Happy Holidays!

www.DanielMcCree.Org

Happy Holidays! From all us vines at
Daniel McCree Foundation & Family yet to bee~ Sincerely: Colby Kluthe

Daniel McCree Foundation Board Meeting DEC 22nd

www.DanielMcCree.Org

	Wednesday, December 22 · 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Location	Tessilu Studios - 4462 Bingham Ave
Created By	Colby Kluthe

Pictured above: Angela Barnes, Executive Director- Bethany Place (World AIDS Day 2010)

HELLO ALL! & Happy Holidays~

Board members requested- others are welcome.

Please check your schedule, for the feasability of meeting on WEDNESDAY EVENING (8pm) DEC 22nd.

A short gathering to discuss the print selection for 2011.
I am happy to know some people are anxiously awaiting the june 2011 release, and we may also consider a New Years release.

LOCATION- 4462 Bingham Ave (Tessilu Studios) :)
Saint Louis, MO 63116

World AIDS Day in Belleville DEC 1st

www.BellevillePride.com & www.DanielMcCree.Org
on behalf of: Bethany Place

November 23, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)

Bethany Place will observe World AIDS day (WAD) on December 1st, at 7pm.
The Observance will be held at the ROHO Group, located at 100 N. Florida Avenue, in Belleville. This years observance marks the 22nd year of Bethany Place, which has served Southern Illinois since 1988.

This years theme is "Universal Access & Human Rights", and will address the ongoing challenges and concerns that face both those infected and affected by HIV & AIDS.

Keynote Speaker, Colby Kluthe is the Director of the Daniel McCree Foundation,
and served on the Metro East Pride Board of Directors in 2010. As a participant in Ezekiel Project, the HIV/AIDS outreach ministry at MCC of Greater St. Louis, Kluthe will speak to the ongoing challenges faced by those newly diagnosed, as well as those who have battled the stigma of HIV for many years.

This years event shall also include a Candlelight vigil, remembering those whom we have lost in the past two decades and a casual reception shall follow with refreshments and an opportunity to meet local activists and allies.

There is no charge to attend, and no RSVP is requested.
More information is available at:
www.BethanyPlace.org Or www.DanielMcCree.Org

EVENT LOCATION:
ROHO Group
100 North Florida Ave.
Belleville, IL 62221
(MAP LOCATION)

Happy Birthday Danny Boy!

www.DanielMcCree.Org

November 21, 2010

"The mission of DanielMcCree.Org is to share with the world, the creative works and spirit of Daniel McCree, foster a dialogue for those who were moved by his life,while promoting the 7 Arts of Power: Literature ,Performing Art,Visual Art,Design Art, Decorative Art, Technological Art and Spirituality"

We set today aside to celebrate the 27 years of Daniel McCree's life, and remember the contributions of his life and spirit over the past 3 years. To put it in Daniel's own words:
‎"A silent stare is what the outside world must view while I'm walking through this. My
life's work has been to record my story in my own way using whatever
avenues communication or _expression will serve the purpose. "
--Danny McCree (time unknown)

November is a month to Remember

www.DanielMcCree.Org

November 2, 2010

A note from the Editor:

As we pass into November, the weather gets chilly, and life itself seems to slow down a bit.
November calls the passing of the leaves, and the hints of challenges that lay ahead. I often speak to others about "listening" to both the inner voice we each possess, as well as the spirit voice that also offers us guidance in life.

Over the past month of October, I have been hard-pressed to listen and heed my own advice. Through this reflection, several key decisions had to made to continue on the path that has been layed before me. As is often the case in life, we must take leaps of faith, not knowing exactly "why" things present themselves in the manner they do, but simply walk the line, and know that the destination has been prepared ahead.

After months of reflection and prayer, I made the difficult decision to stop driving, and take to the "pedestrian lifestyle" utilizing public transit to get around whenever possible. This came as the result of several not so subtle events that lead me in this direction.

I have heard Daniel's voice tell me, "Get out amongst the people", which is exactly what I must do. In this endeavor, I shall surely become a humble servant, rather than a casual passerby in life. It has also been a decision, that once made-- those worries about transit, simply fell into place.

I have already made arrangements to get to Choir practice at church, and other functions I need to continue to devote my time to. I also knew that other things were in the making, in areas I had not anticipated, but once again, we walk forward, simply knowing we are but instruments to a larger plan.

