BASKETBALL 101 Begininers Clinic

Registration is OPEN for the NYC Gay Basketball League BEGINNERS CLINIC.

BASKETBALL 101 Begininers Clinic
4-Week Program
Please respond to this email to register.


Location: LREI, 145 Thompson Street, just south of Houston Street in Manhattan.

Dates: Sunday mornings 11am - 12pm
March 9, 16 & 30, April 6 (No session Easter Sunday)

Cost: $125 (Breakdown: $100 per individual + $25 Mandatory Insurance Fee*)
(*This fee is annual, and covers you for the next season if you choose to join a team)

Requirements: Shorts & T-Shirt, Basketball Sneakers

Description: Learn the fundamentals of basketball which will include shooting, dribbling, basketball terminology, rules and defenses.

Payments: You may bring your payment to the first class on March 9th. Checks should be made payable to NYCGBL.

Please respond to this email to register. You will receive a confirmation email back from us.

About the NYC Gay Basketball League:
The New York City Gay Basketball League (NYCGBL) is New York's first official gay basketball league. We provide an environment free of harassment and discrimination for members and friends of the LGBT community to play basketball and fulfill their athletic aspirations. More information about the league is available on our website at www.nycgaybasketball.org.

Big Apple Softball League Secretary Notes - 3/2/08

1. Player Registration Begins Online on 3/8
2. Volunteers and Brochure Copies Needed by the BASL Recruiting Committee
3. Saints Annual Brunch: This Saturday, March 8th 2-4pm
4. Mudcats Fundraiser: This Saturday, March 8th 8-10pm
5. Registration is now Open for NYC Gay Basketball League
6. Special offer from Nau: This Week ONLY!
7. Gridirons Spring Party: Thursday, April 10 6-10pm
8. Summer Rentals in Provincetown Now Available by Mavericks Player, Chris Bogart
9. A Mid-Winter Trans-Fest Special Ticket Offer

1) Player Registration Begins Online on 3/8

Player registration will begin online on Saturday, March 8th. Please keep an eye out on your inbox for 2008 registration instructions very shortly!
2) Volunteers and Brochure Copies Needed by the BASL Recruiting Committee

From Yolanda Dickerson, Recruiting Committee Head:

Please be aware that the 2008 draft for BASL is fast approaching. We have less than 2 months left and I need some volunteers to assist on those days, March 29th and April 5th. I would prefer 2 people from each division to truely represent the BASL. If anyone is available on draft days, please let me know so that we can coordinate time, materials and duties to facilitate a great draft day.

Also, if someone (people) can volunteer their printing services to help print out 500+ copies of our 2008 double-sided recruiting pamphlet that would be great! We will need to have these printed out for the March 12 Governing Body for distribution purposes.

Please contact me at yolanda56@hotmail.com if you can be of assistance for either or both if you like.

Thank you!

3) Saints Annual Brunch: This Saturday, March 8th 2-4pm

The Saints host their annual Brunch at Philip Marie (569 Hudson St. at W. 11 St.) from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The cost is $18.00 (not including tip). Click here for more information with all the details http://bigapplesoftball.com/Saints_Brunch_08.htm.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Prunty by 3/5 at photochippie@hotmail.com.
4) Mudcats Fundraiser: This Saturday, March 8th 8-10pm

The Mudcats invite you to our first ever Pre-Season Fundraiser!

When: Saturday, March 8th
8:00 pm - 12:00 am

Where: The Dugout
185 Christopher Street (at West Side Highway)

What: A $10 Cover gets you:
- All night karaoke
- Pool tournament (with prizes)
- Raffles
- 2-for-1 Well Drinks all night
- $3 Bud drafts

Why: Because we're fun and need new jerseys! And you need to train your liver for the St. Patty's Day festivities the following weekend.

For more information, please contact Michael Corrente at michael_corrente@yahoo.com.
5) Registration is now Open for NYC Gay Basketball League

Registration is now OPEN for the NYC Gay Basketball League BEGINNERS CLINIC.

BASKETBALL 101 Begininers Clinic
4-Week Program

Please email play@nycgaybasketball.org to register.
You will receive a confirmation email.

Location: LREI, 145 Thompson Street, just south of Houston Street in Manhattan.

Dates: Sunday mornings 11am - 12pm
March 9, 16 & 30, April 6 (No session Easter Sunday)

Cost: $125 (Breakdown: $100 per individual + $25 Mandatory Insurance Fee*)
(*This fee is annual, and covers you for the next season if you choose to join a team)

Requirements: Shorts & T-Shirt, Basketball Sneakers

Description: Learn the fundamentals of basketball which will include shooting, dribbling, basketball terminology, rules and defenses.

