50 and Better eNews
September 2007


Dine Out Night

Tuesday, September 18
5:30 pm

Jimmy Carter's, 3172 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

This corner eatery is renowned for hefty servings of food from around the world!

Please RSVP: to Al Kalian at 619-296-0833

Workshops

FOLK DANCE CLASS

Wednesday, Septmeber 5
5:00p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
in the Auditorium.

Enjoy exotic rhythms from far-away places! Learn traditional ethnic folk dances from Greece, Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Israel and more.

These easy line and circle dances are perfect for beginners. No partner is necessary. Come and enjoy exotic rhythms from far-away places! Meet new friends and have fun!

We are seeking a facilitator for Folk Dance Class. If you are interested please contact David VanGilder, Coordinator Senior Services,
619-692-2077x205 or dvangilder@thecentersd.org.


Dinner and Learn

Wednesday, September 19
6:00pm to 7:30pm
in Group Room 2.
Light Dinner will be provided
.

"Lesbians and Gay Men Over 50: Pioneers in Sexual Health" with Doug Braun-Harvey, MFT, CGP.

The focus will be on visioning what sexual health looks like in a culture of openly gay men and women who have spent most, if not all, of their adult lives as culturally identified gays and lesbians. What does this mean for sexuality, sexual health and recognition of sexual desires and aspirations in the later years of our lives?


Lunch and Learn for September is cancelled.


The program will resume in October with subject to be announced.


Introduction to Meditation

Saturday, September 29
3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
in the Community Resource Room.

If you are seeking a means to calm the constant chatter of thought, find true inner peace or improve your memory skills, meditation can help get you there!

This free class is intended for absolute beginners as well as those who have a meditation practice and are interested in trying new meditation techniques.

The class will include a basic discourse about meditation and its benefits, review and practice of a specific technique and discussion regarding other topics related to meditation.

Groups

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Tuesday, September 25
2:00p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
in the Auditorium

Host Alan DesRoches continues our series tracing the major eras of Western music with the Classical Period. We will learn how the genius of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven changed the world of music and gave us the treasured symphonies we enjoy today.

Special Thank You to the Metropolitan Community Church for use of their piano.


Art Group: Drawing and Painting

Would you like to learn basic figure drawing and painting? Would you like to try your hand at a portrait, abstract or still-life? Join others 50 and Better in this multimedia art group and use pencil, pastel, watercolor and more to express yourself! No previous art experience necessary.

Sabato Fiorello will lead these free and fun art workshops on Wednesdays at 1:30pm (allow 2 hours.) Participants are encouraged and welcome to join in at any time during the session, but we take a one week break between 8 week sessions, so call first at 619-692-2077.

The group is free although some basic materials may need to be purchased.


Gentle Yoga

YogaThe Center and Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO) present Gentle Yoga. SAYCO's mission is to improve the health and overall well-being of all seniors, regardless of age, physical ability or financial status. Classes are free and all are welcome. Can't get up or down from the floor? Doesn't matter. Have bad balance? Trouble standing? Again, not important. ANYONE can benefit from yoga. Please come and see for yourself. The class is taught by Susan Marcus, Certified Yoga Therapist and Instructor, Certified SAYCO Instructor, and member of the LGBT community. You may reach her at 619-890-YOGA with questions. If you have friends under 50 that could benefit from this class please bring them- they are welcome to attend.

Gentle Yoga meets each Thursday at 2:45pm.


Tai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan originated in the 14th century as a self-defense art and has become widely recognized as a form of moving Yoga, which imparts many health benefits. The self defense art itself has its origin in the ancient Yoga exercise set, "The Muscle Change Classic," which dates back to the 4th century. Go to www.thewalkingtiger.com for more information on Tai Chi.

Join instructor Walter Jackson every Saturday from 10am-11am (not available during holiday weekends). Dress comfortably.


FOG

Fellowship of Older Gays

FOG is a social organization for older gay men in San Diego , CA.

FOG members meet for a coffee social every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at The Open Air Cafe, 1816 Howard Avenue.

Discussion group meets every Tuesday 6:30-8pm at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street , San Diego , CA 92103

For more information please contact: 619-702-4586 or fogsandiego@hotmail.com .


LOFTY

Lesbians Over Fifty

Join us in welcoming LOFTY to the Women's Resource Center!

