Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

Thanks and giving continue into First Friday in December

Thank you and Thinking of you can never be said too often… 

The week after Thanksgiving gives us pause to be appreciative for our PFLAG Chestertown Chapter friends and members. We are proud to have had another successful and meaningful Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on November 20. 
Please look at the photographs posted on our website in addition to those found in the Kent County News follow up story. Dorian Mitchell of the KCNews staff did a great job for us with two articles on the subject.  Other thanks are certainly due to Kristen, our special guest, and to Barbi B and Pat C for managing the event so beautifully with the helpful staff at the Garfield Center for the Arts. 

We have the First Friday in December happening later this week and will be hosting our simple “open house” from 5-7 pm upstairs at Bradley Lake’s office above the Nearly New Shop in Fountain Park in Chestertown, MD.  

Please stop by to say hello and sign some cards our chapter will be mailing to those in our thoughts recently. One card will be for Kristin Beck who most generously shared her time and amazing life story. A second card will sent to the family of Jacob M., the Washington College student lost to suicide the week before. In a sad way these two “cards” are related to the work of our chapter. Just last week we honored lives lost to violence in our TDOR vigil. In September our chapter held a serious discussion about suicide. Our hope is that this small act of sharing and connection will keep us open to continue to do this work.
  
It is *not hard* to feel the emotional impact of tragic events when we dare to honestly look at these difficult subjects. What is hard is to take the risk and the time to continue to address these subjects in a proactive manner. 
Thanks to you all who have worked together to take the time to honor and try to improve our understanding of the complex human condition we share. With understanding we can become less fearful and more hopeful.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

November 20, 4 pm event location is changed from Washington College to the Garfield Center for the Arts

We want you to know about the location change for 4 pm Kristin Beck event now taking place on Friday November 20th at the Garfield in Chestertown (not at Decker on the Washington College campus.) 

Washington College events have been canceled due to their unexpected closure. Now, the 4 to 4:45 pm event will take place in the lobby of the Garfield Center for the Arts and will be an informal meet and greet with Kristin. This is the same location (210 High Street) that the Vigil, film and discussion will be taking place beginning at 7 pm.

Free street parking is available and there are local restaurants within walking distance.  Please help us share this simple location change information with others who may have planned to attend the 4 pm Washington College location event. 

Questions or concerns?  Please contact:

Linda Dutton at 443 480 3138 or
Barbi Bedell at 410 562 0424

Monday, November 16, 2015

This Friday Nov 20 is our 4th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil, with special guest, Kristin Beck

Hi friends,

We hope to see you on Friday at our 4th annual TDOR Vigil with your friends and family to honor those individuals known to have lost their lives this last year due to violence for being themselves and a part of the transgender community. Following our 7 pm vigil, we will view the film, The Lady Valor, the Kristin Beck story. Yes! Kristin will be with us in person both at the Garfield at 7 pm and earlier at 4 pm at Washington College in the Decker Theater.  Don't miss this special day of honoring the challenges we share and the freedoms we enjoy in our community and our country as a whole.

These events are free and open to the public...we are proud to have used our funds to create this important educational and inspiration opportunity for our local area.  Yet, because our non profit bank account is now hitting a low point, a suggested donation of $10 per person will be requested while at the Garfield Center.  These funds will go to our local PFLAG Chestertown Chapter. Stop by our information table in the lobby for more information about our work and membership opportunities.  Donation receipts will be available. 
 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween Parade in the morning and promotion of TDOR with Kristin Beck begins!

I hope you consider joining the Halloween parade (literally) tomorrow morning kicking off at 10 am up on High Street in Chestertown. Details can be found in a previous post on our website. With posters in the parade to be followed by articles in the media, our November energies will be focused on promoting our TDOR taking place Nov 20th with special guest, Kristin Beck coming to Chestertown!

To that end, I want to share with you one of several press releases you may see about the event. This one is special as it was written by our chapter member, Pat Chance, based on the story of her relationship with a transgender soldier.

I will also share a version of the wonderful poster which may be used in your local newsletters and social media. Remember we are an all volunteer group!  Please support our efforts by pitching in anyway possible and thanks to those who have been so generous!. (We still  need to replenish our non profit bank account, renew chapter memberships, buy more PFLAG materials to give away, and continue to be visible positive advocates in our community activities...such valued work never really ends!)  

