You Can Not make this Up.

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Back in college days we all worked several jobs. One of my jobs was working the 3rd, night shift at a convenience store. It was the 3rd shifts responsibility to clean the store. Our mean old butch manager was so cheap. She would have us take soap and cleaning supplies from the bottles on the shelf then replace with water. The bottles were then put pack on the shelves for sale. Now to the good part…. Every morning she would come in and complain the store was not clean enough. Then one night I got the idea to take some pine-sol off the shelved and put some into the air conditioner filter. The next day for the first time ever she said how clean the store looked!!! I worked there there for a year more. She always said nobody cleaned as good as me!!! LOL Try this trick at home on your partner and see what happens!!!!! LMAO

From the MC Film Mail Bag

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CDC Awards Metro with Funding to Support HIV Prevention

For Immediate Release:

(St. Petersburg, FL) July 1, 2015 – Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that it has awarded Metro Wellness & Community Centers with $350,000 over 5 years in new funding to provide HIV High Impact prevention. This funding is part of the CDC’s $216 million project to reduce the rates of infection in the hardest-hit areas of the United States.

 

Florida currently ranks first in the nation for newly diagnosed HIV cases, and third in the nation for newly diagnosed AIDS cases. Hillsborough County ranks first in the state with newly diagnosed HIV cases and Pinellas County as seventh. “The epidemic in our area is alarming especially for those under 29 yrs of age. Through Metro’s HIV testing alone in the month of June there were 10 new positive persons identified,” said Lorraine Langlois, CEO.

The CDC adds to current funding from the Florida Department of Health for increased prevention education for positives and high risk negative programming. “This type of programming helps us increase awareness and health among those who have been diagnosed with HIV, and hopefully reducing the transmission of HIV. This funding is perfect timing with our new primary care clinic which will offer PrEP treatment among other LGBTQ services.” say Priya Rajkumar, VP.  This is the first time in years that a community based organization in Tampa Bay has received direct funding from the CDC for HIV prevention. Metro is one of only three grantees in Florida to receive funding.

 

Some additional services provided through the funding includes couples counseling, increased treatment adherence education and ensuring access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of infection. Metro just recently announced the opening of LGBTQ Primary Care Clinics which will provide these increased services to help stop the spread of HIV in our communities.

 

To learn more visit www.metrotampabay.org

Metropolitan Charities, Inc. d/b/a Metro Wellness and Community Centers is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, support, and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community. 

# # #

Media Contact:

Metro Wellness & Community Centers

Chris Rudisill, Director of LGBT Community Center Services

Phone: 727-321-3854 ext. 238

Email: chrisr@metrotampabay.org

 

 

Chris Rudisill

Director of LGBT Community Center Services

 

 

 

Metro Wellness and Community Centers

3251 3rd Avenue North, Suite 125

St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Phone (727) 321-3854 ext. 238

Fax     (727) 327-7670

www.metrotampabay.org

 

Photos of the Week

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Photos of the Week    

 

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http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DzLM64OCCxfaSIuQkdme18bMFPtJVvstyH8hUGD5rSKJUrJHI8uBONmpYh0DVXLPfi4AYo7T5sKcbjYvm35gNx1TABARk4uXsRVNOU-3WHzCEEtvhBR5cv7TY56pSPD6dq19Ffa_mgiB-LNc3OaipiGhHVIOVb8J-oya8UDUJNF_34gby4Vn5g==&c=SPpjtqG6ZPTetr8wanWC04PYcDakHITu9KN-k1eLIqn_A1_p8LUSgw==&ch=Rkmz-fdXrAxsIdQyPCktuOV1w1rzZpFAjif8vFtJaU0fNNBev1-a5w==

