The Center will present a special seminar on aging in the GLBT community. “Aging as Ourselves: Redefining Aging in the LGBT Community” will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 9:30 a.m. at The Center.

The forum will be presented by Dr. Erin Sicard and Dr. Sheryl Dagang of The Center’s Health Services. This seminar is a joint presentation of The Center’s Health Services and its Senior Services program.

The “Aging as Ourselves” project is a collaborative effort that provides a safe and comfortable environment for GLBT seniors to tap into culturally responsive social and health related services. The collaboration partners for the project include ElderHelp, The Center, Elder Law and Advocacy, SAGE, Family Health Centers and Pals-LINCage.

As part of the “Aging as Ourselves” project, The Center’s Health Services, in collaboration with The Center’s Senior Services, will be offering a series of healthier living seminars in the upcoming months. In addition, The Center’s Health Services offers individual counseling for people ages 50 and older.

The program is free and open to all those ages 50 and older. For more information, contact Claudia Lucero, senior services coordinator, at (619) 692-2077 ext. 206, or e-mail clucero@thecentersd.org. Also contact Caroline Higgins, intake and referral specialist, at (619) 260-6380 ext. 105, or e-mail chiggins@thecentersd.org. The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.

Craig Knudson, president of the Stepping Stone board of directors, said Stepping Stone will conduct a national search for a new executive director to replace Cheryl Houk, whose retirement will be effective March 30 after 17 years of service to the organization.

“The Stepping Stone board of directors is committed to conducting a thorough search for a new executive director to head our vitally important organization,” Knudson said. “Stepping Stone is not only a cutting-edge recovery facility, but also a model program for other communities. We believe it is critical that we find the best person for the job so that we can continue our long and proud tradition of service to the LGBT community.”

Houk will complete her work at the end of 2005 and will be on sabbatical through the end of March. She will be available to the board of directors to provide support through the transition, Stepping Stone said.

“Throughout this process, our top priority is ensuring that there is continuity of services for our clients,” said Mary Stockton, vice-chair of Stepping Stone’s board. “We’re confident that with the full involvement of the board and staff, we’ll be able to identify a qualified candidate and ensure a smooth transition for our clients.”

Interested candidates should mail a cover letter and resume to Craig Knudson at 4379 30th St., Suite 2, San Diego, CA 92104. Resumes can also be e-mailed to craig@banktemps.com.

For more information about Stepping Stone’s services and programs, call (619) 584-4010 or visit www.steppingstonesd.org.

ABC’s reality show “Supernanny” is looking for families with same-sex couples and their children (infant to teens) who want to take part in the television series, which features Jo Frost, one of the United Kingdom’s top nannies.

Using the expert techniques that have made “Supernanny” a hit show and her parenting skills book a bestseller, Frost works with families to help with the toughest infants, kids and teens, and to restore order to American households.

Contact casting producer Tami Brandel at (714) 401-2503 or e-mail tamibcasting @aol.com to apply or obtain more information.

The San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council will sponsor a community volunteer fair designed to highlight volunteer opportunities within San Diego’s GLBT community on Thursday, Jan. 12.

The career fair will showcase a variety of volunteer positions that are available with many local organizations, including: The Center, Mama’s Kitchen, Being Alive, San Diego LGBT Pride, Ebony Pride, Family Matters, Christie’s Place, Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project (APICAP), Red Cross, Bienestar, Equality California, AIDS Walk San Diego and many more. The fair will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Center, which is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.

“Many people resolve to get involved and volunteer as the New Year begins and we have a tremendous need for volunteer support within San Diego’s LGBT community,” said Eddie Valtierra, coordinator of volunteer resources at The Center. “We hope this volunteer fair will provide people with the information they need to get involved with the organizations that really need volunteers. Attending this fair will be a great first step toward making good on that ‘volunteer resolution’ in 2006.”

For more information, contact Eddie Valtierra at (619) 692-2077 ext. 111, or e-mail evaltierra@thecentersd.org.

With only weeks remaining for the Holiday Food Drive, the San Diego Food Bank is falling short on food donations for this year’s campaign. Since the food is used to help needy families during the holidays and replenish the Food Bank’s supply for the coming year, donations are still needed. Food can be dropped off in the red barrels at all Henry’s Marketplace, Food 4 Less, Ralphs and Vons locations until the end of the year. Monetary donations to purchase food can be made securely online at www.sandiegofoodbank.org or mailed to the San Diego Food Bank, at 9850 Distribution Ave., San Diego, CA 92121. For more information, call the San Diego Food Bank toll free at (866) 350-3663 or visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.

“Last year, we collected more than 496,000 pounds of food from our collection barrels,” said San Diego Food Bank acting general manager Darrell Watkins. This year the food bank has received approximately 172,000 pounds. “The donations are down significantly,” Watkins said.

All types of nonperishable items are needed. However, the most desirable items are canned meats such as tuna, chicken and stew, canned fruits and vegetables and plastic jars of peanut butter. In addition to food, personal care items such as diapers, toiletries and cleaning supplies will be accepted.

“The food is distributed to the needy for the holidays, but it is also used to maintain the supply of food at the food bank. Unfortunately, hunger does not go away after the holidays. There are families that will need assistance in January, February and March too,” Watkins said.

The San Diego Food Bank, an America’s Second Harvest certified affiliate, was established in 1977 by Neighborhood House Association. Its mission is to combat hunger in San Diego County by soliciting, collecting and distributing donated and purchased food to those in need. The food bank provides food to more than 200 San Diego County charitable, nonprofit organizations, and operates the annual Holiday Food Drive, Commodities Supplemental Food Program for women, children and seniors, Brown Bag Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The San Diego Community Wall of Honor will begin to accept nominations for its 2006 inductees on Jan. 1, The Imperial Court de San Diego and The Center said.

The Community Wall of Honor is a landmark commemorative display that recognizes and celebrates San Diego GLBT community members who have had a significant positive impact on the San Diego community. Located in the auditorium of The Center, the Community Wall of Honor was created in 2004 by Nicole Murray-Ramirez, the Imperial Court de San Diego and The Center.

“We encourage as many people as possible to participate in the Community Wall of Honor nomination process,” said Delores Jacobs, chief executive officer of The Center. “As we work toward equality, it is inspirational to remember and celebrate the heroes within our community whose years of service and contributions have made a real difference in the lives of LGBT San Diegans.”

To make a nomination to the Community Wall of Honor, visit The Center’s Web site at www.thecentersd.org to obtain a nomination form. For more information, contact Zac Mikles at (619) 692-2077 ext. 246 or e-mail zmikles@thecentersd.org.