Notable Passages: James May (65) PADUCAH

Notable Passages:  James May (65) PADUCAH
By: Michael Scott 

 (PADUCAH)

Mr. James A. May, 65, of Mayfield died Tuesday, March 6, 2012 in Marshall County, KY. He was a retired chemical engineer with Honeywell Inc.,  and a member of Trace Creek Baptist Church. 

May was the owner  of "JIM's PLACE" in Paducah, which closed its doors during the Summer of 2011.

Services for Mr. May will be 2:00P.M., Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Mr. May is survived by two daughters Marsha (Marty) Orr of Benton , Kentucky and Jamie (Chris) Ragan of Anna, Illinois; a brother Roy (Janice) May of Mayfield, Kentucky; a sister Ima Sue (Donnie) Weatherbee of Mayfield. He is also survived by two grandchildren Montana (Ray) McGregor of Paducah, Kentucky and Ty Prince of Anna, Illinois and three great-grandchildren Corey McGregor, Ian James McGregor and Savannah McGregor all of Paducah. He was preceded in death by his father Ned May; his mother Edna Carmen May Sanderson; step-father Charles Desiral Sanderson; a brother Edward May and was joined in death by his brother Gene May. 




Brad Fennel, a  performance artist  explains further: " It is unimaginable what they went through, they had engine trouble, drifted into the spillway of the dam, on the river side. One brother survived, and Jim and his other brother didn't make it. It took over a week to located Jim, they found him this past Saturday."

Services for Mr. May will be 2:00P.M., Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in the Byrn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Stinson, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Trace Creek Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00P.M. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the funeral Home .

By: Michael Scott

"DNA of DEA" - By: Daniel McCree

www.DanielMcCree.Org
Daniel McCree Foundation

(Written 2006)

"A janitor and a jailbird a judas and a judge. Alchemy can kill you, whats a little smudge? A most impervious inquisition, an affinity for fudge. Marble cake can make you swoon and the boys will have to wait. A junior in the making hinges on your fate...

Aztec. Incan. Mayan. Incongruent counterparts. Congressional acts of post traumatic stress induction.

Affiliations with affluent artisans are invitations for acts of attrition. Stars are for shooting; dress for dinner. DNA of DEA.

Endowed: A mission in nouns Hyperactive Son of Sam Entwined in cords Harmonious Dischord Apocolyptic Astroturf with lane lines rolling by

A swimmers penchance for backstroke flags And baseballs distaste for fags Acute Rimbaus: lofty goals Combined in the By and By

sanguin fields of yesterday swept behind the clock time zones cull; the recipe for beefing up the flock calloused clocks and paradox a rauckous combination aleviate the urge: innate to strike the iron hot if your in canterra rest assured canmando is next 567"

Daniel McCree Foundation - Collection of Original Writing

Daniel McCree Foundation - In the Words of Daniel McCree, our collection tells his story in his own words. This selection is an excerpt from "Aids Daze" as featured in the January 2012 Issue of MetroEast NEWS

MetroEast News - January 2012

www.BellevillePride.Org

2012 DIGITAL DIRECTORY  (JANUARY 2012)

Passages: Sasha Valentino -by Kate Sosin, Windy City Times

www.BellevillePride.Org
via Windy City Times

Passages: Sasha Valentino News update posted Dec. 27, 2011 by Kate Sosin, Windy City Times   (CHICAGO)

Sasha Valentino, a legendary Chicago-based female impersonation performer, passed away on Dec. 26 after a long battle with dementia. She was 40.
Valentino was a nationally-known pageant performer, whose titles were many and whose chosen family was extensive.
"Sasha Valentino was an icon and an inspiration to us all in the Trans world," said performer Angelique Munro.
Friends and family remember Valentino as a mentor and example to many, who regularly adopted "children" into her ever-growing family and encouraged them in their goals.
In her own work, Valentino won numerous honors for her performances. She was crowned Miss Black Universe in 1996, Miss Universo Latina, Miss Sweetheart International and Miss Liberty International.
In total, friends estimate that she carried over 40 titles.
(READ MORE)


Original Story

Celebrating the life of Sreeja Smith

(ARCHIVED STORY)

Warmest thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sreeja Smith. Your loss is all our loss and we shall keep you in prayer in the days, months and years ahead. Daniel McCree Foundation


Daniel McCree Foundation

We are saddened by the loss of one of our 'vines' to suicide. As the news of our loss is being shared among Sreeja Smith's many wonderful friends, we extend an invitation to you to join us in remembering her loving spirit. Visitation will be Sunday (3:00 - 6:00) at Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro with funeral services to follow on Monday at 10:00. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and words of comfort. Let us all remember her with love.

