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LGBT Update
March 2013
 
In This Issue
LGBT Monthly Social
March 3, 2013 
at 6:00p.m.

The monthly social for LGBT people 50 and over will take place SundayMarch 3rd, at Peppercorn's Grille and Tavern, 455 Park Avenue, Worcester MA 01610. We get together around 6:00 p.m. and usually adjourn between 8:00 and 8:15. Order as much or as little as you want. Everyone pays their own tab.

  

Up-Coming Socials:

April 7th, May 5th, June 2nd

 

For menu information or directions go to http://www.epeppercorns.com/ or call (508) 752-7711.

 

Hope to see you there!

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Important Notice about Inclement Weather:
  

If the Rainbow Lunch Club is cancelled because of inclement weather (snow, icy conditions, etc.) the cancellation will be announced as "Elder Services of Worcester Meals on Wheels and Dining Centers are closed" on WRCN 830AM, WTAG 580AM, WSRS 96.1 and WXLO 104.5 radio stations. You may also call the Nutrition Office at (508) 852-3205 after 8:30 a.m. for cancellation information.

 

 Elder Services and its programs are funded in whole or in part by contracts with or grants from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It also receives Federal financial support under the Older Americans Act provided by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Funders alsoinclude United Way of Central Massachusetts, local Councils on Aging, participant donations, grants and individual support

DOMA and Social Security

 

The stages of life are inevitable, though some people manage to keep the next phase at bay for a while. Some changes are dictated by the health of the body and mind. Others are chronological in nature and come along whether we want them to or not. Many changes depend on a combination of both time and health.

           

Retirement is one change that is heavily influenced by chronological age but may be hastened or delayed for various reasons. Social Security, the nation's largest retirement benefit system has three general age benchmarks: 62 for early retirement with reduced monthly benefits; and 66 for people born between 1943 and 1954 for full benefits. People who delay claiming Social Security until they are 70 receive the highest monthly benefit they are eligible for. After 70 the monthly benefit, which is based on the number of years worked and the amount contributed to Social Security, will not increase.

           

For LGBT folks who are legally married to partners of the same sex, all these rules - and there are many, many more - are suspended, and partner-based benefits are denied because of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Boston-based Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders has advocated to abolish DOMA, including sponsoring two federal lawsuits and filing briefs in many related cases. The U.S. Supreme Court has accepted a challenge to the constitutionality of DOMA, which should be heard this year. Until that case is adjudicated favorably for LGBT couples or Congress repeals DOMA, gay married couples are stuck in a reduced benefit limbo. GLAD has produced an online pamphlet about what you may be able to do to preserve your Social Security benefits until DOMA is no longer in force. Read GLAD's pamphlet here:  https://www.glad.org/uploads/docs/publications/social-security-benefits-and-doma.pdf 

 

The Social Security website is here: www.ssa.gov/ 

 

NOTE: None of the content in this Update should be considered as legal advice. It is offered by WLEN for informational and educational purposes only. If in doubt about your personal situation, it is best to consult an attorney who specializes in retirement law.

Death and Dying

 

Of all the stages of life, death is one that most people are reluctant to face. People postpone making a will or even buying life insurance because they worry it will bring on death sooner. Many people won't think about the kind of funeral they would want for the same reason. Many also think that their survivors know them well enough to know what to do. A friend and clergyman has said that a constant lament he hears from the children of deceased parents is "I wish dad/mom had told us what they wanted."

 

Scott Spaulding, one of our regular diners at the Rainbow Lunch Club, has been an embalmer and funeral director for more than 30 years. He has agreed to talk to us on March 13, 2013, about issues surrounding death and dying, including the importance of making funeral arrangements in advance. Here's your chance to ask one of our own some of the questions you may be reluctant to ask.

 

Lunch is served at noon at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester at the corner of Holden Street and Shore Drive, next to Bancroft School. Please make a reservation by March 6 by calling 508-756-1545 ext. 339 and leaving a message, or by emailing [email protected]. You may also join the Rainbow Lunch Club meet up group here:

http://www.meetup.com/Rainbow-Lunch-Club/ to register electronically. The menu for March 13 is Pork Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Brussels Sprouts, and a Chocolate Brownie for dessert.

 

Future Rainbow Lunch Club dates include: April 10, May 8 and June 12, 2013. Always the second Wednesday of the month at noon.

 

 

Telephone Support Group

for Homebound Elders

 

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian & Transgender Elders) now offers a national telephone support group and friendship circle for homebound LGBT older people who cannot leave their homes due to various physical or mental conditions (such as agoraphobia). The group, conducted entirely by phone and facilitated by a social worker, provides a safe space for participants to connect with other LGBT people, chat about issues that affect their lives, and increase their network of support while breaking their isolation.

 

 According to Preston Wholley at SAGE, "The criteria for being a member in the group is to be 60 + years old, homebound, and for the potential member to have a desire to obtain emotional and social support from fellow homebound LGBT elders. However, the number is not toll free. It is approximately the same price as making a long distance phone call. Each member dials into the same number, presses a code and is automatically connected to the conference call.

For more information, including dates and times, and to sign up, please contact Preston Wholley at 212-741-2247 or [email protected]

 

Relationship & Marriage Study

  

Take part in The Massachusetts Same-Sex Relationship & Marriage Study: If you are living with a same-sex partner (married or unmarried) please consider completing an online survey and interview for a chance to win a $250 gift card! All information kept strictly confidential. The Institutional Review Board for research ethics has approved the study. Contact (857) 200-6080 or [email protected] to participate.