Local

Librarian, philanthropist Jim Arshem dies at 77

Longtime supporter of Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

Published

8 years ago

October 2, 2018

Lou Chibbaro Jr.

Jim Arshem died earlier this year. He was a longtime supporter of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.

James A. “Jim” Arshem, a career librarian at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and a longtime supporter of LGBT causes, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, died June 13, 2018 at his apartment in Arlington, Va. He was 77.

His neighbor and friend, Jamie Shoemaker, said the cause of death was complications associated with diabetes.

Arshem was born and raised in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church and graduated from Washington High School, according to a write-up prepared by his family and published by the George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls.

The write-up says he was active in high school in the Junior Red Cross, National Honor Society, drama and debate endeavors.

He graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and later received a master’s degree in science from the University of Nebraska, the family write-up says. It says he then completed the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Librarianship.

He worked for several years at the Denver Public Library before receiving a fellowship in Washington, D.C., to learn about patents and trademarks, the write-up says. It says he later accepted a job offer from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he worked as a librarian and carried out a number of specialized librarian related duties until his retirement.

“He enjoyed his travels with his ‘dog and pony’ show instructing libraries all over the world how to set up and use the Patent and Trademark Offices in Washington, D.C. from their own libraries,” the write-up says. “He enjoyed all the people he met along the way and all of his library friends and contacts and continued attending as many conferences as he could,” it says.

Neal Garver, one of Arshem’s D.C. friends, said Arshem was known by many in the D.C. LGBT community and was a generous financial supporter for a number of nonprofit organizations, including LGBT organizations.

“He was a major supporter of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington,” said Garver. “He attended every chorus rehearsal, performance, private and public event. He donated generously every year and bought blocks of 25 to 50 GMCW tickets to every performance as an extra means of support,” Garver told the Washington Blade.

Garver said Arshem gave tickets as gifts to his friends and others, some of whom could not afford the price of a ticket.

“Jim was a silent, humble philanthropist to several charities including many gay organizations, as well as the medical and musical community locally and elsewhere,” Garver said.

“He had several cameras and took many pictures of his work and travel,” the write-up by his family says.

Shoemaker, who says he has known Arshem for more than 30 years, said Arshem for many years took photos of Gay Men’s Chorus events and its performers.

A memorial service was held for Arshem at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls on July 9. A private burial was expected to take place at a later date at North Preston Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Preston, S.D.

A D.C. celebration of his life hosted by his sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Don Elbert is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 7, at Trio Bistro, 1537 17th St., N.W., from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Garver has asked that those interested in attending email him their RSVP at [email protected].

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

2 days ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

3 days ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

3 days ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.