Avila Beach Life • December 2020

LOCAL NEWS ... BEACH VIEWS • DECEMBER 2020

AVILABEACHLIFENEWS.COM

hope

this holiday season

SEE PAGE 4

PORT SAN LUIS STATION: MAKING MERRY! SEE PAGE 5

JOHN SALISBURY: ‘DESIDERATA,’ MY GIFT TO YOU SEE PAGE 7

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REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES OF HOLIDAYS PAST

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2 | Avila Beach Life - December 2020

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Happy Holidays

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CONTRIBUTORS Betty Hartig Dr. Cindy Maynar John Salisbury Kathy Mastako Mary Foppiano Rick Cohen Contact Us 805.466.2585

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HOPE

If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way.

Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to where you are meant to go‌ because during these times hope will be the very thing that carries you through.

~Nikki Banas

A

s we welcome December and reflect upon the year, we are filled with deep gratitude and love. 2020 has presented us with multiple challenges and opportunities. It has allowed us to find strength within and stand firm on our faith to trudge forward, yet we still are not out of the crisis. We have learned so much from this year and about each other, good or indifferent. We pull strength from our fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. From our team and local everyday heroes that all continue to show up even when life is uncertain.

We all have a personal journey, one we get to call our own, and how we decide to live it is only up to us and us alone. No one can hold you back, and if you feel the urge to quit, keep moving forward, keep pressing on.

That is the incredible thing about being a human on planet earth spinning through space at 1,000 miles per hour. When you feel like things are spinning out of control, remember they are spinning under control. None of us are alone, and if you

feel you are, reach out to us or those in our stories; we are here and want to help. We have seen our communities pull together through this crisis, which inspired our theme for the December issue of Avila Beach Life, Hope, this Holiday Season.

Our community is Resilient; we have seen that. We can be extremely divided, too; our hope is as we move forward out of this contentious year, we can remember what is truly important. Treat one another with respect, kindness, and love. Remember that no one is responsible for you but you. Be a good human, and please be sure to laugh, smile, and sing!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours.

All our love, the Mattson Family This month’s edition of Avila Beach Life is brought to you by Avila Beach Foundation and all the local advertisers that fill our pages; thanks to them, we are able to bring you your local Hometown Beach News.

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Avila Beach Life - December 2020 | 3 FOUNDATION NEWS AND VIEWS

Whatever December May Bring Rick Cohen

Avila Beach Foundation

G

reetings, fellow Avilones. Another December has arrived, and the year is coming to a challenging end. What a strange journey it has been. And how ironic that long-suffering Lakers and Dodgers fans finally saw their beloved teams become world champions but not be able to celebrate in the customary fashion.

As was the case for Thanksgiving, the usual gathering of family and/or friends for Christmas and Hanukkah will be placed on hold this year or may proceed with the number of attendees reduced in size. Whatever December may bring, I wish you the happiest possible of holidays that you can muster.

Speaking of the holidays, were you aware of the early gift that arrived at our shores last month in all their glory? Some humpback whales were strutting their stuff in Port San Luis Harbor and came in dangerous proximity to a few kayakers. Videos and photos were captured by nearby onlookers, providing some exciting close-up and close-call “National Geographic” moments. In case you missed the videos, you can find some simply by searching “YouTube whales in Avila Beach.” Please be reminded that it’s against the law to come within 100 yards of these magnificent marine creatures, so be sure to enjoy them from a safe and allowable distance

whenever encountered.

You may recall my prior mention of how the “Foundation” was reacting to the situations facing several of our grantees due to the pandemic. None were going about business as usual. Some were functioning on a limited basis, and some have yet to even open their doors.

We reached out and made some financial considerations intended to reassign funds where agencies deemed them most essential to their missions. We also decided to dispense with our traditional grant application processes this year and instead elected to provide the same level of funding to eligible agencies in 2021 that we did in 2020.

The supported organizations include: Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach Civic Association, Cancer Well-Fit, Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, Avila Beach Jr. Lifeguards Program, People’s Self-Help Housing, Port San Luis Harbor District (Mutt Mitts), Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, the Noor Foundation, Operation Surf Central Coast, the Surfrider Foundation, PathPoint Seasonal Beach Clean-up Program, and KCBX Public Radio.

