Valued Families

Valued Families Program Coordinator Sought

2010-06-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

Looking for an easy way to make a difference in the GLBT community? Become a volunteer coordinator for Valued Families.

Valued Families is Wisconsin's only GLBT parent & child support group and has been in existence for over two years. A program of Harmony Cafe in Appleton, VF has offered support, socialization and a served as conduit for GLBT resources to the areas Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual parents and their children.

The program coordinator is an organic position, meaning it can be as involved as you like and may change as the needs of the group change and flux throughout the years.

Program Coordinator Responsibilities Include:

Maintain contact list and send out group reminders of upcoming meetings and events.

Attend meetings and act as "greeter" facilitator to any new members: make introductions etc.

If desired, plan "parent only" nights, and or special family outings such as apple picking, craft days etc.

As able, promote the group through various methods: blogging, flyers, Facebook etc. Whatever you wish.

Participate in Harmony Cafe required program coordination meetings (there are very few) etc. Network with other GLBT programs at HC.

Please contact me at lsnodgrass@tds.net if you are interested.

Thanks and enjoy the summer!

Lee

Valued Families Summer meetings

2010-06-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Valued Families is alive and well and hitting the park for the summer.

Join fellow moms & moms and dads & dads for toddler mayhem at City Park in Appleton the first Sunday of each month (2nd Sunday in July to avoid the 4th). Rain location is Harmony Cafe on College Avenue in Appleton.

Gathering times are loosely 2:00-4:00 and is drop-in. Come as you are and when you can! Safe and supportive families like yours to network with, learn from and share parenting experiences.

Summer Dates:

June 6

July 11 (adjusted for Independence Day)

August 8

September 12 (adjusted for Labor Day)

Meeting Recap and Reminder for December

2009-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the families that came on Sunday. We walked from the Cafe to City Park..just had to take advantage of the fantastic weather!

Our next meeting will be Sunday, December 6th. Please bring a new or gently used toy or book for a family in need. I will be dropping off donations to area gay-friendly charities in need of gifts for children of struggling families.

More on December's meeting in weeks to come.....

New York Times op Ed Piece on Children of Same-Sex Parents

2009-11-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday's New York Times featured an article on how children of gays and lesbians are in comparison to more conventional families. Gratifying to read this in a respected national publication...... we all know this anyway but the more "mainstream" Americans that have the message reinforced, the better. I will link the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/magazine/08fob-wwln-t.html

Apple Picking at Heritage Orchard-12:30, Sunday September 27th.

2009-09-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder we are planning for the the 2nd Annual VF Apple Picking Picnic at Heritage Orchard in Chilton.

Meet me in front of the main orchard building at 12:30 and we will walk down tot he hollow where there is a lovely spot for a picnic. Each family is responsible for their own lunch but feel free to bring something to share with the group if you are so inclined. Wagons are helpful for little ones and maybe a blanket to sit on. Last year we had a really nice time. We usually picnic for about an hour and then pick apples and climb trees. :)

Hope to see you all Sunday! New faces welcome!! Heritage Orchard directions on their home page....http://www.heritageorchard.net/

Fall Updates

2009-09-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings Families!

Just a reminder there will be NO meeting on September 6th due to the Labor day holiday weekend. Instead we are participating in the GLBT Family Picnic hosted by Harmony Cafe's GLBT Partnership on Sunday, September 13th from 1:00-4:00 at City Park, Appleton. This special event is planned and staffed by the wonderful GLBT youth in our area for our benefit Please come for a fun afternoon of games, food and activities and get to know other families like yours!

This week marks back-to-school for many of us. Fall is a great time to reconnect with other LGBT families in the area and share and discuss the unique challenges of navigating the school system, fall toddler classes etc. as a unique family structure. If you haven't come to a meeting in awhile or have always been meaning to stop by, please do try and join us.

The remaining 2009 meeting dates are as follows:

Sunday, October 4th-- Last gathering at City Park until Spring.

We will have football and soccer for older kids.

Sunday, November 1st --Harmony Cafe, Appleton

Programming is open. Send me your ideas.

Sunday, December 6th--Harmony Cafe, Appleton

Holiday recycled gift exchange & kid crafts.

Special Outings...mark your calendars!!

