SavannahLGBTCenter.org Your by Dusty Church Year End ...

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The Newsletter of First City Network — Georgia’s oldest LGBT organization. Founded 1985 Volume 31, Issue 4 • January 2017 fIrstcItynetwork.org saVannahfIrstcItynetwork @fcnsaVannah Your Year End Support Can Make The Difference by Billy Wooten When you or a friend looked for LGBT allies, support and networking opportunities, where did you turn? If you were like many in our community, you found First City Network. For more than 31 years FCN has played a vital role in connecting us, making this community a welcoming and warm place to live, work, and love. We are reminded of this every day; recently Bridget posted on our Facebook page, “great to find you guys…do you have any groups for queer/questioning youth?” continued on page 7… In This Issue Chairman’s Report 3 December Social 5 TEE Visits Provincetown 7 The Founders Circle 9 Get Ready to Dress Up Your Pet 10 LGBT Guide 12 Just A Thought 14 Upcoming Socials 16 SavannahLGBTCenter.org by Dusty Church An exciting step has been made in the journey to a LGBT Center in Savannah. In December, we proudly launched a new website dedicated to updating our community on the progress and future of the LGBT Center. Just as important as keeping you informed, this new website offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer, donate, and spread the word for support of this critical cause. At SAVANNAHLGBTCENTER.ORG, visitors can learn more about our 3 key areas of service: Community Support, Health Services, and Advocacy. As programs are integrated into the Center, more information will be built into the website to increase ease of access for those in need and better explain to supporters the lifesaving work the Center provides. With an ongoing need to raise funds just to open the doors of the Center, the new website also introduces our giving society, Founders Circle, which honors our most generous supporters who are helping make this endeavor possible. We can’t do this alone, and even after we have reached our funding goal there will be an ongoing need for our community to engage and support the Center. This new step represents the progress we have made, but also the important role we see in engaging the Coastal Georgia region going forward. We look forward to providing more resources and information through our new and growing online presence.

Transcript of SavannahLGBTCenter.org Your by Dusty Church Year End ...

The Newsletter of First City Network — Georgia’s oldest LGBT organization. Founded 1985Volume 31 , Issue 4 • January 2017

fIrstcItynetwork.org saVannahfIrstcItynetwork @fcnsaVannah

Your Year End Support Can Make The Differenceby Billy Wooten

When you or a friend looked for LGBT allies, support and networking opportunities, where did you turn? If you were like many in our community, you found First City Network. For more than 31 years FCN has played a vital role in connecting us, making this community a welcoming and warm place to live, work, and love. We are reminded of this every day; recently Bridget posted on our Facebook page, “great to find you guys…do you have any groups for queer/questioning youth?” continued on page 7…

In This IssueChairman’s Report 3December Social 5TEE Visits Provincetown 7The Founders Circle 9

Get Ready to Dress Up Your Pet 10LGBT Guide 12Just A Thought 14Upcoming Socials 16

SavannahLGBTCenter.orgby Dusty Church

An exciting step has been made in the journey to a LGBT Center in Savannah. In December, we proudly launched a new website dedicated to updating our community on the progress and future of the LGBT Center. Just as important as keeping you informed, this new website offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer, donate, and spread the word for support of this critical cause.

At SAVANNAHLGBTCENTER.ORG, visitors can learn more about our 3 key areas of service: Community Support, Health Services, and Advocacy. As programs are integrated into the Center, more information will be built into the website to increase ease of access for those in need and better explain to supporters the lifesaving work the Center provides.

With an ongoing need to raise funds just to open the doors of the Center, the new website also introduces our giving society, Founders Circle, which honors our most generous supporters who are helping make this endeavor possible.

We can’t do this alone, and even after we have reached our funding goal there will be an ongoing need for our community to engage and support the Center. This new step represents the progress we have made, but also the important role we see in engaging the Coastal Georgia region going forward. We look forward to providing more resources and information through our new and growing online presence.

