Rainbow Family & Friends is a non-profit social and charitable organization located in The Villages, Florida. Our goal is to provide activities, support, and charity to the community and all those interested in support, respect and a commitment to human rights equality for all. Please join us at our next meeting or one of our family events.
IN THE LGBT 
The Washington Post (tiered subscription model)/Post Politics blog (7/21) USA, Colorado: Another Marriage Equality Ruling Imminent Various The Federal Judge who heard testimony yesterday against the state's ban on marriage equality said he will strike it down today. Details Current Map, Court Cases, Legislation & Polling: Marriage Equality USA tracks all the current court cases, polls, and bills and initiatives on marriage equality across the USA. Link SMART QUOTE "At a critical time for our nation's economy, we need all of our workers to be focused on making the most of their talent, skill and ingenuity, rather than worrying about losing their job due to discrimination." -- Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to the president, discussing President Obama's executive order protecting LGBT employees of federal contractors and the federal government, as quoted by the Washington Post Herb & Fred Farewell When people elect to move on it can be equally filled with exhilaration & sadness. Such is the case with our dear friends, Fred & Herb, who have decided to act on a long held dream & relocate to Mt. Dora. Although it isn’t a difficult distance & we will surely still see them on a regular basis, they will be missed greatly as such an important part of the daily life of our Rainbow Family here in The Villages. For the past seven years, Herb has acted as the Club’s Secretary/Treasurer while Fred has taken on the task of ticket sales & the difficult job of “seating” for nearly all our events. They have both volunteered endlessly as “Decorating Divas” for many of our parties, & with the help of other volunteers, transformed an ordinary recreation center room into a festive hall for everyone’s enjoyment. Each year they got up very early to get on their clown gear & make-up to stand in the hot sun for three hours at the entrance of our “Community Shred” and humorously collect donations from all who passed through. They have consistently been active members in our Talent/No Talent shows with both individual & group acts that often made the night. Behind the scenes, Fred & Herb have been Peggy & my most trusted confidants sharing their experience from previous roles as organizers in the northern GLBT communities they were involved with or helping us wrestle through sticky problems that might arise. Personally, we count these men among our biggest supporters in good times & especially in bad when a kind word & loving encouragement were needed to prop us up and keep us moving forward. They never operated from rumors or false assumptions always taking the time to call to ask questions if they heard some tidbit or gossip that needed clarification. And they always tried to keep the greater good for our community in mind rather than slipping into the world of harsh criticism, negativity, or gloom & doom. “Integrity” is the word that comes to mind when we think for Fred & Herb making us proud to be able to call them “friend”. These are just a few of the reasons we will miss these guys. But we all wish them well in this next phase of their lives & hope that the move to Mt. Dora will be all they hoped it would be when making their decision. You will be remembered here in this room for the laughter, & the friendship, & the love you shared along the way & we thank you once again for being you. Best wishes in all you do, Your Rainbow Family & Friends Club of The Villages |
