July 2014
Popular Marin Director-Actor Still On Stage at 81
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arin director-actor James Dunn has presented a command performance for Princess Margaret and once had Robin Williams as a student, but one of his biggest thrills came when his five-year-old granddaughter waved to him from the audience while he was performing recently in “South Pacific” at the Mountain Play. She was seeing her first play. Dunn directed the Mountain Play for 30 years. Dunn, 81, lives in Larkspur, not far from College of Marin, where the newly refurbished fine arts theater is named after him. The tribute is fitting because he founded the college’s drama department, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. He still teaches a class on Shakespeare and directs one play a year. He was chair of the drama department until 1994. Dunn has directed more than 250 plays at the college. In 1983, Robin Williams did a solo performance of “A Comedy of
Errors.” Dunn and the college built a national reputation for training other noted graduates including the Oscar-nominated Kathleen Quinlan and the Emmy-award nominated “M*A*S*H*” star David Ogden Stiers. In honor of the department’s 50th anniversary this year, Dunn is directing his cowboy version of “Taming of the Shrew,” a revival of a show he first directed at the
Festival in Scotland, winning Best Production and earning a command performance for Princess Margaret. Dunn said he got interested in theater as a kid when he continued on page 3
‘ ...Young people keep you moving.’ college 43 years ago that was invited to the Edinburgh Fringe
New Board President’s Perspective
Bay Area’s ‘Best Actress’ From Marin
Rock ‘n Roll Sept. 28 at ‘Whistlestock’
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Whistlestop perspective
Marin Senior Coordinating Council is Whistlestop
930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org – to sign up to get this newsletter via email. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop. The Mission of Whistlestop: Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence.
Whistlestop Contact Information
Main office: 415-456-9062 Marin Access/Travel Navigators 415-454-0902 Meals on Wheels 415-457-4636 Help Desk 415-459-6700, resource@whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Staff
CEO, Joe O’Hehir Development and Marketing Director, Yvonne Roberts, info@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editors, John and Val Bowman 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Volunteer Manager, Laurie Vermont volunteer@whistlestop.org Marketing & Communications Specialist, Amanda Denny adenny@whistlestop.org Program Manager, Diana Gruhl Board of Directors President, Dennis Ryan Vice President, Lori Peterson Treasurer, Karen Arnold Secretary, Nancy Rhine Etta Allen • Michael Hingson • Sharon Jackson • Terry Scussel • Lenice Smith • Robert Sonnenberg Cynthia Wuthmann Pacific Sun Staff Advertising John Harper • 415-485-6700 jharper@pacificsun.com Art Director Jim Anderson • janderson@pacificsun.com Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper
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Whistlestop Express july 2014
B y D e n n i s R y aN , B oa r d P r e s i d e n t
Whistlestop Staff Extraordinary
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uring my year on the board, I have been impressed by the ability of our staff to make extraordinary differences in the lives of so many people in need of support services – so many people that just need someone to care about them. The testimonies we get from friends and family members of the people we serve are unbelievable. Our new video, the Whistlestop Story, is on our website Whistlestop.org and showcases three such testimonials. I am excited about serving Whistlestop as its newly elected Board President. After a term as Treasurer, I believe having a board president who is intimately familiar with the agency’s financial position and operating activity is extremely beneficial to overseeing the core services and providing assistance and leadership with the new strategic initiatives. Whistlestop is at a critical juncture in its 60-year history and with community support, we can do some great things for those we serve. Also, having 30-plus years of financial and strategic management experience will help me to lead this community jewel called Whistlestop to get the most from our limited financial resources. I’ve also found that community donors and funders value board members with significant experience to provide
oversight, transparency, leadership and vision. Our major challenges for the next few years include the following: (1) educating the community more effectively about the growing need that exists for our services, (2) continuing to do more and more with the financial resources we have, and (3) to ultimately serve as the conduit between those with the desire and ability to help older adults and the thousands of people throughout Marin that so desperately need a helping hand. We have begun the process of educating the community by launching our print and video campaign, including full-page ads in the Marin Independent Journal, Marin Magazine, and The Ark, and at local cinemas and Larkspur Ferry terminals. All of our ads and posters point people to AgingInMarin.com to help us take care of our own here in Marin. F Dennis Ryan brings extensive private sector and nonprofit financial and strategic leadership experience along with a passion to serve those in need to the Whistlestop board. He was the past Board President of Buckelew Programs, an organization serving those with serious mental illness in the North Bay.
