Whistlestop Express

Whistlestop SEPTEMBER 2011

E PRESS

Whistlestop.org

The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement

Bringing Joy to the World, One Laugh at a Time

by JOHN BOWMAN

C

omedian Michael PritPritchard recently received nt to work with chard was appearing a federal grant ancer patients, at an event in San hospice and cancer e t from his efi Francisco when a man in the who also benefi ve of life. He audience was pointed out as humor and love a centurion. Pritchard yelled says everyonee has the ability ple laugh. laugh g . And d by b out, “Tommy, what’s the best to make people hin ns, s thing about being 100? ” The activating thee endorph endorphins, ven he eal man shot back, “The absopeople can even heal Laugh hlute lack of peer pressure.” It themselves. “Laughwas a typical experience for ter revitalizess the Pritchard, who says, “I just human spirit.. p set the table.”

You don’t stop Pritchard, 62, of San Rafael, laughing beis also a wellness coach and cause you’re youth guidance motivator who getting old. has been bringing humor to You get old the world all his life. He has because you made 11 PBS specials to edu- stop laughing.” cate kids on such i s sue s a s Pritchard recalls entertainbu l ly ing, anti-violence and ing at a nursing home with a the power of choice. woman who was He has done count- 'You don’t singing an old less voices for feaballad and many stop laughing ture films, includpeople in the audiing the Ewoks in because you’re ence were leaning Star Wars, and is forward, smiling featured in Happy, getting old. You and nodding. “But a documentary, get old because this one guy in which premiered the front row – 95 recently at the you stop years old – was R o x i e i n S a n laughing.' just sitting there, Francisco. slouched down, ex-

Whistlestop Fashion Show Coming page 5

'Fish Flights' Over Marin page 11

pressionless,” Pritchard said.

“Toward the end of the song, the man sat up and belted out, in perfect pitch and tone, ‘Our love is here to stay!’ And then he fell asleep.”

Pritchard has met many celebrities and recently attended Robin Williams’ 60th birthday party. Someone once asked Williams, “Who is Michael Pritchard? ” and Williams replied, “If Mother Theresa had a child with Jesse Ventura. That’s Michael Pritchard.” ✦

Romance and White Truffles page 12

Whistlestop

Table of

CONTENTS 3 4 5 8/9 10 11 12 14 15

PERSPECTIVE

Readers Write In Elizabeth Caffery From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard Fashion Show At Whistlestop Whistlestop Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Nuggets Column Jeff Stoffer Grand Mom Column Audrey Fixmer Brain Teasers Gary Gruber, PhD LIKE US on Facebook

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 • Eleanor Delaney • Claudia Fromm Jane Lott • Debbie Mills • Bill Saul Bob Sonnenberg • Jeff Stoffer 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, ext. 141. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org.

Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.

2

Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

by JOE O'HEHIR

Laughter Helps Keep us Younger

T

he theme for this month’s edition of the Whistlestop Express is the power of laughter, something that I try to subscribe to each and every day. Laughter is an outward expression of joy, delight, and cheerfulness.

Studies suggest that people who laugh on a regular basis are healthier.

There are many ways I get my daily doses of laughter. I typically start the day with an early morning swim at my health club. I drag myself to the pool, but become energized once I encounter one of my swimming buddies, Terry.

We find humor when talking about our Irish ancestry.

Walking my dog, Caleb, up in the hills of China Camp can be a humorous adventure, especially when I watch him chase birds (he thinks he is one) and when he tries to climb up a tree after squirrels. When I arrive at the Whistlestop Active Aging Center, I look forward to being greeted by our front office staff, Vicky and Cindy.

These two vibrant individuals always have a smile on their faces and a positive attitude for the joy in life. Eating lunch in the Jackson Cafe has become a happy experience, especially since our new partnership with Homeward Bound. Our new chef, Rocky Packard, is not only a great

cook, but he enjoys a hearty laugh when visiting with our clients and guests.

Working at a nonprofit like Whistlestop can be both challenging and stressful, especially given the growing demand for our services and the need for raising money to help fund this important mission. Our staff does a marvelous job dealing with the daily stress and strains of our work.