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[email protected]: (912)356-0266Bush Insurance AgencyMitchell Bush

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Be Yourself, Be HeardSubmit your letter or article to Network News!

Email: [email protected]

Entries must be local and meet newsletter editorial guidelines.

Chairman’s Reportby Michael Ploski

Well, well, well, here we go again. It’s that time of year when everyone makes resolutions, most of which are broken within months, if not days. (This report is already sounding like it is going to be either very full of sarcasm or full of doom and gloom), (Just who do I think I am), (Okay Michael, calm down, you can do this), (Crap, what do I say to people who are differently the same as me), (Oh, wait a minute, did I get that right), (Are they really differently the same?), (What does that even mean?) (Why am I up at 3am rambling to myself as I try to compose another Chairman’s Report?), (Excuse me while I get yet another cup of coffee.), (Well, this has been productive in getting this report written.), (Yeah , right.), (Okay friends, here goes.).

As we start another year of our lives, the lives of , not only us, but of everyone we hear and see, of everyone we love, of everyone we agree with, of everyone we disagree with; we are all in this together and everyone is starting the new year the same. It is just another moment in time. A moment to be cherished. A moment to be forgotten. A moment for remembrance. A moment to move on. A moment to Listen. A moment to speak. Always a moment to respect. Why, you ask, should I respect some one who disagrees with me? My answer, and it has helped me in my almost 68 years of life, is because. Just because. I wish you all a wonderful New Year and hope that your dreams are many and that your fears are few.

First City Network, Inc. is a local, private, non-profit community service organization chartered in 1985 by concerned citizens seeking a gay and lesbian positive community. First City Network serves as a forum to share strengths and ideas, stimulate personal growth, and provide social activities. We provide national, state, and local information and referral services for health care, counseling, education, advocacy & mutual support.

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FIRST CITY NETWORK, INC.P.O. Box 2442 • Savannah, GA 31402

(912) 236-CITY (2489) • firstcitynetwork.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChair Michael Ploski

ViCe-ChairMan Tim MooreTreasurer vacantseCreTary Dee Hope

Lynn BowlingSean Brandon

Manzana “Apple” BryantJames Farringer

Mel Garcia

Michael O’HalloranPaul HigginsJon KeslerRandy Young

The First City Network Board of Directors meets on the first Monday of every month at 6:30PM in our office at 7505 Waters Ave, Suite B-7 (south of

Eisenhower Dr.) All members are welcome to attend.

NEXT BOARD MEETINGMonday, February 6th

Be yourself. Be Proud of who you are. Don’t tolerate bigotry and hatred. Respect others and their opinions.

FCN COMMENTARY

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Mark Your CalendarA listing of LGBT-related events hosted by local non-profits

FAMILY GUYS & GALS BOWLINGThursdays at 7PM, AMF Bowling Lanes, 115 Tibet Ave. on Savannah’s Southside, Lanes 47 – 50

STAND OUT YOUTH’S DISCUSSION GROUPSEvery Friday, 7 – 9PM, 1020 Abercorn St.Visit savannahstandoutyouth.org for more info.

PHOENIX PROJECT’S “REAL TALK” FOR THE MSM COMMUNITYEvery first & third Monday of the month from 4 – 5PMChatham Care Center Lecture Room, 107 Fahm St.

FREE HIV TESTINGTuesdays – Fridays from 9 – 11aM & 2 – 4PMPhoenix Project, 525 East 34th St., Savannah

December SocialBy Mel Garcia

Walking to the social, I saw a glimmer of lights on the eaves of the home. It was inviting, so I entered the home of our host Michael Ploski, the chairman of FCN. I saw a tree decorated with antique Santa ornaments from around the world. Next to the tree was a four foot teddy bear, a rocking horse, and bags of nonperishable food. The tables were decorated with poinsettias which were a perfect accent to the food items that friends brought for the evenings feast. To the surprise of many Santa Claus showed up and gave candy canes to all the good boys and girls; and a lump of coal to those on the naughty list. Santa also got a kiss or two from a few of the guests, but we won’t tell Mrs. Claus. A raffle was held for the Teddy Bear, the Rocking Horse, and the two beautiful Poinsettias all proceeds to benefit the LGBT Center fund.

