Message from the Co-Chair (January, 2008)
As I sit down to write my first column as Co-Chair of OPALGA, I am acutely aware of the huge responsibility that I have agreed to assume, and it is both humbling and gratifying. Although I am faced with a great deal of hard work, I am genuinely looking forward to the coming months. These are very exciting times for OPALGA, and we are on the verge of some significant accomplishments.
First, however, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Brad Bartels. His devotion to the organization was nothing short of amazing, and his generosity with his time and talent serves as an example for us all. Brad has left a legacy that touches virtually every aspect of OPALGA, and we are all better for it.
In addition, Brad’s Co-Chair, Cheryl Haugh, recently decided to step down as of January 1 for personal reasons. Cheryl originally stepped up when Ethel Cotovsky passed away, and OPALGA will always be grateful for her willingness to help. The time involved in serving as Co-Chair is enormous, and I salute Cheryl for helping OPALGA as she did.
The Board of Directors chose extraordinarily wisely in selecting Liz Stallone to serve out the remaining year of Cheryl’s term. I had the privilege of serving as Co-Chair of the 2006 Gala with Liz, and we had a great time working together. Liz brings a combination of enthusiasm and energy that combines with her work ethic to make her an absolute pleasure to work with. I am very happy and excited that we have the opportunity to serve together as Co-Chairs.
So, what exactly are some of the “significant accomplishments” that I mentioned earlier? For starters, consider that OPALGA is presently involved in the following:
• The Board of Directors is nearing the end of its four-month strategic planning process with Dr. Carol Goldbaum, which will better position us for future growth;
• The Board is in the midst of creating its first-ever Policy Manual, which will be an invaluable aid for the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers; and,
• The Gala moves to Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook and promises to be a Gala unlike any other before it.
In addition, we are planning our holiday brunch for Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Trattoria 225 in Oak Park, and then on Friday, February 1, 2008, we have a spectacular evening of theatre as we join the Steppenwolf Theatre Company for a benefit production of “Good Boys and True.” (Both of these events are described in detail elsewhere in this issue of Empower.)
Moreover, we are mindful that gay and lesbian rights are at the forefront of the upcoming election, and issues such as marriage equality, civil unions, and domestic partner benefits are in the news daily. These issues affect all of us, and we must make certain that we do whatever possible to advocate for these rights on behalf of our members in as effective a manner as possible.
If this seems like a lot of activity to you, it is. While the Board is in great shape with the addition of new members Bruce Broerman, Kim Hefner, and David Rappaport, the Board simply cannot do it alone. We need your help. Pick out an activity that appeals to you, and get involved. While you are at it, talk to some non-member friends and get them involved; tell them what a great organization we have, and invite them to join you as members. Our monthly potlucks are a great opportunity to bring prospective members to a free event where they can see for themselves what OPALGA has to offer. In short, whatever your interest(s), we welcome your participation. If there is an activity that you feel we should be offering that we are not at present, please give me a call or drop me a note at . I again thank you for the opportunity to serve as Co-Chair, and pledge to each of you that I will do the best job possible. Please join me for some exciting times ahead!
