Happy Holidays to our NEXT Village family & friends!
Staff support over the holidays: Jacqueline and Donna will be on very
light duty. Camille will be available but many volunteers will not be.
Please plan accordingly.
We are closed for the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, January
17th. If possible, please submit your requests for volunteer support by
January 11th. Thank you.
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From the Director
And it’s a wrap on 2021; a year with so many ups and downs it could be mistaken for a roller coaster. Thank you dear readers, for taking the ride with us. NEXT likes to lean toward optimism, and we’re hoping that 2022 gives us more opportunities for connecting, engaging, learning, laughing, and being there for each other.
WE DO WHAT WE DO THANKS TO YOU!
Thank you donors, longtime supporters and new donors too, for playing a major role in our mission in 2021. We simply could not have the impact we have without you. If you add up the number of hours our volunteers provided in 2021, it would add up to over 220 full-days of support! Volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we hope you all understand the difference you are making.
I want to acknowledge our amazing board members for giving their very best to every meeting, event, & fundraiser. This is truly a (hard) working board…not a fluffy title with no action group. Janet Crane, Gail Switzer, and Kim Rotchy lead our executive board, and keep the ship on course and serve as organization ballasts. Howard Wong brings great ideas to us and serves as our liaison to the Asian Pacific Islander coalition. Barbara Blake, Reid Ranken, Pauline Seddon, Sadie Scott and Helen Doyle are the reason we had such a successful auction. Nandini Joseph and Harrison Ravazzolo have helped create smart and helpful programming, and Christy Gritton keeps a mean set of minutes. Janae Koger and Shannon Beal, both ace volunteers, jumped on the board in November and continue to provide help to members and staff alike.
Major Kudos to Donna Booher, director of District 2 University. When you see all of the high caliber events that fill our calendar, that’s all her work. And welcome, Camille Kelem, our new volunteer coordinator. Coordinating services for over 250 members, and training our team of 100+ volunteers makes for a busy day. In addition, Victoria Walton keeps the administrative wheel rolling from her home in southern CA.
With a team like this, we are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Hey, 2022 ... Bring. It. On.
Jacqueline
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NEXT Welcomes two new members to
our board of directors.
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These
two outstanding volunteers have stepped up their support by joining the
board. Both are beloved by the members they have served and bring
outstanding skills and a passion for our mission to the table.
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Janae Koger |
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Shannon Beal |
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There is still time to make your year-end donation
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Volunteer Corner
Meet Camille!
Hello everyone, I’m Camille! I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with everyone at NEXT. I am passionate about connecting members of our community and building lasting relationships. My goal is to empower our community to help our wonderful members age in place, and have a little fun while doing so!
I was raised in Santa Cruz, but have just fulfilled my lifelong dream of moving to San Francisco. I finished up schooling at Cal Poly SLO where I discovered my love of baking, sewing, and all types of music (I am always open to song/ artist recommendations).
You can contact me at camille@nextvillagesf.org, or by calling the NEXT Village Volunteer Hotline: 415-301-3742. You can also reach me by calling 415-574-0156.
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Meet Logan!
Logan has been a regular volunteer since July 2021, and has since developed a close friendship with one of our members Diana. You might find Logan and Diana enjoying some sweets from Victoria’s Pastry, playing Liar’s Dice, or people-watching near Washington Park. When asked what made NEXT Village the right fit for him, he said: “I live in the most beautiful city with the most amazing culture -- it’s a pleasure getting to know SF’s history and its community. That’s why volunteering with Next Village SF is the perfect use of some of my free time. I highly encourage more people to check out Next Village SF, especially if you love San Francisco and want to be a bigger part of the community. Just don’t take all my jobs…I’m not kidding!”
Logan, thanks for all you do -- from stepping up to volunteer at our 2021 Halloween fundraiser, helping move furniture for members, and keeping up with your weekly visits!
