S.V.A. specially delivered to our
S.V.A. meeting today!
S.V.A. Election: As per the
"S.V.A. Bi-Laws", there is the
mid-year election of one officer -- S.V.A. President -- as
strategically scheduled to alternate with all of the other officers
elected at year's end. Williamson
Henderson has clearly printed as a "P.S." on his
e-mails since the new year began that he is not a candidate and, therefore,
cannot be elected. (July 1st begins the new Gay year
for organizations that are pride-inclusive such as the S.V.A. or pride-oriented such
as HOP.)
Special Note: This S.V.A.
event is covered by NY-1 News
television (channel 1 in New York City) as part of their Gay Pride
weekend presentation.
Friday the June 27th
(exact day and date)
-- 39th
ANNIVERSARY of the STONEWALL REBELLION
Join the S.V.A.'s annual
Stonewall Rebellion celebration dinner evolving @ 6 p.m.
and swingin' until 9 p.m. The
S.V.A. Social Committee has all of the arrangements in
progress! The S.V.A. President
Williamson Henderson is the knowledgeable and appropriate
host. On display just like 39 years ago: 1969 metallic blue
Cadillac convertible since named the "Stonewall
Car". If interested in attending, contact AnDre C at the S.V.A. at (212)
6-27-1969.
Friday, June 27 -- SPECIAL
S.V.A. GAY PRIDE ADVERTISEMENT in THE NEW YORK BLADE for STONEWALL
WEEKEND
Look for the special Gay Pride Week edition of the Gay-owned,
Gay-managed and Gay-inclusive The New York Blade in
newspaper boxes and many Gay locations such as the GLBT Center and
elsewhere on the ultimate Gay date in Gay history... June 27th!
The S.V.A. ad with a lavender brickwall background has a
purple banner which reads: STONEWALL Veterans' Association.
Thursday, June 26 (night) -- PRE-PRIDE
"STONEWALL SUPPER"
After the WOG event, a pre-Pride "Stonewall Supper" with
SW-Vetz Williamson, Jeremiah Newton, Mark Zatlow and Richard Karlsson, PRIDE Dems' Steven Gradman, some WOGers and
S.V.A. Assistant AnDre C
at SVA advertiser Florent Restaurant at 69 Gansevoort Street
in the Meat-Packing District of Manhattan. Eatery owner Florent Morellet will be there on
his finale goodbye weekend. And, later, the SVA-ers go
to nearby Los Dados Cafe at Washington Street for Gay Pride
margaritas!
Thursday, June 26 (evening) --
WORLD OUTGAYMES 2009 PREVIEW
The World OutGames presents this preview of next year's sports
spectacular competition in Copenhagen, Denmark. That
event will simultaneously commemorate the international
celebration of "Stonewall-40". Special 1969 Stonewall Rebellion
commentators this evening are Williamson Henderson
and Jeremiah Newton. Info is provided by
WOG about the 39 sports tournaments, the wide range of cultural events
and the human rights conference at next year's Outgames. Athletes
planning to compete then can pre-register now. Scandinavian (via
Brooklyn) Gay events promoter and drag
Gerry Hail Storm planned this greet get-together and
WOG's Tommy Kristoffersen hosts.
Jesper Cafitzen is on
hand from Denmark! Literature from WOG and the S.V.A.
is provided. Light foods are buffeted. The New York
City GLBT Community Center is the meeting place. The
program starts @ 7 p.m. For more 411, visit
www.Copenhagen2009.org.
Wednesday, June 25 --
"STONEWALL STORIES" PRESENTATION
"Stonewall Stories" ("SS") was initially
developed many years ago by New Village Productions as a documentary.
It is being revived and presented again. "SS" is
based directly on the interviewed and filmed testimonials of
virtually only members (current, former and deceased) of the
STONEWALL Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") such as Jeremiah Newton, Electra O'Mara, Rev. Magora Kennedy, Leigh McManus, Terri Van Dyke, John-Paul Ranieri, Randy Wicker, Mary S. Twist, Storme DeLarverie, Cristina Hayworth, et al. -- plus Sgt. Frank J. Tuscano of the
NYCPD Precinct 6 Retired Police Officers (RPO-6) group. Quoting a
synopsis and review: "The resulting script tells the stories of
that fateful night(s) in the words of Gay rights activists and
Christopher Street legends Williamson
Henderson, "Papa" Jean
Devente, Sylvia Rivera, Rita "Rusty" Rose and Tommy Lannigan. 'Stonewall
Stories' will leave you moved... and make you very, very proud!"
This "SS" presentation is a partial benefit for the
Metropolitan Community Church of New York's ("MCC") Shelter for
Homeless GLBT Youth. The scenario is the GLBT Center
Assembly Hall. Look for the famous "Stonewall Car" out front.
Showtime is @ 8 p.m. For more 411, visit www.MCCNY.org.
Tuesday, June 24 -- N.Y.C.
MAYOR'S GAY PRIDE CELEBRATION at GRACIE MANSION
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's
seventh annual celebration in honor of Gay Pride Month is at
Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side. The happening is
outdoors. The tributes and speeches are on stage under the huge,
white canvass, open-sided tent. Confirmed to attend from the
S.V.A. are Jeremiah Newton, Mary S. Twist, Rogers Hunt, Cristina Hayworth, Andrew Coren, Harriet Rose, Leigh McManus, Ruthy Campbell, et al. plus special
staffer Gina Wright and mayoral fave AnDre C.
Open-grille foods, summer drinks and live music are the
orders of the evening. Event starts @ 5:30 p.m. (Invitation only.)
Treasure Hunt: Who has the
oldest Gay Pride picture at Gracie Mansion? Williamson has his from the
Summer of 1978 -- the first year of the Koch Administration. He
and Mayor Ed Koch are
shaking hands and smiling. Both are wearing blue suits
(though different shades). They're shown in the huge backyard at
Gracie. (Yes, we'll be publishing it.) Just like 30
years ago, the event is by strict invitation only.
Monday, June 23 -- G.L.B.T.
CENTER'S ANNUAL "GARDEN PARTY"
The S.V.A. participates in this annual Gay
Pride Week event. Organization S.V.A. has an informational table.
The scenic river view location is Hudson River Park at the
Westside Highway and West 14th Street. The
fun and fun-raising event starts @ 6 p.m.
For advance 411 on the NYC Gay Center's "Garden Party",
visit
www.GayCenter.org.
Sunday, June 22 --
GAY PRIDE RALLY in NEW YORK CITY
The Gay Rally is in Bryant Park at Avenue of the Americas and
West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. The beautiful park backs
up to the renowned headquarters of the New York Public Library.
The Rally speaks off @ 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 -- THE BRONX GAY PRIDE FESTIVAL
Friday, June 20 -- S.V.A. GAY
PRIDE AD in THE NEW YORK BLADE for Pre-STONEWALL WEEKEND
The STONEWALL Veterans' Association has a meeting announcement and
other 411 in our Gay Pride ad in The Blade. Look for the
special Gay Pride edition of the Gay-owned, Gay-managed and
Gay-inclusive The New York Blade on newstands and
many Gay locations on pre-Stonewall weekend Friday and the
forthcoming Gay Pride Week!
Thursday, June 19 --
S.V.A. RECEIVES 'GLBT' PROCLAMATION from N.Y.S. GOVERNOR
Wednesday, June 18 -- PRIDE
DEMOCRATS HONORS the STONEWALL VETERANS' ASSOCIATION
The S.V.A. will be providing 411 on this
happening and its format via PRIDE Denmocrats. It will start @ 7
p.m. Dinner
tickets are $69. Invitations were mailed to good-standing members
of both groups and others. For all other
interested participants, please contact Marlon Hunter at
PRIDEdemocrats@nyct.net
Tuesday, June 17 -- MANHATTAN
BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S GAY PRIDE EVENT
Manhattan Borough President (MBP) Scott M. Stringer hosts this
annual Gay Pride event. The special honoree is Karen S. Burstein ("KSB").
She is the legendary female and openly-Gay Democratic N.Y.S.
Attorney General nominee and a former N.Y.S. senator and a N.Y.C.
Family Court judge. KSB is also the longtime Corporate Counsel of
the S.V.A. The MBP is acknowledging the STONEWALL Veterans' Association in his Gay Pride
remarks. Sitting front and center will be Williamson Henderson, Ruthybird Campbell, Rogers Hunt and other SW-Vetz.
