LIVE MAGAZINE VOL 8, Issue #205 March 20th THRU April 3rd, 2015

AUNTIE HELEN’S:
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Back stronger then ever... like the legendary phoenix, out of the ashes to rise
once again.
Auntie Helen’s Transformation
After a tumultuous year that almost saw the end of San Diego’s oldest HIV/AIDS direct service
provider, Auntie Helen’s, like the mythical Phoenix, is rising from the ashes of mismanagement
and public scandal. Under the direction of a new Board of Directors, which is as diverse and
reflective of the community they serve, Auntie Helen’s is undergoing a transformation from the
inside out.
While still remaining true to its founding mission as a laundry service for people unable to do their
own laundry because of the raving effects of HIV/AIDS, Auntie Helen’s is expanding its laundry
service to include people living with Cancer, Hep C, and other life changing illnesses. The new
Board of Directors is working on the mission and bylaws to bring them up to date and to build into
the constitutional makeup of the organization a structure for leadership that is both transparent
and accountable to prevent any repeats of the past.
With the closing of REVIVALS in Hillcrest, Auntie Helen’s received the generous gift of many of
the fixtures from that store that will be used to refit the Auntie Helen’s location on 30th Street in
North Park. Already, volunteers from REVIVALS have begun the task of renovating the store and
getting it ready for a relaunch later in March. I was so happy to see most of my staff pitching in.
CANDI WRAPPERS:
WE ALONE CANNOT CHANGE OUR COMMUNITY BUT WE CAN CAST THE FIRST
STONE ACROSS THE POND TO CREATE MANY RIPPLES, WORKING TOGETHER WE
CAN MAKE FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY.
IT TAKES A TRAILBLAZER:
I never met this person but I heard and spoke to many who all had wonderful
things to say about.
I wish the staff and the volunteers at Auntie Helen’s all the very best in the months and years
to come and I encourage the community to show their support in donating clothing, household
good/appliances, and small pieces of furniture. But don’t take my word for it. Stop in at the store
located at 4127 30th Street in North Park and see for yourself.
From Queen Eddie to all of us now still giving back to our lovely community.
SMILE YOUR ON CANDI CAMERA:
Chris Ward
QUEEN EDDIE
An activist, columnist, army veteran, and a entertainer he was a leader, From
what I hear he was a unique person always ready to do what he can to help
others. Eddie Conlon made San
Diego his home in 1975 and touched
countless lives until he lost his battle
to cancer in 2002. Conlon hosted
numerous charity events for the
community and everyone adored and
loved him,
Each December The Imperial Court
De San Diego along with the LGBT
Center presents the Annual Wreath
Auction named in honor of the LGBT
community leader titled The Queen
Eddie Wreath Auction. Which
benefits The Queen Eddie Conlon
Youth Fund established by City
Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez
this event honors the wonderful
memory and someone who believed
in the youth and Thirteen years later
he still looks down on all of us and
I’m sure he smiles as we carrier on
the work he started. He is still giving
back to our community and our LGBT
youth through all of us.
Chris serves as the Chief of Staff to State Senator Marty Block, representing the communities of
the Third City Council District and most of the City of San Diego. In this capacity, he demonstrates
a strong commitment to excellence in constituent services, facilitating public participation in
policy making, and organizing state and local resources to make our neighborhoods a better place
every day. Chris has remained committed to giving back to his community through volunteer
service.
Chris is a candidate for City Council 3rd District VOTE FORWARD he is always there to support me
in fundraising events for our community SMILE Chris your on Candi Camera.
Till we meet again on the pages of LIVE MAGAZINE, Many Hugs & Candi Kisses
Like me me on Facebook www.Empresscandisamples.com
His first stone he tossed across the pond is still making ripples for us all here in
San Diego.
#BETHEGENERATION:
“ #BeTheGeneration” is designed to
strengthen prevention and education efforts,
and increase access and utilization of HIV
testing and treatment options. It also aims to
help lessen the stigma still too often associated with being,HIV positive.” Be The
Generation that ends HIV/AIDS!
Two weeks ago I saw these men from The Center walking around Hillcrest
giving of there time on a Sunday Funday to let us know what we can do to be
the generation to end HIV/AIDS. People helping people, next time you see the
team walking around give them a big cheer and Thank You!