President Gloria Fenton called the meeting to order. Lori introduced our new people and our guests.

Gloria thanked Lisa for doing the news letter.

Cheryl has a Significant other page on our web site.

Last Monday night there was a documentary on A+E. Lisa taped it for the chapter library.

We had our first constitution review meeting. We will have one more before presenting it to the members.

A new group is forming called Blind Genders. There first meeting will be October 16th. at the Gay/Lesbian Center at 7:00. All future meetings will be every Friday at 7:00.

Gloria thanked Debbie for being on the panel at the seminar at Archwood Church. She also thanked Lori and Susie for their support.

This is our last meeting at this facility. The new building will not be available for next months meeting. Several suggestions were given to where we can meet. The building will be available for the Christmas Party.

Our National Night speaker tonight is Naomi Owens.

Kathleen made the motion we adjourn the meeting , Cheryl seconded

Respectfully Submitted,

Elaine
Sec/Tres.

TRI-ESS ANNOUNCEMENT

In my almost ten years of being a member of Tri-Ess and Alpha Omega, many wonderful things have happened in my life. I have taken pride in being a part of both of these organizations because I believe in the good efforts they do -- not only for me, but for all of us whose lives are effected by crossdressing.

I, therefore, am very pleased to make a very special announcement to the members of Alpha Omega Chapter of Tri-Ess.

Jane Ellen Fairfax, M.D.
Chair, Tri-Ess Board of Directors.

This is a very great honor for our group, and it is you, the members of Tri-Ess and Alpha Omega who have given of your efforts to make this recognition possible.

Take pride in this acknowledgment of the efforts of Alpha Omega for the betterment of all, and let us use this momentum to reach out even more.

Congratulations, Alpha Omega!!

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Sue Fenton
President, Alpha Omega

For our 1998 Christmas Party we will be having our very first meeting in our new location (address and maps provided as needed). It should be a wonderful experience.

Date: December 5, 1998
(the FIRST Saturday in December)
Social time: 5:00 p.m.
Meal: 7:00 p.m.
Menu: Turkey (Kathleen)
Roast beef (Peggy)
Mashed potatoes (Peggy)
Delmonico potatoes (Kathy/Karen)
Vegetables (Kathy)
Rolls/butter (Marla)
Relish tray (Kathy)
Vegetable tray (Peggy)
Snacks (Marla)
Dessert (Olena, Cheryl)

*someone else volunteered for dessert, but apparently my brain and hand severed communications at this particular moment, and I can't even begin to read the name I wrote down - please, refresh my memory! -- Kathleen --

Entertainment "?": At 8:00 p.m. Several unique variations of Beloved Christmas carols will be performed by the Alpha Omega Tabernacle Choir.

This should be a thrilling musical experience -- well, maybe, sort of. . .

Awards: A brief pause after the Entertainment will be followed By the presentation of honors by this year's Awards Committee

Then, more social time.

As always, individuals who have been speakers in this last year are invited as guests, and special friends and family of our members may also be invited as guests. We do need to try to get a count of those attending. So please, if you are planning on attending the Christmas party, and/or bringing guests; please, let one of your officers know by phone, letter, e-mail, regular mail, or message center.

Last year we had 41 people attend our Christmas party. Let us have a good number this year to celebrate our new location and the good things that have been a part of Alpha Omega this last year.

Celebrate the season with Alpha Omega!!

FROM CHERYL

While I was busy making changes to Rainbow Trail, a certain young lady was in her room nervously trying to apply her make-up. I couldn't imagine Lisa being nervous but she was. Today was to be a big day. Lisa and I were heading for the mall to do some shopping. Although I've been malling with a CD before, this was Lisa's first time dressed and we were both excited.

"Cheryl, I need a favor" Uh-oh, this is not a good sign. What am I in for now. "You want me to go where? and get what?! "NAILS!!!!! I don't know anything about nails. I never took care of the ones I have let alone false nails."