LOFTY is a discussion group for lesbian and bisexual women over fifty, providing a social network and discussion covering work, relationships, family and other topics of interest to lesbian and bisexual women over 50. Sign-up for the group is not required. Please join us on the third Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30pm in the Community Resource Room to see if the group is right for you.

For more information contact the Womens Resource Center Coordinator at 619-692-2077x111 or lea@thecentersd.org.

Support Groups

Monthly Drop-in Support Group for Men

FOURTH Wednesday Each Month 12:00p.m. to 1:30p.m. in Group Room 3.

Facilitator: Michael Majeski, PsyD.

The Monthly Drop-in Support Group for Men is an open forum for discussion of life's challenges and an opportunity to share with new friends.


Monthly Drop-in Support Group for Women

SECOND Friday Each Month 10:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. in Group Room 3.

Facilitator: Marylupe Flores, LCSW.

The Monthly Drop-in Support Group for Women is an opportunity to share with new friends and an open forum for discussion of life's challenges.


Men's Cancer Support Group

The Center has partnered with The American Cancer Society to bring you the Men's Cancer Support Group. This group is for men of any age and with any type of cancer, and will be conducted by Dr. Allan Brown. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-2pm and may include partners, family and/or caregivers.This is a drop-in group so no registration is required.

Please call 1-800-ACS-2345 for cancer-related information and resources 24/7.


Women's Cancer Support Group

Women of all ages are welcome to be a part of the ongoing You Are Not Alone: Cancer Support Group.
The Center offers this support group for LBT women who have had or currently have any form of cancer. Clients at all stages of treatment are welcome.

Meets at Behavioral Health Services. Call 619-260-6380 x105 for more information first.


The S.E.E. Club Mentor
(Seniors Educated and Empowered)
Medicare and Healthcare Plans Discussion and Help


Confused about Medicare? Having trouble understanding your Health Plan? Volunteer Glen Flint will share his health plan knowledge while educating and empowering participants with respect to their Medicare and health plans. He can also help with or refer you for assistance in filling out confusing and lengthy Medicare claim forms and other paperwork, as well as share information on how the various health plans work.

Feel free to email Glen for one-on-one help at gflint1@san.rr.com.


Senior Advisory Committee

This committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month, Noon to 1pm at The Center. Interested in helping plan and coordinate senior programs at The Center? Call about joining the SAC, 619-692-2077 x205.


Mission Statement

The mission of The San Diego LGBT Community Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities by providing activities, programs and services that:

  • Create community
  • Empower community members
  • Provide essential resources
  • Advocate for civil and human rights
  • Embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity
Also In This Issue …
Dine Out Night
Folk Dance Class
Introduction to Meditation
Music Appreciation
Art Group
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi

Cancer Support Groups

Need Help? Aging as Ourselves is here!

Olin/Grinchuk
Senior Space

Olin/Grinchuk Senior Space

Here you can use a computer with Internet access or take a look at the senior resources binder where you can find contact information for every type of helpful organization from housing, to legal, to employment resources. Also, plan a small meeting or workshop and take advantage of the private space. For more information or to reserve the space, contact the Front Desk at 619-692-2077.

Drop-in hours:
Mon.-Fri. 9am-9:30pm
Sat. 9am-6:30pm

Check out

www.thecentersd.org/swap.php

for a comprehensive list of resources for LGBT seniors!

Community Calendar

Calendar

www.ourlgbtevents.org

24HR Infoline

Senior Services 24hr. Infoline

Call: 619-692-2077 x801

This 24hr. information line provides recorded information regarding events, group meetings and other Center-planned senior activities.

Resources: Aging as Ourselves

Aging as OurselvesDo you or anyone you know need resources for housing, food, home- delivered meals, home visitors, in-home help, transportation, counseling, legal services, tax prep and health? There is a lot of help for you!

Aging As Ourselves

We are happy to announce this exciting new community project and proud to say that The Center's Senior Services is a part of it!!

What is it?

Aging as Ourselves is a community-wide collaborative that provides a safe and comfortable environment for LGBT seniors to tap into culturally responsive legal, social and health-related services.

The easiest way to connect to these resources is by calling our Care Coordinator, Renee, at ElderHelp. 619-284-9281 x15.

Who is a part of it?

