Gary Carnivele

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Same-sex weddings resume in Sonoma County

My lawfully wedded spouse.

Those four words resounded conspicuously Monday during each exchange of vows at the Sonoma County Clerk’s Office as same-sex couples, many fully partnered for decades, exercised their newly legal right to marry.

In a scene that was alternately solemn and joyous and celebratory, more than a dozen gay and lesbian pairs rushed to be among the first in line as Sonoma County resumed issuing marriage licenses and performing weddings for couples of the same gender.

ãWe’ve been together 21 years; we’re ready,ä said Vicki Basehart, 65, of Glen Ellen, who was so ready, she and partner Sharon Church, 56, were waiting two hours before the start of business to get a license for their wedding later in the week.

ãI never thought I would live to see the day,ä 91-year-old Don Nicholson said as he and his partner of nearly 49 years, Phillip Johnson, 72, shared their first moments as newlyweds.

More than 30 people were crowded into the hallway outside the County Clerk’s Office when the doors opened at 8 a.m., including more than a half-dozen couples ringed by well-wishers and visibly excited by the prospect of acquiring the rights and recognition newly available to them.

By mid-day, 15 weddings, most of same-sex couples, had been performed, and marriage licenses had been issued to 29 couples, Sonoma County Clerk Bill Rousseau said. County personnel expected to conduct about 20 ceremonies by the close of business, he said.

The shared emotion and common bond of those previously denied the right to wed, save for a brief window in 2008, made for an exceptional camaraderie, even intimacy, among strangers, who applauded, for instance, when the first couple to the altar, Katie and Amy Evans-Reber of Petaluma, exited, beaming, from the chapel room off the clerk’s office.

A friend of theirs, Erin Nelson of Rohnert Park, had arrived with three-dozen long-stemmed roses and stationed herself in the hallway with her infant son, Declan, 9 months, and daughter, Scout, 3, who distributed the pink and red flowers to newly married men and women.

ãWe wanted to be part of it,ä Nelson said, then eyed her children. ãThey don’t understand what’s going on. But they understand love, and that’s what this is all about.ä

Nicholson and Johnson, Oakmont residents, had been registered domestic partners for 14 years when the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way last week for restoration of equal marriage rights in California. And as soon as it was clear licenses would be available beginning Monday, they knew they didn’t want to wait.

ãWe didn’t want to take any chances,ä Nicholson said with a grin.

The official witnesses to their wedding in the courtyard outside the clerk’s office were Hannah Hawkins, 35, and Heidi Hawkins, 32, two young women they’d met a short time earlier in the marriage license line. The Santa Rosa women, who had exchanged their own vows 10 or 15 minutes beforehand, snapped pictures and congratulated the two gents after they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Susan Vachon and Carol Connolly of Santa Rosa, partners for 24 years, got swept up in the day’s emotion after coming to serve as witnesses for dear friends Cate Swan, 60, and Sheryl Bechtel-
heimer, now Swan, 54, of Monte Rio.

After back-to-back weddings, they embraced and then clung to each other in a prolonged group hug.

A shotgun wedding was in store for Michelle Mertz, 36, and Julie Drogin, 44, who was due to give birth Wednesday, though she looked beyond relaxed about it as the pair waited to obtain a license.

Mertz said they gave friends less than 24 hours notice but had at least 50 people planning to attend the western-themed wedding at Goat Rock State Beach on Monday night, where cowboy boots and hats were deemed appropriate attire.

Ed Mason, 69, and Barry Hong, 63, recalled a haunting day three years ago during which they waited unsuccessfully at the county building amid a flurry of legal actions to hear whether there might be an opening for same-sex partners to wed.

But Monday, with Mason back in his smiley-face ãgood luckä tie, they left as legally wedded spouses.

ãIt’s wonderful,ä Hong said. ãWe’ve been waiting a long time.ä

Peter Ehlert and Irma Renteria, who reside in Mexico but wanted to obtain a California marriage certificate while in town for a family reunion, were among just two or three mixed-gender couples availing themselves of civil ceremonies Monday.

But rather than feel slighted in any way by the day’s significance for the gay and lesbian community, Ehlert said it actually ãmade it kind of special for us.ä
ãIt’s great,ä he said. ãIt’s awesome. It’s about time that people got treated like people.ä

In the day’s first wedding, Katie Evans-Reber and Amy Evans-Reber, their 1-year-old son, Cash, wriggling in Amy’s arms, wore flowered wreaths that ringed their heads as they tearfully pledged their love and devotion, promising to care for each other through life’s joys and sorrows.

