Alpha Omega Minutes June 12. 1999

 

Gloria called the meeting to order. Lori introduced the new people Michelle and Barb.

Lori has information about The Gay Pride Parade.

Lori and Gloria were at the BE-ALL Friday working at the registration desk. Karen told us about the BE-ALL.

She was there Friday and Saturday. We are considering setting up a TRI ESS booth at the Cincinnati or Detroit BE-All.

The electrologist will be rescheduled for September.

For the program we were asked to write down a question for a significant other or cross dresser.

Next meeting bring something you collect or a hobby.

Peggy Rudd can/t come to our meeting in October. We need a replacement. Gloria talked to Jane Ellen. She gave her suggestions on who to contact.

Gloria will send a letter to Carol Beecroft about the libraries we can send book too.

The letter was sent to the IRS about our status.

Cheryl has copes of the A.O. Logo and the Rainbow Trail.

She showed us how they fit together. Her sister donated the artwork to the chapter.

Lisa brought the lap top computer to the meeting.

Next month Debbie will cook an East Indian meal.

 

 

 

Gloria mentioned the Spice Conference. Cheryl and Lisa are going.  It’s July 14th. through the 18th. in Minneapolis.

There was an article in Play Boy that a significant other wrote looking for information.

International came up with a new meaning for The Tri S . Support, Serenity and Service.

Abby and Sherry are getting involved with Melissa of North Carolina.

They are starting an adopt a cross dresser program. They also brought information about the Special Projects.

Olena would like the cross dresser to E-Mail her on the first time you told someone or went out in public or the first time your S.O. saw you dressed

Sherry is in charge of the cookbook.

The Erie Lakeside Gala is Nov. 18th., 19th.., and the 20th.

Kathleen brought books and videos from the chapter Library. There is a sign out sheet.

Joann has a friend who does alterations.

The General Affairs will discuss subsidizing anyone going to a Cross Dressing convention or seminar.

Kathleen moved we adjourn the meeting, Betty sec.

 

Respectfully Submitted

Secretary/Treasurer

Elaine Benton

ARE YOU A CROSSDRESSER?

THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE YOU ARE A CROSSDRESSER IF YOU ARE A MALE AND:

 

ü     You have had to fight the temptation to give a female co-worker some badly needed makeup tips.

 

ü     You now have more shoes in your closet size 12B than you do 10D.

 

ü     In college you heard there was going to be a panty raid and your initial reaction was to hide yours.

 

ü     On your last diet you set your goal by dress size not pounds.

 

ü     Whenever you see drag racing listed in TV Guide you immediately picture two guys in dresses and heels doing the 100 yard dash.

 

ü     You're convinced that Victoria's "secret" is that her real name is Irving and she is a Tri-Ess Sister from New Jersey.

 

ü     When looking at the latest Victoria's Secret catalog you fantasize more about what it would be like to be one of the models than what it would be like to be with one of the models.

 

ü     When scanning the ads in a newspaper or magazine your eyes always stop at any ad that promises quick and easy hair removal.

 

ü     You have had to blame your new eyebrow look on your barber.

 

ü     When you hear the song "Pretty Woman" you picture yourself and not Julia Roberts.

 

If you can identify with one or more of the statements above you are in bad need of an evening out en femme.   The next Alpha Omega meeting is on Saturday, July 10, 1999.

                    Submitted by

                    Michelle T.

 

A - O PROJECTS MOVING ON

 

I'm very excited that some projects for Alpha Omega are under way, and I believe they can be a lot of fun and interesting for those who get involved.  Make sure to get your recipes in to Sherry for the Alpha Omega cookbook, and Olena needs your stories for the "What is a Girl to do" book.

 

Olena needs articles (and they don't need to be long) about our experiences, both serious and humorous that have been a part of our lives.  Tell about the first time you remember getting dressed up, or about a close call you may have had.  Tell about a shopping experience, or time at a convention, or being stopped by the police (like I was).  Not only can these stories help us to learn more about each other, but they could be used as a means of outreach to show others that we are all too human and ordinary people just like everybody else.

 

The more we can do to help people see us as human beings, the easier it may be for them to give us the benefit of a doubt and a little understanding and tolerance.  People fear what they don't know about. All too often people hear negative information of crossdressing - checking out the web sites can be enough proof of that.  There is a lot of false, misleading, and just plain trashy material out there.

