Newsletter May 2020 Important Message
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation and the potential re-opening of the economy, the GSN Board has once again made the difficult decision to suspend all events and programming scheduled during the month of May. This decision has been made with our membership in mind. We are a social organization and social distancing remains one of the best ways to save lives.
Watch for E-Blasts and future newsletters for updates. Click the logo for information about COVID-19
We thank you for your patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this decision may have caused. There is no question this is a time of great uncertainty. “Social distance becomes loving distance instead of fearful distance when we create it to protect others as well as ourselves.” - Gary Zukav Inside this Issue
We believe that by supporting each other, we'll emerge from this stronger than before. President’s Message ...... 2 Maybe by fall limited activities will resume! Board and Committees ...... 2
GSN Treasurer’s Report ...... 3 10 Things to Do While Social Distancing PFLAG Information ...... 4 GSN Bowling Adventure ...... 6 Reach out to loved ones…don’t forget Mother’s Day, May 10th Publishing Triangle ...... 9 Celebrations ...... 10 Adopt or foster a pet Services and Events ...... 11 Membership Form ...... 12 Make face masks for healthcare workers
Say “Thank You” to anyone working the “front lines” during this pandemic
Learn to eat healthy Our Mission Organize photos or videos The Gay Social Network of Southwest Florida, or GSN, is an organization serving the gay, lesbian, transgender, Discover your inner “om” and bisexual communities in our area. Our mission is to provide social as well Conquer home maintenance projects as informational resources to the LGBTQ community and to its friends Catch up on reading and sponsors. We encourage those who are new to Southwest Florida to Work out at home and rest utilize our organization as a means of making new contacts and meeting
new friends. As GSN grows and expands, our goal is to create and If this list doesn’t “do it” for you, just Google “things to do while social sponsor social gatherings and events distancing” and the results will return hundreds of links with suggestions. that will appeal to a broad base of our membership who enjoy getting Create your own list. together.
GSN BOARD President Greetings GSN, Allen Biles [email protected] I hope this finds you doing well and staying
Vice President For Activities safe during these challenging times. It has Bill Owens been said that "tough times don't last, but [email protected] tough people do" and during these days of Co-Vice Presidents For Communications uncertainty we must look with hope to Jason Boeckman [email protected] better days ahead. For it is not the Douglas Kraft circumstances we face that matter so [email protected] much, as it is our response to those Treasurer circumstances. I am reminded of this David Potter [email protected] quote: “When we are no longer able to
Secretary change a situation, we are challenged to Willie Nation change ourselves.” ―Viktor E. Frankl, [email protected] Man's Search for Meaning Executive Board David Givney and Kevin Fuller Maybe, like me, you've found time to really notice all the beauty that surrounds us. Daily I go for long walks in the early morning and after Mailings Steve MacArthur dinner in the late evening. Many have commented on how clear the skies Membership are and that nature is still so vibrant and alive all around us. Position Available Technical Support I hope you know that GSN is here for you, if you need someone to talk Shawn Foust with, pray with or Facetime with, we are here together for one another. Newsletter Publisher/Editor We will get through this and life will return, and we will once again enjoy Michael Doty our great times of fellowship and fun. As the nation reopens, we will keep WeCare you informed when our next GSN event will be planned. Mike Dias Rick Gazzerro Until we can be in each other’s company again, may you stay safe, be well E-MAIL CONTACTS and focused upon all that is good and right in our world. General [email protected] The best is ahead! Newsletter Sincerely, [email protected] Allen Bowling [email protected] Allen Biles Dining Adventure President GSN [email protected]
Tuesday Dining Group [email protected]
Member Support [email protected]
Mailing Address PO Box 8413 Naples FL. 34101-8413
Website www.gaysocialnetwork.com
Message Line (239) 434-1612
2 GSN NEWS
SUPPORTERS/ADVERTISERS ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS AND ADVERTISERS:
Daryl G. Sprouse & Armando Perez, Due to the COVID-19 situation, which has put socializing on Agency Owners We Insure hold, the GSN Board has decided to "extend" all active/grace Willie Nation memberships and advertising by 3 months, beginning April 1. The Pampered Chef Hopefully, we will be back to semi-normalcy by then. Christopher Carnrick, Be Safe! Pirate Palms B&B and Plant-Centered Retreats
Larry Fleming, L H Fleming & Company, NAPLES PRIDE 2020 Real Estate
Robert L. Nardi, 4TH ANNUAL PRIDE Broker/Owner JUNE 6, 11-5 PM Nardi Realty CAMBIER PARK Michael Whyte, Legacy Options
PFLAG Naples
Steve MacArthur, Bonita Storage Inn
Shawn Foust, Need Technology Help?
