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The Spahr Center Cancels All Group Meeting for Seniors and HIV Folks

The Spahr Center would like to give our clients an update on the novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. This situation is evolving rapidly and we understand it may be causing concern.

As of this morning, one resident of Marin has been diagnosed with Covid-19 following recent travel. One other patient with the Covid-19 is currently isolated at a hospital in Marin County, county officials announced recently.

This patient was not infected in Marin. Health experts agree that the measures taken so far have helped to limit spread of the virus, but they are nevertheless predicting that there will be further community spread of COVID-19 in the United States. 

People aged 60 and over, and people living with HIV who are not virally suppressed, are at higher risk of acquiring Covid-19. The Spahr Center feels it can best meet its mission to assure the well-being of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV, as well as do its part to help stop Covid-19 early, by taking the following immediate steps:

1.    Until further notice, we are cancelling all group meetings for HIV clients and seniors on an in-person basis. However, participants are encouraged to check in by telephone by calling our conference call line at their regular meeting time: 605.313.4100, passcode 346591. A Zoom account is being set up in order to hold video conferencing in the near future. 

2.   Until further notice, we encourage clients to come in to our office only if their visit requires signing or exchanging essential documents. We will be conducting as many other appointments as possible by telephone. 

3.   The Pantry remains open on its regularly scheduled days: Wednesday through Thursday.

4.   THE SPAHR CENTER WILL MAKE ANY NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS TO PROVIDE OUR REGULAR SERVICES TO ANY CLIENT WHO DECIDES IT IS BEST FOR THEM TO STAY HOME DURING THIS PERIOD, TO INCLUDE PANTRY DELIVERIES. IF YOU NEED ANY SERVICES, please call us at 415.457.2487 

The Marin County Office of Education in partnership with the Marin County Department of Public Health and Kaiser Permanente will be holding a community meeting tonight, March 9, at 6 pm. Folks are encouraged to attend virtually via Facebook live. Click here to join.
Here are some good strategies for reducing your risk of becoming infected with any respiratory virus, including COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • People who are sick should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth.
  • People who feel sick should stay home from work or school until they are well.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands.
  • Maintain good social distancing – six feet from others – when you can.
  • Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Elbow and hip bumps are encouraged.

The Spahr Center continues to be in touch with the Marin County Health & Human Services Agency, which is also working closely with regional, state and federal agencies to respond to this situation. We will continue our monitoring, and advise our clients and supporters of any changes in the status of COVID-19 as we are advised of them.
Please feel free to direct any questions to Leslie Gallen at 415.886.8553

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The Spahr Center in Marin Encourages all LGBTQI and Those Living with HIV Participate in the Census

Between March 12 and 20, every household in the United States will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census – a survey conducted each 10 years with the goal of counting every person residing in the United States. It will be possible to participate in the Census online, by mail, or by telephone. The Spahr Center wants to encourage all LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV to participate in this count. Our community’s future depends upon the Census in three important ways!
Democracy – the Census determines how many representatives each state has in Congress, and drives redistricting at the federal, state, and local level. California does not want to lose representatives who support LGBTQ+ and HIV needs. It is important to make sure that every LGBTQ+ person and person living with HIV is fully counted so that we can keep building political power.Funding – the Census drives over $675 billion in federal funding each year for programs and services that our community disproportionately needs. A complete count today means more services for our communities for the next ten years.Civil rights – Census data are used to enforce nondiscrimination protections, as well as other civil rights like access to voting. Especially as the Supreme Court and Congress weigh in on sexual orientation and gender identity protections in coming years, we need to make sure our community members respond to the Census so we can enforce the rights we’ve won.
We know that our community may be conflicted about whether to participate, but the Census will not include questions about sexual orientation or gender identity (though same-sex couples can choose to self-identify). All Census answers are confidential, protected by federal law and cannot be shared with any other federal or local agency or private individuals. Please be aware that Census 2020 will NOT ask about citizenship or immigration status. The Spahr Center will have more information and guidance about Census 2020 in coming weeks, including the availability of Census Assistance Centers where you can ask questions and complete the survey. We are available to answer any questions you may have at 415.886.8551 or info@thespahrcenter.org in the meantime, prepare to QUEER THE CENSUSstarting on April 1, 2020!
The 2020 Census is hiring! To learn more, go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html
The Spahr center is a Community Outreach Agency for Census 2020, funded by United Way of the Bay Area.