PRIDE Democrats is rep'd by
Marlon Hunter and
Shari Clemons. Special KSB friends include Marion Lee, Joan Dean, Maggi
Peyton, Pam Elam and
Joan Nixon. "Karala"
will be grandly chauffeured by AnDre
C and proudly delivered to the event in her favorite
vehicle: the 1969 "Stonewall Car". Professional photography
by KSB's youngest sister Jessica
Burstein. Event held at the New York
GLBT Community Center @ 6 p.m. Quality foods and wines.
RSVP to the MBP office at (212) 669-4462. For more 411 on
KSB, please visit: www.STONEWALLvets.org/KarenBurstein.htm.
Monday, June 16 --
CONGRESSMEMBER CAROLYN MALONEY BOOK SEMINAR & SIGNING
An encore happening
for Congressmember Carolyn B.
Maloney's new book "Rumors Of Our Progress Are Greatly
Exaggerated". The title refers to women especially in business
and political life. CBM will be introduced by Councilmember Jessica S. Lappin, also a supporter
of the S.V.A. Come greet "Carolina", buy her
worthwhile book and get it signed by the authoress! Special
guests include former MBP and former City Council President Andrew J. Stein. The
S.V.A. "bookers" are headed up by
Williamson Henderson and Youth-for-SVA's Gina Wright. Plan on
attending? Call the S.V.A.'s assistant AnDre C at (212) 6-27-1969.
The venue is the intriguing National Arts Club at 15
Gramercy Park South at East 20th Street between Park Avenue and
Irving Place in Manhattan. "Booking" times are from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15 -- FATHER'S DAY
To quote a popular Stonewall
song by The Winstons: "Color Him Father"!
Saturday, June 14 (Lightning, Thunder and Rain Storms) -- BROOKLYN 14th ANNUAL GAY PRIDE
NIGHTTIME PARADE
Saturday, June 14 -- STONEWALL SITE STORM SURGE
Due to the heat-driven, windy and wild thunder,
lightning and rain storms in NYC yesterday late afternoon and all
evening, it caused many downed trees and power surges
knocking out many internet providers (IPs). The S.V.A. website
was inaccessible for about five hours (5 to 10 p.m.) causing a loss of
about 5,000 visits. It was back on line a day sooner
than many others. The S.V.A. had over 15,000 visits but
not its usual 20,000+! .
Friday the 13th --
STONEWALL-RELATED, DOWN-LOW COUPLE
CELEBRATES THEIR ANNIVERSARY in PRIVATE!
They're having a down-low bar-B-que and, of course, the locale
is secret. Advisory: Invitees must swear to G not to
recognize them as a Gay couple; however, anniversary gifts are Dre
encouraged and Will be Gay-ly accepted.
Thursday, June 12 --
STONEWALL BIRTHDAY SUPPER for HONORARY MEMBER LIZ ABZUG
The berry birthday person is longtime S.V.A. Honorary
Member Liz J. Abzug.
This year, Liz was the first person to renew her S.V.A. dues
-and- renew her business ad with the S.V.A. You can't beat that!!
To quote a popular t.v. ad: "What's in your wallet?"
The birthday supper at an outdoors venue is hosted by the
sometimes surprising and always entertaining "Will & Dre". The
witty dishes fly early with the first greentini @
5 p.m. The birthday recipient is Gay-ly anticipating this
fun event with her S.V.A. friends. "Lizala" may
hopefully have a political candidacy announcement! Kindly
rsvp and/or get more 411 with
Vito (not Farcella) at (212) 346-9499.
Tuesday, June 10 ("Heat Wave") --
GAY OFFICERS' ACTION LEAGUE GAY PRIDE MEETING
Included on the Gay Pride agenda is an overdue joint-event
between the S.V.A. and GOAL, reprising some collaborations between
the two great groups from years ago. Williamson, Storme, Rogers and Youth-for SVA Gina Wright represent the S.V.A.
For the parade, the S.V.A. honorably requested and GOAL
proudly agreed to some uniformed GOAL police officers escorting
the Stonewall veterans. The GOAL meeting is at the GLBT Center @
8 p.m.
Monday, June 9 ("Heat Wave") --
BOOK RECEPTION: CONGRESS MEMBER MALONEY
This second personalized book
event with the authoress Carolyn B.
Maloney is at Hunter College in the Faculty Lounge on the 8th
floor at Lexington Avenue and East 68th Street in Manhattan from 6 p.m.
to 7:30 p.m. Take the #6!
Sunday, June 8 ("Heat Wave") -- LONG ISLAND 18th ANNUAL GAY PRIDE
PARADE
Sunday, June 8 -- LIZ ABZUG on POLITICAL SUNDAY
MORNING TV
"Up Close with
Diana Williams" national Sunday morning show on ABC-TV this
week features S.V.A. Honorary Member Liz J. Abzug and former N.Y.C.
Comptroller and S.V.A. supporter Liz
C. Holtzman. No, they will not be discussing the
history of the S.V.A. as the "Lizes" are reviewing the
hotly recent Democratic Primary presidential candidates Barack-O and Hillary Clinton, respectively.
Airtime on ABC (channel 7 in NYC ) is @ 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 7 (evening) -- MAXINE BROWN:
STONEWALL SOUL SENSATION SINGER
The legendary pop 'n' soul singer, Maxine Brown, from the 1960s
and 1970s, is an original favorite from The Stonewall!
Maxine is a longtime supporter of the S.V.A. She
is a personal friend of SVA-er
David Foxworth. Enjoy Maxine's classic
hits such as "Funny", "All In My Mind" and "Hold On, I'm Coming" (duet with Chuck
Jackson) and her popular and Stonewall songs "Oh, No, Not My Baby", "One Step At A Time, Boy" and "We'll Cry Together".
Our gal "Maxi" is concerting at Joe's Famous
Pub. It is located at the Joseph Papp Theater at 425
Lafayette Street near Astor Place (#6 train) in Manhattan, N.Y.
Showtime is @ 7 p.m. Join the S.V.A. in
welcoming Maxi again! For more 411 or tix, visit www.JoesPub.com
or call Joe's Pub at (212) 539-8778.
Saturday, June 7 ("Heat Wave") -- STATEN ISLAND 4th ANNUAL GAY
PRIDE PARADE
Wednesday, June 4 --
N.Y.C. COMPTROLLER'S GLBT PRIDE
Tuesday, June 3 --
S.V.A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETING
This annual Gay Pride Month Executive Committee
meeting is for S.V.A. Board-ers, Officers and E/C members only. A chief topic is the
S.V.A. anniversary party in exactly four weeks on June 31st -- a.k.a.
July 1st! It is @ 6 p.m. For all 411, you must call and
reserve with S.V.A. Assistant
Andre C.
Monday, June 2 -- CONGRESSMEMBER CAROLYN on NY-1
T.V.
The S.V.A.'s Honorary Female Chairperson
Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney
will be promoting her book
"Rumors Of Our (Women's) Progress Have Been Grealtly Exaggerated"
this evening on New York One television @ 7 p.m. and encored @ 10 p.m. Since it is Gay Pride Month
and Carolyn is the S.V.A.'s
special lady, will CBM mention those Gay-ities and give a
Gay shout-out to the S.V.A.? Tune in Channel 1 (NY-1) and
watch!
Sunday, June 1 --
QUEENS 16th ANNUAL GAY PRYDE PARADE
Gay Pride Month - - - - - - -
- 2008
Stonewall Pride Month
* 2008
Saturday, May 31 -- MAY FLOWERS BRING S.V.A. GAY
POWERS
"Gay Power" is one of the original Stonewall Rebellion
poster signs and Gay power is proudly on display at the monthly
meeting of the S.V.A. Presiding officer Williamson Henderson strikes the
opening gavel @ 4:15 p.m. Specials reports are
presented by Jeremiah Newton
and Storme DeLarverie.
The printed agenda is provided to S.V.A. members only. Main topic
is "Gay Pride Month" plans, collaborators and events.
For the S.V.A. meeting format and recurring agenda items,
please see the March 29th entry. On display out front
of The Center is the famous 1969 "Stonewall Car".
S.V.A. Guest Speakers: "Mr. May" is S.V.A. supporter N.Y.S.
Assemblymember Jonathan L. Bing.