 

I truly believe most people will give us the benefit of the doubt if they are given honest, truthful information, and we present ourselves with dignity and honor.  I hope our stories will help others give us a chance.  Write your stories down, or put one on a tape so someone can write it down.   Please get involved with this project.  We need your help.

 

And then don't forget to get those recipes to Sherry for the A - O cookbook.  We have some great cooks and bakers in the group.  So let's share those recipes, cooking stories, household hints, etc.

 

I came up with the ideas for the "cookbook" and the "What is a Girl to do" books so everyone could contribute, have a little fun, and benefit from the experience.  I'd like to see some good old-fashioned group spirit get started, and make things exciting for being a member of Alpha Omega.

 

I will guarantee you that if you take the time, and get involved with any of the group projects and committees that you will find it to be fun, interesting, and well worth your effort.  Give it a try -- you have nothing to lose.

 

I'm proud, too, to see the progress towards an Alpha Omega logo.  Cheryl created her logo for the SO web site, and I suggested the idea of having a logo for the CD's that could be combined with the SO logo to create a unified logo to represent the spirit of Alpha Omega.  I am please and thankful for the help that Cheryl's sister was in designing the CD logo from an idea I had, and for her generosity in donating her time and talent to the project.

 

This logo can be on our new business cards, and on our new name badges.  Cheryl, Lisa, Kathy and I are planning on having T-shirts done with the logo on it.  Only A - O members or those we tell will know the real meaning of the logo.  Maybe we can get pins done with the logo, or put it on group stationery, or other items.

 

Some may think a logo is a dumb idea, or just a frivolous nonsense.  I say it can be a point of pride in being a member of Alpha Omega, and what our group stands for.

 

We can still use help on expanding the web page, working on the new Alpha Omega videotape, and other ideas we may come up with.  Alpha Omega is here to give of itself to you and to others.  Give something of yourself to Alpha Omega in return.  We all benefit when we work together, and we will be able to reach out to others and help as we can.

 

Become involved.

 

                    Respectfully submitted,

                    Gloria Sue Fenton

                    President

 

ALONG THE RAINBOW TRAIL

by Cheryl

 

Recently my sister-in-law sent me an email in which were listed the attributes of women.  I noticed that as I read them nowhere was mentioned fancy dresses, pristine makeup, or an elaborate coiffure.  The following are some of what she sent.

 

Ø     Women have strengths that amaze men.

Ø     They can carry children, they carry hardships, and they carry burdens. …but hold happiness, love and joy.

Ø     They smile when they want to scream.

Ø     They sing when they want to cry.

Ø     They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous…

Ø     Women wait by the phone for a “safe at home call” from a friend after a snowy drive home.

Ø     Women friends keep secrets you told them years ago and never bring it up again.

Ø     Women have special qualities about them, they volunteer for good causes.

Ø     They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut-ins.

Ø     They are childcare workers, executives, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, biker babes and your neighbors.

Ø     They wear suits, they wear jeans, they wear uniforms.

Ø     They fight for what they believe in.

Ø     They stand up for injustice.

Ø     They are in the front row at PTA meetings.

Ø     They vote for the person that will do the best job for family issues.

Ø     They walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right schools and for getting their family the right health care.

Ø     They write to the editor, their congressmen and to “the powers that be” for the things that make for a better life.

Ø     They do not take “no” for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

Ø     They can wipe a tear, cover a cut and pat you on the back at the same time.

Ø     They eat little so their family can have more.

Ø     They rush to school to pick up a sick child.

Ø     They stick a love note in their husband and children’s lunch boxes.

Ø     They do without new shoes so that their children can have them.

Ø     They go to scout meetings and are chaperones on class trips.

Ø     They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

Ø     They do not make excuses for defending their family or friends.

Ø     They give a friend some money in times of trouble.

Ø     THEY LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

Ø     They are loyal, honest and forgiving.

Ø     They are smart, knowing that knowledge IS power.

Ø     But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point.

Ø     Their world consists of goodness, love and caring.

Ø     Women want to be the best for their family, their friends and themselves.

Ø     They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friend gets awards.

Ø     They get teary-eyed when others do great things.

Ø     They save their anger for the unjust and the insincere.

Ø     They tell people that need to be told to straighten up their act.

Ø     They lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a voice to make suggestions….

Ø     They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage.

Ø     Their hearts break when a friend dies.

Ø     They have so much sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

Ø     They can control situations that seem uncontrollable.

Ø     They can round up energy when they are tired.

Ø     They can stay up little longer to talk to someone that needs a friend.

