Older American's Month, & Welcome, New Board Members, and we'll all be together, Zoom (Soon).

May is Older American’s Month. Congratulations! You get your own month! Have some cake! The theme for 2021 is "Communities of Strength." (Villages rock this theme.) This OAM, we will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.

There are many things we all can do to nurture ourselves, reinforce our strength, and continue to thrive. Connecting with others is one of the most important—it plays a vital role in our health and well-being, and in that of our communities. Join us in promoting the ways we are connected and strong.

One way we are building community is by building our board. Please join us in welcoming four new board members to NEXT.

(From L-R) Reid Rankin & Pauline Seddon, Harrison Ravazzolo, and Sadie Scott. All four are ace volunteers who have creatively donated their time to us this past year, Reid & Pauline hosted the Thanksgiving turkey auction, and managed the Spring Fling sponsor and raffle baskets. Harrison is the host of our Tech-teach in, and Sadie has made countless friendly calls to members during the pandemic. 

Covid update

Anyone else ever been happier to get poked in the arm with a needle? We are so grateful to be past the confusion of not knowing where/when to get our vaccine, and to dipping our toes into the water of true community connection again. We may need a booster shot at 12 months; and if that happens, we will again assist you with securing an appointment and transportation if need be.

Shout out to all of you who overcame your Zoom-phobia to join us for our 500 online events. Going forward, we look forward to more in-person classes, and we will try to keep Zoom as an option during each event. And, kudos to all of you presenters who shifted your presentations to online. It was a challenge, and you rose to it beautifully.  Watch for information about opening our office! 

Until we meet again, stay healthy, stay upright, and call us if you need us. -   Jacqueline & the NEXT Village team. 

Meet Susie!

Susie Spiwak is an awesome volunteer at NEXT Village who has been delivering meals and providing tech help.

Susie said, "During COVID, I needed a way to participate and give back to the community in a safe and socially distant way. When NEXT Village sent out the call for drivers to deliver lunch, it checked all the boxes. The members, staff and volunteers who I have enjoyed meeting, both from afar and virtually, are all so grateful, gracious, and generous. There have been many delightful, yet brief, conversations with a number of members who received lunch deliveries and I have learned a ton from them. One day, Faina shared with me that Wyatt Earp is buried in Colma. With that tidbit, I was compelled to research more about the history of the storied American law enforcement officer and businessman—quite interesting to say the least. I've also been given the opportunity to help a few members overcome some IT challenges, and it is satisfying to know that they now have easier times staying connected to friends, family, and NEXT Village through technology.  For me, any day volunteering at NEXT Village is a good day to have a great day."

 If you would like tech help from a volunteer like Susie, or would like to volunteer yourself, please contact Rachel: rachel@nextvillagesf.org, 415-574-0156

REGISTRATION ALERT: 

In order to make it easier for you to sign up for our events, we have transitioned to a new process. Several members have tested it for us to help iron out any potential challenges, but if you find you need help, just call us at 415-574-0156. 

Please use the link provided for each event you are interested in attending.

Have suggestions for events, classes, presentations, speakers? Let us know!  

Tuesday, May 4th & 18th, 2-4pm

SPECIAL EVENT: WHAT MATTERS MOST? HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP

While 90% of people believe talking with their loved ones about their medical wishes is important, only 27% have done so. This 2-part workshop guides you through creating or updating your Advance Directive for Healthcare. The workshops will help you create a document that is specific and detailed regarding your wishes of how you would want to be cared for if you had a an accident or health crisis and could not speak for yourself. Have your questions answered about this important document and to give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Instructor: Redwing Keyssar, RN, Author and Director of Patient and Caregiver Education at the UCSF MERI Center for Education in Palliative Care.

We are sorry but this limited capacity event is full. Join the waitlist to be notified if spots become available or if we can add a future workshop series. NEXT Village members have priority for spaces.

Thursday, May 6th, 11am

FEATURED EVENT: LEARN HOW REPRODUCTIVE LONGEVITY AND EQUALITY AFFECTS US ALL

Presented by The Buck Institute, a biomedical research institution devoted solely to research on aging, located in Marin County.

