June 24, 2021

Dear Marilyn Fernando,

As I write, we have just marked the Summer Solstice. The temperatures on the peninsula have been higher than usual yet the hottest days are probably still to come. The Summer Solstice brings us lots of light, because it is the day with the most sunlight in the year.

For many peoples, ancient and modern, the Summer Solstice observations take (and have taken) many forms around the world, with celebrations and rituals that recognize the sun’s importance in our lives. I think it is a great time to set our intentions for now and for the rest of the year, since the high frequency, crystalline light that shines upon us upgrades every single cell in our body.

On the peninsula, the Summer Solstice also ushered in the release from the restrictive color tiers that came with the virus. We are not returning to the old “normal,” yet we do not know what the new normal will be. We want to let the old belief systems fade away, while we try to celebrate any sign of the emergence of the new way of being – whatever that will be! As my colleague stated, “There is an “unease” of coming back to what is.” We are all feeling the conflict between the yearning for freedom vs. the external authority’s obsession for control. We hear the word “resilience” at least 5-10 times a day!

I consider this time as one for me to go inward to find my own, inner authority. It is making a commitment for self-responsibility, where I want to come back to myself in the creation of my every thought, every word, and every deed. I need to be able to turn the radio dial down and decide what I want to experience, even if the media want other things from me. I seek my own bliss and a place that is peaceful. I find it by being at one in nature, connecting to the trees, animals, grass, winds, etc. I feel it when I surrender to the “divine.” Some people meditate daily and others play musical instruments and sing. Everyone must seek their bliss in their own way - whatever works for them...

We have just experienced a time of intense social unravelling, so it’s okay to want to stay peaceful…Let us take the summer to find our own bliss and make our own creative expressions - to work on grass roots causes and to build a better “normal” for ourselves and our community.

In each one of you there is a hidden being,

still in the deep sleep of childhood.

Bring it to life!

In each one of you there is a call, a will,

an impulse of nature,

an impulse toward the future,

the new, the higher.

Let it mature, let it resound, nurture it!

— Herman Hesse, (from If the War Goes On)

SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55

Friday, July 2 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

Independence Day Observed: Pride Center and PFS offline

Monday, July 5

LGBTQ Book Club (18 )

Wed., July 7 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 The Price of Salt (or Carol) by Patricia Highsmith.

Please note: folks are invited to attend & participate in the discussion even if they haven't read the book!

Understanding Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies & Non-Fungible Tokens
Thursday, July 8 from 10- 11 AM

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, blockchain, oh my! What do all of these things mean? During this presentation, you will learn about blockchain, the technology underlying cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based technologies, like non-fungible tokens, as well as some of the legal issues that typically arise alongside these new areas. Will you become a crypto-millionaire after this presentation? No. However, you might just learn a little more about this emerging area of technology and the law. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Yoga with Cats: Feline Good Series

Thursday, July 8 at 4:00 PM

Stephanie Garafola will teach our next virtual yoga class in our feline-good series! Certified in both yoga and barre, she teaches under the motto, "everyone can do it!" Our class is purrfect for beginners and regulars, and everyone in-between! Join us on Thursday, July 8 at 4 pm PT - all cats welcome! Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55

Friday, July 9 from 3-4 PM on Zoom

Bastille Day Celebration Online

Tuesday, July 13 from 3:30-4:45 PM

Join this celebratory, educational online event, starting with speeches in French from Arnaud Mentré, Consul Général de France à Boston, and Barbara Bouquegneau, Director of the French Cultural Center. Then there will be a short talk on Liberty, Equality, Sorority? A Woman Printmaker in the French Revolution by Sarah Lund, who is a graduate intern at the Harvard Art Museums and Ph.D. candidate in the Department of History of Art and Architecture, Harvard University. A short Q&A in English will follow this presentation. Next will be a game in French: the goal will be to guess if the questions we will ask you are related to Bastille Day, the American Independence Day, or both of them. The event will close with the sublime reinterpretation of La Marseillaise by the talented duo formed by FCC team member, Fabrizio Mazzetta and his partner, Masako Jasmine Yotsugi. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Monthly Travel Meetup
Wednesday, July 14 from 10:00-11:30 AM

This month we are discussing our travels in China!

Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

LGBTQ Clinical Supervision

Thursday, July 15 at 10:30 AM

Senior peer counselors meet for their monthly group supervision with Dr. Mariah Larkin. Please contact Ellyn (She/her) to RSVP at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55

Friday, July 16 from 3-4 PM on Zoom

Get APP-y Workshop

Monday, July 19 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.

Cryptocurrency 101

Wednesday, July 21 from 3:30-4:30 PM

What is cryptocurrency? Is it "The New Money?" How do you get it? How do you use it? Should you invest in Bitcoin? Others? How can you avoid cryptocurrency scams? Dr. Paramita Dhar, Associate Prof of Economics, will try to help us through this new technology journey. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Yan Can Cook Healthy Summer Menu

Thursday, July 22 from 4-5 PM

Join Chef Yan and On Lok for a new, live, virtual cooking series celebrating Chinese recipes and traditions. Prepare delicious summer-themed recipes along with Chef Yan, who will be cooking live from his kitchen. After you RSVP, you will receive a Zoom link to the event and the recipes. The featured dishes are grilled rainbow vegetables, poached seafood bundles, and steamed cabbage pillows. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55

Friday, July 23 from 3-4 PM on Zoom

Gay Men’s Group (18 )

Tuesday, July 27 from 6:00-7:00 PM

Join this virtual conversation for Gay men who want to socialize about common interests, meet new people, and connect during the pandemic. Facilitated by Jorge Vidarte (He/Him). 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.

Scones 101
Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30-6:30 PM

This virtual class is for people who want to learn how to make berry cream scones. Shop for the ingredients (list provided with registration) and bake along with Chef Sam! Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

U.K.'s Silver Pride 2021
Friday, July 30 from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM

Now in its second year, Silver Pride is a unique online festival designed to connect with and celebrate older LGBTQ people. Over 3 days of summer, Silver Pride will host a smorgasbord of events. There are interviews - Alan Cumming is our “opening gala” guest – as well as panel discussions, a cook along, a songwriting masterclass with O’Hooley and Tidow, composers of Gentlemen Jack’s theme song, an in-conversation between Straight Jacket author Matthew Todd and novelist Matt Cain, and even a ‘lock-in’ as writers Paul Flynn and Jeremy Atherton-Lin will be discussing the pivotal place of the pub in the gay experience. Other guests include Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick, actor and writer Simon Callow, musician Beverley Glenn-Copeland, and Britain’s oldest drag queen, 96-year-old Maisie Trollette. With this year’s theme ‘every day heroes’, Silver Pride is a celebration of the heroism that most people show in order just to live their authentic lives. It is also a commemoration of those who went before us – those who marched, fought, campaigned, and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. Silver Pride is a party and a paean.

Silver Pride Founder Craig Burton said, “We want to create conversations about and generate noise around the lives of older LGBT folks, as well as promoting intergenerational communication. These ambitions are reflected in our program: it is aimed at older people but there really is something for everyone. We hope you can join us.” Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55

Friday, July 30 from 3-4 PM on Zoom

Contact Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org about all these virtual programs and for all the virtual exercise programs (see below) registration.

Monday and Wednesday – Fit Fusion 9:30 AM

Try a workout that combine cardio and strength with balance. Register in advance with Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Tuesday and Thursday – Chair Yoga 9:30 AM

Chair yoga is a great way to get the wonderful health benefits of yoga. Staying seated means that one can safely do the exercises without risk of injury. Yoga is an excellent way to loosen and stretch painful muscles, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Please register in advance with Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

Friday – Tai Chi 9:30 AM

Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi has been described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle moments. Please register in advance with Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org

UPCOMING BOOKS:
August 4th: My Tender Matador by Pedro Lembel 4:30 PM. Please see this link for full list of books that will be discussed: tinyurl.com/smcpc-bookclub

**** This library browser extension shows you which books are available for FREE for your local library! https://www.cnet.com/how-to/this-browser-extension-shows-you-which-amazon-books-are-available-free-at-your-local-library ****

Looking forward to seeing you at this month’s events

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

In community,

Ellyn Bloomfield (she/her)

Older Adult Program Coordinator

San Mateo County Pride Center