Free Online”Aging Gayfully” SRJC begins January 22
Local
Help Marin’s Spahr Center assist Trans Youth
| The Spahr Center is raising money to purchase chest binders for queer and trans youth in Marin County. On average, 60% of trans and nonbinary youth in Marin County experience bullying based on their gender presentation and/or gender identity. Now that youth program staff has been able safely return to providing services to young people in school and in person, we have seen an increased need for access to gender affirming supplies. In particular, many trans and nonbinary youth who lack family support have asked for help buying chest binders. The Youth Program team wants to provide support to these young people by expanding our gender affirming services with a reserve of funds for purchasing chest binders. We need your help to make this new program a success! Could you donate $40 to purchase a binder for trans youth in Marin? |
 What is a chest binder?Chest binders are undergarments that help reduce the physical appearance of someone’s breasts. They are a critical tool for reducing gender dysphoria by creating the appearance of a flatter chest. When a youth receives gender affirming services, such as mental health therapy or hormone treatments, they can also use chest binders to create physical congruence with their gender identity. The image to the left is an example of a binder from the company GC2B. Each person needs a binder specifically sized for their own bodies. When a youth requests assistance acquiring a binder, we will purchase one and send it to their house or coordinate a pick-up. We’re ordering binders from GC2B, a trans-owned company dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and comfortable chest binders to queer youth and adults. You can check out their website here: https://www.gc2b.co/pages/about-us Could you make a donation to help us purchase binders for the trans youth in Marin who need them? Each binder costs $40 and we hope to raise enough money to meet the current need of requests as well as have enough money to support young people in the future. Simply click the link below to donate! Sincerely, The Youth Program Team Nick Azevedo, Sam Wood, Ari Sifuentes, and Fel Agrelius |
SoCo Pride Hosts Winter Lights Ice Skating Rink at Courthouse Square
Santa Rosa has put up a beautiful, temporary, synthetic ice skating rink in Courthouse Square, in the heart of Downtown Santa Rosa! Sonoma County Pride will be hosting the ice skating rink on 4 days in December, and will receive the proceeds of our sessions! We need volunteers for 4.5 hours shifts to perform tasks such as checking in ticket holders, monitoring the rink for safety, providing skate rentals to skaters, sharpening and sanitizing the skates, and HELPING SPREAD GOOD CHEER.
What a great opportunity to help Sonoma County Pride and have a Beyond the Rainbow experience in Downtown Santa Rosa! We will be hosting the following dates / times:Dec 17: 3-7pmDec 18: 11am-7pmDec 24: 11am-3pmDec 26: 11am-7pm
VOLUNTEER CRITERIA:
*Volunteers must be 14 or older.
*All volunteers must be fully vaccinated.
*Volunteers will be required to complete a waiver.*Have a friendly positive attitude while working with the public.*Enjoy a fun, festive, fast-paced-at-times day outside! Please click on the link below to see what dates and times are available, and to sign up for a shift. https://sonomacountypride1.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=59395
SoCo Immigrants Demand Path To Citizenship Before Christmas. Rally Thur. on Courthouse Square
O
n Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 6pm, at the Shea Federal Building, 777 Sonoma Ave., in Santa Rosa, Immigrants and allies will hold a public “Speak-Out” to let California’s U.S. Senators know that they expect passage of a Path To Citizenship for Christmas, as President Biden and the Democrats promised. At 7pm, they will walk with lights to the Old Courthouse Square, in downtown Santa Rosa, to show holiday shoppers, elected officials and the community at large that undocumented residents of Sonoma County demand legalization as soon as possible.
“It is difficult for the undocumented community to celebrate the holidays when so many of us still can’t travel to see our families and loved ones in our home countries,” states Socorro Diaz, Leader of ALMAS, an Immigrant & Indigenous women’s organization which empowers workers through education and political campaigns. “We need to end the criminalization of essential workers in this country, and it needs to happen before Christmas,” she adds.
“The “Build Back Better” Bill is the closest we’ve gotten to achieving a Path To Citizenship,” says Patricia Garibay, also a Leader of ALMAS. “The Democrats must act boldly and swiftly and deliver legalization to us for Christmas this year.”