Menopause sets off a cascade of negative health effects in women’s bodies that impact bone, cognitive, cardiovascular and immune function. By extending a woman’s reproductive span, we seek to empower women with more control over their lives.

Please join The Buck for the first in a series of webinars devoted solely to featuring leading scientists, doctors and thought leaders in the fields of women’s health, medicine and reproductive longevity.

On May 6th, Dr. Jennifer Garrison will discuss “The Unspoken Truth,” a compelling review of how reproductive health directly impacts women’s overall health and well-being. In this webinar, she will lay out the reproductive questions and menopausal issues that still don’t have answers.

As the Faculty Director of the Buck’s Global Consortium for Female Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Dr. Garrison will report on the global scientific research that’s needed to rectify the long-standing negative impacts. It’s also a unique opportunity to learn how you can become involved and support research in this understudied topic! 

For more information contact Melissa Cordeiro at MCordeiro@buckinstitute.org

Friday, May 7th, Noon - 1:30pm

SPECIAL EVENT: LOS TRES GRANDES / VIDA AMERICANA: MEXICAN MURALISTS IN AMERICA

David Grady, long time guide from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, will discuss the great Mexican Muralists, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Before World War II, these larger than life artists made significant contributions to art not only in their homeland, but also in the United States. Coming to America as invited guests, the murals they painted, their techniques, and personalities had an impact on the art and artists of the time. Mr. Grady's presentation reorients art history by revealing the profound impact the Mexican muralists had on their counterparts in the United States. The Tres Grandes inspired American artists both to create epic narratives about American history and everyday life and to use their art to protest economic, social, and racial injustices. Their influence is still being realized today. It's a new refreshing and eye opening take on art in the 20th Century.

Tuesday, May 11th, 1pm

SPECIAL EVENT: HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE: COMPUTER SAFETY AND SECURITY

Are you worried about clicking links, browsing new websites, online shopping or banking or doing other things online because you are worried about all the security threats that could infect your digital devices? Join David Casuto, Founder of Senior Surf Computer Education (www.seniorsurf.org), who will be presenting this valuable talk on Computer and Tech Security to help you learn how to stay safe on your devices. Some things he’ll discuss: phishing scams, malware, viruses, email safety, shopping online safely, network security, Identity theft, browser security, mobile device security and more!

Thursday, May 13th, 10am-12pm

IN-PERSON TECH TEACH IN

Join us for a special tech teach in with the crew form the Tern - a Coast Guard ship based in the Bay Area. For this event, you can bring your tablet, phone, or laptop and get one-on-one help with what ever you need!  One volunteer will help you troubleshoot or teach you how to do something on your device, while another takes notes that will be emailed to you so it's easier to remember what you learned when you get home! Space is limited so register ASAP!  We will meet at our office at 704 Filbert St. You must be a member of NEXT Village and have your COVID-19 vaccine to participate. 

Each participant will get up to one hour of help. You will either be assigned to the 10-11am slot or the 11am-12pm slot. Each time slot has space for 5 members to sign up. 

Thursday, May 13th, 4pm

SPECIAL EVENT: LIVE MUSIC & SING ALONG WITH LARRY EBERT

Join friends for some live music. Everyone except our pianist/singer Larry Ebert will be muted. So grab a hairbrush for your microphone and sing along! Or just join us to enjoy live music together! Come solo or invite friends, neighbors and family to join us on Zoom. Larry will play Spring Selection of music -- songs of love, joy, and the season -- from a variety of eras and genres. Larry Ebert is a musician who performs regularly around the Bay Area, including piano bars, clubs and private events. Feel free to sing along and dance while he plays.

