I am still crashing from a whirlwind two week tour of Italy and things may sound a bit jumbled if not a bit Italian – though my knowledge of the language is limited to food names. The one great word comes from having seen how young Italian men and women dress – belissimo. The men know how to wear pants like pants should be worn and the women know how to look good – even to me. I recommend a trip to Italy if you want to have a really great get-a-away.

I missed both Dr. Bruth and Steve’s art show while I was away, but I understand they were both great evenings for the group. They will both be back in the future, I am sure.

November’s offerings are unique as well:

November 7 – Bingo Night. This is a group favorite for relaxing and laughter. There will probably be prizes offered as well as silliness and fun, something the world needs more of right now.

November 11 - Pot Luck Dinner. This time we are daring (I mean asking) members and guests to bring some unusual dish for the meal. We ask that you keep limit it to foods that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd world people would eat, keep it moral and be sure it is USDA approved. 

November 18 – Movie Night. Tonight we will be viewing Friends and Family; a delightful movie about our community and those who have to adjust to it. We wanted to make it a drive-in experience, but they wouldn’t let us bring cars into the parish hall.

November 25 – Tai Chi. Tonight we will be using our inner creative forces as we learn Tai Chi with Shelle and learn a new technique for connecting our inner and outer selves through relaxation. Browne Hollowell will introduce Shelle.

As autumn approaches and the leaves began to fall, let’s not allow attendance at the C.L.O.S.E.R. meetings fall as well. We have some great sessions, great stories, well deserved and need camaraderie, and a place in your life. See you out there on the runway.

C.L.O.S.E.R. is the oldest support, educational, and social group serving the LGBTQ community in Asheville.  C.L.O.S.E.R. meets each Tuesday evening at 7pm at All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village.  For more information, contact Allen at 828.242.6570 or send an email to CLOSERmail@aol.com.