Whistlestop MAY 2012
Whistlestop.org
E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
Bocce Ball, Tennis Combine Exercise and Active Social Life By JOHN BOWMAN
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taying fit and connected with other people gets harder as we age. Not so for Joe Martino, who will turn 80 later this year. The San Rafael banker is a regular on the tennis courts, and twice a week he plays bocce ball. “My goal is to play tennis three times a week,” he said. And he usually keeps that commitment. Most of it is doubles, although, “One friend of mine, who is older, boosts his ego now and then by playing me in singles.” Joe has been playing tennis since he was 40, and he took up bocce ball about 12 years ago. His wife, Pola, often joins him on the bocce ball court at Albert Park. “About a thousand people play bocce ball here,” Joe said. “And it’s about fifty-fifty men and women. In fact, there might be slightly more women playing.” Joe finds both games to be very social. He was drawn to bocce ball for that very reason. “I was at the park one day and I saw all of these people at the bocce ball courts playing, laughing, talking and occasionally having a glass of wine. It looked like so much fun that I just had to try it. The season runs from late March through October.” He said bocce ball also has a special draw for him because of his Italian heritage. Bocce ball doesn’t require as much physical effort as tennis does. “I feel fortunate at this age to be able to do physical things, especially
Whistlesizers Provides Fun with Fitness page 2
Joe and Pola Martino enjoy a game of bocce ball. tennis.” But it’s the social aspect that keeps him coming back. Joe also has a job that many would envy; he is a Ball Dude for the San Francisco Giants. Those are the folks who sit on chairs by the foul lines and field errant baseballs. Is it fun tossing the balls to fans in the stands? “Well, the Giants are fussy about how you do that,” Joe answered. “They like you to wear a glove and try to catch the ball. Then, we’re not supposed to throw the ball into the stands, but hand it to a kid. If we don’t see a kid, we give the ball to an usher who will find a kid to give it to. And yes, it is great fun.” He hopes to get picked for a couple of games this summer, including Italian Heritage Night at AT&T Park. ✦
Stephanie Mohan's Faces of Whistlestop pages 6 & 7
Pigeons: Love 'em or Hate 'em? page 11
Table of
CONTENTS 3 4 5 6/7 8/9 10 11 14 15
Staying Fit to Ski From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard
PERSPECTIVE by JOH N BOWMAN Whistlesizers Class Helps Keep Older Adults Young
Cuban Dancing Faces of Whistlestop Whistlestop Classes Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Grand Mom Audrey Mettel Fixmer Brain Teasers Gary Gruber, PhD
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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Treasurer, Michael Rice Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor Delaney Venessa Dixon • Claudia Fromm • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • Bob Sonnenberg Whistlestop Express is a publication of the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization The Mission of Whistlestop: To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Whistlestop Contact Information Main Number 415-456-9062 Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858 www.whistlestop.org Information & Referral Office 415-459-6700 • resource@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & Sales John & Val Bowman Editors 916-751-9189 • john.bowman58@gmail.com Missy Reynolds Art Director mreynolds@pacificsun.com Advertising Linda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306 Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org. Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
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histlesizers is not your average workout class. The teacher doesn’t like to exercise, some of the participants use walkers, and the average age is probably around 80. Ruth Fleshman, a native Californian who grew up in Oakland, has been teaching the class at Whistlestop Active Aging Center for nearly 25 years. Why? She feels strongly about older adults staying healthy and believes exercise their 70s, 80s and 90s. One can make them happier and woman, now in her 90s, was not in good shape when she extend their lives. “I hate exercising,” said the started the class. But she has Point Reyes resident. “The made progress and recently only way I’ll do it is if I teach said, “As bad as I am, imagine how much worse I’d t h e c l a s s .” W h e n be without this.” asked her age, Ruth