continued from page 1 and a buddy went to the movies every weekend. “I didn’t see my first live play until I was 18,” he said. “But I was immediately hooked.” A Marin native, Dunn went to San Rafael High School, joined the Marine Corps at 17 and served in the Korean War. Once back home, he enrolled at College of Marin, and then transferred to San Jose State University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in drama. While he has become known mostly as a director, he has also acted over the years and has been doing some acting lately, “Because it’s just fun.” He currently is playing the base commander in “South Pacific” at the Mountain Play. He is the oldest member in the cast but says, “When I’m in the men’s dressing room with all these young actors, they don’t treat me like some old grandpa and we have a helluva good time.” Dunn should be an inspiration to any older adult who is thinking of trying out for a community theater play. “Yes, it does help keep you young,” Dunn said. “As does teaching. Young people keep you moving.” One of his concerns about live theater is that not enough young people are being attracted to shows. “It’s a sea of white hair out there,” he said. “That’s great – I love those audiences. And, we need to find ways of attracting younger people, too.” F
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Paratransit Users!
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ave you been recently approved to use the Marin Access Paratransit service operated by Whistlestop? If so, then find out about a new class: Paratransit 101. The Travel Navigators will discuss how to schedule a ride, what to expect the day you ride, how much a ride will cost, and other important details. If you’d like to find out more about upcoming classes, please contact the Travel Navigator department at 454-0902.F
ars n i m e S eat ! r G e r Mo to Come Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website
www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php or Telephone 415-459-6635
whistlestop.org 3
Acting With Confidence by L e s l i e K lo r
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hat has it been like for me to perform? How do I think performing can enrich the lives of adults over 60? Well, I started life out as a dancer, performing with the San Francisco Ballet in the Nutcracker. As I did not have the tall, lithe body of your typical ballerina, I sought out more appropriate avenues of expressing myself through my body. Thus my stint as a competitive ballroom dancer, a la the highly successful “Dancing with the Stars,” was born. I was in my mid-forties and specialized in the spicy Latin dances, shaking my way across the stage. After many years winning numerous awards and finding the competitions stressful, I joined the “Don’t Quit Your Day Job Dancers” in Sausalito. This wonderful venue allowed me to flex my acting muscles as well as my
Want to Advertise? Whistlestop 2013 FEBRUARY
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Contact the Pacific Sun at 485-6700 for rates and deadlines
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Whistlestop Express july 2014
dancing ones. As I began to get older, I found that my legs couldn’t stand up as well to the dance routines and so I started favoring acting more and more. Since my early sixties, I have been in over a dozen plays throughout the county. I have found that acting has given me more confidence to stand Leslie Klor before groups to make my presentations on It’s like Affordable Senior Housing in Marin recreating County. I feel relaxed, dress-up confident and knowledgeable about my as a kid. chosen topic. I just love being on stage. What an opportunity it gives to shine and entertain people. It gives me a special identity and definition of who I am. I stand proud. I feel vital and alive. How creative to put myself in the shoes of someone else and see what might motivate them. It helps develop empathy and understanding of others and what makes them tick. It tests my memory and ability to work with others in a group setting. It also is a heck of a lot of fun. It’s like recreating dress-up as a kid. We all need creative outlets that allow us to express ourselves and connect with others. That contributes to a longer, healthier, happier life. I’d like to share a quote from a special friend of mine, Margie Belrose, actress and director who herself is in her 80’s: “Anybody can be an actress ... there are no age limits.” Go for it! How wonderful to have this open ended option. She wakes up every day and recites her lines from the famous play, “The Lion in Winter.” “If she can remember everything, she knows she’s still okay.” F
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Leslie Klor is director of Shared Housing and Telephone Reassurance with Episcopal Senior Communities Senior Resource Division. Her office is at Whistlestop.