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Father’s Gay Music Festival Happens Sunday, June 16

Father’s Gay is a grassroots festival in Santa Rosa by and for queer folks that happens during Pride month. Father’s Gay understands Pride is a protest and a celebration of LGBTQIA+ power and resilience. Father’s Gay doesn’t center dads or dudes (but bring yours if he’s gay) — it’s named because it happens the same weekend as Father’s Day. Father’s Gay features musicians from all over the west coast (mostly local and broader Bay Area). Father’s Gay centers QTPOC. Father’s Gay has no corporate sponsors. Father’s Gay 2020 is open to all ages!

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Local Author Jeane Slone Talks about New Book about WWII Women Photographers this Month

There were  127 brave World War II American female war correspondents, who went above and beyond to capture the events of the war to inform the people on the home front. These women fought against condemnation and hostility from male officers in order to perform their jobs, and proved time and again that they were equal to male reporters. 

Highlights of the slides include women war correspondents who were:           

Hit by Junker planes in a B-17 Flying Fortress

Almost hit by Japanese snipers photographing on the top of Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima

Documenting the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp

Immediately following the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, photographing “Disease X”

Documenting the refugees for the Quakers after the war 
  
WHERE AND WHEN: 
 THURSDAY, MARCH 5 AT 6:30 PM, St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena, 707-963-5244

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 AT 2:00 PM, CLOVERDALE LIBRARY, 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd, 894-5271

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 at 3:00 pm, CENTRAL LIBRARY,   211 E Street, Santa Rosa, 545-0831

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 at 6:00 pm, HEALDSBURG LIBRARY, 139 Piper St. Healdsburg, 433-3772 

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Marin’s LGBTQ Spahr Center News & Events

LGBTQ+ and HIV Advocacy Day Builds Key Partnerships

By Dana Van Gorder, Executive DirectorThe Spahr Center is firmly committed to public policy advocacy. We aim to strengthen the current government response to the needs of LGBTQ+ people and people living with and affected by HIV in Marin. We are increasing our presence with County Boards and Commissions, and describing our needs in several processes that will result in long-term health improvement plans. Policy makers have been great about listening, and LGBTQ+ people are increasingly recognized in key documents and conversations that will drive resource allocation.
On January 23, 2020 forty-two constituents participated in The Spahr Center’s first LGBTQ+ and HIV Advocacy Day, learning how to have an effective meeting with a legislator, and then holding one-hour meetings with all 5 members of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. It was an exhilarating and moving day. We want to warmly thank Supervisors Rice, Arnold, Connoly, Rodoni, and Sears, as well as their very helpful aides, for the generous time and thoughtfulness they devoted to these visits. Our thanks as well to SAGA, the County’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, for their support…. Click the button below to read the entire article.READ MORE
Fentanyl – It’s in More Than Just HeroinBy Andy Fyne, Harm Reduction Director 
Fentanyl is an opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. It now accounts for more than 30% of opioid overdoses nationally and in Marin, there were 19 deaths attributed to fentanyl poisoning in 2019. Fentanyl is no longer just an additive to heroin as it is showing up in every illegal drug including meth and cocaine. Recently, counterfeit Percocet pills were found to have caused a fentanyl overdose in a Marin resident… continue reading the article hereOur Warmest Thanks To Nancy FlaxmanAlmost everyone knows brilliant powerhouse Nancy Flaxman, who has accomplished transformational work in support of LGBTQ seniors at The Spahr Center and Spectrum before it. Nancy is currently best known for her strong facilitation of our Novato -based Senior Discussion group, which has helped dozens of seniors find a loving community and support with pressing issues. 
In January, Nancy deservedly retired – mostly. Our deepest admiration and appreciation go out to her. Read her note to the community about this transition hereJoin Our Pride Committee!

