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LA FEMME SILHOUETTE - APRIL 1998


Alpha Omega Minutes - March 14th. 1998

President Diane Vernon called the meeting to order. She thanked Gloria, Kathleen and Cheryl for the decorations. She also thanked Janet and Charlie for the meal.

Congratulations to Fran and Gail on their recent marriage.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The balance in the checking is $1,728.23. There is $50.00 in petty cash.

OUTREACH: Lori was recently in Florida. She visited a group there. She announced that our group will be listed in the next issue of Gay People’s Chronicle.

Fran announced that the Carousel Dinner Theater is doing La Cage Aux Folles.

Diane asked if there are any new nominations from the floor. Diane nominated Elaine for Secretary/Treasurer. With no further nominations Tanya made the motion the nominations be closed. Kathleen seconded. Motion passed.

The following officers were elected:

SEC’Y/TREASURER: Elaine Benton

VICE PRESIDENT: Marla

PRESIDENT: Gloria Fenton

Diane thanked Karen and Charlie for counting the ballots. She also thanked the chapter for our support and contributions.

Next month will be our organizational meeting.

Diane asked for a volunteer for the meal. Peggy will bring ham and rye bread. Kathleen will bring a vegetable and Karen a Bunny Cake. Fran will bring a banana cream pie, and Diane V, snacks.

Cathy Anderson presented an excellent program on voice.

With no further business, Tanya made the motion the meeting be adjourned. Cheryl seconded.

Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Benton,
Secretary/Treasurer

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NOTE: Both Karen and Kathleen will be bringing potato dishes and broccoli casseroles.

Karen will also be making a Bunny cake; Kathy will also be bringing three bean salad.

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FROM THE CHAIR AT THE FRONT OF THE ROOM

I remember the first time I sat in the chair at the front of the room. It was seven years ago, and I had been a member of Alpha Omega for a little over two years by then.

I also remember being very scared. My greatest fear was that, in some way, I might fail the group, and not be able to be a good leader. Because of my friends in Alpha Omega, I had found the freedom to begin to discover my life as Martin all over again, and I was able to start my life as Gloria. These were precious gifts to me, and I only hoped I could be worthy of being president of Alpha Omega.

The debt of gratitude and love that I felt inside of me for the group and for my friends at Alpha Omega, was the reason I ran for office. There was a need to give something of myself back to the group that had opened up my life to me. And so with a pocket full of hope, and a very real fear of not being worthy, I began my first term as president of Alpha Omega.

Counting that first time seven years ago, this will be the fifth time that the chair at the front of the room will be a part of my life. Once again, I have a pocket full of hope, and the trepidation as to whether I am worthy.

With your help so many wonderful things can happen this next year for us as a group and as individuals. Please, give of the time and efforts that you can. No gift of your time and efforts is ever too little and becomes a part of the greater good shared by all.

During the next year, the following committees will be in place. Be a part of what you can.

Please, remember, anyone can be a part of a committee. Your opinions, thoughts, and enthusiasm are needed.

1. GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
This committee is needed to assist the officers with the day to day functions of the group; to help set the agendas for business meetings, and to provide preliminary discussion on important issues to be brought to vote by the membership.

(Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. on meeting nights.)

2. INTERVIEW COMMITTEE
This committee is generally the first contact of prospective new members. The individuals on this committee send out introductory letters and group brochures; handle initial correspondence; set up and conduct interviews. This committee also makes follow-up contacts as needed.

Lori Taylor has been the leader of this committee for some time now, and has done a wonderful job. Alpha Omega can be proud of Lori for her dedication and caring.

If helping others to become a part of Alpha Omega – a part of the family – is something you might like to do, then be a part of this committee. The experience can be very rewarding.

3. OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
This committee will search out ways and means for others to make contact with Alpha Omega; and also work towards ways of educating those who do make contact. Aspects of this are finding ways to make our e-mail address and web page more accessible to cross-dressers, spouses, partners, family members, helping professionals, and others necessary. Also, the ways and means to make ongoing contacts outside of the Internet will be sought.