The “Build Back Better” Bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate as a budget reconciliation bill. Although the Senate Parliamentarian announced that a Path To Citizenship should not be included in a budget bill, Immigrant communities and Democrats wish to override the Parliamentarian or include some type of “temporary status” for the country’s 12 million undocumented.
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EN ESPANOL:
Inmigrantes del Condado de Sonoma Organizan un “Micrófono Abierto” y Caminata Alrededor de Los Compradores de Regalos Navideños Para Exigir Que el Senado Pase Para Navidad la Propuesta de Ley “Build Back Better” Que Contiene Estatus Legal Para Los Indocumentados del País.
El Jueves, Diciembre 16, 2021, a las 6pm, en el Edificio Federal Shea, 777 Sonoma Ave., en Santa Rosa, Inmigrantes y aliados tendrán un “Micrófono Abierto” para informarles a los Senadores de California que esperan que pasen un Camino a la Ciudadanía para Navidad, como el Presidente Biden y los Demócratas prometieron. A las 7pm, caminarán con luces al Old Courthouse Square, en el centro de Santa Rosa, para mostrarles a los compradores, políticos y la comunidad entera que residentes indocumentados del Condado de Sonoma exigen la legalización lo más pronto posible.
“Es difícil para la comunidad indocumentada celebrar las Navidades cuando tantos de nosotros aún no podemos viajar para ver a nuestras familias y seres queridos en nuestros países de origen,” dice Socorro Diaz, Lider de ALMAS, una organización de mujeres Inmigrantes e Indígenas que empodera a las trabajadoras a través de información y campañas políticas. “Debemos poner fin a la criminalización de trabajadores esenciales en este país, y necesita tomar lugar antes de la Navidad,” ella agrega.
“La propuesta de ley “Build Back Better” es lo más cercano que hemos llegado para lograr un Camino a la Ciudadanía,” dice Patricia Garibay, también Lider de ALMAS. “Los demócratas deben actuar con valor y rápidamente para darnos una legalización esta Navidad.”
La propuesta de ley “Build Back Better” recientemente pasó por la Cámara de Representantes de los EEUU y ahora está siendo considerada por el Senado EEUU como una propuesta presupuestal. Aunque la Parlamentaria del Senado anunció que un Camino a la Ciudadanía no debe ser incluido en una propuesta presupuestal, comunidades Inmigrantes y Demócratas quieren rechazar esta conclusión o incluir un tipo de “estatus temporal” para los 12 millones de indocumentados en este país.
Free Online LGBT+ SoCo History Class to Focus on Lesbian Voters Action Caucus
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline 1947-2000.
Wednesdays 1:30-3pm. Online via Zoom. On Wed. 12/15
we will be doing a semester review, ending with a discussion
about Lesbian Voters Action Caucus. Please contact me to
get a Zoom invite: cdungan@santarosa.edu
All Invited Social Saturday: Intergenerational Gathering at Brew Sat. Dec. 18
Join Positive Images LGBTQIA+ Center and North Bay LGBTQI Families for an end-of-year Social Saturday: Intergenerational Gathering on December 18th from 11am-3pm at Brew (555 Healdsburg Ave) in Santa Rosa! Come by to celebrate the season with us, and take home one of our specially assembled LGBTQIA+ Family and Community Care Packages!
All LGBTQIA+ youth, families, adults, and elders are welcome at this gathering, which is part of a recurring series of monthly events taking place throughout Sonoma County where we are seeking to bring together members of our community across generations, particularly gender expansive youth, teens, and adults. This event will also serve as the December monthly gathering for the North Bay LGBTQI Families Gender Expansive Youth Under 12 social and family program.
We will have some art and family activities at this event, and we also want to send folks home with something special to maintain a sense of community connection over the subsequent winter weeks after this long and challenging year. With the support of our amazing local art and business community, we are putting together a number of LGBTQIA+ Family and Community Care Packages to distribute to attendees. Care packages will include art supplies, Noble Folk ice cream tokens, rose quartz stones, seeds, and more!