"Lisa, you have got to be kidding! Bandages I know! Coca-Cola I know! Please, can't I go for one of those" (By now I'm on my knees begging)

But she insists. Now I am nervous. Courageously, off I go with these simple instructions...."LARGE--PINK--ROUND". Sounds easy enough until I am confronted by what seems to be miles and miles of nails..... all sizes, all shapes, all colors........... EXCEPT pink......and no where do I see the word "round". Now what do I do? Biting what few nails I have left, I grab the first pack in front of me. Whoops, french cut........no way. I didn't do much better with the second pack....I didn't know they had nails for babies. The third stopped me in my trail....NEON BLACK....my car should be so lucky but obviously not for Lisa. With the fourth I breathed a sigh of relief --large, classic (close to round) and white (if there was pink I certainly didn't see it. By that time all I wanted to do was go home. I didn't care whose, just home.

Tremulously I handed the package to Lisa, fully expecting to be sent back to the store for the right stuff. Instead I got a gentle smile and a soft "Thank you". WHEW!!!!!!!!!!

A forum just for us SO's!! Do you have concerns about your relationship with a CD? Are you willing to share your experiences and the wisdom you've gained through the years? Check it out at: http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Garden/6280/cdso.html [no longer available]

And for both, try the latest.....A CD BOOK CLUB!!!!! Books to be discussed on the web by CD and SO both... First reading will be JoAnn Roberts' Coping with Crossdressing.

"GIMME AN F..."

by Marla

"Country Joe" McDonald and the Fish elevated this Woodstock cheer to near cultural icon status for an entire generation some 30 years ago. Hearing Naomi Owens speak at our October chapter meeting brought the "F" word to the forefront of my mind. The "F" word I refer to, of course, is FUN!

FUN is the reason I scrape off a wire-tough beard, slather on Merle Norman cosmetics un-easily and squeeze into a size 14 (okay ....a sixteen!) career-girl suit in a vain attempt to recreate the girl who lives within the recesses of my alter ego.

I crossdress because it is FUN! It's a fantasy...a bit of escape from the pressure cooker existence of managing three radio stations AND a university teaching position. For eight hours once or twice a month, I become the girl of my dreams and give expression to that second self that lives within. Who among us would disagree that when we're transformed into our femme selves that it doesn't feel absolutely splendid??

We all come to terms with our crossdressing at different times and at different stages in our lives...yet our stories. when compared, are remarkably similar. We bring differing passions to our gender-bending. Some wish to influence gender-issue legislation while others are on an outreach mission to those struggling with this unique proclivity. Others hope to educate the unknowing helping professionals to our special needs. Hail and amen to all whose passion is to change the world's view of that which we do. May your efforts light a candle in the darkness of ignorance to our uniqueness!!

While I applaud your energies, I do so with the reminder that we all approach this crazy stuff we do, as Naomi suggested, with a SMILE on our faces. Remember girls, this is about FUN...not nuclear science. It is up to each and every one of us to put the "F" back in crossdressing. Smile. Keep a light heart. Celebrate our uniqueness. Remember WHY you first started engaging in this craziness! You did it because it was FUN. For me, it still is. It's a major part of my mission. For this gal, my anthem remains..."GIMME AN F" ...for FUN, of course.

What do YOU think???

THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT SIZE

By Tanya

At last month's meeting, Charlotte and Michelle commented an the need for a good size chart to allow our members to determine their proper feminine sizes. Below is a chart gleaned from a recent Lane Bryant catalog. While the chart only goes down to a size 12, I chose it because, frankly, there are a lot more of us size 14 and above than there are size 12 and below and this chart covers larger sizes than even Sears or JCPenneys. Second, the chart goes into quite a bit of detail in showing the relationships between Misses sizes, 'old style' Women's sizes, 'new style' Women’s sizes and Half, or Women's Petite sizes

For those who wear Women’s sizes, play close attention to the 'new' and 'old' styles of sizes. Both are in use today. The new system was developed to alleviate a woman's having to keep track of so many sizes. For example, a girl with a 46" bust, 38" waist and 48" hips wears a size 22W under the new system. Under the old system, she wears a size 42 dress, 46 blouse or sweater and 38 skirt - rather confusing! Also note that Women's and Misses sizes do overlap to an extent.

There are three size classifications shown: Misses, Women’s and Halfs. There is a fourth classification, Juniors, not shown. Juniors sizes are for younger, more slender females. To determine your Junior size simply subtract I from your Misses size, i.e., Misses size 14 is the same as Junior size 13. You will often see clothing listed as size 13/14, 9/10, etc. This means they fit either size. Junior sizes run to 17., their equivalent of Misses 18.

How To Measure:

Buy yourself a good plasticized cloth measuring tape from the sewing department at the local store. I say buy a good one because you are going to be using it regularly. More on this later.