It is important not only for others to be able to know about Alpha Omega, but to also learn what our group stands for and believes in. We need to let others know that we believe in under-standing, caring, and giving support by friend-ship to crossdressers, and the spouses, partners, family, and friends, who may be effected.

Outreach can also open up the possibility of new speakers, and new vendors, and a growing list of new friends for all of us. They call that "Changing the World." We have the opportunity – we can do it, please be a part of it.

Maybe we can even update the Alpha Omega videotape.

If you can mail a letter or brochure, make a phone call, surf the net, etc., then you are more than qualified to reach out with outreach. And there are things you can do even if you are very security conscious, or don't have a lot of time.

Help to change our world!

4. NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Although there is not a specific committee at this time, I would like to see a committee formed to publish the newsletter so that the work of doing the newsletter can be spread out, and not just required of one or two individuals.

In the last ten years, Tanya, Debbie, and Kathleen have each, in their turn, been responsible for publishing the newsletter. Each has done a fantastic job, and I am proud of them, and admire their resolve. Each of them has taken on the task of deciphering my hieroglyphics, and the writings of others, and putting everything together in one beautiful newsletter. And that can take several hours.

Of course there are copies to be made, pages to be put together, stapling to be done, newsletters to fold, and envelopes to be stuffed, labeled, sealed, and then mailed.

I know all this because Kathleen and I have done this for three years now, and Kathy wouldn't mind a little break.

I’d like to see if the workload can be spread out a little bit. Join this committee if you have ideas, and want to be a part of the newsletter staff. For all others, I only ask that you do what you can to supply material. Clip out interesting newspaper or magazine articles of interest, and send them in. Share thoughts and experiences. Share your feelings and your humor.

I’d also like to have someone go through the other group’s newsletters that we receive and glean them for articles or information that we could reprint. I’ve always felt we have one of the best newsletters there is. How about helping to make it even better. Many hands make light work!

5. CHRISTMAS PARTY COMMITTEE
This committee will be responsible for the organization of the meal, decorations, and necessary preparations and clean up for the Christmas Party. Also, this committee will arrange for entertainment for the evening.

This can be a lot of fun.

6. AWARDS COMMITTEE:
This committee will determine which awards will be presented, and organize the selection of recipients and the presentation of awards during the Christmas Party.

For several years now, I have chaired this committee; but now it is time for another to add their special touch. I will help as I can, if and when needed.

It is fitting to honor those who give of themselves for the good of all. Be a part of this celebration.

If other committees are needed, they will be formed as warranted.

The one task I hope to accomplish this next year, is a review of our constitution and bylaws so that we have a vital and living document to meet the goals of Alpha Omega, and meet the needs of our members now and for the future. This review will be open to all who wish to participate.

If we can keep Alpha Omega a vital organization for support, friendship, and even some fun, then we can continue to grow and be proud of our heritage, and our place in our community and

our society. There is so much we can do, and all we need do is join our hands, hearts, and minds together to make it happen.

Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Sue Fenton
President of Alpha Omega

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

At the meeting we will ask each of you to very briefly answer the Question of the Month as a way of sharing individual thoughts and feelings, and perhaps topics of discussion.

This month’s Question of the Month is:

FOR CROSSDRESSERS:

For most of us it was quite a step for us to attend our first meeting and begin the expression of our feminine self with others.

Now that you have made that step, and based on your own feelings and experience, are you uncomfortable with those who know your feminine side, getting to know your masculine side?

FOR SPOUSES AND PARTNERS:

Are you or would you be comfortable with your spouse or partner letting others know their masculine side, as well as their feminine side?

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SPECIAL THANKS

For the March meeting Cathy Anderson presented a program about speaking with a feminine voice that was very well received by our members.

Thank you so much for your time and efforts on behalf of all of us.

I know you have been working on your voice, and it is appreciated that you thought about the rest of us with something that is a part of your life.

It was really great to see Renee again, too!

