LGBT Senior Newsletter 800498 R! E WINN Men’s Second Sunday Presents… Women’s Second Sunday Presents... A Reading with Clay Wilson Mothertongue Sunday, May 10th from 12-2PM Feminist Theater Collective Free. No need to RSVP. Join us! 145 Guerrero St. (near Market) 8 Survey this year. We chose three tickets at random and have already identified two of winning community members. The remaining winning ticket # is 800498. If this is your number give us a call so we can get you your prize: a $45 gift certificate to Crepevine. Thank you Crepevine and thank you community! 80049 We have a winner! Thanks to all who completed an Openhouse May Sunday, May 10th from 3-5PM Free. Join us! 145 Guerrero St. (near Market) Join us this May for a reading from Clayton Wilson: “outed airman” and author. Join us this Mother’s Day in a woman-centered space for performances from Mothertongue readers theater including: Bea Lieberman, Corky Wick, Judith Massur, Ruth Hurvitz, Susan Parness, and more. From Clay: When I heard Peggy Lee sing “Is that all there is?” I was moved. I didn’t know the answer but I decided to look at it. I was confronted with the question: “Who am I?” I was a man but different. I was black but different. I was gay but different. I was a husband and a father, but different. I was a Jet Pilot, a weather forecaster, but different... From Mothertongue: This book illustrates my memories including my experiences as an African-American gay parent, as a pilot, and in my courts-martial trial by a panel of three generals for being outed. Please join us for this engaging reading, discussion, and social gathering with the author. Lunch is provided by Openhouse and we welcome you to bring something to share. For more information please call Matthew at: (415) 659-8116 or email: [email protected] We may be the longest surviving feminist theater collective around and are happy to return to Second Sunday. Our latest is a work in progress entitled “Lost and Found.” These are rich themes for our long lives and we know the audience will have much to add to the discussion after our reading. ‘What we have lost and what we have found’ is a broad and fascinating way to look at our experiences. All woman-identified community members are welcome to join us at this free event. Caregivers of any gender identity are always welcome. For more information please call Suzi at (415) 231-5870. THIS IS WHO WE ARE! Would you like to be interviewed for the Openhouse newsletter? Think you have some good stories to share? Each month the interview is read by thousands across the bay. We’ve even connected long-lost friends through this popular feature. We’d love to hear from you. Interested? Email: [email protected] or call: (415) 728-0193. Join Openhouse for... California: The Tempest A World Premiere adaption by Cornerstone Theater Company Over the past two years Cornerstone Theater Company (CTC) has interviewed hundreds of Californians about their hopes and vision for the future of the Golden State. In this contemporary adaption Cornerstone Theater has moved Shakespeare from a shipwrecked island to the site of a plane crash on the Lost Coast of California. Conjuring love, disaster, revenge, and forgiveness, the show reflects on what makes California special and what our future might look like. The show includes Openhouse community member Joji Koyuri and other LGBT senior players. We invite you to join us for opening night in San Francisco. Free with RSVP and confirmation. Thursday, June 4th at 8PM Z Space 450 Florida St. For more information or to RSVP call (415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected] Joji Koyuri (right) has been active at Openhouse for the last few years, participating in a range of Openhouse programs. In 2006 he acted in CTC’s play LETHE. Since August 2014, he has been on tour with California: The Tempest, playing the role of Oliver. Tell us about Oliver. Joji: Oliver was not originally a character in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Alison, the playwright wrote a character to represent each of the 10 communities on the tour. Oliver’s from San Francisco and is sophisticated— with the personality of a resident of a big city! Why do you think San Franciscans should come see the play? Joji: This is a great production that will open up your awareness about California as a whole. Before this tour, I thought of California as being just Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. California is a big state and in order for it to be united, people need to have understanding of each other. This play helps create that understanding. What is your favorite part of the play? Joji: In the opening scene by Shakespeare it was a shipwreck and in the old days they probably just threw some buckets of water – but for us it’s a plane crash on stage! My favorite part is (actually) the plane crash. Talk about your experience of being on tour with 20 strangers for several months. Joji: Touring is a new experience and being a part of a group – living together – is