Last Year's Events

Classes kicked off on Monday with everything from makeup to ballroom dancing.

Local stores and providers, both long-time friends of Esprit and newcomers, opened their doors. The literature table was filled with flyers and coupons to local businesses--more than one could possibly hope to visit during a mere week in Port Angeles.

The Resource Mall was full much of the week. We had 11 registered Resource Providers with breast forms, hair/wig, jewelry, nails and pedicures, custom-made shoes, and many other services.

Short skirts and their fans arrived in force at the nearby Delaney's pub and pool hall that evening to compete in the annual Esprit Pool Tournament. 20 players competed for fun and itty-bitty cash prizes. Congratulations to Stephanie W. (1st), Cassandra (2nd), and Pat (3rd).

Participants in the Tuesday Port Townsend shopping trip had a great time chatting all the way to Port Townsend and getting to know each other. The best store in town has shoes and new clothes on the top floor and a huge consignment shop on the bottom floor. Pictures were taken with everyone by their finds. Every store in Port Townsend was pleased to see everyone again.

The Winery-Casino Tour ended up being a simple winery tour (not too surprising that no one wanted to gamble their money away in these economic times!). The newly opened Wine on the Waterfront bar was a great addition to the Esprit winery events. They have delicious varieties of wine, and a great live entertainment show.

About 2 dozen ladies rode the ferry to take in the old English atmosphere of Victoria. The attendees visited shops and gardens, some enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride, and some visited the Empress Hotel for an authentic high tea.

The Tuesday Ascot night was an unqualified success as was the competition for most outrageous headwear. The selection was truly artistic and our thanks go to the prizewinners and many participants. Most of the attendees go to this early-in-the-week event and have a great time socializing and betting on horse races.

The Significant Other program kicked off a week filled with well attended luncheons and supportive classes. Dotti Berry facilited groups on relationship dynamics; tears and laughter were shared.

The First-Timer wine and cheese party took place on Wednesday afternoon. Big Sisters and Little Sisters gathered to meet each other and talk about the days so far and the days to come.

On Wednesday the Port Angeles Community Players presented attendees a private showing of the comedy production "Story Theater" consisting of modern and light-hearted versions of fables from the Grimm Brothers and Aesop. After the play, attendees were treated to a lively after-party with the cast. This after-party, apparently the first of its kind, was created by the theater cast just for the enjoyment of Esprit attendees.

On Thursday, a smashing time was had by all who attended the Afternoon Tea in the Red Lion dining room. On antique dishes loaned by the family of a Red Lion Hotel staff member, everyone enjoyed exotic teas, huge strawberries topped with Chantilly cream, scrumptuous tea sandwiches, and dainty cakes, scones, tarts, and truffles.

The Winery-Art Walk Tour went well, and the art walk hosted by local art docent Richard Stephens visited the numerous murals and sculptures throughout downtown. A visit to one art gallery allowed attendees to see an incredible display of elaborate costumes.

The local "Ladies Night Out" downtown shopping event was extended to include Esprit both in the stores and with a Bridal Trunk Show at the Red Lion sponsored by Black Diamond Bridal. They brought two racks of bridal and formal wear and tremendous enthusiasm. Around a dozen or more Esprit ladies came to the suite and tried on some stunning outfits. Belva and Sharon helped each of us nto these wonderous lace confections and then Barbara Anne photographed the magic for each member and the Esprit yearbook. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience and the photos captured that etherial beauty that a wedding gown bestows on a glowing woman. We are looking forward to expanding this event in 2010.

For those who who really wanted to party, the scene at The Lyre's Club was crowded and energetic with locals and Esprit attendees eager to see The Nasty Habits. The Nasty habits drew packed crowds and dedicated local fans at The Lyre's Club, and Steele's Sports Bar throughout the weekend.

Local stores such as Black Diamond Bridal, Fashion Bug, Maurice's, and others sponsored the Friday Fashion Show by loaning clothing and dressing tips and helping with announcing the models as they entered the luncheon room. Christina Fletcher and her assistant Rose helped with last second makeup and hair touchups, and several volunteers organized the backstage chaos and kept the 20 models moving.

The Friday Talent Show was held again at the historic Elk's Lodge ballroom. This year's "Divas Through The Ages" event packed the balcony again with local residents who contributed $5 to Clallam County Hospice to see the show. Esprit raised money for the hospice during various events and donated about $2500 to the hospice during the farewall luncheon on Sunday.

After the talent show, the local band The Delta Queens provided great dance music for the attendees.

During Saturday's luncheon keynote, Mariette Pathy Allen presented a retrospective of several decades of photographs of the great icons in the history of TG rights. This was an emotional and informative presentation that began with Christine Jorgensen and traveled all the way to today's great figures in the TG political arena.

The final classes wrapped up on Saturday with many attendees seeing both Dr. Meltzer and Dr. Ousterhout who gave classes on gender reassignment and facial feminization surgery.

The traditional and emotional graduation ceremony was held for first-time attendees and SO's. Congratulations to all of you!

Saturday night's "Hooray for Hollywood" Gala was also a big success with many georgeous gowns on display. The outstanding music was provided by returning band The Walrus who played excellent covers of classic dance and R&R favorites. The yearbook, sent to all attendees, celebrates all the Esprit and Hollywood divas at our event.

A huge pizza order and a snack run to Walmart set the Slumber Party in motion. While at Walmart the slumber party hostesses chatted with the local ladies who sell the rubber ducks for the annual fundraiser. People joined the party after seeing The Nasty Habits play at Steele's or the fabulous Saturday night event featuring another great Seattle band, The Walrus. Everyone had a great time recalling their experiences during the week.