l Gay and Lesbian Rural Culture A new group hopes to bring together gay men and lesbians in- terested in farming, gardening, ecology and other aspects of ru- ral living. Organizers of an open planning meeting to be held on Valentines Day at Christ Church Episcopal in Montpelier, stress that they envision an inclusive group and welcome anyone wish- ing to join. However, certain common values are what have mo- tivated the group to form. In particular, organizers mention a common desire to bring together gays and lesbians who pres- ently or in the future plan to live close to the land and wish to strengthen rural gay/lesbian culture. The purpose of the meeting on the 14th of February is to gener- ate interest, bring. people together and have some discussion of ideas. A newsletter will follow the meeting and provide an on- going means of communication. The newsletter will be of par- ticular importance in that the group will be farflung and hard- working members may have little time to travel or meet. One focus of the organization will be to bring together natural re- source workers in the region. Another will to be to link agrarian lesbians and gays from many different regions and cultures. The main challenge says Andrew Whittaker of Brunswick is getting people to follow through on initial interest. Many people responding to ads in OITM and other publications did not take the subsequent steps - perhaps a matter of priorities or time, says Whittaker. ‘‘It is important for people who believe that some- thing like this is necessary to participate, otherwise it won’t hap- pen. Being gay or lesbian and wanting to farm or somehow live close to the land, you either give up because of isolation or ac- cept loneliness. This group would be an alternative to either sit- uation.” The meeting will be an open house from 2-5, there will be food and no formalities. A suggested agenda includes beginning the newsletter, encouraging contributors, extending common goals for socializing and networking into various projects already on- going in Vermont, in support of rural culture or a philosophy and life style supporting all life on the planet, and a pen pal list- ing in Russia to connect with those of an ecologic gay/lesbian bent in the former USSR. Other ideas put forth so far include a job network for members, promotion of economic self-sufficiency in niral areas, and bringing together prospective homesteaders. For more in- February 1993 EAT TO THE BEAT. EAT HEAL‘ FRESH WHOLESOME ORGANIC & CONVENTIONAL FOODS 8: FEATURING HEART HEALTHY MEALS FRESH FROM OUR DELI MON-FRI 274 North Winooski Ave. Burlington 863-3659 M-S 9:30-7:30 SUN. 12:00-5-O0 9 “ : Food Co-o "Food for people, not for profit” H.I.NON AHJ."lV3H .I.HV3H SI A mini: dWflHLdHnHLKA1!SIM CINVAH formation come to the meeting on the 14th or write PO Box F ' F b W ’ D 157, Underhill, VT 05490-0157. V my’ ‘’ "“"" 5 '_’0"{,"" S am 5_9 p_m_ Sunday, February 14 Valentine’s Day Dance DJ. No cover Reg. hours Thursday, February 18 Juice Bar $3.00 cover 9 p m (All other Thursdays of the month, Free D.J:) . Large selection, low prices Available at Video Exchange 21 Stowe St., Waterbury. VT Phone: 244-7004 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-5 Video Rental Club New Available Friday and Saturday Night Door Cover Policy Before 9:00 pm. Free - 9:00 - 10:00 pm $1.00 After 10:00 pm $3.00 Pearls 135 Pearl Street - Burlington, Vermont 7'93