About Us
Faces of RSWNY
Pamela Barres, 63
Pamela Barres Pamela has been active in the Rochester LGBTI community since 1994, serving on the Boards of Lambda Kodak and The GAGV. She was interim Executive Director of the GAGV for nine months during parts of 2002 and 2003. A longtime leader of the Rochester Transgender Group, she is currently Director of the Rochester Chapter of NYTRO, New York Transgendered Rights Organization. While Pamela believes activism is very important, she also enjoys having a good time, and encourages older transgender people and other members of the LGBTI community to join her and the membership of the Rainbow Seniors, in many of their fun activities throughout the year. Pamela believes that age is often just a factor of how old you feel; she does however realize that she, like all of us, is aging. Issues affecting older members of the LGBTI community are going to become more and more important in the years to come. She hopes that her efforts, together with the efforts of other members of the Rainbow Seniors will allow the greater society to be more accommodating of its LGBTI members. Pamela has a wonderful woman as her life partner. She wishes all people had the legal right to marriage that she has enjoyed for 41 years.
Sherlea Dony, 55
Sherlea Dony Sherlea believes that keeping elder LGBTI's actively engaged in our community is key for successful aging. Recently retired after 31 years at Rochester Institute of Technology, Sherlea works part time as a sign language interpreter, copy editor, hospice volunteer, student of gerontology, and last, but certainly not least, as president of the board of Rainbow Seniors. "Rainbow Seniors is all about creating a caring community of and for older GLBTI individuals, and we're doing just that! We plan to increase activities and provide more information to empower us and enrich our lives. It's a privilege to be a part of an organization that unites us and one that is growing so fast."
Bob Hammond
Bob Hammond Bob moved to Rochester in 1998, has been involved with Rainbow Seniors from the very beginning, and considers them his extended family. He has served Rainbow Seniors as a former president and currently is on the board as a member-at-large. Bob has three children and one grandchild.
Marilyn Mitchell, 64
Marilyn Mitchell Marilyn joins organizations that she believes in, RSWNY being one of them. As a bi-sexual woman, she wants the GLBTIQ community who come to events, or are members of RSWNY, to know that diversity is welcome and encouraged. Marilyn wants to increase the membership and offerings for RSWNY and hopes that members become excited to get more involved. This is an organization that serves the aging (Aren't we all?) GLBTIQ community and she will do what she can to bring more services to the community. By way of personal information, Marilyn is partnered with a beautiful, loving and caring woman of four years. Marilyn retired from teaching at RIT and continues working as the director of a NYS Education Department project and as a national consultant and community interpreter.
Paul Mykins, 52
Paul Mykins Paul came out in 1986 and though not currently partnered, he is very comfortable with who he is. He got involved with Rainbow Seniors two years ago, when he discovered his first Wife was a member. Currently, he serves on the board as a member at large and the monthly events chair. Paul feels that this is the best way for him to give back to his community. As he gets older, Paul finds himself wanting all the help and information he can get. RSWNY supplies all of that for him and more.
Charles P. Palmatier
Charles has been a Member-at-large Board member of Rainbow Seniors for several years, and has many years of experience in the health care field. Charles currently works at Strong Memorial Hospital and lives with his partner Michael. Both Charles and Michael have an interest in promoting and helping to protect the interest and rights of GBLTI Seniors, including the right to get legally married, as well as spousal benefits including health care and other issues.
Saundra & Ginny
Saundra & Ginny Saundra was one of the original founders of RSWNY. She has two adult gay children. Saundra is an active fiber artist who enjoys designing pieces for local competitions. She lives with her partner Ginny who has a B.S. & M.S. in P.E. / Health Education from SUNY Brockport. Ginny plays duplicate bridge, loves music and singing. She was with the Sweet Adelines barber-shoppers for many years.