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COMMUNITY LIAISON ORGANIZATION FOR SUPPORT. EDUCATION AND REFORM
Asheville, NC
Suraaer, 1989
Looking Back
Lasi: Augus'b I could not have imagined what this year as CLOSER*s first
woman president would be like. Carlos advised, "Think about what you can
do to improve the lives of Asheville gay men and lesbians, and the programs
will follow.” In the beginning Z envisioned the hard work ahead in
planning meetings, making sure that all aspects of the meetings ran
smoothly, writing the newsletter, and generally trying to do all I could to
see that CLOSER maintained the kind of high-quality service to Asheville’s
gay coamunity that had become CLOSER’S tradition. And yes, hard work was
involved. But what 1 could not have envisioned is the depth of joy that
would emerge and carry me through any rough spot that would be encrountered.
The joy developed because of all of you. Ue could not have had a
successful year without a dedicated Executive Committee. Bill A, Angela,
Carlos, David B., Philip, and Charlotte were steadfast in their task of
planning good programs throughout the year. Bill was my left hand (I’m
left-handed) in actually putting on the program week after week. Until
March, he and Tom A. did all the physical arrangements for meetings.
Warren, Richard P., Rich P., Pete and Henry have all served CLOSER in
leadership capacities and were very knowlegeable and supportive. Pete took
time from a busy work schedule to see that CLOSER’S newsletter got printed
on time. And then there were the mentors, people to whom X turned time and
time again for their input: Carlos, Doug, Ben, David S., Joan, and Dan
made their wisdom available and provided strength when it was needed. Doug
had a changing job situation and was finishing his house, but lent a hand
and an ear whenever he could. Carlos worked full-time and took difficult
advanced accounting courses, but still managed to be there when I called
for help or advice, which was often. Ben and David provided continuity in
what can only be described as the CLOSER spirit. And Joan and Dan were
always there, always willing to lend a hand whenever called upon, without
hesitation. What do all of these people have in common? Surely many
wonderful characteristics, one of which is that CLOSER’S welfare is a very
high priority for them. To the extent that we are willing to give of
ourselves to CLOSER, CLOSER can offer more and better resources to the
community.
We tried a couple of new things this year—the Monday evening rap group,
headed on a rotating basis by Jim H., Henry, Dan, and me. The hiking group
was the brainchild of Jean—Claude, with two hikes per month this spring and
continuing into summer. Jim R. volunteered at our ”Open Forum" to become
volunteer coordinator. Jim very ably recruited volunteers to set up,
handle refreshments, and clean up, from March on.
CLOSER works for us because core people are willing to work for CLOSER, and
do so in a loving way. Even if the program is not of great interest to
them personally, they will make it to the meeting and will help make things
work. We average 50—60 people a week because people sense that something
is happening, and want to be a part of it. What CLOSER communicates is a
sense of love and fellowship that is felt by those who visit. People who
visit or hear about all we do constantly ask “What is CLOSER’S secret?*'
Look in the mirror. It’s just folks like you thinking about how we can
improve the lives of gay men and lesbians in Asheville.
Thanks, everyone for a wonderful year, and for all the warmth and support
you have shown me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience
the deep joy and satisfaction derived from working for the wonderful family
we call "CLOSER-“