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

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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