new to me. The good part is that I feel included and part of something big! 2 “Community Treasures” A Story Sharing and Drawing Workshop with Cornerstone Theater Company and Openhouse Thursday, May 28th from 6-7:30PM Openhouse Room 306 What’s your favorite place in San Francisco? Where are the special sites of your San Francisco memories and how have they changed? What is the best meal you’ve ever eaten in the city? Where do you spend time with your friends and family? … It coud be in your own home, perhaps an old commune, nowdefunct bar, community center or secret room! This 90-minute workshop will explore your memories Art by Mona Caron and Ben Pease, “Monarchs and Queens, ”2010, and the places and memories you hold dear, your a map of San Francisco juxtaposing butterfly habitats and gay “community treasures.” Participants are invited to hangouts, part of an exhibition and book by Rebecca Solnit. share, write, draw, and map the hidden treasures of San Francisco. The workshop is free and requires no previous experience. Drop-ins will be welcomed depending on space. Reservations are suggested. To RSVP or for more info. please call: (415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected] Key to Locations 30th Street Senior Center 225 30th St., between Dolores & Church; J Line, 24 bus, 3 blocks to 14 Mission & 49 busses The San Francisco LGBT Community Center “The Center” 1800 Market St.; F line, 4 blocks to Church Station, J line, 22 line, 2 blocks from bus lines 6, 71 Castro Senior Center 110 Diamond St., two blocks from Castro Muni Station & 24 and 33 buses Curry Senior Center “Curry”: 315 Turk St. at Hyde, Buses 31 and 19, 4 blocks from Muni/Civic Center BART Francis of Assisi 145 Guerrero, 2 blocks from “F” Line, 3 blocks from J Church, Church Station Laguna Honda Hospital “LH” New Building, Entry at 375 Laguna Honda Blvd; Muni Forest Hill Station, lines K,L &M Martin Luther Tower “MLT” 1001 Franklin St. 38, 38L bus, 2 blocks from 49 and 47 buses Muttville 255 Alabama, off 16th, lines 22, 27, 12 and 9 Openhouse “OH” Openhouse Community Room # 306, at the SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St., 3rd Floor; F line, 4 blocks to Church and Van Ness Muni Stations, 22 bus, 2 blocks from buses 6 and 71 The Sequoias “Redwood Room” 1400 Geary Blvd; buses 38, 38L, 2, 3 3 Gay and Lesbian Medical Association at: www.glma.org The World Professional Association for Transgender Health: www.wpath.org Local providers like Lyon Martin and Trans Thrive may also be a great place to start. ASK THE NURSE Q: I am 75 and have chronic spinal pain. Over the past three years, I’ve had two surgeries and other treatments which have not helped with my pain. I am on Oxycodone and Acetaminophen (Pescocet) from my doctor. I’ve had to increase the dose several times and I am worried that I’m headed for addiction. You can ask questions for future “Ask The Nurse” columns by emailing: [email protected] (Please include “Ask the Nurse” in the email subject line). You can send your questions via U.S. postal service, to: Fairley Parson at Openhouse, Attn. Ask the Nurse 1800 Market St. PMB 93, San Francisco, CA 94102 Health and Wellness Fridays for LGBT Folks 60+ Free consultations with Nurse Susa Langdon by appointment at Openhouse A: The medication you’re on is a widely used combination drug for serious pain. A majority of people who legitimately use these types of drugs will not develop true addiction. If your body has adapted to the drug, you would experience pain if the drug is stopped. You have also developed tolerance which is when your body requires higher doses of the same drug to control your pain. Opioids (Oxycodone) do create physical dependence when used over long periods of time. Addiction is a chronic condition that has genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development. It is characterized by four key elements, known as the “4C’s” – compulsive use, loss of control, craving and continued use despite consequences. Fridays from 2-4PM Meet in a confidential space to explore questions like: What are these anti-depressants doing to my sex drive? Is my grief causing these stomach issues? Should I be checked out? Call (415) 347-8509 to make an appointment! Q. How can I find a trans-knowledgeable doctor? A: You came of age when transgender and gender nonconforming people were discriminated against even worse than they are today. Many gay and lesbian folks have experienced ignorance, indifference, and discrimination in healthcare settings – and the these experiences have often been worse for transgender folks. In the end, many trans people avoided getting healthcare. But as we grow older, there is an urgent need to take care of our health and well-being. Trans people report higher rates of disability, general poor health, depression, anxiety, loneliness and suicidal ideation over the lifespan. Without the support of healthcare providers, many trans folks do not seek healthcare until they are experiencing an emergency, which increases the likelihood of