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.
Programming Committee Takes New Direction
OPALGA’s Programming Committee recently held a meeting to reconfigure itself after a break of several months. One major change is that the committee will now be known as the Social Committee because it will primarily concern itself with social-type events. This was a direct result of the recent strategic planning process wherein the Board identified the need to differentiate social events from substantive programming for specific groups such as families, singles, etc. Programs targeted for these and other specific groups will be put on by a new Programming Committee, while the Social Committee will now consider a wide range of activities including events such as the drag show, gay bingo, theatre outings, and the like.
“The timing of the new structure is perfect because it now gives us a chance to think totally outside the box,” said David Rappoport, Board member and interim Chair of the Social Committee. “We can continue with events that have been successful in the past while at the same time come up with totally new ideas that satisfy the needs of our members for more diverse social events.”
The Social Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at The OPALGA Center and is looking for new members who want to help plan and put on events for the membership. “Your involvement can be limited to occasionally lending a hand, or you can take on and manage your own event if you have the time and interest,” added Rappoport.
“I am truly grateful for David’s willingness to step up and help us at this time,” said Mike Cochran, OPALGA Co-Chair. “Already this year we had over 85 people at the post-holiday brunch and 5 days later over 60 people attended the Steppenwolf benefit evening. These numbers show that our members enthusiastically respond to the right kinds of events.”
Anyone who wants further information about the Social Committee and its activities should contact David Rappoport at davidsteven@comcast.net.
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member and 2008 Gala Co-Chair Rick Whitehead.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
Rick: I have been a member of OPALGA for about four years.
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
Rick: The first year, I attended a few potlucks and the Gala with my partner, Mike Cochran. I began volunteering my second year as a member.
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer with OPALGA?
Rick: I’ve volunteered each year at A Day (A Gay) in Our Village. I did the 3:30 a.m. shift one year for the Donut Days fundraiser at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market. I’ve participated in the last three Independence Day (4th of July) parades in Oak Park. I co-hosted an OPALGA house walk with Mike in 2005. I was a co-chair for Table Captains for the 2006 Gala. I’m Co-Chair for the upcoming “Twelfth Night” Gala on April 5 with Lee Latham.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA; that is, how did you first become a volunteer?
Rick: Mike and I were both volunteers on Oak Park Village commissions. Joanne Trapani, then the Village President, who was a Table Captain, first invited us to a Gala. Mike first became active in OPALGA, and then I followed suit shortly thereafter.
Empower: How would you encourage others to become active volunteers with OPALGA?
Rick: To become more active, I would suggest that members read Empower to see what the upcoming events are and where they need assistance. Then, call The OPALGA Center to volunteer. It’s that easy. With the variety of events and programs that OPALGA offers, it is usually easy to match up your interests with the group’s needs.
Empower: There are so many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Oak Park area; what made you choose OPALGA as the organization with which to volunteer?
Rick: As I mentioned, I had been on one of the Village’s commissions—the Farmers’ Market commission. In fact, for six years, I chaired the commission, which kept me pretty busy, especially all summer. As a member of the LGBT community, however, I wanted to actively support and give back to the community, so I got more active in OPALGA as my workload eased with the Farmers’ Market.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
Rick: No, OPALGA is the only LGBT organization with which I am actively involved.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying, rewarding, or inspirational about being an OPALGA volunteer?
Rick: For myself, I enjoy meeting other new LGBT people in our community. The monthly potlucks, for example, are just amazing places to meet new people and to see friends on an ongoing basis. The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is being able to support the great programs that OPALGA offers for the LGBT community. Growing up, to have the youth programs available that OPALGA now offers would have been so beneficial.
Empower: What is your professional background?
Rick: I am a transplant from the Lancaster, PA, area, but my career brought me to Chicago about 29 years ago. I’ve worked in various roles at the corporate offices of a corrugated container company—Packaging Corporation of America—in Lake Forest. PCA has four paper mills and 68 corrugated plants in the U.S. Most of my career has been on the operational side of the business. My last three years, I’ve been in our Sales and Marketing group, managing Sales Compensation, a fleet of 600+ vehicles and providing training to our 68 plants.
Empower: Is there any other personal information you would like to share with our readers? (Where you live, what your hobbies are, etc.)
