COMMENTARIES AND LETTERS

From the editor: All commentaries we publish are the opinions of the writers and should not be considered our editorial stances on issues. We strive to remain neutral and offer a balance of viewpoints. We invite readers who wish to express their opinions to send a letter to the editor to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Word limit for the newspaper is 350, for the website, 500. RichmondSunsetNews.com.

Community Clothing Swap

Refresh your wardrobe for free, and keep good clothes in circulation. Bring clean clothes and handbags to swap or just come find something new to you. Clothes and handbags only, please. Volunteers are welcome and needed. Everyone is welcome. Join us on Nov. 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St.

CoVENANT PRESBYTERIAN’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Covenant Presbyterian church at 321 Taraval St. will celebrate their 100th Anniversary on Nov. 1. We will start with our worship service at 10 a.m. in Portalhurst Hall, then have a celebration at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The church started in March of 1926 and met at the Forest Hill Clubhouse. The first church building was completed in 1936 at Funston and Taraval Street.

DRAMA WITH FRIENDS

Drama with Friends, a project of the Community Living Campaign, invites you to an evening of captivating short plays by contemporary playwrights, brought to you in the comfort of your own home. Now in our sixth year of presenting theatre on Zoom, our troupe of older adults and directors have performed more than 300 short plays since our first production during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our performances on the third Monday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m., are free, and are followed by a discussion with the playwrights. Check our Facebook page @SFDramawithFriends for the current month’s playbill, then register at the CLC website: sfcommunityliving.org/series/dwf.

FELTON TECH SQUAD

Felton’s Tech Squad provides free basic tech support for older adults and people with disabilities in the Richmond District. Ask questions regarding how to navigate your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Friday, Nov. 13 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Richmond Branch Library (351 Ninth Ave.). Drop-in for one-on-one session in English. We are also seeking volunteers who speak English and/or Cantonese.

The Tech Squad is now introducing Basic Tech Classes for older adults and adults with disabilities in Cantonese on Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m. at the Richmond Senior Center (6221 Geary Blvd., 3rd Fl.). For questions, call 415-961-7043 or email sfconnected@felton.org. For older adults and people with disabilities in the Richmond District, ask questions regarding how to navigate your smartphone, tablet or laptop. For more information, call 415-474-1558 or email techsquad@felton.org.

FOREST BOOKS

Forest Books, 1748 Buchanan St. Plaza, open every day, noon-8 p.m. 415-563-8302. Used and rare books. “The next step in evolution is thinking.”

FREE EVENTS AT THE SF PUBLIC LIBRARY, RICHMOND BRANCH

351 NINTH AVE., 415-355-5600

CHILDREN/FAMILY PROGRAMS:

“Storytime: For Babies.” Playtime follows directly after the Storytime. Limited to 46 participants, tickets required. Program Room, Mondays 11-11:30 a.m.

“Storytime: For Toddlers.” As the weather cools this fall, the Richmond Branch Library is planning on resuming inside Toddler Storytime on Wednesday, Nov. 4. At the current time, masking is not required inside the library, only recommended. When using the program room, we are required to adhere to the Fire Marshal’s restriction to 46 people. We will resume using a ticketing system. We understand that the ticketing system can be frustrating, but we find it’s the best way to control the numbers for the program room. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. *Please note: Storytime will be cancelled on Nov. 3 due to Election Day.

“Social: Pokémon Trading Card Game Club.” Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game or help teach someone else to play. We’ll meet twice a month to do all things Pokémon. Decks and level one gameboards are available to participants. For ages 6–13 years old. Thursdays, Nov. 5 and 19, 3-5:30 p.m.

“Activity: Lego Free Play.” Build skyscrapers, forts, castles or whatever your imagination desires with LEGOs. For children ages five and older. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Presentation: Pan American Companion Plant Stories with Alicia Retes.” Inspired by many legends of The Three Sisters – Corn, Bean and Squash, this story and music adaptation by Alicia Retes includes colorful corn husk characters who reveal their origins in the Americas. The Plant Sisters engage the audience to share their dreams, trials and tribulations of independence, respect, cooperation and community service. The Three Sisters lead the way to other companion plants, like Tomato and Cilantro. Monday, Nov. 16, 1-2 p.m.

“Performance: Nutcracker Sweets Ballet with Mark Foehringer Dance Project.” Bring in the holidays with Nutcracker Sweets, a unique production of the classic holiday ballet. This special production is a danced storytelling of the performance that is magical, zany and fun. A 15-minute dance performance will be followed by a photo opportunity with the dancers. For children and their caregivers. Playtime will be held after the performance. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m.

“Activity: Paint together.” Spend an enjoyable afternoon with other curious families exploring creativity, improving dexterity and expanding spatial awareness through painting. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served. For children and their caregivers. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 3:30-5 p.m.