Marin Woman Co-Founded A Traveling Jewish Theatre
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rom playing a Neanderthal mother on television to her current one-person salon performance based on the writings of Grace Paley, Mill Valley’s Naomi Newman has spent much of her adult life acting. But she is probably best known for co-founding A Traveling Jewish Theatre and for her work as a playwright and director. Naomi, now 83, was named the “Bay Area’s Best Actress” by the East Bay Express in 2007. But she seems to be most proud of her role in starting the Traveling Jewish Theater along with Corey Fischer and Albert Greenberg in Los Angeles 30 years ago, and of her writing and directing. She is a true Renaissance woman, who once sang on stage, played a Neanderthal in the TV show “Korg: 70,000 B.C.,” made a couple of guest appearances in the “Star Trek” series, and had a psychotherapy practice for several years. She also was on the senior staff at The Center for Healing Arts in Los Angeles, a pioneer in exploring the psychological and spiritual aspects of healing, and has been a Vipassana practitioner for 32 years. “I’m happiest when I am writing or acting,” she said. “I’ve tried to just take it easy but I get very uncomfortable, restless.” She said she has no plans to retire. Naomi said that she and the other cofounders of the Traveling Jewish Theatre, which disbanded two years ago, had wanted to develop a contemporary theatre piece rooted in Jewish culture. Before long, more and more people heard about it and, “Suddenly, we had a company. For a period we rehearsed in the loft of my home in
Cell Phone Calls to 911
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hen using a cell phone to call for emergency help from home in Marin County, dial 472-0911 because otherwise, 911 calls will be routed to the Highway Patrol in Vallejo and then forwarded to the correct agency locally, taking more time.
the Hollywood Hills.” The company moved up to San Francisco in 1981. In the early years, Naomi did not act in the group because she was raising two daughters. During that time she focused on directing and co-writing. The San Francisco Naomi Newman Performing Arts Library and Museum is planning I’ve tried to a book documenting Naomi’s life and work just take it easy, in theatre for its Legacy but I get very History Program. Naomi is a single mother of two uncomfortable, daughters and has two restless. granddaughters. She lives in Mill Valley with Barbara Borden, her partner of many years. F
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Whistlestop Express july 2014
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has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations will be easier to hear and understand. Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just want the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!
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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Fourth of July Luncheon Thurs, July 3, 11:30am-2pm Live Patriotic Music: Noon-1pm Cost: Regular menu pricing Whistlestop will be closed on the Fourth of July, but join us to celebrate on Thursday the 3rd in the Jackson Café! Make sure you wear your red, white and blue! There will be patriotic music and a delicious all-American meal.
Classes Arts & Entertainment Jewelry Class: Stretchy Bracelets Wed, July 16, 1:30-2:45pm Cost: $8 per class/includes materials Registration and payment required prior to class: 456-9062 Maria Barsesat, local bead artist, will show you how to make a stretchy bracelet. Space available for 10 people maximum.
Zentangle Thurs, July 3, 1:30-3pm Cost: $3/Registration preferred Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Paula Egan, certified Zentangle teacher, will show you basic techniques of this increasingly popular art form. It increases focus and creativity.
Health & WELLNESS Ping Pong Fri, July 11 & 25, 2-4pm No cost/Drop-in Join the Whistlestop “Racketeers” for Ping Pong. Good for your mind, spirit and body. We have two tables and a wonderful group of regulars who enjoy the benefits of the game. All levels are encouraged to come.
Language Basic English & Citizenship Class for Farsi Speakers Mondays & Wednesdays No Cost Contact for more information: Mrs. Esmaili, 472-6020 Mrs. Esmaili has been volunteering her services at Whistlestop for over 16 years. She offers Basic English instruction and preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test to Farsi speakers in Marin.
SOCIAL GROUPS Conversation Group for 90+ 3rd Thursday every month, 1:30-3pm No cost /Contact: Virginia Dziomba, 456-6647 Join our friendly group every 3rd Thursday.