His topics include Gay marriage issue, SONDA and Gay Pride 2008.
There is a surprise N.Y.C. Councilmember as "Miss May"!
She will hear concerns about the planned City Council Gay Pride.
Speakers start @ 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 29 --
HERITAGE OF PRIDE'S PRE-PRIDE OPEN HOUSE
The Heritage of Pride's Outreach Committee sponsors
this friendly gathering. The goal is to round
up volunteers for HOP, particularly for the rally,
the parade, the streetfair and the dance. Confirmed
participating groups include the S.V.A., the Gay Officers' Action
League (GOAL) and PRIDE Democrats. The event is in the
Assembly Hall at the GLBT Center. It starts @ 6
p.m. Foods are provided until 9 p.m.
HOP's Outreach is directed by
Jason Bain with assistant-directing by Ron Bee plus assisting by Gerald Tucker. Call them to
rsvp or to volunteer at (212) 807-6314 or e-mail at Outreach@HOPinc.org.
Wednesday, May 28 --
GAY MARRIAGES RECOGNIZED in NEW YORK
Same-gender marriages performed in other states or countries will
now be recognized by all New York state agencies, under a directive
issued by Governor David A. Patterson. The agencies must change
some 1,300 statutes and regulations to ensure that references to
"spouse", "husband" and "wife" are appropriate for Gay couples.
Government agencies that do not comply will be subject to
sanctions. In February, a state court ruled that New York must
recognize same-gender marriages. This is wonderful Gay civil
rights news for Gay people in New York especially on the eve of Gay
Pride Month where it all ignited 39 years ago at The Stonewall
Rebellion!
Tuesday, May 27 -- BOOK K.O.: "Nine... Ten...
OUT! THE TWO WORLDS of EMILE GRIFFITH --- a.k.a. "One World
To Live"
Disappointingly, that "Out!" in the title is a
gotcha! rip-off as is the
disingenuous vanity-book writer!
Paperback book's "preface" claims to 'explore' but the
exlporation is about as deep as Lee's press-on fake nails. The magical rainbow word
"out!" (shown on the cover in come-buy-me pastel lavender) is
planted to dupe unsuspecting Gay people and gimme gossip vultures.
There is nothing "out" except your money if you buy it. The
alleged "second world" herewith is untouched! Indeed, the wannabe
authoress neglected to interview anyone Gay other than the
subject who is technically bisexual and his secretive partner,
ditto. So, how is this "out!"? How could there be any Gay
information of substance? There isn't! Once again,
the champ is shamefully victimized by a self-serving,
money-seeking grundger.
Emile A. Griffith, Jr. ("EAG")
is legendary in the sports world for a half century as a
straight-up world boxing champion. In his "other world", the Gay
one, Emile, known as "Junior" in Gay circles, frequented endless Gay
clubs like The Stonewall, where he met Gay commercial model Williamson L. Henderson ("WLH").
Although not stated (like most everything else Gay) in the "out!"
book (yet the writer knew) is the reality that
Williamson and Emile meeting very late one hot night at the
Gay dance bar Stonewall is germane to any story about the
champ being "out!". Subsequent to the Gay rights Stonewall
Rebellion, Emile enthusiastically joined as a charter member of
the STONEWALL Veterans' Club (now "Association"). After a
long 25-year absence (1979 to 2004) and after EAG contacted WLH,
the champ Emile and the model Williamson had a Gay fishbowl
reunion including the grandmama authoress! After the Gay champ's
return to the S.V.A., Emile was officially nominated and duly
elected deja vu as
the S.V.A. First Vice-President.
Though the writer mentions the S.V.A. organization many times
(consistently misspelled), he dumbly fails to define the STONEWALL
Veterans' Association. Duh! Most non-Gay sportsheads
will wrongly assume it is a military group. Huh?
Only SVA-ers Storme
DeLarverie, relegated as a "former female
vocalist and male impersonator" (wtf?), and Williamson,
described as "whiter-than-white" (wtf-2?) and "Peter Pan-ish"
(slur-ish as in fairy?) are shown in any pix (two each) in the
book. Storme's last name is misspelled (in both instances and two
times). True to bad form, the writer has Williamson's
name wrong, too (and every time). The writer has the entire
3-part name obsessively spelled out with the (wrong) middle
initial, "J", when he knows the initials and the e-mail are
"WLH...."? Hunh! All
color photos are degraded to boring black and white!
Though they exist aplenty, there is not one photo of EAG
& WLH from the 1970s! "Out"? Emile and his curremt
partner Luis Rodrigo are
shown in a photo backed by the (now colorless) S.V.A.
banner with producer Dan
Klores, director George
C. Wolfe, screenwriter Stephen Guirgis and Williamson
(who arranged this movie project pow-wow) out! at
a NYC Gay Business Expo; however, the latter four are
unidentified!!!! AnDre
Christie, a fave of the champ's, took the ace photo but he
was not credited! The classic Cadillac "SW-Car" that Emile
knows for 39 years (and has driven) is barely
shown in one photo (with Emile coming out!) but the
famous Gay history vehicle is unidentified! Hmmm!
For more 411, punch out!
www.STONEWALLvets.org/EmileGriffith.htm.
Saturday, May 24 -- S.V.A
WEBSITE STATISTICS STREAK
The popular S.V.A. website has had an impressive streak of over
20,000 verified (via HTML Systems) "visits" daily for nearly 30
consecutive days!
Monday, May 19 -- BOOK
SIGNING: CAROLYN BOSHER MALONEY
Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney's
("CBM") book "Rumors Of Our Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated" has
been released and to great praise! The book is about how far
women have come, particularly in public office, since
a woman's right to vote in 1920. Examinations are done into
actual and perceived progress for women. Ideas are developed as
to how women can achieve greater progress. The
Congressmember has a book-selling and book-signing event this evening
at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Fifth Avenue at the
southeast corner of East 46th Street in Midtown Manhattan from 6
p.m. to 8 p.m. Stonewall's
Williamson -- who proofread the draft of the book at CBM's
request -- will head up the S.V.A. contingency. If coming,
give the S.V.A.'s AnDre C. a
head's up at (212) 6-27-1969. To read about the book, see www.RumorsOfOurProgress.com.
For more 411, phone the CBM campaign office at (212)
987-5516.
Saturday, May 17 --
CHRISTOPHER STREET BUSINESS STREETFAIR
Today is the Christopher Street Business
Streetfair! An S.V.A. and Heritage of Pride (HOP) joint table at
the Hudson Street intersection will have the pink S.V.A. meeting
notice and the S.V.A. sponsorship form. The table has
411 about HOP-sponsored Gay Pride activities, e.g., the
parade, the rally and the festival. Emile Griffith is
present with the supposedly "Out!" book on him. If
anyone buys, he signs the "Out!" booklet, which, bi the
way, outingly reveals that Emile is the S.V.A.
First Vice-President! Come visit from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 16 -- OPENING of the STATEN ISLAND
GLBT CENTER
The "Gay Opening" (as in 'grand opening') of a GLBT Community Center in
the 5th Borough of NYC has long been dreamed and now it is a reality!
The commemoration is divided into two parts. The
morning event is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The S.V.A. is
represented by worldwide boxing champ legend / S.V.A. Vice-President Emile Griffith and his partner Luis Rodrigo at the
ceremony. New York-1 News (channel 1 in NYC) is covering the
event to be shown as a television feature this evening and
tomorrow. A light breakfast is offered. The second
session starts @ 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. An SVA-er from Staten
Island will be on the scene.
Refreshments are served. The location of the
Center is at 25 Victory Boulevard at Bay Street in Staten Island.
The free-of-charge Staten Island ferries from Manhattan arrive
at St. George Port. The Center is actually in walking
distance for the hearty. Accessible buses include the
S-46, S-51, S-62, S-74 and S-78 or the SIRT train one stop to
Tompkinsville. For more 411, visit
www.SIHealthAction.org.
Thursday, May 15 --
FROM "STONEWALL" TO "SACRAMENTO"
The Supreme Court of the State of California
has rightly ruled (4-to-3) that banning same-gender marriages is
unconstitutional and unfair. Chief Justice Ronald M. George
declared: "Our
State now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a
loving and long-term committed relationship with another person does
not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation". This
is a monumental ruling in America! It removes the 'ban' on Gay
marriages. The virtually Republican-appointed (6 of 7 justices)
Court also profoundly concluded that there is no compelling State
interest to keep such a ban. Legalizing
same-gender marriages is an ultimate advance in civil equality.