Hotel Discounts   

When visiting the GaYBOR District

in Historical Ybor City

Stay at  

The Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DzLM64OCCxfaSIuQkdme18bMFPtJVvstyH8hUGD5rSKJUrJHI8uBOH99zQsEi9801-8GfIrdHnKKrxCw6NrUOkKqhVDhJdJyiEY3EOpXOc-SmvXtMa45FlMqbo3WOfoHePP4DrrHthgJ70IxCO5IYfq-oXxp2Z7ZJfoU5didMrb6p6uCITHhL6t_t-sN3TxEgoD9D-cX4fMYLPrnIrgkZhjnul-0IY4EmbeBCnO9HseAa3FKbTp6kKmCIAG0y7WqhRv-sqNQyjKyElvOQ2xQpEzwajVMFoKr&c=SPpjtqG6ZPTetr8wanWC04PYcDakHITu9KN-k1eLIqn_A1_p8LUSgw==&ch=Rkmz-fdXrAxsIdQyPCktuOV1w1rzZpFAjif8vFtJaU0fNNBev1-a5w==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DzLM64OCCxfaSIuQkdme18bMFPtJVvstyH8hUGD5rSKJUrJHI8uBOH99zQsEi9801-8GfIrdHnKKrxCw6NrUOkKqhVDhJdJyiEY3EOpXOc-SmvXtMa45FlMqbo3WOfoHePP4DrrHthgJ70IxCO5IYfq-oXxp2Z7ZJfoU5didMrb6p6uCITHhL6t_t-sN3TxEgoD9D-cX4fMYLPrnIrgkZhjnul-0IY4EmbeBCnO9HseAa3FKbTp6kKmCIAG0y7WqhRv-sqNQyjKyElvOQ2xQpEzwajVMFoKr&c=SPpjtqG6ZPTetr8wanWC04PYcDakHITu9KN-k1eLIqn_A1_p8LUSgw==&ch=Rkmz-fdXrAxsIdQyPCktuOV1w1rzZpFAjif8vFtJaU0fNNBev1-a5w==  

Located on 7th Ave &

Walking Distance to EVERYTHING!

Ask for the Discounted 

MC Film Corporate rate

Corp Code 0002672438

(Some black out dates do apply)

Below is the easy link to use when making reservations.

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/reservations/index.jhtml?hotel=TPAYBHX&corporateCode=0002672438

**********************************************************

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 7-1-15

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Proud Uncles
    Our niece Sarah married her partner, Jennifer several years ago. Now in our American Family we have a second niece and 2 great nephews.  They have a home in the Washington, D.C. area. When the Supreme Court handed down their Same- Sex Equal Marriage ruling we were all so exited.
    Then later that night we received the following text & photo from our niece.
” Rainbow lights on the White House?!? What! Everybody out of bed, we’re taking a ride:) “
    Here is that photo of an American Family.  We are so Proud.
 
St Pete Pride 2015, Parade
    The largest GLBT Pride event in Florida, 13th Annual St Pete Pride had another great and successful event. An estimated diverse crowd of 150,000 for viewing the 130 unit night parade cheered the lit up decorated floats and walking groups. Large numbers came from across the state to be a part of the 2nd night parade festivities. A huge triumph right after the SCOTUS decision on the prior day, Friday morning, putting Same- Sex Equal Marriage legal in all 50 states. A Proud & Pride moment for everyone.
    Grand Marshals of the 13th Annual St Pete Pride Parade were Larry Biddle from a vast number of business organizations he has headed including most recent Metro Wellness and Community Centers LGBT Welcome Center and as TIGLFF executive director. Ashley Brundage with PNC Bank and first transgender to head the Tampa Bay Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and other GLBT organizations is a very outspoken community activist and role model. Nick Janovsky the public relations director for Smith & Associates and founder & CEO of Strategic Campaigns, a political campaign think tank in Tampa Bay working on numerous local and statewide campaigns including Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and St Petersburg City Council Darden Rice’s campaigns. The Grand Distinguished Organization was the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas.
    Except for the upper 90 degree heat that sunburning day, the evening air was a little refreshing. The evening dusk parade went off without any hitches. This year lights were lighting up the parade route all along the side streets of residents and inside businesses along Central Avenue.
    On our way walking to the car with Judy B Goode, we had to do the annual stop at Lucky Star Lounge on Central Ave. to see bartenders Daniel Harris and others. We ran into former Central Bar owners of Detours Bar, Jim & Kris who now live an hour south of St. Pete on an island. What a great reunion place. The two guys who were on a float and got married during the parade also made their way into the little club along with 100’s of their best congratulating friends. You can imagine that with the numbers at the night parade everywhere you went, the places were packed wall to wall.
    The new St Pete Pride logo of intertwining pavers were hanging from street lamps all along Central Avenues Grand Central District. Welcoming to visitors from all over the country and world. Congratulations St Pete Pride Board!

