– Not Your Grandmother’s Art Classes

CONTACT: Sigrid Tidmore, Executive Director
Tel: (813) 957-1720 Email: Sigrid@communitysteppingstones.org

TAMPA, FL, January 4, 2012 – Community Stepping Stones, a nonprofit creative learning center in Sulphur Springs, announces the launch of an innovative adult arts education program: “Inside The Creative Studio.” The 20+ teaching artists who are offering classes are among some of Hillsborough County’s best known and loved professionals. There will be an Open House to meet the artists from 2-4pm on Sunday, January 15 at Community Stepping Stones (1101 E. River Cove St. in Sulphur Springs.)

Planned as a distinctive departure from the standard “how to” art class, these workshops are designed to inspire participants to view art as a chance to practice thinking as much as acquiring a skill. Class sizes are small, mostly 10 or less.

Workshop offerings include popular watercolorist, Taylor Ikin teaching “Is Yupo for You”; Dominique Martinez, the creator of those intriguing metal rooftop dragons with “Creative Welding”; and jewelry makers Brenda Gregory and Audrey Parramore. Nationally-acclaimed portrait photographer, Pepito, features his talents; but if your preference is more towards animals, Dianne Blyer offers pet photography. Elizabeth Mitchell teaches silk painting; Joyce Lazzara shares the joy of oils and Terry Klaaren offers rain barrel and plein air classes. There will also be storytelling, script-writing, basket-making, ceramics, creative thought and papermaking. Historic preservationist, Linda Saul-Sena, will even guide architectural walking tours of the city.

Aside from their format, what makes these workshops unique is the artists are working as part of a social enterprise to support Community Stepping Stones – a creative learning center that helps at-risk teens become successful adults. Half of the registration fees helps the center support art programs for these youth.

Many workshops are held (not surprisingly) inside the creative artist’s studios. Others will take place on the tranquil, wooded campus of Community Stepping Stones, along the Hillsborough River. Classes begin in mid-January and run continually.

For more information & to register: www.InsideTheCreativeStudio.org or call for Kathleen McCabe at 813-932-1950.

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Do you know this lady??? From Tampa Epoch

January 12, 2012

Hi Just before Christmas I spoke to about 100 homeless at Heaven’s Kitchen at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church on Waters Avenue.  I don’t get that far north very often. You know me, I am more likely to be in SOHO than at a church in North Tampa. I recognized one guest, but couldn’t place from where.   I will call her Mabel. She spoke to me afterwards, Mabel is a lady in her 70’s that lives in a condo on Bayshore Blvd.  I have known her for years.  She asked me not to let anyone know she was there.   She told me she has meals at several churches a month because it is her only way to have enough money to pay her electric bill.  Mabel owns her Bayshore condo but can’t sell it in today’s market and is upside down in the value anyway. Mabel has been able to find some help by eating a few times a week at some of the churches and meal providers. Our purpose is to help people to help themselves by creating their own small business of newspaper distribution. It is working. We put together a 300 person vendor sales force of Tampa area homeless and near homeless in less than 60 days that has made over 20,000 sales. Mitch Perry at Creative Loafing tells you all about it in this week’s issue  here. Why ?  Because we had the capability to do it and because it was the right thing to do. On average a vendor receives about $2 for each paper they sell.  With 20,000 papers sold in 60 days it means we have put about $40,000 in the hands of the homeless and near homeless. And of course that means money being spent at local businesses. It takes us $30 to equip a vendor with his first batch of papers, a safety vest, a photo id, sign, carry bag, and supervision and training. We are overwhelmed with the response and urgenly in need of your help.  Please help by sponsoring a vendor or placing an ad in our February issue.  You can get information and sponsor a vendor online at TampaEpoch.com. Why ? Tampa Epoch is near to becoming a self sustaining entity and because it is the right thing to do. Please help now by sponsoring a vendor online here.  It is only $25 but can mean a life change for someone like Mabel. Bill Sharpe, Publisher Tampa Epoch Publisher, South Tampa Community News President, Tampa Marketing Company 813-283-0760