California joins Massachusetts in this Gay marriage right.
This newest revolutionary Gay rights decision is timed perfectly
on the eve of Gay Pride Month!
And, like Gay pride itself, the
incremental progress on Gay marriage all began at The Stonewall!
Stonewall: The
Stonewall People protested about "Gay Marriage!" -- among other
rallying points like "Gay Power!" -- at Sheridan Square in 1969
and have done so since by marching in every Gay pride parade and
speaking out at forums and elsewhere in New York and beyond for
four decades since the Stonewall Rebellion. Our Gay civil
rights comrades and supporters followed suit and have now promoted Gay
marriage equal rights throughout the world. We are looking
out to see which openly-Gay public officials, if any, are
intellectually honest and historically accurate to include the
undeniable Stonewall foundation and earned appreciation of
the Stonewall People as prominently and actively
represented by the outstanding STONEWALL Veterans'
Association.
Sideshow: Some
duplicitous GLBT organizations which fail
to acknowledge real Gay history (a.k.a. ignoring the
entire Stonewall Era, its people and the rebellion)
have proclaimed how fab they are in this long-before-them Gay
marriage fight. Yet, they give no reference nor credit
to the Stonewallers who protested in 1969 with rebellion signs
such as "Gay Marriage!".
"Songs of The Stonewall":
Songs that were in the Stonewall jukebox yearning for marriage
include the ultimately titled "Wedding Bell Blues (Please Marry
Me)" (1969) by wonderful Marilyn
McCoo & the
popular Fifth Dimension.
Most Gay people had/have the wedding bell blues not having
the right to marry. Our Gay desire to be able to marry someone of
our own gender was symbolized in the 1960s classic "Down The
Aisle" by powerful Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles.
The S.V.A.'s Williamson Henderson, as a consultant to the film,
successfully got this gem included in the movie "Stonewall". (See his name in
the film's special credits.) A poignant wedding song
uniquely named "The Wedding Cake" was released by Gay-favorite Connie Francis only weeks before the
rebellion in June 1969!
Tuesday, May 13 --
STONEWALL STREETFAIR IS APPROVED
The City of New York has rightfully approved the annual -- our fifth --
streetfair of the S.V.A. Official notification in writing
was received by the S.V.A. today. The Greenwich Avenue
location and a date are confirmed. What is still requested by the
S.V.A. and in discussion is the Washington Street
location on "Stonewall Sunday". It makes sense for the S.V.A. to
have its streetfair during Gay Pride Month not in early Autumn.
Bi the way, for the relatively few of you who peruse the
"GayRagPaper", you read last month that the S.V.A.
supposedly hit a "potentially lethal snag" in getting any
streetfair permit. Everyone that they attempted to contact --
including the Mayor's office, the Community Board and the streetfair
producer -- rightfully refused to respond to the rag. That didn't
stop their habit of miss-information, half-truths
and flat-out lies!
Monday, May 12 -- S.V.A. at
HERITAGE of PRIDE MEETING
As per both organizations' understanding to have reps
at each other's monthly meetings for 2008. The S.V.A. and
HOP also have liaisons for each other's group. Rep'ing
the S.V.A. tonight are Jeremiah
Newton, Ruthybird
Campbell,
Rogers Hunt and Emile Griffith's partner Luis Rodrigo. Topics include
the appropriate need of several convertible cars for the S.V.A. parade
contingency of SW-Vetz. Meeting at the GLBT Center
initiates @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 11 --
MOTHER'S DAY
There are very few mothers of Stonewall
veterans alive but three of them -- that we know of -- belong to Williamson Henderson, John Watts and Ruth Campbell. Do you know of any
others? There are, of course, Stonewall mothers who outlived
their Stonewall child (namely due to the AIDS War). As a mother
of a Stonewall vet, each of them must be extra special. As a
side note, isn't it a shame (really ignorant, too) that no one --
except the S.V.A. -- ever interviewed or included in events any of
the Stonewall mothers over the past four decades? With all of
P-FLAG's chirpy mothers and awards dinners, not one
member or any chapter ever thought to consider a
Stonewall mother... not even for an informative and inspiring chat
much less recognition. That's sad... but today we're glad of who
we had and who we have as "Stonewall Mothers". And, a Happy
Mother's Day to all of our friends, supporters and advertisers who
are actual mothers!
Monday, May 5 -- GOAL
FOUNDER CHARLES H. COCHRANE DIES at 64
See the S.V.A.'s tribute to the Gay Officers' Action League
("GOAL") Founder Charles H. Cochrane,
who died from cancer in Pompano Beach, Florida, at
www.STONEWALLvets.org/GayOfficersActionLeague.htm.
Sunday, May 4 -- ELLA
LEGGETTE'S TRIBUTE DINNER
This deserving tribute to Miss Ella Leggette is co-hosted
by her theatrical friend Williamson,
her robust daughter Sharonella
and her bright grandson Marquis.
For details, if attending, contact Ella's fave
non-SW-Vet AnDre C.
at (212) 6-27-1969.
Saturday, May 3 --
MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCER ARRANGES LEASING the 1969 "STONEWALL CAR"
Friday, May 2 (evening) -- TRIBUTE to ELLA LEGGETTE
Longtime and dedicated Friend-of-SVA C. Ella Leggette, who passed on
October 16th, would have been 50 today. Ella's daughter Sharonella has
coordinated a tribute to her mother by all of Ella's
relatives, her friends and her colleagues at the S.V.A. to release
pretty balloons in her honor @ 8 p.m.
Friday, May 2 -- MAJOR
TELEVISION NETWORK CONTACTS the S.V.A.
The subject is the historic year 1969 and, specifically, the
month of June! Of course, they want to include the Stonewall
Rebellion. They have special interest in the famous "Stonewall
Car" whose year is... 1969! This is not the first time for a
national television network to contact the SW-Vetz and it
won't be the last. (Hey, who are they gonna call... the know-not
Gayragpaper?)
Friday, May 2, 2008 --
BIRTHDAY WISHES to S.V.A.'s AMBASSADRESS JACKIE BARRETT
Former cabaret star Jackie Barrett is
our dedicated and delightful Ambassadress. Originally from
New York City and on stage in Manhattan, she lives with her several
cats in South Miami Beach, Florida. Besides being an ace officer
with the S.V.A., Jackie has been courageously yet
painfully battling cancer. She is very open about this
fight. You can e-femail your happy and healthy wishes to Jackie
at JackiesCats@The-Beach.net.
Wednesday, April 30 -- THE HISTORY CHANNEL CONTACTS the
S.V.A.
The History Channel ("THC") has a special educational project in
development and this one includes the historic week of the 1969
Stonewall Rebellion (SR). Indeed, THC was referred to the
S.V.A. via several prominent sources. It is always wise to go to
the proverbial horse's mouth. Who else were they going to contact
about the SR? The know-not Gayragpaper? Not!
Interestingly, one of the hit dance songs at The Stonewall was
entitled "The Horse" (1968)! Now we know who they were talking
about (except that it was an instrumental). We will keep you
updated on the project as we see it rock until it is a
carved-in-stone done deal!
Tuesday, April 29 --
"EASTER BONNET COMPETITION" SECOND SHOWING
This second day BC/EFA benefit of the
"Easter Bonnet" theatrical performance and competition is the matinee
version. Competing Broadway casts include: "The Lion King",
"Mary Poppins", "Hairspray", "In The Woods", "Legally Blonde", "Gypsy",
"Naked Boys Singing", "South Pacific", "Spamalot", "The Little
Mermaid", "Spring Awakening", "Rent" (for their final year appearance)
and many other musicals. There is a very special on-stage chat
and dance performance by one of the stars of a former Broadway musical
namely "Ziegfeld Follies of 1919"! Doris Eaton Travis is
104 years in age! After today's "Bonnet" performance,
the celebrity judges make their decisions! All happens at
the great Minskoff Theater near Broadway on West 45th Street.
S.V.A.'s Mary Twist
is heading up this contingency. Curtains rise @ 2 p.m.
Visit www.BCEFA.org
for more 411.