In mid October, I reaffirmed my commitment to EZEKIEL Project, an HIV/AIDS outreach at MCC of Greater St. Louis. In return, I was blessed to find a larger response of participants than we have had for quite some time. The revived outreach also came with a renewed vision, and a clarity of mission I have long since believed was needed in our community.

As the month of November rolled in, my time with Metro East Pride came to a natural conclusion, allowing me to step back, and re-focus on the HIV/AIDS outreach in both St. Louis and Southern Illinois. I will also continue to work with local organizations such as Transhaven, who has been a valuable partner in LGBT issues in our work together over the past year.

I am very excited to have the opportunity of re-focus, and can say proudly that my work with Metro East Pride was of great importance, and will allow Southern Illinois to celebrate its diversity & equality for years to come. I too was personally moved by all the wonderful people I represented, and all the people I came to know since 2009.

The Daniel McCree Foundation once again has a complete Board of Directors, and will plan to meet in November as we prepare to observe World AIDS Day, with both MCCGSL and Bethany Place in Belleville. I am looking forward to 2011, and potential community partners with Q&A-SWIC/Austin Mueller Scholarship Fund, as well as ONE SAINT LOUIS, who's mission is to fill the gaps in LGBT social services available throughout our region.

November is a Month to Remember,
As we observe two very special days this month,
November 20th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and
NOVEMBER 21,st-- we will celebrate and observe Daniel McCree's Birthday.
Daniel would have turned 32 years old this year, and we may consider a commemorative print in honor of this day.

Thanks to all of you who have supported the Daniel McCree Foundation since we began in 2007.
Our work, is in fact organic, and often takes us places we had not anticipated. However that being said, we always find out once we get there the "Why" we never understood on our way.

Peace & Shalom,
Colby Kluthe
Chief Editor, DanielMcCree.Org
editor@danielmccree.org

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

JOIN US ONLINE


"Sometimes I don't know who I am,... but dont you forget~"

More than 140 March in Belleville to Combat Teen Suicide

www.DanielMcCree.Org

From METRO EAST PRIDE News
October 11, 2010
(BELLEVILLE)

by: Colby Kluthe,
Vice-President Metro East Pride 2010-11
(photos by: Colin Murphy)

National Coming Out Day was observed by Metro East Pride (MEP) on October 11th with a Candlelight Vigil and March through historic downtown Belleville.

More than 140 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the downtown Carnegie Library in remembrance of recent teen suicides as a result of bullying, and other stresses faced by LGBT youth. A special focus was given to the local impact of suicide, remembering at least 6 individuals locally who have ended their lives in recent years.

The CDC estimates that 149,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for selfinflicted injuries at emergency departments across the U.S. each year. *
In June 2010, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed HB4672 into law, requiring all educators in public secondary schools undergo suicide prevention training, to recognize the early signs of individuals most at risk.

“We must do everything we can to protect our youngest citizens,” said Governor Quinn. “This new law will help save young lives by making sure schools are better-equipped to monitor suicidal behavior and know when and how to intervene.” *

Metro East Pride, in partnership with TransHaven, Project Safe-Harbor, Daniel McCree Foundation, Gay-Straight Alliance chapters at SIUE & Blackburn College, and local High Schools joined with Q&A-SWIC,
Club Escapade and PFLAG-Belleville. The overwhelming response by the community at large demonstrates the urgency of the issue, as well as concerns by people throughout Southern Illinois & St. Louis Regionally.

Local media coverage included KSDK-TV of St. Louis, the Belleville News-Democrat, and Vital Voice Magazine. MEP President Sarah Baldwin spoke of our individual responsibility for what we say, and for what we hear around us. The challenge being that each of us has an opportunity to put a stop to harassment in both school and work environments.

National Coming Out Day, began in 1987 and is celebrated globally each year as an outward demonstration of support to those who have not yet "Come Out". The Metro East Region has taken on the mantra "you are not alone" as the Global Cry for 2010 has been "It Get's Better".

March of Remembrance- OCT 11th (Belleville)

http://www.danielmccree.org/

October 11th, 2010 we will join Metro East Pride, PFLAG -Belleville, Project Safe-Harbor, Transhaven, GSA-SIUE and Q&A-SWIC for a memorial march through downtown Belleville in remembrance of those in our region lost to suicide. We will also be celebrating "National Coming Out Day" for those who are free to be who they were created to be.