Are you ready to help us plan our 2020 Pride celebration?! 
Last year’s Pride Picnic at Piper Park was attended by over 250 LGBTQ+ community members and their allies. Almost double the size of our Pride Picnic in 2018! This year we are looking forward to another fantastic Pride Celebration and we need your help to make it happen! This year we would like to involve the community in the planning process. Do you have any fabulous ideas to help make our 2020 Pride Celebration Louder & Prouder?! Then we need YOU!
Please join us for a Pride planning committee informational meeting and let’s make your ideas come to fruition! No ideas? No worries! If you want to be involved, we want you to be involved! Join us for an evening of brainstorming, conversation & community! 
All ages & abilities welcome!Where: The Spahr Center, 150 Nellen Ave, St. 100 Corte MaderaWhen: Tuesday, February 11thTime: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
*Snacks will be provided*
Updates from our Senior Advisory Council (S.A.C.)By Julie Beach
The Spahr Center has raised over $15,500 from year-end appeals earmarked specifically for LGBTQ senior programs. This generous support means that senior program development will now increase. The first step is to recruit and hire a part-time employee whose focus will be on senior programs. At first the job will be several hours per month. However, fundraising is ongoing and includes competing for state, county and private foundation funds in order to expand the position to full time by the end of 2020. The right person for the Senior Program Coordinator might just be YOU, or someone you know! We hope everyone will think about recruiting within your own social and community circles so that we can build a talent pool for the position. More details will follow! 
Read all of the S.A.C.’s updates on the Whistlestop partnership, the recruitment of new members and much more! Click the button below to see their full report.
S.A.C Report
Annual Public Session of The Spahr Center’s Board of DirectorsThe Spahr Center’s Board of Directors has devoted its March 2, 2020 Board Meeting to comments and suggestions from clients and the community about the current and future work of the agency. The meeting begins at 4:00 at The Spahr Center’s office at 150 Nellen Avenue in Corte Madera. For information, email info@thespahrcenter.org
Donate
Interesting Job Opportunities and Training
Supporting our clients to enter – or re-enter – the job market is something we at The Spahr Center hope to do more of. We wanted to share two current opportunities of special interest.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
SCSEP is a federally funded job readiness program that helps older adults, aged 55 or more, transition from on-the-job training back into the workforce. The SCSEP program provides participants with an orientation and training, and then places eligible participants in on-the-job training with participating non-profit and government agencies. Participants are paid a minimum wage training stipend for up to 12 hours a week. After training, participants search for permanent jobs they feel newly prepared for! Learn More

Census 2020 Urgently Needs Part-Time Helpers
The 2020 Census will begin in March and continue to July 2020. Traditionally, LGBTQ+ people have been undercounted in the Census and United Way of the Bay Area has provided us with a grant to encourage residents in our hard-to-count communities to apply for census taker jobs to ensure everyone is counted in 2020. Critical policy and funding decisions are based on the data gathered through the Census. 
Want to learn more? Join an upcoming Census Jobs Workshops and learn all you need to know and get help filling out the online application. Learn More
Two Upcoming Talks of Interest
The Spahr Center is excited to announce a partnership with the Corte Madera library to host talks and movie nights for the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities and our allies. The first two exciting talks will be taking place in March! First up is a March 5 discussion about the future of HIV treatment and the search for a cure. On March 19, we co-host a talk about queer history of the Bay Area. Please join us for these great learning and community building opportunities! 
Will There Be a Cure for HIV/AIDS?Learn MoreQueer History of the Bay AreaLearn More
Trans Heartline Seeks Volunteers
Trans Heartline is a safe post-op recovery house in San Anselmo and one of our treasured community partners. They are in need of volunteers to help further their mission. 
Are you available to:drive guests to and from appointmentsoccasional help with errands for the guestsmeal prep and deliveryBe present in the house for a 3-hour shiftShifts are 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm or 6 pm – 9 pm. Weekday help is needed most. Transgender training is required for all new volunteers; the next training session will be Saturday, March 7th 9 am – noon. Want to learn more or register for the next training? Email Janie Spahr at jane@spahr.com 
Social Support GroupsThe Spahr Center offers a variety of social support groups. We are excited to announce that we have three new groups starting in 2020! Below is a list of the groups, with a short description. Please click any of the groups to learn more!
  Latino Support Group – this group is for Latinos living with or affected by HIV.