Next month the social will be at the home of John Wilcher on January 7, 2017. I hope everyone had a great holiday season.

2016 December Food DriveThe Thomas Park Food Pantry thanks all of you who generously gave at the December Social.

FCN EVENTS

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Looking for Weekly Quality ConsignmentsEstates and Personal PropertyCommercial LiquidationsBankruptcy & Foreclosures

Savannah Auction Exchange,Inc300 West Highway 80Bloomingdale, GA 31302912.988.3117

GAL#C002952info@SavannahAuctionExchange.comwww.SavannahAuctionExchange.com

first city network’s Network News • January 2017 7

The T.E.E Trip to Provincetown, Massachusettsby Ms. Manzana (Apple) Bryant

Ms. Evonia Pollard and I, co-founders of Transgender Empowerment Education (T.E.E.), went to P-town on a learning mission for Georgia Aids Coalition and First City Network. As I am newly-elected to the FCN Broad of Directors, I felt that it is time to share our experience on our trip. We travel to Provincetown, to the 42nd Fantasia Fair, the longest running Trans event in the United States. When we arrived there, we did not know what to think, and when I say they “rolled out the red carpet” to us, that is just what they did. We had a condo with a loft and we ate some of the tastiest food that P-Town had to offer. We quickly learned that the word Transgender was such a big umbrella term and it was amazing to see all the cross-dressers and drag-queens which fall under the transgender umbrella. We learn that most of them have wives there, who support them and that they just feel like dressing up how they feel. That was the best thing to see. So it goes to show the world that not every Trans or gay person only thinks about having sex with a man.

It is all about how you feel, and loving who you are in your own skin. It also is to give you a sense that lets you know that it is okay to be who you are. We have learned that for one week these Trans persons get to be themselves and not Lawyers, Doctors, Politicians, Mayors and, Business owners. Then when the week is over they go back to their everyday life and their profession.

Provincetown itself is LGBTQ friendly. It is rich in history and you can tell that by the buildings, which are not handicapped accessible, but the locals do make provisions for serving the handicapped.

Over all we can say that it was a learning experience that I hope everybody gets a chance to have. The T.E.E. was asked to return next year and facilitate the Fair for them. We are already registered for next year, and are looking forward to the event.

…continued from page 1

Your Year End Support Can Make A Difference

Alton posted, “I just joined; looking forward to seeing everyone.” Andres also reached out, texting, “I would love to volunteer with you guys.”

More than a year ago FCN, with your backing, decided to establish a home for us, a local LGBT community center. Thanks to contributions made by many of you, we met the generous challenge grant, raising approximately $70,000, counting pledges. Your support has made a big difference.

The programming at our center will address a range of issues and needs, including advocacy, education, equality and human rights, health services, networking, safety and law enforcement, and certainly opportunities for celebrations. On behalf of our alliance of local partners — Georgia Equality, Georgia AIDS Coalition, Savannah Pride, TEE, Savannah StandOut Youth, and Transcendence — thank you for your partnership and support!

Our goal for the community center campaign is to raise $120,000 by June 1st, 2017. We need your help to make it happen. Would you be willing to make a special year-end donation to help us meet our goal? We simply can’t do it without you. Your support will make a real, lasting impact on the overall quality of life for our LGBT community and Savannah. Here. Now.

A special website has just gone live to share info, answer questions, and facilitate contributions to the community center fund. Check it out — savannahlgbtcenter.org. You can also mail your tax deductible contribution to FCN Community Center, P.O. Box 2442, Savannah, GA 31402.

