Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 3-16-11

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Dishing with Mark & Carrie
3-16-11
greco_headshot2
 
 
A lesson for the LGBT Community
Inspired by Former Tampa Mayor, Dick Greco.
 
Here at MC Film we have a very special relationship with Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. The MC Film store in Ybor City was Dick’s grandparents, King Greco Hardware Store. Dick grew up in this store and from time to time will stop by to visit. As Dick was running for Tampa Mayor 2011, we got to know a different side of him. In debates people would criticize him over his city projects. Some of these projects included; The Raymond James Football Stadium, The St. Pete Times Forum, The TECO Trolley Car System, Centro Ybor, Marriott Convention Center Hotel, Channelside…. In debates Dick would say ” It’s strange…. these projects are some of the Most Loved & Most Hated in Tampa. Yet all these projects are important building blocks for the good of all of Tampa.” Dick would go on to say “…do you really think we could have the Republican National Convention coming here if all we had to offer were small motels and the Mons Venus for entertainment?” NO!! We have major hotels, a trolley car & bus systems for transportation & entertainment districts in Ybor City & Channelside! These tourism dollars are for the betterment of ALL of TAMPA. Without these building blocks we would never get the major conventions & tourists. The support of these projects by all the people of Tampa is important to the economics & wellness for all of us.”  ( Dick, I hope I paraphrased your speech properly) .
 
This got us thinking…..  In the Tampa Bay LGBT Community these same principals apply. Many of our community building blocks are also “The Most Loved & Most Hated.”  The GaYBOR District Coalition, St. Pete Pride,  Pride on 7th, The Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, GaYBOR Days, Sawmill Resort, TBBG, LGBT Business, non-profits, the LGBT Media & more. Yet all these groups, business, organizations are important building blocks for the good of all of LGBT Tampa Bay. The thriving Downtown District of GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City, with the help of all the other community building blocks, have been drawing in National Drag Pageants, National & International Media including Logo, Discovery Channel, Scy Fy Network, Bravo & other Networks. Together with the Prides, Film Festival & many local events the LGBT tourism has exploded in Tampa Bay. So as we as a community approach the Pride & festival season, we should all remember what Dick Greco said. “The support of these projects by all the people of Tampa is important to the economics & wellness for all of us.” It’s is time for us all to come together & support the Building Blocks of LGBT Tampa Bay.
 
See Dick Greco at a GaYBOR Meeting.

GaYBOR Makes LGBT History in Tampa as the

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Hats off to our brothers & sisters in the Tampa Bay Straight community!  Right here in Ybor City were one of the very few open LGBT Groups in the St. Patrick’s Parade across the USA!!!. This parade is organized by the The Rough Riders  – 1st USV Cavalry.  Several members of the Rough Rider personally visited our float to welcomes us in the parade. One of the funny moments of the night was when a lady walked up to our float & said ” You know our float looks way more Gay than yours!” We all laughed & said “No, your float looks like Christmas explode on it!” What a Great time everybody had together!!!

Celebrity Sighting in GaYBOR at Hamburger Mary's

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Carson Kressley the star of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” was spotted at Hamburger Mary’s 3-10-11. The Judy B. Goode Show had just finished and the Mary’s Got Talent was just starting as the news spread thru Mary’s! Carson was in town and had just finished a fundraiser for Macy’s.  Accompanying Carson was our friend Miss So Fonda (out of drag). You just never know what celebrity will turn up in GaYBOR!!!  
Viva La GaYBOR!!!!

The Sawmill Resort

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First Ever Gay Community Co OP in America
 
Below is an important letter from Al & Chuck.  They guys did an excellent job explaining what is going on at the Sawmill Resort & why it is important to all of us. We urge all our readers to share this letter with all your family & friends.
 
