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Marin’s Spahr Center Is Moving
The Spahr Center is moving to 150 Nellen Avenue in Corte Madera.
We’ll still be in our current office until the end of November. But we’re moving to our new home on November 30th.
We’ll be open for business at noon on December 3rd in Corte Madera at 150 Nellen Avenue.
Transportation information: First; we’re excited that there’s plenty of parking available! The best place to park is next to Big 5. And there are bus stops at the 101-S Lucky Drive exit and across the highway on 101-N next to the pedestrian bridge. Just walk across the across the bridge and jog to your left to get to us.
Our office will be closed for the move On Thursday November 29th and Friday November 30th. We will re-open at our new location, 150 Nellen Ave in Corte Madera at noon on Monday, December 3rd. We would like the transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone, so please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Gender Awareness and Education
In collaboration, The Marin County Office of Education, The Spahr Center and Domincan University invite you to two special events on November 14th.
Free Documentary Screening – Becoming More Visible
Are you Male or Female? For the four fearless young transgender adults featured in the film this is not a simple question.
These four defy societal norms to be their true selves and become more visible.
No transition is easy, but for some it is easier than for others.
Becoming More Visible shines a humanizing light on their different stories, both their struggles and their triumphs, and showcases the importance of having a steady support system.
The screening will be immediately followed by a panel of special guests, including one of the youth featured in the film, to answer audience questions and open a dialogue to help ignite the awareness and understanding needed to put an end to the discrimination of transgender young adults worldwide – to encourage society to see these young people for who they are today.
State of the LGBTQ Movement
Horizons’ Q Series are free public events featuring leaders of the LGBTQ movement in dialogue about our movement, our culture, and what it means to be LGBTQ.
The Q Series offers excellent opportunities to learn about the work being done by Horizons’ grantee partners and to meet and connect with others.
These popular programs include high-level, strategic discussions about movement strategy, emerging issues affecting the LGBTQ community, how to give more effectively and strategically, and feature outstanding professionals and community leaders.
We wrap up the year with our comprehensive analysis of the state of the LGBTQ movement as seen by some of its most outstanding leaders. Join high profile national and international leaders as they highlight the advancements and challenges of 2018 and look ahead.
Not In Our Town – Novato
Presents a screening of the film Light in the Darkness
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness tells the story of residents of a Long Island village taking action after a series of anti-immigrant attacks by local teenagers ended with the hate crime against a local immigrant Marcelo Lucero. While starkly revealing the trauma of hate, the film provides a blueprint for people who want to do something before intolerance turns to violence.
This event is free and open to the public
Date: November 8, 2018
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Unity in Marin 600 Palm Drive, Novato, CA 94949
Hosted by: NIOT Novato, Novato Charter School Many Hearts Committee
In cooperation with: The Novato Unified School District, Novato Police Department, City of Novato and Unity in Marin.
HIV Client Advisory Committee Email Update
All clients, please note: if you want to communicate with the committee, please use the following email address. It is managed exclusively by a committee member.hivadvisors@gmail.com
Resources for Family Caregivers
Are you caring for a loved one? You give lots of support, but you deserve support too. Click here to find a variety of helpful information, in-person and online groups for people providing caregiving to a family member. Family Caregiver Alliance has partnered with Smart Patients to create a new Caregivers Community. You can join for free to learn, share and interact with other caregivers in a safe, supportive environment. Be well!
World AIDS Day
We invite everyone to join us on Thursday, November 29th in recognition of World AIDS Day. The Spahr Center and the Marin HIV Care Council are jointly hosting a gathering from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at The Falkirk Cultural Center, 140 Mission Ave, San Rafael. There will be a client open forum preceding the World AIDS Day gathering from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. All clients are invited to attend and share their views. The forum is hosted by the Care Council.
TRANS-Action Marin
On October 26th, an intergenerational group of forty LGBTQ, gender expansive and transgender youth, adults, seniors and allies gathered at The Spahr Center to defend and declare their basic rights. They were responding to the Trump administration’s announcement that they will roll back the definition of gender to just ‘male’ or ‘female’. At the gathering we announced the launch of our new advocacy initiative, TRANS-Action Marin. Please join us to help plan our action next steps; we want to speak up and speak out. TRANS-Action Marin will gain momentum by partnering with supporters and organizations across the county. Click the link below to visit our new Trans-Action Marin website and sign up to get involved!
Through the Eyes and Ears of an Artist
Until Next Time..