Sunday, September 27th ,12:30: Apple Picking Picnic, Heritage Orchard, Chilton

Thursday October 8th, 6:30 PM, Parent's Night Out, Bowling, Beer and Burgers at the 10th Frame in Appleton

Additional info as the dates approach.

I would like to plan a community outreach/volunteer effort for Valued Families to do as well. Perhaps something around the holidays. Please send me your suggestions.

Have a great Autumn. Hope to see all of you soon.

Peace-

Lee

lsnodgrass@tds.net

Summer Meetings and Events

2009-05-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Families-

As summer gets off to it's unofficial

start this Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to remind everyone that our summer meeting location at City Park in Appleton is in effect. Harmony Cafe is, of course, open at it's new location in downtown Appleton in case of rain. You could even stop by the cafe first and get your favorite beverage or snack then walk over to the park.

Summer meeting dates are as follows:

Sunday, june 7th

Sunday, July 12th (one week later due to the 4th of July holiday)

Sunday, August 2nd.

Several parents expressed interest in getting together more frequently during the summer months. I'll post a survey about that and get back to you with the results.

I would also like to plan an outing for the group. I am thinking of the Green Bay Zoo sometime in July. Most likely a Saturday. Stay tuned.

Finally, the families are growing and growing up! Ben and Joshua are "on deck" with their baby due June 9th, Anya and Sophie are turning one, Emmalea is turning 5, and my own "baby", Henry turns 8 tomorrow (May 23rd).

Please don't forget to spread the word about VF to your friends. We want the group to grow and prosper. And, if you haven't joined us in awhile, please stop by again. We would love to see you and catch up.

Peace-

lee

New Location, LGBT Equality Breakthroughs and a new hope for Spring

2009-04-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

I hope all of you are planning to attend the next Valued Families gathering

Sunday May 3rd at the NEW Harmony Cafe Fox Valley location at 233 E. College Avenue, Appleton.

The cafe will be open tot he public on Sundays so there will be cafe service (sandwiches, coffee, drinks) available when we meet. There are private rooms available for groups. I will go ahead and reserve on for our next meeting and we can decide collectively if this is necessary for all meetings or just some.

IN THE NEWS:

Three cheers for the recent victories for gay marriage in Iowa and Vermont. Iowa's unanimous victory makes it the third state in the U.S. to legalize gay marriage and the first in the heartland.

Vermont, the first state to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples remains a pioneer as they passed gay marriage through the legislature barely achieving enough votes to override Governor Douglass's veto. Still, a victory none the less.

LOCAL:

UW-Oshkosh's GLBT Student organization, Rainbow Alliance for HOPE is hosting a panel discussions, Wednesday, April 29th at 7PM on Being an LGBTQ parent. The panel will be in Reeve Union Rm 214. For more information, please contact: Shawn at 920-424-3182.
Positive Voice is hosting the first annual adult Gay Prom, Saturday April 25th, 7PM at Liberty hall in Kimberly. Check out their web site for more information

And, as always, don't forget to check Harmony Cafe's web site for ongoing LGBTQ programs and services near you!

May you all enjoy a Happy Easter and Passover as you celebrate with your valued families.

Peace-

lee

Meeting Recap and Plans for the Future

2009-02-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who came to February 2nd's gathering! We had glitter, cookies, frosting, brownies, balloons, hearts, markers, kids...your basic makings for a great (and messy) time!

Our next gathering will be Sunday, March 1st. Please mark your calendars. Perhaps we will be seeing warmer temperature by then. I am thinking we should plan some physical, get-your-sillies-out games. Surely we will all be stir crazy by then.

I'd like to find a time to get the undivided attention of the parents of our group for some upcoming ideas and planning. Maybe at our next gathering I can have some teen helpers to watch the kids while the adults sit in the cafe for a bit. More later.

Peace and love-

Lee

Take Back Valentine's Day

2009-01-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Upcoming for February 1st:

Love is tender and knows no gender!, Hearts, sparkles, glue and glitter.... all you and your little one need to make fabulous Valentines for the loves in your life.

Grown-ups don't be left out! With the dearth of LGBT Valentines at Hallmark, you'll be expected to get in on the creativity too.

xoxo

PG: Parental Guidance

2009-01-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Valued Dad, Benjamin Rinehart, assistant professor of art and art history at Lawrence University, will be hosting a show at the Wriston Art Center's Kohler Gallery on January 23rd. Please see the attached pdf for details! Congrats, Ben!

First Meeting of 2009!

