Gems Got Talent

February 11 2012

It wasn't America's Got Talent ... but almost! On Saturday February 11 the Gems had their February social. This month's social had two differences as it was a potluck and also after dinner there was a talent show. There were plenty of yummy homemade dishes on hand which included Teriyaki Chicken, two Chilies, one of which was a meat-free version. There were hot wings, a meat-less meatloaf and lots of vegetable side dishes, and chips and dips, all followed by cookies and a lemon meringue pie for desert. Yum yum!

 As always, after dinner there were the usual announcements regarding upcoming events and the free prize drawings. This month's included a $10 cash prize for the "secret hugger" and a $15 gift certificate for Starbucks. The talent show part of the evening consisted of anyone who wanted to step up and have some fun by showing off any entertaining talents they might have. There were two "acts" that were scheduled to perform. Marla and Leslie were a singing duo that also played ukulele and acoustic guitar, and there was also Te'a and Linnea. Te'a sang and played guitar and Linnea did an accompanying dance routine. Both were truly awesome and the crowd showed their appreciation by loud applause and cheers. Everyone agreed it was a fun and well attended event that even included two new couples. Rita and her wife Tree and Mary and her wife Jyll.

 

 

Festive Fun For All

December 10 2011

On Saturday December 10 the Gems had their annual holiday party. This year it was held at Curtis Hall in the Sierra 2 Center in downtown Sacramento. 45 folks, many dressed in festive colors of the season including lots of red, were there to socialize, eat, drink and be merry.

The music was supplied by Rachel who used the Gems DJ sound system to play lots of Christmas songs as guests arrived. There were holiday decorations all around the room and on the tables, including a fabulous six foot high pink Christmas tree! The food was a professionally catered dinner with guests choosing from honey mustard Dijon chicken breasts, teriyaki marinated beef and chicken kabobs, or cheese tortellini in a sun dried tomato cream sauce, all served with sautéed vegetables and rice. Everyone was asked to bring a dessert to share so there was a large and varied selection of sweet yummy goodness to follow!

After dinner there were announcements about upcoming events, plus three fabulous door prizes of a $150 gift certificate from Carla's Salon & Boutique in San Jose, which was won by Gems volunteer coordinator Cheryle, a $25 gift card for Olive Garden that was won by Jilly, and a $10 gift card for Wal-Mart which was won by Barrie. Birthdays were also recognized for members that had a birthday during the month with Jeri, Monica, and Julie Ann all getting birthday cards and a vanilla cup cake and chocolate cup cake each.

Then it was time for the gift exchange. Everyone who wanted to take part was asked to bring an anonymous gift valued at $10 to $15. Participants could either choose an unknown item from the table, or instead opt to "steal" a gift already opened. The fun and laughter was considerable as the more highly-coveted gift items changed hands repeatedly, while all the time DJ Rachel played short music segments as numbers were called out and selections were made. All too soon though, all the goodies were gone and contented party-goers savored their treasures as the DJ played a mix of popular dance-floor fillers which kept folks hoppin' for the remainder of this very special evening!

One thing is certain: whatever other gifts people may have received this holiday season, the gift of friendship and support that Gems members give one another throughout the year is surely among the most precious.

Thanksgathering

November 20 2011

On the cool and sunny afternoon of Sunday, November 20, 30 Gems, guests, and friends gathered together at Gems President Dianna's welcoming home in Sacramento for the third annual "Thanksgathering."  This Thanksgiving tradition allows our members the opportunity to celebrate their life's blessings with their "second" family, which is something to be thankful for in itself. 

There was a traditional meal of turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, bottled water and soft drinks all provided by the Gems, while guests brought green bean casseroles, sweet potatoes, and a wide assortment of pies and other tasty dessert treats.  Old friends got reacquainted at tables set up throughout the house, and new Gems  had the chance to meet and get to know everyone.  The guests were spread out throughout the home, filling it fully but comfortably, and spilling out onto the relaxing patio. Mother nature cooperated by providing a sunny, still, slightly chilly afternoon with occasional light precipitation, lit up by the late afternoon sunlight, that only seemed to add to the enchantment of the moment.  We thank Dianna and her lovely spouse Jeri for opening up their home to all and for making it an afternoon to remember fondly for years to come!