Thank you for your continued support. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

FCN FEATURES

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www.savannahstation.com 601 Cohen Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

912-233-5400 [email protected] [email protected]

Savannah’s longest running private events facility Banquets and Receptions in a historic setting, circa 1902

first city network’s Network News • January 2017 9

THE FOUNDERS CIRCLEA Gift That Lasts a LifetimeFirst City Network is honored to announce the creation of a new giving society dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of our major donors. Members of our Founders Circle giving society will be forever commemorated within the walls of the Savannah LGBT Center. We are privileged to have such supportive and dedicated supporters, and we look forward to many more distinguished members of our community joining the Founders Circle. To learn more, visit savannahlgbtcenter.org/founders-circle

CHAMPIONC. Robert Friedman & Vernon Mosheim

LEADERCharles Steubing & Stoney Johnson

EXECUTIVEAustin Hill

VISIONARYKem Highfill & Richard Rehm

SUPPORTERJusak Y. Bernhard & Jeffrey A. Manley, Cohen Dental Center, The Don Callahan Real Estate Group, Jim Daly, Mark Fishel, Mark Hill, Location Gallery, James Maury & Daniel Snyder III, Tim Moore, Billy Wooten & Melvin Hutcheson, John Stern

THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE

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Get Ready to Dress Up Your Pet January 14thBy Jusak Yang Bernhard and Jeff Manley, co-owners of TailsSpin Pet Food & Accessories

Everyone love a good laugh. And it seems like we can never get enough of seeing cats and dogs dressed in various forms of clothing and costumes. Think of it, just the sight of a Chihuahua wearing a giant pair of glasses brings an undeniable smile.

There are multiple reasons why people like to dress up their pets. The first point to emphasize, of course, is not adorn your cat or dog in any way that will cause harm. Keep in mind the material of any attire and accessories, as well as what it will take to get these items on and off your pet. Never move a limb outside of its normal range of motion. And consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your cat or dog has had an adverse reaction to a wardrobe malfunction.

Protection from harsh weather is another reason for pet attire. Dog sweaters are popular when the climate is cold. While breeds such as Akita, Chow Chow, Bernese Mountain, and German Sheppard have heavy layers of fur that insulate during the winter months, those with lighter layers of fur, such as Chihuahua, Greyhound, and many Terrier and

Pinscher breeds, can benefit from clothing that keeps them warm. It’s also a good excuse to put an ugly Christmas sweater on your feline or canine this time of year.

Dog parkas can help protect your pooch from getting wet during rain storms. Pets need to be walked come rain or shine for exercise and to do their business. Booties may seem ridiculous on first thought, but think of their benefits. Paw pads are at risk for drying, cracking, trauma, frostbite and chemical burns in harsh winter conditions. Attire designed to reduce pet anxiety has been developed over the past several years. The most recognizable product of this type is the Thundershirt, a vest that fits snugly around a pet’s torso to apply gentle constant pressure that can help provide a feeling of security.

To celebrate, and also commercialize this behavior, yes, there is a Dress Up Your Pet Day. January 14th of each year has been chosen to be this special day. It was started in 2009 by Colleen Paige, a Celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist, to celebrate pet fashion and promote animal adoption, providing an “opportunity to wow the neighbors, and to unleash the inner diva of your favorite pooch or Persian.”

Critics skeptical of dressing up pets argue that costumes can hinder movement and the ability to communicate with other pets. Costumes that may be restrictive can impede the circulation of blood. The clothes may be itchy, uncomfortable, or may hinder pets from doing their business, if their private areas are covered. There’s concern that some owners will spend more money and attention on pet clothing and accessories in lieu of buying more nutritious food and treats. And costumes will often attract others to approach, which can be unsettling if your pet is wary of strangers or has a tendency to bite.