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This Month at Occidental Center for the Arts

Community Musical Fundraiser/ Saturday November 10 @ 7 pm. Occidental Center for the Arts presents ‘West County’s Got Talent’!  Sonoma County’s acoustic sweet spot is having a FUNraiser to benefit OCA’s new Lobby addition. Please join us for a fun-filled evening featuring talented local performers for their 8-10 minutes of fame on our fine stage with sound and lights: ta-dah! Tickets will be $18 Advance/$22 at the door. Fine refreshments. Wheelchair Accessible. Art Gallery open for viewing. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.707-874-9392. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465
Saturday November 17 @ 7:30 pm. Occidental Center for the Arts proudly presents: Patrick Ball: Celtic Harp & Story. World renowned modern day bard and premier Celtic harpist Patrick Ball weaves the marvelous old Irish tales of wit and enchantment together with ethereally gorgeous Celtic harp melodies into a warm and magical performance that will leave the audience spell-bound. Patrick has recently relocated to Ireland! so do not miss this American master of the Gaelic narrative and instrument on our stage for the fifth time. $20 Adv/$24 at the door. Fine refreshments. Art Gallery open. Wheelchair Accessible.
Friday November 2 @ 7:30 pm. The Farallons play First Fridays Live at Occidental Center for the Arts. Linda Weber, Terry Mills, and Tom Richardson blend their tight three-part vocal harmonies with masterful instrumentation to the great folk/rock songs from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond (Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell,Tom Waits) ; plus finely crafted originals. Join their devoted Sonoma County fans  at our acoustic sweet spot! $15 at the door. Fine refreshments and dance space. Art Gallery open. Wheelchair accessible. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental 95465.

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Solidarity Interfaith Service – Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Tonight in SR

Thursday, November 1 at 7:00 PM

Shonrei Torah 2600 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa

Our hearts are broken over the tragic events at The Tree of Life congregation in Pittsburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn and begin the long road of recovery from this unimaginable loss. May they find comfort and strength in the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief; that Am Yisrael, the Jewish People here in Santa Rosa and around the world, stands with them.

Please join us this Thursday for a Solidarity Interfaith Service at Congregation Shomrei Torah. Together we will mourn the dead, comfort each other and send a message of reassurance and hope; America is better than this. We do not have to live in fear. We can make a difference as people of faith.

Participating Congregations:
Congregation Beth Ami, Congregation Ner Shalom, First Presbyterian Church, Christ Church United Methodist, First United Methodist Church, The Center for Spiritual Living, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, and The Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Rosa.

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Comic Billy Anderson Slated for 2 Laugh Cellar Shows

Born in Texas and raised in Augusta, Georgia – Billy Anderson is stand-up comedian currently living in Los Angeles. Billy can be heard on Audible’s “Sounds Like America” hosted by Jackie Kashian and seen on season 3 of the syndicated program “Laughs” on Fox television. In 2017 he released his first live comedy special titled “America’s Sweetheart” through The Harmon Brothers’ VidAngel Dry Bar Comedy series. Billy has written for Cracked.Com, performed in SF Sketchfest, was a finalist in the 2016 Seattle International Comedy Competition and as of 2013 he has performed stand-up comedy in every US statePicture.
Featuring Mike Masilotti
He recently had a video of him doing stand up get over 4 million views! Mike also enjoys going on the road and has performed stand up comedy in 9 states (Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Florida and Hawaii) and also in Canada!
He’s  a regular at the Comedy Underground and in his mothers heart.
NOVEMBER 2nd SHOW
Charles Krug Winery
2800 Main Street St. Helena, CA

$20 General Admission
Limited Door Tickets at $28

Complimentary Parking on-site
Wine, wood-fired pizza, charcuterie/cheese boards, other fun snacks available for purchase.
Indoor event, seating/tables provided, please no outside food or drink.
DOORS 6:00PM
SHOW 7:30PM
21+ Show
Valid Photo ID Required.
All Ticket Sales are Final
Ticket Refunds offered upon cancellation or reschedule of show by The Laugh Cellar.
No video during the show

NOVEMBER 3rd SHOW
The Flamingo Resort Hotel
2777 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA

$20 General Admission
Limited Door Tickets at $28

DOORS 6PM
SHOW 7PM

Delicious bar bites and full bar in the lounge. Table Service before and during the show.
Before the curtains go up, enjoy dinner at The Terrace Grill at the Flamingo Resort.
Show proof that you’re attending that evening’s show, and receive a complimentary dessert to share!
(limit one dessert per table) DINNER RESERVATION REQUIRED:  (707) 523-4745

Parking
The hotel offers complimentary parking in their lot.  There is also open street parking available directly in front of hotel.
You may park in the lot across the street. However, please do not park in the front spaces of CVS or iHop.

