Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Save the Date - 15th Annual OPAL Awards Gala
Planning is underway for the annual OPAL Awards Gala. The date is set: Saturday, November 19, 2011. The event will again be held this year at the 19th Century Club in Oak Park. Details to come. In the meantime, if you’re interested in helping with the committee, donating silent auction items or sponsoring the event, send an email to info@opalga.org.
June Potluck - Friday June 10
Come reconnect with old friends, make new friends, eat great food! Please bring a food dish to share. And remember, thse are BYOB events, and the drinks are not a substitute for a food dish nor intended for sharing. These potlucks keep getting better - 40 to 60 people each time. If you’ve been reluctant - give it a shot. Also - there will be confidential HIV testing available. 911 Hayes Avenue, Oak Park, IL. The fun starts at 7:00 PM and runs through 9:00 PM.
OPALGA Donut Day is fast approaching
Saturday, June 4 will be Donut Day at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market for OPALGA. This is an annual tradition—and fun fundraising event—where members of OPALGA make and sell donuts. More than 30 volunteers are needed for this event, and it’s not too late to sign up. But the slots are filling up fast. Work ranges from frying the donuts to “dusting” the donuts with powdered sugar to serving and selling. Shifts run from two to three hours starting at 4:00 AM and continuing throughout the morning. For details or to volunteer, send an email to info@opalga.org. Our Donut Day chair Ray Johnson will get back to you.
PFLAG celebrates in Chicago
The national PFLAG organization is hosting a celebratory benefit in Chicago on June 2. The even will be hosted by actor/comedian Hal Sparks, who starred as Michael on Queer as Folk. Three local leaders in the LGBTQ will be honored. Click here for details. Or send an email to info@opalga.org if you are interested in getting a group together to attend.
Board Meeting - May 17
This month’s board of directors will be on Tuesday May 17 starting at 7:15 PM. Location: Volunteer Conference Room @ West Suburban Hospital. Guests (and their ideas) are always welcome. Join us this month to continue the conversations started at the Spring Membership Meeting. Questions? email: info@opalga.org
Monthly Potluck - Friday, May 13
Bill and Gloria are the hosts for this month’s OPALGA potluck. The fun begins at 7:00 PM at 313 S. Taylor in Oak Park. Just make sure you bring a dish to share (it should be enough to serve at least 8 people) AND your own drinks. OPAGLA potlucks are BYOB. With any luck, the weather will be nice for some outside socializing.
Spring Membership Meeting - May 5
OPALGA will hold a spring membership meeting on May 5, 2011 at 7 PM, in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church fellowship hall. The church is located at the southwest corner of East Street and Randolph Avenue. The agenda will primarily focus on the continuation of the organization but will also present the Brian Finlay and Carol Zientek Awards for outstanding service to OPALGA and the community.
April Potluck - All are welcome
This month’s potluck is hosted by Lori & Rose at 518 N. Lombard in Oak Park. Bring a dish to share and your own drinks. Friday, April 8, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. All are welcome.
25+ attend annual winter brunch
OPALGA’s annual winter/post-holiday brunch was held Sunday, January 23. We had more than 25 in attendance for a Greek buffet, raffle prizes and the Bears-Packers NFC playoff game. The event was held at Papaspiro’s restaurant in Oak Park. Raffle prizes included a Samsung 10-MegaPixel 1080p USB Digital Camcorder, Sony Noise-canceling earphones and a case of champaign.
New Board Optimistic About New Year
At OPALGA’s annual membership meeting in November, members who have volunteered—and been elected—to leadership positions in the group were officially announced and welcomed. Cheryl Haugh and Kim Killingsworth were elected co-chair and secretary, respectively. And five new at large directors were also elected: Jan Hannigan, Dean Herbst, Lana Kuschmers, Roger Wilson, and Charlie Yingling. Other returning officers and board members are co-chair Greg Raub, treasurer Sarah Durbin, Bruce Broerman, Ray Johnson, and Bob Zimmer.
The new board will hold its first meeting in January. The group will also be holding a one-day planning retreat. With the recent successful OPAL Gala, the board is optimistic about the new year and looking forwared to beginning its work. The group will also be looking for more volunteers to help lead and fill committees.
Read an article in the Oak Park Wednesday Journal for more: OPALGA optimistic about the future