TogetherVA-Featured

Sara Jones: with friends like these... you are the luckiest woman in the world...

Although initially you may not think Sara to be so fortunate, at least not when you first hear her story...

... Sara Jones has cancer. Her life, at first observation, is, to say the least, lamentable.  Sara has breast cancer, it is her third battle with the disease. Sara has been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that has now metastasized to her bones. Numerous complications and series of circumstances most tragic have befallen this Hampton Road's hero. Times and troubles have been unyielding. Exhausted resources and in no condition to work, insurances fall short of ever increasing expenses... and the city she risked her life for as a firefighter is failing her... Sara's story is one that perhaps will bring tears to your eyes, it has my own, but it will hopefully, as you come to know the very special secret of Sara's strength, also make your heart lighter, your faith deeper, your belief in miracles reaffirmed and you will value your friends that much more when you learn why with friends like Sara's she is indeed the luckiest woman in the world...

Sara Jones, just 37, originally from Miami FL, an All-American girl with bright kind eyes, a smile uninterrupted and enduring, a laugh that is genuine and true - everything about Sara reveals the compassionate soul and indomitable spirit she posses. Sara is not the shy away type, not a wall flower or the girl behind the veil. Sara is vibrant and alive and she lives life out loud. She  spent her working years devoted to a community, her protective nature had her out there saving lives and risking her own. Fearless?... maybe... or maybe just possessing something stronger than fear... Courageous? most certainly. And never for a moment has her courage wavered or faltered.  Sara the protector, prevailer, the ready, the rescuer... Now needing her community to come to her rescue..

The young woman who through 9 years of service to her community as a firefighter risked her life to save others. She served as a FF / EMT / PARAMEDIC and Honor Guard with the City of Norfolk Fire and Rescue. Her choice of careers speaks volumes of the character that Sara posses, she chose a life of mortal danger to safeguard and protect others... strangers... you and I...  Sara we appreciate your years of dedication, for your sacrifices and for your service to our community we owe you our lives.

 

Sara's contributions as a firefighter were not the only way she touched lives or saved them, Sara was also a business woman, she owned and operated two Cuvres Fitness Centers and through the years of running the center for women's health and fitness encouraged countless women to take control of their health and through fitness prolong and better their lives. Women whom Sara had touched know that today their good health, redefined self image and healthy futures are due to Sara's devotion to them. 

So the expenses of treatments and life have emptied accounts and savings, and the insurances have provided only so much that now Sara has found herself in a situation that is tragically much too common in this country today...

 "Medical bills are behind more than 60 percent of U.S. personal bankruptcies, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday in a report they said demonstrates that health care reform is on the wrong track.

More than 75 percent of these bankrupt families had health insurance but still were overwhelmed by their medical debts, the team at Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School and Ohio University reported in the American Journal of Medicine"

Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor

WASHINGTON | Thu Jun 4, 2009 11:54am EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters)

Thankfully this is not the story we share with you today.... Sara will not lose her home and she will be able to continue to recover in the comfort of her familiar surroundings. Such a vital thing, comfort, that is, especially when pain is nearly constant. Sara will continue her fight at home thanks to a group of very special friends and a community who gathered to make possible a sanctuary for a very special woman.

Already Sara was looking at bills and expenses that she had hoped to begin working off and rebuilding her life after her last battle with breast cancer. The news the cancer had returned meant more expenses, no income and with everything just about gone and no more help available from insurances or other resources it was time for the community to come to Sara's rescue.

 

While strength like Sara's is forged by the gods surely, the hearts of her friends, family and loved ones are no doubt made of gold. When Sara was diagnosed this past March it was the third  time that Sara had to hear the news that she has cancer. Sara, the determined and strong, didn't have a chance to waiver as her friends rallied around without missing a beat.

A circle of close friends rallied and came to Sara's aid organizing the SARAPALOOZA. The event, a  Fundraiser/Benefit for Sara featured 6 bands, a silent auction, great food, and opportunities for the many people whom Sara has touched to come together to celebrate and help their cherished friend ... These very incredible women who put together the Sarapolooza have been Sara's friends through it all. The love they share, glorious and immortal. The most touching sentiment, I mean really touching, feel it in your heart, in your gut, in your soul when you hear any one of these women speak of one another, for these women Sara's pain is their own, her struggles, theirs, her fight their fight. So when the women gathered to organize an event that would bring the community out and raise awareness and support for their friend they did so with all their heart and soul for this Hampton Road's hero, their friend and our community's paladin....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The evening before Sarapalooza we had the good fortune of being invited to one of her good friends home for a gathering. The small gathering was impromptu, a welcome to town for some special friends who came in to see Sara and to participate in Sarapalooza.