Janice Wigman and Toni Cataldi, a couple themselves for 30-plus years and cousins of Katie Evans-Reber, 33, flew in from Philadelphia last Wednesday for what they thought would just be Cash’s birthday. Their plane was boarding when airport TVs flashed word that the nation’s Supreme Court had struck down a federal law denying federal benefits to same-sex spouses and then let stand a lower federal court ruling that found California’s ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional.

Watching their younger relative share in the joy of marriage, they referenced her difficult years at Sonoma Valley High, where, as an openly gay student, she endured harassment, name-calling and physical assaults.

Though unable themselves to marry in Pennsylvania, they reveled in the sight of the younger couple exchanging vows, and of Katie ãall aglow.ä

ãTo see that she’s a mom and a bride,ä Wigman said. ãIt’s joyous. It’s just joyous.ä

ãThe town that I grew up in,ä Katie Evans-Reber said later, ãand that was so hard to grow up in, has given me the greatest gift now. I just wish my cousins could get married, too.

ãIt’s a humongous triumph, and it’s a great victory for all of us in California. But every day in Philadelphia, they’re still waiting.ä

Easy Facelifts to Sell Your Home Now

Eager to sell your home? Be careful. Many people anxious to sell feel prepared–to find a buyer, negotiate a deal, pack up their belongings and relocate–only their home isn’t quite ready to put on the market.

Fortunately for sellers, home prices are rising, inventory is low and the number of contracts to buy existing homes in March rose to the highest level in nearly three years, according to the National Association of Realtors. Although the market is strong, if you overlook important home updates and repairs in rushing to put up that for-sale sign, you could hurt your chances of getting your asking price.

With simple outdoor repairs, interior cosmetic fixes and a good scrubbing, you can make your house shine for prospective buyers. Here’s how:

Do a clean sweep. A dirty home is an immediate turnoff. While sellers frequently focus on tidying up high-traffic areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, many forget to clean the oven, furnace and baseboards. And don’t forget floors and ceilings, which buyers pay close attention to. Sellers often make the mistake of simply painting over a stain in the ceiling when the whole ceiling needs to be repainted, says Chris Dossman, a real estate agent with Century 21 Scheetz in Indianapolis. She also recommends that homeowners with stained carpeting consider whether it’s worth replacing.

Those with pets may want to ask a neighbor to watch their furry friend during viewings, as some people are afraid of dogs or are allergic to pet hair (another reason to keep those carpets cleaned). Pet beds, toys, blankets and feeding bowls should be stowed away.

While many homeowners use plug-in air fresheners and candles to mask pet odor, strong scents can give viewers a headache. “The best smell in the house is clean,” says Maureen Bray, a home-staging professional and owner of Room Solutions Staging in Portland, Ore. “You can get that fresh smell by cleaning often and letting [your home] air out a lot.”

De-clutter. Although a home’s square footage may look good on paper, a deluge of knickknacks can make a room appear smaller.

Connie Holubar went to extra lengths to organize her current home before putting it on the market. “We even organized the closets by style of clothing and color,” says Holubar, a public relations consultant in Dallas. “It sounds OCD, but people will open them and think, ‘Wow, there’s so much room in here.'”

You can also create more breathing room in closets by removing excess blankets and linens and out-of-season clothes, such as heavy coats during the summer.

Clearing the floors creates open space and makes a room feel larger. “If people have beautiful hardwood floors, they really need to show them,” Bray says. “That’s a feature that buyers are paying for today. If you have big area rugs, remove them or replace them with rugs that are a smaller size.”

Depersonalize. Personal items can distract buyers from your home’s best features, so it’s best to put away collections (even your beloved family of Pez dispensers). While you may love a lime-green den, buyers tend to prefer neutral colors on the walls, like beige or light gray. And even if it’s tradition to put up a Christmas tree, holiday themes may turn off some buyers who practice a different religion, says Amanda Nachman, a resident of Mendota Heights, Minn., who sold two of her homes without a real estate agent.

Michael Corbett, Trulia’s real estate expert and author of several books, including “Ready, Set, Sold!” says he cringes when he sees a house on the market that’s cluttered with family photos or children’s drawings on the refrigerator. “You want a buyer to be able to walk in and see themselves in your house–not you,” Corbett says.