Payments: Payments are due by March 7th and should be made by check (payable to NYCGBL) and mailed to:

NYCGBL c/o OOB
PO Box 372
Times Square Station
New York, NY 10108-0372

Payments may also be dropped off in person with any NYCGBL Board Member at our games on Sundays at LREI. Games are held from 12pm-5pm.

Please email play@nycgaybasketball.org to register.
You will receive a confirmation email.


About the NYC Gay Basketball League:
The New York City Gay Basketball League (NYCGBL) is New York's first official gay basketball league. We provide an environment free of harassment and discrimination for members and friends of the LGBT community to play basketball and fulfill their athletic aspirations. More information about the league is available on our website at www.nycgaybasketball.org.
6) Special offer from Nau: This Week ONLY!

From Doug Morris of the Wings:

Make your wardrobe greener and help change the world in the process.

Nau invites you to a 40-75% off shopping event.

In anticipation of a Nau retail store in NYC, Nau is offering a selection of its exquisitely designed technical outdoor and urban lifestyle products from its Fall/Winter collection. Nau’s clothing deftly integrates beauty, performance and sustainability while challenging conventional notions of what outdoor clothing can be.

5 percent of every purchase will go to Kiva, the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering anyone to lend as little as $25 to an entrepreneur in the developing world.

OPENHOUSE GALLERY
201 Mulberry St between Kenmare St + Spring St march 6 – march 9

thursday 11am – 7pm
friday - saturday noon – 8pm
sunday noon – 6pm


7) Gridirons Spring Party: Thursday, April 10 6-10pm


On Thursday, April 10, The Gridirons invite all BASL members and their friends to their Spring Party, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Bamboo 52, 344 W. 52 St. (bet. 8th & 9th aves.), Manhattan. Great drink specials, lots of fun people. Don’t miss it!

9) Summer Rentals in Provincetown Now Available by Mavericks Player, Chris Bogart

Are the winter blues getting you down? Help yourself out of the winter blues by planning a summer trip to Provincetown, the #1 gay summer destination. Chris Bogart of the Mavericks has two places for rent in the center of the action in Provincetown. There is a luxury 3 bedroom house with every amenity you could need that sleeps up to eight people. There is also a newly renovated huge studio apartment that accommodates up to four people. Pets are also welcome. Prime summer weeks are still available but going fast. To check out these properties and for rental specifics go to www.155bradfordstreet.com . Mention that you are a BASL member and receive 10% off your weekly rental rate.

9) A Mid-Winter Trans-Fest Special Ticket Offer

From BASL Player Ana Mari de Quesada:

lustre

Featuring: Our Lady J, Glenn Marla, Nathan Carrera ...and The Pixie Harlots; plus special surprise guests nightly, including Taylor Mac and M. Lamar

Featuring: Our Lady J, Glenn Marla, Nathan Carrera ...and The Pixie Harlots; plus special surprise guests nightly, including Taylor Mac and M. Lamar

Heat up your winter nights with Ethyl Eichelberger Award recipient and Tony Nominated performer Justin Bond and friends as they serve up a heady mix of Glamour, Gender Queer Cabaret, and Sexy Provocation.

Musical Director: Jonnah Speidel

More about Justin Bond: Tony nominated performance artist Justin Bond is an Obie winner, Bessie winner and the 2007 Ethyl Eichelberger Award winner, and was recently named by Time Out London as one of England's 50 Funniest People. As one-half of the Performance duo Kiki and Herb, Justin has toured the world headlining at Carnegie Hall, The Sydney Opera House, London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and has starred in successful runs On (The Helen Hayes Theatre) and Off-Broadway (The Cherry Lane Theatre). His most recent solo show, Glamour Damage, had its world premiere at London's Soho Theatre and was hailed by the Evening Standard as “A glittering walk on the wild side.†He regularly Emcees the performance series "Weimar New York", performs with his band The Freudian Slippers, and as a featured vocalist on the London Readers Wifes' Nostalgia, had a top 20 single on the UK alternative chart. Recently, he appeared as Valerie Solanas with Matmos at the Whitney Biennial. Bond toured internationally with avant-garde noise/cabaret band Pantychrist. Film credits include a starring role in John Cameron Mitchell's feature Shortbus as well as Imaginary Heroes. In 2006 Bond completed his MA Scenography at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London. Justin credits his career as a queer performer to Kate Bornstein who cast him as Herculine Barbin in her ground-breaking play Hidden: A Gender in 1991.