We typically try to use humor to relieve the pressure. One of my colleagues, Jackie, has an infectious sense of humor and a wonderful laugh that can help us get through the tough times. And, when it comes to family, my younger brother James is our resident comedian who can take the toughest situation and provide a humorous touch that helps us cope with the challenges that life can throw at us.

There is a healing power in laughter. Laughter can break the bonds of loneliness, social isolation, depression and despair. Just hearing other people laugh affects us in a positive way both mentally and physically. Laughter keeps us younger, revitalized, and fresh.

Please visit the Whistlestop Active Aging Center in San Rafael. We promise to try to put a smile on your face and a laugh in your belly. ✦ Joe O’Hehir is Whistlestop’s CEO.

Readers

WRITE IN Sustainability and UNESCO

I

was recently at Point Reyes because of my interest in the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve, of which the National Seashore is one of 13 units. I very much appreciate your issue featuring a front-page article on sustainability.

Sustainability is a requirement of biosphere reserves. Of the 47 reserves in this country, perhaps only two (Champlain-Adirondack and the Everglades) are in compliance. The program is unpopular because it is a project of UNESCO. Some Americans feel (fear) that means loss of sovereignty. —Thank you, Elizabeth Caffrey

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Correction The August issue incorrectly reported that Dr. Charles Lithgow is a retired neurosurgeon rather than a general surgeon.

The same article incorrectly stated that his wife, Beverly, has been a longtime supporter of the LightHouse for the Blind.

Whistlestop Express regrets the errors.

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Discover the Difference.

Explore Whistlestop Offerings: National Senior Center Month

S

eptember is National Senior Center Month, a perfect time to visit Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center to find out what activities and events might suit you.

The month-long celebration is sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers and the National Council on Aging. Also, September 25-October 1 is Active Aging Week, sponsored by the International Council on Active Aging, and September 23 is Fall Prevention Awareness Day. Come on in to Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, and sign up for one of our classes. Bring a friend and have lunch at the Jackson Café, featuring a fresh, affordable and delicious menu. A list of classes and events can be found on pages 8-10 of this issue of the Whistlestop Express.

Also, try our new Laughter Club starting September 14 — humor is healing! ✦

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whistlestop.org 3

From Rocky's PANTRY B Y R O C K Y PA C K A R D

Jackson CafÊ Herbed Cream Cheese Schmear (Why don’t they let Bagels play golf?

Because they all got a “hole in one�!)

1/4 bunch 1/4 bunch 1/4 bunch 2 each 1/4 bunch 1 tub

fresh chopped dill fresh chopped thyme fresh chopped parsley chopped scallions fresh chopped basil salt and pepper to taste softened cream cheese

C

ombine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend well with a rubber spatula.

Remember to soften the cream cheese ahead of time.

This is a nice alternative to just plain old cream cheese for your morning bagel and a great addition with smoked salmon.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 10 Calories; trace Fat (3.2% calories from fat); 19 Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; 19 Dietary Fiber; Omg Cholesterol; 5mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetable. âœŚ

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Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

Out of the Mouths Of Babes: Humor & Wisdom

M

uch of San Rafael comedian Michael Pritchard’s work is with children, using humor to educate them about the pain bullying can cause and other timely issues. Pritchard said he is constantly in awe of the humor and wisdom children bring to these events.

He shared the following two stories to illustrate his point.

A little girl, who obviously was not enjoying Pritchard’s presentation, got up and stormed out of the room. A little boy in the front row said, “That girl is an emotional porcupine.�

Then, there was the boy at an event in a Chicago suburb who said they had put him in a Special Ed class, but “I notice things that other people don’t see.� “Like what?� Michael asked. “Like the word silent has the same letters as the word listen,� the boy said. “And, secure and rescue.� “How do you do that?� Michael asked. “I’m dyslexic and I spell bad. So I notice stuff,� the boy replied.