Some fun facts about Logan include:
He moved to the North Beach area about 1 year ago
He’s an avid fan of super old classic cars and alien invasion sci-fi movies
He may have been tying his shoes the wrong way this whole time...he’s not sure.
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Tuesdays, January 11 & 25 | 1-2:30 PM | North Beach
Women's Conversation Group w/ Alex & Leslie Pellegrini
Women’s Conversation Group is Back and is In Person!
We are ecstatic to announce that Alex and Leslie Pellegrini are relaunching their popular facilitated Women’s Conversation Group and we finally get to meet IN PERSON! This group is a special community for women who want to join a close knit and welcoming group. You never know what questions will be asked as you learn more about each other’s interests, values, and lives. Group will meet twice a month on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at the Italian Community Services building (aka the Club Fugazi building). In person, indoor event. Participants must be fully Covid vaccinated.
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TBD | 12-1 PM | On Zoom
Tech Teach In:
Trying to set up time to connect or get availability and topic with Charlotte P /DB
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Friday, January 14 | 2:15-3:45 PM | Presidio
Speed Friending -- Meet New People!If your New Year's Resolution is to get out and meet new people, this is an event you absolutely, positively will not want to miss! NEXT Village is going to make it EASY and FUN (even for introverts & those who don’t like small talk) to meet new people. We’ll provide optional ice breaker questions to make it easy to start conversation, and we’ll move everyone around periodically to ensure you meet several new people during the event for one-on-one conversations. We know it can be tough to meet new people in San Francisco, so this event is a unique opportunity to meet people outside your social circle. Don’t miss out!! In person, indoor event. |
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Tuesday, January 18 | 1-2 PM or Thursday, January 20 | 3-4 PM | On Zoom
Thanks to Covid, we missed our opportunity to meet over coffee for a new member orientation and to get to know you. Since in-person events seem to be off again for a bit, let's do it by Zoom.
We'll explain in more detail about member benefits, how to access the volunteer coordinator and sign up for events. Even if you've been a member for awhile, there will be something to learn.
We'll have a brief presentation from the executive director and the volunteer coordinator; time for Q&A, a chance to meet other new Village members, and the opportunity to win a little gift. And we'll plan for in-person orientation events once the coast is a little clearer.
Spread the love/word - feel free to tell your friends to register as well.
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Wednesday, January 19 | 12-1:30 PM | Upper Fort Mason
Walking Group: Upper Fort Mason Exploration & History Walk
Join us for a walk to explore the history of Fort Mason while getting in some exercise. Fort Mason's hilltop promontory has been used for harbor defenses for over 200 years by the Spanish, the Mexican and the United States military. Some things we'll see include a Civil War cannon battery, a wonderful community garden, restored Black Point gardens, a hostel, a chapel in Mission Revival style and a Beniamino "Benny" Bufano statue. We'll provide some brief history snippets along the way. Walk is under 2 miles and involves dirt paths, stairs, and moderate slopes. Register to receive the meeting location in Upper Fort Mason. In person, outdoor event.
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Thursday, January 20 | 4:30-6:30 PM | North Beach
Enjoy Live Music at Belle Cora
If you like live music and want to meet up with friends old & new, join Kathy Cady at Belle Cora -- a warm, cozy neighborhood wine bar that offers live music to enjoy a talented Irish fiddle player and other musicians. The music is free, but please order a beverage or food to support the restaurant. Register in advance. In person, outdoor event (with heaters!) Questions or suggestions for future venues/bands or places to listen to music and/or go dancing? Email donna@nextvillagesf.org
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Thursday, January 27 | 11:45AM-12:45PM | Lower Fort Mason
German Lunch at Radhaus
Join us at Radhaus for traditional German fare at a Bavarian beer hall in a former U.S. Army machine shop at Fort Mason. Radhaus has German favorites including pretzels, Bratwurst, Jagerschnitzel, Bier and more! You can just join us for lunch, or why not make a European afternoon of it and also "travel" to Italy with us on a visit to nearby Museo Italo Americano at 1PM (separate registration for Museo -- see below). In person, indoor, no-host lunch (outside tables available).
