We are a month into the New Year and we are just getting started on what promises to be an exciting year for Face to Face and the clients we serve in Sonoma County. To all who have supported our work through the years we are grateful for your continued support. Hard to believe but we are now in our 39th year of helping people with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. What began as a grassroots effort to help those who were dying of AIDS has grown into an organization that provides best-practice, evidence-based prevention and care services, all the while supporting the health and well-being of people living with HIV. We continue to push boundaries, staying true to the core of our humble beginnings. We have big plans for the upcoming year with an exciting announcement coming up in just a couple of weeks. In the meantime here is what we are working on heading into this New Year! Best In Health, Sara BrewerExecutive Director
SIERRA HEALTH FOUNDATION- STIMULANT USE GRANT
We were fortunate to receive a grant from the Sierra Health Foundation for Stimulant Use. This grant has enabled us to reach BIPOC population, to educate and help reduce stigma on substance abuse. Sonoma County’s opioid-related deaths are 70% above our California state average, and fentanyl-related overdoses in particular have increased in our county from just four in 2017 to 94 in 2020.In particular, people of color who use drugs are more likely than their white neighbors to end up in the criminal justice system or experience an overdose. They face greater barriers to treatment, and greater stigma. In the first eight months of expanding our SSP to include smoking supplies we have seen huge increases of people who use drugs accessing our prevention services and treatment support. Our strategy combines targeted outreach, education, linkage to medicated assistance treatment, naloxone distribution, counseling, and other personalized support. These activities will reduce overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, and support healthier outcomes in our community.
Progress and ResilienceBlack communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care.
To continue to reduce the burden of HIV and other health risks, people need adequate housing and transportation, employment, access to culturally competent health services that are free of stigma and discrimination, and more.Together, when we work to overcome structural barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment and to stop HIV stigma, we help reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities in Black communities.We must address systemic social and health inequities to #StopHIVTogether.
BEERFEST, “THE GOOD ONE” RETURNS SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022After a 2 year absence we are thrilled to be bringing back this annual event to the lawn of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts In Santa Rosa
We look forward to welcoming you back!
Expect mouth-puckering sour beers, hop bombs, barrel-aged brews, and a wide range of other cool libations that make Northern California one of the best beer producing regions in the world. More than 40 breweries & cideries will be pouring their samples for you to enjoy from 1-4:30 pm. VIP starts at Noon!
Social Security Opens to Survivors of Same-Sex Couples Who Could Not Marry The Social Security Administration now allows lesbians and gay men to receive survivor’s benefits if we can show that we were in a committed relationship and would have married had that been possible. This could be a huge benefit to many LGBTQ seniors! Starting at age 60 — or 50 for those who are disabled — a survivor can either apply for a deceased spouse’s Social Security benefits (if these are higher than the survivor’s, or if the survivor does not have the work history to qualify) or apply for them temporarily and delay claiming their own (allowing their benefit to increase until they reach full retirement age or beyond). More information here.
Coronavirus Updates You can order your free at-home covid tests from the USPS by filling in the form here. Additionally, the Spahr Center has acquired more coronavirus rapid home test kits and they are available for free in the office – 150 Nellen Avenue, Suite 100, Corte Madera 94925; 415/457-2487. The office is open 10 am – 3 pm weekdays. Only vaccinated people may come to the office and masks must be worn inside the building. Any staff person can direct you to the kits. In order to keep track of new infections, the County asks that we report self-test resultshere. To see Marin County’s latest pandemic information, click here. The mask recommendations of the Mask Nerd– an aerosol scientist who studies mask effectiveness – are featured in this article and highly informative video. May we all be safe and well!
UPCOMING EVENTS(more info below) February 8 Birthday Celebration* February 10Who & What Do You Love? February 15 Valentine Social/Game/Conversation* February 17 Death Cafe
Living Room Mondays7 to 8 pm *Social Committee event, registration requiredby emailing them at socialcommittee@comcast.net
To join the Spahr Senior Groupon ZoomMondays, 7 to 8 pm, &Thursdays, 12:30 to 2 pm,click the purple button below the Butterfly Heart or here:
New participants are warmly welcomed!If you’re zoom-challenged, let me know and I’ll work with you!