Thank You Very Much Al & Chuck & Sawmill Family!!!
Mark & Carrie
 
 
 
 

Dear Mark & Carrie:

 

As you are aware, Sawmill Resort is being purchased by the gay community from the straight owner.  $4.2 million has been offered (matched the bank appraisal) and been accepted by the owner.  Sawmill will become gay owned and operated and will become the largest gay entertainment business in America.  Best of all Sawmill will become NOT FOR PROFIT and will also operate the 501c3.  Currently Sawmill does not contribute ANYTHING to our community.  The turn to a NOT FOR PROFIT will mean that the 501c3 will focus exclusively on gay charities, Pride Events, gay events and the like.  The owner has taken $2 million dollars of profit from the company in the last three years.  With the Co Op purchase, ALL of those funds legally must stay in the Sawmill community and the 501c3 contributes to our gay community causes.

 

The effects of this FIRST EVER GAY COMMUNITY CO OP IN AMERICA are far reaching.  The community is selling shares for $23,000 to buy into the NOT FOR PROFIT co op.  We are down to the last 25 shares.  (Incidentally, the bank that financed the loan to do this…the bank President is Gay…and understood the unique nature and history making event this would become.)

 

First and foremost, we suggest you join us in supporting our community and purchase a share in this historic gay venture.  The benefits are obvious:

1.     GUARANTEED 6% OR MORE INVESTMENT INCOME:  Your share is supported by the renters (which has been at 100% occupancy for more than 8 years).  As a shareholder you are repaid the rent (less a maintainence fee) to provide guarantee return of investment.  Additionally, when the last 25 shares are completed, all future shares are set at $28,000 (providing an immediate 20% return if and when you sell your share.)  The return is better than anything that currently exists in the low risk financial markets.

2.     STATE GOVERNMENT HELPS ENSURE SUCCESS: The state does not like RV and Manufactured communities, especially owned by private business and individuals.  As a result they have created a unique set of tax provisions that encourage residents and members of a community to purchase the entire business.  They do this by turning the FOR PROFIT BUSINESS into a NOT FOR PROFIT BUSINESS.  That, combined with the 501c3 means no one can personally financially gain and all revenues stay within the community.  This allows for capital improvement and direct contribution to gay charities and events.  The states strategy has proven to be a success as no RV/Manufactured Home  Co Op has defaulted since the laws were revised.

 

If you would like to discuss any details on becoming a shareholder, or friends that might be interested in becoming a share holder in this unique and historic gay event I encourage you to allow me to provide you even more details.

 

WHAT I URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP ON:

I know you are asked and asked for so many things (as we also are experiencing at ALandCHUCK.travel…LOL) but you could really, really help us provide a face to this historic event.  I have included a jpeg on the image about our co op and if you were able to run a few ads,,, that would make a dramatic contribution to our cause. Additionally, if you could create any editorial support that would also make a significant difference.

 

Second, if we could receive support for the concept of the NOT FOR PROFIT Sawmill Co Op on your website (and email broadcast) and support on Facebook and other social media you would, again, dramatically help our cause.

 

I ask..because…we both help so many in our community.  This effort actually helps OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.  I truly believe this is a positive and historic statement that the economy is not all bad…that the gay community in Florida can unite in a business cause…and that Florida can make national news with the creation of this NOT FOR PROFIT GAY COMMUNITY.

 

I hope you can help me bring this dream to a reality.  Anything you need me to do to earn your support you only need to ask.

 

I hope to hear from you soon.

 

Al Ferguson

Vice President

ALandCHUCK.travel

LJ logo color

sawmillcopysmall

Obituary of Marie Hall

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Below is the obituary Marie’s son Kevin wrote.  Marie was also an inspiration & good friend to may of us here in the Tampa Bay Community. Many of us will miss her very much!   Mark & Carrie
 

Dorothy Marie Hall

Dorothy Marie ”MeMe” Shepherd Hall passed peacefully from this world on Monday, March 7, 2011.  She was seventy-eight years old.  Mrs. Hall was married for forty years to the late Thurlow Hall.  Both were natives of Durham, North Carolina.