2008-12-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Reminder that Sunday, January 4th from 2:00-4:00 PM we will hold our first Valued Families meeting/play group of the year.

Please join us at the Multi Cultural Center (adjoining Harmony Cafe in Appleton) for free play and parent chat. All LGBT families, allies, surrogates, friends etc. are welcome to this safe, supportive environment.

Please enter through the multicultural center doors. The Cafe is locked and not open on Sundays.

Hope to see you then!

December Updates

2008-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who came on December 7th! It was great to see Nicole and Erin's twin girls, now nearly six months old! The toy donations will go to families in need at the Healthy Families Program of Brown County's Family Services.

The group learned some exciting news from two of our members:

Ben and Joshua, Harper's parents, are pleased to announce they are expecting a baby through surrogate this June! Their surrogate is a dear friend of them both here in Appleton so they will be able to experience all aspects of their child's development during physician visits and of course, be at the birth! Congratulations daddies!!

New members, Tia and Jillian won their petition in Winnebago County for Jillian to become Zander's legal guardian. Tia gave birth to Zander. As you know Wisconsin does not permit second parent adoptions so this ruling sets legal precedent for many as they are now both Zander's legal "mommies". You can check out their story on their blog: www.taleoftwomoms.blogspot.com. Congratulations mommies!!

As we approach the end of a calendar year it seems like a good time to update our e-mail list as well as the Valued Families contact list (addresses and phone numbers). I know some of you have only come to one or two meetings and I just want to make sure you wish to remain on the contact list. I would appreciate it if everyone would please e-mail me any address changes etc. and to let me know if you wish to be removed from this e-mail contact list and/or the address list . Once I have everyone's updates I will redistribute the contact list to all members.

Enjoy the busy days leading up to the holiday. Look for a family sledding activity in January!

Valued Family Updates

2008-11-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Holiday Kick-Off! Meeting: December 7, Harmony Cafe, 2:00-4:00 pm

Please enter through the outside doors leading to the multicultural center. The cafe will be locked but the multicultural center (where we typically gather) will be open.

Recycled Toys!

In the spirt of the season and with a nod to reducing consumption and reusing, please bring a gently used toy or book your child has outgrown and we will do a gift exchange with one another.

Bakers Wanted!

Participants are encouraged to bring a holiday cookie or treat to share. Cider will be provided.

.....................................................

Harmony Cafe Happenings:

December 1- World Aids Day Initiative

6:00-9:00

Meet at Lawrence Chapel and walk to Harmony in solidarity with those worldwide dealing with Aids and HIV related illnesses. For more information, please visit the HArmony Cafe Wed site

Harmony Cafe Turns Five!

The Golden Bean Event, November 21st- All day happenings at Harmony Cafe.

Complimentary Coffee and activities. Come learn more about Harmony Cafe's Programs

5:30-7:30 Harmony Happy Hour

Fundraising Raffle

Local Artist Silent Auction

Entertainment and hors'-douerves

Come and support Harmony Cafe with a generous contribution to help support programs like Valued Families!

.......................................................................

I rarely post things from outside sources but this editorial given by Keith Olbermann last night was very powerful and I knew it would speak to all of you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhrNjMgmrds

Be well-

Lee

Vote Today!!!

2008-11-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I know I am preaching to the choir here, but don't forget to make your voices heard today in what promises to be a historic election. And, keep your fingers crossed for California too as they have Proposition Hate, I mean 8 on the ballot to try and overturn the state's recently legalized gay marriage.

So, vote for your future, vote for your children's future, vote from your heart and, hey, I AM the blog administrator so, "Go'Bama!!!

Valued Families Celebrates Six Month Milestone!

2008-10-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for a terrific turn-out for or last park meeting for the season! It truly warmed my heart to see the children interacting and playing with one another (finally!) and the parents socializing and getting to know one another better. It was very satisfying to know that at our group's six month mark, we have already met our primary mission to provide social networking and support for gay and lesbian families and their children. This spring, with the "It's Elementary" screening we will celebrate our 1 year anniversary by moving into the advocacy portion of our mission. I am looking forward to it!

As the weather turns colder, we will move the meetings to Harmony Cafe. The first Sundays of each month, again from 2:00 -4:00. The Cafe is closed to the public on Sundays so it is very gracious of the Harmony staff to allow us this privilege. Let's try to keep that in mind as we bring in snacks and activities....we are responsible for leaving he place as we left it! :)

In the upcoming months, I'd love to see some of you early and one time attendees return. We loved meeting you the first time, please join us again and see all of the new faces.