Mastery of Aging Class Tues, 1:30-3pm No cost /Contact: Larry Berkelhammer, larry@larryberkelhammer.com Learn new skills to master the various challenges associated with aging. Learn how to take charge of your healthcare and self-care. Discover new ways to give your life meaning and purpose, and explore as a group how to best adapt to all the age-related changes and losses.
SERVICES Multicultural Consultation Services By appointment, 456-9062 No cost for consultations; small cost may apply for translation services. Whistlestop offers assistance to English and non-English speakers in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. We assist with applications for many social services: healthcare management, citizenship, housing, employment, federal assistance, translations and referrals. Spanish - Marta Villela Russian - Anna Ladyzhenskaya Vietnamese - Lieu Phan
whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
Immigration Assistance Clinics Last Friday every month, 9-11:30am General consultation fee: $30 By appointment only: call Marta, 454-0998 Whistlestop and Brazil Alliance offers Immigration assistance consultations with Immigration Law and Reform, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Citizenship and Naturalization.
CalFresh Assistance The CalFresh Program, SNAP, can put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The program issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. Whistlestop offers assistance with the application process. Appointments: call 456-9062, ext. 117. Telephone Reassurance Program If you live by yourself and often feel isolated or you are looking for connection and peace of mind, this program is for you. Trained volunteers will call three times a week to check on you. Services also offered in Spanish. Register for this free program: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132. Homeshare Program No Cost • Info: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132 The Homeshare Program is a free referral service for older adults providing an affordable and alternative way of meeting housing needs with benefits to renters and homeowners. Do you have a room to share or do you need a place to live? Call us.
Vision Impaired of Marin VIM has several support groups and other activities to assist people who have vision loss. For information, call 459-5066 or 456-6647, or visit www.bvim.org.
Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, July 10 • 10am - 12:30pm Where: Marguerita Johnson Senior Center Topic: TBD 8
Whistlestop Express july 2014
ANNOUNCEMENTS Acting Classes with Margie Belrose are cancelled until further notice. Whistlestop will be closed on the Fourth of July. There will be no Brown Bag Pantry on Friday, July 4th. Calling All Volunteers! We are actively seeking volunteers for several opportunities at Whistlestop. Please contact us if you or someone you know might be interested. English Tutors The Multicultural department is looking for volunteer tutors to help our English students improve their language skills. This is a great opportunity to help others better integrate into our community. Flexible hours. Contact: Marta Villela at 456-9062, ext. 131 or Marta@Whistlestop.org Meals on Wheels Delivery Drivers Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound clients. Deliveries are Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9am-Noon or 1-4pm. Cashiers and Servers at Jackson Café Friendly volunteers interested in serving lunch are needed Monday through Friday from 10:45am-2pm. Contact: Laurie Vermont at 456-9062, ext. 117 or Volunteer@Whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Seeking Info on Founders
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histlestop is looking for any information on Whistlestop founders or their living family members to see if they could attend the 60th anniversary reception in late August. They will be invited to share stories and history of the organization. The original directors were Manny Charnow, Wishard Brown, and Charles Aby. Board vice president was Louis Milani, and the secretary was Virgil Hollis. Lu Hodgen was another founder. Anyone with information on these important people is invited to contact Amanda Denny, Marketing & Communications Specialist, at adenny@whistlestop.org.
