Message from Michael Adams

[Michael]

I want to thank all of the SAGE constituents who participated in our meeting earlier this week to discuss the future of the SAGE drop-in and the importance of maintaining a strong presence for SAGE seniors and SAGE at the LGBT Community Center. I appreciate and respect the passion and commitment of everybody present, and learned a lot in the conversation. I know Glennda Testone of the LGBT Community Center feels the same way. As the Executive Director of SAGE for the past 6 years and somebody who lives and breathes this work, I can assure you that we share the same goals.

Having given the matter a great deal of thought since our meeting, SAGE will not close the drop-in on June 25. We want to explore possible alternatives that address the real concerns that I raised in the meeting but also address your concerns. Because construction at the LGBT Community Center will not affect the drop-in area immediately, we can take advantage of that time to try to figure out the best possible solution. Glennda and the staff at the Center fully support our efforts to continue this conversation as we work toward a solution.

Thank you again for the meeting earlier this week. As I said then, I know that I wouldn't be here as an LGBT advocate were it not for elder pioneers like you. I continue to learn from you.

Yours, Michael

[Jerry]

I had a very hearfelt and productive talk with Micheal Adams this morning.
As he said the room will not close down on June 25th and now all parties involved including the community will have time to calmly dialogue as to the future.
Lets take a breath...enjoy and celebrate Pride Month and have a great day as we always do starting at the drop in room on the morning of the 25th..
Jerry

[Brian Olson]

I am glad that the issues appear to be moving toward amicable resolution. I hope the LGBT community can look forward to continued interaction with our LGBT seniors. That interaction, such an important part of the community, keeps us in touch with our history and the struggle waged by generations before us.

This news makes me happy.

Brian

[Pete]

One of the issues that has become clear in this brouhaha over a SAGE space at the Center is that there is a major disconnect between what SAGE thinks they should be doing to discharge their obligation to gay seniors and what the actual seniors want and/or need.

The recent activism shown is evidence that seniors will not be docile sheep and go quietly into the night; rather we intend to have much more input into the SAGE processes and strategic plans.

My feeling is that the SAGE members/clients should create an association (much like what we had Tuesday at the meeting) to negotiate with SAGE over all issues that affect us, instead of letting SAGE, Dept. of Aging, and heavy donors dictate what is done to us and for us.

These are our lives, not theirs.

[Jerry]

Pete,
I agree and I have some ideas too that I am going to discuss with the community and Tom and Micheal..
I'm hoping to get over to the room in the next few days...would really like to talk to the Wednesday eve rap group also...
Jerry

[Pete]

My understanding is that rather than moving the discussion group meetings up to 305 Seventh Avenue, we can continue holding them in room 107 at the Center until further notice.

[Jerry]

That is correct as per my conversation with Tom Weber the other day...It also includes Marlene's Sage Singers Thursday group..and the other Friday mens group if they prefer to stay at the center(I don't know that they do).As long as the room is still at the center..it was my understand per Tom that the groups that meet there are free to continue to meet there.