or… Click  Here for Video

You heard it first here from Mark & Carrie on Sunday Jan 8, 2012!!!  Just Say ‘n.  Here is the Dish…. On Sunday Mark & Carrie arrived at Hamburger Mary’s for brunch.  There were people sitting in their booth so Justin sat us in the Tootsie Booth. After brunch Mark looked up and said to Carrie ” It looks like the Virgin Mary is on the wall.”  Carrie said “Really Mark Really???”  Then Mark had Justin sit down and asked him what he saw??? Answer was “The Virgin Mary???” Here is the photo & the video you decide what it looks like. Then on Monday the FBI announced they had captured terrorist, Sami Osmakac, who was planning on blowing up Ybor City. http://ybor.wtsp.com/news/news/99384-potential-targets-find-alleged-tampa-terror-plot-disturbing What ever God you believe in He/She is blessing our community (GaYBOR)… We are doing good work here… And God knows it.   Just Say ‘n

Or Click Here for Video…

Things are not heating up, but boiling over and turning into a Circus with Excitement for The Gasparilla Invasion Jan 27 -29. This is the Second Annual GANCHO Tampa Circuit Party weekend. DJ ABEL, DJ RALPHI ROSSARIO, DJ POWER INFINITI are just some of the DJ’s in town this weekend. All of GaYBOR/Ybor City will be adding to the festivities. Special Drag Shows & DJ’s at Hamburger Mary’s, Bradley’s on 7th, Steam Fridays & G.BAR. There are the HOTTEST Dancers & Porn Stars flying in from across America & Europe to perform and Party in all the clubs. At Steam Fridays will be a “One of a Kind Circus Performance”.  G.BAR will host DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux!!! (See details below).  Most of the hotel rooms in GaYBOR/Ybor City are booked. May we suggest staying at the Sheraton Tampa River Walk and ask for the MC Film  discount rate. http://www.sheratontampariverwalk.com/mc-film The Sheraton is FABOULOUS and just off the Streetcar Line that takes you right into Ybor City. Get off at the 15th street stop in front of MC Film!  No matter where you stay or what events you go to make your first stop MC Film and pick up a GaYBOR/Ybor City Maps and visit with Mark & Carrie

FMI Visit  http://www.ganchotampa.com/ and   http://gasparillapiratefest.com/invasion.shtml

GANCHO PRESENTED BY PREMIERE SPONSORS

Local Sponsors

Promotional Sponsors

Benefiting

As one of the most sought after DJs in the industry, DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux (pronounced GO TROW) has a resume full of club appearances and main events that span the last 14 years – with the list growing each passing year. From events during Winter Party Festival to Atlantis Cruises to Black Party New York to San Diego Pride, his name is notorious for an amazing musical experience. In the past two years, Joe raised the bar for himself as he began producing his own remixes, which include “You Are” by Tony Moran featuring Frenchie Davis, “The Power of Music” by Kristine W, “Feel Good” by Edson Pride featuring Jeanie Tracy, among many more.  Joe will be at G.BAR on January 28, 20012, Gasparilla Invasion Weekend.

Miss Arica Love who wears more hats than anybody we know,is now the newest employee of Metro Wellness and Community Centers in there Fundraising Outreach Department.  This week Miss Love was also crowned  “The First Lady of the Metro Restaurant & Lounge.” With her TV Show , BINGOs and hosting at Clubs from Sarasota to GaYBOR she is one very busy lady!  https://www.facebook.com/arica.love

Steve was one of the original 5 to start GaYBOR.  No stranger to the Tampa Bay LGBT Club seen, Steve has been a promoter/owner for 20+ years here. Today Steve & his partners run Florida Entertainment. Something you might know about Steve is…. Not only is Steve the person who books all the Top DJ in America, but most of the DJ’s are also his personal friends!!!  You can catch Steve in his favorite spot….the DJ Booths at Honey Pot, G.BAR & The Social.

