July 28, 2021
Dear Marilyn Fernando,
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Like most of us, I have spent numerous hours during the COVID quarantine looking at various screens of dissimilar shapes and sizes, whether for work, or for meetings, or for my own pleasure. A few weeks ago, I needed to abstain from driving also for a short period…During this time, I have returned to reading. Well, I never stopped reading, mind you, but I just read a chapter here and there, often having a couple of books going by the bedside. In the last month, I reverted to my youth – I am reading again with an insatiable appetite.
The universe surely works in mysterious ways because a novel, The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin, somehow fell into my hands. The novel is genuinely a love letter to bookstores, books, reading and literacy. Have you ever asked yourself what benefits come with reading a book? If you have, I say consider reading this one to find out more.
Now there’s a website (oberlo.com/blog/benefits-of-reading-books) where you can find out all the reasons for reading books and I don’t want to bore you with all the scientific studies, but one study called The Survival Advantage of Reading Books concluded that book reading contributed to a survival advantage that was significantly greater than that observed for reading newspapers or magazines. Compared to non-book readers, book readers lived almost two (2) years longer. Book readers also experienced a 20% reduction in risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow up compared to non-book readers. For those who read for 30 minutes a day (3.5 hours per week) they were 23% more likely to outlive those who did not read often. In case you are as curious as I am, Oxford University Press published the study in their scientific journal, Innovation in Aging. The 12-year scientific study involved 3635 study participants.
We also have a wonderful LGBTQ Book Club (information about group linked here) that meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 PM via Zoom. I do hope you will consider visiting the Book Club to explore the books, topics of discussion, and meet the friendly people. Grace Bennett, the protagonist of The Last Bookshop in London, stated it so beautifully in the novel, ”I think within all of us, there is a void, a gap waiting to be filled by something. For me, that something is books and all their proffered experiences.” Happy reading to you all!
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4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Throughout the month of August, we invite you to attend 4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion. This is a free, bi-weekly group where attendees are invited to discuss 4 different international films! This group meets twice a week at 4 PM on both Monday and Friday. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn (She/Her) at EBloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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During the first week of August (8/2 & 8/6), we will be discussing Wild Rose (2018).
Summary: Fresh out of jail and with two young kids, all she wants is to get out of Glasgow and make it as a country singer in Nashville. Her mum Marion (Julie Walters) has had a bellyful of Rose-Lynn’s Nashville nonsense. Forced to take responsibility, Rose-Lynn gets a cleaning job, only to find an unlikely champion in the middle-class lady of the house (Sophie Okonedo). Directed by Tom Harper, Wild Rose is an uplifting story with an original soundtrack about family, dreams and reality, and three chords and the truth.
This film is available to watch through Hulu. Please see this link to watch trailer (youtu.be/l_Ths6k7qXk).
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LGBTQ Book Club (18 )
Wed., August 4 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 My Tender Matador by Pedro Lembel
Please note: folks are invited to attend & participate in the discussion even if they haven't read the book!
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| Virtual Screening: Visions: "The War Window"
Thursday, August 5 from 4-6 PM
Harvey Perr’s acclaimed period piece portraying two women falling in love. Controversial when originally aired, this was the first primetime television piece that depicted lesbians in a realistic and positive light. Join us for this free, virtual screening hosted by the UCLA Film and Television Archive Virtual Screening Room.
Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Friday, August 6 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing Wild Rose (2018). Please see description of film and event in upper section of newsletter. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn (She/Her) at EBloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, August 6 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
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4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Monday, August 9 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing Cinema Paradiso (1988).
Summary: Giuseppe Tornatore’s loving homage to the cinema tells the story of Salvatore, a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend who was the projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood. Soon memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena and all the highs and lows that shaped his life come flooding back, as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.
If you have a SMC Libraries card, you are able to stream this film for free through Kanopy. Please use this link to learn more about Kanopy.
Please see this link for a trailer: youtu.be/JMyVSD6OvO8
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| | Tomato Risotto Cooking Class
Tuesday, August 10 from 4:00-5:00 PM
Free cooking class for those who want to make homemade tomato risotto with burrata and basil. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Monthly Travel Meetup
Wednesday, August 11 from 11:00-12:30 PM
Come join fellow travelers to discuss past trips and future travel plans together. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, August 13 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
4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Friday, August 13 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing Cinema Paradiso (1988). For a description of the event and a trailer, please see description above. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn (She/Her) at EBloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Get APP-y Workshop
Monday, August 16 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.
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| 4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Monday, August 16 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing The Live of Others (2006).
Summary: At once a political thriller and human drama, THE LIVES OF OTHERS begins in East Berlin in 1984, five years before Glasnost and the fall of the Berlin Wall and ultimately takes us to 1991, in what is now the reunited Germany. THE LIVES OF OTHERS traces the gradual disillusionment of Captain Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Muhe, best known for his lead roles in Michael Haneke's FUNNY GAMES and as Dr. Mengele in Costa-Gavras' AMEN), a highly skilled officer who works for the Stasi, East Germany's all-powerful secret police. His mission is to spy on a celebrated writer and actress couple, Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) and Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck).
Currently the film is not streaming for free but can be rented for $2.99 at Vudu or Amazon Prime.
Please see this link for a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3_iLOp6IhM
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| SF Art Deco with SF City Guides
Tuesday, August 17 from 7:30 PM
This online tour offered by SF City Guides features six of the greatest Art Deco buildings in San Francisco. Geometric and symmetrical, Art Deco style was popular throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s in metropolitan cities across the United States. The buildings capture the energy of the Jazz Age with its glamor and glitz. Learn more about Art Deco in San Francisco! Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, August 20 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
4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Friday, August 20 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing The Lives of Others (2006). For a description of the event and a trailer, please see description above. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn (She/Her) at EBloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Monday, August 23 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002).
Summary: In Western Australia in 1931, 14-year-old Molly, her sister Daisy and their cousin Gracie are taken by government officials and sent to a training school. Yearning for home, they attempt to find their way back by trekking 2400 kilometres along the rabbit-proof fence. The heartbreaking real-life plight of Australia's stolen generations drives Phillip Noyce's account of three girls determined to return to their family, as conveyed through empathetic storytelling and with an eye for the nation's outback landscape.
Currently the film is not streaming for free but can be rented for $2.70 at Amazon, $2.99 at YouTube, Google Play or Vudu.
Please see this link for a trailer: youtu.be/QlSchfmtzQk
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| | | Gay Men’s Group (18 )
Tuesday, August 24
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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| SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, August 27 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
4 Films, 4 Countries, Film Discussion:
Friday, August 27 at 4 PM
During this meeting, we will be discussing Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002). For a description of the event and a trailer, please see description above. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn (She/Her) 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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Please contact Ellyn (She/Her) if you need support or have questions about any of the programs and events listed above at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Coming this fall – An opportunity for the community to come together to promote voter awareness in key states…Be on the lookout for more information…
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In community,
Ellyn Bloomfield (she/her)
Older Adult Program Coordinator
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