Brenda J. Grissom (1951 - 2011)

Colin Murphy via Vital Voice

R.I.P. BRENDA GRISSOM: Co-Owner of the Char-Pei Lounge in Belleville, Illinois and Char-Pei's City Center in E. St. Louis, Ill. 

Brenda was actively involved in the Metropolitan Community Church. Brenda was the long time partner and companion of Dixie Lee Ruliffson

Brenda J. Grissom (1951 - 2011)

Birth:	Jan. 13, 1951
Death:	Mar. 8, 2011
BRENDA GRISSOM, active member of the Greater St. Louis GLBT community. In addition to a successful auto detailing business, The Polish Shop, Brenda co-owned the Char-Pei Lounge in Belleville, Illinois and Char-Pei's City Center in E. St. Louis, Ill. She was actively involved in the Metropolitan Community Church. Brenda was the long time partner and companion of Dixie Lee Ruliffson- Brenda J. Grissom, 60, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, January 13, 1951, in St. Louis, MO, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Miss Grissom was the Owner of The Polish Shop in Belleville. She was a member of Metropolitan Community Church in St. Louis and T.O.P.S. She was a greeter at Belleville Wal-Mart. She was preceded in death by her * Father: James K. Grissom * Life companion: Dixie Lee Ruliffson * Niece: Lauren Reeb. Surviving are her * Mother: Kathryn, nee Jones, Grissom * Brother: James M. Grissom of Belleville, IL * Sister: Tammy (Doug) Morton of O'Fallon, IL * Nieces: o Alana (Jeff) McBride o Tara Morton o Kayla Morton * Nephew: Cole Grissom * Special Friend: Dan Williams of Belleville, IL Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Humane Society. Visitation: Friends may call from 2-6 pm, Sunday, March 13, 2011 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Weston officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL. Family links:  Spouse:   Dixie Lee Ruliffson (1943 - 2007)
Burial: Green Mount Catholic Cemetery Belleville St. Clair County Illinois, USA

 

LGBT HISTORY TREASURE DRIVE II- March 27th

www.BellevillePride.com

St. Louis Gay History Project has a second Treasure Drive Planned... RSVP
and then shuffle thru the attic for your own piece of LGBT history

ST. LOUIS LGBT HISTORY TREASURE DRIVE II

Location: Novaks Bar & Grill Patio

Time: 1:00PM Sunday, March 27th

PRESERVING OUR PAST, ENRICHING OUR FUTURE

We're all sitting on little pieces of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history—so dig through your junk drawers, canvass that basement and rifle through the proverbial closet.

Help donate artifacts to The St. Louis Gay History Project and the St. Louis LGBT Archives at UMSL.

We're especially interested in pre-1990 items, such as:

*Pictures, Home Movies/Videos, Artwork
*Newspapers, Magazines, Articles
*Diaries, Journals, Scrapbooks
*Pageant/Event Programs
*Buttons, Posters, Fliers, T-Shirts
*Organizational/Non Profit Materials

You can donate materials or we will have digital cameras and scanners on site to copy items and return.

We will also be displaying historical St. Louis LGBT items so make sure to drop by and help preserve our stories and history for the next generation.


www.stlouisgayhistory.com
stlgayhistory@me.com
314-740-0298

Remembering our Youth: Q&A-SWIC Gives Voice to Silence

http://www.bellevillepride.com/

By: Colby Kluthe

-Editor, MetroEast NEWS

December 9, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)

Students at Southwestern Illinois College, in Belleville who visited the Main Campus this week would have noticed a special display arranged by Q&A (Queers & Allies) Student group.

"We set up in the Main Lounge of the Belleville Campus. We had tombstones made of cardboard and a big wall with pictures and brief bios of victims of LGBT bullying and hate crimes." explains student advisor, Brennan Peters. "It went really well. A lot of people came through and read bios, looked at pictures, and all that. "

The Q&A student group began last year to bring awareness and support to students who identify as LGBT, and those who support them. As both a social support and educational group, participants find a supportive environment, as well as a calling to educate fellow students to equality rights issues and awareness to the ongoing issues that face our community.

