SAGE Upstate programs can be joined on Zoom
Improving
Health
SAGE Upstate promotes the well-being of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Central New York through health programs, socials, support groups, & education.
Welcome back
to the Center!
Programs now meeting
in person:
All are also available on Zoom
Please Sign Up In Advance: kdill@sageupstate.org or call 315-478-1923 (leave a message) -- we will confirm that you are signed up
Vaccination card: Please scan and send your vaccination card or bring it with you to your first trip back to the Center
3 feet of distance: Not everyone is ready for a hug. Please stay 3 feet from others
Common Areas: Outside of our center (lobby, halls, bathroom, elevator) -- wear face coverings
Writers
Wednesdays @ 5:30
Knitting &
Fiber Arts
Wednesdays @ 7:00
Friday Social
Fridays @ 3:00
Thanks to Carrier and all 5K and sponsors and participants
See sponsors, photos and more here.
In person pick up for those who have not gotten their t-shirts:
Monday, July 19th from 3-6pm
at USA Racing (6985 Collamer Rd in East Syracuse).
US Surgeon General identifies urgent threat:
COVID-19 Misinformation
Dr Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, is calling for a war against health misinformation. What can we do? Don't share information you see online if you don't know if it's true. Much like working to counter the false information that ran rampant about HIV/AIDS, Dr. Murthy is urging people to stop sharing misinformation. Many are reluctant to get the vaccine because they've heard something troubling about it. And, COVID cases are much higher in regions where vaccinations rates are low. Dr. Murthy is also appealing to tech companies, asking them to do what they can to stop the spread of inaccurate information. Read or listen to the full story at NPR here.
LGBT Comunity Survey
Black Cuse Pride, ACR Health, CNY Pride, and SAGE Upstate are continually involved with the challenge of identifying community needs. In order to help community resource providers in Central New York better understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, we have collectively organized the following Community Needs Assessment Survey. If you feel that this may not apply to you, please encourage others who may not be aware of the survey to participate. During these difficult times, keep an eye out for opportunities to support others in your communities! Take the survey in English: https://www.cnypride.org/survey
Or share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/127607680646518/posts/5221943934546175/?d=n
News
News from FAIRNY: There WILL be an LGBT information booth at the fair
Bonnie Strunk and FAIRNY will host the LGBT Info booth at the New York State Fair again this year. Earlier plans stated the Center of Progress building was closed, so the LGBT Booth was in limbo. But now the building will be open, and the LGBT Booth is BACK! We missed it. FAIRNY will be staffing it the entire run of the fair (August 20 - September 6) and they need help. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bonnie at fairny@fairny.org. Also, Pride Day will be held on August 27, with a flag raising ceremony and an information fair. Melissa Etheridge performs at the on August 27 as well.
NY State Emergency Rental Assistance
Need more info about the NYS program that assists eligible households behind on their rent due to COVID? Find out about eligibility, and how to apply in the document here. Information for landlords and property owners is included too.
Vaccine Resources at Upstate
Upstate University Hospital is able to offer mobile COVID testing clinics. For more info, call (315) 464-3130. For more on COVID resources at Upstate, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Hotline at 315-464-3979, option #2, or email to CovidVaccineInfo@Upstate.edu
HIV and Aging Survey
Dr. Maria T. Brown, of Syracuse University’s School of Social Work, wants to learn more about the healthcare experiences of long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS and/or people age 50 or older who are living with HIV/AIDS in New York State. We want to hear from consumers and providers across the state about barriers they have faced and recommendations they would make to improve healthcare and supportive services.
This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. The survey is anonymous and your answers will not be linked to your name in any way. Results of this survey will be made publicly available by the end of 2021. You may access the survey here.
Farmer's Market Coupons
Check with your local Office For Aging or Farmer's Market coupons. Each year, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives eligible, low-income older adults $20.00 in coupons to buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets in New York State. Booklets are available in July and may be used through November. They are given out on a first come, first served basis. An individual must be age 60, or older, and their income must be at, or below, 185% of the current year's federal poverty level. Contact the Office for Aging in Onondaga County at 315-435-2362
Get distribution days and more for Cayuga County here.
Read more about the Madison County program in their newsletter here.
Call other Aging offices: Cayuga: 315-253-1226; Cortland: 607-753-5060; Herkimer: 315- 867-1195; Jefferson: 315-785-3191; Lewis: 315-376-5313; Oneida: 315-798-5456; or Oswego: 315-349-3484.
COVID-19 Vaccine info: Click on the link for your area or use the phone number provided
Onondaga County or 315.464.3979 (option #2)
Cayuga County or 315-253-1560
Cortland County or (607) 756-3415
Jefferson County or (315)786-3770
Lewis County or 315-377-2000
Madison County or 315-366-2770
Oneida County or 315-798-5439
Oswego County or 315-349-3545
New York State or 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
It's been HOT ... how did people get by before air conditioning?
As it turns out, there were lots of ways to beat the heat before A/C. Of course there were fans, and you may know about sleeping porches. But did you know about the fan chair, dogtrot homes or punkahs? Or that people drank (and still do drink) buttermilk to cool down? While you're waiting for the latest heat wave to move on, check out this article at Mental Floss here.