poor outcomes. You can seek a culturally competent and understanding doctor by going to one of the following websites and clicking on “Find a Provider:” 4 How will this medication interact with supplements and herbal remedies? My fear of falling is keeping me home. What can I do to feel more secure when I walk? Susan Langdon, RN began her career with the Peace Corps where she worked in India for five years. She has worked for over 35 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner in community health serving diverse populations. As an older lesbian she is sensitive to the unique issues LGBT folks encounter in navigating the healthcare system. Maintaining muscle mass as we age is an important as it contributes to skeletal strength and helps prevent injury. By Penny Sablove Loss of muscle groups in the legs that control balance and the power of our walking as they are the movers of the Have you noticed your walking getting unsteady and slow? Having trouble with balance? Difficulty going up ankles, hips and knees. However, research has shown that curbs and stairs, reaching for things, or getting up from a just about everyone improves with some simple strengthchair? It's easy to assume that because these challenges ening exercises and no special equipment is required. And of course, everything affects everything else. are age-related, they can't be changed or improved upon. Stronger ankle muscles can result not only in more powerNot true. They can, and surprisingly easily. ful walking, but also in better balance. The cracks in the Over time, sidewalk have always been there, but why are we stumwe develop habits bling over them now? As the muscles which lift the foreof movement -foot are strengthened, the foot is lifted sufficiently with ways of standing, each step to avoid those sidewalk cracks. ways of holding Improvements in mobility are astoundingly simple our upper bodies, to achieve and extend our capacity to reduce pain and ways of walking. prevent falls. It all boils down to maintaining muscle Our repertoire of strength and learning to be more aware of how we're how we use our moving and using our bodies. bodies shrinks to a Mobility As We Age few modes of being, with the result that we chronically overuse some parts of our bodies and underuse others. For example, let's say that you had a slight tendency to stand more often with your weight more on your right foot than your left. This is not a problem in itself, but over time, this tendency hardens into a firm habit so that you always stand with the right foot weighted, never the left. After many years, this produces consequences such as muscle imbalances and impaired balance in walking. One effective and delightful way to break up these kinds of habits is through movement re-education classes, such as Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, or Alexander Method. Movement re-education teachers introduce new (or forgotten) patterns back into your body. The movement is done very, very slowly in a pain-free range, very different from what your associations might be to the word "exercise". Problems with balance are also impacted by habits. Good balance is created by feedback from a number of senses, such as visual, kinesthetic, and the ability to sense our position in space. In our visually-oriented culture, we tend to over-rely on visual cues for balance so that we tune out other cues. When visual acuity lessens with age, our balance is thrown off. Balance can improve with exercises that require us to pay attention to non-visual cues and sensory awareness. Loss of muscle is an expected result of the aging process, with nearly all adults starting to lose muscle mass as early as their thirties. However, the degree of the decline in strength and muscular size is amenable to change. 5 Penny Sablove is a Physical Therapist who specializes in senior mobility. She will be presenting at the monthly Openhouse Health & Wellness seminar on Friday May 22. See below! She will also be and taking appointments for free individual assessments with recommendations on exercises and movements that will improve balance, strength and mobility. Fourth Friday Health and Wellness Presents... Maintaining Mobility As We Age: A Free Health & Wellness Seminar with Penny Sablove, PT Friday, May 22nd from 3-4:30 PM Openhouse Room 306. Free! Having problems with balance, endurance, strength, walking, doing the things you enjoy? A lot of the loss of mobility we associate with aging is unnecessary. There are a few simple things you can do that can make a big difference and can support the physical capacities you need for independent living. This seminar is for everyone—whether you walk many miles a day, or use a walker. Penny Sablove, Physical Therapist, will lead a group discussion on maintaining mobility that will include common underlying problems that interfere with mobility as well as some simple, enjoyable movement sequences that help maintain critical mobility skills. Brought to you by Stepping Stone Adult Day Health, Kaiser