Monday, April 28 -- BROADWAY CARES PRESENTS "EASTER BONNET
COMPETITION"
This incredibly entertaining
annual BC/EFA benefit is a creative competition amongst many of the
Broadway production companies. Each show's cast and crew create
an "Easter bonnet" with a song and dance built around it. This
exciting event happens at the Minskoff Theater at 200
West 45 Street near Broadway. Curtains up @ 4:30 p.m. For
more 411, visit www.BCEFA.org.
Saturday, April 26 -- S.V.A. MONTHLY MEETING
after APRIL SHOWERS
A printed meeting agenda is
provided to S.V.A. officials and good members. Special subjects
include "Stonewall Car" (costs), "Gay Expo" (review), "Stonewall
Streetfair" (updates), "Gay Pride Month" (events) and "Stonewall
Stories" (presentation) and, in con-trast, the "Gayragpaper". For
a meeting itinerary and recurring agenda items, see
the March 29th entry.
Guest speaker "Miss April" is N.Y.C.
Councilmember Melissa Viverito.
"Mr. May" is the special appearance by Sgt. Frank Tuscano and
some other Old Sixth Precinct cops from the Stonewall
Rebellion happening. They are among the hundreds
who witnessed the police illegal impounding of the blue (as
in boys-in-blue) 1969 Cadillac convertible with the top down and
now known as the "Stonewall Car". As a matter of fact, one
of them drove the convertible!
Monday, April 21 --
S.V.A. CONFERENCE with PROMINENT LAW FIRM
The subject is a matter of concern to the S.V.A.
organization and one which shall be "corrected". Private
meeting at the law firm's fabulous mahogany conference room is @
2:30 p.m. sharp! Latecomers shall not be allowed entry. If
you are an invited attendee, trust us, you would already know.
Sunday, April 20 --
WORLD POPE BENEDICT XVI CONDUCTS MMVIII MASS at YANKEE STADIUM
The STONEWALL Veterans' Association is represented at
this international event -- right here in New York City, historic home
of the Stonewall Rebellion.
The very thought of this remarkable occurrence is absolutely
incredible to any thinking person(s). (That leaves out the
disrespectful "Gayragpaper" who low-lifely trashed the Catholic
Pope in their current rag-edition.) Besides the proud S.V.A.
reps, there will be about 60,000 other persons. Ticketed
arrival with double identification is required prior to 12 noon
although the Papal arrival is @ 2:15 p.m. and the Papal
Mass starts @ 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 --
POPE BENEDICT XVI HOLDS MASS at ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
Friday, April 18 --
S.V.A. EDITOR WRITES GAY CITY NEWS and THEY PUBLISH LETTER
Leigh McManus,
the Stonewall Newzletta and
S.V.A.website editor, surprised us with his having
written a reaction and clarification letter to Gay City News relating their story
"Stonewall Veterans MIA?" (April 11) pertaining mostly to the
S.V.A.'s streetfair. Expectedly, monkey wrenches were also
tossed into the 3-layer cake. (Our legal counsel no doubt
overlooked Leigh with his do-not-respond advisory e-mail to
SVA-ers.) Let's say that Leigh probably was surprised they
published his informative and, we must say, well-written scribe.
However, now he informs us that he has written prior and
they have published. We inform him: that was the Blade! (Once this
referred letter gets to the
web person, it will be posted.)
Friday, April 18 -- MONUMENTAL EVENT:
THE POPE ARRIVES IN NEW YORK CITY
Thursday, April 17 --
COMMUNITY BOARD #2 MEETING
The full-board meeting of CB-2 in Manhattan includes the
on-going topic of the revised streetfair location (Washington
Street), date ("Stonewall Sunday") and permit (renewal not new)
for the S.V.A. People should be outraged at the protracted and
discriminatory treatment of the S.V.A. in this matter. Some
are; more need to be and to speak out. Millions of people
and millions of dollars come to NYC yearly because of the actions of
the members of the S.V.A. and not because of the Sheridan
Square Scrabble Society! Hey, that sounds like a bogus group
(it is), thus eligible for City Council Speaker funding for fake
groups. Such illegal and unethical policy leaves out
the for-real S.V.A. The tacky motives of some haters at
CB-2 are obvious since the non-profit S.V.A.
has sponsored streetfairs for a half decade. The haters are
misdirected; they should be
queerying the slush fund recipients, non-namely
sham organizations, fictitious entities and phantom
associations receiving millions of taxpayer dollar funds via the City
Council Speaker's office. (Queerly, it is the unending
subject which is front-page news and t.v. media lead stories
everywhere except at the dubious and devious
sweep-it-under-the-broadloom "GayRagPaper".)
The guest public official is Councilmember Alan J. Gerson, an enthusiastic supporter
of the S.V.A. Williamson
Henderson is the scheduled speaker on the
streetfair matter. WLH updates the discriminatory
tactics and protracted process for the S.V.A. by CB-2. He
publicly refutes the half-truths and baiting innuendo plasted in
a trash piece in the "Gayragpaper". Running the meeting
is openly-Gay CB-2 President Brad
Hoylman. This meeting is at St. Vincent's
Hospital in Cronin Hall on the tenth floor in the mini-auditorium.
The entrance is at 170 West 12 Street off Seventh
Avenue near Greenwich Avenue -- a stone's throw from
the S.V.A. The session commences @ 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15 -- S.V.A. SECRETARY RUTHYBIRD'S
BIRTHDAY
Ruthybird is so
"taxing" (get it, the 15th)! The location of the birthday
dinner is at The Village Den on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich Village.
For the time, gift suggestions, details, etc., call AnDre C. at (212) 6-27-1969.
Monday, April 14 -- HERTAGE
OF PRIDE ("HOP") MEETING
This pre-pride events planning meeting is HOP's monthly
get-together. S.V.A. reps attend for the topic of two
streetfairs for "Stonewall Sunday" on June 29th by S.V.A. and HOP.
They are at different ends of Greenwich Village, the latter
at West 14th Street bordering on Chelsea. With a million and one
people in The Village that day, both streetfairs would be standing room
only! Both orgs should prosper from this special Stonewall Day
started decades ago by the Stonewallers. Rep'ing the S.V.A. are Williamson, Ruthybird and Luis Rodrigo. HOP is
co-chaired by David Schneider
and Heather Hendelson,
who accommodate the S.V.A. with prioity on their agenda.
The meeting is at the GLBT Community Center @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 --
STONEWALL SINGING STAR in STATEN ISLAND
One of the greatest female singing legends and all-time favorite
singing stars in the GLBT communities -- since the rock 'n' soul era
began -- is performing back in New York City in Staten Island
tonight! She has always had a special place in Gay hearts.
The historic venue is the St. George's Theatre at 35 Hyatt
Street in St. George, Staten Island. Getting there is
easy! Hop on the free ferryboat in Lower Manhattan for the
incredibly scenic -- including passing the Statue of Liberty with lit
torch -- twenty-minute ride to S.I. The theatre is a stone's
throw away. The SVA has five generously provided front orchestra
seats. Because of who the singer is, this truly will be where the
boys are! Showtime is @ 8 p.m. For more concert 411, call
(718) 442-2900.
Friday, April 11 --
GAY CITY NEWS (a.k.a. "Gayragpaper") GRINDS STORY ENFOLDING
the S.V.A.
Starting with the disingenuous article's
imbecilic title "Stonewall Veterans MIA", it was obvious that the
same stank slandersheet from convicted haters were still in
our town! "MIA"? "Missing in action" from what? The
sub-title was even stupider: "Effort at second Gay Pride Sunday
festival hits potentially lethal snag"! "Lethal"? Lethal
what? Moreover, there is no "snag". The only one who
thinks (i.e., hopes) that the S.V.A. will not have a streetfair is
the hateful Druncan Ozburn of the "Gayragpaper". Let's see
who wins? Trust us, the S.V.A. will have a streetfair!
We're known for standing-up, truthing and winning. The
"Gayragpaper" is known for scheming, lying and losing.
Allowing the suck-cessor to the scurrilous and bankrupt old
"LGBT" Gayrag a long-yearned interview after their being behind the Gay
eight ball for eight years, some SVA-ers presumed that the
three white-only, male-only, protestant-only "Gayragpaper" haters would
have learned to stop the misinformation, the innuendo, the sleaze and
the hate. But, no, not when the poison pen is desperately grasped
by Druncan Ozburn! The pretend premise of the contrived
story was the requested change-of-venue and
change-of-date S.V.A. streetfair. Even the facts and
dialogue were skewed in the shameful and scuttlebut "Gayragpaper".