The march will begin at the downtown Belleville Library, at the site of the former "BelleGarten"

which Daniel planted in 2007, prior to its becoming a parking lot.

Join us, at 6:30 at the Library, as we march accross downtown to the MEP Festival Grounds, located on West Main at 2nd Ave.

Daniel McCree Foundation will be remembering not only Daniel, but the other loved-ones from our area who have become part of our "D-Vine".

Buck Postwako (12) who took is life while at home Oct 2007.

Nathan Maue - took his life in Tower Grover Park 2008

Jason Cox - who took his life while in a Southern Illinois' county jail

Daniel McCree of Sparta/Belleville, IL- lost in July 2007

Austin Mueller of Belleville (18) - May 2010 on the SWIC campus

Metro East Pride will provide the candles for the event-- ALL AGES are welcome.

Please bring the name of anyone you are aware of, so that we may remember them as well.

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

START POINT-

121 East Washington Ave

Belleville, IL 62220

END POINT- Club Escapade/Oregon Trail Coffee co. West Main Street @ 2nd Ave.

ADA Parking is located on 2nd Ave. just north of Main St.

For more information: metroeastpride@gmail.com or online at~ http://www.metroeastpride.com/

ABOUT BELLEGARTEN:
In June 2007, Daniel along with his roomates Larry and Tonji
planted an arrangement in the community garden near the library in downtown Belleville.
The gardens are completely vibrant with color.

October 2010 Newsletter - "For such a time as this"

www.DanielMcCree.Org

A letter from the editor:

October 4, 2010
"Sometimes I don't Know Who I am- But don't you forget"
-Robert Knight

Dear friends and visitors:

It has truly been an amazing year, and one we shall not easily forget. I continue to be reminded of the promise kept~
Daniel always told me "My vine has roots that go very deep"

I continually find myself lead forward in directions one cannot easily decipher a reason for. So im practicing my listening skills, for that still quiet voice that sometimes is not so subtle.

This photo was taken in my back yard alley on Palm Sunday in 2007. It was taken during the time Danny was building a tent out of stick he found in the brush on our adjacent lot. A recent visit to this location reveals the building we lived in has gone into foreclosure, and is now boarded up to protect the copper within. It also serves as a reminder that ALL THINGS CHANGE, except the love we share.

This love, which we experience is the closest thing to God we can have while still on earth. We aren't often privy to know why we are lead in certain ways, but I have learned that something much greater than any one of us, equips us for what lays ahead.

A friend recently told me they didn't think they were strong enough to endure the challenges that were very clear and present. I could say nothing more than keep walking, and know that you will be carried when you cant stand on your own.

In the past month, I have been blessed to meet new friends in the outreach efforts of Metro East Pride. These connections serve as yet another reminder of our mission and purpose, and confirm that our work has impact far and wide.

As I may have mentioned, we recently rediscovered some of Daniels writing, that was published in the then-popular EXP Magazine. Once I have touched base with our Board of Directors, we will likely make this publication available online.

Much thanks goes out to Colin Murphy of Vital Voice Magazine, who you may know is an avid collector of St. Louis LGBT history. He was able to locate and send this article published in 2003. And ended the 3-year search we had endured in locating it.

We also want to announce our Board of Directors for 2011.
joining the team will be COLE WOFFORD, who shall replaces the vacancy left ending 2010.
Cole is a long-time friend of Daniel's and served as his AA sponsor just prior to his passing. He also volunteers with Sherwood's Forrest Camp for kids, and will be a welcome addition to our directors in the coming year.

Keep an eye out for this new exhibit- we will publish to our FACEBOOK page, as well as our primary website. (www.DanielMcCree.Org)

Finally, mark your callendar for OCTOBER 30th, as we join Metro East Pride for a Halloween Block Party in downtown Belleville. This event is the first major fundraiser of the 2011 season.
As we donated to MEP in 2010, we have selected ONE SAINT LOUIS as our primary benefactor until December of this year. It should also be noted that as a participant in the recent "Prowling With Robyn" fundraiser, hosted by TRANSHAVEN, the Daniel McCree Foundation made a small donation to benefit Trans Youth outreach. More info at www.Imatyfa.org

Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support of our mission~ unchanged since July 2007.

Saving Space for GALA

www.DanielMcCree.Org

A few notes from the editor:

As September is upon us, we cant help but know it's bound to get a little cold on some days.