First Friday and Third Tuesday usual meetings won't take place this month because of Nov 20.  In December we hope to plan a time to celebrate one another with a holiday gathering TBD.

Questions or problems?  Please send an email to pflagchestertown.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible...(after this fun weekend ahead!)

Enjoy and thanks! 
********
Kristin Beck, former Navy Seal, to Speak in Honor of the Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20, 2015

PFLAG Chestertown Chapter is proud to sponsor special guest, Kristin Beck, for their annual Transgender Day of Remembrance event.  Kristin was a decorated Navy Seal for over twenty years.  Having been deployed thirteen times to areas including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia, she earned the Bronze Star with "V", and the Purple Heart, among many other honors.

Kristin currently is working as an advocate and to help military members with PTSD through art therapy and rescuing horses. She has been outspoken in her support of the transgender community, both civilian and military.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (www.TDOR.info) is a time to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of a hatred or fear of transgender and gender non-conforming people.  It brings attention to the continued violence endured by this population worldwide.

This has been a particularly important issue for Pat Chance, a native Kent County resident.  Pat shares that she supported an Army Sgt. through a soldier support group, starting in 2006.  Through care packages, snail mail, and eventually through e-mails, they became friends. ”He would call me "Mom."

Two years into the friendship the soldier wrote Pat a letter, disclosing that he was transgender. He said that he had written these "coming out" letters before and would understand if Pat did not write back to him. Pat wrote back and told him that she had gotten to know a real person, not a label, and, of course, she still wanted to continue to be his friend!    

Pat began to learn how difficult it is to be transgender by reading a book that her soldier suggested, Wrapped in Blue by Donna Rose. Since then, Pat has continued to learn more about the complexities of being transgender. The recent worldwide spotlight on this topic has made it easier to find all kinds of information. Unfortunately some sources continue to communicate misinformation and fear based ideas which reinforce existing discrimination. This is why she joined the local chapter of PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of the LGBT Communities). This organization offers expert education, mutual support and equality based advocacy to everyone willing to participate.

Sadly, the pressure of trying to be the person that he was (a female in a male body) was too much and Pat’s soldier committed suicide in January of 2010 and she was one of five people that he called before he took his life. At the time of the call, Pat did not realize that she would never talk to him again.

Pat’s experiences with her soldier are why she has followed Kristin Beck's story in social media. When the local PFLAG chapter was beginning to plan our TDOR event for this year, Pat shared her interest in Kristin’s advocacy work.  The result is that the local chapter is proud to have organized opportunities in Chestertown for Kristin to share her story with us in person.  She will speak at Washington College from 4 to 5 pm in Decker Auditorium and the public is invited. This will be followed by evening activities with Kristen at the Garfield Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the TDOR vigil beginning promptly at 7 pm immediately followed by the film “The Lady Valor, the Kristin Beck Story.” Kristen will then be available for more conversation and questions following the film. All events are free of charge thanks to the donations of PFLAG supporters, the C. V. Starr Center, and Washington College. At the Garfield, a tax deductible donation of $10 per person for our local PFLAG Chestertown Chapter will be suggested.  For more information online visit PFLAGChestertown.com or the GarfieldCenter.org. 

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Thursday, October 22, 2015

This Saturday Oct 24 is Prep day for the Chestertown Halloween Parade and TDOR Vigil! Join us at Fountain Park

We had a fine group of energetic souls at our monthly meeting this week.  They had not experienced marching in one of our many local parades....so, when the Chestertown Halloween Parade was mentioned....they were ready to go! So...

THIS Saturday Oct 24 (and next Saturday Oct 31) save your midday hours for some fun with us! We will be in Fountain Park at the Farmer's Market from 9-12 with our usual information table and Rainbow Umbrella. Then we will continue creatively making posters, buttons and decorations for use in the next Saturday's Halloween Parade from 12-2. If it is too cool or windy outside we will go upstairs above the Nearly New Shop (also in Fountain Park)...find our umbrella!
TDOR Vigil posters will also be available for distribution.