Ø     They will rush to be by your side when you are lonely.

Ø     They will give up their favorite TV show to help with homework or read a bedtime story…

Ø     A woman’s touch can cure an ailment.

Ø     They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Ø     She can make a romantic evening unforgettable.

Ø     She can bring out the best in her husband, children and friends.

Ø     They do not mind standing in the shadows.

Ø     They are not there to push, but to gently encourage.

Ø     They are cheerleaders, teachers, lovers and important to many people’s daily lives.

Ø     They can whisper a kind word, scream a loud cheer and laugh away a fear.

Ø     They can mend your broken spirit and give you back your self-esteem.

Ø     They can knit a family back together after a break or a loss.

Ø     Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.

Ø     They live in homes, apartments, cabins and trailers.

Ø     They drive, fly, walk, run, e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

Ø     They have hearts that forgive and forget the injustice.

Ø     They have hearts that remember the kindness.

Ø     They have hearts that beat with loyalty and love.

Ø     The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin.

Ø     They can cry and laugh at the same time.

Ø     They can be sad and hopeful at the same time.

Ø     Women do more than just give birth.

Ø     They give compassion and ideals.

Ø     They climb into a person’s life and make everything better again.

Ø     They give moral support to their family and friends.

Ø     And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with.

Ø     Women are leaders, but do not want followers.

Ø     They want people to grow into the best persons they can be.

Ø     They want to touch you in a way that will make you share your goodness with others.

Ø     One touch can turn a bad day into a better one.

Ø     One extra minute of her time will make a child feel special.

Ø     One more kiss will make her husband feel loved.

Ø     Women have a lot to say and a lot to give.

 

(BOW)  I sure am glad I am a woman but I don’t think Lisa would recognize me if I had the above attributes.  Actually I do, she just doesn’t know it yet………LOL

 

Tell us about your En-Femme Experiences

 

 

Olena-Maria is putting together a book of articles on experiences that we have all been through.  She plans on starting with “First Time Experiences”.  Any CD or SO can participate.  Funny, serious, or just interesting, it doesn’t matter, just get it written and give it to Olena-Maria at one of the meetings.

 

I’ll give you a synopsis of what I plan on telling about.  The very first I went out in public en-femme I made a terrible mistake.  I got drunk first.  You see, I come from a small town and there isn’t anyplace to go around here except for maybe a gay bar.  So that’s where I went, to see if I could find someone sympathetic to lend an ear to me.

 

I didn’t find anyone sympathetic.  What I did find was an officer headed my way.  Being en-femme, and drunk, I decided I should get out of there.  By the time I got my car started, the officer was very close and put out his hand to stop me.  And being drunk, I ran into his hand with my car. 

 

For those of you who aren’t aware, assaulting, even if he did put his hand in your way, is a felony.  That, combined with a DUI, left me in quite a bit of trouble.  For   once, those funny orange clothes weren’t so bad to wear to court.  The outfit I had been wearing was much sexier but definitely not appropriate.  The probation dept wanted a psych eval to see why I was in a dress, and drunk.  Well, you’ll just have to see Olena to get the rest of the story. : )

 

Lisa Ann

PRIDE

 

This December I will celebrate my eleventh anniversary of being a member of Alpha Omega.  Although I may not be one of the founding members, it would be fair to say I am one of the "Old Timers" in the group now.

 

The other people who were with the group when I started have taken many paths.  Elaine and Debbie are still regulars.  Michelle still makes some meetings when she can because of her schedule.  Tanya has some health problems which have made it so she can't attend often.  Jennifer is one I haven't heard from in quite awhile.   Diane (the wife who started "Genesis" which became Alpha Omega) doesn't attend; and her partner, Jill, passed away about a year ago.  Even then it had been awhile since I head seen either of them.

 

I saw Chris at a seminar last fall, and again at the Be All this June.  She is now an actress on the stage.  I saw Denise for a moment at the Be All, too.  She looked good, but it had been a long time since I had seen her.  I'm not sure at all where Monica is.  Barb, still attends when she can.  I haven't seen or heard about Sue for a long time.

 

Rhonda has a job schedule that conflict, and a long drive.  I don't get to see her much, either.  Janet left the group for quite awhile, then started again, but hasn't been around much lately. 