Joe Pereira, Home Watch and Services.com
TREASURER INFORMATION
Checkbook Balance as of 3/31/2020
$10,100.79 Beginning Balance
$272.08 Deposits
$1427.35 Pay Outs
$8945.52 Ending Balance
Submitted by David G. Potter, GSN Treasurer
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Dear PFLAG Naples Members and Supporters:
Your health and well-being is the top priority for our PFLAG chapter. With that in mind, and based on the data and information we have received from PFLAG National, the CDC, the WHO and the Collier County Health Department, we are suspending all in-person chapter meetings and events. Even though we are not meeting in person, PFLAG Naples leaders are available to provide you support. Please feel free reach out to us as follows:
Cori Craciun - [email protected], 239-963-4670 Mike Dias - [email protected], 239-774-2722 Ann Fisher - [email protected], 781-771-8068 Steve Goldenberg - [email protected], 239-774-2722 David Goldstein - [email protected], 239-455-2004
Additionally, you can visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/PFLAG-Naples-109659770680302/ and our website at: www.pflagnaples.org.
You can also contact our friends and allies at GSN by email: [email protected] and Naples PRIDE by email: [email protected]
In addition check out the below list of various LGBTQ-friendly hotlines that are available.
Be safe and stay well in this challenging time, Your PFLAG Naples Board
If you are looking for a local support network, contact one of PFLAG’s more than 400 chapters in the United States. In addition, the hotlines listed below provide services to callers across the country.
Crisis Intervention/Suicide Prevention
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (online chat available) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741 Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor
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The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564 The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743 Both provide telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
Youth Information
The National Runaway Safeline: 800-RUNAWAY (800) 786-2929 Provides advice and assistance to runaways, including resources, shelter, transportation, assistance in finding counseling, and transitioning back to home life. NRS frontline staff will also act as advocates and mediators if/as needed. The True Colors United: (212) 461-4401 The True Colors Fund is working to end homelessness among LGBTQ youth, creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves. True Colors United runs a database of service providers. S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self Abuse Finally Ends): (800) DONTCUT (366-8288) Addresses individuals coping with non-suicidal self-injury, including locally-based information, support and therapy referrals.
HIV/AIDS Information
AIDS in Prison Project Hotline: (718) 378-7022 (English and Spanish) This hotline, run by The Osborne Association provides HIV and AIDS information for prisoners, and accepts collect calls. National AIDS Hotline: (800) 342-AIDS (2437)/for Spanish (800) 344-7432/(800) 243-7889 (TDD) The CDC HIV Resource Library
Abuses
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 (English and Spanish) (800) 787-3224 (TTY) They also have an online chat feature available. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Highly trained, experienced advocates offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in over 170 languages.
Pride Institute: (800) 547-7433 Chemical dependency/mental health referral and 24/7 information hotline for the LGBTQ community.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE (4673)/(800) 810-7440 (TTY) The nation's largest organization fighting sexual violence, RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
5 GSN BOWLING ADVENTURE
GSN Morning Bowling at HeadPinz
Due to COVID-19, the GSN Morning Bowling is on temporary hiatus. We look forward to bowling with you when restrictions are lifted. Until then, please be safe and, as always, keep your balls (bowling) out of the gutters!
When we restart the GSN Morning Bowling, we bowl at HeadPinz located off of Radio Lane in Naples (MAP IT). For information, contact David Potter at [email protected] or call the message line.
Bowling in the morning allows us to have the lights on while we bowl and we can take advantage of HeadPinz’ “Breakfast & Bowl” special: 3 games, shoes and breakfast for $15 plus tax. That is the normal price for two games with shoes…so, for the same price, you get the ability to bowl an extra game and breakfast!
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A Few LGBTQ Recommended Readings While Staying Home
March GSN Web Stats
250 Users Conducted 289 Sessions
And Viewed 663 Webpages
90.3% New Visitors
9.7% Returning Visitors
From Countries Around the World
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Benjamin Scheuer has released “I Am Samantha,” a new song about a transgender woman’s journey of self-discovery. “I Am Samantha” was released at the beginning of April to commemorate International Transgender Day of Visibility in partnership with organizations like GLAAD, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, Trans Lifeline, and The Ally Coalition. The video, which imagines a lovely world populated by people who happen to be trans, features 27 trans actors, including transgender pride flag creator Monica Helms and Queer Eye fave Skyler Jay. A very interesting behind -the-scenes documentary, which interviews the singer/songwriter, director and many of the actors, was also filmed. Both videos can be viewed by clicking on the video’s image or by accessing YouTube.
(Information compiled from an article written by Brandon Voss for Logo.NewNowNext on April 5.)
8 PUBLISHING TRIANGLE AWARDS
The 32nd annual Publishing Triangle Awards ceremony, which was to take place on April 30, has been canceled. But, you can still check out all the nominees here (or click on the image).
Problems receiving E-Blasts or the monthly newsletter? Is your name missing from a birthday or anniversary list? Then It May Be Time To Renew Your GSN Membership Or Update Your GSN Membership Profile.
Please take a moment to access the GSN website and update your Membership information. Keeping your profile updated means you shouldn’t miss out on GSN activities and it will ensure proper reporting of important dates.
Access the GSN website by clicking here.