Permanente and Openhouse May 2015 Sunday See page 3 for key to locations. Monday Tuesday Openhouse Main Line: (415) 296-8995 (extensions below) Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias Games 10 AM–1 PM Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro The Center th Health & Wellness Consultation Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St. 2-4PM OH X313 for appointment Sr. Center. All are welcome. Photography Series 4–5:30PM OH 3 4 Prime Timers 2–3:30 PM The Sequoias 1400 Geary Blvd. Call (415) 552-6641 for info 5 6 Always Active 10 AM Castro Always Active 10 AM Castro Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM RSVP required: 415-347-8509 Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304 Lunch Bunch 10:30 AM Curry X309 Japanese Culture and History 6–8 PM OH “Clearing House”: Cluttering Support 12:30–2 PM X304 New Release Movies 12:45 PM Castro Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309 10 11 Men’s Second Sunday w/Clay Wilson 12–2 Francis of Assisi Women’s Second Sunday w/Mothertongue 3–5 PM Francis of Assisi 17 12 Always Active 10 AM Castro Always Active 10 AM Castro New Release Movies 12:45 PM Castro Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH Women’s Writing5-6:30 OH Laguna Honda Visit 1:50PM X304 for info Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304 Japanese Culture and History 6–8 PM OH 18 Prime Timers 2–3:30 PM The Sequoias 1400 Geary Blvd. Call (415) 552-6641 for info 24 Always Active 10 AM Castro New Release Movies 12:45 PM Castro Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH Japanese Culture and History 6–8 PM OH 25 Memorial Day Openhouse Closed 31 19 13 20 Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro Lunch Bunch 10:30 AM Curry X309 Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304 “Clearing House”: Cluttering Support 12:30–2 PM X304 No Mature Transgender Women’s Support this month. Please call X304 Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309 to get on the interest list and for info on Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM Medi-Cal & Long Term Care Planning group restart date. 5:30-7:30PM PM See page 8 Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304 Japanese Culture and History 6–8 PM OH Martin Luther Tower Discussion Group. Join us! MLT 10AM X309 14 Women’s Support 2-3:30PM Rainbow Lunch 12 PM OH RSVP X310 290 Dolores St. at 16th Intake required X304 Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309 Film Matinee : The Cockettes Friendly Visitor Volunteer Support 2PM 30th St. 4-5:30PM X306 Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM \ Always Active 10 AM Castro Opera Group 1PM OH Women’s Support 2-3:30PM 290 Dolores St. at 16th Intake required X304 Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro Always Active 10 AM Castro 26 7 27 Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro 21 Women’s Support 2-3:30PM 290 Dolores St. at 16th Intake required X304 Beginning Spanish 4–5:45 PM OH 28 OH Book Club “The Price of Salt.” 1PM Rainbow Lunch 12 PM OH RSVP X310 OH X304 Women’s Support 2-3:30PM Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309 Beginning Spanish 4–5:45 PM OH A Story Sharing and Drawing Workshop Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM 6-7:30PM OH X304 to RSVP See page 3 Call X304 for info. 8 9 Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM RSVP required: 415-347-8509 Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro Outing to Muttville! 2 PM Join us to visit senior dogs X304 to RSVP Health & Wellness Consultation 2–4PM OH X313 for appointment Photography Series 4–5:30PM Games 10 AM–1 PM The Center Art Group 1–4 PM - 30th St. Sr. Center. All are welcome. 15 16 Call X304 for info. Medi-Cal & Long Term Care Planning 12-2PM See page 8 Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias Games 10 AM–1 PM Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM The Center th Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St. Sr. Center. All are welcome. Health & Wellness Consultation Call X304 for info. 2-4PM OH X313 for appointment 22 Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro 23 Games 10 AM–1 PM The Center Art Group 1–4 PM - 30th St. Sr. Fourth Friday Health & Wellness: “Maintaining Mobility” Center . All are welcome. Call X304 for info. with Penny Sablove. See page 5 3-4:30PM OH 29 Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM 30 Games 10 AM–1 PM The Center th Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St. Sr. Health & Wellness Consultation 2-4PM OH X313 for appointment Center . All are welcome. Call X304 for info. Medi-Cal and Long-Term Care Planning Seminars at Two Locations this May Saturday, May 9th 12:00PM-2:00PM Wednesday, May 20th 5:30PM-7:30PM The SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street, San Francisco Glen Park Library 2825 Diamond Street, San Francisco These free workshops will debunk myths about Medi-Cal and long-term care options, explain the basics of Living Trusts