Topical Thursdays12:30 to 2 pm February 3 The People’s ChoiceWe’ll decide in the moment what’s in our hearts & minds. February 10Who & What Do You Love?Let’s break out of the Valentine’s Day expectation of there being that special someone who answers all our hopes & needs and talk about the many ways love exists in our lives. February 17 Death CafeJoin Patricia Stamm in discussing a topic we may well all have in the back of our minds yet seldom talk about. See flyer and link to more information below.
Living Room Mondays7 to 8 pm We share with each other about how we’re doing and have unstructured conversations focused on listening from our hearts and deepening community.
Community Notices Marin Center for Independent Living recently partnered with a regional home modifications company to provide grab bars for the bathroom, small home repairs and more. This program will help to address the critical health issue of falls prevention among older adults and adults with disabilities. This program is free if your household income is less than $119,680. For more information about this Dignity at Home program or for any other questions, call Tonique McNair at 415/754-3923 or click here.
Are you an LGBTQ senior living in San Anselmo? The Marin County Commission on Aging is seeking a representative from San Anselmo and would welcome a member of our community. The Commission acts as an advocacy group for the interests and needs of the County’s older population and serves as an advisory council to the County Board of Supervisors. The 21 member Commission is comprised of representatives from Marin’s cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. The Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To apply, please click here.
The Spahr Center’s Food Pantryis open to seniors who need support in meeting their nutrition needs. We want to help! Items such as fresh meats, eggs and dairy, prepared meals, pasta, sauces, and canned goods are delivered weekly to people who sign up. Contact The Spahr Center for more information: info@thespahrcenter.org or 415/457-2487
The Social Committee has been consistently offering fun events to offset the boredom of the pandemic. They want to help celebrate your birthday if you’ll let them know when it is. Everyone born in any month will be celebrated on the second Tuesday of that month – including your birthday if you’ll let them know when it rolls around! February’s events are back on zoom. The Birthday Celebration takes place at 4 pm on February 8 and the Valentine’s Day Social/Game/Conversation is at 4 pm on February 15. They will resume in-person events as soon as the pandemic allows. To sign up for their emails or register for events, clickhere.
Vivalon Resources for Seniors Whistlestop, now renamed Vivalon, offers many resources for us seniors, now listed in this easy-to-print one-page guide. Access to rides, food, classes, activities, resources, referrals, and more. Membership not required for most classes and services during the pandemic. Some in-person events are being planned. To get Vivalon’s listings, click here. They also provide access to resources including rides for older adults. Please note: there is a 3-week registration process for the ride program so register now if you think you may need rides in the future. Click here for their website.
Building Community in the Midst of Sheltering-in-PlaceSee old friends and make new ones! Join us!The Spahr Center’s LGBT Senior Discussion Groupscontinue everyMonday, 7 to 8 pm& Thursday, 12:30 to 2 pm on zoom
To Join Group by Video using Computer, Smart Phone or TabletJust click this button at the start time, 6:55 pm Mondays / 12:25 pm Thursdays:Join GroupAlways the same link! Try it, it’s easy!
To Join Group by Phone CallIf you don’t have internet connections or prefer joining by phone,call the following number at the start time,6:55 pm Mondays / 12:25 pm Thursdays:1-669-900-6833The Meeting id is 820 7368 6606#(no participant id required)The password, if requested, is 135296# If you want to be called into the group by phone, notify Bill Blackburn at 415/450-5339
California Department of Aging ResourcesThe CDA has a website that is packed with information and resources relevant to the lives of seniors in our state. From Covid-19 updates to more general care for age-related health issues, access to legal assistance to getting home-delivered meals to help with housing, you may well find answers to your questions by clicking: here.
Adult and Aging Service’s Information and Assistance Line, providing information and referrals to the full range of services available to older adults, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers, has a new phone number and email address: 415/473-INFO (4636) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays473INFO@marincounty.org
Questions? Assistance? We have resources and volunteers for:grocery deliveryfood assistancehelp with technology issues such as using zoomproviding weekly comfort calls to check in on youplus more!
Sonoma County Pride is excited to announce plans to return to Downtown Santa Rosa for the annual Sonoma County Pride Parade and Festival.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, and includes a morning parade through downtown, as well as a daytime festival in Courthouse Square, with entertainment, booths, and activities.
We are grateful for the support of our Santa Rosa partners. Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s CEO, Peter Rumble, states, “The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, Downtown District and Visit Santa Rosa are thrilled that Sonoma County Pride has decided to bring their events back to Downtown Santa Rosa. Sonoma County Pride continually proves to be excellent partners for our organizations and local business owners. The festival and parade are a very important celebration of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. We missed having the event here the last two years and are really looking forward to partnering with Pride to make the weekend a huge success.”
