Team Recruitment Efforts Now Underway For NO/AIDS WALK
NO/AIDS Task Force held a
party last week to kick-off its
corporate team recruitment program for this year's annual NO/AIDS WALK. Teams consist of two or more people agreeing to pool their pledges.
Corporate teams are a great way to educate employees about HIV/AIDS while also creating camaraderie within the ranks. The WALK begins in Audubon Park at 10:30am following a short lineup of gospel music and stretching exercises. The three-mile walk winds through uptown New Orleans and culminates back in the park with food, music and children's activities.
Last year's event raised $350,000 in proceeds for NO/AIDS Task Force. A portion of these proceeds also benefit a number of HIV/AIDS service providers throughout Louisiana through the NO/AIDS WALK Grant Fund. This year's committee anticipates more than 10,000 walkers will participate in the event. The committee hopes to raise $400,000.
NO/AIDS Task Force was formed in 1983 to reduce the spread of HIV infection, provide services, advocate empowerment, safeguard the rights and dignity of HIV affected individuals and provide for an enlightened public. To receive information on team participation or the NO/AIDS WALK, call 504.586.9255.
Worship Service
In Park
After
NO/AIDS WALK
Rev. Dexter Brecht and the congregation of Vieux Carre'MCC
invite everyone to join them in worship under the oaks of Audubon Park following the NO/AIDS Walk on Sept. 14. Morning worship will take place in the park instead of at the regular location on the corner of St. Roch Ave. & Marais St. So don't let the Walk keep you from worshipping on Sunday morning. Just look for the rainbow colored windsocks.
Sept. 19 Deadline For Retreat Registration
Vieux Carre' Metropolitan Community Church will sponsor a
spiritual retreat on Oct. 3-5 at Feliciana Retreat Center near Norwood, LA. The retreat provides a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a weekend among the 218 acres of lakes and wooded areas located along the Louisiana-Mississippi border. The facilities offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation, for renewal, and for building community with other participants. Call the church office at 504.945.5390 for more details.
The Living Room
The Living Room, a project of
the Metropolitan Community
Church, 1128 St. Roch, is serving clients Tues. through Sat. from 12 noon until 6pm. Lunch is at noon and tea at 5pm. The activities available in the afternoon are art & drawing, card tournaments, gardening, body relaxation and color meditation. A wonderful lending library is also available. The Living Room is a home-like positive place to hang out.
If you are HIV+ and interested in dropping in, call 504.945.1635 so another plate can be placed at the table. If you are HIV- and interested in visiting, why not volunteer? Call Shirley VanDamme at 504.945.1635.
The Living Room is still in need of serving spoons, utensils, a small air conditioner, pots & pans.
A Celebration Of
Spirit For Women In The South
Spiritfest, a celebration of spirit especially for women in the South, will be held Nov. 7-9 at Camp Sister Spirit, near Hattiesburg, MS. Women from all religions and spiritual beliefs (as well as women searching or curious) are invited to share their ideas, knowledge, and experiences at this peer-centered, participant-driven festival.
Enjoy stimulating discussions and "learn-together," singing, drumming and prayer circles, yoga, nature walks, 12-step meetings, and much more.
"While many spiritual gatherings for women are produced for women every year, precious few are held in the South," notes producer Ayla Heartsong. " I am just one woman, but I am dedicated to making spaces available for women to explore and nurture their spirits. All proceeds will benefit our host site Camp Sister Spirit and my church Reformed Congregation of the Goddess."
Spiritfest is only 2 hours from New Orleans, 4 hours from Baton Rouge, 6 hours from Beaumont, Little Rock, Memphis, or Atlanta. Contact your spiritual women friends across the Mid and Deep South; make Spiritfest your Spirit Reunion!
Registration fees of $80-$120 (depending on how early you register) which includes comfortable lodging, Southern cooking, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere at Mississippi's largest feminist education and retreat center. All facilities are wheel-chair accessible.
Musicians, presenters, and workshop proposals are welcome. Artist/Craftswomen's Market, work exchange and reduced rates are possible.
For a complete brochure or further information, send SASE to Spiritfest, c/o Singing Heart Productions, 354 Bell Road, Byhalia, MS 38611; phone 601.838.6183 or E-mail Theresa at: Tiddle@aol.com.
Southern Rep Benefit: House Of Stars
The Southern Repertory Theatre, New Orleans' only Equity
theatre, will hold a fundraiser for itself Oct. 26 at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Ave.
Entitled "House Of Stars," the "casually elegant fall evening" will feature professional entertainment, astrological readings, food from restaurants along the street car line, a stellar silent auction, celebrity watching, along with wine, beer, vodka bar and supplemental cash bar for discriminating spirits.
Tickets are $35. In advance, $40. At the door-students, $25. For reservations and information, cll 504.861.8163.