Annual Pacific Sun & Whistlestop Photo Contest
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t’s time for the annual Pacific Sun & Whistlestop Photo Contest. Submit your photos and entry forms to photocontest@pacificsun.com no later than July 11. The entry form with photo specifications is available at pacificsun.com. The contest features three age groups: Youth, General & Older Adults (60 and over). The categories are Marin Images, Marin People & Animals, and Manipulated Images, with prizes in each category plus one grand prize winner. All photo entries must be submitted electronically with an entry fee of $5 for older adults and students and $10 for everyone else. This year there will not be a reception with framed photos on display. First place winners and the grand prize winner will be recognized in the Pacific Sun August 1 and the older adult winners will appear in the August issue of the Whistlestop Express. Details available at 485-6700. F
TECHNOLOGY
Pre-registration and payment required. To register, 456-9062. See details of classes online. How to Use the iPad/iPhone Thursdays, July 17 & 24, 10am-Noon Fee: $48/Maximum 8 people You have your very own iPhone or iPad. There is only one problem. You have no idea how to use it! In this personalized two-week course you’ll get one-onone help on everything from email to pictures and instructional handouts so you can practice at home. Don’t let that amazing technology sit in its box any longer. (For Apple devices only)
Save The Date for ‘Whistlestock’ on Sept. 28
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n celebration of Whistlestop’s 60th anniversary this year, we’ll be hosting a ‘60s themed afternoon of rock n’ roll, BBQ and good times at Rancho Nicasio on Sept. 28. Our benefit concert, “Whistlestock,” will feature ’60 rock legends like Big Brother & the Holding Company, Country Joe McDonald, Sopwith Camel and more! Limited tickets for WHISTLESTOCK are now available! General admission tickets cost $100 and include a $50 tax deductible donation to Whistlestop, the gourmet BBQ, a day full of musical entertainment, and a great time! Roundtrip transportation is only $10/person to and from San Rafael. Buy tickets at Whistlestock.com F
Computer Tutor Wednesdays, Noon-1pm (by advance appointment) Fee: $20/hour We offer personalized computer assistance, troubleshooting and instruction for the PC user specializing in assisting older adults and novices. Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Free Use our desktops for your own purposes, to access Internet, etc. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your electronic devices, laptops and tablets. Help with software applications available. For additional computer class options at other locations, go to: www.technology4life.org whistlestop.org 9
TIME CLASS INFO COST 9–NOON Relax Chair Massage Drop-in $4/8min.
9:30–10:30AM
Exercise Zumba
Learn Computer Lab Drop-in Free
12:15–1:45PM
Language German Social Group
Drop-in
12:30–1:30PM
Language Russian Social Group
336-8430 Free
2–3:30PM
Language ESL Classes
9:30–10:30 AM
Exercise Whistlesizers
Drop-in $2
10:00–NOON
Relax Mah Jongg
Drop-in Free Appt. Needed
Free
1–2PM
Language French Social Group
457-0586
Free
1–3PM
Language Learn Spanish
Drop-in Free
11am–2PM
Support Mastery of Aging Class Drop-in Free
wednesdays
Exercise Tai Chi Qigong Drop-in/Sugg. Donation $10 or less
9–10:15AM
Support Seniors' Circle
10–11:30AM
Drop-in Free
Learn Computer Lab 10:30AM–1:30PM Language Persian Social Group
Drop-in Free 472-6020 Free
10–12PM
Support Corazón Latino
10:30–11:30AM 2–3:30PM
Drop-in Free
Relax Manicurist
Language ESL Classes
Drop-in Free 456-9062 x131
9:30–10:30AM Exercise Whistlesizers
1–4PM
11–NOON
Relax Chair Massage
Drop-in
Exercise Zumba
Drop-in $6/$8
Language Vietnamese Social Group 456-9062
2:45–3:45PM
Exercise Balance Class
1–3PM
Support ACASA
$4/8 mins. Free
Drop-in/Peer Counseling Free
Language Practice Spanish Drop-in Free
2–4PM
Exercise Ping-Pong
3–4PM
July 11 & 25 Free Drop-in $3/$5
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org
The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. 10 Whistlestop Express july 2014
Jackson Café
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Open to the Public •
Lunch Menu WhistlestAR member (lowest price)/ Non-member over 60 / Under 60
Main Entrée $4.95/$5.95/$6.95 Sandwiches $4.50/$5.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.95/$2.95/$2.95 bowl (yes two prices are the same)
Free
1:30–3:30PM
Exercise Yoga
Non Members
Drop-in/Sugg. Donation $1/
Support Brown Bag Pantry 456-9062 x117