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APRIL MEETING

The April meeting will be a time of setting up Committees and outlining goals for this coming year. - After all, we do have to do some business, very briefly.

However, a couple sideline items after the business meeting . We will hold the First Annual "Most Beautiful Easter Egg Decorating Contest". Anyone interested in entering an Easter Egg in the competition may decorate the egg when she gets there. The group will provide hard-boiled eggs and a basic coloring kit. Then you can add your own special touches. Or you may bring your decorated egg from home.

One creation per entrant. Decision of the judges if final. We will TRY to find three totally impartial judges for this event.

Also, for your entertainment and for all you sports enthusiasts, there will be a "Bowling for Bunnies" tournament.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the Egg Decorating and the Bowling for Bunnies contests.

Come to the April meeting – and let’s have some fun! THINK SPRING!

MAY MEETING

Our own Olena Marie has an idea for an auction of items from our closets we may no longer want. Olena will be providing more details at the April meeting and in the next newsletter.

JUNE MEETING

We are trying to make arrangements with a makeup consultant (who was recommended by Olena Marie) to do a program for us - more details will follow as soon as possible.

FUTURE MEETINGS

For those of you familiar with Dr. Feo, we will be trying to arrange a meeting with him as our speaker.

August will be the cookout at Kathy and Martin’s place (a non-dressed event).

I will be making contacts to try and arrange a speaker from Tri-Ess for our October meeting.

And, of course, December is our Christmas Party.

If you have ideas or know of someone willing to do a program for one of our meetings, please let your officers know. I am hoping Janet and Charlotte may be able to do a program for us in regard to choosing the right styles of clothing and correct colors. We’ll see what we can do to arrange it with them.

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

The first time I ever spoke with Tanya was on the phone shortly after I sent a letter to Alpha Omega. Tanya was my first contact with the group, and it was she who helped me to calm my own fears about accepting that I was a cross-dresser.

Talking with her that first time, I heard her laugh, and I knew I had found a friend who cared. That laughter of hers helped me to see that there could be a lighter side to my life, and that I could find reason to laugh as well.

To this day, the sound of this beautiful lady’s laughter, still tells me I have a friend who cares, and I am very proud to know her.

The March 1998 meeting marked the anniversary of Tanya’s eleventh year as a member of Alpha Omega.

Happy Anniversary, Tanya!!

May we all share your laughter for a long time to come.

Love Ya, Kiddo!
Gloria

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CATALOGING

By Marla

How could this gal review catalogs and NOT give FREDERICK'S OF HOLLYWOOD its due? Quite simply, the Frederick's catalog is another of the "must have" category. Not that it's all that practical. . .but it sure is alot of fun.

Let’s face it. . .most of the stuff from the left-coast legend is simply out of the bounds of practicality and good public taste and is best left to the privacy of your own home. Also, you've got to have a great body to do many of the items justice. But beyond the absurd offerings, Frederick's actually does offer some useful selections.

Some of the foundations and shape-wear are actually quite functional. These are items you’d be hard-pressed to find in many retail operations (and strangely enough, most Frederick's stores, too!). They're fun to wear, reasonably well made, and they won't cost you an arm and a leg, especially when you take advantage of Frederick's frequent bargain sale offerings.

Beyond the bras and shapers, you can actually get a fairly sexy selection of shoes in sizes up to 15! A word of caution, however. . .Frederick’s shoe sizes run to the narrow scale. . .thus limiting the viability of many selections.

Not all of their "outer offerings" are geared for the hooker, harem or fetish interests. Frederick’s actually offers the occasional suit or two-piece set that you’d be proud to wear to an Alpha Omega meeting (I have!). Sizes tend to be limited on some of the nicer sets. . .generally ending at a maddening "13/14". However, a fair amount of the selection goes into the plus size range.

Overall. . .Frederick’s quality is inconsistent. I’ve had some fairly reliable pieces. . .and some have been downright trash. I guess you "pays ‘yer money and takes ‘yer chances." But they do offer a no questions asked return policy. . .and they’re good about accepting returns.