All shows are 21+
Valid Photo ID Required.
All Ticket Sales are Final
Ticket refunds are only offered upon cancellation or reschedule by The Laugh Cellar.
No video during the show

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Magical Holiday Dance Party Happens a Flamingo Hotel December 19

MAGICAL HOLIDAY DANCE PARTY

LGBTQ & Friends!

On Wednesday, December 19 feel the magic of the holidays when  International Champion Magician, Chin-Chin, brings you  an out of this world experience.  A Magical Holiday Dance Party!
Featuring:
DJ Uni

Come experience magic… outside a box. He incorporates incredible dance moves into his show… so the best way to continue the fun after the show is to have an all out magical dance party! DJ Uni will be spinning an awesome mix of house, soul, dance hits, and more.

International Champion Magician, Chin-Chin has been performing magic professionally since he was twelve years old. His unique breed of magic has captivated audiences nationwide. With an in-your-face style all his own, Chin-Chin’s magic combines unbelievable visual effects, his warm charming personality, and pure creative genius to give any audience all they can handle. Named ‘Stage Magician of the Year’ 3-Times and voted ‘Best Magician’ twice by The San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay Reader’s Choice Award, Chin-Chin will amaze you.

This will be a super fun event to ring in the holiday season!

FLAMINGO RESORT
2777 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Doors 6:00PM
Show 7:00PM
Dancing starts at 8:15PM and ends at 11:00PM

$20 General Admission
Includes show + dancing
Fabulous bar bites and full bar available in the lounge.

Oooo la la….
Dine at the Terrace Grill before the curtain goes up.
The Grill will be offering a Steak and Shrimp Dinner Special for just $19.95! Present your show ticket to your server, and receive a complimentary dessert to share. Sweet!

Easy-peasy Parking
The hotel offers complimentary parking in their lot. There is also open street parking available directly in front of hotel. OK to park in the lot across the street. However, please do not park in the front spaces of CVS or iHop.

21+ Event
Valid Photo ID required

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What’s Happening at the Spahr Center in Marin
October Newsletter
Client Advisory Committee
The HIV Client Advisory Committee will have their next meeting later this month. The committee’s co-chairs, Wade Flores and Bobby Moske, want all clients to know that an email address has been set up for anyone who would like to reach the committee hivclientadvcomm@thespahrcenter.org. The email goes directly to a committee member who is coordinating communications.
Volunteer Opportunities
We need a few volunteers to help out at our front desk. This involves answering a multi-line phone system, connecting callers with staff members, greeting clients, providing information and assisting pantry shoppers and syringe exchangers. Our volunteer receptionists are the face and heart of The Spahr Center; we’d love to have you join our wonderful team!
The available shifts are Tuesdays 9 am – 1 pm or 1pm – 5pm; Wednesdays 9am – 1pm; or Fridays 1pm – 5pm. If you are interested please call Bri at 415-457-2487 or email her here.
Hear from one of our front desk volunteers
From a post on GivePulse written by one of our Service Learners from Dominican University
“Today I was a bit more comfortable in my position than I was last week since I had a bit more experience…. In the needle exchange, we provide the clients with clean needles and other supplies to help reduce spreading of infections or diseases…. Today, one of the clients came in and he was talking to me about how he was embarrassed to have to come in to pick up the needles and carry them down the street. This was interesting to me, because I hadn’t really thought about that before. Even in a paper bag or a backpack where the needles were covered up, he was worried that people were going to judge him. He told me he imagined that I never thought I would be surrounded by people like him…. I hoped that he knew that I was not judging him. I’m only here to serve and to gain new learning experiences, not to judge anyone or their choices. It was a very impactful moment to me, because I hadn’t been worried that clients would feel as if I was judging them. Being here allows me to learn about myself and being aware of what I am doing. It helps me to remember that I am here to support clients and serve them as best as I can and to assure them that I am not here to make judgements, only to help them.”
Resources for Family Caregivers
Are you caring for a loved one? You give lots of support, but you deserve support too. Click here to find a variety of helpful information, in-person and online groups for people providing caregiving to a family member. Family Caregiver Alliance has partnered with Smart Patients to create a new Caregivers Community. You can join for free to learn, share and interact with other caregivers in a safe, supportive environment. Be well!
Day of The Dead
We will have a community altar for Dia de los Muertos. If you would like to place something on the altar to honor a loved one or someone who is no longer with us, please bring your remembrance to our office. The altar will be in our community room starting Wednesday October 31st through Friday, November 2nd.
Not In Our Town – Novato
Presents a screening of the film Light in the Darkness
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness tells the story of residents of a Long Island village taking action after a series of anti-immigrant attacks by local teenagers ended with the hate crime against a local immigrant Marcelo Lucero. While starkly revealing the trauma of hate, the film provides a blueprint for people who want to do something before intolerance turns to violence.
This event is free and open to the public
Date: November 8, 2018
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Unity in Marin 600 Palm Drive, Novato, CA 94949
Hosted by: NIOT Novato, Novato Charter School Many Hearts Committee
In cooperation with: The Novato Unified School District, Novato Police Department, City of Novato and Unity in Marin.
Gender Awareness and Education
In collaboration, The Marin County Office of Education, The Spahr Center and Domincan University invite you to three special events on November 14th and 15th.
All 3 events are free of charge and open to the public; however space is limited and you are encouraged to register.
For more information please contact Bri at 415-457-2487
LGBT Senior Discussion Group Update
Buz Hermes, the facilitator of our Corte Madera discussion group, reports that the group has grown every month since it started last January! Now, Buz says, the goal is to add more lesbian, bisexual and transgender women to the group. The monthly meeting is on the second Wednesday from noon to 2:00 pm in the community room at Corte Madera Town Center. Click here for more information
Save the Date for our next Senior Luncheon!!
Our next LGBT Senior luncheon will be Wednesday, November 28th at The Marin Yacht Club. Stay tuned for more details!!
Through the Eyes and Ears of an Artist
Until Next Time..

