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.
Let’s Help PFLAG
PFLAG Oak Park will host a baked goods stand at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 4. Members of OPALGA can help with the fundraiser by donating bread, cookies or other homemade baked goods. So take a look through your recipe files and get the mixing bowls out. For details on the types of baked goods needed...how to package them...and where to donate them, email info@opalga.org.
Let’s Dance: OPALGA out in the OP
This month’s “Out in the OP” social outing will be held at Temptations Night Club, 10235 W Grand, Franklin Park on Saturday, August 28. Just stop in anytime starting at 10:00 PM and members of the social committee will be on hand to greet you. Meet up with old friends...or make some new ones! Just be prepared for dancing!
Get Involved: OPAL Gala Planning Meeting
OPALGA recently set a date for the 2010 OPAL Gala (see story below). Now the fun begins If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in OPALGA, joining the Gala committee is a great way to do it. Yes, it’s work, but this should also prove to be fun as well. The Gala committee will hold its kick-off meeting on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. The meeting will take place in the first floor conference room of Visit Oak Park’s administrative offices located at 1118 Westgate, Oak Park, IL 60301 (please note, this is not the Visitors Center on Lake Street). During the meeting we will review plans to date for the Gala, conduct some additional brainstorming, and ask for volunteer assignment commitments. If you would like more information...or if you would like to help but cannot attend the meeting, shoot an email to info@opalga.org.
September Potluck
Join us on Friday, September 10 for our monthly potluck. The fun starts at 7:00 PM. This month’s potluck is hosted by Laura Adden & Stacey Nevara, 1205 N. Elmwood, Oak Park. Bring a dish to share and your own drinks. See you there.
Save the Date - 14th Annual OPAL Gala
A date has been set for the 14th annual Oak Park Area Leadership (OPAL) Gala. Mark your calendar now for Saturday, November 13, 2010. We’re also excited to announce that this event will be back to Oak Park and will be held at the historic 19th Century Club. Oak Park’s Cucina Paradiso will provide catering and attendees will discover an array of changes to this highly anticipated event. More information and event details will be available soon.
Board votes to extend current memberships
At a membership meeting earlier this year, the OPALGA bylaws were updated to change the membership year to the calendar year. In light of that, the OPALGA board recently voted to extend all current memberships (that were due to expire at the end of June) through the end of 2010. In addition, any individuals joining between now and the end of the year will receive membership through the end of 2011. Later in the Fall the organization will be mounting a major membership drive.
July Potluck
Join us on Friday, July 9th for our monthly potluck. Bring a dish to share and your own drinks. This month we’ll be gathering in the backyard at Victoria Manor, 344 N. Austin, Oak Park. (at the corner of Austin and South Blvd...enter off of South Blvd.) Co-hosts this month are Ray Johnson, John Brancel and Bob Zimmer, Dan Logan and Larry Passo. See you there.
Join us on Facebook
If you have a Facebook account, you can keep up with OPALGA via the OPALGA Facebook group. Click this link to find us:
If you have any trouble with the link, just search for “OPALGA” on Facebook. Make sure you look for the group named just OPALGA (not “Opalga at Oakpark Il").
Garage sale a great success!
The garage sale held by OPALGA on June 12 was a great success...selling more than $1,000 of generously donated “treasures.” Thanks to all who participated in this event...by donating items or stopping by to shop. And special thanks to Sherrie Wolfe, who along with board members Kim Killingsworth, Bruce Broerman, and Rose Mireles planned and executed the event. Extra special thanks, too, to Rose and Lori Hannigan for donating the space for the sale and providing pick up and delivery service for large items. This event was such a success, we may just do it again in the Fall!
Blowout 2010 Party AKA Holiday Party
Join us on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from noon to 2pm for food and beyond that for an afternoon of board games and cards. The event, to be held at Papaspiros at 733 Lake Street in Oak Park, will feature a raffle to win 7 days in Nob Hill Street in San Francisco. The charge for the party is $25.00, cash or check and there will be a cash bar. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Winner need not be present. So come for the afternoon, bring your favorite game (there will be some there) and purchase a couple raffle tickets. Remember, all proceeds from the raffle go directly to OPALGA.