August 15, from 7pm – 9pm is the date of the next wine tasting at The Naked Grape. Cindy, from Trans-atlantic wines, whom many of you have met, will be returning to share some interesting wines with all of us. Holiday Parties -- Believe it or not, it is not too early to start planning for the busy holiday season ahead. As part of your plans, why not consider hosting your friends with an event at The Naked Grape. Their facility is available for rental on Sundays and Mondays when the wine bar and store are closed. They will work with you to plan a holiday celebration that will guarantee you and your guests a memorable time. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, New Year's--all are just around the corner. Call them or go in to discuss the particulars: 954-563-5631. Also, as you begin to plan your holiday dinners and gatherings, remember that The Naked Grape can help you with all your wine, champagne, and sparkler needs. As always, a 10% discount applies to all case purchases, and cases can be mixed and matched to suit your needs. Be certain to include a stop at The Naked Grape as you plan your holiday events!

The Men's Club of Congregation Etz Chaim will host its annual Rosh Hashanah Luncheon on Thursday, September 13, at 1:30 p.m., at Tropics Restaurant on “the Drive” (2000 Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors).  Luncheon includes a choice of several entrees, Tropics’ popular soup, salad and dessert bar, and coffee, tea or soft drinks.  The Rosh Hashanah Luncheon is the Men’s Club biggest and most popular event that brings together the entire Synagogue community; not just the members of the Men’s Club.  The Rosh Hashanah Luncheon is $20 per person (regardless of membership) and is open to everyone.  Those interested in attending the Luncheon must RSVP by Friday, Sept. 7, either by phoning the Men’s Club at (954) 567-8599, ext. 3 or by speaking to one of the Men’s Club board members before or after Cong. Etz Chaim's 8:30 p.m., Friday Night Services.  Cong. Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street, in Wilton Manors. 

Soleil pool party, Suicide Awareness Weekend, will take place on August 11 from 1pm to 6ish at the Cheston House (520 North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, FL - Phone: 954-566-7950). Admission is $10.00, and DJ Sol will be spinning. The August gathering has become known as the Suicide Awareness Weekend, it will be 4 years that we lost Art Britten to a depression that lead him to take his life. In the past year Britten Foundation joined the Kevin Cline Foundation of Miami to form the GLBT SAI (Suicide Awareness Initiative ) that is operated by Switchboard of Miami. On August 13, the GLBTSAI.COM will be online helping saves the lives of our brothers and sisters in need. I would like to share a few of the Key Accomplishments that the Switchboard of Miami and the GLBTSAI has achieved. 82 Hotline " Interventions" (lives saved) since inception 18 months ago, over 30 calls per month to Switch Board of Miami Hotline and increasing ( Via GLBTSAI 305-646-3600 ), 4 Sensitivity training sessions held to Switchboard staff and volunteers, Over 150 Info - ads placed in top 6 GLBT publications, Over 30,000 eyes "see" their ads each month, Thousands of "info-Flyers" and "Business Cards" produced and distributed, 2000 of  "The quick guide series to suicide prevention" printed for community leaders, PSA / Web film created and posted on You Tube, GLBTQ Youth Alliance to reach larger population, Sponsor of the film 2.34 at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, All of this has been made possible by your support and in particular the dedication and hard work of Mr. Ed Straub, founder of the Kevin Cline Foundation.

Kathy Griffin on Wednesday, August 15 at 8 pm at Dreyfoos Hall. Back by popular demand, celebrity dirt-dishing comedian Kathy Griffin, perhaps best known for her stint on the sitcom, Suddenly Susan and her reality show, My Life On The D-List, shares her uncensored observations on what A-list stars say and do. As Kathy herself notes, “It’s a no-holds barred look at celebrity culture and the things about Hollywood everyone knows … but no one has the guts to say.” Contains strong language. Tickets $20-$55 Limited Seats Available.

An Evening With Clay Aiken with Orchestra on Saturday, August 18 at 8 pm at Dreyfoos Hall. Clay Aiken’s debut album, Measure Of A Man, hit Number One on Billboard’s 200 chart and went triple platinum, while his powerful rendition of “This Is The Night / Bridge Over Troubled Water” won the 2003 Billboard Music Award for Best Single. Tickets $20-$65 Limited Seats Available 561-832-7469 or 1-800-572-8471.

