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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2024 51 The Rainbow Group's fundraising campaign goal for The Trevor Project during January was $2,500. The amount raised was $2,553. This consisted of 28 donations, nine of which were given anonymously. One person donated $500 anonymously in order to match the final eight donations of the campaign. We would like to thank all who contributed to the success of our campaign, with a special appreciation to the anonymous donor who matched the final donations. This month our selection for the Famous LGBT Americans series is African American author, James Baldwin. Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York in 1924. His experience with writing started in junior high school. In high school, Baldwin was the editor of the school's literary magazine. In 1943, his father died. As a result, college was not an option for him, and instead he worked to support his siblings. During this time, he visited Greenwich Village, making connections with literati, and frequented cafes where he would spend his time writing. In 1948 at age 24, Baldwin, no longer able to tolerate the racial discrimination and homophobia in the U.S., moved to Europe. He was abroad for 40 years, living in France and Turkey. Nonetheless, he rented residences in the U.S. for his visits to New York and Los Angeles. Baldwin had relationships with men. However, it wasn't until he was 25 that he experienced strong love with another man, a young painter in Paris. The relationship lasted three years. Baldwin later rekindled a friendship with him. Baldwin was a prolific writer. Included in his work are novels with significant gay and bisexual themes, especially, Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), Giovanni's Room (1956), Another Country (1962), and Just Above My Head (1979). Baldwin's writings on race addressed racism in the U.S. and Europe. These became more influential as the Civil Rights movement became prominent in American politics. Some of his central works include Notes of a Native Son (1955), Nobody Knows My Name (1961) and e Fire Next Time (1963). Baldwin died from cancer in 1987 in St. Paul de Vence in France. His funeral was at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou delivered eulogies. For a longer biography of James Baldwin, please go to the Rainbow Group's Facebook page or request a copy via email (rainbowgroup@ myyahoo.com). ~ Dan Hazeltine and Frank Galvan Rainbow Group Garden Club Many thanks to Rich Wayne, Marriage and Family Therapist and Four Seasons homeowner, for a great presentation on "how gardening supports our mental well-being." Also to Mona Swinehart for sharing what to do in the garden in January and February. Please mark your calendars for the next free Garden Club supported event presented by the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. Join us on March 28 at 10 am in the Ballroom for "California Native Plants" which will include a variety of native plants for sale. Make your reservation NOW for a docent-led tour at the UCR Botanical Gardens! Offered in partnership with the Travel Club, the tour is on May 2 and the cost is $67. Check should be made out to Evelyn Koch and all payments must be received no later than April 1. Your ticket includes: • Round-trip transportation in a deluxe motorcoach with pick up (approximate departure of 9:15 am) and drop off at The Lodge • A private small-group guided docent tour of the gardens with time afterwards to explore on your own • AND an all you can eat luncheon buffet in our own private room at the Golden Corral To reserve a spot on this lovely spring outing, please contact Joni Truelsen at (661) 390-5512 or jonitruelsen@yahoo.com. For questions about the Garden Club, contact pwayne1@outlook. com. ~ Pat Wayne

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