Friday, May 14th, 1pm

SPECIAL EVENT: DISCOVERING THE HISTORY OF MY ANCESTORS: A JOURNEY FROM SWEDEN TO THE US

Sally Williams embarked on researching her family history to try to understand why her Swedish grandparents immigrated to the US in the late 19th century. What she discovered was more than she bargained for and that there is much more to Sweden than Vikings and IKEA. Sally will share with us a fascinating account of Swedish history through the lens of migration from Swedish explorers traversing the globe to the conditions of peasant life in the early 1900s that caused Swedes to migrate to America. For those contemplating researching your own family history, Sally will share her experience doing research using Google and doing a DNA test to learn about her heritage. Her story is bound to encourage you to want to learn more about your own family history!

Tuesday, May 18th, 11am

SPECIAL EVENT: HOW TO WRITE AND PUBLISH YOUR STORY -- JOHN RIGOLI

Whether you are thinking of writing your memoir, researching and documenting your family history or contemplating penning the next great American novel, you won’t want to miss bestselling author John Rigoli's tips and guidance on “How to Write and Publish Your Story.” John will describe the four parts of researching and publishing that he has learned over his more than 10 years’ experience as a professional author. He'll share his tips on writing -- from finding your inspiration to publishing (or self-publishing). Author John I. Rigoli’s books include The Mystery of Julia Episcopa (2018); Born to Be Different! Children’s Book (2019); The Anonymous Scribe (Sept 2021); Silent Mistresses (Scheduled 2022).

Thursday, May 20th, 4pm

UPGRADE YOUR INBOX! (TECH TEACH IN)

Is your old EarthLink, Mindspring, or AOL account causing problems, but switching to a new address seems overwhelming? Is your inbox cluttered with junk mail and you don't know how to get it under control? Then this month's tech teach in is for you! NEXT volunteer Harrison will walk you through how to set up a new account, forward emails from your old account to the new one, and organize your messages so it's easier to manage. After the lesson, Harrison, Maya, and other tech volunteers will answer your questions in breakout rooms.

Fridays from 10-10:45 am beginning June 7

MEDITATION, ANYONE? PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY

Many of you know Cat Hampton from Women's Conversation Group, Improv, or as a performer in many of our holiday shows. Cat has offered to do a weekly meditation class for NEXT Village & D2U called "Be Still, Breathe, and Smile—Mindful Meditation”. We are so excited! But first, we are doing a poll to see if there is sufficient interest. The description is below. We’ll meet on Zoom every Friday morning for 45 minutes.

Be Still, Breathe, and Smile—Mindful Meditation

The practice of meditation is a sure pathway to experiencing a deeper sense of peace in life, a renewed sense of well-being even in the midst of life’s myriad challenges, and a more expanded sense of compassion and connection with others. In this class we will be learning about and practicing various types of meditation techniques, including silent and guided meditation, movement and mantra meditation, mindful breathing, chanting, mudras, and more. Whether you are a first-time meditator or you are interested in deepening or transforming your daily practice, this weekly gathering is a safe way to explore and practice this ancient spiritual art of mindfulness. Let this class be your gift to yourself.

STRESS BUSTERS - MONTHLY INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP

Thursday, May 6th | 10:00-11:00am

Monthly Stress Buster Introductory workshops address how stress starts and a simple, effective, five-step process to reduce stress and help you better respond to situations in a helpful way. If you haven't done Stress Busters before or if you want a refresher on the technique, join us the 1st Thursday each month. It's OK if you aren't able to attend every month. Dr. Lee will provide a review each month for people who miss workshops, so mark you calendar and join in when you can! If you've already done our Intro series, please join our intermediate workshops and discussion groups (1st & 3rd Thursdays at 3PM).

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

STRESS BUSTERS - DISCUSSION GROUP (INTERMEDIATE)

Thursday, May 6th | 3:00-4:00pm

Stress Busters Discussion groups have become a wonderful monthly gathering for people who have attended Stress Busters workshops to compare notes on what has been stressing us out, how we reacted, and learn how we might apply the Stress Busters techniques to future situations. If you haven't attended a workshop before, join our 5/6 Introductory Workshop at 10AM instead.