In this article, they never define what the S.V.A. group is yet
to do so would be legitimate journalism practice.
Whatever, suddenly the poison pen jumps from the Stonewall
Streetfair in 2008 to attacking the "Stonewall Car" in 1969!
The attack piece was so thinly-veiled, one-sided,
falsely-reported and poorly-written that even some of our
colleagual detractors called
with their regrets -- and inspiration to shut-up or shut-down the
slimey "Gayragpaper".
Monday, April 7 -- S.V.A.
at COMMITTEE of COMMUNITY BOARD #2
This is the third round on the same ole subject of the S.V.A.
receiving CB-2 approval for its annual streetfair. Queerly,
other Gay organizations (mainly political) with far less
credentials breezed through their initial appearance months ago
and only the S.V.A. has been demanded to provide anything
substantial. Representing the S.V.A. once again are Williamson Henderson and Jeremiah Newton. The
"hearing" takes place at the CB-2 office in Washington Square Village
near Bleecker Street @ 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 -- SECOND
DAY of the N.Y. GLBT BUSINESS EXPO
Day Two of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender ("GLBT")
Business Expo happens today from 12 noon to 6 p.m. On
Sunday, the S.V.A. booth and display is staffed by Williamson, Beyon Christie (AnDre's brother),
Leigh McManus and Benson Sydnor (his spouse)
plus volunteers like Gina
Wright from Youth-for-SVA. Look for the
S.V.A.!
Saturday, April 5, 2008 -- 15th ANNUAL G.L.B.T. BUSINESS EXPO
The S.V.A. has its own
411 tables at the 15th annual GLBT Business Expo on Saturday,
April 5th (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). This is the first time for the
expo in April and we welcome that (instead of
freeze February or moody March). In April, it is
also better sailing for the 1969 classic
Cadillac convertible to get to the expo for display.
("SW-Car" does not go out in snow, freeze or cold rain.)
The two-day expo is at the New York Javits Convention
Center on Eleventh Avenue from West 34th to 39th Streets in Manhattan.
The expo is produced by the RDP Group. Stonewall veterans
confirmed to staff the S.V.A. exhibit on Saturday are Jeremiah Newton, Emile Griffith and Luis Rodrigo (his partner),
Storme DeLarverie and
Ruthybird Campbell
plus Steven Gradman
(PRIDE Democrats). For complementary expo tickets
provided by the S.V.A., members only
may contact AnDre C.
at (212) 6-27-1969.
"Opening Ceremonies" begin on the
blue dot @ 11 a.m. The featured speakers are Steven Wesler, RDP Group
Director, Williamson Henderson,
S.V.A. President and Congressmember
Carolyn Maloney, S.V.A. Honorary Female Chairperson.
For more 411:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/GayBizExpo.htm.
Monday, March 31 --
BROADWAY CARES PRESENTS
"U MAY WORSHIP ME NOW"
Broadway Cares / Equity
Fights AIDS ("BC/EFA") presents "U May Now Worship Me" starring Sherie Rene Scott ("SRS") in
a one-woman musical show as a benefit for the Phyllis Newman
Women's Health Initiative of The Actors Fund. For your 411, TAF's
Ms. Newman and SAG's Mr. Henderson first met in the early 1970s in
the same film! Back to the show, SRS is a Tony Award-nominated
musical actress. She is currently co-starring in "The Little
Mermaid" as Ursula the Sea Witch; what an outfit! The show starts
@ 8 p.m. at the Eugene O'Neill Theater at 230 West 49th Street
between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.
The S.V.A. attendees headed up by Williamson & Cast are
rendezvouing up the street at the Cyber Cafe Times Square at 250
West 48th Street @ 6:30 p.m. for a pre-showtime supper. The
S.V.A.'s special guest for the evening is congressional candidate Kevin A. Powell.
Saturday, March 29 --
MONTHLY MEETING of the STONEWALL V.A.
S.V.A. President Williamson Henderson presides
over the monthly meeting with the real flavor of "Stonewall".
WLH showcases a special living tribute to Eliot L. Spitzer,
a longtime, consistent and active supporter of the S.V.A. and our
purposes and goals -- and the history, advocacy and education that we
represent. Vice-President
Jeremiah Newton presents SVA-related events namely the
New York Gay Business Expo next weekend, five Gay pride
parades in June, the City Council Gay pride event, the
S.V.A. anniversary party at The Stonewall and the
location discussions for the Stonewall Streetfair.
Champ Emile Griffith
and his partner Luis Rodrigo
report on their sports event activities, including at
MSG, and their promotion of the S.V.A. Treasurer Mark Z. updates renewed and new
ads and the only
place that the S.V.A. advertises, The New York Blade newspaper.
Ambassador Storme
DeLarverie relates various vignettes about the first night
(June 27th) of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion.
Recording Secretary Ruth
Campbell submits the "minutes" from the previous S.V.A.
meeting for approval by and distribution to S.V.A. officers
(only). Corresponding Secretary
Dianne Y. delivers significant letters to the S.V.A. this
month. Stonewall
Newzletta
Editor Leigh McManus
dishes the newsiest dirt on the shadily slanted "Gayragpaper" (including one who
showed up at our last meeting). Legal Adviser Hal Weiner provides prima facie
mounting testimony on probable legal action by the S.V.A.
against a nasty nuissance non-personna. Webmaster Rogers Hunt sizes up the
expansion of and new additions to the S.V.A. website. S.V.A.
Assistant AnDre C. greets you at
the entrance to sign the Attendance Register,
collect your dues and accept any contributions (checks
payable to S.V.A.).
Our confirmed guest is U.S. Congressional candidate,
inspirational speaker and author
Kevin A. Powell from Brooklyn. Kevin has outreached to
the S.V.A. whereas his competitor has failed.
Representatives from Gay pride committees such as HOP will be present
for discussions with the S.V.A. and parade plans.
All S.V.A. meetings are held at the GLBT Community
Center. Today's meeting is in the big Assembly Hall! The
S.V.A. meetings flare up @ 4:15 p.m. Dinner after the
meeting: Jeremiah, Storme, Williamson, AnDre, Gina, Emile, Luis,
Ruthybird, Rogers, et al. have all confirmed eating at the Chelsea
Gallery Restaurant.
Friday, March 28 --
S.V.A. RECEIVES NICE LETTER from NEW GOVERNOR DAVID PATERSON
What's most impressive about the welcoming and assuring letter from New
York Governor David A. Paterson is that it was executed without
being asked. (Copies of said
letter are being distributed to members at the meeting.)
Thursday, March 27 -- S.V.A. GAY PRIDE
EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING
The S.V.A.'s Events Committee, chaired by Jeremiah Newton, is holding a
planning meeting. It includes reps from Gay Pride orgs such as
HOP plus the GLBT Political Coalition. The location is at Mr.
Newton's office at New York University at 721 Broadway below East 8th
Street at Waverly Place in Manhattan. For other 411,
contact Jeremiah at (212) 998-1760.
The private meeting is @ 3 p.m. There is a "Stonewall
Supper" afterward @ 5 p.m.
Thursday, March 20 --
TOWN HALL MEETING with NYCPD COMMISSIONER RAY KELLY
Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney, the S.V.A.
Honorary Female Chairperson, sponsors and hosts this town hall
meeting about homeland security, quality of life and decreasing crime
in NYC. New York City Police Commissioner Ray W. Kelly is the special
guest. The popular Commish will explain the "Security In The
Cities", "Lower Manhattan Security Initiative" and "Operation Impact"
homeland security programs. Confirmed public
officials attending include NYS Senators Tom Duane and Liz Krueger, Assemblymembers Jonathan Bing and Brian Kavanaugh and NYC
Councilmembers Dan Garodnick
and Jessica Lappin. There
is a "Q&A" session and rumor has it that the first
question goes to an SVA-er. Williamson Henderson heads up
the S.V.A. group.
The forum is at Baruch College's panoramic auditorium on the
14th floor at 55 Lexington Avenue (between East 24th and 25th Streets)
in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan. The presentation
is @ 7 p.m. For more 411, call CBM's office at (212)
860-0606.
