City of Hampton Pride Event Recap and Upcoming Events

Though quite hot, the weather cooperated wonderfully for yesterday's Diversity and Pride event in downtown Hampton - the City's first ever Pride event. I was there for roughly six hours marketing the law firm and manning a table for HRBOR. While the crowd was not overly large, for a first time event the sponsors - St. Mark's Episcopal Church and the Williamsburg Unitarian Church - were pleased with the event and it was obvious that the attendees enjoyed the day. Among the local celebrities in attendance were Mayor Molly Ward and TV anchor Barbara Ciara who were judges for a karaoke contest and Congressman Bobby Scott (pictured above). Congressman Glenn Nye was not in attendance, but was represented by staffers who circulated amongst the crowd.

*

Hampton Roads area's Pride events will continue next weekend, first with a white party event at the Ocean View Fishing Pier to benefit the Hampton Roads Men's Chorus on Saturday, June 26, 2010. These events are hugely popular and locals should try to attend (the boyfriend and I will definitely be there):

The festivities will conclude on Sunday, June 27, 2010 with "Out in the Park" to be held at Chesapeake City Park as per the flyer set out below. This year organizers hope to break the 10,000 mark in terms of attendance. Your's truly will be there on behalf of HRBOR and my law firm.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Last night’s fundraiser for the Hampton Roads Men’s Chorus was wonderfully. It was held in the gorgeous home of the owners of Decorum Furniture which was largely rebuilt after suffering severe damage during Hurricane Isabel back in 2003. The house is magnificent with a spectacular water view of the Lafayette River (this area has a large number of rivers and inlets that ultimately connect into Chesapeake Bay). The weather was cool, but still warm enough to allow the French doors to the wrap around back porch overlooking the water to be left open. A combination of good food, a gracious setting, several musical pieces performed by members of the Chorus (a couple of them are real hotties) and good company made for a tremendous event. I am very happy that I was one of the sponsors and may have picked up a client or two as an added bonus. Unfortunately, I probably should have foregone a glass or two of red wine later in the evening so that I’d be feeling a wee bit more energized this morning!

I am looking forward to the Obama event this evening. His local field organizer is here at the office as I type this post downloading and printing materials. In an interesting coincidence, she went to the same high school as my oldest daughter and was also in the International Baccalaureate program, although a few years behind my daughter. She did not know my daughter but was familiar with who she was since my daughter was popular, involved in many activities and well know even before her bout with meningitis her senior year that received so much media coverage. We have had some laughs reading Frank Rich’s column in today’s New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/opinion/10rich.html?_r=1&hp&oref=login) that is somewhat less than kind to the Clintons. We also reveled in Obama's clean sweep of victories yesterday.

I checked my tagged bloggers on yesterday’s meme and sure enough Java has already followed through and posted her reasons for blogging, many of which I identify with as well. Java has become a great friwend and we hope to meet in person sometime this year. Lord knows what mischief that might yield. As readers might have noted, Magic Bellybutton has indicated her approval that I did not break the chain of the meme. For those who have not read her blog, I highlight recommend it. Her wit, style with words and sense of humor are amazing.

Saturday Morning Open Thread

Hampton Roads Men’s Chorus: My firm is a sponsor for tonight’s fundraiser for the Hampton Roads Men’s Chorus. It should be a fun event and a good networking opportunity. The chorus was created over a decade ago to give voice to the LGBT community of the Greater Hampton Roads region. Over the years more than 75 men have been members of the chorus. Local readers interested in attending can buy a ticket here: http://www.steppingout.org/fundraiserevent.htm

Obama Fever: I was speaking with my 80 year old generally Republican voting mother last night to find out about her medical test results and in talking she's all excited about Obama - as is my formerly reactionary Republican brother. Both intend to vote for Obama in Tuesday's Virginia primary. They will NEVER vote for Hillary, rightly or wrongly. My mother has particular concerns over how Hillary would ever control Bill if they were back in the White House. I believe there are thousands and thousands (if not millions) out there in the voting public like them. If the Democrats are foolish enough to nominate Hillary, they'd best get ready to live through another GOP administration under McCain, et al. My mother’s reasoning is that the current way politics is conducted is broken and, while there is uncertain as to what Obama would bring, it is worth taking the risk to attempt to achieve a real change. I plan on trying to make the Obama rally tomorrow in Virginia Beach.

Romance: Prince Charming, where are you? Please sweep me of my feet ASAP.