Sonoma County Pride President, Chris Kren-Mora, emphasizes, “As we prepare for the return to a Pride celebration we are accustomed to, it is important that we examine every element of our celebration to ensure that 2022’s experience is safe, as well as the best we have planned yet!”
Information regarding parade registration, sponsorships, and vendors is forthcoming at www.sonomacountypride.org.
The Sonoma County Library offers virtual events throughout the month of February. We have programming for all ages, including yoga, African American folktales, book clubs, and more! All events are free and you don’t need a library card to attend, however registration is required. See a selection of our February events below!
Kids & Families
Join us for a very special virtual storytime on Saturday, February 5, at 10:30 am with Drag Queen Story Hour! This fabulous event, featuring the ultra glamorous PerSia reading favorite children’s stories, will inspire a love of reading and teach deeper lessons on diversity, self-respect, and appreciation of others.
Join children’s librarians Miss Serena and Ms. Adriel for bilingual storytime on Thursday, February 24, at 4:30 pm to celebrate Jazz & Friends National Day of School & Community Readings! Ms. Adriel will read From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea and I am Jazz. Miss Serena will read Mi Princesito and Vivan las uñas de colores.
Tweens & Teens
Calling all young writers! Join us for our Tween Writing Club, a virtual series with children’s author Natasha Yim. Starting on Wednesday, February 9, at 4:00 pm, Natasha will lead young writers, ages 9-12, in monthly meetings to develop their own stories. Through writing exercises and mini-lessons, students will learn the basic elements of story structure and more!
Looking for a way to relax and unwind? Join other teens on Monday, February 14, at 4:30 pm for Mindful Monday with yoga teacher Ozlem Ozdener! Ozlem will offer a beginner’s yoga practice featuring mindful movement and breathwork. This online class is for teens only.
It’s time to celebrate! Join us on Saturday, February 26, at 1:00 pm for the second annual Sonoma County Library Teen Film Festival premiere! Together we will award the top three short films, chat with the filmmakers and judges, and virtually hand out prizes. Every teen who submitted a film will receive some library swag!
Adults
Join us online for our new monthly Climate Circles Book Club! On the second Wednesday of each month we will discuss climate change along with the book All We Can Save, edited by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katherine K. Wilkerson. We will learn from each other and regional leaders about how to address the climate crisis together and as individuals. Our first meeting is on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:00 pm. Check out the book, eBook, or eAudiobook through the library catalog. Find out more here.
Boost your resilience and creativity with Dr. Eki’Shola Edwards on Friday, February 25, at 6:00 pm! Join us for an inspiring presentation by Dr. Edwards, an award-winning musician and internist/lifestyle medicine physician, who will share her personal story of resilience and hope. Dr. Edwards will present simple techniques to foster creativity and wellness, followed by a Q&A session.
All Ages
Learn American Sign Language with our Intro to ASL for All Ages! This class series is held on the first Thursday of each month and will introduce the significance of deaf culture, how to finger spell your name, and provide an overview of basic grammar, vocabulary, numbers, and colors. Join us on Thursday, February 10, at 4:00 pm.
Celebrate Black History Month with Sonoma County Library and renowned storyteller Kirk Waller! Join us on Wednesday, February 16, at 10:30 am for African and African American folktales, legends, and history, brought to life with music, movement, singing, and the spoken word.
Book Clubs
From Queer Book Club to La Tortilla Literaria, we’ve got a book club for everyone. Check out the calendar for upcoming meetings, or click here for a list of all Sonoma County Library book clubs.
This month’s Read BIPOC Book Club is on Tuesday, February 22, at 6:00 pm and the book isThere, There by Tommy Orange. Borrow the eBook or eAudiobook. Print copies are available while supplies last. Call or text 707-978-1631 to have a copy sent to your local library for pickup.
Looking for more? Explore the full calendar! Explore the CalendarThank you for being a member of the Sonoma County Library community. Visit us online or in person at one of our branches. Be sure to check out open jobs at Sonoma County Library here. Questions? Please call your local library branch or click here to send us a message. Eventos virtuales de febrero La Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma ofrece eventos virtuales por todo el mes de febrero. ¡Tenemos programación para todas las edades, que incluye yoga, cuentacuentos folklóricos, clubes de lectura y más! Todos eventos son gratis y no necesita una tarjeta de la biblioteca para poder asistirlos, pero sí es necesario registrarse. ¡Pueda ver una selección de los eventos en febrero a continuación!
