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Bedecked with lavender balloons and orchids, the El Dorado Room of the Cathedral Hill Hotel was the site of one of Dignity/SF's most memorable affairs. Members, friends and supporters from near and far gathered to celebrate this important milestone in our chapter's history. The day began with Mayor Willie Brown officially proclaiming April 25, 1998 as Dignity/SF Day. Other dignitaries added their own proclamations, including past Pax et Bonum recipient San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano.

From the no-host social to

the after-dinner dance everyone had a fabulous time. It was wonderful to see so many of the old timers who have graced Dignity with their labor come back one more time to celebrate this important moment. Present were several of our Charter Members such as Tom Fry, Jack "Hedda" Abraham, Pete Bianchi and Thad Trela.

The balloons and the flowers made the hall look spectacular but it was the tremendous love from all the persons gathered that made the celebration very special.

The keynote address by Jim Bussen (Past President, Dignity/USA) challenged all of us to look ahead to the future of our chapter and Dignity as a whole. First of all, we need to refocus our primary attention on our issues and commitments, based upon our founding principles. This includes having a greater visibility and presence in the Catholic Church, through monthly parish outreach visits and by linking our annual Solidarity Sunday activities to the US Bishop's letter calling parents to support and love their gay children. We also need to reach out to those groups who are currently under-represented in our movement, including young people, women and minorities, transgendered individuals, and Spanish-speaking Catholics.

Our warmest thanks to all who made our 25th Year Gala possible, including our sponsors and bene-factors, the members who supported us and the or-ganizing committee. Hugs and kisses to you all!!!

The Board of Directors met for the annual board retreat on April 18, 1998 wherein, as a group, we looked to our chapter's future and developed the following three- to five-year goals (in bold) and specific objectives for the coming year.

1. Sponsor a retreat for all chapter members, including at least one overnight retreat.

2. Implement and plan a "Feast of our Foremothers"

to honor D/SF women who have been leaders in the past.

3. Plan and implement a picnic at the AIDS Memorial Grove, possibly for Dia de los Muertos.

4. Invite various ethnic and cultural groups within D/SF to prepare Second Sunday Suppers along with activities that highlight their specific culture or ethnic background.

1. Members will be involved in at least three activities representing D/SF. Examples are the AIDS Walk and cooperating with the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC) to sponsor a joint activity.

2. Members will volunteer as tutors in local grade schools as an outreach activity.

3. Reestablish the Social Justice Committee.

4. Produce Dignity and Defenders brochures for the street fairs.

1. Members will be involved in high school workshops in the area.

2. Members will reach out to gay-friendly universities and colleges, and will solicit opportunities to speak about Dignity, Catholicism and Sexuality.

3. Host a social event for one or more of these organizations.

4. Identify high schools with forums on sexuality and request to participate and/or sponsor such forums.

5. Host an event for LYRIC or attend one of their activities and or work with them on fundraising events.

Provide leadership and support for the multi-cultural plan and actively participate in its action steps.

1. Pass a resolution at the board level delegating the Finance Committee to develop such a policy to recommend to the Board.

2. Request quarterly Fin-ance Committee reports.

Research, plan and implement leadership training opportunities for members showing leadership potential.

Delegate to Worship Committee as part of ongoing discussion with regard to proposal of principal presider.

We bid a hearty farewell and many thanks to our former Co-chair, Paul Woolley, as he embarks on a new life in Sacramento. We will miss you and we love you, Paul!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joseph Bielanski for his dedication and leadership to our chapter. For personal reasons, Joseph tendered his resignation as Director-at-Large.

A gracious welcome to our new leaders identified in our recent Call to Leader-ship. Angelo Wong was appointed as our new Co-chair, and David Turner and Raul Salazar-Puente were selected to fill Directors-at-Large vacancies. Welcome, guys!

By the way, it is not too late to show your pride as a Dignitarian by owning a piece of our history, in the form of a pure JAFFA crystal ornament etched with our 25th anniversary logo. We still have a few left at $10 apiece, but they are sure to go fast. Buy one or more to grace your Christmas tree! This will be a perfect gift for your special friends.

June 14, 1998-Body and Blood of Christ: Our annual Membership Sunday will be celebrated during Liturgy. All those

celebrating one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years will be honored with a special pin. Join us as we honor our sisters and brothers celebrating their Dignity milestones.

June 28, 1998-"Shakin' It Up" in San Francisco's Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender Pride Parade: Volunteers are needed to staff our chapter's booth and our Silver Anniversary Pride float. Please contact John Chavez at the Dignity office (415-681- 2491) to help. Extra assistance will be needed to build the proposed design for our parade entry.

July 19, 1998-AIDS WALK-SF: In honor of our 25th year, D/SF will have a walking contingent. Please sign up early to participate and to obtain pledges from friends and family. Contact John Chavez to be a part of this important project.

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