For 39 years Face to Face has been helping people with HIV/AIDS. Recently we have explored strategies to expand our impact in the region and to reach more people with our services. When COVID hit and we were forced to close our door, our team went to work going mobile. Our Prevention & Care services team did not miss a beat. There was no way that we could not continue our work. This solidified the urgency identified in our Startegic Plan to go mobile, and knew we would be making the greatest impact with a dedicated mobile van. The goal is to end the spread of HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County, and the answer is to begin our 39th year by launching “Face to Face-On The Move”- an Electric Vehicle Mobile Van that will travel throughout the county to deliver our Prevention and Care Services to under-served populations. With this van we will be able to perform rapid HIV testing, educate, initiate and prescribe PrEP; offer harm reduction services and care for people who cannot access our F2F office here in Santa Rosa. TODAY WE ARE KICKING OFF OUR $250,000“ON THE MOVE” CAMPAIGNThese funds will help us purchase and retofit an EV Mobile Van, all licenses, registrations and insurance along with the programs operational costs for two years. Beyond the first two years those costs will be funded by fees for services which are contracted by local, state and federal government agencies, and from additional grants and gifts.
SUPPORT OUR ON THE MOVE MOBILE EV VAN Donate Today!To date we have raised $61,000.00 from donors like you who recognize the importance of our work and this program.Please GIVE today to ensure our work continues tomorrow so that we can expand our work, scope and impact in Sonoma County.CONTRIBUTE NOW
THE NUMBERS TELL OUR STORY. HELP US TO INCREASE OUR SERVICES IN OUR COUNTY.
Become one of our Mobile Van “On The Move” Sponsors.Know an organization that would support our program? Please contact our Development Director, Gary Saperstein 707-544-1581 ext 105 or email to [email protected]
LGBT+ Friendship Mixer: Bus, Walk, Talk, Sit and Visit in Ragle Park Friday February 25th
What: LGBT+ Friendship Mixer to Ragle Park: Bus, Walk and Talk When: Friday February 18th, 1 – 4:00 pm Where: Meet at the Sebastopol Senior Center (Don’t be late, Bus leaves at 1:11 pm) Why: Meet new LGBT+ Friends Cost: Free – Registration Required (MUST BE VACCINATED) Go HERE to register for this Event* This event is for everyone wanting to make a new friend, ride the bus together and get outside. (You are also welcome to order Lunch-to-Go from our Senior Center Kitchen before 1 PM, $10 for members, $12 for non members) We will spend time touring Ragle Park, then find tables to sit and visit. Some “friending” questions will be provided, where you will get to talk with new people (both men and women). You can get to know each other a better. Schedule: Bus (Free) leaves Senior Center 1:11 pm Arrives Ragle Park 1:25 pm TOUR THE PARK VISIT & MIXER GAMES SNACKS and BEVERAGES 1:25 till 3:18 Bus leaves Ragel park at 3:18 pm Bus Arrives Back at Senior Center 4:01 pm
* SIGNING UP FOR EVENTS All members and non-members will need an account BEFORE signing up for an event, Click HERE to activate your account. Click on the NEW USERS button (green button at the top right). It will ask if you have an assigned key tag to activate your account (see photo below). This is the same key tag you sign in with at the Senior Center. If you lost your key tag or don’t know your key tag number, call us at 707-829-2440 and we will get you a new one!
Click HERE for step by step details on how to register! In Person Events: Proof of vaccine will be required when entering the building.