This active group is made up of more than a dozen participants, and alumni who further the causes of the group. Q&A also participates in the Metro East Pride Festival, to raise funds for the Austin Mueller Q&A Activism Scholarship.

Austin Mueller was an participant of Q&A, and student at SWIC, who was lost to suicide in May of this year. Both this student group, and Austin's mother Joyce Coulter, as well as countless friends continue to keep his spirit alive to this day. Information about the scholarship requirements and eligibility can be found at the SWIC Foundation website.

Q&A-SWIC wrapped up this semester with a final meeting this past Tuesday, and will re-convene in the spring, when classes return to the Belleville Campus. The group meets each Tuesday, at 4pm. and is open to any student enrolled at SWIC.

12th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance NOV 18-20

www.BellevillePride.com
November 16, 2010
(ST LOUIS)

St Louis Region-wide Memorial Service

The St. Louis area will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Memorial Service on November 20th, at St. John's Episcopal Church.
This years memorial is presented by local advocate Shane Fairchild, and featured guest Vanessa Edwards Foster, a nationally known trans advocate.

There will be a potluck dinner Sponsored by St. Johns from 4-6PM, and afterwards so please come and support ending the violence rendered upon our Trans Sisters and Brothers. All are welcome to attend. Participants will also include representation from MCC of Greater St. Louis, Transhaven, Pride St. Louis, Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Metro East Pride, Project Safe-Harbor, Vital Voice magazine and Allies from throughout the St. Louis Metro area.
Event Sponsored by: Transhaven

St. John's Episcopal (Tower Grove Church)
3664 Arsenal St.
Saint Louis, MO
Saturday, November 20 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

OTHER TDOR Related EVENTS:

Nov 14-22 - Special Film Presentation of "Paulista" :
TransHaven Missouri is proud to work in conjunction with Cinema Saint Louis and will sponsor the two screenings of Roberto Moreira's endearing triad of love and relationships, one of a young attorney whose past is soon to be revealed. The screenings are part of the St Louis International Film Festival, to be held November 11th thru November 22nd.
TIVOLI THEATRE

NOVEMBER 18 - (EDWARDSVILLE)
SIUE Gay-Straight Alliance Presents:
Transgender Day of Remembrance Panel & Candlelight Vigil
There will be a panel and discussion of several transgender members of our community and the surrounding areas. After the panel which should last from 5 to 7 pm there will be a candle light vigil immediatly following. The panel won the Gay-Straight Alliance an award last year for the best educational program of the year, so it will be very interesting and fun.

NOV 20 - (COLUMBIA,MO)
Missouri Statewide Youth Empowerment Summit
Pre-Registration is required to attend call 314-862-4900 or online: https://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/o/35019/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=371

In collaboration with Growing American Youth of Saint Louis, Galaxy of Springfield, PRISM of Columbia, Equal and KCAVP from Kansas City and PRISM from Kirksville. ...
The Missouri Youth Empowerment Summit is a one-day event that brings together youth from across the state to engage, learn skills that will empower youth around key issues affecting LGBTQA* youth and their communities.

Facilitated workshops as well as open space formats will provide opportunities to connect, discuss issues and design strategies that empower youth in their schools and in their communities. The workshops will focus on skills that can effect positive social change.

The Summit is a great way to make build lasting friendships and community alliances across the state. We ask that you come with an open mind, expect to be inspired and commit to creating change in your community after the day is over. On this day we will also be observing National Transgender Day of Remembrance in honor of those we have lost in the Transgender Community due to Hate Crimes.

The Summit will feature a special workshop track designed for adults who are looking to renew their commitment in support of youth.

Admission: FREE to youth under 22.
$10 for adults

Breakfast and Lunch provided.

National Coming Out Day/Candlelight Vigil OCT.11th in Belleville

http://www.metroeastpride.com/

on Behalf of Metro East Pride

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
& CANDLELIGHT VIGIL MARCH

OCTOBER 11, 2010
BELLEVILLE, IL

Belleville Public Library to Club Escapade

121 E. Washington St.
Belleville, IL 62220

Metro East Pride would like for everyone to join us as we celebrate National Coming Out Day as we host a Candlelight Vigil March through downtown Belleville, IL.