TWEEN/TEEN PROGRAMS:

“Activity: LEGO Robotics.” Explore engineering with teen volunteers from Lowell High

School’s CardinalBotics team, while using LEGO Mindstorms. For children ages 8 and

older. Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.

“Workshop: Peyote Stitch.” Learn the basic Peyote stitch weaving technique that creates a flexible, brick-like fabric with staggered, interlocking rows. For ages 8 to 18. Registration required, please sign up at the Youth Services Reference Desk or call 415- 355-5648. Saturday, Nov. 21, 10a.m.-noon.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS:

“Social: Therapy Pets at the Library.” Meet Great Pyrenees Lumos and their person Melissa. Take a break to spend a few minutes sitting with a chill dog. All ages. Thursday, Nov. 12, 3- 4 p.m.

“Social: Crochet Club.” Join our new crochet club! All ages and all skill levels welcome. Learn to crochet or teach some of your skills to others. Some supplies are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own project. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5 -7 p.m.

“¡Bienvenidos a la Biblioteca!” Learn more about the Richmond Branch Library, its programs and services in an information session in Spanish, specifically for Spanish-speakers and their families. You can enjoy a family storytime in Spanish, register for a card you can use at any SFPL branch and take part in a tour of the library with a bilingual librarian. Light snacks will be served. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

“Breath meditation with Don Narin.” Take a break and reconnect with your inner calm. Through gentle breathing exercises you’ll learn techniques to reduce stress and cultivate a sense of peace. This guided meditation session is followed by Pangu Shengong (a unique form of Qigong) a simple and powerful selfhealing method designed to help you release tension, quiet your mind, and restore balance. Every Thursday, 11-noon.

“Author: Making the Best of the Rest of Your Life with Shulamit Sofia, MSW” Learn tips and techniques to help you feel and do better regardless of circumstances, with local author Shulamit Sofia, MSW. She is an experienced social worker with a long history of helping people make the best of their lives. She will be sharing many of the strategies and skills she has learned that can help people deal with the multiple challenges life brings. You will also learn how to grow older while appreciating what you have gained with age. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-7 p.m.

“Tutorial: Tech Savy at 60+” Learn basics of tablets and iPhones. It is a seven-class series. Please bring your own devices: Apple/Android. The class is taught in Cantonese. Space is limited, please reserve: 415-355-5600. This program is in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly. Wednesdays, Nov. 4 and 18, 2-3:30 p.m.

“Book Club: Susanna Kwan’s Awake in the Floating City.” Discuss Susanna Kwan’s “Awake” in the Floating City, the selection for this year’s One City One Book. Share your reflections on this moving novel about family, displacement, memory and belonging and explore the ways it captures the experience of living in a changing city. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m.

“Tutorial: Drop-In Tech Support for Older Adults with the Felton Institute Tech Squad.” Felton’s Tech Squad provides free basic tech support for older adults and people with disabilities. Get help with your phone or tablet, searching the internet, setting up an email account and other basic computer tasks. Friday, Nov. 13, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

“Film: Hard Boiled: Saturday Matinees at Richmond.” Enjoy watching Hong Kong action classics with fellow enthusiasts as part of this fall film series. In November, join us for Hard Boiled. A single-minded police inspector’s unsanctioned actions in pursuit of justice threaten to undermine a deeply conflicted undercover cop’s carefully laid plans to take down a violent upstart criminal organization. R,128 min., 1992. Film in Cantonese. Closed captions (CC) in English. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 – 4:30 p.m.

“Club: Great Books discussion.” Join the fun, as we read and discuss essays, short stories, plays and novellas about human condition. Along the way, we not only get to appreciate great works of writing, but we also learn how to become better thinkers and readers. The club meets every third Sunday of the month. This month we discuss “Verdict Guilty – Now What?” by Karl Menninger. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2-4 p.m.

FREE TAI CHI CLASSES

Free Tai Chi classes are offered on Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Full Life Christian Center gym, 3535 Balboa St. Whether you’re brand new or returning to the flow, this class is an invitation to move gently, breathe deeply and start your day feeling centered and energized. Come as you are. Leave feeling better. Registration link: forms.gle/rZuDhsAZU4uD8dKa6.

FREE WALKING GROUPS FOR SENIORS

Join the friendly San Francisco 55+ Neighborhood Walks. These free walks are leisurely, not vigorous and accommodating for seniors with various walking abilities. To sign up, go to meetup.com/sf-55-neighborhood-walking-groups. You can see who else is walking. You are also welcome if you just show up in person. The walks meet weekly, except when it rains and sometimes on holidays – check the Meetup link for the latest updates. The walks vary from one hour to two hours, and you can leave at any time.

