Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Message from the Co-Chairs
It’s been good to see members attending more events sponsored by OPALGA. The programming committee, who organizes and hosts many of these events, works diligently to offer both new activities and those that we look forward to every year. Coming up this month is a unique opportunity to exercise and lounge with other people who like to canoe or kayak. The Moonlight Dinner Paddle will take place on July 28. Expertise is not necessary.
The event to which many of us look forward all year, the OPAL Gala, will take place on July 13 at Elmcrest Banquets by Biancalana. Joe Langley, Reverend Elizabeth Ritzman, and our local chapter of PFLAG were selected to receive this year’s revered Oak Park Area Leadership award. Both of us are proud and excited about the choices for recipients this year! Past recipients, as a part of the broader Gala planning committee, comprise the group that selects honorees. They may select one person or organization or more, depending on the wishes of the committee each year. The OPALGA board and the Gala planning committee hope that you will accept our invitation to join the festivities on this magical “Friday the 13th.”
Thanks to everyone who participated in Donut Days at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market last month! It is an early morning for those folks who get the donuts to the throngs of people who lust for the cinnamon or powdered sugar once a week. (Gotta eat ‘em the same day.) It’s a big production, and many hands were available to do the work. It is one of our best events for volunteers. It’s good to see and be seen at the Farmers’ Market! We exceeded last year’s production, and, because we worked it alone, we received all of the spoils. So that we have it in writing, Susan Abbott said, in front of witnesses, that she would always spearhead Donut Days. We have it in writing, Susan…
It takes many people giving many hours to plan and orchestrate an event of this magnitude. Similarly, it takes many people willing to donate countless hours of their time to see that the organization thrives and grows. We can’t express our gratitude enough for these contributions. Many people do this work without much visibility. Beginning next month, Empower will offer an opportunity to meet a volunteer each month. We will interview a person who does something that benefits OPALGA. We look forward to getting to know the many people who make it possible for this organization to serve our community.