 

Sara Jones with friends like these you are truly the luckiest woman

in the world... your

   incredible life and your story of courage is just beginning and youare inspiring the world. You have always been an ideal of courage, of bravery, selflessness and humanity, now you are the avatar of community, friendship, hope and love...

I had a moment to speak with a close friend of Sara's  and she told me the group of women have always been close - they would rally the same for anyone of the group - they were doing what they could do for Sara selflessly. Her eyes wet with abstained tears, a tenuous tremble in her otherwise bright chirp. I felt my eyes well up and was grateful it was dusk as not to betray my heartache for Sara and for her friends.

I do not think that Sara's friend suspected what a success the event would turn out to be when we spoke - but somehow I knew when I saw the love in her eyes as she told me of the bond the group shared that it would be phenomenal.

Sunday July 25th at 37th & Zen, SARAPALOOZA kicked off with over 300 friends, community members, local celebrities and compassionate supporters coming out to celebrate Sara Jones. A day of entertainment, a silent auction, good food and great friends began with performances by  Vedette, MSG, Rock Star Parking, Nance Schwegler, and Courtney Criswell of Lucky Town.

 

One of our favourite musicians, TOGETHERVA.com's friend and Sara's neighbor,nationally performingfolk musician JulieClark, also performed. Julie and Sara just live walking distance from one another in Norfolk's Colonial Place neighborhood, but from as far away as Atlanta, North Carolina, Baltimore & D.C., friends drove in to support their friend Sara Jones.

 

 

 

Artist, Kathy Rawls of North Carolina and partner, Kristie Meadows Ensley were in town to   see their much loved friend Sara. Kathy created a beautiful metal work (photo below on right) for Sara and for the silent auction, the mermaid, inspired by Sara, holding an anchor symbolizing strength and hope  (pictured below on left). Sara Jones, herself a symbol of strength and hope, her dear friend Kathy revealed Sara's spirirt in her piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Annette Stone's beautiful Hampton Blvd entertainment venue 37th & Zen, the crowd enjoyed sharing stories of Sara and her courage, listening to some great performers and bidding on some pretty incredible donated items.  Denise Irby of A+I Studios and Leisa of Seahags offered for bid a custom back splash and custom counter top (you have to check out these ladies' work in our upcoming issue!  Look for the write up in our Home and Garden section!) A cruise on a sailboat complete with complimentary champagne and light repast was presented by two other friends just to name a few of the amazing silent auction items...

 

We had a chance to run into Rainbow Cactus co-owner, Shelley White, pictured here with David Moscone, HRBOR president Nicole Bernadette Carry and Sparkle with Hope designer and  founder Christina Moscone of Christina's Crystals, (pictured below) with partner Cami Beckerdite.

Christina donated an original hand craft Swarovski crystal and sterling silver pendant from her Sara Jone's inspired line Sparkle with Hope, and while a very lucky bidder went home with that beautiful piece you can order your own handcrafted pendant by visiting Christina's Crystals at The Artist Gallery or visiting www.SparklewithHope.com.

 

 

Very generously Annette Stone contributed the venue and ticket sales for the event at 37th&Zen as well as proceeds from following weekend's performances by 'Wicked Jezebells' at Hershee Bar to Sara and along with about 25 other contributors to the silent auction helped Sara to continue her road back to good health at home.

The days highlight was when Sara  made an appearance. Albeit brief due to her health and understandably lagging stamina.  It touched her heart so much to see the out pour of support from the community. She needed to see it first hand and she was upset she couldn't participate or stay longer, it was good for her heart but not her health that day.  But she was determined to go and did!

Sara is still fighting and she will continue to need the communitys support. The fact is that living expenses do not get put on hold while battling cancer. You can still show your support for this young woman who braved her life for her community, for you... who now needs your help. For ways to help Sara please visit the links below.

Caringbridge

sparklewithhope.com

Susan G Komen

 

TogetherVA.com wishes to extend well wishes to Sara. We know you will be just fine.

