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• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, December 04, 2024
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

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• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, December 04, 2024
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  
  

  .
  

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• Center on Halsted Holiday Party and Open House

  • When
    Wednesday, December 04, 2024
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago IL

  Register

  

  Come explore Center on Halsted and enjoy festive entertainment throughout the building! The reception will feature a cash bar.

  Staff will be on hand to talk about the Center and their program’s impacts, and volunteers will be on hand to share Center stories from their perspectives. 

  And in the spirit of giving, we invite you to make a donation of new clothing to our Gender Affirming Clothing Closet, a space where community members can find clothing and gear in a safe and nurturing environment. Volunteers stationed in the lobby can receive your donations throughout the evening.

  Please be sure to register and also RSVP with Center on Halsted.

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• Sing Along SOUND OF MUSIC at Music Box

  • When
    Thursday, December 05, 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:05 PM
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago IL

  Register

  THE HILLS ARE ALIVE, etc  Time to 'Sing Out, Louise!"
  

  Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in the beloved American classic, based on the real life von Trapp family's escape from Nazi-annexed Austria. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, THE SOUND OF MUSIC was enormously popular on its original release, with many 70mm engagements running over two years straight (the run at the Michael Todd Theatre in Chicago was 92 weeks)! With music by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

  Purchase $18 tickets from Music Box here.

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• Lunch at Similan Thai and Sushi

  • When
    Friday, December 06, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Similan Thai and Sushi, 1123 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  The December CPT lunch will be held at Similan Thai and Sushi.

  Lunch specials range from $10–$15.

  Similan is located at 1123 West Granville Ave. in Chicago. You can reach Similan by taking the Red Line to Granville Station. When exiting Granville Station, take a sharp left, and Similan is right next door to the station. There is limited on-street parking.

  As always, please register so we know how many to expect when we set up our table.

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• BeDazzled Cabaret starring Kevin Wood

  • When
    Friday, December 06, 2024
  •  
    8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Venus Cabaret Theater, 3745 N Southport

  Register

  

  Kevin Wood: BeDazzled - A Holiday Celebration

  Join Kevin for a journey "over the river and through the woods" celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter season, family and more! Storytelling combined with holiday favorites - old and new - is sure to delight. You'll laugh! You’ll cry! You'll want to wrap him up and put him under your tree!

  You must purchase a ticket from the Mercury to gaurantee a seat HERE, and register on our site so we know to expect you,.
  

  
  

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• Santa Speedo Run

  • When
    Saturday, December 07, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted, Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Santa Speedo Run!

  Each year since 2011, hundreds of participants have spent a December afternoon running through the heart of East Lakeview in Chicago, clad in nothing more than Santa hats, speedos and other holiday attire.

  Why?

  Because it’s great fun and raises funds for a great cause, Center on Halsted. The Center is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of LGBTQ people across Chicagoland.

  The Santa Speedo Run promises fun for all! You can race through East Lakeview clad in nothing but your skivvies and a smile, or you can watch the spectacle while dressed sensibly for December in Chicago.

  
  

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• QUEER, a new film starring Daniel Craig

  • When
    Saturday, December 07, 2024
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 3519 N Clark St.

  Register

  
  

  Join CPT for a Must-See Screening: QUEER Starring Daniel Craig!

  Step into 1950s Mexico City for one of the most anticipated queer films of the year. QUEER, directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers), brings William S. Burroughs' dreamy, provocative novella to life.

  The Story:
  William Lee (Daniel Craig), a disillusioned American expat in his late 40s, lives a solitary existence in Mexico City’s expat community. When Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young former soldier, arrives in town, their connection sparks a yearning in William for the intimacy he’s always lacked.

  Critics are raving:
  "Daniel Craig burns a hole in the screen." – The Hollywood Reporter

  Adapted from Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical work, QUEER is a raw, emotionally charged tale of longing, detachment, and self-discovery, brought to life against the vibrant backdrop of mid-century Mexico City.

  Don’t miss this unforgettable cinematic experience!
  Please register [here] so we know to look out for you. Tickets must be purchased directly from the theater.

  Make it a night to remember with your fellow CPT members!