North Bay LGBTQI Families is hosting training opportunities on LGBTQIA+ youth, family, and community inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and safe spaces with your local early childhood education providers, including daycares, preschools, TK/kindergarten teachers, and schools.
There will be a 2-part virtual training series in February (on the 12th and 26th from 10a-12p) and another one in March (on the 10th & 24th from 6p-8p) with the same content, and both will be offered in English and Spanish. See the flyer images above for further details, and please circulate widely! You can also access or forward the registration link here.
North Bay LGBTQI Families is working with First 5 Sonoma County, First 5 Napa, Rainbow Action Network, the Solano County Office of Education, and The Quality Counts CA Region 1 HUB for their work in making these critically important resources available our local providers, youth, and families.
Welcome to the Rainbow Connection of the Sebastopol Senior Center! And don’t let that word “Senior” fool you, think of us as the Sebastopol FUN Center!
We are expanding our offerings to adults of ALL ages. We are a place to come to if you wish to THRIVE! Read on if you want to hear about local events offered by us (and others) for our Sonoma County LGBT+ community. Especially notice, that after a two year wait, we are hosting our famous Mardi Gras dance again on February 26th.
Check out these LGBT+ activities you can put on your 2022 calendar. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you need anything! Also, click HERE, for those of you new to this blog, and you can read a longer introduction about me and our LGBT+ goals. AND contact me if inquire about volunteering at our LGBT+ events or if you want to drive seniors to their doctors appointments.
Please note that all our Sebastopol Seniors Center events are subject to modification based on the state of the pandemic. As such, our dining room has closed for the month of January, but meals are still available for pick up.
Sincerely,
Scotty King Manager of Special Services Volunteer Driver Program ∙ LGBT+ Liaison 707-827-8429 direct 707-829-2440 main Sebastopol Senior Center 167 N. High Street Sebastopol CA 95472 “Remember when Giving a Ride was the Neighborly Thing to Do? It Still Is!”
LGBT+ Friendship Mixer Come meet your LGBT+ Friends and Neighbors
What: LGBT+ Friendship Mixer When: Monday February 7th, 2 – 4pm Where: Sebastopol Senior Center in person Why: Meet new LGBT+ folks Cost: Free to members, $5 non-members Go HERE to register This event is for everyone wanting to make a new friend. We will spend the first hour in a structured activity, “speed friending,” where you will get to talk with 10 new people (both men and women, all are LGBT+). You will spend 5 minutes in a 1 on 1 conversation where you can get to know each other a little better. After 5 minutes, when the bell rings, participants will move on to their next 1 on 1 conversation. During the 2nd hour, there will be an informal mixer game. You will be provided questions to ask other folks of your choice.
LGBT+ Mardi Gras DANCE
Come be Dazzled and Energized Outstanding Dance Music, Video DJ Wear Your Mardi Gras Fun Clothes
Snacks Provided Beer and Wine for Sale $5
Must show proof of vaccination at the door.
What: LGBT+ Mardi Gras DANCE When: Saturday February 26th 6:30 to 10 PM Where: Sebastopol Senior Center in person Why: Meet new LGBT+ folks & HAVE FUN
You must register in advance, as spaces might sell out. Go HERE to register (Available after January 6th) Email Scotty if you have any questions, Scotty. (scotty@sebastopolseniorcenter.org)
Cost: Pre-Purchase – $15 Each for Members; $20 for non-members
If you would like any information about volunteering for this dance, please email Scotty
Redwood Rainbows Square Dance Club Let’s Dance!
Come LGBT+ dancing with the largest Gay Square-Dancing club in the country! Meets in Sebastopol * Everyone is welcome * No partner needed. Beginners class is starting January 12th 2022 Give it a try—the first class is free! Gently exercise your body and mind while moving to music and having fun. Dance either role! For more information visit this website or email them at contact@redwoodrainbows.org
The 10 Warning Sings Of Alzheimer’s
This Alzheimer’s Talk is presented by an out gay man, (and Golden Guy), Gene Girimonte. He lives locally and is a Volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. All LGBT+ folks VERY welcome. This program will help you recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others and next steps to take, including how to talk to your doctor.