The class consists said, “I don’t give “I hate of various kinds of out that informamovement, includtion.” (Pause) “I’m exercising. over eighty.” The only way ing leg-lifting and stretch ing. T he The class meets evI’ll do it is if g roup also uses ery Tuesday mornh a nd we i g ht s fo r ing in the Caboose I teach the part of the workout. Room, starting at “For a long time, it 9 :15 sharp. There class.” was thought that are usually between older people could 10 and 15 participants, almost always women. not build muscle,” Ruth said. “ The men are afraid they ’d “But studies done in Southern be embarrassed if they California showed that with couldn’t keep up with the w e i g h t t r a i n i n g , p e o p l e women,” said Ruth. “I always could build mobility. Some kept after my father to exer- would go from walker to cane cise, but he’d say, ‘I’ve already to complete ambulation. Now, done that.’ He was a semi-pro what we do is not weight trainbasketball player and played ing. But we do use these little football in college. But I told weights and they help. Join us. The class schedule is on page him, ‘You can’t store it.’” Class participants are in 10. ✦
‘Dictionary Man’ Loves Words and Skiing by JO H N B OWMA N
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wo of Gary Ragghianti’s passions in life are downhill skiing and his role as “Dictionary Man” when he volunteer teaches kindergarten kids at Sun Valley School. Gary, 68, of San Rafael, is a mediation lawyer. Back when he was working fulltime he did land use litigation. His skiing career didn’t start until he was in his 30s. “It was about thirty-five years ago,” he said. “I really wasn’t inclined to ski but my wife, Mary Lou, was an excellent skier and she got me involved. Eventually, she stopped, but I kept skiing.” Gary recently returned “It’s like I’m from a ski trip at Park City, flying – such a Utah, where he goes three great sense of times a year. One of his skiing buddies is 72 years old. freedom …” How does a guy stay in shape at age 68 in order to continue skiing? “I’m obsessed with training,” Gary said. “I go to spin class three days a week and work with a personal trainer two days a week. It’s a good idea to stay in shape. You’re dealing with altitude and your quads and back muscles need to be strong. Otherwise, you can easily get hurt.” What does he love about skiing? “It makes me feel free. It’s like I’m flying – such a great sense of freedom and speed. It’s also relaxing. I often stop to take in the views.” His other passion is volunteering as a guest teacher at Sun Valley School in San Rafael. Gary created a game for the kindergarten pupils. It earned him the nickname, “Dictionary Man.” He has one child sit in a chair and look through the dictionary. The child picks a word but doesn’t say what it is, giving just the first letter. The other children guess at what the word is. When someone guesses, they all then learn the spelling and meaning of the word. The successful guesser gets to sit in the chair and pick out a new word. Gary Ragghianti is a model for older adults who want to stay active, in shape, and also to give back to their community. ✦
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MAY 2012
Per serving (excluding unknown items): 234 calories; 20g fat (71.0% calories from fat); 4g protein; 14g carbohydrate; 2g dietary fiber; 0mg cholesterol; 490mg sodium. exchanges; 1 grain(starch); 0 lean meat; 4 fat. ✦
New Dance Class Spreads Joy, Brings People Alive
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e r t h a Mendoza has had a dream about working at Whistlestop since her father worked here eight years ago. Now she is a volunteer who leads a new dance class in DanzĂłn, a type of dance that originated in Cuba, which is also popular in Mexico, where Bertha is from. She grew up in Oxtotitlan in Guerero. DanzĂłn was also very popular in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, Mexico, because of the strong Cuban influence in the region. The Latin Rhythm class meets on Thursdays from 11am to Noon. There is a $2 fee. The new class is growing and more men have been coming. Bertha is transmitting much more than her skills; she is sharing her passion and love with the clients. She wants them to learn about her culture. She says volunteering and working with older adults is a passion of hers and a way for her to give back. “They raised us and have done so much for us. They have experience and wisdom and we need to help them feel more alive.â€? Bertha feels that music is a universal language – no words are needed. She tells the people she teaches to follow the music. “This music is very romantic, feel the music.â€? She loves that the old dances evoke memories of happy times for people. She can’t seem to help but spread the joy she feels when she is dancing. She will be going to Mexico in September and will take some classes so she can come back and share more with her students. Bertha also spends many hours as a volunteer at her son’s school, teaches knitting and cooks meals for St. Vincent de Paul. She says money isn’t important to her, but that she finds meaning in giving to people. Bertha will be dancing in traditional costume for the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon at Whistlestop’s Jackson CafĂŠ on May 4. Traditional Mexican food will be served. âœŚ