Cruisin’ the Castro Field Trip, Featuring the LGBTQ Museum of San Francisco Wednesday, March 24 “This docent led tour celebrates San Francisco’s vast culture that will give us a look into the last 100 years of local events that have shaped this community. Then we will Cruise the Castro neighborhood with owner/tour guide Kathy Amendola (Cruisin’ the Castro) and discover how San Francisco’s Gold Rush, World War II, The Summer of Love and civil rights leader Harvey Milk created the heart and soul of the LGBTQ community. Wednesday, March 24, Meet at 9:30. We will travel to San Francisco on a chartered coach, True Elegance. Returning approximately 3:30. There will be time to have lunch and tour on your own in the Castro. Here is a VIDEO about the “Cruisin’ the Castro” tour. The cost is $90 for members and $105 non members, scholarships are available (Not able to purchase till Feb 21, when it will be available on our website. Hosted by Kate Roach and Emily Webster
OTHER NEWS TO SHARE:
Live Theater in Sebastopol: The Glass Menagerie The Glass Menagerie Feb 11th – Mar 5th, 2022 Thurs, Fri, Sat @ 8pm; Sun @ 5pm Click here for more: Main Stage West 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 (2/17, 2/24, and 3/3), they have “Pay What You Can” night for those of us on budgets. Also, if anyone would like to become an Usher and see shows for free, they can email the box office manager at [email protected] For more information about this play, written by gay author, Tennessee Williams, Read THIS and THIS. (Please note this is offered through Main Stage West, not the Senior Center.)
The next HOP Day (“Helping Other People”) will be on April 9!
If you are a senior and need a hand with basic projects around your home, the Senior Center and local service clubs have partnered to help you. The next HOP Day (“Helping Other People”) will be on April 9! For details and to apply, click here. We give MUCH Thanks to the partnered agencies: Sebastopol Area Senior Center, Gravenstein Lions Club, Rotary Club of Sebastopol, Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise, Kiwanis Club, Soroptimist, Active 20/30 Club, VFW Gold Ridge Post, Sebastopol Grange, Masons La Fayette Lodge #126
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline 1947-2000. Wednesdays 1:30-3pm. Online via Zoom. Looking forward to seeing you there! Please contact me to enroll in this FREE class and receive a Zoom invite: [email protected] (Please note this is offered through SRJC, not the Senior Center.)
March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility Joe Biden officially proclaimed March 31, 2021, as a Transgender Day of Visibility, proclaiming in part, “I call upon all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people.” For more information, read THIS.
What We Are Hearing From Around Town:
SOS Community Counseling
SOS is a non-profit agency providing affordable therapy and counseling services to the community through sliding-scale fees. Through our Community Counseling Clinics in Santa Rosa and Windsor, we offer individual therapy for adults, teens and children, couples counseling, and families. We have a diverse team of licensed therapists, interns, and trainees who bring varying clinical specialties to our clinics. Website: www.soscounseling.org Contact: 707.238.4171 email on website
National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country’s first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults. Established in 2010 through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging provides training, technical assistance and educational resources to aging providers, LGBT organizations and LGBT older adults. The center is led by SAGE, in collaboration with 18 leading organizations from around the country. Website: www.lgbtagingcenter.org Contact: 212.741.2247 [email protected]
SAGE: Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders
SAGE leads in addressing issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years. Website: www.sageusa.org Contact: 212.741.2247 [email protected] Hotline: 1.888.234.SAGE(7243) M-F 4pm-12am Saturday 12-5pm Eastern Time [email protected]
The Trevor Project
Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its accredited, free and confidential phone, instant message and text messaging crisis intervention services. A leader and innovator in suicide prevention, The Trevor Project offers the largest safe social networking community for LGBTQ youth, best practice suicide prevention educational trainings, resources for youth and adults, and advocacy initiatives. Website: www.thetrevorproject.org Contact: 866.488.7386 email/text/chat on website
LGBTQ Connection (Napa – Sonoma Counties)
LGBTQ Connection (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) is a youth-led initiative mobilizing the community to increase awareness, inclusion and support of LGBTQ people of all ages and races. Each year, LGBTQ Connection engages 3,500 LGBTQ people, their families and community, and trains 500 providers from local organizations across Northern California to increase the safety, visibility and well being of LGBTQ residents. In Napa and Sonoma Counties the program operates local LGBTQ community centers, supporting underserved LGBTQ youth and elders. The Napa and Sonoma offices of LGBTQ Connection each provide a safe and trusted space to cultivate hubs of vibrant activities and caring community. Website: www.lgbtqconnection.org Contact: 707.251.9432 email on website
And that is all for this time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
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!”
The Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Adrian Shanker (he/him) as the next Executive Director of The Spahr Center! In a national search for a new executive, organizations like ours endeavor to find the impossible. A person who has a big heart for our community and a bold vision for our future. Someone who can engage at both the grassroots level and on the national stage. A leader with the technical skills to manage a complex, growing organization and one who will do so guided by the values of equity and justice. We put together candidate profiles that ask for so much because the work ahead of us is so important. I am honored to introduce Adrian to The Spahr Community. I am excited for the agency’s future with him at the helm.
Adrian is an experienced LGBTQ+ community leader with a focus on LGBTQ+ health policy and promotion, barriers to care, and health equity. He joins The Spahr Center after founding and leading Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania for seven years. Adrian brings extensive knowledge of health promotion, community building, and non-profit management. His leadership will support The Spahr Center in reaching the goals outlined in its Strategic Plan: ensuring every LGBTQ+, HIV-positive and affected person in Marin County feels that we belong, are valued, and that our civic institutions ensure our health and well-being. Adrian currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS in the Biden-Harris Administration. He previously served as president of Equality Pennsylvania for three years during the fight for marriage equality. With expertise in LGBTQ+ health promotion and policy, he is also editor of the critically-acclaimed anthology Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health and the forthcoming anthology Crisis and Care: Queer Activist Responses to a Global Pandemic. He earned a Graduate Certificate in LGBT Health Policy Practice from George Washington University and a B.A. in Political Science and Religion Studies from Muhlenberg College. Adrian will begin working full time at The Spahr Center beginning on April 1, 2022. Please join us in welcoming Adrian to our community at our event, New Horizons, on April 14, from 6:00 to 7:30. Tickets are $65 per person and will go on sale on February 22. Dana Van Gorder’s last day as Executive Director will be on February 28, 2022. We are deeply grateful for his leadership at The Spahr Center over the past three years as well as his decades of service to the LGBTQ+ community. Dana brought a wealth of experience in HIV and LGBTQ+ advocacy and services that allowed us to grow our organization to new heights. His resolute leadership through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that our Center remained stable, that our clients remained supported, that we launched our Strategic Plan, grew our budget, and established new programs. We congratulate Dana on his lifelong career of serving our community, and wish him all the best in his retirement. We are grateful to The Spahr Center staff for their support throughout the search process. They have worked tirelessly to promote the health of our most vulnerable community members during the pandemic and are true champions. We extend deep appreciation to Kevin Chase Executive Search Group for leading the search that culminated in selecting Adrian as our Executive Director. Please join me in making a donation to The Spahr Center in honor of Dana’s service to our community and Adrian’s appointment. We have so much to celebrate and such important work ahead! In community, Denny David, Board President
Dive into environmental issues and discover how things work with our new science databases. From hundreds of 3-D interactive models, to in depth research on scientific topics, there is a whole world of digital science to explore! These new resources are courtesy of the California State Library as part of their K-12 Online Content Project, which enables all K-12 students in California to access vital learning support through their schools and local libraries. Find out more about these exciting resources below!
Environmental Studies In Contextbrings together periodicals and multimedia, empowering learners to critically analyze and understand important topics that affect people around the world. Explore topics and events such as Earth systems, global change, pollution, populations, and more.
Science: Interactive helps students better visualize and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science. Students and instructors can manipulate and explore 3D models paired with reference and periodical content for further understanding.
National Geographic Kids is an online database housing books, videos, magazines, and pictures produced by National Geographic for children. The content includes the complete run of National Geographic’s Kidsmagazine from 2009 to present, over 500 books from the National Geographic Kids Collections, and hundreds of downloadable images and videos.
In Case You Missed It
Looking for more science resources? Check out some of these library favorites!
ScienceFlix™ is an online resource that focuses on engaging science content for students in grades 4-10. ScienceFlix™ offers more than 20,000 science-related assets that cover six areas of study, including earth science, space science, life science, health and the human body, physical science, and technology and engineering.
SIRS® Issues Researcher is an authoritative resource for pro/con issues assignments offering background and analysis on 360+ leading issues. Editorially curated and created content including engaging Essential Questions, and viewpoint articles help build a solid foundation for understanding complex global issues.