Gems Attend DVG Fall Dinner Gala 

November 12 2011

The Diablo Valley Girls annual Fall Dinner Gala was held again this year, on November 12, at their customary club house venue in Walnut Creek.  This is DVG's signature annual extravaganza, much as Sparkle is the Gems'.  And just as DVG traditionally musters a contingent of their members to come celebrate Sparkle each year, so do the Gems show solidarity, support, and appreciation for our sister organization by gathering a group of eager attendees for their big event.  This year 10 Gems found their way to the warm, welcoming feast with wonderful companionship and a delicious meal, followed by live entertainment, among a crowd of around 50 guests.  It was a great opportunity to get to meet and know many wonderful new faces and friends we don't otherwise have much opportunity to socialize with, and a lovely time was had by all!

Gems Shop til They Drop at Dress Barn!

November 5 2011

On Saturday November 5, 18 Gems and guests attending a Sacramento Dress Barn VIP party. The first-ever thrift store crawl took place earlier in the afternoon, and a late dinner at Mimi's Cafe followed afterward!

Despite the uninviting weather, spirits seemed undampened as the shopping commenced right at 7pm (after the store had closed its doors to the public) and continued until 9pm when tired staff and shoppers alike called it a night.

Light snacks and bottled water were provided along with plenty of individual attention and assistance from the courteous, knowledgeable, and friendly  staff. Some, if not all, shoppers left with more items than they had probably intended to purchase but it's a lot of fun, the merchandise is good quality and prices are moderate, sweetened by a 15% discount for every Gems shopper!

Halloween Party

October 29 2011

Cool ghouls (and not many boys) ruled the night once again at this year’s River City Gems Halloween party. Attendance was, as always, great with 49 RSVPs, most of whom dressed up in a costume. There were plenty of chills, thrills, and frills as the Gems partied through the night. Of the many costumes there were several witches, a couple of nurses, a she-devil, a princess, a beauty pageant contestant, and even several genetic women who dressed up as dudes! How cool is that? There was also a costume contest, which was won by Roxy G in her cute nurse's outfit, second place went to Debby as a frighteningly awesome she-devil.

DJ Rachel played a special mix of Halloween themed songs as folks arrived and mingled before dinner, then after all tummies were full all the party favorite songs came on as people hit the dance floor. Dinner took the form of sandwiches, chips and sodas plus there was also a bar selling beer and wine. Dancing, socializing, chatting, snacking, and companionship lasted until 11.00pm when it was time to say Happy Halloween and a good night to all!

River City Sparkle 2011 - Pearls of the Pacific

October 01 2011

"Pearls of the Pacific" was the theme for the fourth annual River City Sparkle Ball and as in previous years was once again a chance to “Celebrate Transgender Unity” as approximately 100 lovely transgender ladies, friends, family, allies and visitors from not just Sacramento, but also many other places in Northern California including the Bay Area. Folks from LA and Nevada had also traveled from afar to attend this wonderful event.

The doors officially opened at 6:00 p.m., as party-goers dressed in their finest including prom dresses, formal gowns and cocktail attire began entering the Martinique Ballroom at a downtown Sacramento hotel. The venue had been lavishly decorated to go along with this year’s theme with impressive displays of Manzanita branches painted to look like beautiful coral with inflatable fish and bubbles floating within. There were additional table decorations that also incorporated the "Pearls of the Pacific” theme. There was even a full size mermaid elegantly draped on the corner of the stage amongst the fish and bubbles. The decorations committee of Jilly B., Jeanni R. and Trish W along with others donated their incredible talent and many hours of their time to design and create each custom piece. The result, everyone agreed, was amazing!

As the cocktail hour commenced, old friends mingled and made new friends as long-standing community members mixed with new guests, friends, family, and first-timers. Transgender women from all across the spectrum -- CD, TG, TS, or however else they might identify -- all celebrated the pleasures of feminine expression in one another's company, in keeping with the core mission of the River City Gems to provide a place where everyone belongs.

After dinner the main entertainment of the evening was something special and unique. A traditional Polynesian Hula Show! Dance troupe Ka Pa Hula entertained guests with ancient and modern dances of Hawaii, New Zealand and also some softer dances from Tahiti. Musicians playing traditional instruments of ukulele, guitar and bongo drums also accompanied the dancers. There was even some audience participation as folks were invited to take to the dance floor and follow along step by step.

Finally, DJ Amber from Saxman Entertainment kicked off the dance party with a wonderful set of exciting floor-filling party music. The dancing continued for the remainder of the evening, until the clock struck midnight and it was time for everyone to bid a fond farewell to what has now become the premier transgender formal event of the year.