Enhance the furnishings. Think your home’s layout needs some professional fine-tuning? Consider hiring a staging company. For about $150 to $250, a stager will give you a consultation that includes a walk through your home and tips on how to improve each room. Staging for a vacant home, meanwhile, can run $2,000 or more and involves outfitting select rooms with new furniture based on your budget. “You don’t need to stage every room,” Bray says. Instead, she typically only stages rooms that have the biggest impact, such as the master bedroom, family room and kitchen.

“People should show each room in its intended, original function,” Bray adds. For example, a formal dining room that you turned into a playroom or office can confuse prospective buyers and make it difficult for them to envision how they would use the space.

Polish the curb appeal. According to Corbett, “Selling a house is a lot like dating: A pretty face will get buyers in the door.” So cut the grass, trim shrubs and prune hedges to make sure the lawn looks manicured. You don’t have to plant a full-blown garden, but a few flowers can make a home more inviting. Some real estate agents recommend placing potted plants on both sides of the front door.

When it comes to the home’s exterior, consider whether you need to paint, patch weathered gutters or repair light fixtures. Driveways and sidewalks should be power-washed. Even replacing worn house numbers or an old mailbox can elevate a buyer’s first impression, Holubar says.

The entrance is most important, Corbett says, since most buyers see the front door first. A fresh coat of paint (in an inviting color), a shiny door handle and a new doormat can make all the difference.

Dudley Saunders Creative Journey Continues with Monsters

We meant to live inside a song that would go on and on and on is the opening line to the first track, “We Were Right,” on Dudley Saunders new CD “Monsters.” It’s true that Dudley was meant to live inside a song as he carelessly travels through each number presented with uninhibited ease and simple presentation.

Kentucky boy Dudley Saunders didn’t start his career as a singer-songwriter, however he chose another creative side in Art. He wrote a songs to accompany his Performance-Art Pieces and the songs developed a life of their own pulling Dudley towards music as his main priority.

Much like the numerous folk based performers before him, well known and never discovered, the secret to mastering this genre is getting lost in your craft and letting passion take over creating an intimate experience that touches the performers soul as well as the listeners.

I feel that Dudley’s songs began as poems waiting for a musical journey. Many of the verses tend to eventually play off each other often in dark display, but never with evil intent. The closing verse in “Zero Out,” (and if my fingers snag inside your jacket sleeve or catch the corners of your untucked shirt, a piece of you will end up interweaved, within the boxes of a family’s hurt) evokes a hidden pain that is thankfully released in song.

A folk singer presents their thoughts and feelings and in the most part lets you interpret their meaning to your own opinions. This is why many songs have different messages. Sure the writer has based it on something from their existence or views, but the magic is in what the listener determines from the lyric. Dudley’s songs summon characters that you don’t run into on the outside, but are in reality what is found inside. Exploring this nature in music is quite interesting and experimental, and Mr. Saunders seems to have found a niche in this audio art form.

In the closing of “What I Won’t Do,” (and if I promise to cry at the service when you die, would you mind much if I didn’t try to save your life) carries several ideas. Each of us play a role in the lives of every person we meet everyday. A simple word or gesture can change a path or direction to someone loved or a complete stranger. Some people go on their way without even a thought as to how their actions may effect others. As Dudley would say “What Rats Are We.”

Gay Real Estate Report | Crime statistics | Neighborhood and City

If you’re considering a move to a new part of town, or a whole new state, gay realtor recommends you know what you’re getting into well before you buy real estate there.

Part of your due diligence in buying a home will be to analyze the crime statistics in that particular region, and even specific neighborhoods, and determine whether it is a safe place to live or not. There are quite a few resources that can help you get a better feel for a place without spending a lot of time or money in the process.

The primary way to find out about neighborhood safety is to contact the police department in the area and ask them what the crime statistics are in the city and specific neighborhoods

Santa Rosa Diocese refers to homosexuality as a ‘modern error’

The Santa Rosa Catholic Diocese is requiring its 200 schoolteachers to sign an agreement affirming that “modern errors” such as contraception, abortion, homosexual marriage and euthanasia are “matters that gravely offend human dignity.”

The move is an effort by Bishop Robert Vasa to delineate specifically what it means for a Catholic-school teacher — whether Catholic or not — to be a “model of Catholic living” and to adhere to Catholic teaching.That means abiding by the Ten Commandments, going to church every Sunday and heeding God’s words in thought, deed and intentions, according to a private church document that is an “addendum” to language in the current teachers’ contract.