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Thursday, January 27 | 1-2 PM | Lower Fort Mason
Visit to Museo Italo Americano / Italian American Museum
We’re visiting the Museo Italo Americano (aka the Italian American Museum) where Curator Bianca Friundi will tell us about the Museo and the current exhibition, as well as the Museo's permanent collection. Current Exhibition: CERRI - The Art of Two Generations. The Museo Italo Americano was the first museum in the United States devoted exclusively to Italian and Italian-American art and culture. We hope you’ll also join us before the Museo visit for German lunch at nearby Radhaus restaurant. (Separate registration for lunch -- see above.) In person, indoor event.
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Weekly & Monthly Events
WEEKLY EVENTS
To register for any of our ongoing weekly events, go to our events calendar to select an event to sign up: nextvillagesf.org/upcoming-events. New people are always welcome!
MONDAYS
- 3PM - Spanish Conversation Group - conversation group, not a class. On Zoom. No meeting on 1/17.
TUESDAYS
- 1:30 PM - Bocce and Boules - weekly bocce and boules games on the North Beach library courts. In person - DiMaggio Playground Courts.
WEDNESDAYS
- 10:30AM - French Conversation Group – moderated French conversation group with weekly discussion topics (not a class). On Zoom.
- 2:15PM - Chair Yoga & Meditation - stretch and improve your flexibility. On Zoom.
THURSDAYS
- 11AM - Italian Conversation Group - friendly conversation group, not a class. On Zoom.
FRIDAYS
- 10AM - Mindful Meditation - learn about and practice various types of meditation techniques. On Zoom.
---------------------- MONTHLY EVENTS
To register for any of our regular monthly events, go to our events calendar to select an event to sign up: nextvillagesf.org/upcoming-events
- 1/3, 17 & 31, 1PM - Writing Group - informal, facilitated writing group. On Zoom.
- 1/6, 10AM - Stress Busters - Introductory Workshop - learn how to better handle your reaction to situations. On Zoom.
- 1/6, 1PM - Stress Busters – Discussion Group - share and discuss Stress Busters concepts for those taking our Stress Busters workshops. On Zoom.
- 1/7, 1PM - Drink & Draw - Learn to paint with watercolor. You may also use pencils. On Zoom.
- 1/10, 1PM - Improv This! Improvization Theatre Class - No prior experience is necessary. Beginners and veterans welcome. Come play! On Zoom.
- 1/10, 4PM - Cheers! Happy Hour at The Showdown, 1268 Grant Avenue. Please register. In Person - North Beach.
- 1/11 & 25, 11AM - Men's Conversation Group - share ideas and discuss what's going on in our lives and beyond. On Zoom.
- 1/11 & 25, 1 PM - Women's Conversation Group w/ Alex & Leslie Pellegrini - Alex and Leslie are re-launching their popular facilitated women’s conversation group. See special events above for details. In Person - North Beach.
- 1/13, 11:30AM - Lunch Is Served! Lunch with The Bunch! Please pre-register for headcount. In Person - Location TBD.
- 1/20, 1PM - Stress Busters - Intermediate Workshop - learn how to better handle your reaction to situations. On Zoom.
- 1/21, 4PM - Trivial Pursuit - January's theme: Food and Drink! On Zoom.
- 1/26, 4PM - Reading Circle with Ms. Kim - Read what you like and tell us about it! Piazza Pellegrini. In Person - North Beach.
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LGBTQ+ NEWS
I'm Still Here: Aging with HIV
This webinar will present tools and strategies for healthy aging with HIV. As a result of this training, people will be able to:
- Define healthy aging with HIV
- Understand HIV inflammation and its effect on aging in people with HIV
- Understand steps to maximize health and minimize illnesses
Zoom link will be emailed to those who have registered.