We will also have $50 gift cards available at the gathering to families for whom financial barriers such as the cost of gas, a meal, or missed work would otherwise prevent them from attending. If you feel your family could benefit from this support, please fill out the form at the following link:
We at Positive Images and North Bay LGBTQI Families are still very aware of and concerned about the spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick in any way, please stay home and take care of yourself. Masks will be mandatory with no exceptions. We will have masks on hand for those who may need them. We will maintain a distance of six feet from one another at all times.
We’re excited to see you then!
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Acompañe a Positive Images LGBTQIA + Center y North Bay LGBTQI Familiespara un sábado social de fin de año: ¡Reunión intergeneracional el 18 de diciembre de 11 am a 3 pm en Brew (555 Healdsburg Ave) en Santa Rosa! ¡Ven a celebrar la temporada con nosotros y llévate a casa uno de nuestros paquetes de atención comunitaria y familiar LGBTQIA + especialmente ensamblados!
Todos los jóvenes, familias, adultos y ancianos LGBTQIA + son bienvenidos en esta reunión, que es parte de una serie recurrente de eventos mensuales que se llevan a cabo en todo el condado de Sonoma, donde buscamos reunir a miembros de nuestra comunidad a través de generaciones, particularmente jóvenes, adolescentes y adultos con género expansivo. Este evento también servirá como la reunión mensual social y familiar de diciembre para el programa de North Bay LGBTQI Families para jóvenes de género expansivo menores de 12 años.
Tendremos algunas actividades artísticas y familiares en este evento, y también queremos enviar a la gente a casa con algo especial para mantener un sentido de conexión comunitaria durante las siguientes semanas de invierno después de este año largo y desafiante. Con el apoyo de nuestra increíble comunidad local de arte y negocios, estamos preparando una serie de paquetes de atención comunitaria y familiar LGBTQIA + para distribuirlos a los asistentes. Los paquetes de cuidado incluirán materiales de arte, fichas de helado de Noble Folk, piedras de cuarzo rosa, semillas y más.
También tendremos tarjetas de regalo de $ 50 disponibles en la reunión para las familias para quienes barreras financieras como el costo de la gasolina, una comida o el trabajo perdido les impedirían asistir. Si cree que su familia podría beneficiarse de este apoyo, complete el formulario en el siguiente enlace:
bit.ly/lgbtqia-picnic
En Positive Images y North Bay LGBTQI Families todavía estamos muy conscientes y preocupados por la propagación del COVID-19. Si se siente mal de alguna manera, quédese en casa y cuídese. Las máscaras serán obligatorias sin excepciones. Tendremos máscaras a mano para quienes las necesiten. Mantendremos una distancia de seis pies entre nosotros en todo momento.
¡Estamos emocionados de verte entonces!
Learn New Job Skills at Sonoma County Library
Whether you’re looking to reenter the workforce or start a new career, Sonoma County Library has you covered! In addition to the online learning platforms we already offer, we’ve added four more resources to improve your job and technology skills, courtesy of the California State Library. Learn more about these resources below!
Coursera partners with more than 200 leading universities and companies to bring flexible job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Coursera offers a range of learning opportunities—from hands-on projects and courses to job-ready certificates and degree programs.
GetSetUp is a resource created for older adults (over the age of 55) to learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences. Class types available are digital learning, physical health, mental health, social interest and vocational classes. Most classes are live, last 1 hour and are taught by older adults.
Northstar is a set of online, self-guided modules used to test computer and technology skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas: essential computer skills, essential software skills and using technology in daily life. Test yourself and learn new skills!
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Skillshare classes include a combination of video lessons and a class project. Most classes are under 60 minutes with short lessons to fit any schedule! There are thousands of inspiring classes on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more.
Thank you for being a member of the Sonoma County Library community. Visit us online or in person at one of our branches. Be sure to check out open jobs at Sonoma County Library here.
Questions? Please call your local library branch or click here to send us a message.
Aprenda nuevas habilidades de trabajo con la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma
¡Si esté buscando entrar de nuevo a la fuerza laboral o comenzar una nueva carrera, la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma lo tiene cubierto! Además de las plataformas de aprendizaje en línea que ya ofrecemos, hemos añadido cuatro recursos más para mejorar sus habilidades laborales y tecnológicas, cortesía de la Biblioteca del Estado de California. Obtenga más información sobre estos recursos a continuación.
