Purpose Statement
"UU Seniors" is an ongoing program of the First UU Church. The purpose of the program is to create community for us in our later years so we can live them to the fullest. It provides seniors the opportunity of being in community while discussing issues of concern. This group meets on the third Saturday morning of each month. Currently, the meeting is multi-platform with some folks on ZOOM and others in Bard Hall. Look for the link and announcements in the Window, and the South Bay Newsletter. If you wish to be on the email list, request more information, or provide feedback on the program, please contact the person listed below.
UU Seniors meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10 am PST
Multiplatform: In person in Bard Hall or online at https://bit.ly/UUSeniors, or call in at 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID 911 2242 6361
Multiplatform: In person in Bard Hall or online at https://bit.ly/UUSeniors, or call in at 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID 911 2242 6361
Upcoming Program
There will not be a program in April. We will resume our usual schedule on May 17, 2025.
Previous Programs
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March 15
Dynamic Duo: Hospice and Palliative Care Chris Smith, a retired hospital nurse and church member, talked about hospice and palliative care. He explained how each of them played a role when illness affected the quality of life. Chris covered how they worked, how to access them, and what resources were available for support. Click here for the hospice resources document. February 15
A Rich and Meaningful Life Dr. Lynn Northrop, a clinical psychologist and church member, led a discussion on how to have a rich and meaningful life. January 18
Panel Discussion on Retirement Communities A panel discussion on retirement communities. The panel members are current residents of various local retirement communities. Les Vivian moderated the panel. Panel members are Katie Boskoff, Dave Karpinski, and Penny and Mike Moreau. November 16
Doing Social Justice Valeria Aguilar, First UU Church's social justice coordinator, led a discussion on ways to get involved with social justice activities. It was an opportunity to get to know Valeria and learn about justice work at First UU. Click Here for the slide presentation. Resources: Volunteer Opportunities Aid Media Recommendations Mailing List Aid Community Partners Aid October 26
Psychology of Color in Design Mike Manse, a local web designer, discussed the psychology of color in design. Hosted by UU Seniors, this was a hybrid program - using Bard Hall and Zoom. There is no recording of the program due to a technical problem. Shown here are the PowerPoint slides he used (click the picture on the right.) The slides are both interesting and beautifully colored. They are well worth reviewing. September 21st Aging in Place : Aging in Your Space Abby Marcato, an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) and a church member, led a discussion on how to prevent falls in your home and other topics related to aging in place. August 15th The News and Your Sanity Rev. Arvid talked with us about how to engage with the news without losing our minds. June 15th
JTW & Right Relations Church member Bill James updated us on recent JTW activities and the Committee on Right Relations and led us in an interactive discussion about ow to be better listeners. |
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May 18
Philippine Partner Church Church members Liz Jones and Rich Zemlin shared their experiences visiting our partner church and reviewed our current projects with the church. |
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April 20
End-of-Life Conversations Rev. Justine Sullivan led a discussion on how to share the medical end-of-life documents and estate planning documents with your family and loved ones. |
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March
Estate Planning Documents Richard Scott Stewart, Esq., a local attorney specializing in elder law, led a discussion on wills, trusts, and other legal documents for estate planning. Contact information for Mr. Richard Scott Stewart, our speaker at the March Program: Phone 619-282-1194, Email at [email protected]. |
Please note: The video has no sound for the first 20 seconds but then continues with normal sound for about 90 minutes. Initially the video only shows the slides. It does not show our speaker speaking until later in the program.
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Saturday, February 17, 10 am
Review of Medical Decision Forms related to End-of-Life Care Melissa Favela-Ayala from SCRC reviewed the documents that pertain to End-of-Life medical care. She covered Advanced Healthcare Directives, and other important forms. |
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Saturday, January 20, 10 am
Aging in India Swamini Saraswati, our intern minister, led a discussion on the Indian perspective on aging with stories from Hinduism. |
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Saturday, November 18, 10 am
Swap Meet for Fun Things to Do First UU members Alice and Doug Diamond led a program on fun things to do around San Diego. |
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Saturday, October 21, 10 am
Conversation about Grieving
Honoring that many members and friends have died this year, Rev. Kristen Kuriga, our Assistant Minister, led us in a conversation about being with grief.
Conversation about Grieving
Honoring that many members and friends have died this year, Rev. Kristen Kuriga, our Assistant Minister, led us in a conversation about being with grief.
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Saturday, September 16, 10 am
"Death and Resurrection of Unitarian Universalism" Rev. Arvid Straube, former lead minister, First UU Church of San Diego, led a discussion on the future of Unitarian Universalism. |
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Saturday, June 17, 10 am
Buddhism and Aging Venerable Miaozang of Hsi Fang Temple of San Diego and UU member Denny Braun led a discussion on how Buddhism addresses aging. |
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Saturday, May 20, 10 am
Are you a Caregiver? UU Members Les Vivian and Chris Smith discussed the support groups they lead, and Southern Caregivers Resource Center explained and summarized their extensive services. |
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Saturday, April 15, 10 am
How to Say Good-bye to a Lifetime of Treasures First UU member Barbara Davenport talked about “Letting Go” of items with sentimental value. The downsizing company Next Phase will cover the practical logistics for downsizing. |
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Saturday, March 18, 10 am
Meet and Greet: Chris, Kate, and Tony Our new Social Justice Coordinator Chris Chambers, our new Program Assistant for Religious Education Kate Collier, and our new Director of Lifespan Faith Formation Tony Bianca discussed plans for their program areas and how seniors can be involved. We shared our long-time church knowledge and experiences to help shape the future. Coffee and tea were provided. We met in Bard Hall at 10am (coffee and tea at 9:45am) and on Zoom at https://bit.ly/UUSeniors hosted by UU Seniors. NOTE: Chris Chambers arrived at the end of the program and is not included in the video. |
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Saturday, February 18, 10 am
The Art of Leaving This World in Style
San Diego Memorial Society member Rudee Slavik, and 1st UU members Armin and Rhea Kuhlman spoke on ways to dispose of earthly trappings - namely the body! Traditional cremation, along with more ecological choices - like green burial, and body donation to science - were two options. Program was in Bard Hall and on Zoom.