When: Tuesday, January 18th, 11 – 12:30pm Where: Sebastopol Senior Center in person Why: Delay cognitive decline as long as possible Cost: Free to members, $5 non-members Go HERE to register
New GBT Men’s Group Forming in Oakmont Give Mike a call if you want to find out more and when the next potluck is happening. What: Silver Guys Where: East Rec Center, Oakmont Who: Mike Sotak 707.291.9724 sotak.michael@yahoo.com
Rainbow Women of Oakmont
A large number of lesbians live in the Oakmont community, about 200. For more information about this women’s group, please call: (707) 623-9097 Educational, social and community service group for residents of Oakmont Village in Santa Rosa.
Live Theater in Sebastopol: The Glass Menagerie
I am super excited to see this at our local live theater, Main Stage West! The manager there was so gracious to let me know that on Thursday nights, they have “Pay What You Can” or “2 for 1” night for those of us on budgets. The Glass Menagerie Jan 21 – Feb 12, 2022 Thurs, Fri, Sat @ 8pm; Sun @ 5pm Click here for more: Main Stage West
Senior Peer Counseling Starting in Sebastopol Needs More LGBT+ Folks!
I am very excited about this! They are looking for more LGBT+ folks to join the new class starting in late January 2022.
From: Melissa Fike, MFT Senior Adult Counseling Division Director West County Community Services
“West County Community Service’s Senior Peer Counseling Program has this VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY. Are you interested in giving back to the community while helping a population in much need of support & compassion? Consider becoming a volunteer Senior Peer Counselor. Our peer counselors, ages 55+, are compassionate individuals who give their time to help their peers navigate the challenges of aging. Isolation, grief, and depression are common struggles facing seniors. Our training program is provided by licensed clinical staff and is designed to give participants the tools necessary to recognize and assist with the stresses and transitions seniors experience.
Ongoing training and supervision are also a critical component for this program. West County Community Service’s Senior Peer Counseling Program reaches out to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Seniors to ensure these valuable services are also available to the LGBT+ community. LGBT+ community member volunteers enrich these services. We are currently recruiting for our next Senior Peer Counselor training which will begin in late January 2022. The training will run from late January through mid-May (35 hours total). We only offer this training every other year, and the class is limited to 8 participants. We have a great group of volunteers – compassionate and caring individuals who bring a wealth of experience from their own lives to the work. Some have experience in the counseling area, some not at all. They are people who want to learn and grow themselves, are interested in exploring their own aging process, and want to give back to the community. We have a lot of fun too. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Melissa Fike via email HERE, or call 707-823-1640 ext. 301″
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline 1947-2000. Wednesdays 1:30-3pm. Online via Zoom. Spring semester 2022 begins January 19! Looking forward to seeing you there! Please contact me to enroll in this FREE class and receive a Zoom invite: cdungan@santarosa.edu
SRJC’s “Aging Gayfully!” From Gary “Buz” Hermes His next class will meet on zoom, on Saturday’s 11 am – 1 pm January 22 – May 28, 2022 For more information go to Gary “Buz” Hermes or contact Buz, or call (707) 227-6935 AND, Buz suggests this documentary film about LGBT+ Seniors “Hi! I thought you might enjoy this 14 minute film of Interviews of LGBT elders. LGBT+ seniors have demonstrated great resilience of humanity over hardship throughout the years, paving the way for a better and more accepting future for generations to come.”
Not Another Second – is the first in a national series of cultural campaigns from Watermark Retirement Communities – and tells the untold stories of 12 LGBT+ seniors and explores the years they lost due to societal constraints.
Have you been thinking about going back to school? Through Career Online High School’s online, accredited program, adults can earn a high school diploma and a career certificate, free with your Sonoma County Library card!
Finish high school and receive job training in an online environment that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are a limited number of scholarships available to qualified adults who are looking to advance their careers, prepare for workforce entry, or continue their education. Find out more here.
Thank you for being a member of the Sonoma County Library community. Visit us online or in person at one of our branches. Be sure to check out open jobs at Sonoma County Library here.
Proyectos comunitarios con la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma
¡Celebre la comunidad con su biblioteca durante esta temporada de fiestas! Dependemos de nuestra comunidad ahora más que nunca, y estamos ofreciendo varios proyectos comunitarios en nuestras sucursales.
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Gracias por ser miembro de la comunidad de Bibliotecas del Condado de Sonoma. Visítenos en línea o en persona en una de nuestras sucursales. Asegúrese de consultar los trabajos disponible en la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma aquí.
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Progress and ResilienceBlack communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