Coursera se asocia con más de 200 universidades y empresas líderes para ofrecer un aprendizaje en línea flexible y relevante para el trabajo a individuos y organizaciones de todo el mundo. Coursera ofrece una amplia gama de oportunidades de aprendizaje, desde proyectos y cursos prácticos hasta certificados listos para trabajar y programas de licenciatura.
GetSetUp es un recurso creado para que los adultos mayores (mayores de 55 años) aprendan nuevas habilidades, se conecten con otros y desbloqueen nuevas experiencias de vida. Los tipos de clases disponibles son el aprendizaje digital, la salud física, la salud mental, el interés social y las clases vocacionales. La mayoría de las clases son en vivo, duran 1 hora y son impartidas por adultos mayores.
Northstar es un conjunto de módulos autoguiados en línea utilizados para probar las habilidades informáticas y tecnológicas. Se incluyen estándares básicos de alfabetización digital informática y módulos en tres áreas principales: habilidades informáticas esenciales, habilidades esenciales de software y uso de la tecnología en la vida diaria. ¡Pruébate y aprende nuevas habilidades!
Skillshare es una comunidad de aprendizaje en línea con miles de clases inspiradoras para personas creativas y curiosas. Las clases de Skillshare incluyen una combinación de lecciones en video y un proyecto de clase. ¡La mayoría de las clases son menos de 60 minutos con lecciones cortas para adaptarse a cualquier horario! Hay miles de clases inspiradoras sobre temas que incluyen ilustración, diseño, fotografía, video, trabajo independiente y más.
Gracias por ser miembro de la comunidad de Bibliotecas del Condado de Sonoma. Visítenos en línea o en persona en una de nuestras sucursales. Asegúrese de consultar los trabajos disponible en la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma aquí.
¿Preguntas? Por favor llame a su biblioteca local o haga clic para mandar un mensaje.
If you would like to manage which emails you receive from us, please click here.
Si desea gestionar los correos electrónicos que recibe de nosotros, haga clic aquí.
Join Redwood Rainbows Square Dance Classes Jan. 12 – April 6, 2022
Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:30 PM January 12 – April 6, 2022
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE FLYER
Learn Social Square Dancing, a new,
easy-to-learn set of calls that get you square dancing in just 13 weeks. Gently exercise your body and mind while moving to music and having fun.
Give it a try—the first class is free!
$120 for 13 Classes
Must show proof of vaccination status.
For more information, email us at contact@redwoodrainbows.org
Free SoCo LGBTQ+ History Class to focus on early print media
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline 1947-2000.
Wednesdays 1:30-3pm. Online via Zoom. On Wed. 12/8
We will be talking about one of Sonoma County’s first
Lesbian/Gay Newspapers. Please contact me to enroll and
get a Zoom invite: cdungan@santarosa.edu
Happening this Month at Marin’s Spahr Center
| UPCOMING EVENTS(more info below) November 3o – Women’s Coffee at Sam’s*December 14 – In-Person at Mgt. Todd!** Every Mon. & Thu. – Spahr Senior GroupsEvery Tue. – Trans/Non-Binary Support Grp. * Sponsored by the Social Committee / requires registration / link to flyer linked below for more information** Save the date! More information soon. |
| To join the Spahr Senior GroupMondays, 7 to 8 pm, &Thursdays, 12:30 to 2 pm,click the purple button below the Butterfly Heart or here: |
| New participants are warmly welcomed!If you’re zoom-challenged, let me know and I’ll work with you! |
| Topical Thursdays12:30 to 2 pm November 25 Harvest FeastRecognizing that many of us may still not feel safe to gather together for a meal, we are again hosting a Harvest Day feast on zoom. All are welcome to join us in community at our regular time to celebrate the harvest and the blessings we have. Bring your turkey or tofurkey, vegies and dressings, cranberries with our without orange (make mine without!) – or Chinese takeout or whatever you wish – to your computer-side and share a meal together with the hopes that before long, we can all feel safe in sharing a celebratory meal in the same place. Support Group Mondays7 to 8 pm We share with each other about how we’re doing and have unstructured conversations focused on listening from our hearts and deepening community. |
 | I’m writing to introduce Brian Adkins, our new LGBTQ Senior Program Manager who will be working half-time. He is taking on the Friendly Visitor Program, matching trained LGBTQ volunteers with isolated seniors who would appreciate a weekly zoom or phone call in order to build community and connection. |