NEXT Saturday Oct 31 dress for the weather and add some Halloween and colorful fun to your morning.  Parade line up is from 9-9:45 sharp on Dixon Drive in Chestertown. We will provide you with decor to wear, throw and enjoy...but feel free to dress yourself too!  Simply look for our Rainbow flag to find our spot in the line up. This is a great way to promote our important work and our upcoming TDOR vigil!

At 10 am the fun parade will begin moving down High Street ending at the Chester River.  There will be music, food and Downrigging happenings at the riverfront as the parade ends.  We must remember to get a good group photograph!  Don't miss it! Family and friends are welcome to join us from the sidelines as we march, but give yourself an extra smile by proudly joining us from the start. Remember PFLAG is all about Parents, Family and Friends! Questions? Call Linda 443 480 3138.


Presenting Our Nov 20, 2015 Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil with special Guest, Kristin Beck!


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Tuesday October 20th is our monthly Chapter Meeting, 7 pm

Next Tuesday, October 20th at 7 pm we hope you will join us at our monthly Chapter meeting.  We will be in Chestertown, MD at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Drive.  Our meetings consist of time for socializing, a program and support opportunities as needed.  Drop in and bring new friends. Everyone is most welcome.

This month we will be doing some prep work for our Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil to be held on Friday, November 20th 
at 7 pm at the Garfield Center for the Arts.  Our special guest for TDOR this year is Kristin Beck, formerly a Navy SEAL and the focus of the movie, “The Lady Valor.”  SAVE THE DATE NOW AND TELL YOUR  FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Next Tuesday we will be prepping the name cards to be read at our vigil and making plans for poster distributions to advertise our big November event.  (The TDOR event will be our monthly meeting in November.) 

There is always a lot to catch up on with one another as well as fun new ideas to share. We want to plan some social and supportive occasions for the winter holidays ahead.  Any thoughts are welcome.  The National PFLAG meeting taking place in Nashville TN this coming weekend will also be a good topic for conversation and sharing.

Thanks to all who are helping to organize these activities and carrying on with our outreach to area schools and local organizations. Together we are all making our Eastern Shore a safer and happier place for many families and individuals. 





Thursday, October 1, 2015

Changes in Oct 2-3 weekend plans due to weather

Rain, rain, go away!...or not.

After the beautiful fall weeks we have enjoyed so much, now the rain clouds are dominating!  We did need the rain, yet the predictions (including a possible hurricane arriving on Monday) are making many plans change.

So, both the First Friday evening reception and Saturday morning information table will not be set up this weekend.  (Best wishes to the Harry Potter Festival folks, go support them instead!)

Another change is affecting plans for our Tuesday Oct 20 7 pm monthly meeting.  We will be meeting but our speaker will be rescheduled for another month due to a conflict.  Don't fret, we have plenty of things to talk about!  More details later.

Fall is definitely here.  Find a friend and share some cider.  Go ahead and do the Out of the Darkness walk on Kent Island.  I haven't heard of any cancellation plans from them.



Friday, September 25, 2015

October arrives next week! Start with a Walk next Saturday October 3rd in the afternoon.

October arrives next week! 

This Saturday September 26th our PFLAG table will be at the Chestertown Farmers Market from 10-12 noon.  Stop by and say hello!  Also enjoy the Chestertown Riverfest weekend of events! http://chestertownriverarts.org/events/riverfest

SAVE the afternoon of Saturday October 3rd to Walk to Fight Suicide.  The Out of the Darkness Community Walk will take place at the Chesapeake Exploration Center on Kent Narrows. Registration time begins at 3 pm.  Walk time begins at 5 pm.  Get involved to honor a loved one or to raise money for this important cause.  For local information contact Patricia Kotzen at 410 643 7674 or pskotzen@atlanticbb.net

We had a meaningful group meeting in September when we discussed suicide prevention. Thanks to all who attended and shared. Some follow up materials can be found on our website and at http://www.afsp.org/.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has so many useful resources and is the organization that sponsors the Out of the Darkness Community Walks. 

