November 30, 2021
Thanksgiving at Tenderloin Tessie
Volunteers

Jeffrey Schneider, Ellen Simpson, Juan Ferriera, and Lucas Soulas

On Thanksgiving, November 25, four San Francisco Zen Center residents joined other volunteers to offer dinner to unhoused men and women with Tenderloin Tessie—an organization started by Tenderloin drag queen, Tessie—that serves meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The guests sit at tables where they are served, restaurant-style, by the volunteers. The event features live entertainment, gift bags, and a free clothing store. Those of us who served found it a wonderful way to express our gratitude for the many good things in our lives and to embody our practice and vow.

Photo by Ron Nieberding

Features, For Mary Watson

Remembering Mary Watson

I want to invite us to be with Mary's spirit, because she really embodied compassion. When Blanche gave her the precepts, she gave her the name, Eyes of Compassion, Nurturing Teacher, and that's what Mary was.