Rick: For the past eight years, I have lived on South Harvey Avenue in Oak Park with my beloved partner Mike and our yellow Labrador Jordan. Our home is on a fairly large lot, which allows me to spend much of my time with one of my true loves—gardening. I also have other interests, such as playing tennis and scuba diving. In fact, recently in Hawaii I fulfilled a long-time desire to do an evening dive with manta rays, which was amazing. I recently started a part-time job at a dive shop in Oak Park called H2 Go Scuba, located on Chicago Avenue. I’m working with H2 Go Scuba toward obtaining Master Diver certification. And, living with Mike, I have become quite familiar with the music of Madonna and Barbra.
Thank you, Rick, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
“Twefth Night” Gala 2008
Chicago’s winter may have plunged the city into the midst of a deep freeze, but planning for OPALGA’s upcoming “Twelfth Night” Gala continues to be red hot.
Returning this year to amuse and entertain the guests are The Weird Sisters, three singers (two females and one male) who combine their talents in a lively and topical manner that is quite unique. Backed by two first-rate musicians, The Weird Sisters always deliver. “I am really pleased that The Weird Sisters are returning,” said Gala Co-Chair Lee Latham. “They were well received in the past, and I am looking forward to hearing them again.”
Guests at this year’s Gala will have their choice of four menu options—beef, chicken, salmon, or vegetarian. This is somewhat unusual for an event of this size. “Our hope is to offer an entree item that will please everyone’s palate,” added Gala Co-Chair Rick Whitehead. “The quality of food at the tasting was excellent, and I really appreciate the Hyatt working with us to provide this type of variety among the entrees.”
As much as the Gala Planning Committee has already accomplished, the group still needs your help. Sponsors are always needed because those funds go directly toward covering the expenses of the evening. Program Book ads are also critical because they bring in additional revenue while also providing good exposure for a business or an individual looking to advertise. Anyone who knows of any potential sponsors or advertisers should contact Jan at The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273.
Finally, there can never be too many auction and raffle prizes for a successful Gala. The Planning Committee always needs a huge selection in order to create a diverse array of prize packages for the evening. New this year is an emphasis on personal service or unique prize offerings such as the preparation and serving of a gourmet meal, baked goods, a private gardening consultation, etc. If any OPALGA member with a unique talent or service wants to make a donation, again, please call Jan.
“Twelfth Night” takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook. Tickets are $150 each, but if you take advantage of the 10% “early bird” discount and purchase your tickets by March 7, they are only $135. Call Jan at 708-848-0273 for additional information on tickets or any other aspect of the Gala.
Message From the Co-Chairs
With the unprecedented events of the 2008 presidential election buildup as a backdrop, one consensus has emerged—change is the word of the day no matter which side of the fence you are on. Candidates have thrown this word around at every possible opportunity, letting voters know that the status quo will not be acceptable in the future.
In many ways, OPALGA mirrors the nation. Working with our strategic-planning consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, during the last four months of 2007, the Board of Directors took a hard, critical look at virtually every aspect of the organization. It may sound trite, but “thinking outside the box” became a necessity rather than a wish. OPALGA is at a key transitional phase in its organizational development, and we must make some major changes as we prepare to undergo significant growth. In short, change is going to be a big part of our lexicon in the coming months and years.
As the Board of Directors awaits the final report from Dr. Goldbaum, we know certain facts. The in-depth examination of OPALGA revealed that we need to make changes in four important areas: membership, programming, management, and finance. Why are these areas so critical? In order to give members of OPALGA the most value for their membership dollars, we need to operate both efficiently and effectively so that you can see first-hand the benefits of OPALGA membership. Membership benefits must be both strengthened and communicated to our members. Programs that meet the many and diverse needs of our members need to be planned and offered. The Board must create a management structure that allows the organization to grow both now and in the future. Finally, a financial structure that allows us to practice fiscal responsibility at all times must be put into place. Each of these areas may sound quite basic, but the Board must now thoroughly examine each area and create a series of action plans with specific responsibilities. OPALGA will become a stronger organization, and the results will become visible to all of you.
How can you help? One fundamental area in which your input has an immediate impact is membership. Think of many of your friends who are not members of OPALGA and plan to introduce them to OPALGA in some way. Bring them to a potluck, and let them see who the members are. Invite them to the “Twelfth Night” Gala, which supports the ongoing cultural and social events for OPALGA members, services for youth and young adults, and our organization’s work with other community groups to promote diversity. We are in the midst of a strong LGBT population in Oak Park, Berwyn, Forest Park, and other surrounding communities, and yet our membership could, and should, be higher. We plan to grow our membership by year-end and to increase it significantly by 12/31/2010. There is strength in numbers, and OPALGA is a strong organization that will get even stronger.