First Friday October 2 in Chestertown from 7-9 pm and Saturday Oct 3 from 10-12 noon are open for our volunteers to set up and staff our information and hospitality table.  We need YOU to make it happen though! Offer your weekend time and energies by emailing pflagchestertown@gmail.com or leave a message at 443 480 3138.  We will find a task for you!  Be fore warned it is also the weekend of the Harry Potter Festival! What fun! see http://www.chestertownhpfest.org/

Later in October we will be meeting on Tuesday Oct 20, location TBD. Dr. John LaFerla will be sharing his expertise as a physician and public health expert as he answers your confidential and anonymous questions in a “Doc in a box” style! Come to learn some new health tips as well as to giggle your way through some uncomfortable topics!  Time for socializing and support will also be part of our gathering.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

September Has Arrived!

Welcome to September 2015
PFLAG Chestertown Chapter Activities

First Friday Reception September 4, 5-7 pm Fountain Park, Chestertown, Stop by and say hello!

Saturday mornings Information Table at the Chestertown Farmers Market,
September 5, 12, 19, 26th 10-12 noon

September 14th Monthly Meeting on MONDAY 7 pm this time!
Location at UUCR, 914 Gateway Drive, Chestertown
Topic: Suicide and Prevention...Let’s talk about it!
Group Discussion facilitated by Bradley Lake, LICSW

We look forward to connecting with you as we work together offering advocacy, support and education to our community.  Thanks are due to so many of you doing our work in many quiet ways in our schools, health care settings and extended families.

http://www.welcomingschools.org/blog/entry/4-ways-to-make-your-classroom-gender-inclusive

Other area opportunities that may be of interest to you:

Early Bird Registration Ends September 15th for the 2nd
Gender Conference East November 13-14


The Delaware Renaissance group has expanded their meetings and services serving the Transgender Community since 1994.
See delren.org for more information about these opportunities.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING
Offered by Maryland Coalition of Families in partnership with Mental Health Association in Talbot County 
September 18th, 2015 from 8:30am-5:00pm
Location: Caroline County Library, 100 Market Street  Denton, MD 21629
About Youth Mental Health First Aid:    Evidence-based training that teaches the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders.     Provides individuals with tools to respond to a mental health emergency until professional help arrives.     Provides action steps to take in order to help a young person ages 12-17 experiencing the early signs of a mental health disorder.    Designed for parents, teachers and caregivers of that age group.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

August activities and a preview of the fall lineup

First Friday in August is this week

Please say Hi when you are out and about this Friday, August 7 in Chestertown.  The forecast calls for rain, so if we aren’t down in Fountain Park, we will be “up” in Fountain Park using the upstairs office space of our friend Bradley Lake, above the Nearly New Shop.  There will be some treats to munch on, some news to share, some friends to see!
We know many other fun things are going on at the same time during first Friday, but hey, it’s a small town so we can try to make the rounds.  Consider checking out the special event at JR’s hosted by Maryland’s NARAL Chapter. 

We are back! Find us on Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market in Chestertown

We will start hosting our informational table at the Farmer’s Market in Chestertown from 10-12 noon.  The table will be a place to share local news and info as well as pick up a copy of the latest publications from the National Office.  Of course you might want to join our organization and receive the information about LGBTQ training opportunities and public policy advocacy needs designed just for you!  We are the family friends and allies of the gay and trans community! 

Rainbow Alliance of Delmarva (RAD) is an online meet up group

After the market shuts down at noon is a great time to share a lunch or picnic with a friend.  The Rainbow Alliance of Delmarva meet up group has posted this opportunity.  Stop by and meet some new folks to the area who are happy to have found our beautiful and quiet Eastern Shore.   Join http://www.meetup.com/Rainbow-Alliance-of-Delmarva/events/224315118    You will find 135 members looking for something fun to do.  Anyone can post an idea…make it happen!  Summer is the best time to plan for play and meet some new friends.

Speaking of upcoming events

August is here and hopefully more impromptu social plans will be announced.  The fall brings several programs and inspiring opportunities in the process of being planned.  In September look for announcements about collaborative work with Washington College addressing the topic of suicide.  September is national suicide prevention month and sadly, we all have work to do to address the needs of others.
Suicide: Break the Silence. Talk about it. Save a life. www.break-the-silence.org
In October we will offer resources for answering your questions about healthy vs unhealthy habits in your personal life…begin thinking about all those questions you want to ask, but are just too….whatever. We have health care professionals who are willing to be the “doc in a box.” Confidentiality guaranteed!
November brings us to our Fourth Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance activities.  Wow…we have a great surprise in store for you this year.  Stay tuned!