(3 Times now? This isn't anything that you haven't already taken on and won. Go on love, kick @ss!)

 

 

We wish to thank Katzman for helping us with the details, Photographers Kristie Meadows Insley and David Moscone

 Annette Stone for her hospitality and generosity ... and the women who made Sarapolooza happen and remind us that TOGETHER great things are done and of course Sara Jones who continues to inspire her community

 

I do wish to make one small note to the ladies who asked your names not be mentioned  as you wanted the story to be about Sara and wished for no glory yourselves -  you are really the most amazing women in the world - I think the world of you and even if the world doesn't know your names I do and Sara does and I know that she , like myself, think you are the most wonderful friends anyone could ever have. So to S.K., D.I., L.L., K.B and C.B. you are angels and everyone should be so lucky to know women like yourselves. 

 

HRBOR (Hampton Road's Business Out Reach): Developing Diversity and Creating Community

 by teej beck

Since its inception in (2007) HRBOR, Hampton Road's Business Out Reach, has grown from just a handful of like-minded professionals in the GLBT & Friendly community to an organization nearing 100 members.

 "Developing Diversity and Creating Community" HRBOR's goal, as the Hampton Road's first and only business networking chamber of commerce for the LGBT & LGBT supportive business community, is promoting....." an environment in which diversity can flourish, HBROR is committed to the economic growth and prosperity to our members and our community."

HRBOR's board is comprised of area professionals with successful businesses, franchises, practices and agencies, each of whom is strongly invested in the promotion of the community through economic development and fiscal growth.

Professional community involvement is the lifeblood of an organization such as HRBOR and board members; President, HRBOR Board of Directors Nicole Carry, Computer Engineering Consultant for Electronic Systems Inc. and co-Owner of two local Anytime Fitness Gyms, Vice President, Jodi Butler - Co- Owner of Butler & Spinato Real Estate Settlement Services, a title and escrow business since November 2007 and Terri Van Bortel HRBOR Board Treasurer & Owner of Van Bortel Accounting & Tax Service, are not only very involved in the promotion of their own businesses but the 'LGBT & LGBT supportive' business community as well.

 Active in Access Aids Care as an ambassador for Dining Out for Life and as an annual hostess for Dinner is Served,  collecting food for The Food Bank and volunteering for the SPCA are just a couple of things that President Nicole Carry does to reach beyond the "LGBT" community and involve HRBOR with the entire community. Ms. Carry is also a 2009 Women In Business  Honoree, an Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Business Journal (December 11, 2009) article profiles HRBOR's president and TOGETHERVA.com hopes to have Nicole sit down with us soon and share some insights on the progresses and future of HRBOR

   

Terri Van Bortel, Van Bortel Accounting and Tax Service, with 25 years' experience in accounting specializes in helping small and medium sized businesses with services including bookkeeping, payroll services, and all tax compliance for payroll and sales tax, as well as preparing personal and business tax returns.

One of the founding and currently an Executive Board member Michael B. Hamar, P.C, of Hamar Law has been practicing law in Hampton Roads for over 20 years and provides counsel to groups such as HRBOR and Hampton Roads Pride, a non-profit agency promoting the GLBT & friendly presence in the community. Hamar practices in the areas of banking, real estate development and finance, commercial and corporate law, real estate acquisition and loan documentation, estate planning and legal issues concerning LGBT individuals and couples.  Michael is deeply involved in speaking out on GLBT related subjects and relating personal experiences along with investigative reports in his internationally read blog,  michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com.

Obviously, as one of the original founders I believe in HRBOR and its mission. I hope as time goes by it will become a stronger force in increasing diversity and tolerance in the business community.  If Hampton Roads wants to reduce “brain drain” and loss of talent to more tolerant cities, it needs to become more welcoming to the so-called creative class.  HRBOR can play a role in this endeavor.- Michael Hamar

HRBOR members are equally involved promoting the GLBT & friendly communities' support of an integrated and diverse community through socially conscious events, benefits, civic groups and business organizations.