Such growth is a major challenge but one that we gladly accept. OPALGA’s major strength is its membership, and with almost 20 years of our organization’s history behind us, we are in a strong position to continue building on our foundation. So, the next time you hear a candidate call for change, think of OPALGA and how we, too, must change.
One thing to remember about change—when you take a closer look, you might really like what you see!
Celebrate Valentine’s Day: Register!
In 1997, OPALGA organized a community-wide initiative to pressure the Oak Park Village Board to consider and approve an ordinance to establish a domestic partnership registry. In September of 1997, the Village Board approved the ordinance. The establishment of the domestic partnership registry broke new ground: it became the first domestic partnership registry established by an Illinois municipality.
Upon passage of the registry, it was immediately challenged via a petition drive by anti-LGBT forces calling for a non-binding referendum on the ordinance. OPALGA and the entire Oak Park community organized a huge campaign to counter the referendum: “Vote YES Oak Park.” What were the results of the referendum? I am sure that those of you who have visited The OPALGA Center have noticed the framed Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest front page with the banner headline on March 18, 1998: “Big Gay Day!” In a watershed moment for OPALGA and the Village of Oak Park, the ordinance was upheld. Another first: Oak Park became the first municipality in the nation to uphold a domestic partnership referendum by popular vote.
Declarations of domestic partnership may be registered with the Office of the Village Clerk. Domestic partners are defined by the ordinance as two unrelated and unmarried persons of the same sex who are age 18 or older, have lived together in Oak Park for at least six months, and are jointly responsible for each other’s necessities of life. Identification (passport or driver’s license) and proof of residence (lease, mortgage document, or utility bill) are required. The registration fee is $50.00.
In addition, each partner is issued a certified copy of his or her domestic partnership declaration. Registration is available by appointment only at the Village Clerk’s office: 708-358-5700.
Show your love and commitment by registering!
Book Club
February Book Club to Discuss Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”
Book club members have decided upon their initial selections for 2008:
• February 17—In keeping with the announced theme for the 12th Annual Gala (“Twelfth Night”
, the book club has decided to read Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, in which Duchess Olivia falls in love with Viola, who has disguised herself as a boy to find her missing twin brother. Festive songs and holiday spirit figure into the mood of this comic Shakespearean play of mistaken identity.
• March 16—Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran, in which the three Aminpour sisters escape the Iranian Revolution and make their way to an Irish village where they open a small café.
• April 20—Three Junes by Julia Glass, which tells the tale of several central characters during three separate Junes spanning 10 years. Paul, a newly widowed father of three grown sons on a group tour of the Greek islands; Fenno, his eldest son, a gay man in New York City; and Fern, an artist and book designer whom Paul met on his trip to Greece several years earlier, now a young widow, pregnant, and also living in New York City.
The book club meets every third Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The OPALGA Center, 947 Garfield, Oak Park, unless otherwise specified. All books are available through http://www.amazon.com. In addition, copies will be available at the Oak Park Public Library (834 Lake St., Oak Park) as well as at The Book Table (1045 Lake St.), when possible. Remember, OPALGA receives a charitable donation from The Book Table for each book purchased there (regardless of whether it is a book club selection). Please let them know that you are purchasing your book as a member of OPALGA.
Programming Committee Needs You
Is the Writers Guild strike geting you down? Do you like to plan events? Or do you just need something to do now that we are in the midst of winter and it’s too cold for sunbathing and relaxing in outdoor cafés? If you said “yes” to any of the above, OPALGA is looking for you.
Each month, Empower highlights the activities of OPALGA, both familiar and new. The fact that all of these diverse events continue to be planned and offered is in no small part due to the outstanding efforts of the OPALGA Programming Committee. With the exception of Jan and Susan, our OPALGA staff members, each event is planned and executed by OPALGA volunteers. Outside of the OPALGA Board of Directors, the Programming Committee is the primary group of people who are working to keep our organization vital and growing.
