February 28, 2022
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Hello community,

I had planned to write today about the sacred rites of spring – the time of year I love - where everything is new, fresh, and full of potential. We planned the “Castro: Tales of a Village,” walking tour, for Tuesday, March 29 for that reason. We have a great docent from San Francisco City Guides who will help us explore in depth the architecture and history of “our” neighborhood. We will be sharing transportation to the event, and maybe even have a bite together afterwards. Please register now for the event and more information follows…
 

However, it has been a time of great disconnect, as the pandemic has taken us away from our usual routines, places, family, and friends. I find it has been exhausting on us all! Beyond COVID-19, we have had to witness great political and ideological divisions within our society that have left all of us asking, ”Where’s the solid ground for us to stand on?” We have also been disconnected from REALITY: The endless lies, fake news, and distortions that question science, vaccines, elections, and more. These distortions have led us to the brink of authoritarianism and civil unrest.
 

Now this week, watching Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine…I was viewing online news in almost total disbelief…I think Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes.” These rhymes are utterly tragic – more distortions about conquest, domination, deception, and madness. Putin justifies the need to “de-nazify” the Ukraine – words addressed to the Jewish Volodymr Zelensky, Ukraine President, who is himself a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor…Thousands of human lives are at risk, with so much trauma and incessant suffering, and the independence of a sovereign nation (and maybe Europe) at stake.
 

The sheer magnitude and number of problems dampen and discourage us, and the entire planet seems to be feeling this period of upheaval and discontent. Has there ever been a time where we have needed community more than now?
 

Now is the time for us to listen more attentively to one another and to find out what is REALLY going on. We need to question, to reflect, to dialogue - for the sake of a deeper understanding and for the sake of finding out the facts. We need to commit to restructuring our social fabric by creating community and working for solidarity. Our experience of today may be full of fragmentation, detachment, and ambiguity. By collectively supporting our community, we become aware that interconnectedness and togetherness are genuinely the profoundest truth.

Castro: Tales of a Village

Tuesday, March 29 at 11AM

 

This is an in-person walking tour with a City Guide in San Francisco. You’ll learn about the evolution of the Castro’s architecture, historic businesses and the people and places that played a role in making the Castro the epicenter of the LGBTQ rights movement. We plan to eat lunch afterwards together. Cost of the walking tour is $5.00 and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please R.S.V.P. to Ellyn at
ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org by March 22

Weekly Workout Classes

Fit Fusion:
A morning cardio class. Every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 AM

Chair Yoga:
A class that may be ideal for folks who have limited mobility, are new to yoga or work at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 AM

Tai Chi:
A morning class that is both meditative and energizing.  Every Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM

Contact Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org for information about joining our weekly workout classes! 
Please note: you only have to register for EACH workout class 
once in order to attend them all. 

Chair Yoga
Tuesday, March 1 at 9:30 AM

 

Fit Fusion

Wednesday, March 2 at 9:30 AM
 

Tai Chi
Friday, March 2 at 9:30 AM

LGBTQ Book Club (18 )
Wednesday, March 2 from
4:30-6:00 PM

The book club is a partnership with the San Mateo County Public Library System and San Mateo County Pride Center. It’s open to all members of the community, including allies and friends. This month’s book is, "Untamed” by Glendon Doyle.
 

Community members who are invited to attend even if they haven't read the book. Come participate in the discussion!

 

Please consider utilizing SMCL to access an audiobook of the book.

 

Registration is required: tinyurl.com/smcpc-bookclub

 

Information about upcoming book club picks will be shared soon!

 

 

Chair Yoga
Thursday, March 3 at 9:30 AM

 

Ageism Unmasked with Dr. Tracey Gendon
Thursday, March 3 at 3:00 PM

Dr. Gendron will discuss her book where she reveals the biases behind the false understanding of aging and shifts our perspective on the topic of aging, including letting go of the need to stay young.  Please register in advance at Eventbrite.com

 

Tai Chi
Friday, March 4 at 9:30 AM

 

LGBTQ Women’s Sharing & Caring Group
Every Friday from 3:00-4:00 PM
Meet interesting people like yourself…Build community and make new friends. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates this weekly group. For more information, contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Fit Fusion

Monday, March 7 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Tuesday, March 8 at 9:30 AM

 

Fit Fusion

Wednesday, March 9 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Thursday, March 10 at 9:30 AM

 

Tai Chi
Friday, March 11 at 9:30 AM

 

LGBTQ Women’s Sharing & Caring Group
Every Friday from 3:00-4:00 PM
Meet interesting people like yourself…Build community and make new friends. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates this weekly group. For more information, contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org

 

Fit Fusion

Monday, March 14 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Tuesday, March 15 at 9:30 AM

 

Fit Fusion

Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Thursday, March 17 at 9:30 AM

 

Tai Chi
Friday, March 18 at 9:30 AM

 

LGBTQ Women’s Sharing & Caring Group
Every Friday from 3:00-4:00 PM
Meet interesting people like yourself…Build community and make new friends. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates this weekly group. For more information, contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org

 

Fit Fusion

Monday, March 21 at 9:30 AM

 

Get App-y
Monday, March 21 at 1PM

Have a question about your tablet or laptop? Think your phone may be smarter than you? Join us at Get App-y to freely ask questions and get answers that help you through your tech challenges. Please register in advance to Arlene at aaquino@peninsulafamilyservice.org

 

Chair Yoga
Tuesday, March 22 at 9:30 AM

 

Gay Men's Group (18 )

Tuesday, March 22 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Join the conversation for gay men who want to socialize about common interests, meet new people, and connect during the pandemic. Jeff Fried facilitates the group. For more information, please contact Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

 

Registration is required: tinyurl.com/smcpc-gaymensgroup

 

Fit Fusion

Wednesday, March 23 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Thursday, March 24 at 9:30 AM

 

Tai Chi

Friday, March 25 at 9:30 AM

 

LGBTQ Women’s Sharing & Caring Group
Every Friday from 3:00-4:00 PM
Meet interesting people like yourself…Build community and make new friends. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates this weekly group. For more information, contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org

 

Fit Fusion

Monday, March 28 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30 AM
 

Castro: Tales of a Village
Tuesday, March 29 at 11:00 AM
Please see beginning of e-blast for more information about this program.  

Please R.S.V.P. to Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org by March 22.


Fit Fusion

Wednesday, March 30 at 9:30 AM

 

Chair Yoga
Thursday, March 31 at 9:30 AM

In community, 

Ellyn Bloomfield (she/her)

Older Adult Program Coordinator
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