A writing workshop with the over 55 age group to reflect on our awareness of the natural environment and climate change.. This activity encourages community, socialization, and creativity among the older age group who may be at higher risk for isolation and mental health.

Stephany Buswell has been in a writers group for the last ten years or so. What has grown out of this was her memoir which was published in 2022. She is currently working on her second book which is both memoir and comedy writing. Stephany is a retired pastry chef and has spent the last fifty years making cakes for all occasions. This book will tell stories of her cake disasters and interesting situations. Writing has become her new passion after retiring as a pastry chef instructor.  

Elbina Batala Rafizadeh is a published writer, poet, and a Cal Poet teacher. Her first book of poetry was published in 2024. She is also co-editor of an anthology of peace poetry published in 2024. She has facilitated short story and poetry writing groups since 1997. She is a member of the Writers of Color and a California Poet teacher. Before transitioning to academia, she worked for 24 years as a public health nurse in Watsonville and Pajaro. She is now semi-retired and teaches one health class at West Valley Mission College. Her cultural heritage and experiences in the natural world inform her writing. 

When: 

February 13 and March 13. 

Time: 10 am - 11:30 am

Where: 

Garfield Park Library Community Room 

What:

Materials: Bring Pen/Pencil and Paper/Notebook

Light Refreshments.

How: 

1. Short introduction and explanation 5 - 10 min

2. Writing (with prompt) 20 min

3. Reading followed by feedback until 11:30 or before