This, of course, makes a great case for common sense. If your pet doesn’t like wearing clothing, there is no use stressing him or her out by forcing him or her to wear something, especially just for human entertainment. Both of you need to enjoy participating in order for it to be a bonding experience.

FCN FEATURES

first city network’s Network News • January 2017 11

912-441-4416 | [email protected]

TH

EDON CALLAHANR e a l E s t a t e G r o u p

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ARTS & ANTIQUESSavannah Auction Exchange 300 Highway 80 Bloomingdale (912) 988-3117

Location Gallery Shelley Smith 417 Whitaker St. Savannah, GA 31401

COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONSArmstrong Gay Straight Alliance Emily Bressler (478) 787-7599

Georgia Southern Gay Straight Alliance Parrish Turner (912) 531-8326 [email protected]

SCAD Queer & Allies (Q&A) Krista Harberson (912) 661-0388 [email protected]

CAMPGROUNDSRoy’s Hideaway Gay camping & special event facility 268 Catfish Lane Collins, GA 30421 (912) 225-3900 [email protected]

COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPYEllen Farrell LPC, EEMCP Holistic Psychotherapy 6203 Abercorn St #10 Savannah (912) 247-4263 ellenfarrell.com

Karen Abato ATR-BC LCAT Art Psychotherapist (912) 220-0071

Martha Womack PhD. 23 E 38th St Savannah (912) 447-5660

Nancy Wallace LCSW 23 E 38th St Savannah (912) 447-0230

Sarah Holmes Ph.D. 3 E 38th St Savannah, GA (912) 233-7304

FINANCIAL SERVICESBrouillette & Cowan 806 East 67th St, Ste B Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 354-2262

GROCERYBrighter Day Natural Foods Organic foods books and more 1102 Bull St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 236-4703

FUNERAL SERVICESAdams Funeral Services 510 Stephenson Ave Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 354-6260

GAMES & BOWLINGFamily Guys & Gals Bowling Thursday 7pm, Lanes 47–50 AMF Savannah Lanes 115 Tibet Avenue Savannah

HAIR SALONSSalon 1821 1821 Bull St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 344-4377

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICESAssisted Recovery Center of Georgia 7722 Waters Ave (912) 352-2425

Chatham CARE Center 107 B Fahm St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 651-2253

Georgia AIDS Coalition (GAC) P.O. Box 1258 Snellville, GA 30078 (404) 870-0082 georgiaaids.org

Hospice Savannah Inc. Homecare & Hospice House 1352 Eisenhower Dr Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 355-2289

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police LGBT Liason Officer Star Corporal Tracy Walden 201 Habersham St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 651-6653 [email protected]

Phoenix Project (HIV/AIDS) of Union Mission Rhonda D. Harris MPH MS 525 E 34th St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 231-0123 x1410

HOME SERVICESTimothy Burkett Interiors Timothy Burkett (912) 236-6500

INSURANCEThe Bush Agency Nationwide Insurance Mitchell Bush 340 Eisenhower Dr Bldg 300 #A Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 356-0266

LEGAL SERVICESGeorgia Legal Services Project Robert W. Bush 6602 Abercorn St #203 Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 651-2180 [email protected]

HIV/AIDS Legal Project Free legal services to HIV+ who meet income guides. 10 Whitaker St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 651-2180

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Holly Hadfield Aguillar 7391 Hodgson Memorial Dr #200 Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 920-4274

LANDSCAPINGColorscapes Unlimited Savannah, GA (912) 403-9894 / (912) 655-8033

LGBT ORGANIZATIONSGeorgia Equality Project Billy Wooten 12 Arabica Ln Savannah, GA (912) 547-4543

Savannah Pride Inc. Regan Drake P.O. Box 6044 Savannah, GA 31404 [email protected] savannahpride.com

Stand Out Youth Cole Byars 2217 Lorraine Ct Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 288-1034 [email protected] savannahstandoutyouth.org