Friends and Family of LGBTQ youth – This group is a welcoming and safe place to discuss how to best support our trans and queer youth.Thriving in Marin – this group is for any individual who identifies as a “long-term survivor” of HIV.  

Youth Drop-in Groups – these groups are for any LGBTQ youth

Marin Queer/Trans Support Group – This group is for anyone queer, trans or questioning of any age.  

Caregiver Groups – these groups are for parents/caregivers of gender expansive and/or questioning youth 

Senior Discussion Groups – these are facilitated discussion groups for LGBTQ identified adults of any age.

Men’s Brown Bag Lunch – this is a casual discussion group for men that meet for lunch and discussion.Trans Community Group – this is a group for trans and nonbinary adults.
Upcoming Events
2/18 – LGBT Senior Game Day – at Sam’s in Novato

2/19 – Quarterly LGBT Senior Luncheon – at The Marin Yacht Club 2/20 – LGBT Senior Breakfast – at Sam’s in Novato

2/20 – Healing w/ Feeling – an Attitudinal Healing Support Group

2/25 – LGBT Women’s Coffee – at Sam’s in Novato

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Ner Shalom in Cotati Hosts Immigrant & Refugee Rights Justice Cafe January 12

NER SHALOM SOCIAL JUSTICE CAFÉ

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS

Sunday, January 12th, 2020

12:00 PM: Café Opens 1:00 – 4:30 PM Program

Artwork by Jami Taback

Learn From Engaging, Informed Speakers
Discover how You Can Get Involved
Eat Delicious Organic Jewish Food at Our Café
Enjoy Wonderful Music from the Ner Shalom Good Shabbos Band Win Some Fantastic Locally Sourced Raffle Prizes
Peruse the Art by Jami Taback and Susie Stonefield Miller

Speakers From the Following Organizations:

▪ Avi Rose, Jewish Family & Children’s Services East Bay ▪ Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
▪ Queer Asylum Accompaniment
▪ Rapid Response Network

▪ Never Again is Now
▪ GoCompassion
▪ Of One Soul Interfaith Sanctuary ▪ Comite Vida

The Social Justice Café is Free and Open to the Public.
Donations gladly accepted to benefit Ner Shalom & Refugee Sanctuary Groups.

Ner Shalom is a scent-free space. Please be mindful.

Presented by the Ner Shalom Besere Velt Social Justice Committee. For More information, please contact Shoshana Fershtman at drshoshanaf@gmail.com.

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Featured speaker: Elaine Leeder, Dean Emerita, Sonoma State University on the History of American Jewish immigration.

Ner Shalom is at 85 La Plaza in Cotati, CA

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Call to Action: The Board of Supervisors will vote on Tuesday 12/10 on a resolution to halt any future investments in Wells Fargo or BNP Paribas

We are on the verge of a historic moment:  The Board of Supervisors will vote on Tuesday 12/10 on a resolution to halt any future investments in Wells Fargo or BNP Paribas, naming them as primary funders of the private corporporations responsible for detaining immigrant children separated from their families.

Please come out on Tuesday 12/10 at 8:30.  The item will be considered 8:45, after a presentation by the Treasurer Erick Roeser.  As in 1985, when the Board considered a resolution to divest from South African Apartheid, the county treasurer is feigning ignorance of the options to invest wisely and ethically.  (See the Close to Home article below.)
If this resolution passes, the county will be on track to take up socially responsible investment policies AND put an end to county funding of immigrant camps.

Lynda Hopkins, who is putting forward the resolution, has reminded us that the board responds to public pressure, so we must bring it on!!!
See you there!  We’ll have talking points for everyone who wishes to make a public comment.  Bring posters or signs!

In peace and solidarity,

Kim Caldewey
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/opinion/9910621-181/close-to-home-sonoma-countys

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