But as I sit, studying again, Daniel's Art Collection,
I recalled how to "read" some of his art if you will.

I may have recently mentioned, that especially within the "Pop Art" Collection, if one speaks aloud what you see, you may further understand the point I believe that Daniel was making.

This Collage has been broken up into several photos, but was still hanging on the wall at his Belleville home in July 2007. He had stopped working on it around May, and had it afixed near his bed. As I noticed it in the early hours of the morning, it reminds me simply~ to Save Space for Gala, and not take myself, or others to seriously.

I too find myself on a journey, with many lessons to be learned. Because "Wildebeasts and Bisons" won't do.

At any rate, I encourage you to re-visit the
PoP Art Gallery, and see what Daniel tells you.

~Dare to be a Daniel,

Colby
editor@danielmccree.org

August 2010 Newsletter

http://www.danielmccree.org/

From the editor:

Over the past three years now, I seem to always cross paths with things that remind me Daniels spirit remains with each of us. For those of you who have known me a long time, you know that I spent 8 years working for Hard Rock Cafe, opening the St. Louis location in 1998, as well as a transfer to Las Vegas in 2000. Upon a recent visit to the St. Louis Cafe, I was excited to see they had rotated the memrobilia that was original in 1998, and while randomly selected from a warehouse in Orlando Florida, they chose to place "My Chemical Romance- Welcome to the Black Parade" items in a very prominent location.

It can be said that the more you look for such "miracles" the more you will find. From the video selections you may find on facebook, to the Artwork I look at today, and understand even more, what Daniel's point was. I recently looked at a peice as I hung it on the wall, and saw the same hand as always, but now it dawns upon me its "Red Handed", lol Only Daniel thought to express through art this way, making it a complete blessing that I came to understand the "wordplay" he often incorporated into his creative side.

The secret is to sometimes call out what you see, and you may understand what it being said.
The selection this month, is oil on canvas and was situated above the refrigerator at his apartment in Belleville.
Titled: Above the Fringe, Above the Fridge, it remains among my favorites.

As always, thanks to our many supporters, and i want to welcome our 230 followers on Facebook. Each of you play an important role in our mission.

"The mission of DanielMcCree.Org is to share with the world,

the creative works and spirit of Daniel McCree,

foster a dialogue for those who were moved by his life,
while promoting the 7 Arts of Power:
Literature ,Performing Art,Visual Art,Design Art,

Decorative Art, Technological Art and Spirituality"

Someone recently requested we should "clarify" our mission, and after some consideration, and review, I came to the conclusion that our mission is not only clear and defined, but I think we hit it spot on, and our mission should not change at all.

Through our work with Metro East Pride, our outreach online and visiablity in the community has made great strides towards this mission, and continues to offer us clear direction in what our purpose is.

Much thanks to our Board of Directors, and to all who support our endeavors!

Sincerely,

Colby Kluthe

editor@danielmccree.org

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

July 2010 NEWS - Daniel McCree Foundation

www.DanielMcCree.Org

News from the Editor:

It seems as if time easily slide by, unless you are stuck in traffic, at which our lives can take on a feeling of stagnation. As we approach the 3 year anniversary of the loss of our dear friend Daniel McCree, we once again review where we have been, and where we hope to go.

July 24th, will mark the first event for Metro East Pride 2011. We hope that our supporters will be able to join us in Belleville for this important event. We will be looking for leadership advisors, and volunteers to help us in the coming year.

On July 21st, we renewed our primary web domain www.DanielMcCree.org securing it thru July of 2011. We are also in the process of completing our annual report to the State of Illinois,
as we became a registered Chartiable Trust, on September 11th, 2009.

This report is due by Sept 1, 2010 and will be completed with time to spare.
We will also be "re-confirming" our Board Members. The state of Illinois requires at least 3 registered agents. We are still considering addtional officers, with an end-goal of a 5 member Board of Directors.

Our leadership for 2010-2011 includes:
Colby Kluthe, President & Chief Editor
Kayla Kistner, Vice-President & Director of Art Preservation
Tess Farnham, Creative Director & Registered Agent

Interested in being a board member? contact us at editor@danielmccree.org

In 2011, we will continue working closing with community organizations, including Metro East Pride, and Q&A Queer Arts at the SWIC campus in Belleville. We will also continue our outreach and participation with our traditional partners, MCC of Greater St. Louis & Bethany Place.