In his two years as Santa Rosa’s bishop, Vasa has attempted to bring his strict interpretation of church doctrine to a diocese that historically has had a more tolerant approach.

But some teachers fear the addendum is an invasion of their private lives and a move toward imposing more rigid Catholic doctrine.

“Personally, it’s probably something that I can’t sign,” said a teacher at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa.

John Collins, the diocese superintendent, said the contract language is not an effort to drive certain teachers away or “provoke” them. He said about 25 percent of the teachers are non-Catholic.

The teacher, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, said he has not made a final decision whether or not to sign the document.
“On my high moral days, I feel I absolutely won’t sign,” the teacher said. “And on my days that I think about my job, I think who will it affect if I don’t sign it.”

The teacher said he objects to the “whole idea that they want me to live their morals when it’s my personal life what I do outside of work.”

But Vasa said that very response is why he felt compelled to write the addendum. He questioned whether someone “can teach what the Catholic Church teaches with zeal and enthusiasm while holding, as they say, ‘in the privacy of their heart’ ” views that are contrary to Catholic doctrine.

The issue is similar to one that arose in 2004 while Vasa was the bishop of eastern Oregon. At that time, he asked lay ministers to sign an “affirmation of faith” that called on them to accept the church’s prohibition against contraception, premarital sex, masturbation, fornication, pornography and homosexuality as “gravely evil.”

The contract addendum has been distributed to the 200 educators at 11 Catholic schools who are formally employed by the bishop. These schools, which include Cardinal Newman and St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma, have about 3,100 students. And additional four Catholic schools in the diocese are not under the direct authority of the bishop.

Teachers who have qualms about the document will confront the issue prior to receiving employment contracts in April. Beginning Saturday, teachers have until March 15 to submit their “declarations” of intent to work the following school year.

The diocese, which serves a population of about 150,000 Catholics, covers an area that includes Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Though it is geographically large, its population makes it one of the smallest dioceses in the state.

Cardinal Newman Principal Graham Rutherford said he expects the “vast majority” of teachers to sign the document. He said he hasn’t heard any direct complaints about the document from teachers at Cardinal Newman, which has about 50 educators, though he said some may be keeping their thoughts private.

“I don’t think that they want to lay out their private thoughts to me or you,” he said.

When asked if he thought any teachers might refuse to sign the document, Rutherford said, “It could happen.”

“For people who have been here longer, I think it’s highly unlikely” they would not sign the contract, he said, adding that newer or younger teachers might have “more leeway” in making their decisions.

Asked if he would fire teachers who refuse to sign the contract, Rutherford said teachers “have to choose to sign it. That’s not firing them.”

“If somebody says I’m not going to sign it but I still want my contract, well that would be difficult,” he said, because Vasa wants the teacher to sign the entire contract.

Titled “Bearing Witness,” the addendum asks teachers to “acknowledge” or “recognize” that:
They are called to a “life of holiness” and that “this call is the more compelling for me since I have been entrusted, in my vocation as a teacher/administrator in a Catholic school, with the formation of souls.”
As a teacher in the Santa Rosa Diocese, “I am, by that fact, also a ministerial agent of the Bishop who is the chief ‘teacher’ of the Diocese.”
It also requires all teachers to “agree that it is my duty, to the best of my ability, to believe, teach/administer and live in accord with what the Catholic Church holds and professes.

“I am especially cognizant of the fact that modern errors — including but not limited to matters that gravely offend human dignity and the common good such as contraception, abortion, homosexual ‘marriage’ and euthanasia — while broadly accepted in society, are not consistent with the clear teachings of the Catholic Church.”

Diocese sources, as well as the Cardinal Newman teacher, said that specific language is what some teachers find troubling.

“I know this sounds like a cliche, but some of my very best friends are gay married couples. We have kids here whose parents are gay partners,” the teacher said.

Vasa said he would be “saddened” if teachers decided to quit or not sign a contract because of the addendum. But he said, “I would commend them for their integrity.”

Several teachers or school staff members reached at their homes or on their cellphones would not comment about the addendum. The Cardinal Newman teacher who spoke anonymously said he hasn’t heard anyone say they wouldn’t sign the document, though there are a “couple that are pretty upset about it.”

John Walker, the principal of St. Vincent de Paul High School, refused to comment about the addendum.