After his presentation, Pritchard was in the parking lot, heading for his car. “It’s really cold and snowing,� Pritchard said. “And the same kid comes up and says, ‘I have one more.’�

Pritchard says, “Okay, let’s have it. Fast, because it’s freezing out here.â€? “Earth and heart,â€? the boy says. Then he smiles and walks away. âœŚ

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Come to Whistlestop’s Cultural Fashion Show September 15

Talk On The Block…

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Stan Winston – Drake Terrace Resident

“This openness to new ideas has indeed made a difference to my life.”

To Discover What All the Talk is About Call Drake Terrace Today or Visit Us Online.

415-491-1935 | www.kiscoseniorliving.com 275 Los Ranchitos Rd., San Rafael, CA 94903 Lic. # 216801028 VISIT US ONLINE

Ca Nguyen (left) dressed in her traditional Vietnamese gown walks with Cathy Ly, Whistlestop Multicultural Outreach Coordinator (right).

W

histlestop will present a Cultural Fashion Show on Thursday, September 15, at its Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave., in downtown San Rafael.

The show will be from 4 to 5:30 pm and will be staged in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

This will be the center’s first Cultural Fashion Show. Come and enjoy traditional costumes from around the world, represent ed

by Whistlestop's clients. Music and refreshments will be offered after the show.

Admission will be just $5 and reservations are required.

For more information about the Whistlestop Fashion Show, call 415-456-9062. ✦

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The Healing Power of Laughter

L

aughter's healing benefits and healing with laughter have become synonymous with Norman Cousins, the man who laughed himself to wellness.

Norman Cousins was the editor of Saturday Review for over 30 years, and was the author of a number of books including Anatomy of an Illness.

In 1964, after he was diagnosed with Anklyosing Spondylitis, a collagen illness that attacks the connective tissues of the body, he began to

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Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

read about the theory that negative emotions are harmful to the body. He thought that if negative emotions were detrimental to health, then positive emotions should improve health.

He checked himself out of the hospital and into a Manhattan hotel suite. He hired a nurse who read humorous stories and played Marx Brothers movies for him.

He also took massive doses of vitamin C. The treatment proved to be so effective that in very little time, Cousins was off all painkillers and sleeping pills. He found that the laughter relieved the pain and would help him sleep.

He returned to work and wrote about his experimental treatment in his book Anatomy of an Illness. In 1989, it was finally acknowledged in the Journal of the American Medical Association that laughter therapy could help improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illness and that laughter has an immediate symptom-relieving effect.

According to Wikipedia, laughing is a reaction to certain stimuli, fundamentally stress, which serves as an emotional balancing mechanism. Traditionally, it’s considered a visual expression of happiness, or an inward feeling of joy. It may ensue from hearing a joke, being tickled, or other stimuli. It is in most cases a very pleasant sensation.

Recent investigations by Robert Provine suggest that laughter is a form of communication, probably the first one in the human race, which later evolved, with the liberation of voice from walking and breathing, into human language.

Laughter is found among various animals, as well as in humans, although it is rare in most mammals and animals. Among the human species, it is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations.

Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimes seen as contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others. Laughter is anatomically caused by the epiglottis constricting the larynx. The study of humor and laughter, and its psychological and physiological effects on the human body, is called gelotology (From Wikipedia) âœŚ

Exercise Your Funny Bone At Whistlestop’s Laughter Club

W

histlestop’s Laughter Club invites you to join others starting September 14 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 am. in a safe cardiac workout that will exercise your funny bone and boost your immune system.

You will also have an opportunity to express your emotions and reawaken your inner child. Other benefits of the Laughter Club: detoxify your lungs with deep breathing; lower your blood pressure with laughter; stimulate your brain and release healthy endorphins.

All fitness levels are welcome, says Susan Wilkins, certified Laughter Club leader. “Just dress comfy and wear socks.” The Laughter Club concept has been featured on Oprah, the Today Show, Dancing With the Stars, CNN, the Discovery Channel and throughout the news media. Thousands of people in 72 countries now participate in Laughter Clubs.