Claus Ihlemann and spouse Robert Roman owners, Decorum Furniture of Norfolk and Virginia Beach recently hosted the 3 year anniversary of HRBOR at their Palace Shop location on 21st street in Norfolk. Claus Ihlemann is a founding corporate member of HRBOR. Robert is a member of the Ghent Business Association Board of Directors and serves as a liaison for many political, non-profit and humanitarian organizations in Hampton Roads. Robert and spouse Claus are committed to equality and are strong supporters of Equality Virginia. The couple recently opened their home to The King's Daughters' Tour de Cuisine, the 6th annual event held in May, this year, in the Meadowbrook neighborhood along Norfolk's Lafayette River. The event, Tour de Cuisine, is a progressive cocktail and hors d' oeuvres tasting social afternoon to raise money for the King's Daughters Children Hospital. They are not only active in the GLBT community but in the Greater Hampton Roads community as well.

 

Fellow Board member Mark Board, exemplifies the true involvement that HRBOR members  exhibit in their outreach to all communities. Originally from Texas, later St. Louis, Missouri and now calling Hampton Roads home, Mark is an example of community involvement. Board's involvement with not only HRBOR but as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Equality Virginia, and a Commissioner on the City of Hampton's Citizens Unity Commission, Mr Board has become entrenched in the GLBT politics of Hampton Roads and the state. In 2008, Mark retired as an officer in the United States Air Force, having served honorably for 20 years. 

The example these men and women make for the community is reshaping American society. Becoming involved in the building of integrated and diverse communities is the foundation of America's great success. The GLBT communities' representation is ever stronger thanks to the motivated, inspiring and outstanding members of HRBOR.

 In 2008, HRRA Circle of Excellence - Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winning Realtor, Carl Johansen, for Prudential Towne Realty Carl achieved Top Sales for the Norfolk Office and is ranked among the Top 5% of Realtors nationwide. Carl joined HRBOR in August 2008 and sits on the board of HRBOR as Events Committee Chair, which includes Education, Advocacy, Politico and Pride Representation. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Edmarc Hospice for Children, and Relay for Life are but a few of Carl's favorite charities and causes which he supports. As a member of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Friends of the Jean Outland Chrysler Library and Friends of Historic Houses, Carl's broad range of circles makes for a great ambassador from the GLBT community and from HRBOR.

Also on the Board of Directors for HRBOR and a frequent guest writer for Inside Business, Kelly A. Meerbott, Meerbott Marketing, worked in the creative services, promotion, marketing, public relations, sales and media since beginning her career more than 12 years ago in Boynton Beach, FL. She has recently become a member of Lead Hampton Roads.

I believe HRBOR can do good things for the community, by being not only business owners but by setting the example as an organization of business owners who care about the people in the community who may not be as fortunate as we. Towards this goal, we (HRBOR) are looking to partner with other organizations in the area who help people in the community on a daily basis. We want people to know HRBOR has a heart and soul and is not solely about commerce. The simple fact is, by strengthen our community we by default strengthen the community commerce as well. - Jodi Butler, HRBOR Vice President

On May 20, 2010, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) proudly announced Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR) of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia as the winner of its 2010 Rising Star Chamber of the Year Award. Each year the NLGCC recognizes one outstanding local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenders (LGBT) chamber of commerce or business organization for its noticeable growth, enthusiasm, and vision on behalf of its members and community. At the Chamber Awards Breakfast on Thursday, November 18, the honor will be presented in front of LGBT business owners, corporate decision-makers, and fellow chamber leaders at NGLCC’s 2010 National Business & Leadership Conference: Out for Business!, being held at the Capital Hilton November 18-20 in Washington, D.C. 

CONGRATULATIONS HRBOR!

The vision for HRBOR remains focused on developing the area's diverse business community by cooperative  marketing and community outreach programs and participation trough its active board and socially conscious members.

HRBOR's Current Board

Nicole Carry, President
Computer Engineer & Franchise Co-Owner

Jodi Butler, Vice President
Title & Escrow Specialist, Business Co-Owner

Martha Hill, Secretary
Reverse Mortgage Specialist

Terri Van Bortel, Treasurer
Accountant, Business Owner

Michael Hamar, Executive Board Member
Attorney, Business Owner

Mark Board, Board Member
Chairman of the Board, EV,
Commissioner on the City of Hampton's Citizens Unity Commission

Jeffery A. DePriest, Board Member
Insurance Specialist

Carl Johansen, Board Member
Realtor

James Parker, Board Member
LPN, student, President of HR Pride

Kelly A. Meerbott, Board Member
Marketing Specialist, Business Owner

 HRBOR meets on the third Thursday of each month.  For location or additional information, check out their website at www.hrbor.org 

Photos used are copied without permission from the hrbor.org  website (and from nicole carry's facebook)  to view original photos from HRBOR please visit their website.

