The law firm of Baggott & Swaim, P.C., is conducting a free seminar on estate planning for the gay community, which explains the importance of financial planning and how an estate plan can benefit you and your loved ones. The dinner and seminar are free to any member of the Houston GLBT community. • During your lifetime, establishing a proper estate plan can be one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your domestic partner, and other loved ones. It will transfer your estate to your beneficiaries quickly upon your death. And it may very well save your loved ones thousands of dollars in probate, attorney fees, court costs, and, of course, publicity. The free seminar and dinner will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Holiday Inn Select, Greenway Plaza, 7-9 p.m. For more information, call Amanda at 713/651-9990.

The American National Red Cross in Washington, D.C., has selected six cities across the country as sites for the new HIV Prevention Network (HPN). Sites were selected based on various factors including cumulative HIV and AIDS cases and the presence of disproportionately affected minority populations. • The HPN for the Southwest United States will be headed by Michael C. Ruggerio, a senior associate with the National American Red Cross Division of Disease Prevention Education. Ruggerio is a native Houstonian working with the Red Cross since 1983. Previously working as the HIV network coordinator for Texas and Arkansas, Ruggerio was appointed to this national position in September. He has dedicated his life to making a difference in the community. • "The Red Cross, is the world’s preeminent educator in the HIV/AIDS arena," says Ruggerio. "Our programs have been at the forefront since 1986, and have continued to evolve along with our understanding of the disease. The HPN will aggressively respond to community needs by reining and improving HIV prevention service delivery systems. I am very excited about the opportunities the HPN holds for communities. Unfortunately, 20 years later, HIV is still a sensitive topic. Parents are hesitant when it comes to allowing their children access to HIV education. • "This is 2001, and we need to see HIV for what it is–a public health issue, not a moral issue," Ruggerio says. "I am hopeful that under the trusted symbol of the Red Cross, we can continue reaching our young people with lifesaving education."

The Greater Houston Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce announced the election results of their new board members: Robin Robinett, Sheryl Parrish, Whit Sanders, and Jeff Wallace. Jani Lopez will return to serve another two-year term, while Gary Baumann, James Doyle, Joe Hlavak, Sara Rook, and Rick Taylor will be also be serving one more year of their two-year terms. • Also, the chamber will be hosting their New Year’s Eve gala, "Let Freedom Ring," at the Warwick Hotel. Ticket prices are $65-$150. The gala will feature entertainment and dancing, champagne at midnight, party favors, and late-night breakfast. For more information, call 713/523-7576.

10% Productions, a leading gay and lesbian consumer products retailer and wholesaler, is proud to announce the launch of their newly reinvigorated Skincare and Scents product category. 10% Productions products are available by mail and online at www.10percent.com/products/skin/index.cfm. Included are scents from Intense and Gendarme and skincare items from such recognized brands as Menaji, Faccia Domani, NDN, and Brazen.

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. (BFS), in a further expansion of its diversity marketing efforts, announced an extensive commitment to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. BFS's efforts to reach the community will include online, television, and print advertising, in addition to grassroots marketing support at various regional events. "We recognize the importance of diversity and are extremely pleased to include the gay and lesbian community in our marketing efforts. We are also proud to be the first tire company with a national marketing effort directed toward this important segment of the U.S. population," says Internet and diversity marketing manager Michael Fluck, of the company's U.S. Consumer Tire Group.