For more information about Whistlestop’s club, call 415-456-9062 or sign up in the front office. Classes are free but donations are always appreciated. Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center is located 930 Talmalpais Ave., San Rafael. ✦

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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL II Thursdays, September 15-October 20 • 10 to Noon Instructor: Ed Essick | Fee: $60 for 6 classes Pre-registration required: 459-6700 Build on the skills learned in Beginning Computers for Adults Level I.You will learn how to: work with the programs and features of Windows, create and save documents using a word processing program, search the Internet using search engines, save and organize information, such as pictures and documents, work with email and attachments, secure your computer from intrusion, and download information and programs from the Internet.

BEGINNING COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS 2nd Friday • 2 to 4pm Instructor: Gene Dyer | Fee: $15 Pre-registration required: 459-6700 Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills Here’s your opportunity to learn how to share your digital photos with friends and family. Learn how to set up your computer to receive photos and how to transfer them from your camera, CD or flash drive onto your computer’s hard drive. Once on the computer, learn how to send and receive them with your friends by attaching them to your e-mail program. Bring camera and cable.

ADVANCED COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS 3rd Friday • 2 to 4pm Instructor: Gene Dyer | Fee: $15 Pre-registration required: 459-6700 Prerequisite: Beginners Class or experience transferring pictures from camera to computer and using as attachments to e-mails.

View various ways to display your pictures on your computer, on your TV, and on other people’s computers using slide shows, Word or PDF documents, Power Point Presentation with text and sound and Movie format including text, fades and sound.

FACEBOOK COMPUTER CLASS Tuesday, October 4 & 11 • 10 to Noon Instructor: Karl Hoppe | Fee: $30 Pre-registration required: 459-6700 Are you interested in learning about one of the most popular social networking sites on the Internet?

This is a hands-on class, and we will start out by setting up an account, show you how to upload a profile picture, how to add photo albums, how to write on a wall, how to send messages, how to become a member of a group and more! It’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends. Bring your email address/password and a picture 8

Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

on a CD or flash drive to class. Students are expected to be familiar with PCs.

COMPUTER LAB DROP-IN CLASS Wednesdays • 10 to 2pm & Mondays • 10 to Noon Would you like some extra help practicing your computer skills? Free drop-in computer instruction every week in the Computer Room uninstructed. One-on-one instruction provided.

MOVEMENT AND MUSIC FOR THE OLDER ADULT Mondays, September 12 - October 17 • 11:10 to Noon Instructor: Diane Hain | Free, donations welcome Registration required through Whistlestop or College of Marin.

Music is a universal language. This exercise class is created for older adults who have not been exercising regularly or have arthritis related problems. It moves at a moderate, comfortable (yet progressively challenging) pace to meet individual needs. Chair exercises (to tone both upper and lower body muscles) will comprise a major portion of the class. Also included: joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balance, breathing coordination and modified Tai Chi movements, combined with relaxing music, conducive to reducing stress.

RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tues. & Thurs., Sept. 20 - Oct. 13 • 2:30 to 3:30pm Instructor: Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT Fee: $75/ 8-week course | Registration required: 456-9062 In the Balance Class, you will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely implement very simple exercises to improve your balance. We will learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard against risks of injury. We will also cover what to do if we fall. Bring a water bottle and 1-lb. or 2-lb. weights to class.

LAUGHTER CLUB 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 10 to 10:30 am Instructor: Susan Wilkins, certified Laughter Club Leader Free | 456-9062 Exercise your funny bone! Express your emotions!

Reawaken your inner child!

Some benefits of Laughter Club are: Safe cardiac workout, detoxify the lungs with deep breathing, lower blood pressure with laughter and stimulate the brain and release endorphins. All fitness levels welcome. Dress comfy and wear socks.

MAH JONGG Wednesdays • 10:30 to Noon Facilitator: Shirley Etemadfar Free | For Information: 456-9062 American Mah Jongg is a game that originally came from China. If you’ve played gin rummy, you have a head start in learning how to play this game. However, instead of cards, you play with tiles that are stamped with symbols and characters. You mix up the tiles, stack them into “walls” and get 13 to start a hand. After much passing, picking and discarding, the first person to assemble combinations of these tiles into specific patterns wins the game. We play with a card that shows all the possible hands you can make. We’ll have cards and Mah Jongg sets available for you to use as you learn. It’s a sociable, competitive, exciting and addictive game that’s truly lots of fun! Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

ART PROJECTS CLASS 1st Friday • 11 to 12:30pm Facilitator: Celeste Parcell | Free | Information: 456-9062 Learn how to create different types of art projects.