St. Pete Pride 2015, Festival

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St. Pete Pride 2015, Festival
    Thundering clouds in the morning washed the pavement for what then turned out to be a fabulous sunny Sunday for the Street Festival on Central Ave. Over 400 venders filled Central Ave. Music sponsored stages by Wells Fargo Bank and another stage by sponsored by Verizon FIOS had a great number of area acts performing. A 3 story zipline in the middle of the street festival had courageous attendees flying through the air with surrounding crowds on looking right on Central Avenues fair.
    Local area businesses from banks, Insurance, newspapers, crafts, Non Profit organizations and a long block long area for a variety of tasty edibles. Don’t forget about all the Beer Gardens and all the open shops in the Grand Central District that had their doors open.
    Musical DJ’s activities at Key West Bar & Grill and Queen’s Head had youthful crowds dancing in the parking lots. So many friends we knew were their displaying and working the happy mesmerized Pride crowd.
    Misters and cold towels were being handed out by a great number of venders. Again, a typical hot humid day in St Pete but luckily no rain during the daytime festival.
    A welcome greeting and Save the Date cards were traded with vendors letting them know of the I-4 Corridor of Prides upcoming TAMPA PRIDE 2016 Celebration coming next March 26th in Ybor City.
    The next I-4 Corridor of Prides Celebrations will be in Orlando coming October 9-11th with Orlando’s Come Out With Pride Festival & Parade,Saturday, October 10.

Happy 4th of July
    What are on your 4th of July plans? A friends cookout, day at Sunset Beach, home just relaxing, Fireworks at downtown St. Pete, Clearwater of Tampa? This year has changed in what the GLBT community have called a “Miracle decision from the Bench.”
    It doesn’t matter of your feelings pro or con on Same-Sex Marriage but what does matter is that equality is equality! I remember groups marching and chants that were spontaneous at the old Suncoast Resort in St Pete. Prior to the evenings fireworks display and big name concert, it was always announced to remember our history to the 10-15,000 attendees.  2nd, that the 4th of July was Freedom’s Day for all Americans. It started by a time and place we all know and call “Stonewall.”
    Well, I guess that tradition will be again chimed to the 10’s of millions GLBTA’s that now have the legal right to marry whom you love. Remember your NEW historic 4th of July Celebration.
    We want to know, ” Where were you and what were you doing when you heard about the landmark SCOTUS, Same-Sex Equal Marriage decision? “
    We will post your stories in the weeks to come. write us a line or 2, mcfilmfest@gmail.com, heading, “I Heard”.
Celebrity Sighting
    Spotted at Bradley’s on 7th this week. TV’s daytime soap series, “DAYS OF OUR LIVES” mega star Bryan Dattilo, who is celebrating 22 years on the soap having a great GaYBOR time. Along with him were 2 of the newest actors also on the show.
 
TAMPA PRIDE Save-the Date Cards
    Hold on folks. Getting ready for Pride 2016! The new TAMPA PRIDE Save-the Date cards are out on the streets. The next big TAMPA PRIDE event is March 26th, 2016! Make plans now or tell your corporate leaders and have them participate in the Diversity festival.