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May
2001
By Barry
Jones
 I'm
happy to be back with the re-launch of my Socially Speaking
column for LIPP. Socially Speaking is about
events, people, places and organizations in our community.
I am excited to bring it back to its original monthly non-biased
format.
So with
that let's start with an agency that really hasn't been getting
much coverage, considering all the great things they do. That
agency is LIGALY
(Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth). This agency has done
so much and continues to do so for our youth. It is an agency
that we all say we wish had been around when we were growing
up. The Executive Director, David Kilmnick is a perfect
role model for these kids. His drive and energy keep it all
going. The Board of Directors is very impressive, with Tom
Maligno as President. Tom is being honored this year
at GALFOLI's
Dock of the Bay 2001
for his years of dedication to our community. It also seems
that LIGALY
 is
hosting the first ever, suburban gay prom entitled "Pride
Gala." The theme of the prom is "Free to Be,"
which signifies our youth's future free to be who they are
and free to love who they want. For more information on this
and other
LIGALY events and services, please call (631) 665-2300.
[or visit LIGALY's
web site - Ed.]
In my
underrated hero segment I would like to recognize someone
that I wanted to write about for the past year. This gentleman
is always there to help our community and has been for years.
In fact he called me last week, after hearing through the
grapevine about our newly found, GALFOLI
(Gay and Lesbian Foundation of Long Island) and wanted
to know how he could help. I suddenly had a flash back to
the early 90's when my friend, bartender Paul Saladino
introduced me to his boss, who owned a club named Malibu
in Long Beach. This gentleman welcomed me with open arms and
hosted many fundraisers for PWAC at that time including one
with the Village People. He donated his business and his time
to PWAC, AIDS
Care and other organizations. Well, Malibu is gone and
this gentlemen opened another club called Luxe. Luxe, a most
tasteful looking club is Deluxe on Wednesday nights
and is the place to be. This gentleman's name is Charlie
Greco. Charlie has been a great supporter of Dock
of the Bay and is always there when I need him.
So it's hats off to Mr. Charlie Greco for his years of support
to the Gay and Lesbian Community. Watch for information on
a fundraiser for GALFOLI
at Deluxe coming soon on a date to be announced.
 Congratulations
to Bill Borman on being picked as Grand Marshal of
the Eleventh Annual Long
Island Pride Parade. Mr. Borman is the Founder, President
and driving force behind the Nassau
County Lesbian and Gay Democrats. He also sits on
the Board of Directors of GALFOLI
and numerous committees. The Group Marshal for the parade,
OUT IN
LI is a very impressive 20 something group. OUT In
LI
founded by Alana Samuels, creates strong connections
among the 20-something plus crowd. The parade is Sunday, June
10th at noon. Be there!
After
more than a decade on the Board of Directors, I would like
to wish a found farewell to PWAC-LI (People With AIDS
Coalition of Long Island). PWAC decided to close its doors
due to financial difficulties and the changing needs of people
living with AIDS on Long Island. It's hats off to Board President,
Tony Scardace for cleaning up messes, addressing loose
ends and all else that's involved with the closing of an agency.
PWAC will always be remembered as the agency with a heart
and for its hands on work and compassion. I'm sure Tony will
still be involved with our community. I look forward to working
with him again at GALFOLI
and Dock
of the Bay 2001. Other agencies providing services
for people with AIDS on Long Island are Thursday's
Child (631-447-5044) and LIAAC
(631-385-AIDS).
 Speaking
of GALFOLI,
on Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd, Jim and I are having
a garage sale at our home. We will be donating all
proceeds to GALFOLI.
Also in June will be a special invitation only cocktail party
launch of GALFOLI,
held in Bay Shore, leading up to Dock of the Bay 2001, on
Sunday, August 19th from 1pm - 7pm at the Long
Island Maritime Museum. This years honorees are Jonathan
Cooper, Tom Maligno,
Camille Gnolfo and
Helen (Club
608) Radziewicz
for their years of work, support and dedication to our community.
Our sponsors, so far are Fleet
Bank, The
Bunkhouse,
LIPP Magazine, and Art
Trap Productions. If you are interested in volunteering,
would like to interview for a position on the board of directors
or more information about GALFOLI
or Dock
of the Bay, please call (631) 665-5034 or go to
galfoli.org.
Please
email me at SocialSpeakingLI@aol.com,
if you have any comments about this column, questions about
any of the people or organizations mentioned or would like
an event covered.
Till next
time... Barry
Photos:
Louis Trapani (c) 2000
Except photo of David Kilmnick by Al Guardino (c) 2001
Other
Socially Speaking Columns
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