Collins, the diocese superintendent, said that Catholic-school teachers and administrators are in some respects “signs of the bishop and the church,” where adherence to church doctrine “goes with the territory.”

“It’s the same way that you’re a sign of McDonald’s if you’re an employee to the point where they’ll put their uniform on you,” he said.

When asked if the diocese was prepared to lose teachers over the addendum, Collins dismissed the question.

“I personally haven’t seen evidence of that,” he said.

These Artists May Have Moved on from this Mortal Coil, But Their Music Will Be With Us Forever

As the award shows come and go celebrating achievements in the Arts, this is a look back at the artists we lost in the industry recently. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Imagine any motion picture, party, local event, or even just shopping at the mall without it. It surrounds us everywhere. Life would be pretty sterile without it. Many thanks to the following artists for their contributions to the sounds that fill our lives.

MINDY MCCREADY – MINDY MCCREADY – CAPITOL
If the dictionary had a picture next to the word ‘tragic’ there might be a picture of Mindy McCready (2/17/13) rightfully placed there. Her complicated life played out like a soap opera with an alledged underage love affair with a married sports figure, a broken engagement with a famous TV actor, attemped murder by her boyfriend, several attempts at suicide, prescription drug abuse, numerous arrests and jailtime (fraud, DUI, battery, indentity theft, breaking probation), and a notorious sex tape scandle. The only thing worse after death, would be a life story portrayal, with Lindsay Lohan landing the part. Aside from all the drama, McCready was a well accomplished country artist with a slew of hits early in her career. Her 2002 self titled release was refreshing due to it not being aimed at a Country-Pop cross-over and smartly leaning towards an Adult Contemporary approach, focusing more on her natural vocal talents.

THE TROGGS – FROM NOWHERE – FONTANA
The Troggs were one of the original ‹Garage Bands’ that taunted listeners with that unpolished sound that was intoxicating. Lead vocalist Reg Presley (2/4/13) had a raw vocal delivery that blended well with hard guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. Tracks like “Wild Thing” and “A Girl Like You” are staples in Rock History. “From Nowhere” their debut from 1966, was an inspiration to many punk bands in the late 70s.

ANDREWS SISTERS – BEST OF – CHARLY
The Andrews Sisters (lead singer Patty Andrews 1/30/13) recordings came from a time when album sales weren‰t the big thing, individual songs were. In the 30s and 40s the record industry was still in it’s creative stages and the 10Š EP (3 or 4 songs) was the more popular format that was marketed. So many classic tunes came from these ladies, but the Charly Records Label collection provides a great sampling of the hits and numerous lesser known tracks which were coupled with the standards like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Rum & Coca-Cola,” and “Don‰t Sit Under The Apple Tree.” Buyer beware with many Andrews Sisters recordings there are many collections found with poor quality and many incomplete live recordings.

PATTI PAGE – IN THE LAND OF HI FI – POLYGRAM
Probably best know for “How Much Is That Doggy In The Window,” Patti Page (1/1/13) had two musical careers which spanned several decades. The classic Patti developed in the Big Band and Torch years, while the later Patti dabbled in the Country Music landscape. Country was always her first love and frequently had that flavor in her earlier recordings. “In The Land Of Hi Fi” spotlights Patti‰s vocals with the Big Band Era sound. This is a wonderful collection of standards and surprises from this versatile artist.

FONTELLA BASS – THE NEW LOOK – CHECKER
Working in music retail, countless times I have encountered customers looking for that “Rescue Me” song by Aretha Franklin, and they are always shocked to find it wasn‰t hers. Fontella Bass (12/26/12) had a few more R&B charted singles, but was never able to recreated the enormous pop success of Rescue Me. Even if you are the finest vocalist, many times the key to success is just a matter of the right song at the right time, very few artists even get that chance. “The New Look” is great time capsule piece of 1965 Soul and worth the listen.

DAVE BRUBECK – TIME OUT – COLUMBIA
With one of the best selling Jazz albums, Dave Brubeck (12/5/12) was an innovator in the history of Progressive Jazz. His classic track “Take Five” is the type of composition that immediately draws you into the thought of a likely accompaniment to any film noir. It was one of those cuts that just set the standard. Additionally, Brubeck was well known for having an interracial band and held strong to his beliefs, regardless of the pressures from the venues he played or from the record company.