PROVIDING IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE & COMPANIONSHIP FOR SENIORS
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BY STEPHANIE MOHAN
FACES of WHISTLESTOP 6
Asghar Chegini
Lolita Duarte
Elizabeth Vanek
Shirley Young
Richard Giambastiani
Paula Ross
Herman Claussen
Lastenia Reales
Jim Cooke
Whistlestop Express Editor, Val Bowman saw an inspiring photo exhibit by a NYC photographer that prompted us to ask Stephanie Mohan of Creative Portraiture, Fairfax, to donate her time and talented eye to capture our “Faces of Whistlestop.” Stephanie shot portraits of many of the people frequently seen at Whistlestop in special sittings in late March. “There is such diversity here.” said Yvonne Roberts, Whistlestop’s Development and Marketing Director. “We help so many people learn English, socialize, and connect with older adults with origins from Lithuania, Peru, Germany, Iran, Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, Guatemala, Mexico, Sudan, Russia, Thailand, and Turkey. You can see the wisdom, experience, and diversity in this beautiful portrait collection.”
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
Maxine Simontacchi
“I think Stephanie Mohan has a unique ability to capture the essence of people, her style of portraiture brings out your true beauty.� Participants may purchase portraits through Stephanie’s website at a discounted price. Please contact Whistlestop for the event code at 415-456-9062. Stephanie's studio number is 415-454-2102. Liudmila Lizbanova
Luis Huerta
www.TheRedwoods.org New Views of The Redwoods FAMILIES - YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREGIVER UĂŠĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•`ÂˆÂœĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ"˜i‡ i`Ă€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂŠ ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ UĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂŠ Õއ Â˜ĂŠ iiÆÊÊ ÂœÂ˜ĂŒÂ…Â‡ĂŒÂœÂ‡ ÂœÂ˜ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ,iÂ˜ĂŒ>Â?Ăƒ UĂŠĂŠ ˜}>}ˆ˜}ĂŠ VĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ ˆviĂƒĂŒĂžÂ?i UĂŠĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ€iÂ…iÂ˜ĂƒÂˆĂ›iĂŠĂŠ
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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS Beginning: 2nd Friday • 2 to 4pm Advanced: 3rd Friday • 2 to 4pm Fee: $15 | Instructor: Gene Dyer Registration required: 459-6700 Call for more information and class descriptions. BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL I Tuesdays, June 5 – July 10 • 10 to Noon Instructor: Mike Kress | Fee: 6-week course for $60 Registration required: 459-6700 This is a hands-on course that will provide you with the basic skills needed to use your Windowsbased personal computer. It is designed for firsttime computer users. You will learn how to: start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, use Windows components to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information. Laptop users are welcome to bring their computer to class. You must have a Windows-based computer. DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays • 10 to Noon/Wednesdays • 10 to 2pm Need help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-onone, if needed. LAMAS QI GONG Ancient Chinese Self-Healing Art Mondays • 9:30 to 10:30am Instructor: Debra Zibitt, Certified Sifu | Fee: $3 Lamas Qi Gong cultivates and manipulates one’s inner vital life force by using skill of breath, combined with gentle soft movements, visualizations and intentions. Lamas Qi Gong heals and strengthens the body. Benefits to you: On-going development
Commission on Aging-Healthy Aging Symposium Thursday, May 10 • 9:00-1:00 pm Where: Embassy Suites, San Rafael Topic: Maximizing Our Potential as We Age Presenters: Joel Kramer, PsyD, UCSF Memory and Aging Center Next Meeting: June 14 • 10:00am • 12:30pam Topic: What is Marin Village? Where: The San Rafael Community Center 8
