First Meeting of 2009!

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

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

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. 

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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!

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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!!!

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!!!