and explain how estate planning documents can protect your spouse, partner, family and assets. We will also cover special issues for married, unmarried, and same-sex couples. Come to this free legal workshop and learn how to protect those closest to you. The program is brought to by Beck Law Group in partnership with Openhouse. Celebrate LGBT 60+ Pride with Openhouse and Mah-velous Pride Month Festivities! Tuesday, June 9th: Laguna Honda Old Skool Drag Show with the Center Stage Divas and the LGBT residents of Laguna Honda Hospital. Call Fairley at (415) 728-0193 for info. or to volunteer. lendars a C r u o Mark Y une! for J Tuesday, June 16th: Openhouse Pride Party at Castro Senior Center. Doors at 1:30, show at 2PM. Our annual Pride kick-off with amazing entertainment, FRAMELINE matinee ticket giveaway, fabulous “60+ is sexy” spirit, and CAKE! Call (415) 231-5870 to volunteer; (415) 728-0193 for more info. Wednesday, June 17th at 7PM: Openhouse Men’s Memoir Reading, Café area, SF LGBT Center. All are welcome to listen as some of our favorite 60+writers share their life stories—from living through the HIV/AIDS crisis to today. Friday, June 26th at 12PM: Openhouse and LYRIC present LGBT Elder Youth Brunch in Dolores Park, hosted by the SF Trans March. Growing larger every year, this INTERGENERATIONAL picnic in the park is not to be missed! Sunday, June 28th: Openhouse in the SF Pride Parade! Walkers, riders, contingent monitors and float-decorators needed! We’ll wear pink hard-hats and create LGBT 60+ visibility through the city streets! For more info, to volunteer or RSVP call Suzi: (415) 231-5870 Looking for Housing? Have housing and concerns about your ability to stay in it as you age? You are not alone! Openhouse offers housing workshops for older adults seeking resources and information. The workshops are held the three times a month at 12PM and provide information about senior affordable housing, applicationsand waitlists, and more. RSVPs are required. Please call Manuel at 415-347-8509 or email him two days in advance of the workshop you wish to attend. You will be asked to complete a brief intake. To request an intake by mail, call Openhouse at 415-296-8995 or email [email protected]. Housing Resources List now available in our Openhouse offices Monday-Friday You can pick up housing updates, affordable and senior housing lists, and waitlist information in our reception area, M-F, from 12PM-4PM. You can also access info. on our website at www.openhouse-sf.org under Housing Resources. 8 LGBT Caring Community Online Support Group Job Seekers Group at the Castro with Francisco Salazar Have you been laid off? —On Social Security, but need a job? Want some personalized job seeking support that considers your strengths, experience, and interests? We have the program for you! Francisco Salazar, our friendly employment coach, boasts decades of experience in the field of human resources and will show you how to increase your chances of finding and securing a job. Learn tools to improve interviewing skills, create a better resume, and build your confidence. We welcome you to to drop by this informative and friendly monthly group. Questions? Contact Suzi at: (415)231-5870 or [email protected] This group offers a place for LGBT caregivers of adults with chronic health problems to discuss the unique issues of caring for their partners, friends and family members. Would you like to talk with other caregivers? Ask for support during a difficult moment? Help someone solve a problem? The group is presented in partnership with Family Caregiver Alliance and is facilitated by Openhouse volunteer facilitator, Mark Braverman. Join the Caring Community Online Support Group to share experiences, ideas and strategies. To subscribe visit: www.caregiver.org/online-support-groups. Openhouse 2nd Wednesday Matinee at 30th St. Senior Center Presents... THE COCKETTES Wednesday, May 13th at 2PM 225 30th St. 3rd Floor FREE! Film run time 100 minutes. Join us for discussion after the film In the late '60s a San Francisco-based group of performers formed "The Cockettes." Perhaps you were one, or lived just a few doors down from this trailblazing group. This documentary tells the story of the group's short but impactful existence. Directors Bill Weber and David Weissman utilize archive footage to show how George Harris became "Hibiscus" and formed the gender-bending troupe. In addition to the flamboyant and dynamic performers, the directors show how their scene intersected with San Francisco counterculture. The Cockettes was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Questions? Call (415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected] 9 This Is Who We Are: Shessa The Openhouse Interview by Emerald O’Leary There is a superstition often ascribed to artists’ lives that many in the mainstream actively resist. In the Middle Ages in Europe, actors were denied burial; only the fool in a medieval court was allowed to tell truth cloaked in metaphor. Artists were among those burnt at