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Halloween Dance Party! at the Sebastopol Senior Center Saturday October 27

Hey LGBTQI and friends community: You are all invited to a spectacular & fun Halloween Dance Party!
It’s being held at the Sebastopol Senior Center.
You don’t have to be gay or a senior to attend, all adults are welcome! Multiple rooms will be set up of your enjoyment.
We have a DJ in our largest room, with a Drag Show scheduled for 9pm, with Joseph singing his hit Halloween song “I Put a Spell on You.” You can also enjoy complimentary Palm Readings with George, Tarot Card Readings with Susan, and our super cool Black Light Room (wear white to shine bright).
Those in costume will be eligible to win prizes in our Costume Contest!
Finger foods provided. Beer and Wine for purchase.
$10 admission.

Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 6:30 PM – 10 PM
Sebastopol Area Senior Center
167 N. High St., Sebastopol, California 95472

https://www.facebook.com/events/302852093644905/

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OUTwatch – Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival Brings the Best of International Queer Cinema to the North Bay

OUTwatch – Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival is thrilled to announce our move to Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol.  We join an impressive list of film festivals that call Rialto Cinemas home, including the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival. The weekend of October 12 – 14, we will present seven critically-acclaimed films and the first of two exciting additions to the festival. Sunday Cinematic Salons, a discussion of queer film, and LGBTQI Classic Film Revival, a presentation of groundbreaking films that changed the landscape of cinema.

OUTwatch is determined to bring the best of International LGBTQI Cinema to the North Bay.  This year, the schedule is: Friday, October 12 7:30 p.m.  Mapplethorpe An unflinching look at the life of acclaimed photographer Robert Mapplethorpe from his rise to fame along with best friend rocker Patti Smith in the 1970s to his untimely death from AIDS in the 1990s.  Saturday, October 13 Noon  Man Made Follow four men, their partners and families through the challenges and joys of transitioning as they prepare for Trans FitCon, the world’s only transgender bodybuilding competition.  2:30 p.m.  Ideal Home A glamorous foodie couple’s (Steve Coogan; Paul Rudd) lives are turned upside-down when a 10-year-old grandson shows up and threatens to change their lifestyle forever in this hilarious and endearing comedy. 5 p.m. The Rest I Make Up  María Irene Fornés, was a lover of Susan Sontag and an integral member of New York’s experimental theater scene. Grappling with memory loss, she still radiates inquisitive curiosity and unquenchable creativity in this emotional documentary.  Sunday, October 14 1 p.m. Dykes, Camera, Action! This important documentary explores what happened when lesbians picked up cameras and changed how queer women are seen in film. Includes insightful interviews with pioneering filmmakers like Su Friedrich, Cheryl Dunye, Yoruba Richen, Rose Troche, and Barbara Hammer. Afterwards, Film scholar Jane Winslow will lead a discussion about the topics and issues raised in the film. 3 p.m. The Watermelon Woman OUTwatch is thrilled to bring this newly restored lesbian classic to the big screen.  Cheryl and Tamara are making a video about their search for the mysterious film actress from the 1930s known only as the ‘Watermelon Woman.’