TEE (Transgender Empowerment Education) Ms. Evonia Pollard & Ms. Manzana Bryant, founders P.O. Box 5746 Savannah, GA 31414 (912) 604-2004 / (912) 433-6944 [email protected]

Transcendents Unity Church of Savannah 2320 Sunset Blvd Savannah, GA 31404

LODGINGLos Robles 101 E 34th St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 713-5546

Tybee Vacation Rentals Dusty Church (912) 786-5953 [email protected]

MARKETING SERVICESUrban Primal Scott West (912) 509-4922 [email protected]

NIGHTLIFEChuck’s Bar 301 W River St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 232-1005

Club One 1 Jefferson St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 232-0200

In Vino Veritas 102 East Liberty St. #109 Savannah, GA 31401

The White Rabbit 307 West River St. Savannah, GA 31401

Support Gay-Friendly Business. Tell Them You Found Them In FCN’s Network News!LGBT GuideList your LGBTQ-friendly business or organization in the LGBT Guide, email [email protected]. Entries must be local and meet newsletter editorial guidelines.

first city network’s Network News • January 2017 13

LGBT Guide

PET SERVICESPets At Peace Memorial & Cremation Services Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors foxandweeks.com/pets-at-peace (912) 352-7200

Save-A-Life Julie (912) 354-7357

TailsSpin 4501 Habersham St Savannah, Pooler, Whitemarsh Is (912) 691-8788 tailsspin.com

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICESAngel Hernandez (912) 314-3309 [email protected]

Wildflower Photography Georgia Walters (770) 769-7518 [email protected]

PHYSICAL THERAPYSkidaway Family Chiropractic Center 5704 Skidaway Rd Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 356-5886

PRINTINGAlphaGraphics 7426 Hodgson Memorial Dr #B Savannah , GA 31406 (912) 355-9001

Creative Approach 408 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Savannah , GA 31401 (912) 233-8300 mycreativeapproach.com

REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGEAustin Hill Realty LLC 417 Whitaker St. Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 354-2100

Pinnacle Realty Solutions Rich Brown 7025 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Suite B Savannah, GA 31406

Realty Executives Coastal Empire Carl Knudsen, Realtor 231 Stephenson Ave (912) 355-5557 [email protected]

Ron Melander Realtor GRI CLHMS ABR SRS CIPS TRC (912) 441-7124 savannahhistoricproperties.com

The Don Callahan Real Estate Group Keller Williams Realty 3107 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 441-4416

TRICounty Real Estate Dawn Phaneuf 6711 Forest Park Dr. Savannah, GA 31406

RESTAURANTSB. Tillman 6700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 721-1564

Bar • Food 4523 Habersham St Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 355-5956

Bella Napoli 18 E State St Savannah, GA 31401

Crystal Beer Parlor 301 W Jones St Savannah, GA 31401

Cucina Italiana 606 Abercorn St Savannah, GA 31401

Joe’s Homemade 5515 B Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 349-0251

Local 11 Ten 1110 Bull St Savannah, GA 31401

Six Pence Pub 245 Bull St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 233-3151

Soho South Café 12 W Liberty St Savannah, GA 31401

The Artillery 307 Bull St Savannah, GA 31401

The Public 1 W Liberty St Savannah, GA 31401

WEB DESIGNKenkel Design Graphic Design & Web Development (912) 373-6377 [email protected] kenkeldesign.com

WORSHIP SERVICESAgape Empowerment Ministries 703D Louisville Rd Savannah, GA 31401 agapeempowerment.com

Asbury Memorial UMC 1008 E Henry St (912) 233-4351

Center for Spiritual Living 2520 Bonaventure Rd Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 335-1905

Congregation Mickve Israel 20 E Gordon St (912) 233-1547

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 2716 Mechanics Ave Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 354-6815

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 34th & Abercorn (912) 232-0274

Unitarian Universalist Church 313 E Harris St (912) 234-0980

Unitarian Universalist of Statesboro 609 E Grady St Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 489-8338

Unity Church of Savannah 2320 Sunset Blvd Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 355-4704 Downtown Savannah

Computer Repair912.228.5968

Support Gay-Friendly BusinessTell Them You Found Them

In FCN’s Network News!