Escolar is a Spanish-language resource for native Spanish speakers, bilingual students, and students learning Spanish. Engaging home pages at each level are entry points to thousands of articles, images, videos, maps, and tables, many of which are newly added daily.
Dive In TodayThank 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. La ciencia cobra vida con tu tarjeta de la biblioteca Sumérgete en temas ambientales y descubre cómo funcionan las cosas con nuestras nuevas bases de datos de ciencia. ¡Desde cientos de modelos interactivos en 3D hasta investigaciones en profundidad sobre temas científicos, ¡hay todo un mundo de ciencia digital para explorar! Estos nuevos recursos son cortesía de la Biblioteca Estatal de California como parte de su Proyecto de Contenido en Línea K-12, que permite a todos los estudiantes de K-12 en California acceder a apoyo vital de aprendizaje a través de sus escuelas y bibliotecas locales. ¡Más información sobre estos emocionantes recursos a continuación!
Environmental Studies In Contextreúne publicaciones periódicas y multimedia, empoderando a los estudiantes para analizar críticamente y comprender temas importantes que afectan a las personas de todo el mundo. Explore temas y eventos como los sistemas de la Tierra, el cambio global, la contaminación, las poblaciones y más.
Science: Interactive ayuda a los estudiantes a visualizar y comprender mejor los conceptos de biología, química, ciencias de la tierra y el espacio. Los estudiantes e instructores pueden manipular y explorar modelos 3D combinados con contenido de referencia y periódico para una mayor comprensión.
National Geographic Kids es una base de datos en línea que contiene libros, videos, revistas y fotografías producidas por National Geographic para niños. El contenido incluye la tirada completa de la revista National Geographic’s Kids desde 2009 hasta la actualidad, más de 500 libros de National Geographic Kids Collections y cientos de imágenes y vídeos descargables.
En caso de que lo hayas olvidado
¿Buscas más recursos sobre la ciencia? ¡Echa un vistazo a algunos de estos favoritos de la biblioteca!
ScienceFlix™ es un recurso en línea con un enfoque de ciencias para estudiantes del 4 al 10 grado escolar. Cuenta con más de 20,000 videos sobre la ciencia de la tierra, el espacio, la vida, la salud, el cuerpo humano, la física, la tecnología e ingeniería.
SIRS® Issues Researcher es un recurso fidedigno para escribir ensayos argumentativos a favor de un tema o en contra de ello. Ofrece antecedentes y análisis sobre 360 temas principales. Brinda contenido editado y creado, incluidas las Essential Questions y los artículos de diferentes puntos de vista, ayudan a crear una base sólida para comprender problemas globales complejos.
Escolar es un recurso en español para hablantes del español, para los estudiantes bilingües y para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo el español. Las páginas de inicio en cada nivel son puntos de entrada a miles de artículos, imágenes, videos, mapas y tablas, muchos de los cuales están agregados a diario.
Sumérgete hoyGracias 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. ¿Preguntas? Por favor llame a su biblioteca local o haga clic para mandar un mensaje.If you would like to manage which emails you receive from us, please click here. Si desea gestionar los correos electrónicos que recibe de nosotros, haga clic aquí.
Dive into environmental issues and discover how things work with our new science databases. From hundreds of 3-D interactive models, to in depth research on scientific topics, there is a whole world of digital science to explore!
These new resources are courtesy of the California State Library as part of their K-12 Online Content Project, which enables all K-12 students in California to access vital learning support through their schools and local libraries. Find out more about these exciting resources below! Environmental Studies In Contextbrings together periodicals and multimedia, empowering learners to critically analyze and understand important topics that affect people around the world. Explore topics and events such as Earth systems, global change, pollution, populations, and more. Science: Interactive helps students better visualize and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science. Students and instructors can manipulate and explore 3D models paired with reference and periodical content for further understanding. National Geographic Kids is an online database housing books, videos, magazines, and pictures produced by National Geographic for children. The content includes the complete run of National Geographic’s Kidsmagazine from 2009 to present, over 500 books from the National Geographic Kids Collections, and hundreds of downloadable images and videos. In Case You Missed It Looking for more science resources? Check out some of these library favorites! ScienceFlix™ is an online resource that focuses on engaging science content for students in grades 4-10. ScienceFlix™ offers more than 20,000 science-related assets that cover six areas of study, including earth science, space science, life science, health and the human body, physical science, and technology and engineering. SIRS® Issues Researcher is an authoritative resource for pro/con issues assignments offering background and analysis on 360+ leading issues. Editorially curated and created content including engaging Essential Questions, and viewpoint articles help build a solid foundation for understanding complex global issues. Escolar is a Spanish-language resource for native Spanish speakers, bilingual students, and students learning Spanish. Engaging home pages at each level are entry points to thousands of articles, images, videos, maps, and tables, many of which are newly added daily. Dive In Today 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.
