Florida's "Equality Means Business" Goes to GaYBOR District

Equality Florida, Florida’s largest GLBTA advocate for GLBT rights, had its annual Tampa Gala at the gorgeous iconic Italian Club Theatre in historic Ybor City with over 300 in attendance. A new recognized and awarded category is the “Equality Means Business Award.” A recognition to the recipients for working together to share equal rights for all in a community or a business. That award went to GaYBOR District Coalition for its hard 4 years work of positive growth and  accomplishments in historic Ybor City and Tampa Bay. Accepting the prized honor plaques from Equality Florida Representative Jim Harper were Carrie West, President of GaYBOR District Coalition, Rich Kerin- treasurer, D. Stephen Moss– co-secretary and Mike Olds -Resident Representative.
In attendance were many political leaders including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, former Tampa Mayors Pam Iorio and Sandy Freedman, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, State Senator Janet Cruz, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, past husband and wife Florida Governor candidates Alex Sink and Bill McBride, Tampa City Council members Harry Cohen and Yolie Capin, former Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena and emceeing the night was Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner.
Two other Equality Florida honored awards were given out to Tampa Bay Times Newspaper for its progressive writings and Equality Florida president Nadine Smith honored local Keith Roberts and was given the Individual Voice for Equality Award for helping initiate and lead the fight to passing the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinances in the early 1990’s.

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

Contact: Moira Shiver

msshiver@gmail.com

(813) 505-8802

— Press Release —

Ybor Art Association (YAA) Announces Gallery Opening

Ybor City has long since been known for its rich cultural diversity and artistic nuance. Considered by many to be the cigar capital of the world, it is no surprise to find that its reputation as an artist colony comes in as a close second. Regardless of its historical transitions, Ybor City continues to explore and expand upon its cultural past, including being a beacon for the artistic at heart.

As evidenced recently in an explosion of artistic revolution, Ybor City once again is seeing the emergence of its sleeping giant, ART, ART and MORE ART. Tampa has an untapped wealth of artistic talent”, says Ybor Art Association’s President Jason Shiver, “and it’s about time we gave them the platform to show the world that we’re here”.

Joining the Ybor City Gallery ranks of Brad Cooper, Hoffman Porges, Singing Stone, Arnold Martinez and a plethora of additional retail establishments showcasing local artists, the Ybor Art Association is proud to announce the opening of its member gallery on March 10, 2012. As part of its monthly Ybor Art Series, the YAA will open their member gallery to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 6 – 9 PM for an Open House. A combination of YAA studio artists and outside artist members, this gallery promises to be a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the Ybor City/Tampa art scene.

For more information regarding this opening, contact Moira Shiver at msshiver@gmail.com or by phone, 813-505-8802.

Ybor Art Series

YAA Gallery Grand Opening

1521 ½ 7th Avenue, Ybor City

6 – 9 PM

Free Event

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Tickets are going fast. Don’t miss the event everyone is talking about!
Purchase your tickets at
http://www.cigarcitymagazine.com/events/131-cigars-and-stars-event
Tickets must be purchased no later than March 5. To order by phone call (813) 358-3455


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King of Peace MCC

King of Peace MCC Matters

February 16, 2012

Open and affirming.
Celebrating and sharing God’s love for all!

In This Issue
This & That
Did You Know?
Volunteer Appreciation Awards
Mark Your Calendar
HOT News
The Life & Music of Cole Porter Concert
March/April Spiritual and Personal Enrighment Classes/Events
Daytime Tai Chi Debuts
Dinner @ Georgie’s

This & That

Don’t forget to register for a vendor’s space at our March 3 Flapjacks & Flea Market.  You can do so in the social hall on Sundays or in the office during the week.

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Join the KOP MCC Team for the annual Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, March 4.  Stop in the social hall to find out how.

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Church Lady Bingo is coming up on Saturday February 26

in our social hall. $20 cash only admission.  Doors open at 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm start to some zanyness and a chance to win cash prizes from Savannah Starr– hostess with the mostest (and the biggest hair)–and her gay team.

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Begin your Sunday worship experience early with First Morning Prayer Service at 9:00 am in the Serenity Chapel.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a recent UCLA survey, 71.3% of college freshmen think that same-sex couples should have the right to marry.  This is an increase from 2009 when 64.9% answered yes on the same question.

Volunteer Appreciation Award

Our Volunteer Appreciation Award is given for extraordinary volunteer service.

The award piece is a glass “kiss” created by Chuck Boux, a local glass artist, who works in the Hot Shop at the Morean Arts Center in downtown St. Petersburg. Each kiss is as unique as the volunteer we honor.