B  R  I  N  G  I  N  G     T  H  E
C  O  M  M  U  N  I  T  Y    T O G E T H E R

 Mike 'n Mark... Mike Wesley and Mark Hinkley.  When there is a fabulous event happening in Hampton Roads, it's a safe bet that the dynamic duo were involved, having promoted, pitched in or orchestrated the entire thing.  GLBT Omni Media Group had the chance to sit down with them and talk about their lives, their activism, and their vision for Hampton Road's gay community.  Here are some of the highlights from that conversation:

How did the two of you meet?
Well no romantic story there, it was an internet chat room in April of 2000. 
 
The evolution of mike n mark was developed over years of socializing and making friendships... when you first realized what a following and draw you had what was your first 'goal' ?
When we first became a couple our gay social life mostly occurred on Friday or Saturday night at one of the clubs in town. In 2004 the state of Virginia decided to change its constitution to define marriage as being between only a man and a woman. At that point Mark became politically involved with Equality Virginia. From June of that year until November he was going door to door, attending meetings in the community, and helping with a huge rally to gain support for protest against this change. He was one of the core group of people working on this and after so many months they were all to fired to put together a Christmas party for the community and all the helpers from the past months. To help out I offered to “throw the party” if it would be at our home.

At this point in our relationship I was pretty much behind the scene support to the politics in the area.  They agreed and with that, along with Equality Virginia’s e-mail data base for our area the first of many e-vites were created. Over the next month I e-mailed folks through e-vite, responded personally to those deciding to attend, and continued to reach out to as many people as we could. We had never done this before and had no idea what type of crowd to expect. On the night of the party over 100 people came out to this event that was unlike anything else in town. In addition to meeting and greeting I had set up ice breaker activities from my corporate days to make sure everyone that attended met people quickly and had an enjoyable time. By the end of the night everyone was amazed, and we were inspired. The group of people that came out were so diverse. They wanted to meet others and build friendships in the area. Many of the people were people we had never seen out at the clubs. From that night we were inspired to recreate that event again and not only build friendships for us with others, but to also begin to build bridges between the people that were living in the Hampton Roads area.

Over the next 2 years we recreated that party about every 3 months. By the end of the 2nd year we had made many new friends and connected many people. The parties were creating a “Buzz” in the area and we were all about meeting more new people.

On year 3 we made the decision (and commitment) to have a party every Month. There certainly was an increasing demand and we were having fun doing it. Each month we came up with a theme and never knew it would be such a hit. When people were renting costumes to attend the parties we knew we hit a new level. After that first year boy were we tired, but with all of the positives that had come out of the events we decided to do a party a month the next two years. Over those years we continued to meet new people, collect e-mails for a data base, and help others in the community connect.

As all of this evolved, our goal has always been to build bridges between the folks in Hampton Roads. This area has many small groups. Each group catering to a specific interest, yet there was no one group that brought all the other groups together. They were so isolated that many did not know the other was even out there. I guess in a nutshell, it is what Harvey Milk did in San Francisco…build community 1 block at a time.
 
Tell us what the Gay Mayor is and does.
I used to be called Julie McCoy from the Love Boat since I was like social director, but now my friends jokingly call me the Gay Mayor. As the “Mayor” I am pretty much the front man of Mike-n-Mark doing all the social networking through e-vite, myspace and facebook. At any event you will see me greeting everyone, collecting e-mails, passing out fliers, and making sure everyone is having a great time. If I find someone new, I will introduce them to someone and have that person help introduce them to all the people around the room. I want everyone to feel as comfortable as they can and to enjoy coming together. Of course in doing all of this I have an uncanny ability to recall names and what people do for their living. That knowledge I use for introductions and connecting resources in the area. It is a thrill to be able to know what four different groups can do, and how you can help them all can work together to compliment each other.
 