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

DRINK & DRAW WITH LUCIA GONNELLA

Friday, May 7th | 1:00-3:00pm

Grab your watercolors and enjoy learning from an incredible instructor. She can turn anyone into an artist. No kidding!

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

WRITING GROUP

Monday, April 26th; May 10th & 24th | 1:00 - 2:45pm

Writing w/ Ms. Jackie. Capacity is limited to 10. Members receive priority. Subject will be sent ahead of class, so please, if possible, pre-register. Thank you.

Register here: (May 10) https://www.monami.io/calendar...
Register here: (May 24) https://www.monami.io/calendar...

CHEERS HAPPY HOUR WITH MS. KIM

Monday, May 10th | 4:00-5:00pm

cHeeRS! hAPPY hOUR, with Ms. Kim. Come mix and mingle with other NEXT members. Everyone is welcome! By Zoom or by Phone!

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

MEN'S CONVERSATION GROUP

Tuesdays, May 11th & 25th | 11:00-12:00pm

NEXT Village's Men's Conversation Group is a place to share ideas as well as discuss what's going on in our lives and beyond in an informal, casual group. Though our facilitator Gaetano may offer a topic to start the conversation, the direction the conversation goes is up to the group ... local issues, current events, sports, or whatever interests the group. Friends are welcome!

Register here (May 11): https://www.monami.io/calendar...
Register here (May 25): https://www.monami.io/calendar...

LUNCH WITH THE BUNCH

Thursday, May 13th | 11:30am-12:30pm

Join other vaccinated members for Lunch with The Bunch, Thursday, May 13th, 11:30 am Pat's Cafe at 2330 Taylor between Columbus and Francisco. Please RSVP at the link below or call the NEXT Village Office at: 415-888-2868.

Register here:  https://www.monami.io/calendar...

STRESS BUSTERS - INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP

Thursday, May 20th | 3:00-4:00pm

This monthly Intermediate level workshop is targeted to people who have taken Stress Busters workshops previously. These workshops address how stress starts and an effective method to reduce stress and help you better respond to any situation in a helpful way, instead of getting upset. (Note: If you have not yet done the Introductory workshop 8-week series, join us on 5/6 at 10am for our monthly series for beginners.)

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

COFFEE N' CONVERSATION // THEME = POST PANDEMIC HOPES & CONCERNS

Friday, May 21st | 11:00am-12:00pm

Looking for a place to have conversations with people about current events and random topics in a casual, informal gathering? Join us for our monthly Coffee n’ Conversation. It’s the Zoom equivalent of meeting a few friends at the local coffee shop. May theme to kick off conversation is what are your hopes and concerns as we move into a post pandemic era? It's a chance to share what's on your mind as San Francisco and the world gradually begin to open up again. 

We'll start the group with introductions and if you want, your thoughts on the future as people get vaccinated. From there, conversation can move on to discuss whatever is on people's minds. BYOB - coffee, tea, water or anything else!

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

TRIVIAL PURSUIT WITH Teddy Kramer!

Friday, May 21st | 4:00-5:00pm

Test your knowledge! Join your neighbors for some fun trivia questions. May’s theme:  Moms!

Register here:  https://www.monami.io/calendar...

IMPROV THEATER CLASS

Monday, May 17th | 1:00-2:30pm

Monthly improv class made up of games, exercises and techniques. No prior experience necessary. If you haven’t tried it before, give improv a try and see how much fun you can have! Curious about improv, but not sure if you are ready to participate? You are welcome to watch and join in when you are ready. Instructor: Louise Vogel.

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

DEATH CAFE

Wednesday, May 19th | 2:00-3:00pm

A unique opportunity to share what’s on your mind regarding this often-unspoken subject. It’s not morbid, we promise!

Register here:  https://www.monami.io/calendar...

READING CIRCLE WITH MS. KIM

Wednesday, May 26th | 4:00-5:00pm

Read what you like and tell us about it! (Remember, special presentation by Dale Fehringer on April 28th - rsvp@nextvillagesf.org for Zoom link)

Register here:  https://www.monami.io/calendar...

SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP

Mondays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 | 3:00-4:00pm

Have you been learning Spanish during the pandemic and wish you had a place to practice with others? Or if you are an intermediate or fluent speaker, is your Spanish getting rusty without regular practice? Join our weekly Spanish Conversation group to have fun conversing, practicing and helping each other! Please note that this is a conversation group, not a class. There is no instructor. Basic familiarity with Spanish is requested, however no need to be fluent, just willing to try! 

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

RENDEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS ! FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP

Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10:30-11:30am

Dans une ambiance détendue et conviviale, par Zoom, nous organisons un atelier de conversation pour pratiquer et améliorer notre français. Tous les niveaux de français sont bienvenus, mais nous allons converser principalement en français et vous inciter à faire de même. On se verra à très bientôt alors !

Translation: Join us for our new French Conversation Group to practice and improve our French. All levels of French are welcome, but we will mainly converse in French and encourage you to do the same. Group Host: Judy O'Shea lived part-time in rural France for 17 years, restoring an old water mill and hosting an artist-in-residence program.

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

WOMEN'S CONVERSATION GROUP WITH ALEX AND LESLIE PELLEGRINI

Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 | 1:00-2:00pm

Alex and Leslie continue their popular facilitated weekly women’s conversation group. This has become a highlight of the week for women wanting to have a weekly anchor event to keep them laughing and connected. This 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.

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

CHAIR YOGA FOLLOWED BY MEDITATION WITH MEGHAN

Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 | 2:15-3:00pm

Thirty minutes of chair yoga, followed by 15 minutes of sweet meditation. Let’s all get our zen on together. Meghan Cowens is a licensed acupuncturist, Thai massage therapist, and yoga educator. She’s dedicated to helping her clients improve the quality of their lives by giving them the tools they need to be their best -- emotionally, mentally and physically. She understands from personal experience how to reduce the effects of stress on the mind and body, optimize energy, and maximize flexibility and strength in her clients' bodies. She is a firm believer that “healing is a gift you give yourself.”

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP

Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 | 11:00am-12:00pm

Whether you are fluent or learning Italian and want to practice with others, join us to have fun conversing in Italian in an informal and welcoming environment. This is a conversation group, not a class. We have regulars who come every week, and others who join us occasionally. If you speak Italian, we hope you'll join us on Zoom sometime!

Register here: https://www.monami.io/calendar...

ENTERTAINMENT SWAP - Books, Puzzles...

Every Friday | 11:15am-12:15pm

Board members, Kim Rotchee and Barbara Blake, are waiting for you to pop by and pick up a new book, puzzle, or game! 

No need to register to participate. Just drop by 704 Filbert@Columbus on Friday between 11:15 and 12:15 and help yourself! 

PLEASE HELP MAKE IT STOP!

The news continues to worsen.— continuing acts of violence and intimidation against Asian Americans. And the trial coverage in the death of George Floyd has us reliving the horror day after day. Be ready to show concern and compassion to those around you. And if you see something, say something! Learn more at stopaapihate.org and blacklivesmatter.com.

请帮助停止这一切！

本周的新闻仍然糟糕——针对亚裔的暴力和恐吓行为持续发生。 乔治·弗洛伊德（George Floyd）过世的审判让我们知乎我们仍然面对日复一日的恐怖。请关心和同情周围的人。 如果看到什么，就说些什么！ 大家可以在stopaapihate.org和blacklivesmatter.com上了解更多信息！

Help at Home for Seniors – Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook

Here's a great article describing the many facets of help at home for seniors. It's broad in its information, but does a nice job of focusing on each area, provides helpful resource information, and is the type of information that is best read before help is required so one can see the many points where help may be needed. https://nextvillagesf.org/help...

NEXT frequently posts valuable "News You Can Use" articles on our website. We encourage you to take a look.  Articles can be found on the bottom of our home page on our website, at www.nextvillagesf.org  

Springing Into Life with GoGo

GOGO grandparent helps link you to LYFT, UBER, and can deliver Rx and groceries.  For more information, click here.