Get dressed in everything you would normally wear under outer clothing: bra, panties, hose, hip/fanny pads, foundation garment (girdle, cincher, corset, etc.) and finish off with a slip. If you wear different types of lingerie and/or padding in different situations, plan to take measurements with each. Being sure to keep the tape level, measure your bustline over the tips of your prostheses,, your waistline at it's narrowest point and your hipline at their widest point (usually 6-8' below the waistline). Remeasure with any other foundation 'building blocks" you use. Also take waist and hip measurements of your body without any pads or foundation garments. You'll need these if you wish to buy any skirts, slacks or shorts for 'the natural you'.

Using the bust, waist and hip measurements, you can now look at the size chart and find what size range and number fits you most closely. Don't be surprised, however, to find that your bustline suggests one size and your hipline another, This happens all the time with GG's too! For example, I'm an 18 'up top' and a 16 'down below' so I buy size 10 dresses and blouses and size 16 skirts and slacks.

Note the sizes that are appropriate for you on a slip of paper. Let's say you are a 'perfect 42-32-42' when cinched and padded. Your sizes are Misses 20 tops and dresses, Misses 18 skirts and slacks, Women’s I8W tops and dresses, Women’s 16W skirts and slacks, Women’s 38 dresses. Women's 42 blouses and sweaters and, lastly Women's 32 skirts and slacks.

You take the afternoon, dress in your finest lingerie and take and record all those measurements. You then check the chart and make note of your proper sizes. 'Finally! I know what size I am. Time to head to the store and shop till I drop!' I hate to burst your bubble but your quest is not over,, it is just beginning'.

Menswear sizing is quite straightforward and uniform - A size 40 sport coat, a 15 1/2 - 33 shirt and a pair of 34/31 slacks will be the same size no matter what their source: K Mart or Hart, Shafner & Marx. (quality is another matter!) Regretfully - for both GG's and us - the same cannot be said for ladies wear. A perfect example of this arrived on my doorstep just today when I received the new

'Fall/Winter '91' Penneys catalog. Penneys decided to revise their sizing of Misses and Women’s apparel. For years I have worn size I8 dresses from Penneys. Now, with the stroke of a pen, I've slimmed down to a 16!

I gathered many size charts, from catalogs and other sources, in preparation for this article. What I found reinforced my belief that the suppliers of feminine apparel are uniform in their total lack of uniformity in sizing' Those of you who are married and/or have grown daughters can verify this by simply going through their closets and noting the sizes listed on the garments hung therein. Her measurements are the same but her clothing will be different sizes depending on where she bought them.

Knowing your feminine sizes from a chart, ANY chart, is simply a starting point from which to work. It only puts you 'in the ballpark', not on home plate! How you deal with this depends on what type of shopping you plan to do, catalog or retail store.

Catalog Shopping
We all love to get them and many crossdressers use them exclusively. When you receive a new catalog, don't start looking through it from front to back, go to their size chart first' Compare the measurements on your slip of paper with the chart then write down the size(s) they say you are on the cover. Do this with all the catalogs you have and you will avoid a lot of disappointment and frustration in your dealings with each company. There's nothing worse than spotting something you LOVE, only to discover that the largest size it comes in is one below your size. Check the chart! By their sizing method, it may be a perfect fit on you! You'll also cut down considerably on the instances of having to return items.

Retail Stores
Many think that catalog shopping is 'safer' because of the high return rate caused by being unable to try things an in stores. Jennifer Higgins buys 90% of her clothing in retail stores and NEVER has to take anything back because it doesn't fit! She taught me her system and I've never had to return anything since.

For starters, dig out the slip of paper with your measurements and sizes along with the measuring tape again. Take your bust, waist and hip measurements and divide them in half. List these on another slip of paper. Take out a good fitting blouse (or man's shirt) and measure the width of the back between the shoulder seams and make note of it. Measure the 'sleeve inseam' (armpit to wrist) and write it down. Measure your biceps and forearm at their widest points, note the measurements and divide them in half. Lastly, measure your back from collar to waist.

Now for the waist down. Take out a pair of good-fitting men's slacks and measure the inseam. This will be the proper length for jeans or slacks worn with low heeled shoes. For slacks worn with high heels, add an inch or two. Measure your thigh and calf at their largest points and halve the measurements. Lastly, take out a skirt in your favorite length and measure it down the back from waistband to hem. (If you don't know what length skirt is right, try this: Put an the undergarments, hip pads, etc., you normally wear.

