Wow! How can you tell spring has arrived?
 
March 12th's "The Switch Show" was a hit and was awesome and Thank You to everyone for the Birthday wishes that night. I actually fell asleep early in the evening, I am aging (Shut up!! I meant gracefully and without showing it) anyway I ended up in line. I finally did get in to see the very last part of the show. I heard the remarks of what a fantastic show it was and by the pictures, I am sorry I missed the beginning. So I would like to request a full replay!
 
Now, spring started with the annual Mardis Gras party at Club 717! This was held on March 19th. I know it is a Saturday and not Tuesday which is what Mardis Gras stands for, but we are not actually open on Tuesday, so deal with it!
 
What a great show it was Compliments to all involved. Brian and Lee you both did an amazing job with the decorations, in fact it was so nice we have decided to leave the stage for a while. The two of you completely set the atmosphere. Savanaugh as usual you carried it off and did a terrific job directing everyone, even the green fairy! Chardonnay and Benn as the lead characters put on a great show; Ruby, Madge and the unforgettable Edna were and always are the best compliment to any cast. Donny Thank you for being there to help them get in every practice and there were a lot of them, and to all those that were there in the beginning as well. My final word on this! SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR!!
 
March 24th, A conference was held by Community Development Council for Durham (CDCD) There were over 100 attendees, including a few from our Community, Jayme Harper (Pflag Canada), Aaron Cleveland (Pride Durham) and myself attended. The day proved to be both informative and educational. This was truly a conference about Diversity, although the primary focus was immigration to Canada. They have also included people with physical challenges and our entire community as part of this group of people.
 
March ended off with a performance from Savanuagh, Diva & Madg Enthat from Peterborough (The all F%$ked Up Show)...... What can I say...... It truly lived up to it's name !!!! Awesome job !!!.
 
Upcoming dates to remember are the 15th of May; This is the second Annual Pflag awards night. There were nomination forms left  at the bar. If you think anyone is worthy of an award for any outstanding contributions to the community, I hope you filled out your nominations and sent them in.
 
May 17th is Pflags International Day against homophobia and transphobia which involves several flag raising ceremonies at various City and Town halls along with some Municipal offices, show your support.
 
Other dates that you may want to note are June 12th which will be the day of Durham Pride, come on out and show your support, some good things are being planned. Pride will be held at Heydonshore in Whitby for the daytime, (Family portion).  The evening portion will be held at Club 717 for a buffet and Dance. Please show your support, we want to show our pride and they need our support, if we want this to get better each year.
 
You may have noticed that tickets are for sale for Spearhead's annual boat cruise at Toronto Harbour. Those that have attended the last few years know what an amazing time we have. Tickets are available from John Labarge, see him for details.
 
I want to say Thank you to John Duvall for continuing to have the Pot Lucks on a monthly basis, even though the attendance has not always been great. John does come up with new ideas every month and he has not given up on the concept. Things do tend to slow down from time to time but John has persevered and the attendance is starting to rebuild in momentum. Thanks for keeping it going!
 
I don't know if you have ever dropped in on a Thursday evening but Warren usually does and on most occasions will bring down a platter of sandwiches or a homemade pizza or two, Warren does this as his contribution to the community for no charge, Warren Thank You.
 
Jean Guy spent countless hours at the Club cleaning up the back areas that no one sees (Thank God) the hidden areas are all very organized now and the change room. The office has been cleaned up. Thank You Jean Guy and let's hope that everyone does their part to help keep it clean.
 
Club 717 is sitting in a decent position right now and we are trying to build upon things. There have been rumors that the Club has to move or is moving. This is not the case, it was suggested that we look for a larger venue by some members at one of our informal General Members Meetings. The Board has been inquiring but it is an expensive move and would not be worth our while at this time. You need to have the attendance nightly to sustain the venue for each night not just one night per week. Therefore we would need to have Crowds every night not just Fridays.
 
In discussing this with our accountant/auditor, he advises it is in our best interest not to venture into this additional expense at this time. He suggests if we plan big events that require a larger venue, we rent them a few times a year if necessary. I tend to agree with Rick on that.
 
So now that I have been quiet for the past couple of months, I guess you can tell Danny is back to himself and as usual has more then a mouthful to say. At this point I am sure you are tired of reading my article and saying as you read, he goes on! So I will close on that note.
 
Have a great month and you will hear from me next Month. Have a Happy Easter.
  
Regards
 
Dan Caudle
President

Club 717

The last advice column you'll ever read !!

 

Edna will splash her own unige style and comedy as she answers your questions from relationships to whatever.

 

Here you go Club 717 - Gotta question but to shy to ask? Send your questions to:

askedna@club717.ca for a confidential reply in the following months newsletter.