Tickets available at the theater or at www.outwatchfilomfest.org.

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Go Purple for Spirit Day October 18
October is Bullying Prevention Month and Thursday, Oct 18 is #SpiritDay, a tradition started in Oct 2011 after a number of LGBTQ young people were lost to bullying & suicide. To visibly let our LGBTQ youth know they are loved & supported by a community that cares, we wear purple (the color for Spirit on the rainbow flag) and, since 2012, we’ve been making a big, beautiful, community collage!

Visit our website for full details on these 3 ways you can get involved this year and show support for LGBTQ youth:

  1. “Go purple” for #SpiritDay, Thursday, October 18!
  2. Drop by our Napa or Santa Rosa purple-party open houses on October 18!
  3. Make a donation to help us address bullying & support more LGBTQ youth in Napa & Sonoma counties!

Octubre es el mes de prevención del acoso y el jueves 18 de octubre es el #DíaDeEspíritu (#SpiritDay), una tradición que comenzó en octubre del 2011 cuando fallecieron varios jóvenes LGBTQ debido al acoso y al suicidio. Para proclamar visiblemente a nuestras/os jóvenes LGBTQ que son amadas/os y apoyadas/os por una comunidad a quien si le importan, nos vestimos de morado (el color de Espíritu de la bandera del arco iris) y, cada año desde 2012, ¡hemos creado una gran y hermosa colección de fotos comunitarias!

Aquí hay 3 formas en que Ud. puede participar este año para mostrar su apoyo a jóvenes LGBTQ:

  1. “¡Vístase de morado” para #SpiritDay, jueves 18 de octubre!
  2. ¡Venga a nuestras fiestas moradas al estilo de casa abierta en Napa o Santa Rosa el día 18 de octubre!
  3. ¡Haga una donación para ayudarnos a enfrentar el acoso escolar y apoyar a más jóvenes LGBTQ en los condados de Napa y Sonoma!
More Info / Más Info

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Project Nunway: Nunlimited Happens October 12 at the River

Nunway 8x11 2018
Greetings and Welcome to the First Annual Russian River Sisters Project Nunway! This event was first created by the San Francisco Sisters over ten years ago by Sister Babra Ganesha and has become a world wide phenomenon! It has spawned hundreds of events around the globe with the same premise: to create a new and unique Haute Couture designs out of recycled and/or recyclable materials called “Trashion” or “Garbage Couture”. And what better place to do it but the Russian River, a place known for it’s River Clean Up and recycling efforts.

Members of the Sisters have been paired with designers from all ilks: San Francisco and New York fashion houses, LED sculptors, master fabricators, Renaissance costume designers, cage builders, corset constructers, Burning Man Installation artists, etc.

Our theme, To Infinity and Beyond, evokes magnificent winged magical Beasts, the Gods of Olympus, Superheroes above a great Metropolis, fanciful fluttering faeries and glittering glowing insects, the Cosmos and the Stars within, the possibilities are Infinite!

Come share the spotlight with us!!

Starring the Russian River Sisters and the World Wide Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, with your emcees Sister Sara Femme Fatale and Sister Phyliss Withe Litaday
With Illusionist Dustin Coupe
Ella DuGoode LED hoop display

Special Guest Celebrity Guest Judge Bruce Vilanch of Broadway, Hollywood Squares, and Oscar writer
Special Guest Judge Tom Orr of Dirty Little Show Tunes
Guest Judge Vira The California Mermaid (R)
Guest Judge Christina Pappan
Guest Judge Sister Atilla D’Nun

Proceeds benefit Positive Images https://posimages.org

VIP seating $40.00
Standard seating $25.00

Organic Slushie Bar and Gourmet popcorn by Shamanastary
No Host Bar 

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