The Collaborative Partners are:

The San Diego LGBT Community Center: As a collaborating partner for Aging as Ourselves, The Center will provide individual mental health counseling and seminars, referrals to health and social services, and access to legal seminars and legal counseling. In addition, seniors will be reached through social, cultural and skill-based activities as well as support and discussion groups. For more information, contact at 619-692- 2077 x 205.

ElderHelp of San Diego: As the lead collaborative agency, ElderHelp will: direct the Aging as Ourselves project; provide case management and referrals to health and social services for LGBT seniors; assist with volunteer recruitment and training; provide space for free legal counseling; and develop and conduct health provider educational trainings and seminars. For more information, contact Renee Nashtut at 619-284-9281 x15 orrnashtut@elderhelpofsandiego.org.

S.A.G.E. of California: Seniors Active in a Gay Environment (S.A.G.E.) will work with ElderHelp to recruit and train volunteers to provide culturally sensitive, non-medical, in-home supportive services to LGBT seniors. In addition, S.A.G.E. will sponsor an Alcoholics Anonymous group, a Prostate Cancer Support Group for men, provide space for free legal advice and provide health and social services for LGBT seniors. For more information, contact Tom Kirkman at 619-298-9900 orsagesd@sage-sd.com.

Family Health Centers of San Diego: As a collaborating partner for Aging as Ourselves, FHCSD will develop and implement an HIV/AIDS social marketing campaign targeted towards LGBT seniors to increase awareness of STD risk factors and safer sex practices, as well as to encourage STD testing. For more information, contact Bob Lewis at 619-515-2586 or robertl@fhcsd.org.

Elder Law and Advocacy: As a collaborating partner for Aging as Ourselves, Elder Law & Advocacy will provide free legal assistance and counseling for LGBT seniors at several of the locations listed here. For more information contact Bob Martin at 858-565-1392 or bmartin@seniorlaw-sd.org.

PALS: PALS is a community and social group of older Lesbians and Lesbian Seniors In North County San Diego, California. As a collaborating partner for Aging as Ourselves, PALS will sponsor women's health education programs for lesbians. For more information, contact northcountypals.org

By working together to ensure that services are delivered in a culturally sensitive fashion, we hope to enhance the quality of care and reduce health risks for LGBT seniors.

Resources: Other

CyberCenter Hours

Come by and surf the Internet, use email or type up and print documents (small fee for printing) at this special time reserved for you!

New hours:

MONDAY 10:30am-1:30pm


Center Seniors Yahoo Group

Join this email group and keep in touch with new activities, resources and events happening in Senior Services as well as The 50 and Better Club! Click this link to join:
centerseniors-subscribe@yahoogroups.com


Individual Counseling Available for You

Appointments are available now for this resource. Our therapists have flexible hours at The Center's Behavioral Health Services - 2313 El Cajon Blvd. Please call 619-260-6380 to book your appointment today.


Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund

The Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund was established by The Imperial Court de San Diego and The Center to assist low-income and uninsured lesbian and bisexual women in accessing necessary healthcare resources. Pick up an application at The Center (WRC), The Lesbian Health Clinic or get it online in English or Spanish at http://thecentersd.org/
toniatkinslesbianhealthfund.php
.


Walden Family Services
Ever consider being a foster parent? Read why Walden is a great way to go!

  • They've been supporting families and children for thirty years.
  • They offer extensive training and support.
  • They welcome singles and LGBT community.
  • You do not have to own a home.
  • They are the first in SD to advocate for LGBTQ youth.

Make the difference in a child's life and feel infinitely rewarded!

www.waldenfamily.org
619-584-5777

Interested in Volunteering?

As our program grows, we will need your help to keep it strong! What talents do you have? Can you plan events, teach a hands-on workshop, lead a movement class, give a lecture, facilitate a support or discussion group?

What are your skills?

Even if you want to help set-up chairs, we need and appreciate your help! Your community needs you.

Please contact our volunteer coordinator:

Ted May at tmay@thecentersd.org or 619-692-2077 x111 to get started!

Contact Us

Senior Services Coordinator,

David VanGilder
619-692-2077 x205 or
dvangilder@thecentersd.org

24 Hr. Info-line
619-692-2077 x801


The Center is located at:
3909 Centre Street
San Diego, CA 92103
Our mailing address:
P.O. Box 3357
San Diego, CA 92163
Phone: (619) 692-2077
Fax:
(619) 260-3092
Web: http://www.thecentersd.org

The Center is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment and in the provision of all services. The Center provides services without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic characteristics, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.
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