Parents willing and able to help me organize some activities for the children and/or brings snacks should contact me and pick a month. I'd really appreciate the support. Ideas for activities include:

-Age appropriate art project

-Music time (anyone play an instrument?)

-organized game

-story time

-Holiday cookie decorating.

I think if we have at least 30 minutes of something organized it will add a little more value (no pun intended!) to our get-togethers.

For the parents: I am definitely hoping to do some parent's night activities to get us through the long winter, and I would like to plan another family outing. The Green Bay Botanical Garden Festival of Lights is one idea. And certainly we will have a sledding hill day one snowy afternoon. Thoughts?

Reminder Valued Families Meeting Sunday October 12th

2008-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

The forecast is for beautiful sunshine and 70 degree temperatures so please join us at City Park for what will be our last outdoor gathering until the spring thaw!

City Park, Appleton WI

Meet by the playground.

2:00-4:00 PM

Next Meeting Moved to Sunday, October 12th!

2008-10-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Please note, due to a personal trip, I will not be able to host the VF meeting scheduled for October 5th. The next Valued Families Meeting will be held, Sunday, October 12th from 2:00-4:00 PM. Location TBD based on weather. Crisp and sunny? City Park. Otherwise we move to our cold weather location of Harmony Cafe. I'll send out and e-mail blast and post on the blog next Friday. Take care everyone and enjoy a great, first October weekend.

Photos of Apple Picking

2008-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Valued Families Updates- Late September

2008-09-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Rocky Horror Picture Show at the PAC

2008-08-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our very own, Valued Dad, Joshua Cobbs, is starring in the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center this September 11-20th!

Let's make Friday, September 19th, Valued Families Night ( for mature audiences only!) We can watch the show and grab a drink afterwards.

Show information can be found at www.rockyatthepac.com.

From Ariel Gore's Blog

2008-08-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ariel Gore is a journalist, novelist, and nonfiction author. She is the founding editor and publisher of Hip Mama, an Alternative Press Award-winning publication covering the culture and politics of motherhood. Through her work on Hip Mama, Gore is widely credited with launching maternal feminism and the contemporary mothers' movement. She is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction including, "The Hipmama's Survival Guide". Ariel lives with her partner Maria and their son in Portland Oregon.

You at the grocery store

I don't want to name names because I realize you're just trying to be nice, and you're maybe a little socially awkward like me and you really have no idea what to say to anyone. I mean, I do much prefer you being nice to being mean, and I appreciate that you don't duck away or avert your eyes like you haven't seen me at all. But here’s the scenario, and it happens all the time:

I'm in line at the grocery store, my little pint of Coconut Bliss on the belt, baby propped on my hip. He's smiling gleeful mischievous as he pulls my hair.

Comes a voice: "Hey? Ariel?"

I turn around. "Oh, hey–how are you? I haven't seen you in a while."

"Oh my god, I know, and your baby is so CUTE. Congratulations. He's adorable!"

"Thanks, I know. I think he turned out rather well." I'm nodding and smiling and trying not to be socially awkward.

And then you nod and you're silent for a moment before you continue. "Yeah, you know, one of my daughter's classmates has two moms, and you know, he's just a really great kid."

I keep smiling, wonder why you are telling me this. "Cool," I say. "Right on."

"Yeah," you say. "He’s just very normal and great. I mean, we've never had him over or anything--"

And then it dawns on me. You are telling me this because you know that my son has two moms, too, and you want me to know that this is all right with you, and you want me to know that this other boy who has two moms is cool--is normal--and so maybe my adorable baby has some hope of being cool, too, of being normal. Like maybe he won't grow horns from his head after all, and, you know, you won't have us over or anything, but my baby might turn out fine, might turn out good enough even to go to school with your daughter.

"Well, thanks," I say. "That's great news." And it's not like I really want you to be embarrassed, but I'm mildly surprised to see that you're not.

You're not the least bit embarrassed!

So I pay for my pint of non-dairy ice cream and go.