Plus, we will continue to support the Free Avila Trolley and home delivery of the Avila Beach Life news publication. Total funding allocated comes to $62,500.

Last month I brought to your attention the upcoming Bob Jones Trail Walking Quiz. Well, it has been officially launched. It occurs in two parts, with each quiz consisting of five questions to which answers can be found at selected interpretive signs along the trail. One journey starts at the Ontario Road entrance, and the other at the entrance from Avila Beach Drive and 1st Street. All who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the Avila Beach restaurant of your choice.

Grab your smartphone, put on your walking shoes, enlist family, or friends to join you, and have some fun. Visit the Avila Beach Community Foundation website, become a subscriber, and learn how to participate – avilabeachfoundation.org.

Please bear with me as I deliver this “commercial moment” – one that I publish each year to remind all you fellow Avilones that the “Foundation” is here to effectively and efficiently serve our community and to also draw upon the collective resources of those who live here to help our town continue to thrive. We are a small and humble organization that has invested roughly $3 million in our community since becoming established in 1998. Most of this was derived from monies in the “Foundation’s” professionally managed investment portfolio, but some has come through generous contributions from folks who just want to help us make a difference. There are several ways to do so, such as establishing a Donor Advised Fund of your own or by contributing to any of our existing Project Funds, including the Avila Beach Public Art Development and Restoration Fund, the Emerging Needs and Opportunities Fund, the Avila Beach Trails Improvements Fund, the Richard and Kathleen Zacky Family Foun-

dation Fund, or the Joan Sargen Avila Beach Communities Enrichment Fund. Donations to any of these funds are fully tax-deductible, and no management fees are taken by the “Foundation.” Please get in touch with me if you wish to discuss the possibilities. And don’t forget, any donation, regardless of amount, entitles you to receive one or more of our limited-edition “Proud Avilone” license plate frames! ‘Tis the season of giving.

Last but not least are two things I remind you of each December. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Lee says it’s time to replace the batteries in our smoke alarms and check our carbon monoxide detectors. The seasonal changes in daylight savings each year are the perfect periods to complete these tasks. And be sure to always purchase your postage and ship your packages at our local Avila Beach Post Office to keep it financially viable. We are so fortunate to be able to avoid the long lines at busier post offices in San Luis Obispo and south county. The friendly and helpful services of Mary, Julie, and Cindy are icing on the cake.

That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever it is you celebrate this time of year.

See you at the beach!

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4 | Avila Beach Life - December 2020 A VIEW FROM THE BEACH

Remembering Past Good Times

Mary Foppiano

Avila Beach Civic Association

H

i All – I know that we have all been looking forward to seeing the close of 2020 in hopes that 2021 would be much better….no pandemic…no fires…no election commercials…to mention a few. Well, today SLO County (my column is due by the middle of each month) has regressed back to the purple most restrictive level…does that mean that we are going out with a very muffled bang?

As you may know, the Avila Beach Community Center has been closed since mid-March, and it does not look like we will be able to open until next year. Because of the pandemic, anyone who knows me knows that I am really missing our Doggie Parades. I am adding some pictures from past years to my column to bring a smile to your faces…and to welcome the holiday season.

I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do… and that you will be with us next year! Happy Holidays and stay well!!!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Sharon and Martin Suits

By MARY FOPPIANO for Avila Beach Life

S

haron met Martin Suits in her last quarter at UCLA, where she graduated as an English major. After they were married, they moved to Hanford, CA, and she taught English from 1976 – 1988. Sharon then obtained her Administrative Services credentials in elementary administration and was an assistant principal in three districts. She retired in 2007 after 32 years in education but remained active in her Hanford community, where she and Martin lived in the same home from 1977 – 2018.

Martin was born in Visalia and moved to Avenal when he was 6 months old. After the loss of his father, his family moved to Huntington Beach. He went to UC Irvine and then UCLA for a BA in English. Martin got his law degree from Western State University in Fullerton. After passing the bar, he and Sharon returned to Harford, where he worked for an attorney, ran for election, and became the youngest judge elected 26 years old.

