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2008 S.V.A. Events

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STONEWALL Newz and Events from the past seven years!

 

S-T-O-N-E-W-A-L-L   39"

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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!

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Wednesday, December 31 -- NEW YEAR'S EVE

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Sunday, December 28 -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to "THE SWEETHEART of THE STONEWALL":  Miss MARY WEISS of THE SHANGRI-LAS

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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.

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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.

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Thursday, December 25th -- CHRISTMAS DAY (INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY)

                                                                 

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Wednesday, December 24 (Xmas Eve) -- S.V.A. AMBASSADOR STORME DeLARVERIE'S 88th BIRTHDAY!

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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!
 
   

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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.

   

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Sunday, December 21 {sundown} -- HAPPY CHANUKAH

The symbolic Jewish Festival of Lights is celebrated for eight nights and days.

  

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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.  

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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.

   

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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 B-born Williamson, Brooklyn SVA-Vetz Keith Lonesome, Ruthybird, Bill Salzman and Youth-for-SVA Gina Wright.  The Brooklyn festivities are at the bi-level Cattyshack Bar & Dance Club at 249 Fourth Avenue between President and Carroll Streets in Park Slope.  Closest subway is the "R" to Union Street.  Fun starts @ 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  For 411, call Brook Webster at (718) 230-5740.   
 

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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! 

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Wednesday, December 10 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE SMASHES ANNUAL VISITS RECORD as it HITS 8 MILLION!!!!!!!!

   

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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!

 

     

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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.
   

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Monday, December 1, 2008 -- WORLD AIDS AWARENESS DAY


   

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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. 

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Thursday, November 27 -- THANKSGIVING (AMERICAN HOLIDAY)  

        

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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]
   

 

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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.

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Saturday, November 15 -- NATIONAL DAY of PROTESTS in FAVOR of GAY MARRIAGE 

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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.   

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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

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Tuesday, November 11 -- AMERICAN VETERANS' DAY

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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.

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Sunday, November 9 -- SVA-ER BOB DIAMOND'S MOTHER ELSA DIAMOND DIES in BROOKLYN at 86

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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.  

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Tuesday, November 4 -- "ELECTION DAY" in AMERICA:  VOTE!

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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.

   

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Sunday, November 2, 2008 -- SVA-ER BETTY BRISTOL'S MOTHER BEATRICE BRISTOL DIES in CLEVELAND at 88
 

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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

 

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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.

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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!

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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!  

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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.

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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!  

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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.

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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.  

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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!

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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".  


 

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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!

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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.

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Sunday, October 5 ("10/5") -- S.V.A. DIRECTOR WILLIAMSON'S B-DAY


 

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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!     

 

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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.


   

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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.!

   
 

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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!

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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!  

 

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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.  

 

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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

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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:

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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 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 five other NYC mayors -- an excellent example of a prominent public official who respectfully and sincerely supports the renowned STONEWALL Veterans' Association.

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Tuesday, September 23 -- S.V.A. WEBSITE ROCKET:  #2 BUSIEST DAY

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.   


 

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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?
 

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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.
 
 

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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.

 

   

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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!

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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.

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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.

 

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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


   

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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.) 

                                                                              
           

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.
 

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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!
   

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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.


 
 

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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.   

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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.
 
   

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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.

           
 
 

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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.

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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.
 

 

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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".  
 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Friday, July 4 -- INDEPENDENCE DAY

American Independence Day since 1776; Gay Independence Day since 1969!

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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.    

 

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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.!

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Monday, June 30 -- N.Y.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW CUOMO DELIVERS PROCLAMATION to the S.V.A.



   

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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.)

 
   

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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.

    

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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.

 

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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!
   
   

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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.


 

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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

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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!

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Thursday, June 19 -- S.V.A. RECEIVES 'GLBT' PROCLAMATION from N.Y.S. GOVERNOR

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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
 

 

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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.

         

   

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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.  

   
     

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Sunday, June 15 -- FATHER'S DAY

To quote a popular Stonewall song by The Winstons:  "Color Him Father"!

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Saturday, June 14 (Lightning, Thunder and Rain Storms) -- BROOKLYN 14th ANNUAL GAY PRIDE NIGHTTIME PARADE
       
 

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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+! .
     
   

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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.
   
       

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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.

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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.
   

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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!

   

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Sunday, June 8 ("Heat Wave") -- LONG ISLAND 18th ANNUAL GAY PRIDE PARADE

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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.



 

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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.  
 

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 Saturday, June 7 ("Heat Wave") -- STATEN ISLAND 4th ANNUAL GAY PRIDE PARADE

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Wednesday, June 4 -- N.Y.C. COMPTROLLER'S GLBT PRIDE

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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.

 

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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!

   

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Sunday, June 1 -- QUEENS 16th ANNUAL GAY PRYDE PARADE
   
 
   

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Gay Pride Month  - - - - - - - -  2008

                                    

       

Stonewall Pride Month  *  2008

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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.  

   

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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.

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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!

 

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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.

 
 

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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!                           
      

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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.  

 

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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.    
 

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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.

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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!  

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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!  
  

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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.
                                               

 

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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!
 

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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.
 
 
 
 

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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.

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Saturday, May 3 -- MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCER ARRANGES LEASING the 1969 "STONEWALL CAR"

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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.

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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?)   
 

     

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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.

       

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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!

   

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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.  

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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.   

   

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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!

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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.

 

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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.

     
   

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Saturday, April 19 -- POPE BENEDICT XVI HOLDS MASS at ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL

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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.)  

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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.


   

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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.

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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.


 

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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.    

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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".

 

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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.


 

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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.!

   

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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.

 

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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. 

 

 

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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.   

   

   

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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.)

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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.  

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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.   
 

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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?

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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.

 

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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.

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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.   

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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!!!!!  

   

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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". 

   

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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!      

     

   

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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!        
     
   

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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.

   

   

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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.

  

 

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Thursday, February 14 -- S.V.A. VALENTINE'S DAY DUNCHEON


 

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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.

 

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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.  
   

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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. 

   

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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!  
   

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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.  

 

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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".  

 
   

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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.

 

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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.

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January 1, 2008 -- HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to ALL of OUR MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS, FRIENDS, SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS from EVERYONE at the S.V.A.

     

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STONEWALL Veterans' Association      

27 June 2010 

New York City, N.Y.

41st Anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion

       
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