Newly appointed Board Member-at-Large David Rappoport has volunteered to become the interim Chair of the Programming Committee. This came about due to the joyous addition of two very young children to the family of current Programming Chair Laura Drumm and her partner Kim Hefner. So, while we thank Laura for her dedicated service, we now look forward to David’s expertise and enthusiasm. In essence, this is a new opportunity to revitalize the Programming Committee. “The timing of the change in leadership gives OPALGA an outstanding opportunity,” said OPALGA Co-Chair Mike Cochran. “The Board of Directors is about to receive the final strategic plan from Dr. Goldbaum, and all of us realize that we need to take a new, fresh look at programming in order to meet the needs of our members. The addition of David gives us a person who is looking at the committee with new ideas, and that is always a plus.”
So, we are now seeking new members, and we need your help. The Programming Committee meets once a month and is responsible for the planning and execution of our events throughout the year. We encourage you to come to a meeting and to get to know the dedicated and enthusiastic people who drive our programs! This is your chance to suggest a new event or to offer improvements to an existing one. To volunteer, please call The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273. “I really would like your input,” said Rappoport. “This is a unique opportunity to take an already active committee and strengthen and energize it even more.”
Tribute to Heath Ledger
Respected Actor Changed Hearts and Minds with “Brokeback Mountain” Role
The unexpected death of Heath Ledger on January 22, 2008, has shocked and saddened many in the LGBT community and beyond. Ledger chose his roles for their artistic integrity rather than for their commercial appeal. Many actors were too frightened to play the role of a cowboy who falls deeply in love with another cowboy; Heath Ledger was not.
In 2006, OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato was asked by the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest to write a “One View” column in response to this groundbreaking film, “Brokeback Mountain,” directed by Ang Lee. The editors of Empower felt that a reprint of Alan’s article would be a fitting tribute to the memory of this brave and talented actor. Alan’s column was published on January 17, 2006, and is reprinted, with permission, in its entirety below.
“Brokeback Mountain” Is a Love Story, Not a “Gay Cowboy Film”
A week ago Friday, I joined friends for the opening of “Brokeback Mountain” at the Lake Theatre. For those of you who have not recently opened a paper or turned on the television, this film has generated praise from the majority of movie critics and its share of controversy. The movie has already been pulled from screens in three states, and I am confident, considering the amount of wingnuts, it will probably be pulled from several more screens before the end of its run.
The film, based on the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx, tells the story of two young Wyoming sheepherders, Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). The film begins in 1963 when the two cowboys meet and, well, fall deeply in love. Considering the time and place, the two men are confused, frightened, and, well, deeply in love. It brought to my mind Oscar Wilde and Victorian England: “the love that dare not speak its name.”
The story of this love affair stretches over a 20-year period. After a four-year absence, Jack (now married) appears at Ennis’ (also now married) door. At first sight, the two hug and kiss passionately. Every year they return to Brokeback Mountain to continue their relationship. All Jack wants in his future is for the two of them to live on a small ranch in Wyoming, to spend their lives together. Of course, considering the attitudes of the time, we all know this is just a wonderful dream.
Enough of the story—I want to encourage you to see the film, so I certainly do not want to give away too much of the story line. However, come Oscar time, I’m sure the film will receive nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Heath Ledger), and Best Director (Ang Lee). The scenery is spectacular, the acting, tremendous, and some of the background music, haunting. Of course, considering my activity in Oak Park with OPALGA, I freely admit I am not the most objective person to comment on this film.
Upon entering the nearly packed house, I noticed the majority of the audience was straight young couples. What would the reaction be when the two cowboys kiss? What would my reaction be to the audience reaction? The cowboys kissed—absolute silence in the theater. As the film progressed, I could hear muffled sobs.
I should point out that, yes, there is nudity and, yes, there are “sex scenes,” although they’re left much more to one’s imagination than many scenes I’ve witnessed in some mainstream straight cowboy movies.
“Brokeback Mountain” is not a “gay cowboy movie.” It is a love story—regardless of sexual orientation.
Have, in 40 years, attitudes changed? Almost exactly one year to the date of the publication of the short story in 1997, college student Matthew Shepard was fatally gay-bashed. Ironically, he was severely beaten, tied to a fence, and died—in rural Wyoming.
All Jack Twist wanted in 1963 was for himself and Ennis to own a small ranch and live as partners. Switch to the present: several states have recently passed state constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage.