Martin became a circuit rider judge for 18 years and was assigned to 50 of the 58 CA counties. For 6 years, he shared the county master calendar court in Van Nuys. After that, he was an administrative judge for the Judicial Council, Chief Justice for the Supreme Court, and on special assignment for complex civil litigation. Martin was a Superior Court judge in Fresno County for 11 years and was on the bench for 37 years.

Sharon and Martin were active with their two children, Eric

Armin

and Rachel, who have followed in their parents’ footsteps. Eric is an attorney, and Rachel is an educator. As they were growing up, they were involved in dance, water polo, swimming, and soccer. Sharon was a board member and volunteer at their local Art Center and has continued to give back to her community as a volunteer from the time her children were born.

In 2012, Sharon and Martin moved to Avila Beach parttime until moving full-time two years ago. Sharon said that she worked on the revision of San Luis Bay Mobile Estates CCRs when they first moved here and was voted on the HOA board

FURRY SPOTLIGHT

is our Pet of the Month

By MARY FOPPIANO

I

n the spring of 2011, Ernie and Mary Louise Kendler drove many hours to Utah to pick up a big dog.

When they arrived, Armin, who was only 11 weeks old, came running up to them and began to give kisses. At that moment, they knew he was the right

puppy for them. Armin spent most of his life in Ketchum, Idaho, and moved to Avila Beach when Ernie retired. Armin loves walks on the Bob Jones Trail and running on doggie beach. There, he runs up to old friends as well as makes new friends…and you can see that he loves

his little lambchop pal when relaxing at home.

Please send me your pictures and a short paragraph about your pet to avilabeachcc@gmail.com. Thanks, and introduce us to your furry friend next month!

NEXT MONTH’S ‘PET OF THE MONTH’

Please send me your pictures and a short paragraph about your pet to avilabeachcc@gmail.com.

Thanks, and introduce us to your furry friend next month!

the following June…and has remained on the board and has been president for all but one year since that time. Sharon and Martin have been in charge of the barbeque picnics at the Club House for the summer months over the past six years. She said one of the most fun projects was the Club House kitchen’s remodel, which was completed right before the pandemic lockdown… and we are all looking forward to seeing it in action when the Club House is allowed to open….hopefully, soon.

Martin has been vice president and on the San Luis Bay Estates master board on the legal affairs committee. He has also been on the San Miguelito Mutual Water Company board of directors for three years and was involved in the Ad Hoc Committee for the general plan update “Envision Avila” of the Avila Valley Advisory Council.

When I asked Sharon and Martin what they enjoyed in addition to family time, they said cruises to places like the Panama Canal with Avila Beach friends and travel to England, Italy, France, and China, to mention just a few locations. They also said that they enjoy getting to know people better, giving back, and helping their community. I must interject one way that Sharon has really helped us raise funds for the Avila Beach Community Center because she prepares her delicious marinara sauce for each of our Spaghetti Dinners/Bingo Nights. Sharon and Martin are a terrific couple who have been married for 45 years and continue to enjoy working and playing together for the benefit of all of us!

Avila Beach Life - December 2020 | 5 POINT SAN LUIS LIGHT STATION

Point San Luis Lighthouse is offering docent-led Virtual Holiday Tours. Viewers can see it decked out with old-fashioned ornaments from the 1890s. Photos courtesy of Kathy Mastako

Making Merry!

Christmas at the Lighthouse Through the Years

Kathy Mastako For Avila Beach Life

T

he holidays will probably look different this year. Gatherings will likely be smaller, parties few to none, cherished traditions upended by the pandemic. Mulling this over made me wonder what Christmas must have been like for the folks stationed at an isolated outpost like the Point San Luis Lighthouse. How did the keepers and their families make merry?

Old records, news articles, and oral histories give us a glimpse into Christmas festivities at the lighthouse through the years and how those who lived there celebrated the season.

Newly widowed Keeper William Smith and his four teenage children celebrated Christmas Eve 1907 in town, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Bowden on Islay Street in SLO. Bowden was a prominent local citizen—county president of the Anti-Saloon League and, in 1911, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate in the city’s first election under its new charter. The local paper described how the ceilings of the Bowden home were decorated with pepper trees and holly branches hung on wires, with mistletoe tucked into the foliage at each entrance. Presents like bananas, apples, oranges, boxes of candy, toys, and souvenirs dangled from the wires. Each guest and gift were given a number, and guests “derived much merriment” searching for their gift. A spur-of-the-moment orchestra provided “excellent music,” with Miss Margaret Bowden at the piano, Master Wayne Bowden on the violin, and Mrs. Malcolm Rolls on the cornet.