La ciencia cobra vida con tu tarjeta de la biblioteca
Sumérgete en temas ambientales y descubre cómo funcionan las cosas con nuestras nuevas bases de datos de ciencia. ¡Desde cientos de modelos interactivos en 3D hasta investigaciones en profundidad sobre temas científicos, ¡hay todo un mundo de ciencia digital para explorar!
Estos nuevos recursos son cortesía de la Biblioteca Estatal de California como parte de su Proyecto de Contenido en Línea K-12, que permite a todos los estudiantes de K-12 en California acceder a apoyo vital de aprendizaje a través de sus escuelas y bibliotecas locales. ¡Más información sobre estos emocionantes recursos a continuación! Environmental Studies In Contextreúne publicaciones periódicas y multimedia, empoderando a los estudiantes para analizar críticamente y comprender temas importantes que afectan a las personas de todo el mundo. Explore temas y eventos como los sistemas de la Tierra, el cambio global, la contaminación, las poblaciones y más. Science: Interactive ayuda a los estudiantes a visualizar y comprender mejor los conceptos de biología, química, ciencias de la tierra y el espacio. Los estudiantes e instructores pueden manipular y explorar modelos 3D combinados con contenido de referencia y periódico para una mayor comprensión. National Geographic Kids es una base de datos en línea que contiene libros, videos, revistas y fotografías producidas por National Geographic para niños. El contenido incluye la tirada completa de la revista National Geographic’s Kids desde 2009 hasta la actualidad, más de 500 libros de National Geographic Kids Collections y cientos de imágenes y vídeos descargables. En caso de que lo hayas olvidado ¿Buscas más recursos sobre la ciencia? ¡Echa un vistazo a algunos de estos favoritos de la biblioteca! ScienceFlix™ es un recurso en línea con un enfoque de ciencias para estudiantes del 4 al 10 grado escolar. Cuenta con más de 20,000 videos sobre la ciencia de la tierra, el espacio, la vida, la salud, el cuerpo humano, la física, la tecnología e ingeniería. SIRS® Issues Researcher es un recurso fidedigno para escribir ensayos argumentativos a favor de un tema o en contra de ello. Ofrece antecedentes y análisis sobre 360 temas principales. Brinda contenido editado y creado, incluidas las Essential Questions y los artículos de diferentes puntos de vista, ayudan a crear una base sólida para comprender problemas globales complejos. Escolar es un recurso en español para hablantes del español, para los estudiantes bilingües y para los estudiantes que están aprendiendo el español. Las páginas de inicio en cada nivel son puntos de entrada a miles de artículos, imágenes, videos, mapas y tablas, muchos de los cuales están agregados a diario. Sumérgete hoy 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.
¿Preguntas? Por favor llame a su biblioteca local o haga clic para mandar un mensaje. If you would like to manage which emails you receive from us, please click here.
Si desea gestionar los correos electrónicos que recibe de nosotros, haga clic aquí.
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 [email protected]
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.
Space for your Community Notice here. Email Bill with information at[email protected].
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: [email protected] 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 weekdays[email protected]
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!
Bill BlackburnLGBTQ Senior Program Director[email protected]415/450-5339
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.
Adrian is an experienced LGBTQ+ community leader with a focus on LGBTQ+ health policy and promotion, barriers to care, and health equity. He joins The Spahr Center after founding and leading Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania for seven years. 
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!