R B GREAVES – R B GREAVES – BAREBACK
In the Pop History of ‘One Hit Wonders,’ R B Greaves (9/27/12) rode the charts with the Latin flavored ‹Take A Letter MariaŠ in 1969. Greaves, a nephew of the legendary Sam Cook, made only a few recordings, but this self titled album from 1972, comfortably demonstrated comparisons to his Uncle‰s legacy.

ANDY WILLIAMS – LOVE STORY (12Š SINGLE) – COLUMBIA
The King of White-Bread Easy Listening music and only rivaled by Perry Como, Andy Williams (9/25/12) was more than just a crooner. His 9 year run television variety show brought him into the living rooms of America in that innocent time of Family entertainment and introduced the world to the Osmonds. Best known for his renditions of “Moon River” and the Christmas staple “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,’ my favorite is his disco spin on the theme from the 1971 film Love Story. Released in 1979, this recreation of his original recording took it to an almost 10 minute epic event. Even Ali McGraw couldn’t hold on that long in her last scene.

JOE SOUTH – DON‰T IT MAKE YOU WANT TO GO HOME – CAPITOL
Better known as a songwriter, Joe South (9/5/12) managed to break out a big hit of his own with the politically-laced “Games People Play” in 1969. One of his greatest writing achievements was one of my favorite country songs, “Rose Garden,” made famous by Lynn Anderson, and also rewarded him with a Grammy. His third release ‹Don‰t It Make You Want To Go HomeŠ has a very spiritual feeling and I feel was his best. It featured the cuts “Children” and “Walk A Mile In My Shoes,” an Elvis Presley concert favorite.

SCOTT MCKENZIE – THE VOICE OF SCOTT MCKENZIE – ODE
Scott McKenzie (8/18/12) is responsible for that theme to almost any film, documentary, or expose on the 60s flower power generation. “San Francisco (Be Sure Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” defined the essence of that movement. A tune like that has a life of it‰s own and though he never was able to duplicate that magic, he did co-write the Beach Boys #1 comeback hit, “Kokomo.” Initially McKenzie had close ties with John Phillips when they were part of the group The Journeymen. When the Mamas & The Papas came to light, Scott had declined to join them and settled for a solo career. In the late 80ës McKenzie joined the reformed Mamas & The Papas with Phillips as a touring group. “The Voice Of Scott McKenzie,” his debut release, is another one of those priceless nuggets that captures a moment in history.

MARVIN HAMLISCH – THE ENTERTAINER – MCA
Marvin Hamlisch (8/6/12), a triple threat composer, achieving an Oscar, Grammy, and Tony, is best known for the song “The Entertainer” from the motion picture ‹The StingŠ in 1973. Aside from his own performances he also was responsible for Leslie Gore‰s “Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows” and “California Nights,” Barbra Streisand‰s “The Way We Were,” Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better,” Melissa Manchester‰s “Through The Eyes Of Love,” and the haunting theme from the film Ordinary People. His LP “The Entertainer” captured the feel of the music from The Sting and showcased other Ragtime pieces.

KITTY WELLS – HEARTBREAK USA – DECCA
Before Tammy, Loretta, and Dolly, there was Kitty Wells (7/16/12). Kitty was the first female country artist to ride the top of the charts solo and the first to release her own album of material. Her recordings date back to 1949, but my favorite is the “Heartbreak USA” album from 1961. Well established by this time, this LP from Ms. Wells was a bit more upbeat and paved the way to the more honky-tonk styling‰s found in the later 60‰s and early 70‰s female country artists.

ANDY GRIFFITH – SINGS FAVORITE OLD TIME SONGS – EMI
Unknown to many, TV‰s Sheriff Andy Taylor a.k.a Andy Griffith (7/3/12) had a solid Christian recording career. The same wholesomeness that he portrayed on Television came through with his music. Many times singing in more of a talk-sing approach, a sense of honesty came through with every line, just like it did when he spoke on TV. Aside from his Christian recordings, he dabbled in old country folk tunes throughout the years. Andy’s “Sings Favorite Old Time Songs” is a great collection of folk tales.

BOB WELCH – FRENCH KISS – CAPITOL
If you‰re looking for rock-pop perfection, just check out “French Kiss” from Bob Welch (6/7/12). Sure the best thing that happened to Fleetwood Mac was when he left and was replaced by Buckingham/Nicks, but his first two solo albums are favorites in my list of the best albums of all time. ‹Ebony EyesŠ was an AM Radio hot track for months when it was released as a single and his reworking of Mac’s “Sentimental Lady” was as smooth as they come.