In 1925, students at the Port schoolhouse put up their tree and celebrated Christmas, including songs and recitations by Dorothy Watters, daughter of head Keeper George Watters, and Lira and Blaine Streeter, children of assistant keeper George Streeter. The students enjoyed refreshments and received gifts, and Mrs. Angela Marre, widow of rancher Luigi Marre and owner of the Hotel Marre, joined in the fun.

Holiday celebrations for Keeper Watters and his family in 1928 included taking in the Spanish-American War Veterans’ Christmas entertainment in SLO. Antonio Silva, long-serving assistant keeper, kept Christmas in 1931 by traveling with his wife, Laura, to San Jose to visit Mrs. Silva’s

niece, Ida (née Gregory) Silveira. Ida was one of the dozen or so children raised by John and Mamie Gregory on Smith Island in Port San Luis harbor. Head Keeper Fred Saunders took his Christmas dinner that year at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Simpson. Simpson was an agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; he and his wife had their living quarters in a section of the warehouse on Harford pier.

The students at San Luis High held their 1937 Christmas formal in the school cafeteria, transforming it into a toy shop with “mirthful murals” and a silver tree. Lucy Moorefield, the stepdaughter of head Keeper Bob Moorefield, designed the programs featuring Santa Claus with a cotton mustache and beard.

“Christmas was such a big deal in our extremely private life. Christmas was magical,” Lucy recalled.

“We always hoped for a big storm at Christmas. We liked the feeling of the elements swirling around outside and being snug and cozy inside…We always celebrated with our immediate family. We never celebrated with the family in San Luis Obispo, as it was too far away and usually the weather was inclement. We just liked to have a nice quiet private affair. The other keepers had their own celebrations.”

In 1944, during World War II, servicemen stationed in the Avila vicinity were entertained during the holidays by members of the San Luis Obispo Yacht Club at their Avila clubhouse.

About fourteen yacht clubbers played host to the men, with Charles Berkemeyer playing Santa Claus and distributing gifts. After the shore party, the Yacht Club members went by boat to three military ships docked offshore, bringing gifts and refreshments aboard, then continued to the lighthouse leaving gifts and refreshments there, too. Berkemeyer was no stranger to the lighthouse. He had served for a time aboard the lighthouse service tender ship Madrona which delivered supplies to lighthouses from San Diego to Alaska.

Santa did a flyover in 1953, dropping gifts at Point San Luis. The five Coast Guardsmen manning the light station were each dropped a package containing razor blades, cigars, cigarettes, and books. On December 22, 1953, the San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune reported: “The high-flying Santa Claus, Edward Rowe Stowe, Marshfield, Mass., has been at his self-appointed rounds for the past 17 years.

Every Christmas, he flies over the lonely lighthouses and coast guard stations, showering every navigational outpost with presents…

His appearance over the Avila coast guard station yesterday was a complete surprise to the men stationed there, although they knew about

the project of Snow. The big [bomber patrol] swooped low over the Avila station, and on its second pass, the five packages began falling out, all dropping within a 60-foot radius. The bundles were shock-packed, and no parachutes were needed in their direct fall to earth. With no more ado, the plane soared off southward, continuing its disguise as a propeller-driven sleigh. The officer in charge of the station, John Schulz, and his aides, quickly gathered up their presents, smiling their pleasant surprise skyward toward the horizon beyond which the plane had already disappeared.”

To celebrate the festive season this year,

Point San Luis is offering docent-led interactive Virtual Holiday Tours. Guests will travel back in time to December 1890, explore the Keeper’s dwelling beautifully adorned with old-fashioned ornaments and trim, climb to the top of the lighthouse tower, step inside the fog signal building, visit the spectacular Fresnel lens and see it see the flash from the tower’s lantern. Tours use Zoom, begin every Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m., and last about an hour. Purchase tickets at My805Tix or call (805)540-5771 (email sanluislighthouse@gmail. com). Private virtual tours can also be arranged; call or email for details.

6 | Avila Beach Life - December 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Duck, Duck, Goose?