A good Air Force wife and mother, she lived around the world while Sargent Hall served our country.  She was President of the PTO, Concession Stand Chair, Den Mother, and Community Leader.  When her husband Thurlow retired in Florida, she started a career in the life-care industry.  She worked as Services Coordinator, Marketing Director and Social Director.  She worked at Canterbury Towers in Tampa and Moorings Park in Naples.  After retiring herself she entered the antique business with a passion, forming a partnership with the late Leslie Solomon.

Seven years ago Mrs. Hall moved to Aiken, South Carolina to watch her grandchildren grow.  She was a member of South Aiken Presbyterian Church, enjoyed gardening, traveling, and visiting with friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Myra Atkins Shepherd, and her father, Ralph Kermit Shepherd.  She is survived by a brother, Ralph Kermit (Peggy) Shepherd, Jr. of Matthews, Alabama; two sisters, Sarah S. Fowler, and Helon S. (Larry) Fara, both of Durham, North Carolina; her daughter, Deborah H. Peaton, of St. Petersburg, Florida, sons Scot T. (Debbie) Hall, of Jacksonville, Florida, and R. Kevin (Lydia) Hall of Aiken, South Carolina; six grandsons, Jimmy (Penny) Hall, Michael Hall, and Christopher Hall of Jacksonville, Florida; Rorri Peaton of Gainesville, Florida; Shea Peaton, currently serving in Afghanistan; Jesse Hall of Aiken, South Carolina; one granddaughter, Annie-Marie Hall of Aiken, South Carolina; and one great-grandson, Joshua Hall of Jacksonville, Florida.  Marie also considered Dana Solomon as family.

The family would like to offer heartfelt thanks for the loving care Marie received at Trinity on Laurens and Anchor (formerly Carriage Hills) Health and Rehabilitation Center.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at South Aiken Presbyterian Church, located at 1711 Whiskey Road.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Family Life Center of the church.  Private burial will occur at Florida National Cemetery.

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

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BBQ Uplift: A Benefit for Max Jones

 
Time
Sunday, April 17 · 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Location
Chelsea Nightclub

1502 N. Florida Avenue at Estelle
Tampa, FL
Created By

More Info
Our friend and community member, Max Jones, was shot accidentally in December 2010. He has undergone numerous surgies and is in and out of the hospital on a weekly basis, fighting to regain his health and good condition. Max is unable to work, and his expenses are mounting, all through no fault of his own. It’s been a tough road for Max and his partner, Shon, so come out and show them your love and support.

Join us for an afternoon of “Uplifting” Community Spirit.
$5 Plated BBQ – all proceeds from the BBQ and any donations made go directly to Max Jones
 
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http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=4abis8bab&et=1104565333552&s=1591&e=001PSEkBdbmTozhSTV-lh3gnT6YiRsB0ARyXpYXG0rcSKNkOo3zDZ6UQnb1G0aCTvipMwcwFJieSz0iUyHArRgetGB-QwTTcIWKp2IJ7Ly_thY=
 
 
 

 

  http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=4abis8bab&et=1104565333552&s=1591&e=001PSEkBdbmToxSYfK5UCEX5GAvy7BLf6W0j5tQqTn6XpOjYUitRHj4nFtAXD2bisqiIeK8V9c7spvsAEskwaOkqMllhj4W25aGhMEOz3bKYZY= Do You Love BROADWAY Music! 
Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale proudly presents our
 2011 Spring production
 “Oh What A Night”
Welcome To Broadway
  Join the Chorale as they bring you the
best of the New Broadway.
Toe-Tapping & Hand Clapping music from “The Jersey Boys”, “Mama Mia”, “Million Dollar Quartet”, “Wicked”, “Billy Elliot”, “Memphis”, “Chicago”, “Hairspray”, “Dreamgirls” and many more.
You will not want to miss this great show!
 

In This Issue
“Oh What A Night” – Welcome to Broadway

Quick Links

Una Voce:  The Florida Men’s Chorale
Post Office Box 2504
Largo, FL 33779-2504

 

 

“Oh What A Night” – Welcome To Broadway

 

Watch For More Information And Ticket Availability

 At:  www.Una-Voce.org

 

Don’t Miss This Great Show!!

