NORTH CAROLINA attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tenn., and went onto receive an MA from Abilene Christian University and an MTS from Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Tx. He served as HIV/AIDS chaplain at ■Parkland Medical Center, program director/act ing executive director of AIDS Interfaith Network of North Texas, counseling center director at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Tx., and associate pastor at MCC Washington, D.C. For more information or to speak to Mathews, call 919-286-7394. Western Can ya lend a hand? BOONE — Laurie Weiner, a member of NC Outings, is asking for some assistance. She is spearheading an effort to form a group of supportive women who may from time to time be able to donate a couple of hours to help a fellow lesbian. Participants could be asked to grocery shop, cook or take someone to the doctor and more. Members would foster the idea of making sure that those who are ill or elderly get the necessary attention they so deserve. One never knows when the need for surgery or acquiring an ill ness might leave someone in a vulnerable position. What better way to give back to the community than to share a moment with someone in need. For those who are interested, email Weiner at LaurieBWeiner@yahoo.com with a com plete name and phone number. Be sure to include what days or time of days that you are available and/or what youfwould be willing to do for someone if they needed it. Yummy tummy and more! BOONE/BLOWING ROCK — The Gay and Lesbian group will hold a potluck brunch on Aug. 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at a member’s home in Boone. This is the first gathering for the group which brings gays and lesbians together in a social environment. For location and more information, email LaurieBWeiner@yahoo.com. Later on in the month on Aug. 22, join the NC Outings women as they head out to Rivergirl in Todd to float down the New River. Participants will meet at 2 p.m. at the site. Cost for tube rentals is $10. Don’t forget to bring a dry set of clothes to change into fol lowing the river run. Afterwards, meander over to the Todd General Store for dinner followed by an evening of Bluegrass music. Want to go? Then email outandabout2dine @gmail.com to make reservations. On Aug. 23 travel to the Women’s Celebration Concert and Potluck in Banner Elk at 5 p.m. Music will feature Amy Steinberg and Crys Mathews. During the evening, enjoy a bonfire and roast some marshmallows. For location and more information, email LaurieBWeiner@yahoo.com. Interested in camping out for the Halloween weekend? Then get gear in hand and head on over to at the Starlight Travel Lodge and Campground. Cost is $30 for tent sites and $35 for camping sites. The site boasts of 80 acres of forested vistas. Participants can enjoy a river and lake, as well as paddling a canoe or hiking mountain paths. To reserve a spot, email starlitelodge@aol.com. ALFA raises over $86,000 HICKORY — Aids Leadership Foothills- area Alliance (ALFA) announced a grand total of more than $86,000 raised at their 14th Annual Dining for Friends (DFF) Finale held on June 27at Market on Main. The proceeds from this event enable ALFA, the only HIV/AIDS service organization serving north western NC, to continue its mission of enhancing the lives of those infected and affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS. The Finale was a culmi nation of many parties that were hosted by ALFA sup porters throughout the spring. Party guests made a donation to ALFA as “entry” into the party and received a free admit one ticket to the grand Finale. Hosts, guests, and the community gathered at the Finale to enjoy music entertainment by Greenhouse Jazz Ensemble, dancing, delicious hors dioeu- vres prepared by John Duke and the Market on Main staff, cash bar and raffle opportuni ties including a fully furnished living room suite. Eddie Beard and Larry Johnson served as the DFF honorary co-chairs for 2008. Beard is the vice president of patient services at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He is currently serving his second year as board president of ALFA and has been on the board of directors since 2002. Johnson is an attorney with Johnson Law Office. He is currently serving as ALFAfs legal counsel. Both have been tremen dous supporters of ALFA for many years. Sponsors included: Red Ribbon Sponsors — Catawba Valley Medical Center, Jeffrey and Darlene Rose and Mitchell Gold -I- Bob Williams; Gold Sponsors — Sue Millholland; Silver Sponsors — ALFA Board of Directors, CT Group and Corning Cable Systems; Bronze Sponsors — F. Alice Bishopric, M.D., Ralph M. Doernberg, Robert Doernberg, Albert and Ann Gaither, The Law Offices of Lyndon R. Helton, Concept Packaging, Jerrold and Bari Tiggett. In Kind Sponsors were: Anonymous, Caldwell Appliance, Catawba Valley Medical Center, Classic Leather, Deluxe Printing, Jane Earnest, Fast Signs, fanjoy.labrenz. Greenhouse Jazz Ensemble, Market on Main, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Robert Abbey, Inc., Hal Row of WHKY 1290 AM, Julia Rush Fine Gifts and Crafts, ULTRAColor of Hickory, Vanguard Furniture and Whitfieldfs Events, Flowers & Gifts. For more information or for those interest ed in participating next year, call Jennifer Hart Dockey,ALFA executive director at 828-322- 1447 ext. 224 or email at alfadirect@charter.net. I info: Announce your community event in NC News Notes, email: editor@q-notes.com or fax 704-531-1361. • North Carolina’s gay & lesbian everything store! White Rabbit H I E Several new T-shirt designs from Queer R^utAic are now in stock! All shirts are preshrunk 100% cotton with double-needle stitched neckline, sleeves and bottom hem. Available in sizes Small to XXL. Summer Stylin’ with Queer Republic Tees! CAPWriTTI RALEIGH ¥ff2meEmimmAVES282mm704,37.7.4067 309 W. MARTIN ST. 27601 • 919.856.1429 lMQW5SaW-pb»IW^Tg7iM^»y^-&f:2;PM - 6 PM MON-SAT: 11 AM-9 PM SUN: 12 PM - 7 PM jniterabbitbopks.com www.whiterabbitbooks.com c$> (§>((§> JULY 26.2008‘Q-NOTES 9