Monday, July 13, 2015

Happenings in our area this week and in the near future

Happenings in our area this week…and in the near future

Gay Men’s Health Support Group “For a Better You!”
Introducing GMSG - the Gay Men’s Health Support Group – to provide gay men with an opportunity to support one another in making healthy lifestyle choices. * Education * Socialization * Support

Thursday July 16, 2015 7-9 PM Kent Island Library 200 Library Circle Stevensville, MD.

Meeting Topic: Gay Men’s Sexual Health Speaker: Richard Gettings RN, ACRN Director of Operations Chase Brexton Health Care Easton, MD. www.chasebrexton.org

For information contact: Mary Yancey RN
Email: mary.yancey@maryland.gov Phone: 443 262 4457 Join Us!

HRC Volunteers Needed for Baltimore Pride!
Human Rights Campaign needs you to be a part of our efforts in support of LGBT equality at Baltimore Pride!

 No experience is necessary -  new and experienced volunteers are needed to work the festival booth and/or march in the Pride Parade. All are welcome! Training will be provided. 

Volunteer shifts are available throughout the day.
Saturday, July 25
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(Block Party) 
&
Sunday, July 26
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(Festival) 
Charles & Eager Streets
Baltimore, MD 21202 
|
Druid Hill Park
2600 Madison Ave
Baltimore, MD 21217
 
Please email comments or question to hrcpridewashingtondc@gmail.com.
Volunteer at Pride

Volunteer with HRC at a pride event near you.
Pledge Your Support for
Marriage Equality!
Get the Goods

Special HRC merchandise

Please help us share the news of these events!
All HRC members, supporters, friends and family are welcome.
Tell a friend: Tell a friend Click here to safely forward this message to a friend.

© 2015 Human Rights Campaign
Click here to read our privacy policy.
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-3278

Phone: 202/628-4160 TTY: 202/216-1572 Fax: 202/347-5323
Email: pride@hrc.org

Then we have our neighbors in Delaware….
Check it out…August 1st in Dover!


The next PFLAG Chestertown event will be First Friday August 7, 2015.   We had a great celebration in July!  Thanks for stopping by everyone.


See you around….check out the meet-up group Rainbow Alliance of Delmarva and PLAN something!  Take a walk at Adkins Arboretum, meet for coffee, anything!

http://www.meetup.com/Rainbow-Alliance-of-Delmarva/  If you join the group you will find 120 folks who mysteriously say they want to get together, but don’t plan or attend anything.  Hum? I post the PFLAG Chestertown events only and don’t really know who else in this group is “active.”  So….use it or loose it.  PFLAG payment of the annual dues for this site will run out this fall if folks don’t start using it…it’s that simple.

The next PFLAG Chestertown event will be First Friday August 7, 2015.   We had a great celebration in July!  Thanks for stopping by everyone.








Wednesday, July 1, 2015

First Friday July 3rd is time to celebrate!

Celebrate this happy July 4 weekend with us on Friday! 

This Friday July 3rd our First Friday Gathering will be extra special because of all the great things going on in our nation and in our very own town!

We will be set up from 5-7 pm outside in Fountain Park near the Nearly New store building.  Come by to get your rainbow stickers to show your pride around town! 

Special thanks to our local Chester River wine and cheese shop owners, John and Jenn Baker for offering us some celebration treats!

Here is what Jenn wrote to us: We would love to donate a few bottles of sparkling wine (and a few of sparkling cider for the kids) and a few dozen cupcakes in celebration of marriage equality.”

Would we be interested?  Why YES!  How lovely!  We live in a small town FULL of generous and accepting people. Be grateful.

Show your appreciation of these generous folks by purchasing fabulous specialty goods from their wonderful store.  See http://chesterrivergourmet.com/

They are located at 117 S. Cross Street…on the corner.  EVERYTHING they offer is so fine!  It is time to celebrate!

AND the non profit Downtown Chestertown Association is also having a special event in the park near the fountain at the same time!  Their family centered festivities include more food and fun!  Bring the entire family and get your spirits lifted  with music and give aways! Next enjoy some lemonade, popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs.  Wow…what a party!  See you there!

