BGHV Weekend, Jan 21st: BearAlbany’s “SnowJob”, Lady Esther Does Real Estate & Dancing Lessons

Happy weekend, everyone!

With the mid-January thaw in full swing, come out of hibernation and join the Lady Esther Gin at BGHV’s national headquarters for our open house this Friday night! This is the premier real estate opportunity of the season, so don’t let it pass you by – even Lady Bunny wants you to know about it!

We’ve also posted a sit down with Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center President Ginny Apuzzo – she gave us the low down on the Center’s milestones of the last year as well as a glimpse of where they’re headed in 2010. While their work often flies under the radar, they’re having a huge impact on our region and its perception of the LGBTQ community. Check out what she has to say and consider joining the Center today – it’s a gift that’ll only continue to grow in value.

We’re also announcing a new contest this week where BGHV has teamed up with ARCS to offer you a chance to win two tickets to the annual Hearts For ARCS Ball in White Plains on Saturday, February 13th! You can enter simply by purchasing a $5 raffle ticket via PayPal, and the winner receives two free tickets – worth $300 total – to the Hearts for ARCS Ball! The drawing is February 4th, so purchase your raffle tickets today, and good luck!

Thursday January 21st

Sanctuary @ Memorial United Methodist Church, White Plains @ 6:30p
Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy presides over her monthly service (hosted every third Thursday) devoted to the needs and concerns of the LGBTQ community while affirming the diversity of creation.

Pizza & Game Night @ The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center, Kingston @ 7p
What better way to ease into the weekend? Join the Center’s Men’s Group for pizza, games & laughs.

“Prayers for Bobby” screening @ The Loft with PFLAG Westchester, White Plains @ 7:30p
Sigourney Weaver stars in the 1970’s set story of a suburban housewife’s struggle with her son’s homosexuality. No admission – doors open at 7p for seating.

Truly Tipsy @ Truman’s, New Paltz @ 8p
The boys of Prephab will be spinning for Thursday night lounge with half price drinks and apps.

Friday January 22nd

Lady Esther Gin Does Real Estate @ Our Place, Highland @ 4p to 7p
Join the ever zany Lady Esther Gin at BGHV’s global head quarters as we put the place up for sale! Interested home buyers are welcome to come by and check out a fantastic property with a personal tour from the Lady Gin herself!

Compass Box Scotch Whisky Tasting @ Fox & Hound Wine & Spirits, New Paltz @ 4p to 7p
Tom & Nick welcome Compass Box Scotch Whisky Ambassador Robin Robinson for an explanation of the unique production process behind the famed spirits as well as a free tasting.

Swing Dancing Workshop @ Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, Poughkeepsie @ 6p
Acclaimed jazz, swing, and rhythm & blues band “Eight to the Bar” joins the Hudson Valley Community Dances for a very special swing dance workshop. Workshop runs 6:30p to 8p with a beginner’s lesson following. Dance begins at 8:30p.

Kickoff Bear Albany’s SnowJob Weekend with Bearaoke @ Waterworks Pub, Albany @ 9p
Bear Albany’s breaking you out of the winter blues – kick off the hirsute weekend with bearaoke with no cover, drink specials & free pizza and wings. Karaoke voyeurs and exhibitionists alike are welcome.

Saturday January 23rd

Afternoon Matinee with Bear Albany @ Spectrum8, Albany @ early afternoon
The bears and cubs head indoors for an afternoon matinee at locally owned and operated Spectrum8 theater. Check the website for updates on movie and showtime.

Pregame with Bear Albany @ Oh Bar, Albany @ 3p
The “Hug A Cub” will be serving drinks with open arms.

Sex & Candy 80’s Party @ George Bar, Albany @ 4p
Start the night early with enough sugar, sex & suds specials to keep you spinning all night.

Contra Dancing & Passionate Waltzing @ New Paltz United Methodist Church, New Paltz @ 7p
Learn to waltz with breathtaking ease and sensuous pleasure! Beginners and experienced welcome until 7:45. Floor turns over to Contra lessons from 8p until 11p – $10 admission with discounts for students and teens.

Snowjob with Bear Albany @ ROCKS, Albany @ 9p
The furrrst hot bear party of the year – join the guys for raffles, drink specials, and something for everyone. $5 at the door gets you off and running.

Back2School Blowout @ Truman’s, New Paltz @ 10p
Prephab, Dolla Bill and Dj Jaks ring in the new year as students return to the Valley’s hottest nightspot. Cash prizes for hottest school attire.

Sunday January 24th

Brrrunch with the Albany Bears @ ROCKS, Albany @ 11a
For those of you who can scrape yourselves up early enough to eat, head back to ROCKS for their all-you-can-eat brunch. Now would be the ideal time to swap numbers too.

“New Years Resolutions Are Bad For Your Health” @ The Loft, White Plains @ 2p to 4p
See how making choices instead of resolutions can get you what you want. Learn a simple but profound method for ending chronic resistance to reaching your goals. You’ll use it for life!

“Freeing Silvia Baraldini” Screening @ The Rosendale Theater, Rosendale @ 2:30p
Following her conviction to free Black Panther, Assata Shakur, from prison, “Freeing Silvia Baraldini” follows Silvia through her own internment in prison and her impact on radical politics in the America. Reception and Q & A to follow. (Snow date the following Sunday @ 2:30p)

T-Dance @ ROCKS, Albany @ 5p
The A-Man spins with video backup – come out for free food & drink specials to wrap up the weekend.

Savage Nites @ ROCKS, Albany @ 11p
Feeling good after T-Dance? Stick around for the Valley’s premier weekly drag show with host Lily Savage and bartender Sexy Eric.

Monday January 25th

Pride Coalition of Rockland County Meeting @ VCS Gay Pride Rockland, New City @ 3:30
Are you one of those people who wants to get involved in helping your community but doesn’t know where to start? This is it! Candle, GLSEN and VCS Gay Pride Rockland are forming a coalition to serve LGBT programs throughout Rockland county and are welcoming of volunteers as well as nonprofit and government organizations who’d like to join in their efforts. Check out this meeting and make a difference in your community!

Tuesday January 26th

The Loft’s Legal Clinic: “First Time Home Ownership” @ The Loft, White Plains @ 7p
The Loft’s Legal Clinic provides an informational resource related to the specific needs of the LGBTQ community. This month, Attorney James L. Hyer discusses first time home ownership and buying your first house – join him for an informational lecture followed by a free legal clinic.