9 GSN MEMBER CELEBRATIONS
GSN MAY BIRTHDAYS GSN MAY ANNIVERSARIES (Number after the name is the day of month) (Numbers after the names are the date and years together)
Steve Mandresh 02 Thomas Hancock 13 Daniel Fischer & Steve Mandresh 06 08 Jerry Carter 04 Dennis Kilcoyne 14 Daryl Sprouse & Armando Perez 06 03 Gary Cotton 06 Tim MacGeorge 15 Brad Moreau & Peter Sygnator 25 23 Christopher Mangiapane 07 Gail Friend 17 Christopher Carnrick & Arthur Knighton 29 16 David S. Parker 07 Byron Bordt 19 Darrin Boylan 10 Juan A. Toro 27 Martin Doorley & John Haas 31 06 Rene F. Deleurme 11
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Call listed phone number for information. May 2020
EVERY DAY: (Due to COVID-19 all events are cancelled)
Collier County Non-Discrimination Coalition General Information - www.colliercoalition.org June/July 2020 Complaints of discrimination (239-436-7999) (Due to COVID-19 all future events are on-hold) MOST WEEK DAYS: STD/HIV (rapid test)/hepatitis/TB testing and counseling services. Call Collier County Health Department (239-252-8593) for appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Call Lee County Health Department for times/days (239-656-2542)
SUNDAYS:
ILiDS Bowling - (239-470-7494)
TUESDAYS:
Southwest Florida Voices rehearsal - 7:00 PM (239-994-1413) Naples LGBT Support Group - 7:15 PM (239-597-2206)
FRIDAYS:
Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous - 8:00 PM Open discussion & speaker meeting at St. John’s Evangelist RC Church (rear classroom) 625 111th Street (Immokalee Rd.) east of Vanderbilt Dr. ADVERTISING INFORMATION SATURDAYS:
Gay AA (GaLAA) - 8:00 PM (239-566-8750) Promote your business or organization by placing an ad in the GSN Newsletter. As an advertiser, you will have your website linked to the GSN website and receive a copy of the Newsletter each month that your ad runs.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Rates: Per Issue Full Page (approx. 7½” x 9½”) $125.00 SUNDAYS: 3/4 Page (approx. 7½” x 7½”) $94.00 12:15 PM ILiDS Bowling League, Fort Myers Half Page (approx. 7½” x 5”) $75.00
Qtr. Page (approx. 3½" x 5") $43.00 Bus. Card (approx. 3½" x 2") $13.00 TUESDAYS:
7:00 Brigands South (Tuesday Night Dining Group) Discount: If you pay in advance for a six-month ¼ page, ½ page, ¾
page, or full-page ad, the ad will run free of charge in the seventh THURSDAYS: month. The discount does not apply for business-card-sized ads. 6:15 PM GSN Mixer/Cocktails at Bambusa Bar
SATURDAYS: Specs: When submitting your ad electronically, PDF and JPEG formats are preferred with 300 dpi, but we will work with any 9:00 PM Bambusa Open Mike Night format you submit to: [email protected] (include the ad size and the number of issues the ad is to appear). Mail payment along with your billing address to:
GSN, PO Box 8413, Naples, FL 34101-8413
Artwork may be included with your check. Both must be received by the 15th of the month for publication in the following month’s Newsletter. Contact us by e-mail if you have questions.
GSN is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We reserve the right to reject advertising which may be unsuitable for publication.
11 GSN MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION FORM
By submitting this form you attest that you are age 18 or over and a full or part-time resident of (or visitor to) Collier or Lee County. The e-mail address provided will be used for mailing the GSN Newsletter and other GSN information. Dates* are optional, and if provided will be published with member’s name in the applicable issue of the GSN Newsletter. Please print legibly.
Name #1______*Birthday (Month/Day) ______
Name #2______*Birthday (Month/Day) ______
Address ______*Anniv. (Month/Day/Yr.) ______
City ______State ______Zip ______
____ Yes ____ No May we phone you regarding GSN business or activities? If you checked yes, please provide:
Preferred Pone # (______) ______Optional 2nd Phone # (______) ______
____ Yes ____ No May we e-mail you regarding GSN business or activities? If you checked yes, please provide:
E-mail #1 ______
E-mail #2 ______
____ Yes ____ No Member Directory – List the above information in a directory available ONLY to GSN members.
____ Yes ____ No GSN Action Alerts – Advise me by e-mail of GSN events or late-breaking news.
Check the one(s) that applies(y):
New Member ______OR Renewing Membership ______Mailing Fee ______
Comments & Suggestions:
Please provide us with your thoughts and suggestions concerning newsletter items, socials or activities. If you are a new member, please let us know how you heard about GSN.
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Annual Dues: Individual Members $25, Two-Person Households $45, a $10 Mailing Fee will apply if you elect to have the Newsletter printed and mailed to you. To pay online by Credit Card/PayPal see our website: www.gaysocialnetwork.com or make check payable to GSN and mail form and payment to: GSN * PO Box 8413 * Naples, FL 34101-8413. New memberships/renewals effective upon receipt of payment.
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