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LGBT Update
December 2015
 
In This Issue
Important Notice about Inclement Weather: 
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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 8:00 a.m. for cancellation information.    

WLEN- Worcester LGBT Elder Network, is a joint effort of Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc.,Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Worcester Senior Center, with ongoing collaboration with the LGBT Aging Project in Boston.


 

Rainbow Lunch

Club Bus Service

 

Did you know that you can reach the Rainbow Lunch Club via public transport?

 

The outbound WRTA Route 8 bus from Union Station to the Greendale Mall stops on Shore Drive across from the Unitarian Universalist Church parking lot. The inbound trip from Greendale Mall to Union Station stops at the bottom of the parking lot.

 

A bus leaves the Union Station Hub at 11:30 a.m., from City Hall at 11:33, and arrives across from the church at Shore Drive and Holden Street at 11:50 a.m. Buses from Greendale Mall to Union Station leave the UUWC parking lot at 1:03 p.m. or 2:03 p.m. They arrive at City Hall at 1:18 and 2:18 and at Union Station at 1:21 and 2:21.   

    



     

 

 

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Elder Services and its programs receive funds administered through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs; and federal financial support under the Older Americans Act provided by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging. Other funders include the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Tufts Health Plan Foundation, local Councils on Aging & governments, participant donations, grants and individual support. We also contract with Senior Care Organizations, One Care Organizations and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
 
1-800-AGE-INFO

What is an Ally?
    
Historically speaking, an ally is a country that makes agreements or treaties with another country that they will work together to help each other, especially in times of war.

Being an ally for the LGBT community is similar in many ways. An ally plays a major role in the LGBT person's life. Allies are friends who are supportive, accepting, understanding and loving. They may or may not be heterosexual. They speak out against statements and jokes that attack LGBT people. Letting others know that they find anti-LGBT jokes offensive and unacceptable can go a long way toward reducing homo/bi/transphobia.

How to be an ally
  • Be a good listener.
  • Be open minded/non-judgmental.
  • Be willing to talk about LGBT issues.
  • Be inclusive. Invite LGBT friends to join in with other friends and family.
  • Be aware that not everyone is "straight".
  • Defend LGBT friends against discrimination. Have their backs.
  • Believe that all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, should be treated with respect and dignity.
  • Validate everyone's sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
When LGBT people and allies speak out, hearts and minds open. Your voice is critical to increasing the acceptance of LGBT persons. Speak out now and show the world the importance of LGBT acceptance!

The Human Rights Campaign's page on allies: http://www.hrc.org/topics/allies
 
GLAAD's Tips for Allies of Transgender People: http://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies
 
 
On December 9th we feature entertainment by Maddie McKenny Lydick. Maddie has been playing the ukulele for several years and looks forward to playing for the Rainbow Lunch Club.

December 23rd will be the regular social get-together.

We ask people age 60 and over for a donation of $2.50. The charge for younger guests is $5.50. 

Lunch is always served at noon. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester  is located at the corner of Holden Street and Shore Drive in Worcester, next to Bancroft School. Access to the parking lot is off of Shore Drive. See the sidebar for information about WRTA bus service.
  
Reservations are required a week in advance, so we can be sure to have enough food for everyone who shows up. You may call Joan Anderson at (508) 756-1545 ext. 404 or email her at [email protected]. You may also join the Rainbow Lunch Club Meet-Up Group  and reserve from the meet-up page.
   
MENUS:
December 9th: Chicken Mornay, seasoned potatoes, green beans, vanilla pudding and soup of the day.
December 23rd: Chicken Cacciatore, penne pasta, Italian blend vegetables and strawberry cup.


2016 Dates:  
January 13th, January 27th,
February 10th, February 24th
March 9th and March 23rd.

 

Calendar of Events

December 1st, 6:00-8:30pm World AIDS Day: Clark University, Tilton Hall - Higgins University Center. Open to the public. 

December 4th, 6:00-8:00pm, Festival of Lights: Worcester Common, behind City Hall/  Tree lighting, music, ice skating, concessions and horse drawn wagon rides.  More information can be found here.


Sign up today! A Matter of Balance, evidence-based workshop. A program that educates people on how to maintain better balance, increase exercise and reduce the risk of falling. Unitarian-Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Eight-week program beginning January 7, 2016. For More info contact: Elder Services of Worcester Area, (508) 756-1545, ext. 355 or 404.
  Website with detailed  workshop description: http://www.eswa.org/about-us/programs-and-information/healthy-living-evidence-based-programs/

 
At the close of another year
we gratefully pause
to wish you a
warm and joyous

Holiday Season.
Ben & Joan