FMI www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org

www.TampaBayRedRibbonRun.org

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St Pete Pride is Moving

St. Pete Pride is Excited to Announce that we are moving to a NEW HOME at the NEW St. Petersburg Metro Wellness & Community Center!
3251 3rd Avenue North, Suite 125
St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Our mailing address will remain the same: PO Box 12647, St. Petersburg, FL 33733

The St. Pete Pride Board of Directors is excited to start out 2012 – a year full of celebration for our 10th Anniversary, at a new home at the heart of the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.

“An exciting place that will spark imagination, enhance learning, build friendships, and build community.”

The GLBT Metro Center proudly provides social activities, education events and space rental for all! Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Straight, all ages, races and gender identities are welcome to participate in any and all events and activities. The addition of St. Pete Pride’s office in this space provides a direct link with the community to help grow St. Pete Pride programs, community involvement, volunteerism and partnerships that will continue to help Pride grow for many years to come.

Metro connects community, celebrates our culture and supports our LGBT youth creating a perfect match with St. Pete Pride and its mission.

For further information on Office Hours, Volunteer Opportunities and Future Programming,
email info@stpetepride.com or call 727-279-LGBT (5428)

Click here for information on Metro Wellness & Community Centers

Click here to view Upcoming Events at Metro Wellness & Community Centers

Click here to view Upcoming Events at St. Pete Pride

DRAG QUEEN BINGO FOR PRIDE IS BACK!!!

Join us the first Wednesday of each month for Drag Queen Bingo
at Hamburger Mary’s in Tampa, 1600 East 7th Avenue  Tampa, FL 33605-3737
NEXT DATE: TOMORROW, JANUARY 4TH . . .7 PM
$5 Margarita Specials all night long.
$10 to play and all proceeds benefit St. Pete Pride.
Terrific Prizes and Great Fun with your host Amy Demilo!!
Make reservations early as seats fill up fast . . . (813) 241-6279

For more information visit http://hamburgermarys.com/tampa/

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR STREET FESTIVAL VENDORS & PROMENADE ENTRY. CLICK HERE!

Book early for Florida’s Largest Pride Celebration and SAVE!!!!

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS!

St. Pete Pride is a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to promote
unity, visibility, self-esteem and a positive image of and among the LGBT
community of St. Petersburg and throughout the state of Florida by way of
cultural and educational programs and activities including an annual St.
Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival Event.

www.stpetepride.com

A special big surprise from Ken Hagan, Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, in an appointment in December for Carroll “Carrie” West to become a Historical Advisory Board Member for Hillsborough County. The three year appointment was due in part for Carries being historically conscience of Tampa’s historic districts. Presently, Carrie is on Tampa’s historical Barrio Latino Commission, has been a 4 year board member on Tampa’s Ybor City Development Corp, Historical North Hyde Park Civic Groups, and President of the recent business revival of historic Ybor City, forming the GaYBOR District Coalition.

The chairman of the BOCC, Ken Hagan goes on to say in the letter, “I cannot adequately express to you the importance the county places on your participation. I believe Hillsborough County is unique in the number of citizens who have direct input into the government. Your caliber of membership is outstanding and your service invaluable.” A side note stated ,”Thanks for your great service!”

The county’s Historical Advisory Board is made up of 7 members including 1 each from City of Tampa, City of Temple Terrace and City of Plant City with 4 members selected by commissioners.

West, a local gay businessman said, ”  I am pleased for the appointment. Just 6 months ago the commissioners looked away in what was going on in historic Ybor City and didn’t want to sign the proclamation for Ybor City’s annual GaYBOR Days during the 4th of July. Now they seem to say “Wow” it is a very positive Hillsborough County economic story!”

2012 the POWER of GaYBOR…

6 New Gay Clubs Opening in Tampa!!!

More LGBTA Business on the Horrizon