ROBIN GIBB – SECRET AGENT – POLYDOR
All of the Bee Gees solo efforts were never as connected as their collaborated works, but “Secret Agent” from Robin Gibb (5/20/12) stood out as the better of the mix. The three tracks, “Boys Do Fall In Love,” “In Your Diary,” and “RobotŠ are the best and the rest is a little bit of filler. The problem with the LP as a whole is that it‰s stuck in that 80‰s time warp. It just has that sound found in so many ‹badŠ movies from that period with uneven beats and poor electronic sounds that seem to be just thrown in for no reason.

DONNA SUMMER – CRAYONS – SONY
This artist‰s passing was hardest for me to accept last year. Donna Summer (5/17/12) was an Icon from my youth and a big inspiration for my love of music. So many people just see her as the Poster Girl of Disco and write her off after four songs; “Love To Love You Baby, I Feel Love, MacArthur Park, and Hot Stuff.” Her voice was never really appreciated, mainly because she was centered in the Pop Market and the Black audiences never took her seriously as an R&B artist, and the White audiences were just looking for the hits. “Crayons” her last full album released was like a rebirth. Everything came together like dynamite. Her voice and the production were spotless. Alas all that ‘good’ was overlooked in the mainstream because popular music had moved on to hip/hop. My favorite track “Sand On My Feet,” so un-like her disco days is a perfect example of what the rest of the world was missing all along.

EARL SCRUGGS – EARL SCRUGGS AND FRIENDS – MCA
Earl Scruggs (3/28/12) is most likely best known for his 1962 collaboration with Lester Flatt on the “Ballad Of Jed Clampett”, the unforgettable theme from TV‰s Beverly Hillbillies. His 2001 release “Earl Scruggs And Friends,” featuring new and old songs with mighty star power guests like Elton John, Sting, Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, and Melissa Etheridge earned him a second Grammy Award. Projects like this usually have mixed results, but with traditional and non-traditional artists on board, the diversity found on this release was remarkable.

MONTROSE – MONTROSE – WARNER BROTHERS
Back in 1973 Ronnie Montrose (3/3/12), a well respected guitarist due to his work with Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and Edgar Winter formed his own band carrying his name. Montrose ‘the band’ ended up being the launching pad for an unknown vocalist at the time, Sammy Hagar. After two albums Hagar departed for a solo career and Ronnie went on with the band and another lead singer. Aside from his solo projects, Montrose created another rock group in the 80‰s called Gamma. The initial Montrose lineup had incredible gusto with the FM Radio hits “Bad Motor Scooter” and “Rock Candy,” and are looked back on as one of the first Indie Heavy Metal bands.

THE MONKEES – THE BIRDS THE BEES AND THE MONKEES – COLGEMS
As one of the lead singers of the Monkees, Davy Jones (2/29/12) shot to instant teen idol stardom within moments of the groups TV series initial broadcast in 1966. Personally I was a fan of Mickey Dolez, the other notable lead, but I have to admit two tracks on “The Birds & Bees” are among my Monkee favorites; “Daydream Believer” and “Valerie.” As a solo artist, Jones’ recording success never came close to the large impact of the Monkees Group, but as a member he definitely has been imprinted in Pop History.

WHITNEY HOUSTON – WHITNEY HOUSTON – ARISTA
Sometimes I feel like I was the only one in world who felt that the passing of Whitney Houston (2/11/12) was way overblown in the media. Yes, I agree that her voice was astounding at one time, but self-abuse destroyed that wonderful instrument many years before her death. Her debut album was her finest and held two amazing songs that defy time; “Saving All My Love For You” and “The Greatest Love Of All.” These songs are the pure sound of the Whitney Houston that I remember and appreciate.

LESLIE CARTER – LIKE WOW (SINGLE) – DREAMWORKS
Leslie Carter (1/31/12) should have been an up and coming pop princess back in 2000. Being the sister of Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) and tween-throb Aaron Carter, signed to a major record label (Dreamworks), and having her debut single “Like Wow” appearing on the soundtrack to the first Shrek film, everything seemed to be in place. The label decided to shelve her album‰s release after ‹poor testingŠ in the teen market. That was the end of her big break. She struggled for the next decade changing her sound in more of a rock direction with a band, but couldn‰t get a break. By this time the boy band frenzy had simmered down, so influence from Nick couldn’t help and Aaron‰s cuteness had withered, so that wasn‰t going to help her either. All she had left was her single which barely made Billboard‰s Hot 100. Her passing is still under question, but drug-related issues are alleged. The music business is very sad in some cases. Leslie was survived by her husband and former band mate Mike Ashton and daughter Alyssa born in 2011.