"Meeting Re-cap"

2008-08-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

Valued Families-

Thank you for coming out to enjoy great weather, a little water play and terrific company on August 3rd. We continue to grow in numbers (if not attendance!) Special thanks to baker extraordinaire, Joshua for the cookies he brought to share. It was also great to see 1 month old twins Anya and Sophie and their brave mommies. Thank you for making the effort to come and show us your beautiful daughters!

I am going to be calling or e-mailing all members about some help I need putting together the movie screening in November. So be warned! Actually, it will be painless. Just need some help to divide and conquer (get things organized, arranged and promoted).

Looking forward to reconnecting with all of you at our next get-together on September 7th.

Warmly,

Lee

Next "Meeting" this Sunday, August 3rd

2008-07-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Don't forget this Sunday, August 3rd from 2:00-4:00 we are getting together again at City Park (weather permitting). If it is pouring rain--please head too Harmony Cafe instead.

Water, water everywhere...Kid's activity involves water (pouring, squirting), so dress them appropriately or be cool with moderately wet kids on the way home.

I'd love to see some of you again who haven't come since the first meeting (don't be shy!). We have had new families each time but attendance has varied with everyone's busy summer schedules. It's rumored we may get to meet one family's newborn twins, plus, my visiting sister and niece (2 years) from NYC will attend as an honorary Valued Family.

Parent's Night Out- Thanks to Alicia and Laura for a great "double date". We had fun, gang. Join us next time? Next Parent Night out is planned for October.

Spread the word about Valued Families There are TONS of "us" out there. From the Farmer's Market to Art in the Park I see all of these beautiful families. Join us!

Late July Updates

2008-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Parent's Night Out is planned for this Thursday, July 24th at Cy's Asian Bistro in Neenah--only if there is enough interest. So PLEASE contact me directly before Thursday if you plan on attending. If there is not enough interest we will reschedule for another time.

SAVE THE DATE- Wednesday, November 12th. Valued Families will be hosting it's first special event, a community and educator screening of the movie, It's Elementary with a panel discussion to follow. I will be in need of many helping hands!! If you are willing to volunteer to help with the planning, promotion, and/or hosting of the event, please contact me. I will be asking event volunteers to meet for a quick planning meeting in early September, date TBD.

Reminder: Our next gathering is in a few weeks, Sunday, August 3rd.

Spread the word!

FREE FLYERS!

Updated Valued Families flyers are available for posting in your area. I am happy to mail you a few to post in your local coffee houses, restaurants, doctor's offices, kid-friendly stores...wherever other families like ours are likely to see it.

Mid-Summer Updates

2008-07-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Next meeting, Sunday August 3rd 2:00-4:00 PM

City Park- weather permitting.

Valued Families News & Dates to Remember:

Volunteers needed to help plan a late- October event. Parent & Educator movie screening of the movies, “It’s Elementary” and “It’s STILL Elementary”.

I will be forming a planning committee in the weeks to come to address logistics, costs, promotion and possible barriers.E-mail Lee at lsnodgrass@tds.net if you are willing to help.

Movie Summary Below:

It's Elementary takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues - whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools. It features elementary and middle schools where (mainly heterosexual) teachers are challenging the prevailing political climate and its attempt to censor any dialogue in schools about gay people. Rather than focusing on the debate between adults, though, the film takes the point of view of the school children, starting as young as first grade. The results are surprising and, as the LA Reader says, "funny, touching, and fascinating." Third graders' jaws drop when they find out some of their favorite celebrities are gay; second graders react to a book about a girl who gets teased because she has two moms; fourth graders say it makes them "feel weird in your stomach" when other kids yell "faggot" on the playground and teachers don't do anything about it; eighth graders fire a barrage of poignant questions to the gay guest speakers who visit their social studies class; third graders passionately debate the current events issue of the day: should gays be allowed to get married?

It's STILL Elementary. This companion film follows up with some of the original students and teachers from It's Elementary and asks them how lessons about LGBT issues affected their lives - and the results are profound. The film also tells the fascinating history of why the original film was made, the infamous response it provoked from the conservative right, and the questions it raises for the national safe schools movement today. It's STILL Elementary is a call to action for parents and educators to continue working for safe, inclusive schools.

___________________________________________

Parent’s Night Out- Thursday July 24^th 6:30 PM at Cy’s Asian Bisto in Neenah. Please let me know by July 22 if you plan on attending so I can let Cy’s know how large of a crowd to expect!