More about The Ethyl Eichelberger Award

Justin Bond is the recipient of the 2007 Ethyl Eichelberger Award, a commissioning award created by Performance Space 122 and made possible with the generous support of the Gesso Foundation. The Ethyl Eichelberger Award (in honor of seminal performer, landmark and legend Ethyl Eichelberger) is given to an artist or group that exemplifies Ethyl's larger-than-life style and generosity of spirit; who embodies Ethyl's multi-talented artistic virtuosity, bridging worlds and vitalizing those around them. The 2008 Ethyl Eichelberger Award will be announced following Lustre's performance on Thursday, March 6 with a reception to follow. Past winners are Taylor Mac (2005) and Julie Atlas Muz (2006).
Wed, Feb 20 - Sun, Mar 9
Wed- Sun at 8:30 p.m.
additional shows Sat at 11 p.m.
Tickets from $25.00, $15 (students/seniors),
$10 (P.S. 122 members)
TheaterMania

Discount code offer:

*Use the code GLAMOUR for $18 tickets

*codes based on limited availability; may not be combined with other offers or applied to past sales; code may be discontinued at any time.



Peter Morley
BASL Secretary

Fast & Fabulous HOMOCYCLOSOCIAL March 14th

Fast & Fabulous, New York's LGBT Cycling Club
A Committee of Front Runners New York
P.O. Box 230087 Ansonia Station
New York, NY 10023-0087
http://www.fastnfab.org

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Bob Nelson Attention calendar editors
(917) 658-9531 For immediate release
fastnfab@yahoo.com Feb. 27, 2008


HOMOCYCLOSOCIAL: Queer Cycling Party March 14

The Homocyclosocial, an annual potluck dinner and social for lesbian, gay and supportive cyclists, returns for its twelfth year to Rutgers Presbyterian Church, 5th floor, 236 West 73rd St. just west of Broadway, Friday, March 14, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is sponsored by Fast and Fabulous Cycling, New York's LGBT cycling club, a committee of Front Runners New York.

Non-homosexuals are welcome! Non-cyclists are too, but may be bored.

Admission is $5. Anyone who comes to the party should bring something to eat or drink, for just a few friends, though no one will be turned away. The event is open to the public.

The Homocyclosocial heralds the start of cycling season in March. Fast and Fabulous organizes rides throughout the year, from leisurely spins around Central Park and Prospect Park to road trips and offroad rides. Information on club rides and coaching will be available at the event, or go to http://www.fastnfab.org.

Among the road trips the club is planning this year are trips to New Hope, Pa., over Memorial Day weekend; from Boston to Provincetown, Mass., in June; a week-long, 440 mi. tour of British Columbia in July and island camping at Waquoit Bay, a wilderness area on the south shore of Cape Cod, in August.

Fast and Fabulous is the two-wheeled division of Front Runners New York, the city's LGBT running club, at www.frny.org.

MEMO: "Gay Sports Night" at TIMES SQUARE SOCIAL

MEMO: "Gay Sports Night" at TIMES SQUARE SOCIAL

EVENT GAY SPORTS NIGHT at TIMES SQUARE SOCIAL

(Times Square's HIT Gay Networking Event)
Hosted by TheMenEvent.com, Next Magazine, Out of Bounds and Team NY
in co-operation with the Times Square Alliance and the New York Times

DATE Monday January 28, 2008

If you are going to be setting up our team's table, please arrive 5 and 5:45pm (please arrive NO later than 545 to set up). If you are planning on attending the event, but not working the table, the event begins at 6pm and runs until 9pm.

WHERE Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway at 43 St (enter on 43rd Street)

COVER There is NO COVER charge to attend the event. Drinks are cheap. Food is also available.

PURPOSE The event will be a great opportunity to recruit new members, find new supporters, network with attendees, meet other teams, enjoy!

INVITE Invite your ENTIRE Team to attend the event. What better way to attract new athletic supporters than to show them the team that they will be joining or supporting?

WHO ATTENDS TheMenEvent.com has been hosting this gay Times Square networking event for 4 years and their parties tend to draw anywhere from 250-400 gay professionals from the Metro NYC area.

RSVP FOR TEAM MEMBERS: To rsvp for this event please go to http://www.themenevent.com/timessqsocial.htm and then click on the "RSVP FOR THIS EVENT" link.

See you on the 28th of January!

