Uncertainty with optimism could be the theme for the beginning of 2026. We ended 2025 on a mixed note — with key leadership positions vacant on the Social Committee (co-chairs) and a need for a new bookkeeper. We are an all-volunteer organization with a membership that includes many retirees. While we’re grateful to those who have stayed in leadership roles for as long as they have, we also know there are others in our community with time and skills to offer. If you’d like to explore helping in any of these roles, please email me or reach out to info@LKAPS.org.
On a happier note, we received nearly $4,000 in donations over the past month — thanks to the generosity of individual donors and a first-time gift from Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers, raised through their Pride 5K Run and Walk 2025. Special thanks to the LKAPS team of runners and walkers led by Ken Vergonet for making this possible. And thanks to our individual donors who have sustained us throughout the past decade.
So what will 2026 bring? We’ll continue with our coffees, dine-arounds, bowling, and pop-up events. We’re also rethinking our potlucks, given the increasing costs and the high expectations placed on volunteers. I’ll be reaching out to some of our past potluck hosts to express our appreciation and get their insights on what works — and what might need adjusting. Thanks to prudent financial management, we have the resources to do all this and more.
I’m looking forward to beginning our eleventh year together. Let’s make 2026 a year of joy, connection, and fun.
Warmly, Jax
Jax Kelly, President Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) JaxKelly@LKAPS.org
Social Events
The Palm Springs Front Runners & Walkers present donations from The Palm Springs Pride Run/Walk to three charities: Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs, Brothers of the Desert, and The Oswit Land Trust.Bowling December 18th at Palm Springs Lanes. The next Bowling event is January 15 from 2:30 – 4:30 $15.00 for 2 hours of bowling including shoes!
The Roundtable
The Roundtable is our weekly drop-in discussion group, where we make connections and build community through conversation. Peer coordinators facilitate discussions of topics both serious and fun that include and allow everyone to participate.
Got a topic that’s been on your mind? Send your idea to the roundtable team and join the conversation!
The In-Person Roundtable has been moved to THURSDAYS at 5:00 PM – SAME LOCATION
January 2026 Topics:
January 6 and 8 – What do you think about how the LGBTQ+ community and HIV/AIDS are portrayed in the media and by governments (local and federal)?
January 13 and 15 – What are your goals and hopes for 2026? What will you do to accomplish them?
January 20 and 22 – What advice would you offer to your teen age self? How would they have responded?
January 27 and 29 – Are we losing the collective memory of our past history of the HIV/AIDS crisis? How do you feel about that and what do we need to do to prevent that loss?
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Community Events
The Positive Life Series
Tuesday, January 6th – 6:00 PM
Join us for an informative session about recognizing and avoiding various forms of elder abuse presented by a representative from Palm Springs Police Department.
Mizell Center 480 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Pals Circle
Every Monday 6 – 7 PM
Circle is an informal weekly zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together at grandmother’s house every week. Enjoy! It’s powerful.
A Death Café is a group-led open conversation about death and dying. It is not counseling or a bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes.
The Center CV 1301 N Palm Canyon Dr #301, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Announcements
Donate your HIV Meds
Donate your not needed HIV Meds at the Positive Life Series monthly. Bring your not needed HIV meds to the Positive Life Series (The first Tuesday of the Month) and give to Jeff Taylor. They are donated to an HIV Clinic in Mexico.
You don’t have to receive ALL emails from lkaps.org. You can choose which ones you would like by updating your email preferences. You can also update your phone number and your birthdate along with wether you would like to be included in the directory. There is always a link at the bottom of every email.
Submit to the Newsletter
Anyone is welcome to submit ideas, stories, photos and videos related to social connection, education, and advocacy for people aging with HIV to our monthly newsletter. Please send to news@lkaps.org by the 25th for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter.
Support LKAPS
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs sponsors inclusive social activities for people deeply affected by HIV. We are all races, genders, HIV+ and HIV-. Some of our members are outgoing, others are introverted or have been isolated. There are no requirements about participation, we encourage you to come out and meet us.