  Theater entrances are on both Addison (opposite Wrigley Field) and Clark Street and take elevator to top floor. Parking entrance is on Clarkl street.
  

  
  
  

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• A HOLIDAY HAPPENING Open Social, including optional gift bag exchange!

  • When
    Sunday, December 08, 2024
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    909 W Belmont
  • Spaces left
    45

  Register

  
  

  Join us for an evening of celebration, delicious food, and great company—no matter what holiday you observe! Enjoy the warmth of friendship, laughter, and a hearty feast.

  Schedule:

  • Doors open at 5:30 PM.
  • Dinner will be served at 6:15 PM.

  Optional Gift Exchange: Participate in our optional gift exchange! Bring new or 'white elephant' gift that is wrapped or in a gift bag to place on the Gift Table. It should have a modest value between $10 and $15. Include a card with your name, such as “A Gift from [Your Name]." 
  

  After dinner, those who brought a gift can select one from the exchange table.

  For even more fun, our door prize will be a split-the-cash pot this month only!

  Come dressed to impress! We’ll take a group photo session for any members who would like their picture taken before dinner begins!

  Event Pricing:

  • $25 for members
  • $30 for guests

  Registration Deadline: Please register by Thursday, December 5 to provide an accurate guest count and prevent food waste.

  Accessibility: If you use a mobility device such as a walker or wheelchair, please indicate this on your reservation form so we can reserve seating near the stage. For those with hearing or visual challenges, we can arrange seating closer to the stage or near the amplifier at the back of the room.

  Payment Options:

  • GREEN TICKET: Pay now with a credit card—no additional fees.
  • RED TICKET: Pay at the door with cash or check (exact change preferred).

  We look forward to celebrating with you!

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• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, December 11, 2024
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.
  

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

  Show details
• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, December 11, 2024
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  
  

  .
  

  Show details
• Jane Lynch's "A Swingin' Little Christmas" at Steppenwolf

  • When
    Friday, December 13, 2024
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Steppenwolf Theater, 1650 N Halsted

  Register

  
  

  Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in "A Swingin' Little Christmas.”

  This hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza promises to be a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time. The group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country, with their holiday album “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” hitting Billboard’s Top 10 Adult Contemporary chart. Hollywood Digest calls it “captivating,” the comedy “spectacular” and the vibe “absolutely precious.”

  JANE LYNCH is a five-time Emmy winner known for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. She currently hosts NBC’s Weakest Link and appears in Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. Additional television credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Fight, Two and a Half Men. Lynch’s film credits include The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Julie & Julia, and Best In Show. Along with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, Jane tours the country with their annual holiday show, A Swingin’ Little Christmas. The album is available on all music platforms.

  Please register on our site to let us know you're attending. However, your reservation won't be complete until you purchase your ticket directly from Steppenwolf Theatre.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

  • When
    Saturday, December 14, 2024
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Lincoln Park Zoo

  Register

  
  

  The Lincoln Park Zoo celebrates three decades of Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition, back with new, artistic, interactive displays and programming! ZooLights will feature more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive seasonal experiences.

  • Enjoy incredible views of the skyline and all the twinkling lights from the 60‑foot Ferris wheel!
  • Indulge in hot chocolate or roast s’mores over an open fire!
  • Sing alongside carolers or be amazed by professional ice carvers*!
  • Bask in the holiday spirit at the new Light Lounge!

  Tickets are $10.00. Please be sure to purchase your ticket on the Lincoln Park Zoo's web site prior to the event.

  * Ice carvers present only on select nights

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• Gay Men's Book Group at Center on Halsted: [The End of Eddy]

  • When
    Tuesday, December 17, 2024
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  

  Gay Men's Book Group-Chicago is a free, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email.

  December's selection is The End of Eddy by Édouard Louis, an autobiographical novel about growing up gay in a working-class town in Picardy.

  “Every morning in the bathroom I would repeat the same phrase to myself over and over again . . . Today I’m really gonna be a tough guy. ” Growing up in a poor village in northern France, all Eddy Bellegueule wanted was to be a man in the eyes of his family and neighbors. But from childhood, he was different—“girlish,” intellectually precocious, and attracted to other men.

