Ted Calbazana was one of the initial founders of LYC in 1995. It all started with a bunch of disco people wanted a more profound pursuit. I mean, maybe all of this energy could be harnessed for something good? His aspirations for the group includes a vision for a glbt Asian support organization that will help in navigating the troubled waters of coming out, isolation and resolving conflict with friends, family, work and society. It seemed to Ted that with enough support and social networking a person can handle just about anything society throws at a person. He is a big believer in strong interrelationships from a partner standpoint too. His belief is that One of the foundations of longitevity and happiness is to have the support and good will of ones community in sustaining a committed relationship. Many glbt relationships fail because of lack of support from family and friends.
When Ted is not pondering all of the problems of the world he likes to take a time out with his passionate pursuit of landscape and travel photography. Anime, Ballroom dance and Tango are his other passions.
Todd Nivala - Vice President
Todd is very much an outdoors person and has been a professional horticulturist for 17 years (landscaping-gardening). Todd likes to participate in sports, softball, Jet-Ski, biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, running and working out. Todd's hobbies include, photography, model railroading, gardening, singing, music and occasional dance. Todd says that he does a lot of volunteering at local HIV/Aids organizations. When Todd is off for the winter he likes to meet new people and to make new friends. Todd tries very hard to have an open mind and heart about everyone he meets. He comments that he can be shy and quiet at times.
Open - Secretary
Jerry Kramer - Communications
Mel Wrolstad - Membership
Mel was born in Wisconsin and lives in Plymouth. He is semi-retired. Mel's interested in working with people helping them find themselves. He enjoys travel and railroading along with working on projects around the house plus many other interests. Mel sees LYC Minnesota becoming a very good place for members to express themselves, show off their cultures and helping others understand who they are. Mel sees the club as a place to meet and learn about others, to understand others and what they stand for.
Daryl Van Hale - Education & Outreach
Dar's family moved around a LOT when he was growing up; but if he had to call one place his home town, it would be International Falls, MN. He came out of the closet, and left for college in Fargo when he was 19. After a 17 year relationship in small town North Dakota, he and his partner chose different paths. He's been living in Mpls since Jan 1, of 2007. He's a graduate of Valley City, ND State University, with a degree in Social Work. He works as a Case Manager/Social Worker at Hennepin County and plans to go back to school for his Masters Degree in the next year or so. He believes in enjoying and embracing diversity, community service, and making friends. He appreciates movies, theater, museums, biking, swimming, camping, hanging with his peeps, and trying new foods. He loves music of most kinds, and dancing whenever the mood strikes him!
David Suddarth - Treasurer
David is originally from the Chicago area, he has lived in the Twin Cities for 15 years. Dave has worked in a variety of jobs, including television cameraman, disk jockey for a private company, auditor and employee benefit plan administrator. Currently, he works for for a financial firm doing accounting work on mutual funds. His hobbies and interests include genealogy and family history, model railroading, antiques and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. He loves traveling – especially long distance driving and enjoys discovering and exploring new places. His hope is to see LYC Minneosta continue to grow this year and become an even more active part of the GLBT community.
Ted Calbazana was one of the initial founders of LYC in 1995. It all started with a bunch of disco people wanted a more profound pursuit. I mean, maybe all of this energy could be harnessed for something good? His aspirations for the group includes a vision for a glbt Asian support organization that will help in navigating the troubled waters of coming out, isolation and resolving conflict with friends, family, work and society. It seemed to Ted that with enough support and social networking a person can handle just about anything society throws at a person. He is a big believer in strong interrelationships from a partner standpoint too. His belief is that One of the foundations of longitevity and happiness is to have the support and good will of ones community in sustaining a committed relationship. Many glbt relationships fail because of lack of support from family and friends.
Todd is very much an outdoors person and has been a professional horticulturist for 17 years (landscaping-gardening). Todd likes to participate in sports, softball, Jet-Ski, biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, running and working out. Todd's hobbies include, photography, model railroading, gardening, singing, music and occasional dance. Todd says that he does a lot of volunteering at local HIV/Aids organizations. When Todd is off for the winter he likes to meet new people and to make new friends. Todd tries very hard to have an open mind and heart about everyone he meets. He comments that he can be shy and quiet at times.
Mel was born in Wisconsin and lives in Plymouth. He is semi-retired. Mel's interested in working with people helping them find themselves. He enjoys travel and railroading along with working on projects around the house plus many other interests. Mel sees LYC Minnesota becoming a very good place for members to express themselves, show off their cultures and helping others understand who they are. Mel sees the club as a place to meet and learn about others, to understand others and what they stand for.
Dar's family moved around a LOT when he was growing up; but if he had to call one place his home town, it would be International Falls, MN. He came out of the closet, and left for college in Fargo when he was 19. After a 17 year relationship in small town North Dakota, he and his partner chose different paths. He's been living in Mpls since Jan 1, of 2007. He's a graduate of Valley City, ND State University, with a degree in Social Work. He works as a Case Manager/Social Worker at Hennepin County and plans to go back to school for his Masters Degree in the next year or so. He believes in enjoying and embracing diversity, community service, and making friends. He appreciates movies, theater, museums, biking, swimming, camping, hanging with his peeps, and trying new foods. He loves music of most kinds, and dancing whenever the mood strikes him!
David is originally from the Chicago area, he has lived in the Twin Cities for 15 years. Dave has worked in a variety of jobs, including television cameraman, disk jockey for a private company, auditor and employee benefit plan administrator. Currently, he works for for a financial firm doing accounting work on mutual funds. His hobbies and interests include genealogy and family history, model railroading, antiques and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. He loves traveling – especially long distance driving and enjoys discovering and exploring new places. His hope is to see LYC Minneosta continue to grow this year and become an even more active part of the GLBT community.