In light of the recent teen suicides globally & locally, we would like for ALL teens to know that you are not alone. Join us as we march from the Belleville Library through the historic streets to Club Escapade.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. Simply bring an open mind and a candle.


Sponsored by:
Metro East Pride

& Belleville PFLAG


www.MetroEastPride.com

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

"Q&A Queer Arts" Remembers Austin Mueller at Metro East Pride 2010

By: COLBY KLUTHE

http://www.metroeastpride.com/

on behalf of Daniel McCree Foundation

We were both honored and saddened to learn about the untimely loss of Local Artist/Writer Austin Mueller (May 2010) at this years Metro East Pride Festival.
And inspired also by his partner Shane , who is working to continue the legacy of this great spirit. LINKS SOON to AUSTIN MUELLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

Austin Mueller (18) Student at SWIC, in Belleville Illinois took his own life

in May 2010. We are both saddened and honored to include him in our tributes at http://www.danielmccree.org/ .

It seems each of the 3 years I have participated in Metro East Pride, we are reminded why we do what we do. I can not begin to put into words how moved I was to meet Shane, the surviving partner of Austin Mueller.

It was the deciding factor in continuing my leadership w/ Metro East Pride another year. Serving as VP the past year, was a lot ... See Moreof work, not to be undertaken lightly.

However, in learning about one of the vendors, Q & A QUEER ARTS of Belleville- I was paid back threefold in an instant! Blessed to have met the gang!
Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, VP Metro East Pride 2010

Support the AUSTIN MUELLER Q&A Activism FundSCHOLARSHIP FUND~

Q & A (Queer Arts)c/o SWIC

VISIT HIS TRIBUTE SITE: http://danielmccree.org/AustinMueller.aspx

National Church Week of Prayer Activities

National Church Week of Prayer Activities
www.HopeandHelpCenter.Org
on behalf of www.FaithCommunitiesUnited.org


Saturday, 03.06.10


Sisterhood in the Spirit Conference:
National Women/Girls Day of Awareness: 8:30am - 5pm (To Register Call 314-361-7111)
University of Missouri St. Louis Campus
J.C. Penney Auditorium, Normandy, MO 63121



Sunday, 03.07.10


Worship Experience: Liberation Christian Church 12pm
St. Louis Regional Arts Commission
6128 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112
Dine-out Activity: 11am - 5pm
The Fountain On Locust
3037 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103



Monday, 03.08.10


emorial Service: 7pm
Asbury United Methodist Church
4001 Maffitt Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63113



Tuesday, 03.09.10


Praise & Worship Service: 7pm
St. John AME Church
1908 North Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63113



Wednesday, 03.10.10


A Gathering of Ministers: 10am
St. John’s United Church of Christ
4136 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63107
Prayer Service: 6:30pm
Jamison Memorial CME Church
609 North Leffingwell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103



Saturday, 03.13.10


Youth & Family Conference 9am - 3pm (Free and Open to the Public)
Clopton High School
28176 Highway WW, Clarksville, MO 63336



Sunday, 03.14.10


Celebration of Praise: 4pm
Union Avenue Christian Church
733 Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
Week of Prayer Prelude Activities




For more information please call: 314-726-5309
Email: fcu2003mail@aol.com
Or Visit Our Website: http://www.faithcommunitiesunited.org/ Prayer + People = POWER

World AIDS Day ~ December 1st ~ an Interfaith /interagency event

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

World AIDS Day Service

"Living Hope"

December 1, 2009

Hosted by: MCC of Greater St. Louis

7pm @ 1919 S. Broadway (SOULARD)

An interfaith and interagency worship remembering the lives
that we have lost to HIV/AIDS; honoring the lives of those who
live with this HIV/AIDS; and raising awareness in the greater
St. Louis region about HIV/AIDS.

For more information or to host a booth:
info@mccgsl.org

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/ The Hope and Help Center (of St. Louis)

TransHaven Missouri / MCCGSL observes Transgender Day of Remembrance NOV 22nd

http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and will be observed at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, in conjunction with TransHaven Missouri.

transhaven@charter.net

Sunday, November 22nd

MCCGSL @ 1919 South Broadway (Soulard) St. Louis, MO 63104

9:00 AM Early Service with TDOR

10:30 AM Late Morning Service with TDOR- Renaming/Baptismal Ceremony following service

12:30 PM Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial Service

RSVP VIA FACEBOOK (rsvp not required)

Remembering Daniel McCree this day~ (Nov 21, 1979 - July23,2007) Artist & Writer of Belleville, IL

http://www.danielmccree.org/

Daniel McCree was born on November 21, 1979 in Chester, IL.