  Already translated into twenty languages, The End of Eddy captures the violence and desperation of life in a French factory town. It is also a sensitive, universal portrait of boyhood and sexual awakening. Like Karl Ove Knausgaard or Edmund White, Édouard Louis writes from his own undisguised experience, but he writes with an openness and a compassionate intelligence that are all his own. The result—a critical and popular triumph—has made him the most celebrated French writer of his generation.

  Join us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for a discussion of this compelling book.

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• Neighborhood Dining at Yummy Buffet

  • When
    Thursday, December 19, 2024
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Yummy Buffet, 3925 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Join us at Yummy Buffet for Neighborhood Dining!
  

  Yummy Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. Specialties include seafood as well as Japanese delicacies and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Brace yourself for an explosion of freshness, flavor, and variety. You can expect to spend $15–$20 plus tax and tip.

  You can reach Yummy Buffet via the #81 Lawrence Avenue bus. There is free on-site parking.

  Register online and contact Ron to let him know that you are coming.

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• CHRISTMAS DINNER at Andie's

  • When
    Wednesday, December 25, 2024
  •  
    12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Andies Restaurant, 5253 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Join us for Christmas dinner midday at Andie's, one of our favorite haunts. 

  Please register by Christmas Eve so that we can tell Andie's how many PrimeTimers to expect.

  Andie's description of its cuisine is most tantalizing:

  Fresh and healthy ingredients go into every plate. Mediterranean dishes are some of the most flavorful, fresh, and varied cuisines in the culinary canon and one of the healthiest eating styles. Our hearty pasta dishes, sauces, and dips are all homemade and change with the seasons. We cook locally and seasonally and source our produce locally when available.

  Please refer to the menu to familiarize yourself with Andie's Mediterranean cuisine and prices. The 22 Clark Bus is a great public transportation option.

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• Breakfast at Lola's in Old Irving Park!

  • When
    Saturday, December 28, 2024
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    4229 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60641, US

  Register

  

  Savor the Flavors of Authentic American & Mexican Dishes at Lola’s Diner 3

  Join us for a delicious, old-fashioned diner breakfast at Lola's Diner 3 — the perfect place to refuel with great food, rich coffee, and even better company.

  Browse the menu here. https://lolasdiner3.com/#menu

  Located just west of the expressway on Irving Park, Lola's Diner 3 is a great stop for food lovers. After your meal, enjoy a scenic neighborhood stroll, with plenty to explore nearby!

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• THE BERLIN DIARIES at Open Space Arts

  • When
    Sunday, December 29, 2024
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz, directed by Izadorius Tortuga

  Discover a powerful and emotional journey in THE BERLIN DIARIES, the Chicago premiere of Oregon Book Award-winning playwright Andrea Stolowitz's gripping drama.

  
  

  Presented by the Arts Judaica program of Open Space Arts in association with Her Story Theater, this captivating play delves into one family's past, lost to history and archives.

  Follow Stolowitz's search for truth as she uncovers the hidden stories of her German Jewish ancestors who fled to New York in 1939. What secrets lie within the pages of her great-grandfather's journal, and how does a family's history get lost like forgotten library books?

  
  

  Starring Eliana Deckner-Glick as Andrea and Artem Kreimer as Max, this production features immersive scenic and graphic design by Viscaya Wilson, sound design by Valerio Gardner, and lighting design by Gabe Seplow. Directed by Izadorius Tortuga and produced by Elayne LeTraunik, this is a theatrical experience you won't want to miss.

  
  

  Join us at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson, Chicago.Tickets are $20 for seniors and may be purchased from OSA here.
  

  
  

  Secure your spot today and be part of this unforgettable exploration of history, family, and memory.

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• Sunday at BIG CHICKS!

  • When
    Sunday, December 29, 2024
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Unwind with CPT at Big Chicks the last Sunday of each month!
  

  As each month winds down, CPT members come together for a casual evening of good food, great drinks, and even better company. Join us at Big Chicks, one of our favorite spots to relax and connect!

  When you arrive, head to the cozy room on the left—that’s where the fun happens!

  • Drinks are available at the bar (cash only, so plan ahead!).
  • Food can be ordered at the back of our room, offering tasty bites to enjoy while you mingle.