Okay. . .so you don’t have the body to slink into the faux leather discipline suit. . .and your significant others would prefer you’d leave the barely concealing sultry look to the pros at Tiffany’s in the Flats. Hey. . .it’s still fun to fantasize. . .and nobody fills the bill for fantasy like Frederick’s of Hollywood. To order:

1-800-323-9525

web: www.fredericks.com

Here's to cataloging!

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EDITORIAL

During my time as a member of Alpha Omega I have been honored with an award or two for the dedication and commitment I have given to the group. I take great pride in those awards because others felt I was worthy of them. I do what I can to stay worthy of them, because that is important to me.

It is important to me because I believe in Alpha Omega and what it stands for. And what does Alpha Omega stand for?

Well, to me Alpha Omega stands for the freedom for myself and others like me to find peace in our lives, and to discover who we are as human beings by having the right to express ourselves in our masculine and feminine roles, with dignity, and in a setting of friendship.

Alpha Omega also stands proudly for the support, understanding, compassion, and assistance to the spouses, partners, family and friends who are a part of the lives of cross dressers. It can also be proud for doing what can be done through friendship to educate and to acknowledge their needs and their rights as well.

Alpha Omega is friends helping friends, and being friends to each other with the common thread that cross dressing is a part of our lives. Alpha Omega is cross dressers, spouses, partners, family and friends who choose to see beyond clothes, and gender, and to discover the unique individual each of us is, and to accept that specialness.

Nine-and-one-half years ago there was a dedicated individual from Alpha Omega who showed me I could find pride in being Gloria. I did find that pride, and I found pride in the friends and group that made that possible.

I believe in Alpha Omega and what it means to me.

What does Alpha Omega mean to you? I'd really like to know.

I've told you what I think - now how about you.

Respectfully,
Gloria Sue Fenton

PS If someone from another group reads this, write and tell me why you like your group or what you believe in.

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LONGER LEGS IN THIRTY DAYS

All of us have seen those booklets in bookstores and grocery store checkouts: "Slim Thighs in 30 Days." or "A Flatter Tummy in 30 Days," etc. Some may even have bought them. Well, I am going to make my contribution to the genre.

It shouldn't take an Einstein - or, should I say, a Madame Curie - to figure out that the actual length of one's legs is impossible to change. What God. in Her infinite wisdom, gave us is what we are stuck with. How they are perceived, however, is another story.

Aside from the obvious, males and females have basic differences in the construction of their bodies. One of these differences is the proportional length of the legs in relation to the torso. Males, for the most part, have an equal relationship between the length of their legs and the length (crotch-to-shoulder) of their torsos. Females, on the other hand, have proportionally longer legs than their torsos. A female with legs less than 3 1/2 inches longer than her torso is considered to have 'short' legs.

Where does this leave the crossdresser? Standing in a hole, I should think. There are ways, however, for us to maximize the leg length we are given; allowing us to better imitate that with which we are so enamored.

Bonnie August, in her book THE COMPLETE BONNIE AUGUST DRESS THIN SYSTEM, expounds upon a series of rules for those females who are 'cursed' with short legs. These same rules are doubly applicable to the crossdresser because, besides being naturally shorter, our legs are usually heavier than the Genuine Girl's are.

You may remember my review some months back on Ms. August's fine book. Unfortunately. it is now out of print. I can only say that I have followed her suggestions to the letter and have received some very nice compliments on my appearance.

In any event. I would like to pass on her rules concerning "short" legs. What they can do for your overall appearance is immeasurable:

I hope this information is useful to you. Try to follow these rules for your next 30 days of crossdressing. I think you will find that your appearance will show surprising improvement for such seemingly minor changes. Taking what God gave you as a male and making it as feminine as possible is one of the greatest satisfactions of our "hobby."

A postscript: What if those long legs of yours are hairy? Charlotte found wearing the matte finish flesh-colored tights sold by K-Mart under her pantyhose solved the problem handily. I didn't know her legs weren't shaved till she told me!

--Tanya

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