Hugh Hysell, TheMenEvent.com

Letter from Christine Quinn, Speaker

Dear Friend,
I thought you might be interested in reading the following news article.
Thank you.
- Sincerely, Christine C. Quinn, Speaker



New York Times
January 22, 2008
Letters

The Battle Against H.I.V.: No Letup

To the Editor:

In "H.I.V. Rises Among Young Gay Men" (editorial, Jan. 14), you correctly link the lack of a comprehensive H.I.V. and AIDS policy that focuses on the groups most at risk to the rise in AIDS cases nationwide.

It's heartening that New York City's health commissioner has raised the facts about the increase of H.I.V. and AIDS among the city's young gay population, and has pledged to address this issue. But until our national leadership implements policies that will help eradicate root causes such as stigma, discrimination, racism and poverty that mostly affect at-risk populations, we will continue to see a rise in AIDS cases nationwide.

A national approach supported by strong leadership in Congress and the White House - which includes collecting additional data on vulnerable populations, advances policies and financing, and supports front-line evidence-based interventions among grass-roots AIDS organizations - will help jump-start the next wave in the war against AIDS.

Kevin Robert Frost
Chief Executive, American Foundation for AIDS Research
New York, Jan. 14, 2008


To the Editor:

Your editorial suggests that a significant decline in H.I.V. among gay men over 30 might be the result of personal loss. Many of us, including men in their 50s like me, are still grieving; our friends are no longer with us, and we feel their absence in our lives every day.

Our goal is to remain H.I.V.-negative and to live. Casual sex is out. For us, the discussion and the debates are over.

Benjamin M. Hamilton
Astoria, Queens, Jan. 14, 2008



To the Editor:

Your editorial rightly expresses concern about the spike in H.I.V. among young gay men, but it does not mention the equally troubling increase in H.I.V. and AIDS among women, especially women of color.

A 2005 report by the New York State AIDS Advisory Council found that the proportion of newly reported AIDS cases involving women has more than tripled in New York, rising from 12 percent in 1986 to 34 percent in 2003.

In New York, women account for 48 percent of new H.I.V. infections among teenagers between ages 13 and 19, and 43 percent of new infections among young adults between ages 20 and 24, according to the report.

The problem is particularly acute in communities of color. Black and Hispanic women represent 86 percent of women who have been diagnosed with H.I.V. and AIDS in New York. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2004 H.I.V. infection was the leading cause of death among black women between the ages of 25 and 34.

H.I.V. and AIDS prevention strategies must include initiatives to stop the virus's spread among women. A good first step is to provide comprehensive sexuality education in schools, and ending the current ban on condom demonstrations.

We need to equip our children - male and female, gay and straight - with the information and skills to protect themselves against H.I.V. and AIDS.


Donna Lieberman
Executive Director
New York Civil Liberties Union
New York, Jan. 14, 2008


To the Editor:

The H.I.V. and AIDS epidemic continues to be one of the greatest health challenges facing our city, and providing resources for H.I.V. and AIDS prevention has been, and will continue to be, a major priority for the City Council.

The Council has financed H.I.V. and AIDS prevention and education services for communities of color and women; counseling and education services at hospitals; H.I.V. prevention and literacy for seniors; and needle exchange programs to prevent the spread of H.I.V. and AIDS through intravenous drug use. But despite the number of programs throughout New York City, it is extremely difficult to stop the spread of H.I.V. and AIDS unless people get tested.

In order to help New Yorkers, the City Council and the Health and Hospital Corporation announced additional Council financing of $5.6 million for public hospitals to expand rapid H.I.V. testing. This investment has helped the hospitals expand their reach beyond AIDS centers and prenatal care clinics to offer rapid H.I.V. testing to current hospital patients, visitors to the emergency rooms and outpatient clinics.

Rapid testing helped hospitals test almost 134,000 patients last year, and allowed doctors and counselors the chance to provide education and services on the spot if a person tested positive.

Increasing the availability of testing can be vital in the early detection of H.I.V., and early detection can be the crucial factor in fighting this devastating illness.

The only way to truly combat this crisis is to ensure that all New Yorkers take a simple first step - learn their H.I.V. status. Only then can we arm those residents who are positive with both the medication and education they need to keep themselves and their partners healthy.

Christine C. Quinn
Speaker, New York City Council
New York, Jan. 14, 2008

NYC Gay Basketball League: Spring Season Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Ron Sheppard, Commissioner
NYC Gay Basketball League
glba1@aol.com

Jeff Kagan, Board Secretary
NYC Gay Basketball League
kagan@nycgaybasketball.org

The New York City Gay Basketball League Announces the Launch of the Spring 2008 Season

New York, NY (January 14, 2008) - The New York City Gay Basketball League (hereafter, “NYCGBL”) today officially announces the schedule for its Spring 2008 season. League play will commence on February 24, 2008 at the Little Red School (LREI) in Manhattan. In its fourth season, the league looks to expand its membership base with players of all skill levels.