By the way, We are NOT marching in any July 4 parades this year...just didn't get it together in time...but just ask and we can march in another parade at a later date...we have the flags and candy throws ready!

Thanks also to everyone who came to enjoy our volunteer appreciation picnic last month.  We had a great turnout of over 50 friends stopping by!  

Friday, June 26, 2015

Celebrate this historic Supreme Court decision day!


Yes!  SCOTUS has affirmed our dream of marriage equality for all into a nationwide reality by their decision this morning!  This is so fantastic! 

From the decision: The majority bases its conclusion that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right on "four principles and traditions": (1) right to person choice in marriage is "inherent in the concept of individual autonomy"; (2) "two-person union unlike any other in its importance to the committed individuals"; (3) marriage safeguards children and families; (4) marriage is a keystone to our social order.

From PFLAG National:
·  The justices have affirmed that PFLAG’s values are America’s values, and that means that love is love, family is family, and marriage is marriage.
·  Today’s historic ruling means same-sex couples will soon have the freedom to marry, bringing joy to the couples, their families, and friends.
·  The justices have affirmed what nearly 60% of the country now believes: that the freedom to marry is a right that all citizens should enjoy and be able to participate in should they choose to.
·  Now that all families have the right to legal protection of their loving and committed relationships, we must continue to tell our stories so that those whose hearts and minds have not changed towards people who are LGBTQ will soon move to the right side of history with us.
PFLAG will continue to press forward on other issues where we and our LGBTQ friends and loved ones are not legally protected: in the workplace, in housing, in schools and public places, and more. And of course, we will continue to provide support to those who are in need of it, education to help people more fully understand the issues facing the LGBTQ community, and advocate for equality on behalf of all people.

LOCALLY:
Tonight in Easton, MD, there will be a “Service for Peace” at 7:30 pm at the B’nai Israel Temple. http://www.bnaiisraeleaston.org/

This is open to the community at large and is in response to current events. A local choral group that "protested" the Methodist church anti LGBTQ decision will be performing as a part of this service.  I expect that there will be quite a feeling of celebration there as well!

Next Tuesday, don’t miss this on MPT “Growing up Trans” Frontline 10 pm.

And we will be hosting our usual First Friday July 3, at Fountain Park in Chestertown, 5-7!  Maybe we need champagne to share!




Sunday, June 21, 2015

Remembering Chris Miller WAC '14



In Memory of Chris Miller

We are very sad to share news of the loss of a recent Washington College graduate, Chris Miller ’14.  Chris was recently in Chestertown, MD for WAC Alumni activities before heading to Lima Peru.  Details about a service for Chris are included at the end of this post.

In October of 2012 Chris shared the leadership of WAC’s EROS club.  Many of our PFLAG Chestertown friends remember how wonderful it was when the club members attended the Marriage Equality Rally we held in Fountain Park.  As they arrived together wearing their new t shirts we were supported by their presence. One photo shows the leaders speaking on our stage. Chris is on the right.  We will add our support as his many friends and family begin to find ways to show their respect and honor the memory of this wonderful person.




Chris's family is hosting a memorial service.  Here's the link to the Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/456429967849644/456794504479857/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a special fund that is being created at Washington College in Chris's name. Please watch this space for additional details.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

You are invited to our June 5th Volunteer Appreciation Picnic!

Invites you and your Rainbow* family (and friends) to attend our

 PFLAG Chestertown Chapter

2015 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
First Friday June 5   5-7 pm
Fountain Park, Chestertown, MD

WE will supply the burgers, desserts, beverages and paper products.
YOU may bring side dishes and a picnic blanket or chairs.
Questions? Call Linda at 443 480 3138

YOUR Rainbow* Family and Friends are invited to pose for an outdoor portrait in front of the beautiful park fountain. We are collecting these images to celebrate and illustrate the beautiful diversity of our family groups. Rainbow* Families are defined by you as the persons who support and care for the authentic you! 


 Feel free to stop by as you enjoy all the First Friday activities of Chestertown!  Hope to see you soon. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

GIVEOUT DAY: MAY 21! CHESTERTOWN TEA PARTY: MAY 23!