• Tuesday walks start at noon at Angelina’s Cafe, 6000 California St., at 22nd Avenue in the Richmond District and goes to Lands End and back.

• Friday walks start at 10 a.m. in front of the Forest Hill Club House at 391 Magellan St. and tours that beautiful neighborhood.

• Sunday walks start at 1 p.m. at Java Beach by the Zoo at 2650 Sloat Blvd. in the Outer Sunset and goes along Sunset Dunes from Sloat Boulevard to Judah Street and back. Dogs are allowed at the Ocean Beach walk.

• Golden Gate Park Walk for 55+ Seniors: We meet every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Pool of Enchantment next to the front of the de Young Museum. The route varies each week. Come get fine exercise and meet friendly people. If you have questions, email freeseniorwalk@gmail.com. Every walk is located where there is a public bathroom either at the starting place or on the route.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy November birthday to Mariam, Marina Bascus, Cole Branson, Konner Brewer, George Brown V, Jack Buckley, Alex Dillon, Julia B. D., Judy Dane and Zaeden Dane, Dara Dear Engel, Alex Fielder, Annie Felix, Raychel Hatch, Bud Hauso, Rich Hom, Hazel Hubertz, Rachel Jerome, Jenny Junkin, Sam K., Megan Kathleen, Finn Doliner-Kelly, Frankie Ryder King, Larry Klingenberg, Woody LaBounty, Jessica Ling, Jim Logan, Ted Manahan, Kathy Mark, Miranda Martinez, Kelley Meck, Candace Mills, Juanita Monagle, Logan Newfeld, Anna O’Banion, Brenna O’Brien, Maddie Patsel, Maddie Pearce, Tammy Pham, Garrett Pieramico, Azadeh Reiskin, Kirby Rittman, Matt Rizzo, Savannah, Loretta Sholler, Sean Sorrell, Momo Touchstone, Carter Tsang, Mariam Urozbayera, Jacob Vang, Paige Watts, Stephanie LeBeau Watson, Kimberly Wong, Charlotte Yee and Charlie Zepeda. To add a name to the monthly birthday list, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Free.

Holiday Bazaar at Incarnation

The annual Holiday Extravaganza of Needlework, Handcrafted Items, Jewelry Boutique, Indoor Plants, Pottery and Baked Goods will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 1750 29th Ave. (between Moraga and Noriega streets) in the Sunset District. Lunch will be offered both days for $20. For information call 415-564-2324 or email comebefed@incarnationsf.org.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND FUNDRAISER

The Salvation Army Pinehurst Women’s Auxiliary is back with its Holiday Festival and Fundraiser. Join us on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2685 30th Ave., near Wawona Street, for a silent auction, raffle prizes, holiday shopping, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and homemade jams, pestos, baked goods, honety and much more. Free admission. All proceeeds benefit the PineHurst Residents dental, vision and scholarship needs.

Jingle and Mingle Holiday Craft Fair

Join us for holiday shopping, unique gifts and handmade crafts! Shop local and find something special for the holidays on Saturday, Nov. 7 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Stonestown Family YMCA Annex (3150 20th Ave.)

JONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

At Jong Financial Management Consultancy, we develop monthly, quarterly and annual budgets for all companies whether they be by property, department, or entity. We consolidate budgets by portfolio, company or all companies. We also develop static annual time series and/or weekly, monthly or quarterly rolling and moving average forecasts by whatever category or company is needed. Are you ready to kick-off next year’s budget process? Do you need forecasts for the new year? If I can help you create budgets and forecasts for your company, please reach out to me Nancy Jong, CTP at 415-573-4232 or njong.jfmc@att.net.

Legacy Film Festival on Aging

The short documentary, “Caring for Mom,” at the online Legacy Film Festival on Aging (now until Nov. 22), shows what an adventure life can be, even if you’re at that age where having Alzheimer’s is not a shocker, and even if you’re the caregiver caring for such a person. It features the arts scene in the S.F. Bay Area, documented by award-winning filmmaker, Emeline Mann Sanchez, a Parkside district resident. The documentary encourages those who look after their elderly parents to have fun with their caregiving. It is one of many films that dispel stereotypes about aging and older adults and educates viewers about aging in an entertaining and compelling manner. You can view the information on the package of three films you can purchase to see, including “Caring for Mom,” at legacyfilmfestivalonaging2026.eventive.org/Film_Programs/sharing-is-caring-6aa445920f96b3fed28d342f. To see information on other films in the film festival, just click anywhere at the top of that webpage; film package brackets can have one or up to seven films at the cost of $11/bracket, or $48 for the All-Fest Pass.