the stake and painters making their paints from stones were considered dangerous alchemists and wizards. modern internet.” At age 14, Shessa’s family moved to Hawaii. “There I had exposure to Eastern cultures. Hawaiian heritage practically saved my life. A neighbor of Hawaiin descent gave me seashell collection. With it I decorated a mirror and shipped it to my grandmother who I dearly missed. Now that was not only healing art, that was ‘aloha,’ a recognition for us both that I was following in her footsteps.” Shessa moved to San Francisco in 1975, attracted to the independent film and gender liberation movements. She became a massage therapist in women’s health spas to Today art is such a commodity that it can support her interests, working on the ship be as good as gold in shaky financial times. Still, the choice to “be an artist” is Shessa at a recent Openhouse outing to Alcatraz. near the wharf as a “deck hand.” Living in a shared building, she constructed a 15 footfar easier realized by those with resources— the social and high loft and filled it “with the swaying movements of sea economic capital to afford such a choice. nets, silk saris, swiss dotted lace, glowing parasols and fans, For Shessa, there was no choice. Her life required art to heal, creating an atmosphere of peace and healing”. to transform, and to survive. In 1986 Shessa walked in the ProShessa says she discarded her last Peace/Great Peace March for Global I invented patting my fingers name in the 1970’s. “Shessa is my Nuclear Disarmament from Los together to calm myself. poetry name, shortened from my Angeles to New York to D.C. “I sang I’m a recovery-artist. given name of Sharon Lee Hess, with people awake from their tents in the an “a” added for poetic bounce.” morning. I would (also) get up ahead of the march, collect car pieces and glue them onto large She describes herself as a healing artist. Like many, she is a sheets of wood, creating murals to greet the marchers in wounded-healer. “My father was a sadistic pedophile and I was abused and neglected as a child. I invented patting my different cities. Now that was what Native Americans describe as ‘Big Medicine.’” fingers together to calm myself. I’m a recovery-artist. At five, I was told to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps as a Medicine Woman nurse.” In Chicago she produced a mural covering a city block depicting the life-sized silhouettes of the march. “I also made an enormous green turtle kite representing the planet to Life with her father was brutal. “Although he was an artist and well paid by the Geological Survey in DC, he opposed my greet the marchers in DC. By that time, the march had early artistic and literary attempts. He beat me when I tried swelled to more than 30,000 participants.” to express myself creatively. My mother couldn’t protect me. Back in San Francisco, Shessa found out about Women’s She (too) was beaten down by him.” Second Sundays (at that time led by New Leaf Services). “I met Fairley Parson who was a Master’s of Social Work intern Shessa discovered an epidemic of incest and sexual abuse there. I also contributed to community theater, writing and throughout America when she spoke at the first Tribunal of Child and Incest Abuse. She later contributed to a film titled acting a part in a play produced by Outlook Theatre and New Leaf. When New Leaf closed I continued to go to Women’s “Incest: the Victim Nobody Believes.” The film was widely Second Sundays with Openhouse.” distributed among women’s shelters, mental health These days, Shessa goes to Openhouse movies at 30th St. and frequents the art group there. She recently attended Janelle Moon’s women’s writing workshop and has shown in the Shessa believes there is evidence that once the internet opened to the world at large, pedophilia exploded across the Openhouse art show. She also does speaking engagements planet. “People are mistaken when they hail the Internet as as a peer educator for the San Francisco Mental Health Association’s SOLVE program. Always a lover of words and of (solely) a tool. It had its beginnings in the military and the women, Shessa has begun wrting a memoir that will organized crime— and the exploitation of women and children that attend military offensives. My father worked on illustrate her adventures in film and feminist publishing. the technology that was essentially a pre-cursor to the ENDS. 10 conferences and women’s groups across the country. “That was healing,” she says. Case Management Program at Openhouse Case management is assistance in circumstances where a senior, or adult with disabilities, or their caregivers, are experiencing a reduced capacity to function and need services by formal or informal service providers. Case managers assess needs, develop care plans, and authorize and coordinate services among providers such as medical, mental health, transportation providers. Call our case manager if you are experiencing grief, illness, financial challenges, housing concerns, or a decline in cognitive