Folks were encouraged to complete the First UU’s form for Personal Emergency Information and End of Life Arrangements. It can be found HERE.
The Art of Leaving This World in Style
San Diego Memorial Society member Rudee Slavik, and 1st UU members Armin and Rhea Kuhlman spoke on ways to dispose of earthly trappings - namely the body! Traditional cremation, along with more ecological choices - like green burial, and body donation to science - were two options. Program was in Bard Hall and on Zoom.
Folks were encouraged to complete the First UU’s form for Personal Emergency Information and End of Life Arrangements. It can be found HERE.
- Green Option for End of Life Slides
Saturday, January 21, 10 am
Understanding Inclusive Pronouns The topic was on LGBTQ+ issues that will support and explain the use of pronouns. Louise Titlow and John Keasler led the discussion. UU Seniors hosted the program on Zoom at bit.ly/UUSeniors and in Bard Hall. |
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Saturday, November 19, 10 am
Conversation with Rev. Justine Rev. Justine Sullivan led a discussion on church issues. This was our first multiplatform meeting. |
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Saturday, October 15, 10 am
Residential Housing Options for Seniors Virginia Renker, a certified senior advisor, and an expert on local residential facilities, led a discussion on the choices available to seniors. |
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Saturday, September 17, 10 am
Overcoming Ageism Denny Braun led a discussion on the many faces of ageism in our culture. We challenged myths about old age and learned ways to counter them based on research from Beca Levy's new book, Breaking the Age Code.
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Saturday, July 16, 2022, 10 am
Games People Play Tony Bianca led a discussion on games that are fun for all ages. Nine-year-old Sebastian Hochgesang joined him to suggest games he likes to play with adults. Other topics include video games, virtual reality games and more. |
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Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10 am
Website? What Website?
Jenner Daelyn reviewed the Church’s website, provided tips on finding the information you need, and introduced new features. Sue Marberry reviewed how to use the website to drill down in the budget and finances.
Website? What Website?
Jenner Daelyn reviewed the Church’s website, provided tips on finding the information you need, and introduced new features. Sue Marberry reviewed how to use the website to drill down in the budget and finances.
- This document contains instructions for networking with other church members and for checking your pledge status.
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Saturday, May 21, 2022
Social Justice Update Laurie Gerber of the Social Justice Executive Team (SJET), Newt Ferris and Erik Kaestner of Organizing for Justice, and Bella Furth of San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) provided an update on the current activities and share ways to participate. SJET for First UU Seniors PDF |
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Saturday, April 16, 2022
"Art Conversation with John Keasler" John Keasler, Chair of our First UU Bard Hall Art Guild, led a discussion of the value of art in our lives and how we all can be more involved in art. |
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Saturday, March 19, 2022
Conversation with Board President Rev. Julie Forest and Cora Pendergast gave us an update on recent Board activities and responded to questions. |
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February 19, 2022
"Riding the Covid Roller Coaster" Gay Hybertsen, LCSW, led a program on the need for resilience and how to cultivate it as the Covid Pandemic evolves. |
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January 15, 2022
“Trip on the Trolley” Ms. Grecia Figeroa from MTS led a program on riding the trolley. The focus is on fun places to go on the trolley especially the new Blue Line extension to UTC and UCSD. She reviewed the details of how to ride the trolley and how to get the senior discount. |
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November 20, 2021
“What is the Church of the Future?” Rev. Michael Brown and Rev. Omega Burckhardt led a discussion on the Church of the Future. They reviewed how the changes in technology, family structure, employment patterns, and community demographics affect how we will worship and create community in the future. |
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October 16, 2021
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Owen-Towle moderated a panel discussion on retirement. Our panelists were Louise Titlow, Alan Nicol, and Everett Eastman. Our panelists talked about retirement planning as well as mid-course changes for those already retired. |
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September 18, 2021
Rhea and Armin Kuhlman led a discussion on how climate change affects seniors differently from younger folks and how seniors can address the effects of climate change. |
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July 17, 2021
Our speaker was Rev. Kathleen Owens. |
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June 19, 2021 “Does your Family know where your important stuff is”
John Holl and Julia Gregory will presented material on how to document your personal affairs so that someone you designate can take over as needed. |
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May 15, 2021 "Hard Blessings"
- The Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle, minister emeritus, led a discussion on “Hard Blessings” gleaned from a grueling and gruesome pandemic.
- Tom's Questions
- Tom's Blessings
April 17, 2021 Program "Healthy Eating Shortcuts for Seniors"
March 20, 2021 Program "Technology for Seniors"
- Speakers were Peter Woodbury and Michael Van Kleeck
- Tech for Seniors Part 1 Slides
- Tech for Seniors Part 2 Slides
- Technology for Seniors Application List
February 20, 2021 Program "Report from Church's Re-Opening Committee"
January 16, 2021 Program "How to be a Friend to Someone with Dementia"
- Speaker was Valeria Ochoa from Southern Caregivers Resource Center
- How to be a Friend to Someone with Dementia Slides
Who to contact
Joan Helland
[email protected]
[email protected]
