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Miss D gives the audience "Bette Davis Eyes."

Marathon Show Opens The Bar

Angie Martinez and Carl Jasinto, managers of the Bar in Lorain, celebrated their Grand Opening with a four-hour stage show. The ceremonies were held on the back dance floor. Five well-known performers turned out to help their friends and provide entertainment. Miss D. Monique Santell and Guinevere lent their talents to this festive occasion. Opening the show was Miss Mellissa Ross with several musical numbers including "I'm Comin' Out" and "I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" made popular by Miss Judy Holliday. With the S.R.O. audience giving several standing ovations, Guinevere gave her rendition of The Rose. As the final performance of the evening, Mellissa Ross brought the show to a close with "Reach Out and Touch" made popular by Diana Ross. The ceremonies were held in the newly remodeled back dance floor which is highlighted by a DJ. booth and a second bar. The evening performance was sold-out. Best wishes and good luck to Angie and Carl.

Melissa Ross poses

with HIGH GEAR photographer Brenda.

MARIE

SEPTEMBER 1982

Guinevere gives her rendition of "The Rose."

Photo by Linda Buescher

Marle and Angle watch Monique Santell's performance during the Grand Opening ceremonies.

Gays Charge Brutality and Harrassment

continued from page 2 Cleveland were called in as counsel since Ms. Dinsio's attorney felt the case would jeopardize his local practice. Ms. Dinsio and Kates agreed to ask for a change of venue to protect the identity and safety of both gay and straight witnesses to the incident. "Some of my customers were afraid to testify because they might lose their jobs or get harassed by the cops," Ms. Dinsio commented. Judge Flex of Canton Municipal Court denied the change of venue. Instead, James M. DeVinne of

East Cleveland was appointed to sit by designation. (Retired judges are often brought in from other municipalities to review difficult or controversial cases or to substitute for absent judges.) Judge DeVinne has a noted reputation in the Cleveland area. His record shows a high percentage of convictions and strict punishment of minorities.

Early in the proceedings, Ms. Dinsio became dissatisfied with

the actions of her counsel. "I think he allowed too much inadmissable. and impertinent evidence to be introduced. He almost never objected." Ms. Dinsio commented. However her requests to dismiss her attorney and act as counsel for herself and the seven others was denied by Judge DeVinne.

Before the jury was charged a released to consider their verdict plea bargain was made by the prosecuting attorney. All charges against the seven other defendants would be dropped except for a misdemeanor carrying a nominal fee and only Ms. Dinsio's case would proceed.

Two of the eight defendants left the state before the case came to trial. Larry Conrad, Bertha Dinsio and two others were found guilty and Kim Stringer and Chris Beadle were acquitted.

Bertha Dinsio has paid thousands of dollars for the legal and medical expenses for the individuals involved.

To prevent harassment of her

patrons and alleviate a difficult financial situation, she remodeled the bar and and reopened as . "Dinsio's 180 Corral", a straight bar. Ms. Dinsio states "I figured I'd use the straight's money to fight them on their own ground. But gays will always be welcome in

Photos by Brenda

any place that I run." To make matters worse, she now faces forfeiture of her liquor license. If a judge grants an appeal, she will be able to continue to serve liquor for 15 months or until the appeal is settled or exhausted.

Cops Cruising Elyria Park

A resident of Lorain reported an incident of police harrassment in the Black River Reservation, a part of the Lorain Metroparks commonly known as "the Ford Road Park." After a day of interviews and driving from Lorain to Cleveland and back, the individual (his real name withheld until more information is available) drove into the park to relax.

The park is divided into an upper level and a lower level Upon his entrance to the park, he noticed two police cars. Upon exiting the park via the lower level he was asked to step outside his

car, where he was asked why he was there. At that time the officers ran a check for any warrants for his arrest and a stolen vehicle check was made. The officers had said there had been reports of very "... unfamily-like activities. After several more questions in which the officers were careful not to mention the words gay or homosexual, he was released.

When asked about the incident, the Elyria City Police Dept. was not aware of any such questioning. Further legal action is being considered by the harrassed resident.