There was a change of plans for coffee this Thursday the 19th. This week is Swedish Days in downtown Geneva and Thursday night was a blues band called Morry Sochat and the Special 20's (http://www.special20s.com/).
14 of us met on the courthouse lawn on 3rd street. Each brought a lawn chair or blanket to sit on or share. We ate hotdogs, ice cream, corn-on-the-cob, pizza, huge turkey legs and who knows what else! It was good to see old friends and some new ones too. We even met a few passers-by thanks to the people magnet that Max is! Unfortunately he's mostly a chick magnet.

Nosh!

Friday night, June 13, a small group led by vince.m dined on American tapas at Nosh, in Geneva. Great time, and cudos to vince for posting an invitation and organizing an event! That's what this group is all about, making some friends and finding things to do.

Italian Food was .....oh man!

We at at Tivoli Ristorante and Gallery on Route 59 in West Chicago, May 16. The food was great, there was a singer in the lounge, we met the chef, and our servier, Lori, loved us! We were as big a hit with them as they were with us. A couple of new people this time, and that's always good, so while we wish more of you could have joined us, the nine of us who attended were well fed, and happy!

Gay Games and new friends

We had our first game night on Saturday, April 26. Many thanks to our host, westburbswimmer (Steve) , his daughter and Max the wonder dog who were excellent hosts, providing a comfortable home, gay-friendly rainbow jello, soft drinks and all the supplies to make a party work. More than a dozen friends showed up, again including new people, even one couple who drove in from the Quad-Cities. You can host an event too. Just talk to Michael (GaySop or MickeyDid) Ben (Dekunoboh) or Steve (westburbswimmer), and we'll get you started. An event can be in your home, or someplace else, whatever you plan and arrange. The Thursday night COFFEE events are a great time to feel out others on your idea, and to find someone who will help, whether you need a couple extra folding chairs, somebody to bring ice for the pop, or just a friend off of whom you might bounce some ideas.

Thanks again to Steve, and to everyone who came and brought snacks or games to share! If you left a game behind at Steve's house, he's holding it for you!

First Friday in Geneva! A Gallery Walk- Friday, June 6th It's time once again for that amazing gallery walk! This time around, Verve on Third and Down to Earth Pottery will be exhibiting their wares on Saturday, but if you do come back you'll benefit from discounted prices at both locations! (Or so the shop owners tell me.) Gallery 28 will be hosting an open mic night from 6 to 9, so come prepared with something to perform and get ready for their new exhibition, the Painted Violin Project! And as always, the other galleries on the walk are touting new acquisitions for folks to come see now that the weather has been phenomenal. Contact Dekunoboh if you have any questions. Here's some details provided by the First Fridays website : The First Friday Gallery Walk is a self-guided art walk and reception to showcase the Art Galleries of Geneva. Participating Galleries stay open “late ‘til 9” the first Friday of every month. All of the galleries are within walking distance of each other. A Gallery Directory is available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, at www.artgalleriesgeneva.com, or at any of the participating galleries. Many of the galleries provide refreshments and some may have special events, artists show openings, or live performances happening at the galleries during First Fridays. Geneva’s Art Galleries feature world-class paintings, photography, sculpture, fine contemporary craft, fiber arts, jewelry and cultural arts by nationally and internationally known and local artists. Events occur between 6-9 pm. First Fridays is sponsored by the Geneva Arts Commission, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, The Geneva Downtown Partnership, the Galleries of Geneva, and most importantly… You! We look forward to welcoming you to our Arts Community!

Dinner at Thai Zie

Nine Friends gathered for dinner at Thai Zie in downtown St. Charles on Sunday, March 30. After enjoying a sampling of appetizers, we ordered from the menu. The food was great, and the service was warm and friendly. Thai Zie is owned by one of our own Friends, Champ. Our party was greeted warmly by Andy, Champ, Pat and Toom, the family at Thai Zie.

We are sure to return to Thai Zie for a dinner event in the future, but we'll also look for other venues that welcome LBGT parties, and serve such great food. Your suggestions are always welcome.

Thai Zie is located in downtown St. Charles behind The Filling Station Restaurant on North 3rd and Main Streets. Champ says that Moms eat for free on Mothers Day, May 11, but only if you make a reservation! (630) 444-1690
Dinner is served 7 days a week, and lunch Monday through Saturday. The Thai Zie website includes photos and a menu.





Chocolate fondue at Graham's 318 in Geneva was dessert after 9 or 10 of us completed the Gallery Walk for the art shops and galleries in downtown Geneva on Friday, April 4. The event is a monthly one for Geneva, called "First Fridays." We had a good time and very well may repeat this in the future! Thanks to Dekunoboh (Ben) for planning this one! We go to meet a couple of new people who had not been out with the Friends group before, and that's what this is all about, creating a community of Friends!