All Jack Twist wanted was to share their love and their lives together without harassment, without publicity, without harm. Switch to the present: right-wing religious zealots and their legislative allies fight against comprehensive hate-crime laws. Not only do they fight against same-sex marriage but they fight against any civil protections for same-sex couples.
Have we made progress? Of course we have—especially in the protection of our little “bubbles” across the United States, such as our own wonderful community of Oak Park.
Upon leaving the Lake, I intentionally eavesdropped on people’s conversations. I did not hear a negative comment. I left the theater a bit watery-eyed but smiling—smiling that a movie of two men deeply in love is showing on the big screen in movie theaters across our country. A movie of two men deeply in love may possibly receive the Oscar for Best Picture. Please go see the movie—you will not be disappointed.
I know there are many like “Ennis” and “Jack” out there in rural and urban America. May they see this story and decide to “come out” and not be afraid or confused about their deep and abiding love.
The movie is about a love that could have been. I would have wanted it to be about a love that should have been.
What’s New
Did You Know?
Shop The Book Table in Oak Park at 1045 Lake St. and raise money for OPALGA. The Book Table gives 1% of all book sales to OPALGA when you make your purchase if you let them know that you would like the donation to be made.
Does your company offer a program that matches employees’ donations to not-for-profit organizations? Do they have a grant-making program for community organizations that their employees support? If so, you can double your giving to OPALGA by taking advantage of such employee programs. To find out more, check with your company’s human resources department.
If you have other ideas for ways to increase giving to OPALGA through community programs, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre
Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre (ALAS), our Latino men’s group, will be expanding our services again. We are now holding groups every Tuesday night from 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. at The OPALGA Center. Some upcoming ALAS events include HIV and STD testing on site, LGBT history night, and a public policy update from OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato. For more information about ALAS, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member Jan Grillos.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
Jan: I joined the organization over 15 years ago, attending the potlucks and enjoying the social aspect (I am a vegetarian, so I eat dinner before arriving since I have such a strict diet).
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
Jan: For over seven years.
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer with OPALGA?
Jan: I assist with Spectrum and Prism youth, ensuring that any of the kids who arrive are given attention by other kids or by us.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA; that is, how did you first become a volunteer?
Jan: I wanted to invest time in helping youth to cope with issues that they encounter in their daily lives and in school due to their not conforming to general society’s expectations—especially with the bullying and shaming issues.
Empower: How would you encourage others to become active volunteers with OPALGA?
Jan: Simply ask a Board member where help is needed and determine whether you have the interest and time to assist the organization in that capacity.
Empower: There are so many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Oak Park area; what made you choose OPALGA as the organization with which to volunteer?
Jan: I was familiar with OPALGA since I have been a member for so long—it was natural to consider opportunities right here.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
Jan: Yes. I attend many of the West Suburban Gay Association functions—it is strictly a social organization. In addition, I give major support to the Gay Liberation Network, which is a gay rights activist organization, and I will be volunteering with Howard Brown’s Broadway Youth Center as a mentor for youth. I have also met with a number of GSAs (gay-straight alliances) for middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and I support PFLAG, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU, to name a few others.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying, rewarding, or inspirational about being an OPALGA volunteer?
Jan: The opportunity to have an impact on youths’ attitudes toward themselves and gay society in general. It is also good to see new attendees be accepted and helped by other members.
Empower: What is your professional background?
Jan: My background includes many years as a systems developer. Later, I was a professional sales representative, selling for management consultants, systems integrators, and software companies (I have a business management and marketing degree). I recently changed careers. I am now spending most of the time investing in real estate.
Empower: Is there any other personal information you would like to share with our readers? (Where you live, what your hobbies are, etc.)
Jan: I live in Elmhurst with my partner Chuck (who is from Oak Park). (Living in Elmhurst, one day Susan Abbott asked me “Are you okay?” I am a vegan vegetarian (due to health reasons) and work out six days per week (three days swimming laps at the YMCA—I’m a member of their 100-mile club, swimming more than 100 miles per year—and three days working out at home for an hour). I am a modern art collector and have painted a number of modern art pieces myself, and I have collected a number of modern sculptures to decorate outside by the deck as well as in the house. And I am very interested in architecture, having seen many of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses as well as being a member of the Mies van der Rohe Society. I enjoy bicycle riding with Chuck and helping him to prepare something fabulous for dinner each night (he’s a great cook; I’m the gofer).
Thank you, Jan, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