Susan McGrath was presented with the award on Sunday, February 5 for her work with the Assimilation, Lay Worship, and Prayer Partner Teams, as well as a volunteer at our many fundraising events.

Our next award will be presented on Sunday, March 4.

Do you know someone who should be nominated?  If so, you’ll find forms on the lobby counter.

Mark Your Calendar

February 19, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service; following service–Lay Delegate Forum

February 21, 6:45 pm–Board meeting
February 22, 6:30 pm–Ash Wednesday worship
February 25, 7:00 pm–Church Lady Bingo
February 26, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service; following service–Council of Ministries meeting
March 3, 8:30 am-1:30 pm–Flapjacks & Flea Market
March 4, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service; 1:30 pm–Annual Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk, Sunshine Center, St. Petersburg
March 8, 6:30-8:30 pm–Dinner @ Georgie’s Alibi (See article.)
March 11, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service
March 16-17–All Florida MCC Network Meeting
March 18, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service; 9:00-10:00 am–Free, rapid HIV testing by Metro Wellness
March 23, 7:30 pm–UV Rays: The Life & Music of Cole Porter fundraising concert (See article.)
March 25, 9:00 am–First Morning Prayer Service
April 5, 6:30 pm–Holy Thursday worship
April 6, 6:30 pm–Good Friday worship
April 8, 10:00 am–Easter worship
November 3–A Night of Black & White
July 1-5, 2013–MCC General Conference, Chicago

HOT NEWS

February’s HOT (Human Outreach Team) personal care items being collected for clients at St. Petersburg Free Clinic and A Turning Point is
shampoo.

Please remember to pick up an extra item or two next time you are at the store and put your donation in the barrel in the social hall. And please don’t forget we always are accepting donations of  

clean, gently used clothing,

especially for men. Thank you.

Have you made your 2012 pledge?

We’re counting on you!


Quick Links


http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101433449635
A Message from Your Pastor

LENT 2012

Imagine this: The Christian Lenten season and Lady Gaga.  The first is a centuries old traditional time of preparation for Holy Week and Easter.  The second, just in case you have been hiding out for the past few years, is a pop music sensation, especially adored by the GLBT community.

Lady Gaga has a song entitled The Edge of Glory.  You may have heard it at one of the local clubs, on the radio, or maybe it’s on your iPod. This year we are using the words in the refrain as a starting point for our Sunday Lenten worship.

Here are the words:

It’s hard to feel the rush

To push the dangerous.

I’m gonna run right back

To the edge with you.

Where we can both fall over in love.

I’m on the edge of glory.

So we begin Lent with our traditional Ash Wednesday service on February 22 at 6:30 pm talking about “Focus.”  And these are the themes for the Sundays in Lent (with who’s preaching in parenthesis):

February 26: “Feeling the Rush” (the Pastor)

March 4: “Pushing the Dangerous” (the Pastor)

March 11: “Running Back to God” (Rev. Lorraine)

March 18: “To the Edge with You” (the Pastor)

March 25: “Falling Over in Love” (the Pastor)

April 1: “The Edge of Glory” (the Pastor)

I pray that you will join us in worship during this Lenten season.

In hope and JOY!

Rev. Dr. Candace R. Shultis

Una Voce-KOP MCC Fundraising Concert Coming Up

Friday, March 23, 7:30 pm, sanctuary

Mark your calendar for this exciting musical event–The Life and Music of Cole Porter–performed by the UV Rays, Una Voce’s octet ensemble.

The show will feature a “words and music” tribute to this great American composer, who wrote thousands of songs in a career that spanned decades from his Yale College days through Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and Hollywood.

You may not know the words and music to Porter’s “A Little Rumba Numba,” Dubarry was a Lady,” or “The Zombie Song,” but who could forget “Anything Goes,” “In the Still of the Night,” or “Begin the Beguine?”

So, if you love music and are interested to hear more about the life of this glamorous and gay songwriter, then you won’t want to miss this show.

Tickets are $12 in advance. You can pick up yours in the social hall on Sundays, in the church office during regular hours (Monday-Thursdays, 9:15 am-5:00 pm) or on Una Voce’s website by clicking here. There will be a limited amount of tickets available at the door for $15, but save money get yours here soon!

Proceeds of this event will benefit KOP MCC and Una Voce–The Florida Men’s Chorale.