ETTA JAMES – AT LAST – ARGO
Etta James (1/20/12) recorded my second favorite song of all time ‹At Last.Š Many artists have recorded this track, but Etta‰s version gives me the goosebumps every time. Call me a romantic fool, but to me, you can genuinely feel the gratitude in her voice as she interprets finding the right ‘one’ in her life. No song has ever made me feel what love could actually be, until I heard that one. James was successful in Rhythm-Rock, Blues, Jazz, and her occasional venture into the pop market with a ballad was purely heavenly. Her debut album “At Last” is of the most essential recordings one could hope to have as it covers all the before mentioned genres in one helping.

JIMMY CASTOR – E MAN GROOVIN – ATLANTIC
A long forgotten founder of funk music, Jimmy Castor (1/16/12), was often written off due to the comedy element in his successful tunes. His two biggest hits “Troglodyte” and “Bertha Butt Boogie” were pop-novelties, but the music behind the joke was serious business. The “E-Man Groovin” album from 1976 shows this funky-sax musician at his finest level. Castor deserves a seat right along with George Clinton and Bootsy Collins in this field.

PFLAG North Bay Splits to Better Serve Local LGBT Communities

PFLAG North Bay Chapter announced late last month that it would dissolve because it found itself unable to maintain a membership base of sufficient size to provide the financial sustainability the organizationâs board of directors feels is required. Since 1996 PFLAG North Bay Chapter has served parents, families, and friends of the LGBT Community by hosting support groups in Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties. The group also came to the conclusion that they were unable to provide the optimal administrative and program services such a large geographic area demands. PFLAG North Bay Chapter shall dissolve effectively at the end on the month.

Mark Andersen and Paul Boisvert, who currently serve as the chapterâs co-presidents wrote in a letter to their members: ãWe are encouraging the creation of local chapters in each of the counties that were affiliated with PFLAG North Bay Chapter and will equally distribute any remaining PFLAG North Bay Chapter funds (approximately $4,000.00) to the chapters that have been officially recognized by PFLAG National at time of our dissolution.ä

Here in Sonoma County, current board member, Lin Campbell has already started a local chapter. PFLAG Sonoma County will meet the forth Monday of every month at Knox Pryspetarian Church, 1650 West third Street in Santa Rosa. Ms. Campbell selected Knox because it is welcoming of all, including those who Identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This monthâs meeting will happen Monday, December 17 because the forth Monday is Christmas Eve. For more information email Lin at baddsmom@aol.com.

ãI joined PFLAG many years ago when my son came out to me because I was worried about what kind of life he would have as a gay man. PFLAG was such a huge help to me at a time when there was little information available,ä Ms. Campbell said: ãToday my son is legally married and has three children who he is raising in the San Francisco house he bought from his grandparents. Today, their may be more support is available to parents, but I think there is still a need for information. This is what led me to start PFLAG Sonoma County.ä

Three other affiliates are starting chapters in the remaining counties ounce served by PFLAG North Bay Chapter. In Marin County, Jane Hills can be reached at hillsjc@att.net. In Mendocino, Delynne Rogers, who served as PFLAG North Bay Chapterâs board president for six years, is forming a chapter. Reach her at johndelynne@sbcglobal,net. In Napa, the contact person is Jeannine Scott at jneen@napanet.net.

The Rykken and Scull Charitable Trust that PFLAG North Bay has managed for several years will become the Rykken and Scull LGBT Memorial Fund at the Sonoma Community Foundation. This will be a ãCommunity Advised Fundä and at least four of the current PFLAG North Bay board members will become the advisory committee to oversee the future disbursement of funds. PFLAG North Bay Chapter has given away $135,000 in scholarships and grants since being bestowed the funds by the estate of a local gay judge, Walter Richard Rykken. The trust is also named for Judge Rykkenâs partner, Robert Scull.

PFLAG was founded 40 years ago by Jeanne Manford at a time when the LGBT Community had few allies and no legal protections. Ms. Manford and her activist son decided to form a group to provide support and information to others with LGBT children. PFLAGâs mission is to promote the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersexed persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy; to end discrimination and secure equal civil and human rights. The non-profit organization has over 200,000 members and supporters in more than 350 affiliations in the United States.

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