As young people become more aware of a gay or lesbian orientation at a younger age they face greater problems and are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.  The youths who are at the greatest risk for suicide are the ones who are least likely to ‘come out of the closet’.  Suicide may be a way of making sure that no one ever knows.  The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “Report on the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide” found that “A majority of suicide attempts by homosexuals occur during their youth, and gay youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people.  They may comprise up to 30 percent of (the estimated 5,000) completed youth suicides.”  The report went on to say that almost all gay and lesbian suicides occur between the ages of 16 and 21. According to Dr. James C. Scott, a Barry University clinical psychologist, research consistently shows that GLBT boys and girls are the highest at risk youth population for committing suicide. But he insists there is hope.  “The key to the prevention of this tragedy is education.  These kids need to know that they are not alone, their situation is note hopeless, and that although they may be “queer”, they are not abnormal,” said Dr. Scott.  “They need to know that their pain will ease and happiness is possible,” he continued. Geo Bustamante knows that pain well.  Last year the 20 year old Bustamante came out to his parents, which resulted in immediate estrangement.  It’s been more than eight months since that painful day when he told his parents he was gay, but Bustamante is stronger and he’s more determined than ever to live a fulfilling and happy life. Geo, a budding writer and photographer, has become a familiar face in the south Florida gay social scene. But the young Latino with a quick smile concedes that his teen years would have been much easier if there had been someone he could have confided in, a trusted individual that he could have shared his ‘secret’ with.  In researching one of his recent columns on gay youth suicides, Geo discovered an organization called The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org), a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline (866-4UTREVOR) for gay and questioning youth.  “If I had known about The Trevor Helpline when I was a teen, I would have definitely called the number,” Geo said.  “But at least I can support them now so that they might have the opportunity to help someone else,” he added. Bustamante is passionate about helping other gay young people who might be going through what he went through.  In less than a month he will celebrate his 21^st birthday and plans on using the occasion to raise awareness about gay youth suicide….and hopefully some much needed funds.  Geo will celebrate his entry into ‘legal drinking age’ on Thursday, August 23, beginning at 11 PM, with a birthday bash benefit at downtown Miami’s Discotekka nightclub. “Discotekka is pleased to be the host venue for Geo’s Birthday Benefit for The Trevor Project,” said club owner Joe Marcella.  “When we heard that Geo wanted to raise funds for The Trevor Helpline, we immediately agreed to have the event at our location.  It’s about saving kids’ and we are glad to do our part,” added Marcella. While Discotekka is donating a portion of the door proceeds to The Trevor Project and tickets are available for advance purchase for a VIP Meet & Greet party with Geo and Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Gongora, other businesses have joined in to help. Make it Happen Luxury Car Rentals is providing transportation to the event for Geo and his closest friends and numerous local businesses are donating items for a raffle to be held at the benefit. One hundred percent of all VIP party and raffle proceeds will go directly to The Trevor Project. A certificate of appreciation will be presented to Geo at the benefit by Michael Gongora, the city’s first openly gay elected city commissioner.  “I am proud to know Geo Bustamante.  He is a powerful young voice for the gay community in south Florida. It is with pleasure that we honor Geo for his effort in educating us about the tragedy of gay youth suicide and he is to be commended for working to raise funds for the Trevor Project,” Gongora said. The Trevor Project officials have also joined The Commissioner in thanking Geo for his efforts.  “We’re grateful that the funds raised from Geo Bustamante’s Birthday Benefit will help to ensure the Trevor Helpline is open 24/7,” said Charles Robbins, Executive Director of The Trevor Project. 

On Friday August 10 Noche Latina Fridays presents 2 events. The first is the changing of the Video Lounge to now star DJ Just Oliver reviving his famous Brazilian Party and bringing it over to Steel. DJ Oliver will be spinning the hottest Brazilian sounds with his incredible videos. In the Main Room DJ Lannier who spins the hottest Salsa, Merengue, Raggaeton and Latin sounds will be celebrating his birthday, and he has made a special CD of his favorite 14 songs of 2007 which he will be giving out. Doors open at 9pm, and they feature FREE DRINKS from 9 till 11pm, FREE Parking for over 500 cars and the Hottest Latin Go Go Papi’s from 11pm till close. Noche Latina Fridays is now held at Steel Multiplex Nightclub

which is located at 1951 NW 9^th Avenue (powerline). For more information go to www.nochelatinafridays.com

Also on Friday August 10 Pandora and Ultra events presents the grand opening and revival of “Cherry Pie” for women ho love women in its new home at Sandal Nightclub (1060 NE 79^th Street). Doors open at 10pm and feature an open bar until 11pm, sexy cherry pie go-go girls, DJ Alex H. and much more!!!

On Saturday August 11^th Boom presents a benefit for Compass of the Palm Beaches. The night will star DJ Oren Nizri, and feature no cover and free well and draft for members from 9 to 11pm.