| He will also be reaching out to senior residential facilities to train staff and management in creating a safe, welcoming environment for our people. Brian has most recently worked as an out gay Methodist pastor, fighting within the church to make it a more affirming place for LGBTQ people as well as accepting of queer people as ministers. Prior to that, he worked for the International Rescue Committee and the SF LGBT Community Center. Brian has a great heart and cares passionately for our community and, in particular, Transgender people. He’s very sensitive to the ways organized religion has hurt us. Brian has worked extensively with seniors, loves working with volunteers, and has great organizational skills as well. He lives in San Francisco with his black lab, Waylon. I’m thrilled to be working with Brian, to introduce him to you and to welcome him as part of Team Spahr! |
 A Trans/Non-Binary Support Group is offered by The Spahr Center every Tuesday, 7-8:15, for adults 18+. For more information, contact Sam at swood@thespahrcenter.org. |
| The Spahr Center’s Food Pantry is open to seniors who need support in meeting their nutrition needs. We want to help! Items such as fresh meats, eggs and dairy, prepared meals, pasta, sauces, and canned goods are delivered weekly to people who sign up. Contact The Spahr Center for more information: info@thespahrcenter.org or 415/457-2487 |  |
| The Social Committee has been consistently offering fun events to offset the boredom of the pandemic. They want to help celebrate your birthday if you’ll let them know when it is. Everyone born in September will be celebrated on September 14th at 4 pm on zoom. They offer a women’s coffee plus a number of times to gather – now in person at Sam’s Place in Novato! – over games, breakfast and conversation. People wishing to attend still must register in advance due to room occupancy limits. To sign up for their emails or register for events, click here. To see their calendar & flyers for November, click here. |
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| Vivalon Resources for Seniors Whistlestop, now renamed Vivalon, offers many resources for us seniors, now listed in this easy-to-print one-page guide. Access to rides, food, classes, activities, resources, referrals, and more. Membership not required for most classes and services during the pandemic. Some in-person events are being planned. To get Vivalon’s listings, click here. They also provide access to resources including rides for older adults. Please note: there is a 3-week registration process for the ride program so register now if you think you may need rides in the future. Click here for their website. |
| Building Community in the Midst of Sheltering-in-PlaceSee old friends and make new ones! Join us!The Spahr Center’s LGBT Senior Discussion Groupscontinue everyMonday, 7 to 8 pm& Thursday, 12:30 to 2 pm on zoom |
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| To Join Group by Video using Computer, Smart Phone or TabletJust click this button at the start time, 6:55 pm Mondays / 12:25 pm Thursdays:Join GroupAlways the same link! Try it, it’s easy! |
| To Join Group by Phone CallIf you don’t have internet connections or prefer joining by phone,call the following number at the start time,6:55 pm Mondays / 12:25 pm Thursdays:1-669-900-6833The Meeting id is 820 7368 6606#(no participant id required)The password, if requested, is 135296# If you want to be called into the group by phone, notify Bill Blackburn at 415/450-5339 |
| California Department of Aging ResourcesThe CDA has a website that is packed with information and resources relevant to the lives of seniors in our state. From Covid-19 updates to more general care for age-related health issues, access to legal assistance to getting home-delivered meals to help with housing, you may well find answers to your questions by clicking: here. |
| Adult and Aging Service’s Information and Assistance Line, providing information and referrals to the full range of services available to older adults, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers, has a new phone number and email address: 415/473-INFO (4636) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays473INFO@marincounty.org |
Questions? Assistance? We have resources and volunteers for:grocery deliveryfood assistancehelp with technology issues such as using zoomproviding weekly comfort calls to check in on youplus more! Bill BlackburnLGBTQ Senior Program Directorbblackburn@thespahrcenter.org415/450-5339 |