New EXHIBIT will debut on FRIDAY JULY 23rd!
Be sure to stop in and see what we got cookin' ---

Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, Chief Editor- DanielMcCree.Org
colby@danielmccree.org

Queer Arts at Metro East Pride 2010

http://www.metroeastpride.com/

on behalf of Daniel McCree Foundation

We were both honored and saddened to learn about the untimely loss of Local Artist/Writer Austin Mueller (May 2010) at this years Metro East Pride Festival.
And inspired also by his partner Shane , who is working to continue the legacy of this great spirit. LINKS SOON to AUSTIN MUELLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

Austin Mueller (18) Student at SWIC, in Belleville Illinois took his own life

in May 2010. We are both saddened and honored to include him in our tributes at http://www.danielmccree.org/ .

It seems each of the 3 years I have participated in Metro East Pride, we are reminded why we do what we do. I can not begin to put into words how moved I was to meet Shane, the surviving partner of Austin Mueller.

It was the deciding factor in continuing my leadership w/ Metro East Pride another year. Serving as VP the past year, was a lot ... See Moreof work, not to be undertaken lightly.

However, in learning about one of the vendors, Q & A QUEER ARTS of Belleville- I was paid back threefold in an instant! Blessed to have met the gang!
Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, VP Metro East Pride 2010

Support the AUSTIN MUELLER Q&A Activism FundSCHOLARSHIP FUND~

Q & A (Queer Arts)c/o SWIC

VISIT HIS TRIBUTE SITE: http://danielmccree.org/AustinMueller.aspx

Daniel McCree Foundation to speak at Metro East Pride

www.DanielMcCree.Org


June 10, 2010




From the editor:




I am pleased to announce that we will be addressing the festival from the main stage around 1pm on Saturday June 19th, as a part of the Metro East Pride Festival.

Our focus will be on the foundation's work over the past three years, we will also highlight our continuted work Bethany Place (MEP Vendor) as well as with ONE SAINT LOUIS, the non-profit begun out of the vision of Rev. Carol Trissell, Senior pastor at MCCGSL.

Our stage time will encompas about 15minutes, and will be an opportunity for any of our board members to get a specific point out to the audience. We encourage each of our subscribers to join us on this special day, as it is the biggest day of the year for the Daniel McCree Foundation.

If you wish to volunteer to work at the Daniel McCree Foundation/ ONE SAINT LOUIS vendor booth that day, be sure to let me know. We are GLAD TO HAVE YOU!

Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, chief editor- DanielMcCree.Org
editor@danielmccree.org


http://www.danielmccree.org/

Metro East Pride June 19th, 2010

http://www.danielmccree.org/

Daniel McCree Foundation and ONE ST LOUIS partner as vendors for the 2010 Metro East Pride Festival. As a corporate sponsor, the Daniel McCree foundation has been instrumental in both the planning and execution of the 2010 event.

ONE ST. LOUIS, is a new non-profit organization begun in 2008. They will be assisting us in staffing our vendor booth during the event, as I will likely be busy, serving as the vendor chairperson/ Vice Presidential duties throughout the event. We want to recognize ONE ST LOUIS for their contribution and assistance during this important day.

We hope to see all of you on JUNE 19th NOON- 10PM as we celebrate Diversity & Equality in the Metro East. Lets do it again in 2010!

Sincerely,

Colby Kluthe, cheif editor DanielMcCree.Org

http://www.danielmccree.org/ http://www.onestlouis.org/ http://www.metroeastpride.com/

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Daniel McCree Foundation Sponsors Metro East Pride 2010

Daniel McCree Foundation Sponsors Metro East Pride 2010

http://www.danielmccree.org/

April 1, 2010

On behalf of the Daniel McCree Foundation, we wish Metro East Pride the very best for the 2010 Pride
Event. It is the support of our community leaders that make such endeavors not only possible, but beneficial for all involved.

Our Leadership gladly approved our $200 donation to support the efforts of Metro east Pride, and the causes of Equality and Diversity among all the people of Southern Illinois, and the St. Louis Region.

It is our deepest hope to inspire others in our community to further the causes of Metro East Pride, with financial contributions as well.

We again thank you for all the efforts over the past few years to make Metro East Pride the success is has been, and we look forward to not only the 2010 event, but Pride events for years to come.