“People may be intimidated to play in the league based on their limited experience with the game,” says NYCGBL Commissioner Ron Sheppard, “but we want to let the community know that this league is open to all skill levels, from first time dribblers to college-level players.”

“The New York City Gay Basketball League was created to give those who love to play the game a chance to compete with others on their same skill level. We invite players of all skill levels to come out, play and have fun this spring season,” says Co-founder and League Secretary, Jeff Kagan.

The league has two divisions, competitive and recreational. The competitive division is for those individuals who have previous experience playing, whether that be through participation in frequent pick-up games, high school or college play. The recreational division is for those who are less experienced players, intermediate or beginners. Teams in both divisions will be comprised of 10 players per squad.

“We look at the Spring 2008 season as a time we can help players from both divisions improve their playing skills,” says NYCGBL Board Member George McCormick.

There will be 8 regular season games played during the spring season as well as playoff games. The cost per player is $125. The games are held at Little Red School (located at 145 Thompson St., just south of Houston St.) on Sunday afternoons. The recreational division teams play at 1pm and 3pm. The competitive division teams plays at 2p.m. and 4p.m.

The spring season games will be played on the following dates:

• February 24
• March 2, 9, 16, 30
• April 6, 13, 20
• Playoffs: April 27 and May 4

New player evaluations will be held at LREI on Sunday, February 10th and Sunday, February 17th from 3pm to 5pm. New players can register by contacting the league at play@nycgaybasketball.org.

There will be a recruiting party held at Gym Bar on Thursday, February 13th from 8pm-10pm. Gym Sports Bar is located at 167 Eighth Avenue between 18th & 19th Street.

There will also be a Draft Party at Gym Sports Bar on Sunday, February 17th from 6pm to 8pm to announce the Spring 2008 Team Rosters.

At the conclusion of the Spring Season the teams will battle it out in playoffs to win their respective division championships. The championship celebration party will be held at a venue to be determined.

Those who want to participate in the spring league should send an email to play@nycgaybasketball.org with their contact details (i.e., name, phone number and email). An NYCGBL board member will reply to them with additional information for the season.

The league is also currently accepting sponsorships for the spring season. Those with sponsorship inquiries should send an email to play@nycgaybasketball.org.

For general information on NYCGBL visit www.nycgaybasketball.org

About the New York Gay Basketball League
Founded in 2006, the New York Gay Basketball League fosters an athletic environment free of discrimination for members and friends of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. It also promotes positive values in our community and will fight to eliminate negative stereotypes associated with LGBT athletics.

###

HOWDY from BIG APPLE DODGEBALL (BAD!)

HOWDY from BIG APPLE DODGEBALL (BAD!)

Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and a Fun New Year! Now let's talk DODGEBALL!

This Sunday (1/6) is BAD!'s first End of Season / Awards Party. Here's the details:

when: Sunday 1/6 @ 6PM
where: THE EAGLE NYC (554 west 28th street / 11th avenue) 646.473.1866 - on the 2nd floor - we'll have flip-cup and beer specials!
6:00pm: be there
6:30pm: pizza
7:00pm: awards - Team MVP's, 1st-2nd-3rd Place teams, 6 special "mystery" awards given to certain players in the league voted on by BAD!'s board
7:30pm: announcement from outgoing Commissioner - Mark Marraccini - and introduction of BAD!'s new Commissioner and new Board members

Also we'll be doing Season 2 registration FOR RETURNING PLAYERS ONLY (NO NEW PLAYER REGISTRATIONS AT THIS PARTY).

If you want to play again in Season 2, please bring a check or money order made out to BIG APPLE DODGEBALL and please clearly print your name in the MEMO section of the check so we know who the check is from.

Along with the check, please print out the attached Voluntary Liability Waiver form and fill out ALL areas CLEARLY so we have your contact info updated for Season 2.

Hand in your Waiver form and check together at the party.

We are NOT registering teams this season - teams for Season 2 will be created by the league and will be made up of returning players from Season 1 and new players signed up after several upcoming registration events. If you have any questions about this or anything else regarding Season 2, please ask us at the Awards party.

Happy New Year and we'll see you all at THE EAGLE this Sunday!

Thanks!
BAD!


--
Big Apple Dodgeball...be BAD!
www.bigappledodgeball.com