11:00–NOON
$15
Drop-in $2
12:15–1:45PM
Free
456-9062 x131 $15
Exercise Cardio Exercise Class
10:45–11:45AM
thursdays
$6/$8Non Members
10–NOON
1:30–3PM
fridays
Drop-in
tuesdays
mondays
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop
Non Members
Hamburger w/Fries $4.50/$5.25/$6.25 Garden/Caesar Salads $3.75-$4.50 Other Items Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Beverages $1.00 Desserts/Fruit $2.00 Cheese $0.50 Avocado $1.25
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
Blink: ON, Blink: OFF
b y RIC H A R D P A VE K
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he brilliant iridescent colors of the male Hummingbird are elusive. Turning them on and off with a quick shift of their heads, the males simultaneously fascinate females and ward off other males. This is the same iridescence that produces the shimmering rainbows on soap bubbles. The males do not choose which of their many iridescent colors to display. The brilliant shifting colors result from light being refracted by diffraction gratings on the feathers’ surface. These diffraction gratings have microscopic ridges of varying size and depth, which, along with the changing angle of the sunlight falling on them, control the colors that we see. If you and I are standing side by side, we will see very different colors because the angle between my eyes, the feathers and the sun will be slightly different from yours. This male Anna’s Hummingbird atop a tree illustrates how its head feathers can suddenly shift from Black or Van Dyke Brown – the two basic pigment colors of the protein melanin, which makes up the structure of the feather – to a range of iridescent colors that change as the head turns. By the way, Anna’s Hummingbirds were not, as some think, named after a woman who discovered them. They were named for the Duchess of Rivoli, Anna de Belle Masséna, in whose gardens the birds were studied in 1829. Every week I email a special bird photo to a select list, free. You can select yourself to be on my list by requesting it at: SHENmaker@MSN.com. ‘Til next month then,
Richard
Anna’s Hummingbird whistlestop.org 11
Nona Knows Best
by mary ann maggiore
“A
Entering the Stage at Any Age
ge cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety,” said Shakespeare in “Antony and Cleopatra.” Goodness! Did that guy know everything? He certainly knew his audience. In an era where some did live past 60, he included characters who were young and old, fat and thin, male and female, villainous and divine. It is our great, good fortune that living here and now, we can expect to live into our 80’s. “Blow, blow thou winter wind ...” Shakespeare’s Lear was old but still feisty. He understood. So here we all are, lucky and luminous. We have before us our idols – actors who appear on the world stage and flash before us on lighted screens – older than my grandfather was when he left “this earthly coil.” And these storied magicians are still breathing fire: Robert
When She Needs You Are You Ready?
Redford, Susan Sarandon, Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Robert DeNiro, Goldie Hawn. Diane Keaton, 68, a great fan of acting out a happier life, just published another book on her growth as an actor and a person. Jane Fonda at 73 wrote the wonderful Prime Time, Making the Most of All of Your Life. If they can “strut and fret” their hour upon the stage, at any age, we can too. Images of elders have changed. I remember in college sitting in an audience of 20-somethings watching the Beatles’ film “Magical Mystery Tour.” It included a close up of two 60-somethings embracing and kissing, mouth to mouth. The audience went wild with horror. A scene like this had never appeared in cinema before. “Old people” supposedly did not have romantic lives then. Only the young were worthy of being lusty and in love. Today, women flaunt their gray hair and their boyfriends. Clint Eastwood always gets the girl. The world goes round and people claim their right to their own dramas and comedies. So we should. A friend of mine who is past 65 went on a relief trip to an African country recently. There she was heartily greeted. The villagers gave her a lovely dress embroidered with beautiful flowers. In a little scene all her own, she was courted by one of their elders. She showed me a picture of a gorgeous fellow, standing straight and tall beside her. He looked like Sidney Poitier. And she looked like Blythe Danner. F Mary Ann Maggiore consults with teens, young people & their families on building a successful life. Contact her: maryannmaggiore@gmail.com or 577-6627.