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
of personal growth, helps to eliminate stress, helps reduce anxiety and fear, promotes inner balance and regulation, improves immune system. NEW MEMORY BOOK WORKSHOP INTRODUCTORY SESSION Monday, May 21 • 1:30pm Register: 456-9062 Are you interested in creating a photo book that tells a personal story? Or creating a photo book of your loved ones or pets to share or give as a gift? Helen Clark will show you step by step how to create this special memory book. LIFESQUARE: GIVING YOU PEACE OF MIND Friday, May 18 • 2pm Register: 456-9062 Lifesquare securely relays your essential health information to medical professionals in an emergency. Find out how it works, why Lifesquare is important, what the benefits are, and how your personal information will be protected. GOING PLACES Marin YMCA and Whistlestop invite you to join Adventures in Culture. Living in the Bay Area, there are many points of interest to visit. The Y plans olderadult trips to different locations, such as museums, attractions, gardens, and much more. To register for one of these outings, please contact Lisa O’Brien, Marin YMCA, 492-6922 or Debbie Benedetti, Whistlestop, 456-9062. SONOMA VALLEY MUSEUM OF ART Friday, May 18 Fee: Community Member $15 Sonoma County is rich in innovative artists who practice and inspire creativity in diverse ways. Cathy Ellis, Peter Hassen, Ryan Lely, William Smith and Esther Traugot are five of these artists whose work is deserving of wider recognition. Each inspires the viewer to regard our experience
from a fresh perspective, whether through the lens of an iPhone or via the juxtaposition of cultural and spiritual icons. Bring a lunch. Depart at 10:30 am, return about 3:30 pm. EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS Wednesday, May 23 Destination: Golden Gate Bridge to Cliff House This will be a one-way hike across the Bridge and along the Coastal Trail to just above the Cliff House, stopping to eat our lunches at Baker Beach. Total distance is about 5 miles, with a descent of 200 feet to the beach, and then a climb of nearly that through the Seacliff area and on to the Coastal Trail again. Depart at 9:30 am, return about 3 pm. SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS, OLD WINDMILL AND THE BEACH CHALET Friday, June 1 Fee: Community Member $20 Since reopening in 2003, the Conservatory of Flowers has become one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations. The elegant, rehabilitated building continues to be recognized as an icon of San Francisco’s Victorian past. The floral displays and exhibitions inspire visitors with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. For lunch, you can purchase from the menu of Beach Chalet or bring your own, then enjoy the sites of the windmills in Golden Gate Park. Depart at 10:30 am, return about 3:30 pm. MEDICARE 101: EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS Friday, May 18, 11am Registration: 456-9062 Adam Knepper, Community Development Representative from Country Villa, will explain what Medicare A, B & D cover regarding Hospital, Physician, Pharmacy, Home Health, Skilled Nursing and Medical Equipment. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact: Debbie at 456-9062 or programs@ whistlestop.org • Jackson Café • Center Services • Board/Card Game Leader
• Marketing & Promotions Assistance • Chiropractor • Zumba Instructor • Watercolors Instructor • Italian Social Group Leader • Portuguese Social Group Leader • Bi-lingual Computer Teacher RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tuesdays & Thursdays • 2:30 to 3:30pm Fee: $10 suggested donation per class/drop-ins welcome Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT, has been working in the health and healing rehabilitation field since 1992, primarily with those who are physically challenged with sustained disabilities, impairments or limitations. You will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely implement very simple exercises to train your balance. You will also learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard your risks of injury. Bring a water bottle and 1- or 2-pound weight(s) to class. WHISTLESTOP TAX PROGRAM A Sincere Thanks To All Our Volunteers! Whistlestop offers our heartfelt thanks to our Volunteers who worked so hard on the tax program. We could not help as many people and achieve as much as we do without your commitment. We are grateful for all you do and the difference you make. A special thanks to our Tax Preparers: Anne Johnson – Margaret Todd Senior Center, Carol Golden and Kirk Beales - Whistlestop and Tax Greeter, Scott Marcum.
