August 27, 2021
Dear Marilyn Fernando,
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What does it mean to be of service to others in the community? The pandemic has left many people sick, unemployed, isolated, and struggling to make ends meet. The news is currently full of stories about people who are struggling in many ways, so it is easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and confused about how to help. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help make a difference in our community from the safety of your home. There are actually a couple of opportunities coming up this month to help out.
The first opportunity is to consider becoming a senior peer counselor for someone in the community. You will provide emotional support to older adults who are coping with challenges of aging, including isolation, grief, mild depression, health concerns, etc. You will learn to become an active listener, recognize and respond to grief, depression and anxiety, etc. and you will get to work with others in the community. Peninsula Family Service provides free training to anyone who wishes to become a senior peer counselor. Once you complete the Zoom training course, you will be matched with a person who is looking for support. You choose when to make yourself available to your participant, so it is up to you to decide when you want to spend time volunteering as a senior peer counselor. Giving to others in need right now may actually make you feel better about your current situation. To get more information or to ask questions about the senior peer counseling program and training, please attend the Open House on Wednesday, September 8 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM via Zoom. Please contact Raychelle Lee at rlee@peninsulafamilyservice.org or call (650)403-4300 x 4389 for more information. The LGBTQ senior peer counselors have provided many hours over the past 15-16 months to help support isolated members of the community.
The second opportunity is to help get voters out to vote in elections in swing states. We will be writing postcards that target voters in the most competitive elections up and down the ballot. Last year we wrote over 600 postcards to voters in and around Savannah, Georgia…Did it make a difference? You bet it did! Moreover, that is why we are writing postcards once again this year in September – and we need your help! Please let us know you are available to help us out by contacting Ellyn Bloomfield at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org or calling (650) 403-4300 x4383. The Zoom Postcard Party party is scheduled for 7-8 PM on Tuesday, September 28. (You can still write out postcards even if you cannot attend the Postcards Party, but would love to have you attend…)
Please consider becoming engaged and involved in our community service projects, for the need now is great and you can really make a difference…”If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.” - Buddha
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LGBTQ Book Club (18 )
Wed., September 1 from 4:30-6:00 PM
The San Mateo County Pride Center, Peninsula Family Service and San Mateo County Libraries System co-host LGBTQ Book Club every first Wednesday of the month! This club is free, open to folks 18 and runs from 4:30-6PM.
Pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPC-bookclub.
This month, participants will disucss When the Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
Please note: folks are invited to attend & participate in the discussion even if they haven't read the book!
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| Aging as Art: A Juried Photography Show
Thursday, September 2 from 5-6 PM
This curated collection of 94 professional and amateur photographs depicts the diversity, dignity, and challenges of what living a long life means today. Join us as we honor these amazing photographers and unveil our virtual gallery. Please register in advance through Eventbrite.
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, September 3 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
This is a free social group for LGBTQ Women 55 that meets weekly on Fridays from 3-4 PM. Meet interesting people like yourself. Build community and make new friends. Understanding and empathy to provide comfort when life gets challenging. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates the group. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
GAY MEN'S SOCIAL GROUP (18 )
Saturday, September 4 at 12:30 PM
A special, weekend in-person social gathering for Gay Men (18 ) at Lulu's in Menlo Park. Please bring your ideas for our future men’s social group events and a mask to prevent COVID. We can’t be 6 feet apart even though we will be using the outdoor seating…Please have your masks on when not eating lunch.
If you have questions or need support, please contact organizer at peason.chiang@gmail.com.
Information about the restaurant:
Lulu's on the Alameda
3539 Alameda de las Pulgas
Menlo Park, CA 94025
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Monday, September 6
The Pride Center is closed in observance of Labor Day
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Senior Peer Counseling Open House
Wednesday, September 8
from 2-3 PM
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Kristin Harmel: Author discussion
Thursday, September 9th at 4PM
In conversation with Patti Callahan about writing with a hint of magic. For more information and to register to attend, please see Eventbrite.
HIV: Needs and Challenges for Older Adults
Tuesday, September 14 from 9-12 PM
The National Resource Center for HIV & Aging's 2nd annual webinar for HIV & Aging Awareness Day. Additional information can be found through Eventbrite link! Please register in advance through Eventbrite.
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, September 17 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
A weekly social group for LGBTQ Women 55 . Please see description of event near the top of the newsletter. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Sex & The Pandemic
Friday, September 17 at 10:30-12:30 PM
A Speaker Series organized by Ricky Varghese
Hosted by the School of Disability Studies, Ryerson University. Please register in advance through Eventbrite.
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Get APP-y Workshop
Monday, September 20 from Noon-1pm
Have a question about your tablet or laptop? Think your phone may be smarter than you? Join us at Get APP-y Workshop (formerly APP-y Hour) to freely ask questions and get answers that help you through your tech challenges. Please register in advance to Arlene at aaquino@peninsulafamilyservice.org. This workshop meets monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Film Discussion - Lives Well Lived
Wednesday, September 22 at 4:30 pm
PBS stations across the country will be airing Lives Well Lived (click link for trailer), throughout September. Viewers will enjoy the insights of dozens of fascinating individuals – 3,000 years of life experience – distilled into a delightful mosaic of essential life lessons.
Celebrate the wit & wisdom of adults 75 years old who are living their lives to the fullest with a heartwarming PBS documentary, Lives Well Lived.
Stream "Lives Well Lived" on the PBS website from September 1-28.
www.pbs.org/show/lives-well-lived/
For more information and to view local airing dates check out the website: www.lives-well-lived.com
The San Mateo County Pride Center will host a film discussion of the video over zoom on Wednesday, Sept 22 at 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. For more information and to get the link, please contact Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Walkability & Beyond: The Right Environment for Active Aging
Thursday, September 23 from 7:30 PM
Join Dr. Christy Phillips, a research assistant professor in the Clemson University Department of Psychology and Institute for Engaged Aging, to learn more about micro- and macro- level features of a “Built Environment” that influences healthy aging. Dr. Phillips will discuss housing, pedestrian environments, transportation, and land-use planning that can also influence our health behaviors, our ability to remain engaged and connect with others, and the ease with which we adapt to age-related changes, including the latest research, successful community initiatives and challenges in need of solutions. Please register in advance through this link.
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, September 24 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
Meet interesting people like yourself. Build community and make new friends. Understanding and empathy to provide comfort when life gets challenging. Roberta Gonzalez-Gregg facilitates the group. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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| Gay Men’s Group (18 )
Tuesday, September 28
from 6:00-7:00 PM
Join this virtual conversation for Gay men (18 ) who want to socialize about common interests, meet new people, and connect during the pandemic.
Please register using this link: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-gaymensgroup & Please contact Ainsley Blattel (they/them) at ainsley.blattel@sanmateopride.org for additional information or questions regarding the group.
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| POSTCARD PARTY!
Tuesday, September 28 at 7 PM on Zoom
An opportunity for the community to come together to promote voter awareness in key states! Postcards will be provided, stay tuned for more details! Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Fit Fusion:
A morning cardio class. Every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 AM
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| 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
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| Tai Chi:
A morning class that is both meditative and energizing. Every Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM
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| 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.
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In community,
Ellyn Bloomfield (she/her)
Older Adult Program Coordinator
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