Mark Foehringer’s Nutcrackers Sweets

Running Dec. 5-20 at the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Each year, dancers from Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets do a library story time at a select number of libraries in San Francisco. This year, both the Richmond and the Sunset branch libraries are hosting a storytime event with the dancers, in advance of the holiday production at Cowell Theater. This is a free event for young children (ages 5 and younger). The storytimes take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Richmond Branch library and at 1:30 p.m. (on the same day) at the Sunset Branch library.

PLAYMATES HARVEST FESTIVAL BLOCK PARTY

Join us for the Playmates Harvest Festival Block Party on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m.– 3p.m. at 2340 42nd Ave. Enjoy live music, farm animal puppets, carnival games, a bouncy house, face painting, a macaroni and cheese cook-off, a cake walk, raffle prizes, a fire truck and more. Free admission and open to the entire community.givebutter.com/26HarvestFest.

PSYCHOTHERAPY OFFICE AVAILABLE

Quiet psychotherapy office space available in the Outer Sunset. 1204 Vicente St. Call Suzanne Banford 415-816-1312.

OUTER SUNSET FARMERS MARKET AND MERCANTILE

Join us every Sunday at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile where you can find fresh produce from local farmers and ranchers, enjoy delicious dishes from Outer Sunset eateries and discover unique finds from local makers and artisans. Every Sunday, find a revolving series of live performers, engaging activities and exhibitions at the ArtShip and fun zone! Our farmers market accepts WIC, EBT and Market Match. 37th Avenue at Ortega Street, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit sunsetmercantilesf.com or call 415-465-2475 for more details.

SAN FRANCISCO EDUCATION FUND VOLUNTEERING

Make a direct impact in San Francisco public schools! The San Francisco Education Fund invites community members to support SFUSD students and teachers through three volunteer programs: Classroom Support, Mindfulness instruction, and Mentoring. Submit an application and join an upcoming training session to get started: Mindfulness: Nov. 3 (virtual), Mentoring: Nov 3 (in-person), Classroom Support: Nov. 5 (virtual) No prior experience is needed, just a commitment to advancing equitable education. Learn more about each program and sign up to volunteer today at sfedfund.org!

STAMP COLLECTIONS WANTED

Stamp collector is buying stamps and stamp collections. I am buying “older stamps” from the 1800s to 1930. American Philatelic Society member since 1986. Pictures are appreciated. Call or text message 415-533-0761.

SUNSET BRANCH LIBRARY

1305 18TH AVE.

“Tutorial: Tech Help.” Get one-on-one tech help. First come, first served. Mandarin-speaking tech help is available. Saturdays: 2–4 p.m.

“Workshop: Chair Yoga With Kayko.” Practice chair yoga, a gentle, seated practice, perfect for those seeking low-impact exercise. Chair yoga improves your well-being. Kayko is a certified yoga therapist and instructor. She has years of experience teaching older adults the joy of yoga in a chair. Nov. 6, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. Seats available first come, first served.

“Social: Knitting Circle.” Relax in the library with the Knitting Club. Nov. 7, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

“Workshop: Smartphone Class For Older Adults 60+.” Topic: The Function of ChatGPT

How to ask questions to get information

How to translate text

How to generate Images

Friday, Nov. 20, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808. Limit one class per person. To join more classes, call on the 10th of the month to check availability. Applies to English and Chinese sessions.

“Workshop: Mahjong For Beginners.” Learn how to play mahjong and make new friends! This is geared toward those who have never played before. Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808 starting Nov. 14. Arrive on time; 10 minutes late is considered a no-show, allowing waitlisted individuals to take the spot. Each person may reserve one class initially. For additional classes, call one week before the next class to check availability.

“Social: Mahjong Club.” Play mahjong and make new friends! This group is for all levels. Nov. 28, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808 starting Nov. 14. Arrive on time; 10 minutes late is considered a no-show, allowing waitlisted individuals to take the spot. Each person may reserve one class initially. For additional classes, call one week before the next class to check availability.

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

The San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is recruiting volunteers to visit and provide support to seniors and persons with disabilities living in long-term care facilities To learn more, call 415-751-9788, email ombudsman@felton.org or go to felton.org/social-services/seniors/sf-ltc-ombudsman-program.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE RICHMOND SENIOR CENTER

There are many ways to volunteer with seniors in the Richmond. Regular volunteer work may include: serving as a senior companion supporter, either by chatting with an isolated senior over the phone or by taking a short walk. Friendly callers can take maybe 15 minutes each time, and a short walk can be 30 minutes, depending on the preferences of our seniors. For more information, visit ggsenior.org.

Announcements: $1 per word, 20 word minimum. Email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com for more details. FREE: Add a name to the monthly birthday list or a community event announcements. Email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.

We support small businesses: Free announcements for small businesses celebrating an anniversary or other significant milestone or event. Send announcements to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.