Scrounge a piece of cloth large enough to wrap around you to create an 'instant skirt'. Put it on and belt it. Standing in front of a full-length mirror, adjust it till the hem is level and falls exactly at the bottom of your kneecap. This is considered the perfect, most flattering length for any woman no matter how she is built. Put a mark or pin in the center of your back at your waistline. You can then remove the cloth and measure from your waist to the hem for your perfect length skirt. This method can also be used to experiment with all sorts of hemlines from micro-mini to floor length. Have fun!)

Armed with your tape and list of measurements, you're ready to shop. See something you like? Take if off the rack, lay it flat and check the measurements. This is why you divide bust, waist, etc., measurements in half - a garment laid flat will be twice the circumference of its flat width. Check sleeve length, check waist, check hip width ', etc., etc. Buying a pair of tight jeans? Check the width of the legs against the diameter of your thighs and calves. When you buy a garment, you'll know it will fit because you checked it!

And the sizes listed on the garments! A while back I went to the mall specifically to buy a top and a leather skirt. I walked out with a gorgeous surplice sweater and a knockout leather skirt, both of which fit perfectly. The sweater was a Women’s 2OW, two sizes larger than I am supposed to wear. The skirt was a Misses 14, one size smaller than I wear. Had I bought them in my correct sizes, the too would have been too small and the skirt too large.

Don't worry about sales clerks. They are always very impressed that a guy would take the time to measure something for his wife to be sure it fits. Most guys buying gifts just say, 'That looks OK.', and walk out with their purchase.

Lastly, one warning for both catalog and retail store shoppers: Beware of Tall Sizes! Tall females get their height primarily from the length of their legs and, to a lesser extent, the length of their torso. Males get their height from the length of their torso with the legs playing a much smaller Part. Tall size dresses, blouses, etc., are great for us because they give the needed extra length in the torso. HOWEVER, those same Tall size dresses will have skirts that are far too long, often looking quite 'frumpy' on us. This applies even more to Tall size skirts and slacks. I'm 5'11' and have a 31' inseam. A girl 5'10' nominally has a 36' inseam! Check hem lengths and slack inseams. Chances are, 'Regulars' or even 'Petites' in some cases will be right for you!

One other hint: In 'Regular' length tops and dresses, look for those with shoulder pads. With our male shoulders, we hardly need padding in that area plus you can gain an additional 1/2 to 3/4 inch in torso and sleeve length by removing the pads. quite often that's all that is needed to give you a perfect fit.

Well, there you have it. If you were hoping for the final answer on what size you wear, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Unfortunately there will be no final answer until the ladies garment industry gets together and establishes an ironclad sizing system. Until then, I hope the hints I have passed on will help you through the maze that exists today.

CHRISTMAS BALLOTS

WOW!! What a great response! 18 ballots are in! Could this be a record??? All eagerly await the announcement. Who is the Lady of the Year? Rising Star? Kindred Spirit? Join us at the Christmas Party and find out just who has won these coveted awards. In the meantime, if you haven’t turned your ballot in, time is running out. Do it today and either mail it to us or bring it to the November meeting. Deadline for ballots is November 14th!!!!

The Experience of a Lifetime at The Inn at Franklin on Liberty St., Franklin, PA

You are cordially invited to a weekend of your dreams come true. For the seventh consecutive year, the Erie Sisters proudly offers The Riverside Gala Weekend. Nov. 20 – 22, 1998

Have you ever wanted to express your ultimate femme self in a secure friendly setting? IF so, this weekend is just for you. Come join us, in the setting of a small town with Victorian splendor, in Franklin PA., located in northwestern Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny River.

Friday: Check in and welcoming. Buffet in ballroom, followed by the Talent Showcase.

Saturday: Breakfast in dining room, seminars & vendors, shopping trips in town, banquet, awards, & entertainment, group photograph. Seminars include Mariette Pathly Allen, Miqqi Alicia Gilbert from X-Pressions Club (CA), wives only tea, couples tea. Vendors include wig care, make-overs, jewelry, nail care, cosmetics, photography and a used item boutique.

Sunday: Breakfast in dining room and tearful farewells, with everyone looking forward to next year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING