Masthead
ALF Mountain Valley Chapter
September, 2008 Update

In This Issue
"Third Thursday" Returns
Monday Night at the Movies
Regional Impact Award
Joe Genshlea's One-man Show / World Dance Fest
Sr. Fellows Retreat
What is ALF's Value to You?
Pay Your Sr. Fellows' Dues ONLINE
Quick Links
Greetings!

Welcome to the September issue of the ALF e-Carabiner.

If you received and viewed the August update, this month's issue will look strikingly similar as all the upcoming events are still current. Check out what's happening...

"Third Thursday" Returns for Sept.
Monthly informal discussion to focus on youth issues

Thursday, September 18, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, FREE!

The Third Thursday informal discussion group returns from its summer hiatus to look at youth issues in the Sacramento region -- employment, anti-gang efforts, education, etc.  Join us for this "ALF-type" conversation and brain-storming session.  RSVP

ALF Monday Night at the Movies
Join us for a showing and discussion around this moving documentary

Monday, September 22, 5:30-8:30 pm, $16

For Bible Tells Me So"For the Bible tells me so" was shown at the Crest Theatre in conjunction with a visit of Episcopalian Priest Gene Robinson. 

It is a stunning film that explores relationships in Judeo Christian teaching and their impact on five families with gay or lesbian children.

Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate?

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.  Get tickets
 
SAVE THE DATE: Regional Impact Award Luncheon
Help recognize successful collaboration with ALF's annual award

Regional Impact AwardThursday, November 6,
11:30 am - 1:30 pm


This year's Regional Impact Award, a celebration of a successful collaborative project with significant postive impact on the region, will honor the Mather Community Campus

Stay tuned for more info to follow.
 
Celebrate Sacramento's History & Culture
Joe Genshlea Joe Genshlea's one-man show benefits the Sacramento Theatre Company

Class II's Joe Genshlea, a multiple award-winning litigator and  Sacramento native, has written and will perform a one-man show about his experiences growing up in the state capital at 8:00 PM on Saturday, Oct. 25, with a VIP reception beginning at 6:00 PM, as a benefit for the Sacramento Theatre Company (STC).

"A Sense of Place: Reflections, Recollections And Ruminations on a Sacramento Life", will be directed by Peggy Shannon, STC's artistic director. It will be performed at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, the summer home of the Music Circus, at 1419 H Street in Sacramento.

ALF is coordinating tickets for members to sit together for this performace.  Go here to purchase tickets and for more info.

******

Lina Fat chairs the Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival
World Music & Dance FestivalThe inaugural Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival, chaired by Class III's Lina Fat, will be held September 20-21, 2008 in Old Sacramento and at the Memorial Auditorium.

This festival will celebrate the music, dance, cuisine and crafts of the diversity of the Sacramento region. Class IX's Mary Youngblood is one of the performers slated for the Sept. 20 performace at the Memorial Auditorium.  Get the event schedule and tickets

Upcoming Event: Sr. Fellows' Retreat -- Make Your Hotel Reservations Today!
vino belloCollective leadership authority
Bill Isaacs joins us for the annual event


November 16-17, Vino Bello Resort, Napa


Join us for twenty-four hours of fun with your ALF family and learning new tools to improve your skills as you work in the community and in your profession.  Recharge your batteries by attending this event.

Bill Isaacs Bill Isaacs is Founder and president of Dialogos, and a leading authority on collective leadership, dialogue, and the design and implementation of organizational learning.  His book, Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together (Doubleday), was featured in Fast Company as a guide to "the secret of good informal conversation," and has been acclaimed by a variety of reviewers as the definitive guide to profound change through speaking and listening.

Vino Bello Resort has a special ALF Retreat rate of $139 for suites and $169 for one-bedroom condos (both single or double occupancy). Make your reservations now either online (group code: ALF) or by calling (866) 729-7182 and tell them you are with ALF.

The retreat will run from noon Sunday until noon Monday.  We encourage classes to plan their own reunions on Saturday night for extra time together!  ALF discounted group rates for Saturday night are $269/$319.

What Has ALF's Value Been to You?
Your comments will help brand the value of ALF to board and committee members and the community

Please write a few sentences about what the value of ALF has been to you, whether personally, professionally, or in your work in the community. Specifics are preferred, but if the story is sensitive, you can use generalities to tell the story.
 
We will be collecting those statements and using them as reflections at the beginning of meetings during this important year of planning for our future. Follow the link above to send your comments and join us in making this year the best ever.
 
Don't Forget to Pay Your
Sr. Fellows Dues...  Pay ONLINE
An important funding source for the Sr. Fellows' program for the year

A big part of ALF's funding for the Sr. Fellows' program comes from your annual dues payment.  The amount remains the same - $240 a year (just $20 a month), and we offer full or partial scholarships.  We have, in past years, had an amazingly high percentage of members pay dues, indicating the value members see in the ALF programs. We hope that will be true this year as well.
 
Payment of your full dues or Booster and Star Club level dues and contributions can be made right now, online.  If you would like to pay a smaller amount, please send a check payable to ALF and indicate "dues" in the subject line.  Send it to ALF, 1321 Garden Highway, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA  95833.