Monday, March 17 --
GOVERNOR SPITZER RESIGNED & GOVERNOR PATERSON INDUCTED
The main question is why was this
event thoughtlessly scheduled on St. Patrick's Day?!
It should have waited one more day. It
negatively affected public officials' traditional and expected
participation in the St. Patrick's Parade. Over 90% were absent
as they were up in Albany! We are proud that Congressmember Carolyn Maloney spoke up about
it on the record on New York-1 News. Today's new main
story bottom line: S.V.A. supportive and GLBT
helpful Governor Eliot L.
Spitzer is replaced by also supportive and
helpful Governor David A.
Paterson. The question remains as to degree?
Monday, March 17 --
ST. PATRICK'S DAY OFFICIAL BREAKFAST
Some SVA-ers begin St. Patrick's Day at the Annual St. Patty's
Breakfast. The green meet 'n' eat is sponsored by
Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney
and Joseph Crowley.
Special Honoree is NYCPD Commissioner Ray W. Kelly of clear Irish
ancestry. The host is Irish-by-osmosis politico Carl Manzano. The
festivity is at Thank God It's Friday (TGIF)'s
Restaurant on East 42nd Street off Madison Avenue near Grand Central
Station in Manhattan. The S.V.A. officers are invited. Confirmed to
attend are Williamson, Jeremiah, Rogers and Ruthybird.
Arrivals are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. This affair
is by invitation only; a ticket is required. Event
ends @ 11 a.m. just in time for the 247th St. Patrick's Day Parade
start-up one block away at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.
Sunday, March 16 --
S.V.A. WEBSITE HAS BUSIEST WEEK EVER
The S.V.A. website scored
a record-breaking busiest week from March 10th through 16th, 2008
with a whopping 250,434 verified visits. This surge was
generated by the surge in interest in our Honorary Member Eliot L. Spitzer. It is a
compliment to the S.V.A. and to ELS that hundreds of thousands of
people know where to go for factual and positive info. Last
year's Gay Pride Week had the previous record with about 207,000 visits
for the busiest S.V.A. webiste week.
Friday the 14th --
"GAYRAGPAPER" CONTACTS S.V.A. after 8 YEARS
When every newspaper in town contacted
the S.V.A. relating to the news story on our Honorary
Member the N.Y.S. Governor Eliot Spitzer, we are oddly
contacted via e-mails by the ole "Gayragpaper"! No, not
about today's story but queerying "Which Stonewall vets is the
S.V.A. sending to the World Outgaymes in the Summer of 2009"?
So far away that even we do not know! Let's see
which vets are still alive and able to travel.
The story here, which eluded the "Gayragpaper",
is Spitzer and the S.V.A. head having been his campaign Gay
liaison and the Governor being an avid supporter of the
S.V.A.
Thursday, March 13 --
WILLIAMSON BREAKS S.V.A. WEBSITE RECORD
Williamson Henderson is
the first Stonewall veteran to hit over 10,000 website visits in one
month! The prior record holder was, ironically, the worldwide
boxing champ Emile Griffith with 7,059 visits last May. In fact,
Williamson not only bested the 10,000 milestone but, as of this
writing, has blasted and bested 50,000 visits in one month!!!!!
Wednesday, March 12 -- GOVERNOR ELIOT L.
SPITZER SADLY ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
The reality is that the very
bright, dilligent and passionate
Eliot L. Spitzer has been the most out-standing Governor of the
State of New York for the general Gay community -- among the entire
citizenry -- and absolutely the best for the STONEWALL Veterans'
Association. Everyone likes to see the "Gay Pride Train" rolling
around the state; Eliot is one of the public officials who ensured
that the train had fuel instead of just lip service! In
connection with the current ELS challenging events, the S.V.A. website
had its third consecutive day of about 50,000 visits from around the
World! As a result, most go elsewhere on the site
and thousands more are learning about "Stonewall".
Tuesday, March 11 -- SPITZER SOARS the S.V.A.
WEBSITE VISITS
Yesterday, the website visits to the S.V.A. were nearly 50,000!
Today, the verified tally was over 47,800 for the day. In
great part, this surge is mostly from our Honorary Member -- also
the New York Governor -- Eliot L.
Spitzer ("ELS") being the main news story in all media forms.
Although many people do not realize it, the more
visitors to the S.V.A., the more people learn about the 1969 Stonewall
Rebellion and Gay Pride. As always, despite the
scenario, Governor Spitzer is helping the GLBT communities.
ELS is the one who introduced same-gender marriage to be
made into law! His webfile at the S.V.A. clearly proves that
Eliot has been a strong and sincere supporter of the history
and the spirit of Stonewall and its people!
Monday, March 10 --
GOVERNOR SPITZER BOOSTS S.V.A. WEBSITE
Due to the sudden interest in our longtime friend New York
State Governor Eliot L. Spitzer ("ELS"),
as of his special press conference this afternoon, the internet
'searches' for "Eliot Spitzer" has resulted in a huge boost
for the S.V.A. website. Our website has unique information
pertaining to our solid supporter Mr. Spitzer.
The
S.V.A. website visits catapulted from a healthy winter average of about
20,000 visits per day to more than double at nearly 50,000 visits
today! In reviewing our supporters of the past decade,
Governor Spitzer is literally the best! He has been an avid
supporter since before he was in public office. Likewise, the
S.V.A. was and is an avid enthusiast of ELS!
Sunday, March 2, 2008 -- ABC-TV DAYTIME STARS SALUTE
BROADWAY CARES / EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS
This super annual event is a benefit for the outstanding
AIDS fund-raising organization
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS ("BC/EFA"), hands-on
directed by Tom Viola.
Among the ABC-TV daytime shows participating are "All My Children" with Susan Lucci and the "AMC" cast, "One Life To Live" with Robin Strasser and Catherine Hickland and the "OLTL"
cast, "General Hospital"
with Kimberly McCullough
and Bradford Anderson and
the "GH" cast, and the real-life soap opera "The View" with Ba-ba Wah-Wah, Elisabeth Hasselhoff and Whoopi! The audience-pleasing
show of song, dance and comedy with many of daytime television's
favorite stars happens at Town Hall Theater at 123 West 43rd
Street between Avenue of the Americas and Broadway. Showtime
is 7:30 p.m. Contact Ruthybird
if you plan to attend with the S.V.A. group.
To purchase benefit tickets, including the special
$75 tik, or for more 411, please visit www.BCEFA.org.
Saturday, February 23 -- MONTHLY MEETING of the S.V.A.
Confirmed-in-stone S.V.A. officers
participating with reports are
Williamson Henderson, Emile
Griffith, Jeremiah Newton,
Storme DeLarverie and Ruthybird Campbell. Selected
meeting agenda items include: S.V.A. membership renewals,
report on the S.V.A.'s Valentine's Duncheon (February), new S.V.A.
supporters, the Blade newspaper ad (March), renewed S.V.A.
sponsorships, the Gay Business Expo (April), scheduled S.V.A. speaking
engagements at schools, Stonewall Newzletta renewal ads, S.V.A.
website additions, the 1969 "Stonewall Car", current correspondence,
planning for "Stonewall 39" (June), public official supporters, CB-2,
five Gay Pride parades for consideration (all June), political
candidates, anniversary of Stonewall Rebellion (June 27) party and the
next S.V.A. streetfair (June or September). Webmaster Rogers Hunt gives updates on
the popular S.V.A. website (over 20,000 visits daily). Filling in
for AnDre at this meeting, Matthew
Samuelson will be covering the S.V.A. door sign-in, accepting
dues and giving security.
This month's special guest
speakers ~~ "Miss Februaries" ~~ are three New York City
Councilwomen: Jessica S. Lappin representing the Upper
East Side and Yorkville in Manhattan and Roosevelt Island; Rosie Mendez representing the East
Village, Gramercy Park and Lower East Side in Manhattan and Melinda Katz of Queens representing
Forest Hills, Rego Park and Kew Gardens. The topics include the
S.V.A.'s demand for inclusion in and recognition at the
Gay Pride celebration by the City Council at City Hall in June.
The S.V.A.'s Leigh McManus
has termed the prospect as the "All-Inclusive Gay Pride
Celebration". The last few years would suggest that the
exclusionary un-pride event was
collaborated with the Order of Hybernians -- known for their
abhorred exclusion! Also guesting is Jacob Mikkelsen of the
international The Triangle Project.