or mental health, and we will see how we can help. A case manager may: -Help you apply for social services like In Home Supportive Services, Meals on Wheels or Paratransit -Identify and coordinate access to support groups or individual therapy -Identify community resources tailored to your needs. To qualify for Openhouse case management you: Must be a resident of San Francisco Self-identify with the LGBT community Are age 60 and above or age 18-59 with a disability Are not currently receiving case management services Interested or have questions? Call Katie Outzen at X302 or email: [email protected] Openhouse CARING CONNECTIONS: FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM Seeking Volunteers! Caring Connections matches trained volunteers of all ages with LGBT older adults 60+ who enjoy taking walks, meeting for coffee, exchanging stories and sharing a few laughs together! Every 2nd Friday at 2PM 255 Alabama (near Harrison &16th) Muttville’s mission is to change the way the world treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, and adoption. We visit Muttville on the 2nd Friday of each month at 2PM and we invite you to join us. You’ll hang out with a handful of sweet dogs in a cozy living-room like setting. You can also elect to walk with the dogs. Either way, they’d love to see you! To RSVP for Friday, May 8th call: (415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected] Opera Lovers If you're an opera lover, and want to watch an opera DVD with other opera lovers, this is the group for you! We bring our DVD's, and then decide onthe-spot, by a vote, which one to watch. You're free to bring your own DVD(s), but you don't have to. If there is a rare opera that you'd like to see, we'll try to find it for you. Last time we saw Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, and for next time we're thinking of Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri, but we haven't decided yet. Regardless, we have a good time. Every 4th Tuesday from 1PM-4PM Openhouse Room 306 Questions? Call: (415) 231-5870 These exceptional volunteers are supported by staff to provide ongoing companionship, emotional support and practical assistance to promote wellness and connection to the community! For more information contact Michelle: Drop-in Men’s Support And Discussion Group Come make new friends at our longest continuously running group! The group meets once a week. All male-identified community members are welcome to come check it out. Monday’s from 2-3:30 PM (415)728-0195 or [email protected]. 11 Openhouse Room 306 1800 Market Street, PMB 93 San Francisco, CA 94102 Housing, Services and Community for LGBT Seniors NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN FRANCISCO,CA PERMIT NO. 925 Return Service Requested 2015 y a M Openhouse Book Club Invites You to Join us to Discuss… THE PRICE OF SALT Thursday, May 28th at 1PM at Openhouse A chance encounter between two women leads to a passionate romance in this lesbian cult classic, re-issued in 2012. Therese, a struggling young sales clerk, and Carol, a homemaker in the midst of a bitter divorce, abandon their oppressive daily routines for the freedom of the open road, where their love can blossom. But their newly discovered bliss is shattered when Carol is forced to choose between her child and her lover. Originally published in 1952 under a pseudonym, The Price of Salt was heralded as "the novel of a love society forbids." Highsmith's sensitive treatment of fully realized characters who defy stereotypes about homosexuality marks a departure from previous lesbian pulp fiction. Erotic, eloquent, and suspenseful, this story offers an honest look at the necessity of being true to one's nature. The Price of Salt is widely available at bookstores and the public library. For more information please call (415) 728-0193. Clearing House Drop-in Clutter Support Group Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday 12:30PM-2PM at Openhouse Openhouse and the Mental Health Association of San Francisco welcome you to a drop-in support group for all LGBT community members age 55+ who “struggle with stuff.” The group is a non-judgmental, confidential, and supportive space where you can share your struggles and strategies. The group is facilitated by Varian Pierce, a Peer Responder with MHASF’s innovative Peer Response Team. Varian has his own experiences with the challenges of clutter and collection and shares tips and tools for dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of stuff. For more info., contact Fairley at (415) 728-0193 or [email protected] The Openhouse newsletter is produced by Fairley Parson with contributions and editorial support from Emerald O’Leary, Openhouse staff, and volunteers. These programs are made possible through generous support from the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, Wells Fargo, The San Francisco Foundation, Horizons Foundation, Genentech, Corporate Sponsors, and individual donors.
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