Chris Chenard & Eliott Cherry on your civil union in Vermont. While the Portland Press Herald still does not consider your union "news that's fit to print," we do! Mazel tov, l'haim, may you live long and prosper!

Chris Chenard & Eliott Cherry were the inspiration for the Walk with the Ones You Love when they began walking around Portland's back cove hand-in-hand four years ago after an epiphany in Provincetown. They braved the catcalls and the stares and found that there were plenty of supportive people out there, too. The next thing we knew, we were walking together, gay and non-gay, with the ones we loved.

A very special thanks to Dr. Mathilde Krim, a member of our America Speaks Out National Council, for hosting a fundraising reception at her New York City home a mere two weeks after the September 11th attacks. Special guests James Dale, also a member of the ASO National Council, and Evan Wolfson were eloquent, as was MSOP speaker extraordinaire Gerry Clement. We appreciate the support of all of our sponsors and guests at this difficult time.

If you sell appreciated securities you may be hit with tax liabilities on the value of the stock that exceeds your initial purchase price.

Donating these same stocks to MSOP {a 501(c)(3)nonprofit} provides you an opportunity to:

• Make a larger donation at a significantly reduced cost to you;
• Eliminate Federal and State taxes on the appreciated value (if you transfer instead of sell the stocks); and
• Secure a significant tax deduction.

Please consider the donation of stocks....it would be greatly appreciated! Contact: A.G. Edwards Brokerage Gift Account at 1-800-424-4452 (Account # 210-260064).

Thank you!