Transportation Numbers Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902 Get Qualified to Ride: 456-9062, x106 eligibility@whistlestop.org Cancel a Ride: 457-4630 STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969 whistlestop.org 9
FRIDAYS
THURSDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
MONDAYS
Whistlestop ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME
CLASS
INFO
COST
9:00–2:00 PM 9:30–10:30 PM 10:00–11:00 AM 10:00–NOON 11:00–12:30 PM 11:10–NOON 2:00–4:00 PM 4:00–5:30 PM
Chair Massage Lamas Qi Gong AM Monday (Discussion) Computer Lab German Social Group Movement & Music ESL (Jan. 23-May 16, 2012) Citizenship Class
Open Open 457-0586 Open Open Open 457-8811 454-0998
$4/8min. $3/class Free Free Free Free Free $25
9:15–10:15 AM 10:45–11:45 AM 11:00–2:00 PM 1:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:30 PM 2:30–3:30 PM
Whistlesizers (Exercise) Cardio Exercise Class Manicurist Learn Spanish English Conversation Balance Class
Open Open Appt. Needed Open 454-0998 Open
Free Free Free Free Free $10
9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–2:00 PM 10:00–11:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:30–11:45 AM 10:30–NOON 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON 11:00–NOON 2:00-3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–4:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
Jackson Café
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pm $10 $4/8min. Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center Free
Tai Chi Qigong Chair Massage Seniors' Circle (Support) Computer Lab Corazón Latino Mah Jongg ESL (Jan. 23-May 16, 2012) Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Sugg. Donation Open Open Open Open Open 457-8811 457-0586
Free Free Free Free Free
Whistlesizers (Exercise) Knit!!! Latin Rhythm English Conversation Remembrance Writing Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Open 457-0586 454-0998 454-0998 Open 457-0586
Free Free $2 Free $5 Free
ACASA (Support/Training) Practice Spanish (Club) Friday Flicks Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Yoga with Kelly
Peer Counseling Open May 11 & 25 May 4 & 18 456-9062
Free Free Free $3 $3
LUNCH MENU 60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES
Main Entrée $4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées) Sandwiches $4.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25 Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25 Salads $2.50/$4.00 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Fresh Fruit $1.50 Beverages $1.00 Desserts $1.50
The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. 10
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b y R I C H A R D PAV E K PHOTOS © RICHARD PAVEK
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
Pigeons: Pests or Beauties?
B
ack in the 80’s, I could see the overhang of the deck above me from the office window of my f loating home. One day, a pair of pigeons built a nest there, and soon there were two healthy, hungry and vociferous nestlings. Every day, I opened the window and spoke to them. They, in turn, insisted that I feed them, which I didn’t. As there was nothing below but water, I worried about how they would leave the nest. One day I looked out and they were gone. I went out and searched, fearing I would see dead chicks floating in the water, but I saw no chicks and no parents. The next day I went to pick up my daily paper from the dock and there they were, looking up at me with obvious recognition. They moved aside as I walked past, but didn’t fly off. For a few days they
would walk about on my deck until they flew off to explore the world. But every so often they returned for a walk around and a bit of a chat. Unfortunately a few months later, the local pigeon colony had grown so large and troublesome that the neighbors began driving them away and I never saw the pair again. To this day I have mixed feelings about pigeons, as do many of you. On the one hand they are pests, on the other they are rather beautiful – and they do pick up the seeds that fall from my bird feeders to the deck. So I guess that I will just have to go through life conflicted about pigeons, as I am about so many things in the world today. Every weekend I email an interesting bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like to see something nice in your Inbox, email me at: SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦ Till next time, Richard whistlestop.org 11
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Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
Alive and Kicking at 97 is the Best Gift of All
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hat can I say about the wonderful surprise visit from my granddaughter Ashara? It was September 24, 2011, a beautiful sunny day. I was waiting for my daughter Bonnie, her husband Richard, and my younger sister, Selma, 90, to help me celebrate my birthday. Everything had been hush-hush and I had no idea about their plans for the day. I was still getting ready when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it and there stood a lovely, girl. I did not recognize her at fi rst. “Ashara!â€? I gasped. The girl was my beautiful granddaughter. I was so shocked, but delighted too, as she had come all the way from Pennsylvania, leaving her two little children, two- and three-year-olds, with her husband. There was much hugging, kissing and talk! “Ashara! I can’t believe you would come from such a distance for my birthday!â€? “Grams,â€? she said, “You are special and I am so much like you. I too have been writing and painting, just like you. In fact, a children’s book I wrote is at the publishers now.â€? Well, the family sure kept the secret of her coming. At last we all got into Richard’s car and drove to Buckeye in Marin County. At the restaurant, with everyone in a gala mood, I was toasted with champagne and a great meal. To end a perfect day, we came back to my home. I cried and laughed for joy as I opened gifts. The real gift though was to be spending my birthday with my family. And to be alive at ninety-seven and still kicking is the best gift of all. âœŚ Editor’s note: This is one in a series of occasional “GrandStories,â€? about Marin County grandchildren and grandparents. Fran’s book was edited and designed by CJ Carroll of Dreamcatcher, who teaches a class on remembrance writing at Whistlestop, see page 10 for class schedule.