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Just A Thoughtby Tricksie Turner

It’s New Season… It’s New day! Well it’s new Year anyway… 2017 can you even believe it? Where did 2016 go? As most of us would say… “Who the hell cares… Thank God it’s gone!”

Reflecting back on 2016 as most of us do, it was rather taxing on me. I spent the majority of the year in and out of hospitals which spawned and array of jokes from me having my own time share at Candler to we almost had to have my Roast at the Memorial Hospital cafeteria. Now those are funny, but going through it certainly was not. However 2016 did bring a lot of fun for me as well. I had my Official Roast of Tricksie Turner which allowed me to raise almost $3,000 for charity. I was Blessed to be able to donate $1,000 to our LGBTQ Center , which will become a reality in 2017. $300 of that went to and great organization who is a shelter for our homeless youth here in the Savannah area, “Park Place” and then it allowed me to have seed money to launch my charity, Tricksie Turner’s DREAM IN COLOR Scholarship fund.

I was so excited at the response and charitable gifts that came in to make this dream a reality. I never in a Million years would have guessed this could be a reality. Many of you know that I was in the ministry as a Youth Pastor and Administrative Pastor for approximately 20+ years. When I left I felt lost and had no idea if I would ever get to work with young people again, but 2016 allowed an awakening in me to see that we can make a difference in the lives of our LGBTQ

youth by helping them with their future and their goals. Although we have started with only a $1,000 scholarship, I hope that through donations, fundraising and events, we can grow that amount through the years.

This year also opened a door for me to become a part of the 2016 Savannah PRIDE committee as the Entertainment director. WOW! Was I honored. It was gonna be my job to make sure that MY community would have an experience of a lifetime and enjoy the day we set aside to celebrate our PRIDE as a community. I knew without a doubt, what I wanted as far as entertainment. I wanted diversity, I wanted every age range to be represented and I had no doubt that I wanted Billy Gilman to be our Spotlight Entertainer. So when we were able to contact his agents, we had no idea he was going to be on the show ‘THE VOICE.” I knew our young LGBTQ community needed to lay eyes on someone they could connect with to see that if he can do it, so can I! Not only was Savannah his first appearance since becoming a contestant, he also joined me in giving the very 1st Scholarship Award away to a well deserving LGBTQ Student.. Tristan Umbarger, a nursing student from Brooklet, Georgia. So I guess as I come to the end of this I wanna remind you that Yes it is easy to reflect on all the craziness that 2016 Brought us, including a Presidential Election. Let’s take time to see all the good things it brought as well.

… Just a Thought!

FCN FEATURES

first city network’s Network News • January 2017 15

417 Whitaker Street Savannah Georgia 31401 912.354.2100 | austinhillrealty.com

Austin Hill Pam Miller Christie Wallace

Excellence In Service To Our Clients And Community Since 1978

P.O. BOX 2442SAVANNAH, GA 31402

Address Service Requested

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDAUTO

PERMIT #375SAVANNAH, GA

Upcoming SocialsFirst Saturday Socials are from 7:00pm – 10:00pmunless otherwise noted.

COMMUNITYBETTERfor a

GIVING&LEARNING

TB

GL

Help our community establish a home.Inspire a sense of responsibility, pride, & wellness in the LGBT community.

(912) 236-2489firstcitynetwork.org

JANUARY 7, 2017host: John Wilcher, 19 Chippewa Dr

FEBRUARY 4host: Carol Hodges, 9225 Garland Dr

MARCH 4host: In Vino Veritas, 102 E Liberty St(Drayton Tower)

For more information or to host a First Saturday Social, please email us at [email protected].