And the role of 'first man'?
From my point of view he is the wind beneath my wings. The amount of time all of the social networking is incredible. While I am tied to a computer he is the one stuck doing the laundry, cooking dinner, or anything else that I might “put off” to accomplish getting word out to the community. Over the years we have refined our “duties” when it comes to entertaining at our home. Mark has the outside set up, and I have the inside theme décor. Of course his job is more labor intensive, but he prefers it.
 
Juggling careers, family, a 10 year relationship and responsibilities to your public is daunting no doubt - how do you do it? (and why?)
Well the why part is easy- to bring this community together! I see it slowly happening more and more each year. As for juggling, it has been a task and a half. It does make it easier having your partner be the other half of the team so it does not take us away from each other. Last year it had become more of a job as extra opportunities came up and we spent many weekends “hosting” events limiting our free time.
 
Mike, tell us about your career as an educator,
Education is a 2nd career for me. So I actually chose to teach. It is a rewarding job and one that I love. To have a child light up and turn on to learning is an incredible thing.

And your role as a father to a teen age daughter?
Parenthood is an amazing adventure. Every stage is different and offers its own challenges. If I am able to teach my children anything it is hopefully to be comfortable with living as your true self.
 
Mark, you are an architect, activist, spokesperson - what drives you and how do you accomplish so much? 
Well, being extremely OCD seems to help a lot! I’ve always been an extreme multi-tasker.  I never walk away from a challenge, especially when someone tells me that it can’t be done.  Architecture is just my means to live. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my job. It affords me a great deal of creativity.  My true passion comes from my activism and charitable contributions.  I’ve always said I would be the worlds worst philanthropist.  I love to see the looks on peoples faces and witness their reactions when I’ve done something to help them.  To me, it’s something every one of us is responsible for doing.  Activism and charity work are my religion.  It’s how I find my center.  I truly believe that all we can do with this life that we are given is to be a good person, be a productive member of our society, and help our fellow man. 

Activism and standing up for gay rights was something I never thought I would be heavily involved with.  Honestly, I was content in the beginning to be on the sidelines and live my life.  It wasn’t until June of 2004 when Virginia decided to tell me who and could and could not love and build a life with that I knew it was time to take action.  It would have been too easy to pack up and move to a more liberal state.  That’s what they want.  Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to let them know that I was here, and I’m not going anywhere without a fight.  We still have a long way to go in that arena, but in the few years that I have been involved in the local equal rights movement, I have seen progress.  It’s a small amount, and sometimes it seems we take 2 steps back with every step forward, but I’m hopeful. 
 
Politics? View points, thoughts, opinion on current state of affairs? (gays politically)?
It’s a mess, but no matter how awful it may look now things will change. The world is changing and as impossible as it may be to believe, Virginia will be changing too!
 
What's one of your best memories of your involvement in the HR gay community?
Great Moment?- 800 people over the course of the night coming out dressed in white to the Ocean View Fishing Pier- a stunning sight!
 
Advice, word of wisdom/encouragement, your statement to gay Hampton Roads?
Think of what Harvey Milk did in such a short time in San Francisco, then ask yourself what can you do to help build community in our area? Don’t just think about it, become part of it. Join others working to bring our community together and make it a better place to live!
 
Whats up coming for M'nM?
After last year’s hectic schedule we have stepped back to breath a little more this year. Rather than hosting everything we can, we are concentrating on our largest events and allowing others to come together by creating and hosting events no matter how big or small to bring the community together. “One block at a time!” We hope that our efforts will inspire others to step forward and join us in uniting our area!

Within the past month both Mike and Mark celebrated birthdays! Everyone at GLBT OMG would like to extend the happiest of wishes to the Birthday Boys!

A personal aside.... Mike and Mark have been two among many inspirations when it came to creating TOGETHERVA.com. When I had first approached the two with the idea of an online magazine for the gay community (I was intending just to have a Men's Magazine) they gave me some sound advice... INCLUDE EVERYONE!

Sitting down in my kitchen one winter afternoon to a phenomenal lunch prepared by a wonderful chef and friend (thank you Paul Muir)  Mike and Mark each took their own approach in educating me on the GLBT community here in Hampton Roads. It was that first discussion that began the path which lead us to here and now.

Mike referenced Milk at that luncheon as well, his conjuring of Harvey Milk's legacy reminding me that change happens with the individual, going out among the people, listening to the community, making friends and reaching out to opponents finding common ground and working together to build something one block at a time.

Thank You boys,

teej beck