Writing Group for 55+ at Garfield Park

A writing workshop the 55+ age group to reflect on awareness of the natural environment and climate change.

This encourages community, socialization, and creativity among the older individuals who may be at higher risk for isolation and mental health.

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

Elbina Batala Rafizadeh is a published writer, poet, and 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. 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: 

Third Thursdays Jan-May and Jul-Nov; not held in-branch June and December.

Where: 

Garfield Park Library Community Room 

What: Writing prompts will also focus on life experiences of many topics relevant to aging.

Materials: Bring Pen/Pencil and Paper/Notebook

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