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Volunteer of the Month–July
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arol Costa was born in San Francisco, but spent most of her life in Marin before and after living abroad in Spain. While in Spain, she began a family and taught English. After returning to the Carol Costa States, Carol continued teaching, but it was Spanish at the College of Marin. She also created a Multicultural College of Marin Emeritus class of Spanish- and English-speaking students. They studied cultures in both languages and took many exciting field trips. Those classes were held here at Whistlestop for many years. Carol was encouraged to create the Spanish class at Whistlestop after her retirement from College of Marin several years ago. She found out the class has a life of its own after taking a year off to be with her son and his family in Spain. The class, under the stewardship of Joe Cillo, was still going strong when she returned. Carol calls it participatory education. “You just provide material and guidance and the rest happens.” When asked why she likes to volunteer, Carol said, “I just like to teach and be with people. This Spanish class is so feisty, alive and full of spirit.” F
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14 Whistlestop Express july 2014
Whistlestop Wheels Driver Spotlight
W
histlestop Wheels driver Brian McCurdy started running in the Dipsea Trail Race 20 years ago as a fitness strategy. He said, “I noticed my belly was getting bigger.” Last month he achieved one of his best times ever despite the Brian McCurdy unusually hot day. McCurdy, 58, of San Rafael, finished 186th out of 1,500 entrants in the 7.4 mile trail run, the oldest of its kind in the United States. The cross-country trail running event has been held annually nearly every year since 1905, starting in Mill Valley and finishing at Stinson Beach. Brian ran the distance in 1 hour and 14 minutes, a bit slower than last year but he said, “It might have been my second or third best time ever. I remember finishing 145th twenty years ago.” Brian said the run is a tough one because of the route through woods and up over a mountain. He said that before starting, runners read a disclaimer that says, “You probably will be injured in this event.” And while he has never been hurt, several of his friends have. “One person ran into a thick tree limb and another had a stick from a tree stuck in his cheek.” There are always plenty of sprained ankles and twisted knees. According to the Dipsea’s website, “The race begins in downtown Mill Valley with a sprint down Throckmorton to the Old Mill Park, then
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up three flights of stairs as tall as a fifty-story building, and up some more through an old horse ranch to Windy Gap. Then it plunges down into Muir Woods across Redwood Creek and begins a tough grind up through the trees over trails named “Dynamite” and “Cardiac.” Brian added, “It was already pushing 80 degrees when the run started around 8 in the morning.” He said that while runners come from all over the world, professionals do not compete because the course is too dangerous and the pros cannot afford to take the risk. “You won’t see any Kenyans out there,” Brian said. Brian has been a Whistlestop bus driver for the past 18 months and before that was circulation manager for the Marin Independent Journal for 25 years. “I learned nearly every street in the county and certainly all of them in San Rafael,” he said. “That has been very helpful as a driver.” He said he loves his job because he really enjoys meeting so many people. “And it’s fun to talk with folks about what used to be here and there and how the county has changed. I love giving them a tour as I drive.” F
Better Care Starts at Home
90% of seniors prefer to remain at home as they age. Seniors At Home is the leading provider of senior care in the Bay Area. We help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes.
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Voted the Best Senior Living Community in Marin.
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Whistlestop
E press Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
Not All Home Care is Alike
Home Care Assistance is the only agency that offers three tiers of expert care which are always available to clients at no extra cost! Just take a look... Balanced Care is for those seniors who choose to age in their own homes. All caregivers receive training in the Balanced Care Method™, a program that promotes healthy mind, body and spirit for aging adults. Caregivers also receive culinary training! Cognitive Therapeutics is provided to help delay memory problems. We use specially trained caregivers to administer an active set of cognitive activities to help keep our aging clients mentally sharp and engaged. Hospital to Home Care is for those seniors who need help after a medical incident. We are the experts on a smooth recovery at home, having written the popular book From Hospital to Home Care. One last thing... Other home care agencies require strict contracts and add on special charges. There could be hidden mealtime rates, transportation charges, an overnight rate or even a bathing rate. We have no contracts or obligations! There are never hidden fees! Meet Francie. Francie Bedinger is the Home Care Assistance Kentfield client care manager and works directly with clients and their families throughout Marin County. With a masters in Gerontology, Francie is an expert in health and wellness for older adults and works hard to ensure her clients are happy and healthy at all times.
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415-532-8626 • HomeCareAssistance.com 919 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Ste.107, Kentfield, CA 94904 16 Whistlestop Express july 2014