Valued Families Pool Day at Erb Park Pool in Appleton planned for Saturday, August 23^rd. Very casual, no specific time. Come anytime between 1:30 and 4:00 if the weather is nice. Look for fellow VF families. Erb has a baby pool a middle pool and a large pool. Pool toys and inner tubes are welcome at Erb.

Reminders of Upcoming Gatherings

2008-06-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. It feels like it just arrived with the recent arrival of the heat. I have enjoyed seeing many of you around town, at the farmer's market etc.! I am pleased to report we have had many interested inquiries about our group and we should see some new faces at the next meeting!

REMINDERS:

Valued Families Meeting- Sunday, July 6th 2:00-4:00 PM City Park

Plan on free play, bubbles and socializing. I will require 5 minutes of the parent's attention for some VF updates and announcements. Volunteers for helping with the kid activity and to bring snacks are appreciated.

Harmony Cafe's FREE showings of "For the Bible Tells Me So" , Friday, July 11th at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Please visit, www.forthebibletellsmeso.org for more information.

Parents Night Out- Thursday July 24th. 6:30-? Location TBD

Enjoy a safe and happy upcoming 4th of July!

Newsweek Column on Gay Marriage

2008-06-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Pulitzer prize winning journalist, Anna Quindlen, had a beautiful column in Newsweek last week about gay marriage. I just had to post the link in case you missed it. Just copy the web address below and paste into your browser.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/139423

Here, Here, Anna! May the rest of the nation open their minds and hearts as wide as yours.

Valued Families (VF) News and Updates

2008-06-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a terrific turn out this afternoon. I appreciate everyone's flexibility with the last minute venue change. It was a pleasure to see so many of you today.

Some great news!

Valued Families is officially a Harmony Cafe program. For those of you not familiar with the mission and work of Harmony Cafe, I encourage you to visit their web site and learn more.

http://www.focol.org/harmonycafe/

Our group fits beautifully with their GLBT programs already in place and we now benefit even more from their marketing efforts, staff support, meeting spaces and experience. Nothing changes for Valued Families except that we have "official" support behind us.

Upcoming VF Events:

Parent's Night Out- All parents deserve a night free of sippy cups and Kid's menus every now and then. Join us for an evening of adult conversation and fun. Thursday, July 24th, 6:30 PM- ?

Location TBD. You can put in your vote on a few choices on a blog poll shortly but line your sitters up now!

Documentary Screening- October (tentative) community showing of the movie It's Elementary and/or It's STILL Elementary. I am still researching the costs involved but we will figure out a way. This will be our first opportunity to introduce the community at large to our group and begin to gently nudge people towards greater acceptance and change. I will be looking for many volunteers to make this happen so stay tuned for more info. Please visit Ground Spark's web site for more information about the film.

http://www.groundspark.org/films/elementary/

In the GLBT Community:

BBQ Fundraiser- There will be a fundraiser for New Pride's Pride Alive '08 at Rascal’s Bar in Appleton June 22, 4-6:00 PM for 21 and older.

Pride Alive! in Green Bay-

Saturday, July 12^th

^{11:00-9:00 at Joanes Park}

^{Music, food, information and fun. For more information on the event and the fundraiser at Rascal's please visit:}

^{http://newpride.org/}

GLBT Partnership Community Film Screening at Harmony Cafe-

There will be a community screening of the movie For the Bible Tells Me So, July 11^th at 7:00 and 9:00 PM at Harmony Café. The film web site says, "Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

I will be volunteering at the 9:00 show for you night owls so please stop in and say hello.

A special thanks today to Heather and Holly for providing sugar-free jello jigglers, Kari for the cookies, Maddy for the attentive child care, the Harmony staff for opening the Multi-Cultural Center for us and to all of you mommies and daddies who made the drive.

Looking forward to seeing many of you again on July 6th.

Happy Summer!

-Lee

RAIN LOCATION!!

2008-06-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

JUNE 8th VALUED FAMILIES MEETING MOVED TO HARMONY CAFE

Please note that today's Valued Families Meeting will be moved to Harmony Cafe due to copious amounts of rain. The meeting will be from 2:00-4:00. The Cafe is open just for us but will not be selling counter drinks or food. Soft drinks available for a nominal donation.

The aforementioned Children's "Bubble" activity will be too messy for indoors so I'll save that for our July meeting. I will, however, bring plenty of small child amusements.

See you at 2:00!