Sincerely,
The Directors of The Daniel McCree Foundation

Colby Kluthe
Kayla Kistner
James Ferguson
Tess Farnham

"The mission of DanielMcCree.Org is to share with the world,

the creative works and spirit of Daniel McCree,

foster a dialogue for those who were moved by his life,
while promoting the 7 Arts of Power:
Literature ,Performing Art,Visual Art,Design Art,

Decorative Art, Technological Art and Spirituality"

www.MetroEastPride.com

Board of Directors Meeting- March 22nd 6:30PM

www.DanielMcCree.Org

INVITATIONAL ONLY (Private meeting)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
www.DanielMcCree.Org
CANT FIND US? 314-565-2000 (Hwy 64/40 @ 15th Street/ BAUGH AVE EXIT **EMERSON PARK METROLINK STATION

Attendees:
2010 Board of Directors
Colby Kluthe, President / Editor-in-Chief
Kayla Kistner, VP Community Relations & Art Preservation
James Ferguson, Director of Records / Secretary
Tess Farnham, Board Member at Large/ Director of Creative Outreach

**JOIN OUR LEADERSHIP FORUM ~ contact us at editor@danielmccree.org
Anyone interested shall be considered.
www.DanielMcCree.Org

A story from RAY ~ a grape on the grapevine

www.DanielMcCree.Org
Published with permission of the author

March 3, 2010 (12:15pm)
RAY (New Orleans, LA & St. Louis, MO)

I woke up this morning and found I had received this email from an old friend. All it said was, "holy sh#t. I didn't know he killed himself" and then it contained a link to Danny's (as I knew him) web site that, I think, you made for him in memorandum. I didn't know this until today and so it's hit me as though it just occurred. I lost another good friend the same way at the same time but I knew about that when it had happened. I wish I had known then that I had lost two.

I don't know if you would have ever heard of me but I knew Danny through some of his rougher moments. I'm the guy who he drove to New Orleans with the night before he began what would probably be his most difficult life stage. Danny and I had both been through a relationship with the same person, him after me, and so we had that in common.



They were abusive relationships in very similar fashions and so when Danny was coming out of it he and I became friends. I helped him to come out of that and I did everything I could to help him see clearly in that time because I knew from experience how hard that was and I knew exactly what he had gone through with that person.

When I decided to leave for New Orleans late on a Sunday night, Danny insisted he go with me. I often wish I had refused but at the time I wanted to take him far away from our ex, who was on a rampage. I won't go into (...) details but Danny was vulnerable and I should not have allowed certain things to take place. I was easily swayed by his cleverness and his looks. I think he was only really wanting validation that he deserved love. He did.

He was so young then and so wounded. He had come from one of the worst childhoods I had ever heard of. He shared it with me and I could not believe it. He had a lot of pain and a lot of anger then. I had also had a terrible childhood but hearing his made me stop complaining. Mine was nothing compared to his.

When we arrived in New Orleans, he started acting crazy. I didn't know him as well as I should have, perhaps. I didn't expect these things. He started disappearing for days and when he came back home he would tell how he had been sleeping with homeless people in train cars. We would tell him he was nuts for doing this when he had a place to go at night but he did it anyway. We fought a lot. He was violent sometimes, too. He hadn't really started the drugs yet, that I am aware of, but he had started engaging in some very worrysome behaviors and I knew him when he contracted HIV.

We had a particularly horrible night and me and our other roommates told him he had to leave. He had broken some windows and had tried to punch me. I was a lot taller than him and was able to hold him at arms length and he could never reach me to make real contact. I knew it wasn't really his fault. I knew he had issues and I suspect he had Bipolar Disorder (as do I) and I don't know if he ever did get treated. But he couldn't stay there and destroy the apartment and possibly injure people.

He left on foot for Texas to see a friend of ours and came back shortly to stay across the courtyard from us with a girl who was his friend. She took up for him a lot but when they lived together she experienced his volitile nature and also asked him to leave.

That's when we lost contact.

The next time I saw him was several months later and he had started his working with a magazine (not exp) and travelling and I was happy to see him calming down. He still exuded a frightening energy at the time but he was getting better. I remember playing a CD for him I thought he would like and he tried to take it. Not steal it but he just asked if he could have it. I said no.

