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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2023 51 In November, we will be showing Carol with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The movie is described as being about "two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York." The date, time, and location are available on the Rainbow Group's Facebook page and via the Rainbow Group's email list (rainbowgroup@myyahoo.com). We are organizing a fundraising activity for The Trevor Project. This nonprofit organization provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ young people. More details will follow. Bayard Rustin is this month's selection for the Famous LGBT Americans series. We have all heard of the March on Washington in 1963 where Martin Luther King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. However, we are less likely to know that the event was organized by an African American gay man, Bayard Rustin. Rustin was born in 1912. His family was engaged in civil rights activism which was the basis for his own commitment to civil rights. He was a Quaker and a life-long pacifist. In 1947, he helped organize the first Freedom Ride which sought to test the Supreme Court's ban on racial discrimination in interstate travel. He was arrested for violating state laws regarding segregated seating on public transportation. In 1963, he was appointed the planner of the March on Washington. The March focused on civil rights legislation, desegregation of schools, and housing and employment discrimination. An estimated 250,000 people participated. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, both direct results of the March, were signed by President Lyndon Johnson. In 1977, Rustin met Walter Naegle. It was love-at-first-sight for them, and they became partners. In the 1980s, Rustin became more open publicly about being gay. In a 1987 interview, he said, "I think the gay community has a moral obligation … to do whatever is possible to encourage more and more gays to come out of the closet." During the AIDS crisis, he argued that AIDS could only be addressed by changing attitudes about the disease and those living with it. Rustin died in 1987. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, which he attended, honored him with a posthumous "Doctor of Humane Letters" in 2013. That same year, President Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Rustin. Accepting the award was Walter Naegle. ~ Dan Hazeltine and Frank Galvan Rainbow Group Travel Group We look forward to enjoying the holiday spirit at the Farmers Market and the Grove … a shopper's paradise. Join us for an unforgettable holiday shopping experience with our travel group on Nov. 15! Our much-anticipated holiday shopping trip is set to take place at the Farmers Market and the Grove, promising a day filled with excitement, laughter, and fabulous finds. The adventure begins promptly at 9 am when the bus picks us up at The Lodge. From there, we will embark on a delightful journey to the Farmers Market and the Grove. Brace yourselves for a day of shopping, where you can explore a wide array of unique and charming items. The Farmers Market offers an abundance of choices, ensuring you'll find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. And fear not about your purchases – our bus has ample space to accommodate all your treasures. Feel free to indulge your taste buds at one of the many delightful eateries within the Farmers Market. Whether you crave international cuisine or local delicacies, there's something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own, recharging your energy for more shopping adventures. As the day winds down, we'll depart for home at 4 pm, laden with our newfound treasures and cherished memories. Rest assured, our journey back will be as comfortable as the ride there. Due to the festive season, our travel group won't be holding meetings in November and December. Please mark your calendars for January, as we have something special in store for our members. We're thrilled to announce that a representative from Colette Tours will be joining us with two extraordinary trips tailored just for you. Don't miss out! Join us in January and be part of these exciting adventures. For more information about our upcoming events or membership details, feel free to reach out to Joni at (661) 390-5512. If you have questions about your membership or need to update your information, please email Irene at irenewelker55@gmail.com. As we dive into the holiday season, we hope you enjoy the festivities and make beautiful memories with your loved ones. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season, and we look forward to reconnecting with you in the upcoming year. Safe travels and happy holidays! ~ Joni Truelsen jonitruelsen@yahoo.com

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