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The monthly e-magazine of the River City Gems
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April 2010
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Join Our Email List!
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We are pleased to welcome new members Sue B.,
Katie V., and Cathy C. to our River City Gems family!
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Join or Renew Today!
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You can support the River City Gems
by becoming a member or renewing your existing membership. As a member, you'll be entitled to a $5
discount on the door fee at all Gems events. You'll also receive
a membership card, library
privileges, an entry in each month's member drawing, and even a
special card and cupcake in the month of your birthday! Most
importantly, your support will enable us to continue serving the
needs of our community through social events, education, and
outreach. You can join or renew your membership at any Gems event
or online. |
Community Calendar
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To find out about events of interest to the transgender community in Northern California, visit our Community Calendar.
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Greetings!
This issue of Facets marks the end of our first full year of publication. Since its debut last May, Facets has served to keep readers connected and informed about the activities of the River City Gems and its
members. Facets also publishes news and
features of general interest to the crossdressing
and transgender community. If you have a story you'd like to share, please consider sending it to us!
This month we bring you a report on the Gems private shopping event at Dress Barn. There's also a story by Ana W. about her experience attending a "Girls' Night Out" concert, and an article by Allison R. about her first-ever vacation as a woman.
In "Tricks of the Trade," Carollyn Olson treats you to a round-up of some of her most helpful shortcuts. And if you need a laugh, be sure to check out Tilda A.'s tale entitled "Close Encounter of the Pizza Kind."
See you again in May!
Warmly,
Marla Morley
Editor
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Stormin' the Dress Barn! by Tilda A.
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In an expanded reprise of last year's spring event, the
Carmichael Dress Barn store closed its doors to the public at 7
p.m., the end of its regularly scheduled business day, and then
opened right back up again 15 minutes later to host the
third annual River City Gems private shopping party, for 3 hours
on the evening of Saturday, March 27.
Everything was bigger and better this year than last, including
the length of the event and the Gems' turnout of 43 members and
guests, compared to 31 in 2009.
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Girls' Night Out by Ana W.
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| Ana W.
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I treasure the many GG (genetic girl) friends I have who help and
support me
as Ana. Three of them, Cara, Jess, and Darlene, recently came up with
the
idea of the four of us going to a "Girls' Night Out" country music
concert
event at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento on March 25. Sponsored by
KNCI 105.1 FM, Cache Creek Casino, and others, the evening featured
singers
James Otto and Joe Nichols and was sold out. One of my lady friends
had gotten some free tickets for it as part of a promotion at the
Panera
Bread Bakery-Cafe where she'd been shopping. I was thrilled with the
idea
and said
"Yes!" It turned out to be a gift for me - a night out with
friends I will never forget.
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My Week as Allison by Allison R.
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| Allison kept a journal on her trusty Mac |
March being the one year anniversary of my wife's death, I took a trip
to Washington state as Allison, to
visit her grave and to spend some time with my family. What I
experienced on this trip taught me some important lessons about
life, love, facing fears of being 'out' in the world, strangers'
acceptance of transgendered people, and how good it feels
to be myself.
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Tricks of the Trade by Carollyn Olson
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|  Shortcuts
This month I thought it would be fun to revisit and add a few
shortcuts, which will help you in being "the woman you want to be." All
the
shortcuts are easy, time-saving and great for those of us on a limited
budget. So, here we go.
Pantyhose/Nylons- I always replenish my favorite
pantyhose/nylons when I'm down to only two pair. And, I always
purchase
four pair. The reasons are simple. First, the hosiery companies always
change colors with the seasons. Second, when I buy four pair, I
actually
have eight pair. When I get a runner in one of my hose, I
cut off the damaged leg and save the hose for when another pair has a
run. I then cut off the damaged leg on the second pair, put it on over
the first pair, and presto, I
have functional pair of nylons. True, I'm then wearing two pair of
hose
panties, but by doing this, I save money to spend on other clothing
items.
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Generosity in Full Bloom This Spring
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The River City Gems received several major donations in the months of
March and April. One generous member issued a $500 membership challenge,
promising to donate that amount if ten individuals joined or renewed
before April 1. We are happy to report that the goal was met. The same member also donated $1,000
specifically earmarked to subsidize River City Sparkle 2010. Another
member contributed $700 to the Gems' general fund, which was matched
dollar-for-dollar by her employer for a total donation of $1400. Yet
another member donated $500. There were also several smaller, but
equally appreciated gifts in amounts ranging from $25 to $100.
The Gems board of directors would like to offer our sincerest thanks to
these donors, and to all who contribute to the Gems and support our
vision and our mission. We are an all-volunteer organization, and
97 cents of every dollar we receive is spent directly on programs and
services that benefit our transgender community. We are here for those
who need us. . . . thanks to the generosity of our members. |
Close Encounter of the Pizza Kind by Tilda A.
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Knock, knock!
Who's there?
Pizza!
Pizza who?
Pizza tough luck for you, if you're at home wearing head-to-toe,
over-the-top theatrical drag and makeup and there's no one else
available to greet the delivery guy when he comes to the door
with your dinner! And that's what happened to me recently,
but it happened in slow enough motion that I was able to plan
and deal with it when it occurred. Let me explain.
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Save the Date! River City Sparkle 2010 is Coming October 9!
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River City Sparkle 2010 - "Journey to the Emerald City" will be coming to Sacramento on Saturday, October 9, 2010. River City Sparkle is a celebration of transgender unity and an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and live entertainment. Mark your calendar for October 9, and plan on being there for the event of the year!
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The River City Gems is a nonprofit organization with a mission
to improve the lives of transgender individuals and their
families by providing education, resources, peer support, social
networking opportunities, outreach programs, and services
focused on the specific needs of the male-to-female transgender
community. Contributions are fully tax deductible under section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code.
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www.rivercitygems.org | info@rivercitygems.org | facets@rivercitygems.org
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