Everyone who attends the entire webinar will be entered into a lottery to win of one of 20 gift cards.
For more info, contact: LTSHUB@gmhc.org
Jan. 13, 2022 2 - 3 PM ET
REGISTER HERE
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Welcome New NEXT Members! |
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November |
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Phyllis Levine
Basya Gale
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December |
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Marilyn Clemens
Wu Ma
Kathleen Stefano
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NEXT has a podcast!
Be sure to listen to our podcast, "NOT BORN YESTERDAY". “Not Born Yesterday” will focus on the challenges and joys our members and friends experience related to aging. It's about playing, working, loving, laughing and enjoying the possibilities and opportunities in our later years. Our podcast brings you the wisdom and voices of experts in the field of aging and offer tips on how to feel your best, use your lifetime skills and experience, and make the coming months and years as fulfilling as possible.
Give it a listen on any podcast app, like Apple, Spotify, or click below to listen. New episodes every Friday!
Rightsizing, not Downsizing
On the Road Again
Pets and Seniors: When You Need a Best Friend
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老年手机族:别把“老眼昏花”不当事
如今沉迷手机不再是年轻人的专利了。中老年朋友人手一机、人机合一的场景也十分普遍。“我家老爷子,退休在家没事干,天天捧着手机刷朋友圈呢”“你叫他少看点,他关了灯躲床上看,夜起都能看到黑暗里闪蓝光,就跟网瘾少年似的”……不少人对家中老人刷手机引发的健康问题开始进行干预,可独独对视力下降这件事,大家却觉得老人“眼花”是自然规律,不算个事。老年人视物不清可不一定是老花,常见的眼病不重视也会致盲!看手机引起眼疲劳、黑暗里看手机容易诱发青光眼,更是值得老年朋友重视,务必定期筛查眼健康。医生提醒,如有以下症状,应尽快到医院就诊:(1)感到所看范围缩小;(2)视力模糊,近视发展快;(3)夜间视物有彩虹现象;(4)较暗处看时有头痛眼胀现象;(5)恶心、呕吐,特别是伴有眼红时。
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Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) & how can they help me?
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) offer the general public a single source for connecting to free information and assistance on issues affecting older people and people with disabilities, regardless of their income. These resource centers are welcoming and convenient locations for you and your family to get objective and accurate information, advice, and have access to a wide variety of services.
Some areas the ADRC can assist you with information, referral, and/or assistance in include:
Caregiver assistance and support
Case management services
Employment and training opportunities
Financial assistance and planning
Food and nutrition
Health and wellness
Housing and shelter
In home care
Legal assistance
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) programs and services
Medical and dental care
Mental health and counseling services
Paperwork and application assistance
Prescription drug coverage
Senior centers
Translation services
Transportation
Other community resources
Funded by the SF Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), there are 14 Aging and Disability Resource Centers around San Francisco to provide information and assistance services in various languages.
You can find an ADRC near you at:
https://tinyurl.com/bdd3nnzp
Or you can contact the ADRC Coordinator at (415) 750-4111.
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Monday, January 17 |
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
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To date, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains one of the most celebrated activists in American civil rights history. His leadership in orchestrating nonviolent protests to combat racial, voting, labor and other inequalities had a profound effect on national consciousness. His life cut short by assassination, Dr. King nevertheless succeeded in opening doors for Blacks, women, and other marginalized peoples. Though the fight for freedom and equity continues, we commemorate the enduring legacy of a man who felt the cost of freedom was worth the gravest of risks.
“The
ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. MLK, Jr.
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Thursday, January 27 |
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day |
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In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as a day to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of the Nazi regime. The same UN resolution supports the development of educational programs to not only remember the Holocaust but also to prevent further genocide, in keeping with a phrase that appears on many Holocaust memorials, “Never again.”
“The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.” - Elie Weisel
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