Appreciating Whistlestop
Helping You Maintain Your Independence
By MICHAEL RICE
I
joined the Whistlestop Board of Directors to make a contribution to an organization I knew provided a lifeline of important services to an active aging community in Marin. I’d grown up in the area, and made a career helping business owners locally for over 25 years, and I felt I could make a difference. I understood we have an ever-increasing aging population that is an independent lot, who are not used to accessing services. When I first joined the organization, I spent time riding on the buses with the clients, listening to stories. For some, the need for services and lifestyle changes came quickly with the loss of a spouse, a fall that led to a hip replacement, or loss of the ability to drive. Think for a moment how many of us in Marin will find ourselves in the same situation and how we might feel. In April last year, I found I needed to attend to an old injury and have my hip replaced. I was relatively young, and this was my first trip to the hospital. I knew I would not be able to walk for weeks or drive for a month, and I realized I would lose my independence for a while. I learned any of us can quickly become disabled, or find ourselves alone in our homes with loss of independence. I learned much during my recovery, and I identified with the stories I heard on the buses about how folks came to rely on our services. A few times a year, Whistlestop Board members get together to make calls to thank those who have given to the organization. I happened to speak with a donor who was recovering from her own hip surgery and needed our services for the first time. Our experiences were similar in how we felt uncomfortable reaching out for help and services. But in her case, she was foreign born, her children were overseas, and many of her close friends had moved or passed away. Whistlestop was there for her with transportation, and a variety of services to get her reconnected. For me, I found my recovery an enlightening experience. More than ever, I appreciate what a lifeline Whistlestop services are to Marin residents. ✦ Michael Rice is a VP at Circle Bank and a Whistlestop Board member.
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Talk On The Block… came to Drake Terrace after a stroke and could have subsided into sleepy, querulous aging, but did not. Liza Fronczak {Drake Terrace Wellness Director} helped make a difference! Stan Winston – Drake Terrace Resident
“I
“This openness to new ideas has indeed made a difference to my life.”
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Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
“I
f I knew then what I know now” is a common opener for us older adults. It is especially appropriate for things involving healthcare — the benefits of regular exercise, for example. Granted, the Mamas got lots of exercise hanging out laundry, the Papas couldn’t afford much tobacco, and the kids didn’t get rides to school. However, after the birth of my first child in the late 40’s, I expected to get back into shape by pulling on a Playtex rubber girdle. Jack LaLanne was the first exercise guru that I remember. I thought he looked silly with those oversized muscles and skin-tight leotards. Yet, he got through to me about nutrition, and I was determined to feed my family a healthy diet. Then Jane Fonda burst onto the scene. Now her I could relate to. She worked every muscle in her body and her appearance was proof enough that it succeeded. Her message to “work those muscles until they burn” came through to me. I bought a couple of her videos and worked out in my living room, but soon realized that working alone was not much fun. I enrolled in a dance aerobics class that appealed to my social nature. I faithfully attended for several years. I could go there at 6:30 a.m. and still have time to shower and be at school to teach at 8:00. I must confess that when the arthritis in my knees got too bad, I gave up the dance aerobics, but substituted water aerobics for a couple of years. I had both knees replaced and I didn’t have pain in my knees for the next 18 years, but I have only exercised sporadically. My friend John McKenzie, a retired banker, is my latest inspiration. He just finished competing in the annual Birkebeiner race (six miles on skis) for the 25th year. Over 4,000 compete, and John came in first in the Over-80 category. (Okay, he was the only one in his category.) How does he stay in shape? In good weather he does a six-mile course on roller skis and rides a bike to church every day, which is 12 miles round trip. Did I mention that John had both knees replaced four years ago? ✦
Guests at last year’s Multi-Cultural Picnic enjoyed good food, music and dancing.