 

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=4abis8bab&et=1104565333552&s=1591&e=001PSEkBdbmTozhSTV-lh3gnT6YiRsB0ARyXpYXG0rcSKNkOo3zDZ6UQnb1G0aCTvipMwcwFJieSz0iUyHArRgetGB-QwTTcIWKp2IJ7Ly_thY=Meet Una Voce’s New Accompanist & Director of the UV Rays

 

Justin Havard is an accomplished pianist, director, and singer in the Tampa Bay area. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, he received his Bachelors in Choral Music Education from Florida State University with an emphasis on Piano.  He has played for the national tours of Wicked, Spamalot, and A Chorus Line as well as countless other engagements from cabaret to classical.  Justin is currently the choral director at Palm Harbor University High School and recently conducted the All County Middle School Chorus for Pinellas County.  He sings with the Festival Singers of Florida and performs often in other local events.    
 
Event Calendar                                                                                         

 

“The Life and Music of Cole Porter” – Presented by the UV Rays

Sunday, May 22nd, 3:00 pm

The Studio@ 620, 620 1st Avenue S., St Petersburg, FL

 

 “Oh What A Night” – Welcome To Broadway, Friday, June 17th, 7:30 pm
 SPC Clearwater Campus, Arts Auditorium

2465 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 

 

“Oh What A Night” – Welcome To Broadway, Saturday, June 18th, 7:30 pm 
 HCC Ybor Campus, Performing Arts Building, Mainstage Theater

15th Street & Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL

 

 

WATCH FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION

 AND TICKET AVAILABILITY

COMING SOON!! 

 

  Our Mission Statement                                                                 

To Express Through Excellence In Men’s Choral Music

The Inherent Worth And Dignity Of All People
In Order To Foster A Global Community
That Celebrates And Embraces Diversity

 

You Can Support Us In Our Mission In Many Ways:

 

  • Become an Una Voce Sponsor:  Sponsorship levels range from Friends at $25 to the President’s Circle at $2,500. 
  • Your Sponsorship Contribution will help Una Voce to continue to bring great music to the Tampa Bay community. Contact Nelson Newton, Treasurer, at 727-510-9320 or visit our website for more information. Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale qualifies as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code thereby allowing contributions and donations to be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.   
  • Become a Member of Una Voce:  You can join us as a singer or as a support member.  We could always use a helping hand, especially at concert time.      
  • Use Our Amazon Widget:  When you make your next purchase at Amazon.com,  start your search from the Amazon link on our website:  www.Una-Voce.org.  When you do, Amazon.com will donate a portion of your purchases to Una Voce. You can enjoy convenience of Amazon.com and the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting Una Voce.

 
Join Our Mailing List!

 
 
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For Immediate Release

 

Media Contact:

 

Lynne Mullen, Development Director

Metro Wellness and Community Centers

727-321-3854

Lynnem@metrotampabay.org

 

 

Metro Wellness and Community Centers Announce Grand Opening Reception

 

Metro Wellness and Community Centers announce the relocation of their Hillsborough County facility from North Florida Avenue to 1315 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City.  The agency which serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando Counties from offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey is hosting a Grand Opening Reception at the Ybor location on Saturday, April 2, from 7 to 9:30 PM.

 

The event will feature building tours, entertainment, Champaign, refreshments, and a silent auction.  Opening remarks and featured speakers are scheduled at 8 PM. The public is cordially invited to attend.

 

Metro Wellness and Community Centers is the largest HIV/AIDS service organization in West Central Florida and among the third largest in the state.  In addition to medical case management for those infected with or affected by Florida’s HIV and AIDS epidemic, the agency provides prevention services for at risk populations, including teens and young adults, minority women, inmates and ex-offenders.  Services include free HIV testing throughout the community, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and extensive education and counseling programs.

 

For additional information, contact Lynne Mullen, Development Director at 727-321-3854.

 
 
ON SALE at MC FILM
All your favorite potpourri including
Dragon, Ace of Spades, Red Magic & Comatose Candy
 
* Not for human consumption