This event is currently meeting at Books on the Bosque the first Wednesday of every month

There are drinks and goodies available for purchase. The book store is woman owned and is welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

There is no set topic for discussion. If anyone has a story to tell, we’re ready to listen. This is a place to get together, meet other women and chat. There will sometimes be an announcement about ORCA and it’s activities.

Sharon Rizk, PsyD and LMFT (Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) has taken up the role of facilitator of our ongoing group. The group focuses on developmental stages, and the losses that can be part of each stage, over the course of a lifetime.

This group is a nonjudgmental welcoming space for individuals who have experienced loss. Please come and share your stories within an environment that will encourage you to find perspective, comfort, and healing.

The group will be limited to 10 people. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, as Sharon will be preparing handouts for each session and will need to know how many to prepare.

New people will introduce themselves and the group will determine what people feel a need to discuss after handouts have been shared. First time participants should note that Highland Senior Center wants people to be members and should buy a $20 annual membership.

Please message Paul Oostenbrug, SCORCA Chair, for more information.

FIRST and THIRD Thursday afternoon of every month from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at Highland Senior Center. PLEASE RSVP by clicking on ATTEND, since we will be working with Chris Rogers, the manager at Highland, to get the right-sized room for our game playing enjoyment. We'd like you to RSVP as soon as possible to give Chris enough time to find us the right room.

Attendees will choose the game(s) they want to play at the beginning of each session. Game selection will depend largely on how many people choose to attend. ORCA has a large cabinet reserved at Highland where we store our large and interesting variety of board and card games.

Our collection of board games includes Monopoly, Albuquerque-opoly, Scrabble, Mancala, and several less-well-known others. We do not own a (Mexican) Train Domino Game set.

Card games include Trivial Pursuit (with the cards but without the board) and others of that nature, such as Pop Culture Trivia Game. Other card games are The Game of Things, Quiddler, Novel Beginnings, Headbanz, etc. We don't have ordinary playing cards, so if you want to play a traditional card game, you'll need to bring your own cards.

You're welcome to bring any game of your own to encourage others to play it with you.

Hope to see you with your best game face on!

FIRST and THIRD Thursday afternoon of every month from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at Highland Senior Center. PLEASE RSVP by clicking on ATTEND, since we will be working with Chris Rogers, the manager at Highland, to get the right-sized room for our game playing enjoyment. We'd like you to RSVP as soon as possible to give Chris enough time to find us the right room.

Attendees will choose the game(s) they want to play at the beginning of each session. Game selection will depend largely on how many people choose to attend. ORCA has a large cabinet reserved at Highland where we store our large and interesting variety of board and card games.

Our collection of board games includes Monopoly, Albuquerque-opoly, Scrabble, Mancala, and several less-well-known others. We do not own a (Mexican) Train Domino Game set.

Card games include Trivial Pursuit (with the cards but without the board) and others of that nature, such as Pop Culture Trivia Game. Other card games are The Game of Things, Quiddler, Novel Beginnings, Headbanz, etc. We don't have ordinary playing cards, so if you want to play a traditional card game, you'll need to bring your own cards.

You're welcome to bring any game of your own to encourage others to play it with you.

Hope to see you with your best game face on!

Sharon Rizk, PsyD and LMFT (Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) has taken up the role of facilitator of our ongoing group. The group focuses on developmental stages, and the losses that can be part of each stage, over the course of a lifetime.

This group is a nonjudgmental welcoming space for individuals who have experienced loss. Please come and share your stories within an environment that will encourage you to find perspective, comfort, and healing.

The group will be limited to 10 people. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, as Sharon will be preparing handouts for each session and will need to know how many to prepare.

New people will introduce themselves and the group will determine what people feel a need to discuss after handouts have been shared. First time participants should note that Highland Senior Center wants people to be members and should buy a $20 annual membership.

Please message Paul Oostenbrug, SCORCA Chair, for more information.

We are excited to invite you to our exclusive Lunch and Learn session featuring Nusenda Credit Union. As a trusted financial partner, Nusenda is committed to providing exceptional services and fostering strong relationships within our community.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introduction
   • Learn about Nusenda’s rich history and commitment to our members.
2. Our Partnership
   • Discover how our collaboration benefits you and your organization.
3. Banking with Nusenda
   • Explore our comprehensive range of services, including:
     • Investments: Strategies to grow your wealth and secure your future.
     • Business Banking: Support for entrepreneurs and businesses.
     • Community Engagement: Learn about our impactful initiatives.
4. Deep Dive Presentations (Optional)
   • If you’re interested in specific topics, we can delve deeper!
5. Q&A Session
   • Bring your questions, and our experts will provide personalized answers.

Why Attend?

• Exclusive Insights: Gain valuable insights into financial planning and community involvement.
• Networking: Connect with fellow professionals and expand your network.
• Delicious Lunch: Enjoy a catered lunch while you learn!

Please RSVP ASAP to secure your spot. We look forward to sharing this informative and engaging session with you.