GIVE OUT DAY IS TOMORROW, MAY 21, 2015!


PFLAG CHESTERTOWN CHAPTER is a registered participant organization!  Simply go to GIVEOUT.org, search our name and DONATE!
You know about all the great things we do....help us do more!
 (The link works now too!)

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

(We didn't create a special giveout.org page of our own)…just search our name and click to donate online. It works! Checks can be mailed to PFLAG Chestertown 914 Gateway Drive,
 Chestertown, MD 21620

SEE MORE CHAPTER INFO AT: WWW.PFLAGCHESTERTOWN.COM


Back Home


IS SATURDAY MAY 23, 2015

PFLAG CHESTERTOWN CHAPTER will have our information booth set up from 10 AM to 5 PM in a spot near Memorial Park.  
We hope you will stop by and visit awhile!


Monday, May 11, 2015

May is here! We have many opportunities and local information to share!

What a month April was and May is in full swing!  Thanks to the many folks who attended our presentation about using pronouns such as “They.” Thanks also for our visitors on First Friday May 1 in Fountain Park. Look for us again on June 5th with our rainbow umbrella and a picnic celebrating our Rainbow Families! Welcome to several new (bcc) names on our list!  Remember to look at our website for info on prior events and other resources.

Congrats and Thanks also to those involved in the Kids Who Care Award!  Rebecca Lepter of the Kent County Family and Community Partnerships hosted a celebratory breakfast honoring the recipients. It was great to be part of this process as well as the press conference and coverage of our GSA Umbrella Krewe project. In addition, other GSA students participated in the Youth Panel presentation last week for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters project called Aim for the Future.  YOUR voices are being heard!  Thanks for making our community aware and supportive on behalf of all of us!  Congrats also to our Washington College students who are graduating next weekend!  Best wishes to you all.

Tuesday May 19, 7 pm the date of our usual monthly meeting…and this month we need to have a leadership planning meeting because we have so many things to catch up with!  Come on down to UUCR if you want to get more involved!  Like every group around, your help will be valued!  We are present if you need support or want to borrow from our resource materials.  Did anyone notice that we have donated new books to the Kent County Public libraries?  They even made a book plate for us to acknowledge our gift!

Thursday May 21 is GIVE OUT DAY!  This is the third year for this nationwide event and PFLAG Chestertown is a registered participant!  Go to ww.giveoutday.org, search for our chapter, Click and Donate!  Spread the word using social networking tools available on the site!  We will use the funds next year for improved programming, written materials to distribute and whatever new ideas you come up with!  This is a great opportunity for us…if you want to help with more promotional ideas, the door is open!

Saturday May 23 is the Chestertown Tea Party!  We will have our nonprofit info booth near Monument Park among the craft vendors. The UU’s of the Chester River will have their popular Lemon Stick booth on Park Row among the food vendors. BOTH of these settings welcome volunteers!  Remember that UUCR supports our Chapter in many ways.  Supporting their booth at the Tea Party is a great way to say Thank you.  Simply email PFLAGChestertown@gmail.com to sign up to help us.

SAVE the DATE:  Saturday June 13th for a daytrip to DC to enjoy Capitol Pride!  We already have 14 folks planning to attend….we will have our own bus!  Contact us....


AND I have information about CampLightbulb.org , a summer camp for LGBT youth ages 14-18, July 5 to 12….and Scholarships opportunities for LGBT youth are also available!  

Sunday, April 19, 2015

PFLAG Education is Important! Please do your best to join us Tues 7 pm!


Hi everyone,

We love spring and all the earth based celebrations. Keep growing in your knowledge and understanding of our wonderful young people. Celebrate our community by bringing yourself and a friend to hear this special panel of speakers. We promise to offer you a thought provoking opportunity to grow in our support of our LGBTQ friends and families.  We will also offer coffee, tea and some sweet treats!

Check out the cool speakers on the poster below and come to UUCR at 7 pm Tuesday!

UUCR (Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River) is located at
914 Gateway Drive in Chestertown, MD.  From Rt 213 heading North, turn left onto Southgate near the big Presbyterian Church. Turn right onto Gateway and we are half way down the street. We will have our Rainbow Windsock out to welcome you!