Lost to Suicide in July 2007, the Daniel McCree Foundation works to further the causes he held dear to his heart, including the development of The Hope and Help Center, and sponsorship of Metro East Pride.

The Developers of DanielMcCree.Org wish to take a moment to remember our dear friend as he would have turned 30 years old today. Warm thoughts go out to the family and friends and supporters of the Daniel McCree Foundation.

With your support, we have been able to continue the work the Daniel held so dear to his heart.

We invite each of you to visit for a moment today, and share in the spirit of our dearest friend today. Daniel will also be remembered in several locations on December 1st, as a part of World AIDS Day observances at MCC of Greater St. Louis, and St. Paul UCC and Bethany Place both of Belleville, Illinois

www.BethanyPlace.org www.DanielMcCree.org

Sincerely,

Colby Kluthe - editor@danielmccree.org

Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov 20th - 22nd

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org on behalf of TransHaven Missouri

Transgender Day of Remembrance

begins Friday, November 20, 2009 at 12:00am
and will be observed at MCC of Greater St. Louis on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 2:00pm

Sunday, November 22nd

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St Louis
1919 S. Broadway (7th Street @ Russell in Soulard)

St Louis Missouri 63104

9:00 AM Early Service with TDOR

10:30 AM Late Morning Service with TDOR
- Renaming/Baptismal Ceremony following service
12:30 PM Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial Service

Events Sponsored by TransHaven Missouri & MCCGSL www.MCCGSL.org

For more information contact TransHaven@Charter.net

Service of Remembrance & Hope @ Central Reform Congregation ~OCT 29th

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org on Behalf of: The Daniel McCree Foundation

www.DanielMcCree.org
http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/

A Service of Remembrance and Hope: Celebrating the Harvest of Memories

Thursday October 29th, 7pm
At Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman (Waterman & Kingshighway)

This is an interfaith service of readings, prayers, rituals and music to remember those who have died of HIV/AIDS, sponsored by the St. Louis Metro AIDS Interfaith Network.
For more info call 314-754-0132

http://www.centralreform.org/

Remembrance and Hope Service ~ OCT 29th @ CRC

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

A Service of Remembrance and Hope: Celebrating the Harvest of Memories

Thursday October 29th, 7pm
At Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman (Waterman & Kingshighway)

This is an interfaith service of readings, prayers, rituals and music to remember those who have died of HIV/AIDS, sponsored by the St. Louis Metro AIDS Interfaith Network.
For more info call 314-754-0132

www.centralreform.org

In Remembrance of Aileen Garms ~ June 23rd 7PM

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org

In Remembrance

A memorial service for Aileen Garms will be held Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00PM

at 1919 S. Broadway. Aileen Garms, Rev. Bev Stephenson’s partner
passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 12 after an extended battle with lung cancer.

Aileen Garms and Rev. Bev Stephenson were partners for almost 30 years. Aileen had been an active member of MCC since 1981, a current member of MCC of Greater St. Louis, past member of MCC San Antonio 12 years, and subsequently at the MCCs pastored by her spouse. Any gifts/donations are asked to be made to MCC of Greater St. Louis' Building Together Fund.

MCCGSL will hold a memorial service for Aileen in the days to come according to Rev. Bev’s wishes. Cards/letters can be mailed to the church office. For more information, visit:

http://www.hutchensmortuary.com/.


Marjorie Aileen Garms

Date:
January 4th, 1939 - May 12th, 2009

Garms, Marjorie Aileen, of St. Ann, MO. born Jan. 4, 1939 in Cotulla, TX, passed away Tues., May 12, 2009. Parents: Aldon Garms (deceased) and Margie Garms (nee Oakes).

Beloved lifetime partner of Rev. Bev Stephenson. Sisters: Kathleen Hill of Colorado, Betty Fairly of Martindale, TX, and Fran Jackson of Canyon Lake, TX. Survived by other relatives, nieces and nephews. A retired teacher and coach and Coach of the Year from Texas, and member of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis.

Any gifts/donations are to be made to the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis Building Together Fund. www.MCCGSL.org

www.HopeandHelpCenter.org