Multi-Cultural Picnic Features Music, Friends and Good Food
My Garden Grows Boys b y B E T T Y PA G E T T
My garden grows boys. We smile with each berry we oin your friends and make new ones at pop into our mouths: the Multi-Cultural Picnic Friday, May Blackberry, raspberry, strawberry. 25 from 11am to 1pm at Pickleweed Multi-Purpose Room, 50 Canal Street, San We plant potatoes and pick tomatoes, Rafael. Watch ladybugs and learn about the seasons. Special Features: Steel Drum Music, We find treasures: Zumba Dancing and a Guitarist. ‘Delicios’ A carrot we planted last year, burgers, hotdogs and fruit. $4 for those 60+; A feather from an owl. $6 for all others. RSVP: 456-9062 ✦ And over in a corner, a pile of scat – Now what animal was that? Brain TEASERS It isn’t all fun – By GARY GRUBER, PhD We weed and wait, Q. In the following subtraction problem, each We thin and prune – and wait. letter uniquely represents one digit from 0 to 9. But we love to dig – that work is fun! Find the values of A, B, and C and at least one digit My garden grows boys. ✦ is not 0. Betty Pagett (Oma) wrote this poem about her ABA grandchildren, James, 6, and Zachary, 2. - CA AB Q Which is greater, the average rate of a car Answer going uphill a certain distance at a rate of A miles
J
per hour and downhill the same distance at a different rate, B miles per hour, or the average of the rates A and B? Assume A not equal to B.
We have 100A + 10B + A - 10C – A = 10A + B. This gives us 90A + 9B = 10C or 10A + B = (10/9)C The only way A and B can be integers is if C = 9. That makes 10A + B = 10. The only way this is possible with A and B integers (from 0 to 9) is if A = 1 and B = 0.
Answer A. The average rate is less than the average of the rates. Average rate = 2AB/(A + B). Average of the rates = (A+B)/2.
Write a three digit number with h hundreds digit, t, tens digit and u units digit as 100h + 10t + u. You will find that A = 1, B = 0 and C = 9.
Dr. Gruber’s Brain Teasers column appears in numerous publications. You can contact him through his website www.drgarygruber.com for information on courses or any questions. whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org To subscribe to Whistlestop Express, please send $10/yr in the enclosed envelope. Or send an email with your request, your name and address to info@whistlestop.org
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-AY s PM On Being a Trustee (the paperwork battle and tax responsibilities) Special Seminar for Legacy Management Plan Members and Guests Speakers: J.R. Hastings, JD & Charles Stuckey, CPA -AY s PM Domestic Partner Estate and Retirement Planning Speaker: J.R. Hastings, JD -AY s AM Your Life, Your Legacy Planning Ahead: Funerary Decisions
Speakers: Luke Boncore, Keaton’s Mortuary and Mike Garner, Assurant Solutions *UNE s AM Long Term Care – Planned and Unplanned Speaker: Dennis Ford, EA *UNE s PM 2012 (last half) Personal Tax Planning Speaker: J. Ryan Hastings, LLM, CPA /CTOBER s .OON PM 4th Annual Marin Symposium for Estate Planing Advisors Producer: J.R. Hastings Law Location: Four Points Sheraton
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or Telephone 415-459-6635 16
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012