-Lee

Reminder! VF Meeting this Sunday, June 8th, 2:00PM

2008-06-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

It looks like summer has (finally) arrived and just in time for our first outdoor Valued Families meeting this upcoming Sunday, June 8th.

I have had several inquiries about our group since the last meeting so I am hoping for an even wider attendance.

I am planning a "bubble" activity for the little ones so moms and dads— prepare for some messiness! We are fortunate to have a lovely and responsible graduating senior helping us wrangle children and run the activity too so that parents can socialize.

I look forward to seeing and meeting all of you Sunday. I'll be the one in the Valued Families t-shirt so please, introduce yourself.

-Lee

2008-05-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Valued Families T-shirts, Tote bags, stickers and more!

2008-05-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Valued Families logo products are now available on Cafe Press! Please visit the web site if you are interested. All items are without mark-up and listed at Cafe Press's base price for merchandise.

http://www.cafepress.com/valuedfamilies

2008-05-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Inaugural Meeting of Valued Families Recap

2008-05-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who made it to the first Valued Families Meeting this Sunday! I think it was a terrific success and I look forward to getting to know even more LGBT parents and their children at future get-togethers.

A special thank you is also extended to Rebecca and Charis of Harmony Cafe for their time and assistance. The generosity of the Harmony staff in lending their time, the space, and their feedback has been enormous.

At this meeting we had a meet and greet, socialized, filled out an informational survey and discussed our wishes for the group's role. I would encourage any new attendees to fill out the form so the activities and direction planned truly represent the needs of all families.

Based on the intake forms, it appears that everyone agrees that weekend days work best so let's stick to the schedule of meeting the first Sunday of each month at 2:00.

NEXT MEETING- Sunday, June 8th, 2:00 PM

City Park Pavilion, weather permitting.

At future meetings look for guest speakers, outreach planning, organized children's activities and more!

Please keep spreading the word and letting others know about us.

Meeting Reminder!

2008-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Reminder that the Valued Families kick-off meeting is this Sunday, may 4th at 2:00 PM. The gracious folks at Harmony Cafe are opening their doors just for us, as they normally are closed on Sundays.

At our first meeting we'll have a meet and greet, and discuss our collective hopes for the organization as we move forward. You will be asked to fill out a brief information sheet and survey. I will post it here in case you cannot make the meeting but would like your voice heard. Please mail or drop off your form at Harmony Cafe, Attention" Valued Families/Lee Snodgrass.

Thank you and hope to see you Sunday!

Valued Families Kick-off Meeting

2008-04-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Directions to Harmony Cafe

2008-04-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

From Green Bay:

Take 41 South to exit 144 N. Ballard Road.

Turn left off the exit and continue to Wisconsin Avenue( WI 96)

Take a right on Wisconsin Avenue. Continue about 1,5 miles.

Turn Left on N. Oneida Street.

Turn left at N. Appleton Street.

Turn Left at W. Washington Street.

Turn right at North Oneida Street.

Parking is easiest in the Appleton Public library parking lot near the cafe or in the parking garage across the street. Meters do not need to plugged on Sundays. Bonus!

From Neenah/Menasha/ Oshkosh:

Take 41 North to exit 136 BB/Prospect Avenue. Go right off the exit about 2.7 miles.

Turn left at Memorial Drive.

Turn right at West College Avenue

Turn left at N. Superior Street

Turn right at W. Washington Street

Turn right at N. Oneida Street

Parking is easiest in the Appleton Public library parking lot near the cafe. or in the parking garage across the street. Meters do not need to plugged on Sundays. Bonus!

Valued Families First Meeting: May 4th!!

2008-03-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

Feel like you are the only gay or lesbian parent in our community?

Wish you could network with other parents like you and discuss the unique challenges LGBT parents can face raising children in Northeast Wisconsin?

Want a collective voice to raise awareness and foster respect for LGBT families in our community?

Would your children benefit from knowing peers with gay parents?

We invite you to join us for the Valued Families inaugural gathering!

Sunday, May 4th

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Harmony Cafe

124 N. Oneida St. Appleton WI

Learn more about Valued Families, meet other LGBT parents in the area and build community on a common desire for acceptance and respect for our unique families in Northeast Wisconsin.

All LGBT parents, partners, their children and allies are welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information, contact Harmony Cafe at 920.734.2233

or email: lsnodgrass@tds.net