What's Happening?

While the days may be getting shorter and the temps lower, one might think it’s time to consider hibernation, but there is still much that can be done to keep yourself going in the month of November. 

On November 7^th, the Phoenix Center will be holding their annual Fall Gayla at Erin’s Pavillion at Southwind Park beginning at 5:30 p.m.  While the event will have its usual dinner and silent auction, they are introducing a dueling piano performance for their entertainment this year.  Tickets to the event were $75.00 but if you haven’t gotten them by now, you may be out of luck.  Rumor has it that it’s already sold out. 

On November 8^th, Springfield Art Association is holding their annual “Art Synergy” fundraiser at Paul’s Paradise in Pleasant Plains from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.  CORAL’s President, Brian Sylvester, has been recognized as a community leader this year and will be presenting a stain glass piece that he and artist Donette George collaborated to create for the auction.  Tickets to the event are also $75.00 and the schedule is as follows:

5PM-Check in opens

5:30-6:15PM-Bar Battle #1

6:15-7PM-Bar Battle #2

7-9PM-Live Auction

8PM-Viewer’s Choice Voting Closes

9PM-Award Presentation (including bar battle awards)

9:30PM-Silent Auction and Raffle closes

9-11PM-Dancing and bar open

CORAL’s monthly membership meeting is November 9^th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  While you can attend via ZOOM (address can be found on our website), you’re missing out by not coming in person as those attending has grown over the past several months.  We have two new board members as of this meeting with LaMar Walls joining us last month and Francine Monk will be taking over the secretarial duties as of this meeting. 

On Veteran’s Day, November 11^th, Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center will be holding their annual Soup Fundraiser from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their Scarritt location at 209 W Scarritt.  On the menu is chili, vegetable beef, sausage potato, seafood chowder, and cream of mushroom, which can be purchased by the quart for $20.00.  CORAL’s own Lori Carlsen is making the chowder. 

On November 12^th, CORAL will be holding another “Coffee with a Cop” event at Golden Hour Bake House from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.  Also, writer Rebecca Thorne will be holding a book signing at the Twisted Tree Hall in Jacksonville at 6:15 p.m. for her new book, This Gilded Abyss, which is part of a series a sapphic series she has written.  Also, Dumb Records is having a fundraiser for ‘Food Not Bombs.’  A cover charge of $5.00 gets you in for karaoke, mocktails, and an art show by Ross Dickie Pierro. 

On November 18^th, the monthly Living with HIV support group will be meeting at AgeLinc at 6:00 p.m. This group is specifically for those living with HIV to come together for networking and socializing.  Also happening that day is Lamda Legal’s webinar at 1:00 p.m. to discuss “The State of Trans Rights in 2025.” You can register for this at Register at: https://support.lambdalegal.org/site/R?i=UPpYAGsSLzxGWegMBsJSFS6EMoNC4ivyV2jNKDmaUL4yXHB16MZ2Iw

On November 20^th, we recognize and remember our Transgender members who can no longer be with us.  LLCC GSA and the Phoenix Center will be holding this somber annual event at the Trutter Center at LLCC at 7:00 p.m. that evening. 

And, on November 22^nd, CORAL will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Lincoln Park Pavillion beginning at 6:00 p.m. CORAL brings the main courses and request that attendees bring their favorite side dishes and desserts.  We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the local micro-pantries so consider those in need at this time of the year.