Writing the Difficult Topic

with Mary Collins

• Saturday, April 13, 2024
• 12:30 – 2:30 pm (MST)
• In Person & via Zoom
• SWW members: $20 ♦ Non-members: $30

Mary handles this particular topic a lot (especially at the Yale Summer Writing Program) because of her book At the Broken Places: A Mother and Trans Son Pick Up the Pieces (Beacon Press). They did a national book tour for that (her son Donald Collins is the co-author, but the book reads like a joint memoir). In the end they had to figure out how to exchange stories and experiences instead of opinions. They had to understand their pain was deeply personal but the project had way more value if they turned outward, included others, saw their story in relation to national trends. As you can imagine, a parent with a transgender child has been a HOT topic the last 7 years.

Mary Collins has taught nonfiction writing at the graduate and undergraduate level for decades, including 12 years part-time at Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Writing Program, the summer program at Yale University, and 17 years in her current job as the Program Coordinator for the Writing Minors at Central CT State University. Website: www.marycollinswriter.com

Training Series for the New Mexico Business Community

Free for New Mexico businesses!

The State of New Mexico Economic Development is providing financial support for qualified New Mexico businesses* to cover the entire cost of the training program (a $1650 value!).

Sharon Rizk, PsyD and LMFT (Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) has taken up the role of facilitator of our ongoing group. The group focuses on developmental stages, and the losses that can be part of each stage, over the course of a lifetime.

This group is a nonjudgmental welcoming space for individuals who have experienced loss. Please come and share your stories within an environment that will encourage you to find perspective, comfort, and healing.

The group will be limited to 10 people. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, as Sharon will be preparing handouts for each session and will need to know how many to prepare.

New people will introduce themselves and the group will determine what people feel a need to discuss after handouts have been shared. First time participants should note that Highland Senior Center wants people to be members and should buy a $20 annual membership.

Please message Paul Oostenbrug, SCORCA Chair, for more information.

FIRST and THIRD Thursday afternoon of every month from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at Highland Senior Center. PLEASE RSVP by clicking on ATTEND, since we will be working with Chris Rogers, the manager at Highland, to get the right-sized room for our game playing enjoyment. We'd like you to RSVP as soon as possible to give Chris enough time to find us the right room.

Attendees will choose the game(s) they want to play at the beginning of each session. Game selection will depend largely on how many people choose to attend. ORCA has a large cabinet reserved at Highland where we store our large and interesting variety of board and card games.

Our collection of board games includes Monopoly, Albuquerque-opoly, Scrabble, Mancala, and several less-well-known others. We do not own a (Mexican) Train Domino Game set.

Card games include Trivial Pursuit (with the cards but without the board) and others of that nature, such as Pop Culture Trivia Game. Other card games are The Game of Things, Quiddler, Novel Beginnings, Headbanz, etc. We don't have ordinary playing cards, so if you want to play a traditional card game, you'll need to bring your own cards.

You're welcome to bring any game of your own to encourage others to play it with you.

Hope to see you with your best game face on!

Join us for entertainment, fun, and the community at our monthly Drag Bingo at Opuntia. Admission is $20 which also gets you 6 bingo cards.

$20.00 for a ticket which also gets you 6 Bingo Cards for playing.

Thursday, July 20th, 7 – 9 pm @ Opuntia

TransSenders Gathering

Welcome TransSenders!  This is a monthly gathering organized after the gym's regular hours specifically for trans and non-binary folx in order to provide a safe space for them to try their hands at climbing. The schedule for this event is being worked on at the moment but the event will take place once a month on Sundays at the Midtown gym, from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Please contact Cristina for specifics on this event and to get the date of the next meet.

Trans climbers of all levels and allies are welcome to find community and expand their climbing skills.  Beginners are welcome!

• Monthly, every 3rd Sunday after regular gym hours
• 6 pm - 8 pm
• Stoneage Climbing - Midtown gym
• Entry is $14 and includes gear

If it’s your first time with us, please fill out a waiver and we will get you set up with gear and an introductory orientation.

When you arrive, look for the Rainbow Senders' table behind the check in desk with the rainbow rug!  There are pronoun pins available and often, a group activity is available if you choose to participate. The leaders of the Rainbow Senders will be available to help you get started if it’s your first time and/or be your climbing partner if you wish.

Rainbow Senders

Rainbow Senders is sponsored by Stone Age and also exists outside of it.  Follow them on Instagram.  To join their monthly newsletter please click here.

Fundraiser

Shane Baron-Deutsch, one of our talented members, has created a fun design we are now featuring on some cool apparel! All purchases of items with this design benefit Rainbow Senders and TransSenders!

Sharon Rizk, PsyD and LMFT (Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) has taken up the role of facilitator of our ongoing group. The group focuses on developmental stages, and the losses that can be part of each stage, over the course of a lifetime.

This group is a nonjudgmental welcoming space for individuals who have experienced loss. Please come and share your stories within an environment that will encourage you to find perspective, comfort, and healing.

The group will be limited to 10 people. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, as Sharon will be preparing handouts for each session and will need to know how many to prepare.

New people will introduce themselves and the group will determine what people feel a need to discuss after handouts have been shared. First time participants should note that Highland Senior Center wants people to be members and should buy a $20 annual membership.

Please message Paul Oostenbrug, SCORCA Chair, for more information.