A Brief History

The beautiful lakes, rolling hills and concentration of quality dining, art, theatrical, and shopping opportunities have long attracted gay people to the area of northern Lake County that includes the Golden Triangle cities of Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares.

Now, after a considerable absence, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who “live, work, love and play” in the area once again have their own social organization to host events and coordinate entertainment options.  The Triangle Group had its premiere monthly meet-and-greet in November, 2006, and it has been growing ever since.  From 50 to 80 people – men and women of all ages, singles and couples – have gathered for each of the Group’s monthly get-togethers at a wide range of area restaurants, including Angelo’s in Tavares; Gator’s Dockside, T-Bones and A Third Place in Eustis; and The Frosty Mug, The Gables, Pisces Rising and The Retro Wine Cellar & Bistro in Mount Dora.

At least initially, The Triangle Group has not taken on as ambitious a schedule as its popular predecessor, Tuesday Night Friends.  Friends started early this decade with happy-hour socials, but it grew very rapidly when it promoted its activities in neighboring areas and began organizing such major events as a murder-mystery train ride, local appearances by the Orlando Gay Chorus and a bus trip to the opening reception for Gay Days at the Orlando Museum of Art.  Eventually, Friends became so successful – with buffet dinner-dance parties for more than 350 people at Lake Receptions – that it overwhelmed its all-volunteer staff. 

The Triangle Group’s organizers decided to begin by hosting socials one night a month at gay-friendly restaurants to bring local GLBT people together to network with one another and initiate their own activities based on common interests.  “We have sign-up sheets (paper and electronic)  for people who would like to go kayaking, form a bowling team or rent a limo to attend a concert together – whatever they’d like to do,” says Scot Cornwall, one of the Group’s founders and its coordinator.

Thus far, Triangle Group participants have formed spin-off groups based on such special interests as kayaking and euchre, a team card game competition.  One couple recently threw open their home for a large summer picnic and pool party, and plans are under discussion to organize charity fundraisers.

Scot Cornwall, who helped found a similar social organization in his old Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, and his spouse Bill Opperman moved to northern Lake County in 2005.  After more than 25 years together, they were legally married in Massachusetts in 2004 – a status few other couples in our tri-town area (or anywhere in Florida) can claim - yet.  Cornwall and Opperman – as well as Triangle Group cofounders Ed Fenninger and Charly Schormann (also formerly of Boston) – chose to make their home in this area in part because Friends had done such an excellent job of bringing the GLBT community together.  Other organizers and early supporters of the Triangle Group include WOW Factory shop owners Bill Sievert and John Theis (two of the originators of Friends) and Sally and June Sellers. Friends founders Glenna and Marsha also have been very supportive.

Triangle Group participants are welcome to bring their non-gay friends to its evening social hours, though the organization is not using the label “gay friendly.”  “I think we’ve come far enough that we don’t have to hide behind the term ‘friendly,’” Cornwall says.  “We are a group of gay people who live, love, work or play locally.”

Our Next Meet-and-Greets:

 
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Angelo's Restaurant, beginning at 5:30 p.m., 2270 Vindale Road, Tavares, 352-343-2757

http://www.angelositalianrestaurant.net/about.htm


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Gator's Dockside, 15241 U.S. Hwy 441, Eustis, beginning at 5:30 p.m., 352-357-1255

http://www.gatorsdockside.com/

Monday, March 16, 2009 Tallahassee Rally

Equality Florida, in cooperation with numerous other GLBTQ groups throughout Florida, is planning a statewide rally for gay rights in Tallahassee on Monday March 16.  A number of Triangle Connection members are planning to attend the "Rally in Tally".  We are interested in the possibility of chartering a mini-bus, or bu for the event.  The one-day trip would leave from & return to the Golden Triangle area.  No firm price has yet been set.

ASAP contact Joan Kennedy jusjoken2@earthlink.net or call her at 352-321-1440; or Bill Sievert, billsievert@comcast.net, or call him at 352-455-2398.


NEW: Smaller Dining Group

Would you be interested in organizing a small outing to one of your favorite restaurants?  Perhaps it is too small to hold our monthly Meet & Greet, or perhaps it's outside our Golden Triangle Area.  You suggest the particulars--where, when, etc.--& we will spread the word.  Send an email to: diningout@trianglegroup.org to orgainize such a gathering.


Breakfast Club

Monday's at The Greenhouse Restaurant, 3725 Old US Highway 441, Mount Dora at 9:15 a.m.

Fridays at Billy's Cafe, 1601 S. Duncan Dr. (SR 19), Tavares at 9:30 a.m.

Horseback Riding

Anyone for horseback riding?  Tracy is interested in organizing at least one outing at a nearby ranch.  Beginners and seasoned equestrians are welcome.  Register your interest by emailing:

horsebackriding@trianglegroup.org