Those were rough times. It was in 2001 and maybe into 2002. I stayed in New Orleans long after he disappeared and I heard little stories of him now and then.

When I came back to STL, I saw the ex again and he knew a little about Danny's whereabouts but not too much. He faded from my forethoughts but stayed always in my mind.

People always ask me if I hear from him and I didn't so I never had anything to offer them. Then today I receive this news, two and a half years later.

I'm having a very quiet, somber day.

I don't know why I am writing. Perhaps because you and I knew very different people in Danny. When I went to his site and read his work, I did not know this person. He wasn't really doing this stuff yet. He didn't make art. I think he kept a journal but not this. I see this writing and it's such a mature person, unlike the angry kid I knew. It makes me feel so sad.

Back then Danny had no idea who he was or what he wanted. Every time he would make a new friend he would start talking like them and he always wanted to be like them. He was very absorbant of people he felt, I imagine, had the key to the happiness he so wanted.

Now I see he had actually started to find himself and so it's all the more sorrowing that, along with himself, he didn't find the happiness he had hoped for.

You're right that he changed the lives of everyone he knew. He sure changed mine. If he and I had never met, I would never have gone to New Orleans. I would never have found MYSELF in my own journey and I would never have "arrived".

I loved Danny. I hated that he was so lost. I hated that his confusion had to result in still more agony in his life. He was dealt an extremely rough hand in life and, considering his starting point, he went so much further than most people do and it was in a much shorter period.

Today I keep thinking, "why would he do a thing like this?" as I am sure everyone else does.

I'm sorry to hear this. He has never left my thoughts. The night he left for Texas we went out and got so drunk and I cried like a baby. I was actually a little mad at him when he returned a week later because I wouldn't have cried like that if I had known I was going to see him again so soon. ha ha!!!

I had a lot of pictures of him from NOLA but I lost my album.

Thanks for reading and also thanks for keeping him alive.

I just felt like I had to write this.



-- From RAY

(contact editor@danielmccree.org for RAY's contact info)

Wed at 4:26pm · Delete Post
Daniel McCree Foundation --- cleverness LOL :) Daniel absolute in his clevernrss ! truly Diamond.
CK

Metro East Pride Fundraiser

www.DanielMcCree.Org
on behalf of www.MetroEastPride.com

The Daniel McCree Foundation is proud to announce the 2nd Fundraiser event for Metro East Pride 2010. And we are honored to be a sponsor of this years event to be held on June 19th, 2010, in downtown Belleville.

We invite everyone to join us this Saturday evening, at Club Escapade, as we celebrate Diversity & Equality in Southern Illinois, at this important fundraising event. As you know, we have been involved in this organization since its beginning in 2008, and are excited to join them for the third year, and look forward to many years to come.

As the editor of DanielMcCree.Org, I am privleged to also serve as the Vice President of Metro East Pride, for the 2010 term. My post will expire in June of this year, and will likely continue as an advisor.

Anyone interested in becomeing more involved may contact us directly at: editor@danielmccree.org OR metroeastpride@gmail.com

Hope to see everyone on Saturday evening, 9pm
@ Club Escapade 133 W. Main Street, Belleville, IL

January 2010 Newsletter

http://www.danielmccree.org/





January 2010 Newsletter



As we Begin a new year, let us look forward to all we hope to accomplish in the coming 365. Does one ever consider that a complete turn is 360degrees, and yet there are 365 days to a year, so in a sense, we are always 5 degrees into the past, or are bound to cross the same 5 degrees over the course of a year.

Dont think too hard on that, just food for conjuring the mind, and cause one to look from a different perspective.

In January, I agreed to work with MCC of Greater St. Louis towards a relaunch of EZEKIEL Project, an HIV outreach begun in 2006, and widely participated by Daniel during his lifetime. It has taken me much consideration and prayer before accepting this role, for a few reasons, not smallest of which is the simple time commitments I already have.

Upc0ming on January 4th, 2010-- Bethany Place of Belleville will hold its Annual Fundraising event, and we ecourage our readers to RSVP and plan to attend this wonderful event. This years theme is "Condom CHIC FASHION Show, and is sure to be a great event for all involved.

The Daniel McCree Foundation wishes to take this opportunity to again thank them for all the hard work they do in our area. Visit them online at www.BethanyPlace.org

Sincerely,
Colby Kluthe, editor- DanielMcCree.ORG
VP Metro East Pride 2010