  The vibe is laid-back, with people moving around and joining different conversations throughout the evening. Sometimes the service might be a bit slow, but who minds when you’re surrounded by old friends and making new ones?

  We typically start gathering around 6 PM, and most of us wrap up by 8 PM.

  Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share laughs, stories, and great moments with the CPT community.
  

  Show details
• MAKE THE YULETIDE GAY: An Itty-Bitty Queer Cabaret!

  • When
    Monday, December 30, 2024
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, Chicago IL

  Register

  

  SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER!
  Open Space Arts invites you to MAKE THE YULETIDE GAY: An Itty-Bitty Queer Cabaret!

  Get ready for a delightful evening of music, laughter, and festive fun featuring talented performers like Kevin Wood, Sunny LA, Greta Zandstra, Kevin Woodrow, and more!

  Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fabulous night out while supporting Open Space Arts’ exciting 2025 season.

  Tickets: $25
  Click here to purchase your tickets today!

  Let’s make the season merry and bright—together! ✨

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• Lunch at 10Q Chicken

  • When
    Monday, January 13, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    10Q Chicken, 816 Church St., Evanston IL

  Register

  
  

  Join us at 10Q Chicken in Evanston for our January lunch. The menu offers an assortment of appetizing choices, many with a Korean flair. Prices range from $10–$20.

  10Q Chicken can be reached by taking the Purple Line to Dempster; the restaurant is a one-minute walk from the station. There is also some limited on-street parking.

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• Sunday at BIG CHICKS!

  • When
    Sunday, January 26, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Unwind with CPT at Big Chicks the last Sunday of each month!
  

  As each month winds down, CPT members come together for a casual evening of good food, great drinks, and even better company. Join us at Big Chicks, one of our favorite spots to relax and connect!

  When you arrive, head to the cozy room on the left—that’s where the fun happens!

  • Drinks are available at the bar (cash only, so plan ahead!).
  • Food can be ordered at the back of our room, offering tasty bites to enjoy while you mingle.

  The vibe is laid-back, with people moving around and joining different conversations throughout the evening. Sometimes the service might be a bit slow, but who minds when you’re surrounded by old friends and making new ones?

  We typically start gathering around 6 PM, and most of us wrap up by 8 PM.

  Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share laughs, stories, and great moments with the CPT community.
  

  Show details
• FAT HAM at the Goodman Theater

  • When
    Thursday, February 20, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    170 N Dearborn
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  
  

  FAT HAM is a boisterous Southern cookout that sets the scene for a Black, queer discovery of self and resilience in this Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony nominated “uproarious reimagining of Hamlet” (The New Yorker).

  “This is what I was raised in: pig guts and bad choices.” As Juicy grapples with his identity and his family at a backyard barbecue, his father’s ghost shows up asking for revenge—on Juicy’s uncle, who has married his widowed mom—bringing his quest for joy and liberation to a screeching halt. 

  James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare’s masterpiece, creating what the New York Times hails as “a hilarious yet profound tragedy, smothered in comedy,” where the only death is the patriarchy. Tyrone Phillips, Founding Artistic Director of Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre, directs.

  A co-production with

  
  

  Our group rate is for Main Floor reserved seats for $65, with no additional fee, a saving of $10 per ticket.  Purchase yours thru CPT now so we get the great rate!
  

  
  

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• PrimeTimers® Worldwide Biennial Convention

  • Start
    Thursday, October 09, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, October 13, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Embassy Suites, 555 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE

  Register

  
  

  The PrimeTimers® Worldwide Biennial Convention will be held in Omaha, Nebraska, October 9–13, 2025. The host hotel, Embassy Suites, is just across the street from the Old Market District, which is a hotspot for dining, sightseeing, and nightlife. PTWW has scheduled a plethora of recreational and educational activities throughout the convention.

  Visit the official PTWW convention web site to register and pay online or by mail. You must register with PTWW before your hotel room is reserved.

  Our very own Frank G. has volunteered to act as the point person for CPT. Please contact Frank if you plan to attend the convention so that he can help attendees get in touch with one another. He will also try to help if you would like to attend but first need to find someone with whom to share transportation or lodging. What a guy!

  In addition, you are invited to register on this page simply to make your intention to attend the convention known to other CPT members.

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