It is a cultural, integration and arts collaboration forming
a triangle from Copenhagen to New York to Istanbul.
The Heritage of Pride ("HOP")
producers of the main Manhattan Gay Pride events, has reps Ron Balaguer, Jason Bain and Gerald Tucker attending with their
presentations. In turn, the S.V.A. will attend the next HOP
meeting to coordinate plans for the S.V.A. with the "Stonewall 39"
rally and parade. Danny Dromm
-- a candidate for the New York City Council next year -- is
rep'ing the Queens GLBT Pride
Committee. Today's meeting is in the GLBT Center's
top-floor auditorium.
Thursday, February 14 -- S.V.A. VALENTINE'S DAY DUNCHEON
Monday, February 4 --
STREETFAIR HEARINGS at COMMUNITY BOARD 2 (Part 2)
This additional hearing by Community
Board 2 (mainly Greenwich Village, NoHo, Little Italy, SoHo and
Chinatown) on the applications of only a handful of non-profit
organizations includes the S.V.A. "Round Two" is for a
further 'review' by the Street Activity Committee of CB-2. (Hey,
folks, at least spell our name correctly!) The prior hearing
three months ago was before the full board. Williamson Henderson, Jeremiah Newton and Vito "A" are representing the
S.V.A. The meeting is chaired by the fallacious and
erascible Phyl Moquin-ho of CB-2. It is at New York
University's Silver Building in Room 805 at 32 Waverly Place
off the corner of University Place near Washington Square
East. The proceedings are scheduled @ 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 3 --
EMILE GRIFFITH'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
The legendary international sports figure and Vice-President of the
S.V.A. Emile A. Griffith, Jr.,
celebrates a milestone birthday -- 70 -- at a private party at a boxing
promoter's house in The Bronx in New York City. SVA-ers
confirmed to attend include
Williamson, Jeremiah, Ruthybird, Leigh, Betty B, et al. and, of course, EAG's symbolic
strong-arm protege AnDre C.
Saturday, February 2, 2008 -- S.V.A. 2nd V.P. JEREMIAH NEWTON'S
BIRTHDAY BASH
The S.V.A. is celebrating the birthday of our 2nd
Vice-President Jeremiah Newton. For privacy reasons,
we shant publish the location of the din-din; however, "The Happening"
(a SW-song) is at our favorite Greenwich Village restaurant
(???) with our favorite waitress (Bertha)! To partake,
call S.V.A. Assistant AnDre C
at (212) 6-27-1969. The birthday dish-up starts @ 6 p.m.
Saturday, January 26 --
S.V.A.'s 1st MONTHLY MEETING of the NEW YEAR
Williamson Henderson
proudly presides over this always exciting first meet in 2008! Jeremiah Newton presents
plans for the S.V.A.'s upcoming "Stonewall 39" commemorations.
Emile Griffith punches
out ideas for S.V.A. corporate sponsors via the sports world.
Storme DeLarverie doles
out tributes to the "Jewel Box Revue" including promotion of
the S.V.A. Ruth Campbell
submits the recorded 'minutes' from the prior two S.V.A. meetings.
Dianne Yodice
details correspondence to and from the S.V.A. for January (Andrew
Cuomo was the first). Betty
Bristol accounts for the renewed advertisers (Arrow
Pharmacy was first) and those S.V.A. ad-ers who are due. Jackie Barrett provides
news via teleconference on some of the national GLBT
organizations vis-a-vis the S.V.A. Leigh McManus reports on the
S.V.A.'s first new-year public official meeting on the first
business day. Computerist
Rogers Hunt informs on new additions to the S.V.A. website.
Steven Gradman represents
PRIDE Dems to coordinate political forums. If you have an
agenda item, submit it to S.V.A. Assistant AnDre C prior to the meeting.
The S.V.A. meeting at the Gay Center is @ 4:15 p.m.
until 6 p.m.
The S.V.A.'s guest speaker this month -- "Mr. January" -- is New York
City Councilmember Dan R. Garodnick. Due
to medical emergencies for two different S.V.A. officers
on the morning of last month's meeting (Dec. 29), we had
to (for the first time) reschedule the guest speaker. At
today's meeting, DRG reports on his proposed legislation
(intro 627) to protect tenants from the harassment of
money-motivated landlords. We will discuss the needed change
in the City Council's Gay Pride celebration in June to
be inclusive and to be respectful of the Stonewall Rebellion
veterans and the spirit of Stonewall!
Friday, January 25 --
TRIBUTE to BBM's HEATH LEDGER
The S.V.A. has made special arrangements for our pilgrimage
for our beloved embodiment of Ennis del Mar. The
S.V.A.'s AnDre Christie --
still rocked by Heath's performance early last year --
has contacted all of the S.V.A. officials with the 411.
Although it was not publicly acknowledged, Heath
was reposed at FEC's from Wednesday to Thursday. FYI, Frank
E. Campbell's Funeral Chapel has been a longtime supporter and
advertiser of the S.V.A. since 1969! See their ad at
www.STONEWALLvets.org/businessadvertisers.htm.
Tuesday, January 22 --
HEATH LEDGER:
"BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN"'S ENNIS DEL MAR DIES SUDDENLY
Heath Ledger
is the Academy Award-nominated actor for his role as the
incredible, newly-bisexual, unforgettable Wyoming cowboy
Ennis del Mar in the late 2005 Gay-themed award-winning film
"Brokeback Mountain" (BBM). In BBM, Heath has
a work-partnered, romantic, complex, unpredictable, sexual,
emotional and longtime relationship with secretly-Gay and arousing
cowboy Jack Twist. Heath's powerful portrayal is
so heartfelt and effective that he was nominated by the
Academy as 'best actor'. Indeed, he was! Mr.
Ledger won the Golden Globe award for 'best actor' and the
New York Film Critics Circle, among others. This sudden and sad
death is a real loss! In 2006, Heath bought a townhouse
on Hoyt Street in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn. Heath died
lying facedown and naked at the foot of his bed on the
floor of his three-bedroom, fifth-floor condominium loft
apartment at 421 Broome Street in the SoHo section
of Manhattan in New York City. Heath, born on 4th of
April 1979, was, even with his successes, only 28 years
young!
Links between "Stonewall" and "BBM" are plentiful.
Although different states (NY vs. WY), Ennis and Jack met,
partied and developed during the Stonewall Era including "Songs of The
Stonewall". Feature stories had titles such as "From Stonewall to
Brokeback" and "Brokeback Mountain: Stonewall Expanded".
S.V.A.'s Williamson
Henderson had organized three "Brokeback Mountain" movie
dinner parties in Chelsea in 2006 prior to the Oscars.
He eulogized that "Heath will join Ennis'
boyfriend Jack. My in-progress plan to have Heath join the
S.V.A. leading the NYC Gay Pride Parade is forsaken".
Friday, January 11 & 18 -- S.V.A. AD in THE NEW YORK BLADE
The colorful, lavender stones background, informative
quarter-page ad in The
New York Blade (New York's only Gay-owned newspaper) is
part of the S.V.A.'s education program and outreach project. Many
people who see the ad go to the S.V.A.
website. Blade
readers contact the S.V.A. with genuine appreciation for
being educated about their own Gay history via the
S.V.A.
Wednesday, January 2 --
S.V.A.'s 1st MEETING with a PUBLIC OFFICIAL in the NEW YEAR
It sure was first: the very first business day of 2008!
It was so early morning that only S.V.A. President Williamson Henderson would attend.
It is the first meeting of anyone in the S.V.A. with anyone for
the new yaer! The prominent New York City public official
is.... Adolfo Carrion, Jr.,
the President of the Borough of The Bronx.
January 1, 2008 -- HAPPY
and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to ALL of OUR MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS,
FRIENDS, SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS from EVERYONE at the S.V.A.
2008 S.V.A. Website Helpers
S.V.A. Editor:
Leigh McManus
Webmistress: Babsala Lynne
Staff Assistant: AnDre Christie
Website
Gyrl: Brooke
Lynn
Youth-for-SVA:
Gina Wright
===================================================================================
STONEWALL Veterans' Association
11th September
2012
New York City, N.Y.
Remembrance: 11th Tragic Anniversary
of the Terrorist Attacks on America!!!!
*
2012: 42nd Anniversary of the 1969
Stonewall Rebellion
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