New Spiritual and Personal Enrichment Classes/Events Offered

If you were in church last Sunday, February 12, you will have seen the flyer with the schedule of the upcoming March-April classes.  But just in case, the complete list is below.

As usual, all events (unless otherwise specified) are at King of Peace MCC and start at 6:30 pm. Most are free; all require advance registration. You may sign up in the social hall or call the church office (727-323-5857) Monday-Thursday, 9:15 am-5:00 pm, and we will do it for you.

Here are the classes/events scheduled for March and April:

March 5, 12, 19 & 26

Tai ChiLearn the basic postures in this Chinese system of physical exercises proven to offer health benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished practitioner, this class, led by Rhoda Levine, a certified instructor, is for you.

March 7, 14, 21 & 28

Why Do We Celebrate What We Celebrate?–Throughout history certain days were set aside as holy days to celebrate or reenact special events. People reinforce their identity with feasts such as the Passover and Easter. Why, how, and when did these celebratory feasts and traditions begin? Come find out. Led by Angel Toro

April 2

Prayer and Reflection–Join Rev. Lorraine Brock for this class that will follow Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading), a Christian practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God.

April 16, 23 & 30*

Seeing With the Heart: Art TherapyThis insight-oriented class, led by Rich Schultz, an art therapist with Suncoast Hospice, is for those artists and non-artists alike who may want to learn more about how to use art to process life’s journey. This class is limited to 15 participants and there is a $15 materials fee. *This class continues on May 7 and 14.

April 25*

Forty Days of Fruitful Living–Based on the book of the same title, this class is a 40-day journey to open your heart to the joys of a life rich with meaning, relationship, and contribution. Participants read daily devotions, then come together with Pastor Candace R. Shultis for discussion, sharing, and further growth. Book purchase is required. *This class continues on May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6 and 13.

April 30

Spaghetti Dinner and Games NightThe Assimilation Team will be cooking up a big spaghetti dinner for all to enjoy. After dinner out come the games for fun and fellowship.

As well, there is still time to sign up for the two remaining February events:

February 24

Bowling at Ten Pin Lanes–Meet fellow KOPers at this bowling center (1453 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg) and play in an impromptu bowling tournament on one of the reserved alleys.  Individual bowlers are responsible for their own costs.

February 27

Potluck and Games Night–Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy some homemade food and conversation.  Once the dishes are cleared away, out come the cards and board games for some fun and fellowship.

Daytime Tai Chi Debuts
Tuesday, March 6, 10:30 am-noon
Are you physically unable to stand for long periods but still want to improve your balance, reduce stress, and strengthen your body?  Then this new class is for you.
Seated Tai Chi is scheduled on Tuesdays throughout March from 10:30 am to noon in our social hall.  It will be led by Rhoda Levine, a certified instructor with more than a decade of experience, and who has adapted the basic postures of this ancient Chinese system of movement for those with limited mobility.
Wear comfortable loose clothing–we’ll supply the chair–and don’t forget to sign up in the social hall.

A Dining Evening Planned for Georgie’s Alibi
Thursday, March 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join other KOPers for a meet, greet, and eat gathering, when we team up with Georgie’s for this dining event.
Your $20 ticket–that must be puchased in advance–will give you a choice of four main courses (chicken, pork, pasta, or fish), plus a potato or rice side, a salad, and a soft drink, and includes an 18% gratuity.  The bar will be serving drinks at the 2-4-1 price.
Only 60 tickets are available, so you will want to pick up yours soon. They will be on sale in the social hall on Sundays, February 19, 26, and March 4, or in the church office during regular business hours.
$5 of each ticket sold will go to KOP MCC.
If this event is a success more dining events will be planned in future, so hurray and get your ticket soon!

If you have any questions or need more information about anything you have read here, please give me a call at 727-323-5857 Monday-Thursday, 9:15 am-5:00 pm.

