Photos of Apple Picking

Valued Families Updates- Late September

Thanks to all of the families who joined us for apple picking at Heritage Orchard today! We had a great time and in spite of the clouds had an enjoyable picnic. I think the highlight for the younger kids was pushing and pulling the wagons. I'll post some pictures on the blog if families do not object. Please e-mail me if you would prefer I not post them of you or your family. Privacy is respected in Valued Families.

 

• Our next meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, October 4th. Kari and I will be out of town so I am proposing two options: a.) We reschedule for Sunday the 12th at Harmony Cafe from 2:00-4:00 OR b.)  The meeting proceeds on the 5th as scheduled and one of you lovely parents volunteer to facilitate the meeting, greet new arrivals, make introductions etc. in my place. You can e-mail me or vote on the blog. I'll post a survey.

 

• It is with some disappointment that I recommend moving our showing of “It’s Elementary” to the spring of next year. I confess I have had much going on in my personal and professional life that has not allowed me the time to dedicate to properly promoting the event. I really want to present it properly in an organized and well-promoted manner and I just don’t feel in the time between now and November 12^th that this could be done properly. I would very much like to plan this for late April or early May of 2009I hope I can count on all of you to assist me in the organization and promotion. I will actually be organized enough by then to have assignments to assist! If this is okay with everyone, I would really prefer to wait. Please let me know your thoughts.

 

• With the holidays approaching I know all of us will be swamped with family, school and work activities but I am hoping to plan something beyond our usual monthly gatherings. Any ideas? Thanksgiving volunteering, Cookie exchange, adopt-a-family, family bowling? Let me know your ideas!

Dane County WI Advances Gay Rights

From the Fair Wisconsin Web site:

http://fairwisconsin.blogspot.com/2008/09/victory-for-fairness-for-all-dane.html

 Early this morning, the Dane County Board of Supervisors voted 25-9 to create a countywide domestic partner registry and to require that county contractors offer the same health and other benefits to domestic partners of their employees, as they offer to spouses. Ordinance Amendment 13, introduced by Supervisors Chuck Erickson and Kyle Richmond and Board Chair Scott McDonell, makes Dane County the first county in Wisconsin to enact such an ordinance.  This ordinance covers all qualified domestic partners, but is particularly important to many lesbian and gay couples who could not otherwise obtain health coverage for their loved one. This ordinance sends a strong signal because it moves our state in the right direction in recognizing the need for legal protections of all families.

Fair Wisconsin strongly supported the passage of this fair-minded legislation.  In addition to covering the domestic partner of employees of county contractors, it also provides the governmental registration required by many other employers who already offer domestic partner coverage ( Madison 's registry applies to Madison residents only).

It is important to note that this ordinance only requires equal treatment.  It does not mandate domestic partner coverage if an employer does not offer spousal benefits.  It doesn't increase benefits, it only includes in an existing plan those who have been unfairly left out in the past.

In addition to health benefits, the ordinance also covers any other plan, program or policy offered as part of the employer's total compensation package, including bereavement leave, family medical leave, sick leave, disability insurance, life insurance, membership discounts, moving expenses, pension and retirement benefits and travel benefits.  An employer also has the option to provide a "cash equivalent" if it is practically unable to provide the actual benefit.

I hope you will join me in celebrating this victory for the cause of fairness, in the hopes that it is only the first step to achieving equality for ALL of Wisconsin families.

Rocky Horror Review

Several of us were treated to a really fun evening at the PAC's Rocky Horror Picture Show. VF  dad, Joshua, killed it as Dr. Frankenfurter. Great job Joshua! Way to push the comfort level of the Fox Valley's theater goers! See the snap of J and myself after the show.

If any other VF parents have hidden talents you would like promoted, drop me an e-mail and I'd be happy to list your event/performance/wares on the site.

Fall Madness! Come Join Us!

Come join us for the following upcoming events:

Parent's Night Out: Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Friday, September 19th 8:00 PM ,Meet at Dr. Jeckyll's Bar (College Avenue) afterward for a drink.

Family Outing: Apple Picking and Rustic Picnic at Heritage Orchard on Sunday, September 28th.Located in Chilton WI, this orchard has many little hollows to relax with a fall picnic. Pack your own or bring something simple to share. Meet at noon by the main entrance.

Community Event: Documentary screening for educators, parents and community members of  the movie, "It's Elementary". Panel led discussion to follow. Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 PM. Volunteers needed! Details going out this week!

VF Meeting TODAY, Sunday, September 7th!

Here's hoping this crisp and sunny morning extends into the afternoon for our meeting! Please join us today, September 7th at City Park in Appleton from 2:00-4:00 PM for Valued Families. Come play, reconnect and meet new families like your own.