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

T

here are plenty of waterfowl to view from the Bob Jones Pathway. At any time, you might hear geese flying overhead honking at incredible decibels. These Canada geese, Branta canadensis, display well-disciplined unity while flying in a large V-formation. Do you wonder why they honk while soaring across the sky? They are encouraging the leader as well as the geese ahead of them.

It is teamwork! The honking also helps coordinate communication and position shifts within the formation. Fighter pilots often use this type of formation for the same reason. But wait a minute, shouldn’t the geese be flying farther south for the winter? No, they are just flying in to graze on the golf course, which is one of their favorite areas to call home. In some areas, they stay year-round instead of migrating to different winter grounds. The estuary area is a comfortable homestead with grasses and other

waterbirds to befriend. Most Canadian geese are migratory. Avila’s Canada geese population stays put all year long. Can you blame them?

They know paradise when they see it. Geese easily digest grass; hence parks and golf courses are prime locations for them to reside. The low green surface also provides an unobstructed view of approaching predators.

Therefore, abundant gaggles are found in expansive grassy areas, such as those found along the Bob Jones Pathway. With ample food supply, water, and safe places, these geese no longer need to leave for the winter.

The well-known idiom, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, is an appropriate phrase. Their distinct “V” flight pattern is designed with a purpose. It allows the flock to travel efficiently. The formation conserves energy by taking advantage of air currents created by their wingtips. Experienced individuals take turns leading the flock in the V-formation. This allows geese to fly for a long time before stopping to rest. In good weather, they

can log as many as 1,500 miles in a day. When migrating, geese can fly an average speed of 40 miles per hour, but if they catch a strong tailwind, their pace can zoom to 70 miles per hour.

The birds fly slightly above the bird in front of them, resulting in a reduction of drag. As if the geese are making sure all is clear, their white cheeks flash when the goose shakes its head right before taking flight. Keeping track of every member of the group is another benefit of the V-flight formation. These powerful high-flying species are indeed smart aviators, far from being a silly goose.

Canada geese are interesting creatures. Not only do they work together while flying, but they also take their role as a pair quite seriously.

Geese are monogamous. They mate for life!

Their divorce rate is nearly zilch. It is said that when their partner dies, the widow or widower will have a mourning period. Now, that is dedication! Their life span ranges between 10 - 24 years. Together the goose and the gander practice responsible parenting skills. The eggs are incu-

Canadian geese have found a yearround home in Avila Beach, along the Bobby Jones Pathway. Photos courtesy of Victoria Morrow bated by the hen for about one month while the gander stands guard. The nest, usually built at a slightly elevated site near water, has body feathers and down feathers added by the goose. Oh, those down plumes feel so fine. Goslings can eat, walk, swim, and feed within 24 hours of hatching.

Both parents will aggressively defend their young until they can fly, which is at about 10 weeks.

Both migratory and residential Canada geese populations have grown. Residential geese have adjusted well to living near people.

They are often less vulnerable to predators and typically begin nesting at a younger age and produce larger clutches than their migratory counterparts. Therefore, it is not your imagination surmising that the geese population has grown. While you are out on the Bob Jones Trail, enjoy the variety of waterfowl that can be seen. The geese are survivors that can teach us many things, such as cooperative behavior. They are entertaining to watch, beautifully designed, deserve respect, and are fascinating to learn about.

FRIENDS OF AVILA PIER

Repairs Update

By TOM SWEM President of “Friends of Avila Pier (FOAP), Inc.

T

he 501c(3) Non-Profit Corporation “Friends of Avila Pier” (FOAP) had been very active in enlisting the community for their help to get Avila Pier fully open to the public through this past February; then COVID-19 hit us. As with most of the other Non-Profits in the county, we all went quiet (some more than others). Well, I’m here to tell you that, almost 10 months later, we are alive and well, and living in beautiful Avila Beach. And we will succeed with your help.

Given that this article was written before Thanksgiving and the next one will be after Christmas, I will begin with our “Thanks” to so

many who have brought us to the financial place we are today. First of all, we would not be here without the wonderful consideration and funding by the Avila Beach Community Foundation, with special thanks to the Richard Zacky Family and the estate of Archie McLaren. Through the ABCF community survey, they found that helping get the Avila Pier back fully open is one of their top priorities. Please keep your eyes on our website, avilapier.org, for a new page that will thank all of our donors.