Peggy MacLeod
Director of Administration

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 2-22-12

SPECIAL GaYBOR Update – GaYBOR Energy
A wave of positive energy has been flowing over 7th Ave in GaYBOR/Ybor City this past month. There have been many Conventions, Cruise Ships, Parties, Pageants, Tournaments, Special Events & Meetings held because of GaYBOR!  These events and planners have worked together with GaYBOR District and drew 10’s of 1,000’s of national travellers, international visitors, state tourists along with locals to GaYBOR/Ybor City. Creating a huge economical impact on not only GaYBOR/Ybor City but the West Coast of Florida.
Many in the LGBT & friendly community are Cheering “Viva La GaYBOR/Ybor City!!!”
This past weekend was The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Pin Chaser Knight Parade. The GaYBOR District Coalition was very honored & proud to be in this parade for the 5th time. On the GaYBOR Float & in the walking delegation were over 80+ members proudly representing diversity. The crowds cheered wildly and loudly for the group. There were also thumbs up from Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn & TV entertainer and honorary Sant’ Yago Knight Parade Marshall Jerry Springer. This past weekend was also the 17th Annual Gasparilla Softball Classic http://www.suncoastsoftball.org/gsc/ .  84 LGBTA teams from across North America competed this year. For the first time both the registration and closing parties were both held in GaYBOR/Ybor City.  Many of the softball players & other groups commented on how much they liked the GaYBOR Membership stickers & Posters in the merchants windows. We heard over & over not only did the stickers & posters make them feel welcome but told them where their LGBTA Money was appreciated at. This weekend was the Opening of Liquid Tampa. Congratulations to Mike, Manny & Steve! How very Fantastic to have Liquid Tampa bring life back to the corner of 15th St & 7th Ave. The dirty blacked out windows are now clean & open to the outdoors.  Inside you will find a NEW positive LGBTA Dance/Happy Hour Club full of Color, Excitement & Fun!!! A Great Happy Hour  with a South Beach feel as you watch the sun set over the Tampa Skyline and the Night Life begin in GaYBOR/Ybor City.
Coming up this weekend is the first “Florida Leather Weekend 2012” to be hosted in GaYBOR/Ybor City. The host hotel will be the Hampton Inn & Suites. Registrations starts Thursday at Bradley’s on 7th. There will be educational sessions at the Metro Wellness & Community Center (did you know that the Metro Center is the 6st largest LGBT Community Center in North America?). The Flamingo Auto Group will host a car show in the metro parking lot on Saturday 25th too. There are many more events including a Motorcycle Run, Reception at Reservoir Bar, Family Dinner at Laughing Cat, Cigar smoker & more . FMI at  http://www.flleatherweekend.com
On that same Saturday is the 9th Annual Flan Festival 11- 4  in Centennial Park.
GaYBOR President Carrie West will be a Judge!!!  And Saturday the streets of Ybor City come alive with the Annual Fiesta Day with the famous recognized American Main Street winner, Ybor’s 7th Ave. lined with vendors, and local restaurants.
Saturday Night, Feb 25, at The Italian Club will be the ” 6th Annual Equality Florida Tampa GALA.” The GaYBOR District Coalition will be receiving the first “Business Means Equality” Award at the GALA.
Tickets are $100.00 and available at http://eqfl.org/Upcoming_Events
The Board of GaYBOR & committees are very busy working on upcoming events, promotions, advertising, outreach & programs. Just some include; St. Patrick’s Day Parade, GaYBOR Days, Easter Bar Crawl, Health Fair, LGBT Conventions across America, St. Pete Pride,  Educational Programs,  Designation Programs,The Republican National Convention are among the many.
Viva La GaYBOR/Ybor City!!!
Carrie West, President
GaYBOR District Coalition
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BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
Tea Dance in GaYBOR
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People R Talking
A Surprise move to Tampa’s Southside. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant at Don Vicente Inn has moved  his restaurant, catering and Italian fare to south Manhattan Ave. The weather was great for the Sant’ Yago Knight Parade. Also the visiting up north softball teams for the Gasparilla Softball Classic was a record with 86 visiting teams. A new Ybor City steak house is soon to be opening.in Centro Ybor Plaza. Caverne is opening where the old Olivier’s once was on the first floor of El Centro Espanol Building..
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Happy Birthday Mark & Gang @ The Crowbar
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Centro Canteen
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NY NY Pizza
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Captain BOB
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Jerry Springer wearing GaYBOR Beads!!!
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Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn at Knight Parade
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Pirates of GaYBOR
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GaYBOR Members of the Week
Manny & Mike
New Bar… Liquid Lounge is moving at least 12′ but 1 huge difference, there address is now on 7th Ave. The old Blue Shark has totally been redone. The new openness of light through the front windows allow you to see downtown Tampa’s tallest buildings and skyscape. What a great transformation. Glass tiles, zebra wood and metal walls make the new Liquid…liquid!  Owners, Manny Alvarez and Mike M. have moved their small 15th Street bar to a 2 story dance club. New added shot bars are on the 2nd floor and an added bar in the front bar area with a wrap around bar rail. A soft opening was last Saturday night during the Sant Yago Knight Parade. It was packed! A real  big Grand Opening is set for mid March before the Roughrider’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.on March 17th.