AN ORGANIZATION FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN SINCE 1978

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PrideFest

A Great Success!

The weather was gorgeous and fest attendance was higher than ever. Our booth had dozens of visitors each day and dozens more on the volleyball court.

All GAMMA volunteers did a fantastic job telling others all about our great organization. A special thank you goes out to Tony S. who helped immensely before and during the entire weekend.

Seeking New

GAMMA Webmaster 

Richard G. has served as GAMMA’s webmaster for over 6 years, but due to increased demands from his job and other duties he’s decided that it’s now time to pass the job to another member. Ken K. will take over on a temporary basis until a new webmaster can be found.

We are currently seeking a GAMMA member who has web authoring skills who would be willing to assume the duties of webmaster. Anyone interested in this volunteer position should contact Richard directly.

What’s In A Name?

Some historical information about the name “GAMMA” and “GAMMA Rays” 

From a Press Release Announcing GAMMA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

“The name GAMMA has an interesting history.  In the early years the founders thought the group’s name should be like a college fraternity and decided on the name of “GAMMA Alpha” after the name of the Greek letter “Y.”  But surprisingly there is no “Y” in the Greek alphabet.  The acronym GAMMA was chosen.  The letters stood for Gay Athletic Milwaukee Men’s Association.  When the group was incorporated in August 1980 the word “Men’s” in GAMMA became “Metro” since women also became a part of the group.  GAMMA is no longer referred to as an acronym with any special meaning.

From a Winter 1980-1981 Membership Flyer

“An invitation to a Memorial Day 1979 volleyball tournament in Chicago provided the impetus for formation of the competitive volley ball team called GAMMA RAYS.  It has traveled to Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Columbus, Madison, and Minneapolis.  In 1980 GAMMA RAYS sent two teams to Chicago for the invitational tournament.”

From the April 1996 GAMMA Newsletter

“Get out your Jim Croce records and start singing, ‘cause WE GOT A NAME! At the March 12^th meeting, the Board was presented with a list of 16 potential names for the newsletter. The chosen one: GAMMA RAYS, which was first, submitted by member John S. Way to go, John! John wins a fabulous set of four genuine GAMMA crystal glasses! As it turns out, great minds really do think alike – Pat B. and Larry W. also sent in the same suggestion. And, although they don’t win a great prize like John does, we still appreciate their efforts. Thanks, guys! Now, for our next contest, the first 50 members to sponsor an event will get an even better prize…spiritual gratification."

Response from John S. on Why He Chose the Name (2008)

“I just started thinking of things I associated with the word GAMMA.  Gamma Rays was the first phrase that came to mind.  And since a newsletter sends out information…it is like the rays of the sun spreading good news.  That is what I thought of.”

Do You Have an Idea?

New Events!

Do you have an idea for a new event? Give it a try! Member hosted events are what makes GAMMA great. There may be others in GAMMA who might also enjoy the event that was your idea.

Many events that we think of as traditional GAMMA events, were once a members brainstorm. Whether your event turns out to be a small gathering of GAMMA friends, or group, it is sure to be enjoyed by all who attend.

Contact any Board Member to find a suitable date and then complete an event sheet for publication in a future newsletter. The Board Member directory can be found on page six of the November newsletter.

The success of GAMMA depends on members willing to create and host new events each month!

Dining Out
Botanas
FRIDAY July 26, 2009

RSVP no later than July 13 to reserve your place. Contact Rob C. for more information.

It’s Camping

Season!

By E.M. Dan L.

I know we're just getting into the summer of 2009.I don't want to rush through it, but before you know it will be that time again for camping at Devil's Lake.

The dates this year are August 20 to 23.Once again you have three nights and four days of camping fun.This gives you plenty of time to explore the sights at Devil's Lake and the surrounding area, and still leaving Saturday to join the boys at Mazomanie beach if you wish.

The July GAMMA Rays will have complete information. Plan now to join us in August.

A Note from the

GAMMA Board

Bill W. has announced that he is leaving Wisconsin for new opportunities in Mississippi.  In addition to Bill being an active GAMMA member, Bill also served on the GAMMA Board of Directors as Special Projects Director.  Bill's excellent skills as a facilitator contributed a great deal to the GAMMA Board. 

Bill will be missed at the many GAMMA functions he attended.  With a smile on his face and always an interesting story to tell, Bill added a lot of energy to our events. 

Bill also brought a global awareness to our fine organization.  Bill introduced our group to "HOT" - Homosexuellen Organisation Thurgu a gay social, cultural, and recreational group in Switzerland. 

Thanks to Bill for his contributions to Milwaukee GAMMA and for his many volunteer hours of service on the GAMMA Board of Directors.  Good luck Bill!  

GAMMA TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED
FOR NEW MILWAUKEE DIVISION OF
Wisconsin Gay Volleyball Association

The WGVA has announced the start of Milwaukee branch league play starting in April or May of 2009.

Full details have not been published yet but GAMMA is looking for players to form both high and low skill level teams.

Please email or call GAMMA Volleyball Director Peter S. if you are interested in joining a GAMMA team of either skill level. If enough members show interest, Peter can contact the league for more information and start forming teams. 

BOWLING DATES

Please join us for our weekly Friday Night Bowling. All skill levels are welcome. 

May 08

Welcome to GAMMA!

Since November 1978, GAMMA has provided enjoyable activities.  From the first touch football game along the lakefront, with just a handful of members, to over 130 members today, GAMMA provides fun things to do.

Our major annual events include:  The Valentine’s Brunch, the July Fireworks Picnic, the September Picnic and Corn Roast, the Annual Banquet and Business Meeting, and the Holiday Party.  Our broad membership appreciates these gatherings as a way to visit and socialize with all of our members.

The Outdoors Stuff:  GAMMA offers cross country ski trips, day hikes, numerous camping events, and bike rides.  In some years we have had canoe trips, white water rafting, roller blading, our own Winter Fest and cruises across Lake Michigan.

Volleyball:  We started with occasional summer Sunday afternoon games at Bradford Beach.  We now offer indoor social play at the Beulah Brinton Center during the winter months, and outdoor social play during the summer months.  For the past several years, we have hosted the volleyball activity at PrideFest.

Indoor Events:  We have monthly events such as the Monthly Party, Dining Out, Sheepshead, and Game Night.  We’ve had Bowling and Movie Nights, as well as Barn Dances.

“We Just Want to Have Fun.”  As a club, we’re not into politics or religion.  There’s an important need at the end of a long day or week—kicking back with adult friends, or meeting new ones.

The People:  We have members from all walks of life and in all age groups. There are singles as well as couples and all participate is the various events. GAMMA is blessed with volunteer members who are willing to give of their time and energy to orchestrate all this stuff.  GAMMA has been a success because it continues to attract the kind of people who want to share their fun with others, and who are willing to do what it takes to make things happen.  COME JOIN US!

Please visit our Upcoming Events page and see all that GAMMA has to offer. Most of the events are open to non-members who wish to find out what GAMMA is all about - simply call or use our Contact Page for more information.

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Updated: 12/28/2008

© 2003-2009 Milwaukee GAMMA, Inc.
PO Box 1900   •   Milwaukee, WI  53201
(414) 530-1886