 

And since I started eleven years ago, a lot of others have come - some stayed, some didn't.  Some only attended one or two meetings, and then we never heard from them again.  Some stayed awhile, and then followed the paths they felt they needed to, which didn't include Alpha Omega.  Some moved on to start other groups closer to their home areas.  Some felt our group didn't full their needs.  Some, I believe, let their inner fears get the best of them.  For some, I don't have the slightest clue why we stopped seeing them.

 

Family situations, personal situations, egos, temperaments, job schedules, moving, death, driving distance, health concerns, age, where our meeting location is, and a lot of other issues or concerns that can or may affect our lives make up the reasons for the ebb and flow of people who have reached out to Alpha Omega.

 

We, as the ones who are Alpha Omega at this moment, have the duty to keep the door of our group open and to be ready to reach out to those who seek our understanding now and in the future.  We can hold that door open, but those who enter have to enter of their own free choice, and make their decision if Alpha Omega is right for them.

 

Hopefully, they will decide Alpha Omega is right for them, but as has already been pointed out, things change as time passes.  Sometimes for the good, sometimes not so good, or sometimes they just get bored or lose interest.

 

Joining Alpha Omega is the beginning of a relationship.  And like any relationship, both parties have to be involved and work on the relationship to keep it strong and with meaning.

 

I've mentioned before in many articles that Alpha Omega helped save my life almost eleven years ago.  That is not a frivolous statement, or an overstatement, or just words.  It is the flat out truth.

 

It was because of Alpha Omega and those people who were there then, that made me see I could find peace in my heart, mind, and soul, and find pride in being me.  I was very close to a breakdown or even suicide at the time; and I know it, and I was so scared that I couldn't or wouldn't be able to find help.

 

I found help.  And I found hope, and friendship, and caring, and laughter, and purpose for my life.

 

Since I joined, I have attended about 120 meetings, cooked for some meetings, helped set up and tear down most all of them.  I have served on virtually every committee ever created, and chaired most of them.  I've helped with the library, copied and mailed the newsletter, and written over 300 articles.  I have helped with interviews, written a few hundred letters, made a few calls, and have always said that I am no more than a letter, a phone call, or a short drive away, if someone needs me.

I've written what I have hoped were humorous skits for the Christmas Parties, emceed the Awards Ceremony at least seven times, and helped to bring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Oswald Elf, Dorothy, and even Rambo Rabbit to meetings.

 

I am serving for the sixth time as President of Alpha Omega, and helped other Presidents when they needed it.  I've won some awards, and have been honored to be "Lady of the Year" three times.  I've worked to come up with ideas for meetings and to make even a business meeting something interesting and fun.

 

I've tried to make myself available to anybody who wants to talk to me, and to listen to him or her.  I've tried to help others, and to try and make them smile, and let them know that somebody care they exist.

 

I don't just believe in Alpha Omega, I am passionately committed to making Alpha Omega the best group it can be.  I learned a long time ago that Alpha Omega might not suit everybody, or solve everyone's problems.  I learned, too, that people will come and go, and that the number of people at a meeting really isn't all that important.

 

I don't expect others to understand the passion I feel, because they never stood in my shoes.  I know what it is to reach out for help in desperation, and not be sure anyone would care.  But somebody did care for me, and I did survive.  As long as I can, I will do everything within my power to make sure the door of Alpha Omega is open, no matter where we meet, or how many attend a meeting.

 

You never know when we may be there to save someone else.  Our efforts as individuals, and combined as a group, have purpose.  It is a purpose we can be very proud of.  Be proud of Alpha Omega, and of what you can for the good of the group.  Take pride in what we do as a group.

 

No one person can do all that needs to be done, and shouldn't be expected to.  There is something for everyone to do.  All of us together make Alpha Omega.  Let us all make it work.  Be a part of the spirit, and feel the pride.

 

                    Gloria Sue Fenton

 

Upcoming Events   July: Hobby Nite   August:  Annual Picnic at Gloria & Kathleen’s   September: ?   October:  National Speaker Nite Guest speaker:  Beverly Rencher   S.P.I.C.E. Convention Minneapolis, MN July 11 – 14   Holiday En Femme Houston TX November 10 – 14   Erie Lakeside Gala Erie, PA November 18 – 21

Get Published FREE Write an article on something you did en femme of something funny that happened while en femme and get published for FREE. Yes that’s right, FREE.  Simply submit your article to any of the newsletter staff and get published absolutely FREE.   Always read the fine print.  See Publication Notice at front of newsletter.  Restrictions may apply

July Menu   Debbie:  East Indian cuisine Gloria & Kathleen:  Snacks Kathleen & Sherry:  Desserts