As you know, our capital campaign is quietly seeking Angel Donors with donations of $15,000 and greater. In addition, on our website, we have a “Donation” page which shows the total amount received via “GoFundMe.” This can be accessed from the website and via QR codes that is placed at the top of this article, in advertising and on the Banner on the Pier Gate. This was done to facilitate individuals who wish to donate any amount, small or large. Each person who donates through the “GoFundMe” site will receive a receipt for their donation (larger donations should be sent directly to minimize handling charges). To access

a QR code, you can download a QR Code Reader on your phone or device. Then just point your device at the QR code, and up comes our website and donation page. Give it a try...

As you may know, PSLHD and the FOAP are effectively a Public-Private partnership where the Port will be raising municipal funds via Grant Applications. The FOAP was created to raise Tax-deductible community funds. At this time, PSLHD has been awarded roughly $2,000,000 in grant funding specifically to benefit Avila Pier, and the FOAP is currently at $230,000 in cash and pledges. We are both nicely on our way towards our individual goals of $3.5mm and $1mm, respectively.

As we approach the end of 2020, PLEASE CONSIDER a Tax-Deductible contribution to the FOAP. You can do it in many ways, including: • Direct donation of funds • The development of a “Planned Giving” program • Directing “Required Minimum Distributions” from IRA’s • and/or other tax sheltering concepts

In closing, we need all of your support to get this accomplished. If you are interested in learning more about the FOAP or if you wish to DONATE, please contact us by calling and leave a message at (805)595-1005 or by email friendsofavilapier@gmail.com.

Also, for additional information, you can contact me or any member of our Board of Directors; Ron Pigeon, Judy Kaatz, Mary Chiu, John Hrdlicka, Patrick Corrigan, Eric Fernandes, or our PSLHD liaison Mary Matakovich.

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Avila Beach Life - December 2020 | 7

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet. The words repeat, Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My Gift To You John Salisbury

I

contributor

had planned to retire this annual December theme this year, but I feel the need to trot it out this Christmas season once again, especially because 2020 has to go down as an all-time chaotic mess in so many ways – pandemic, politics, weather, fires, hurricanes, and on it goes! Please read and heed this poem before you go to a happy family or friend’s festive gathering, probably seriously downsized this year, and politics or some other adverse discussion starts to wreck the mood. Just take a sip or two of your wine and relax.

So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Virgin of Guadalupe, Ashura, and Kwanzaa.

It is a great time of year for all faiths that can worship freely, or not, in the USA, which is what makes us such a great country versus what goes on in many other parts of the world.

“Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be” (or her, as a farmer, I am also a big believer in Mother Nature).

My Christmas gift and wish for you is this poem Desiderata (Latin: “desired things”), which was a prose poem written in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann. Those of you from my generation should remember it well. It was popular in the early 70s when I picked up a promotional copy from my local bank. I had it framed, and it has either been in my home or office, always in plain sight ever since. My copy states the poem was found in Old Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore, dated 1692 and anonymous.

This led to great confusion as to when the poem was written and by whom. Starting in 1956, the Church used the poem as a piece of devotional material with the Church’s letterhead, which stated “1692” which was the year the Church was founded, not the date of the poem.

It became popular later by Leonard Nimoy’s “Spock Thoughts” album where “Be cheerful” was changed to “Be careful” and also in Les Crane’s very popular spoken-word recording of the poem. I have tried to live by the poem most of my life, along with my parents and motherin-law’s loving guidance. I just wish I had paid better heed to parts of it. Wouldn’t it be a great world if we could all buy into this classic?

WELL-BEING

Heart Health 101

By DR. CINDY MAYNAR For Avila Beach Life

Have you wondered if you are at risk for heart disease? Take this quiz to find out.

Are you over the age of 65?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you have diabetes?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you have a history of heart disease in your immediate family?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you smoke cigarettes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Is your total cholesterol greater than 200mg/dL or higher?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you have a history of stroke, or adverse heart health?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ History of high blood pressure? Take blood pressure medication? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Are you more than 20% overweight? BMI score greater than 26? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you feel stressed most of the day?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____ Do you get less than 30 minutes of exercise/day or 3 hours/week?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes _____

H

ow did you do? If you answered “Yes” to two or more questions, you could be at risk for heart disease, including atherosclerosis, heart attack, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Read on to learn how you can lower your risk.

Heart disease is at the top of our country’s most serious health problem. Fortunately, it is one of the most preventable diseases. As you probably guessed by taking the quiz, some risk factors are under your control, and others are not.

For example, uncontrollable risk factors include being male, age, family history of heart disease, and even race (African Americans and Mexican Americans are more likely to have heart disease than Caucasians). However, controllable risk factors include those relating to lifestyles, such as weight, exercise, smoking, and stress and anger.

Making changes in your lifestyle is the best way to lower your risk of heart disease. Here are some proven methods to help you lower your risk and improve your health.

1. Know Your Numbers: When you have too much fat (fatty plaque) in your blood, it can clog your arteries and put you at risk for heart disease. Here are four main lipids (fats) that circulate in our blood and their optimal numbers:

No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____ No _____

• Total Cholesterol: 200mg/dl or less: Optimal • Triglycerides: 150mg/dL or less: Optimal • HDL (considered “good” cholesterol, the higher number the better): Between 36-50mg/dl is normal; above 50mg/dl is Optimal • LDL: Less than 100 mg/dl: Optimal 2. Smoking: Smokers are at double the risk for heart attack than nonsmokers.

3. Activity: Even moderate activity such as walking or gardening can lower risk of heart disease. Start out small.

4. Body Weight: Even losing 10% of body weight can help unburden your heart. Increasing fiber and plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables are helpful with weight loss and lowering cholesterol and make you feel full faster.

5. Stress: When stress becomes a normal part of the day instead of a rare occurrence, it can affect behavior that leads to heart disease such as overeating, smoking, or high blood pressure.

Living a healthy lifestyle starts in the mind long before it shows up in our behavior. Break big goals into smaller bite-size pieces for long term success. Think of your changes as producing a new, better you, rather than deprivation.

Reward yourself for little successes. Remember, our greatest wealth is our health.

Desiderata

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and Go placidly amid the noise and haste, disenchantment it is as perennial as the and remember what peace there may be grass. in silence.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, As far as possible, without surrender, be on gracefully surrendering the things of good terms with all persons. youth.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in and listen to others, even the dull and sudden misfortune. ignorant, But do not stress yourself with imaginings. they too have their story.

Many fears are born of fatigue & Avoid loud and aggressive persons; loneliness. they are vexations to the spirit.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle If you compare yourself with others, you with yourself. may become vain and bitter; You are a child of the universe, no less than for always; there will be greater and lesser the trees and the stars; you have a right to persons than yourself. be here.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your And whether or not it is clear to you, plans. no doubt the universe is unfolding as it Keep interested in your own career, should. however humble; it is a real possession in Therefore be at peace with God, the changing fortunes of time. whatever you conceive Him to be, Exercise caution in your business affairs, and whatever your labors and aspirations, for the world is full of trickery. in the noisy confusion of life, But let this not blind you to what virtue keep peace with your soul. there is; With all its sham, drudgery, and broken many persons strive for high ideals, and dreams, it is still a beautiful world. everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Be yourself. ~ Max Ehrmann, Especially, do not feign affection.

American writer/poet.

8 | Avila Beach Life - December 2020

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Your Avila Beach market summary from 10/1/2020-11/11/2020

AVAILABLE DISPLAY HOME ï‚&#x; OCEAN VIEWS!

2890 Rock Dove 3 BD & 2.5 BA, Elevator, Den, 2468 sqft $1,799,000

AVILA BEACH REAL ESTATE UPDATE

37 Sold homes in the last 180 days in Avila Beach. Prices range from $449,000 Upt to $2,350,000.

6

Homes are pending. Prices range from $735,000 up to $3,400,000.

13 Active homes are on the market ranging from $749,000 up to $3,990,000.

12 New Homes remain in Kingfisher Canyon ranging, market ranges from $1,950,000 up to $3,200,000.

AVILA BEACH, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOME PRICES: Have gone up an average of $160,000 per year since 2017.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOME PRICES: 2017, average home price was $797,131.

2020 Average home price, $964,013

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