October 7: Fall Foliage ON SITE NOTARY PUBLIC 2nd Tuesday • 12:30 to 2pm Rob Rudy, Certified Notary Call to confirm date & times: 456-9062 Fee: $2 per signature and all proceeds will be donated to Whistlestop Rob has volunteered to offer notarial services to clients, visitors and employees of Whistlestop. Feel free to drop by and say hello. Drop-in only.

FLU SHOT CLINIC AT WHISTLESTOP September 19-21 • 11 to 1pm Facilitators: Certified CVS Pharmacists Fee: Free with Medicare & $25 without Drop-in only Protect yourself from the flu this winter. Stop by for a flu shot. Must present Medicare card with ID at clinic.

OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS & PREVENTION Tuesday, September 27 • Noon to 1pm Presenter: Dr. Paul Podwojski, La Vita Wellness Center Free | Registration required: 456-9062 Learn how to prevent osteoporosis and how you could possibly reverse the effects of it. Learn cutting-edge information that medical doctors don’t tell you.

ABCs OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MARIN COUNTY SENIORS Wednesday, September 28 • 9 to Noon Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Rd, Novato Presenters: Marin Transit, Whistlestop, Golden Gate Transit, Novato Dial-A-Ride, DMV Free | Reservations: 899-8290 Come get information about bus services, paratransit, volunteer transportation, senior discounts for taxis and more! Learn about the new Marin Access Mobility Management Center and other new transportation services that are in the works!

COMING SOON IN OCTOBER! OKTOBERFEST LUNCHEON Thursday, October 20 • 11 to 2pm MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMORY/MAINTAIN YOUR BRAIN Friday, October 21 • 11 to 12:30pm HICAP PRESENTATION: MEDICARE & YOUR OPTIONS Thursday • October 27 REMEMBRANCE WRITING 101 WORKSHOP (No Writing Experience Necessary) Tuesdays & Thursdays • 2 to 4pm VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact: Debbie at 456-9062 or programs@whistlestop.org • Jackson Café volunteers needed • Front Desk/ Host(ess) • Tax Preparers

COMMISSION ON AGING Thursday, September 8 • 10-12:30 pm Margaret Todd Senior Center 1560 Hill Road, Novato, CA Presenter: Stu Maddux, Filmmaker Director and Producer: Special Guest Topic: GenSilent, Film Viewing and Panel Discussion Next Meeting: October 13 • 9:30 am Dance Palace, West Marin

Transportation Numbers Scheduling Rides: 454-0964 Cancelling Rides: 457-4630 Eligibility: 456-9062 x160 or eligibility@whistlestop.org Volunteer Driver Program: 454-0969 whistlestop.org 9

LOCATION

MISC.

COST

Box Car

454-0998 for info

Free

10:00–11:00 AM 11:00–12:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 4:00–5:30 PM

Reading Club for Spanish Speakers AM Monday (Discussion) German Social Group ESL Citizenship Class

Caboose 2 457-0586 for info Box Car Open Caboose, Board Rm. 457-8811 for info Caboose 454-0998 for info

Free Free Free Free

9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:45–11:45 AM 11:00–12:30 PM 11:00–2:00 PM 1:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:30 PM 2:30–3:30 PM

Whistlesizers (Exercise) Asian Social Group Cardio Exercise Class German Group Manicurist Learn Spanish ESL Vietnamese English Conversation Balance Class

Caboose Caboose Caboose Box Car Lounge Caboose Caboose Board Room Jackson Café

$2 Free Free Free Free Free Free Free $10

9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–2:00 PM 10:00–11:30 AM 10:30–NOON 10:00–2:00 PM 10:45–11:45 AM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM

Tai Chi Qigong Chair Massage Seniors' Circle (Support) Mah Jongg Computer Lab Corazón Latino ESL Basic English for Spanish Speakers

Caboose Suggested Donation Lounge Open Board Room Open Caboose Open Computer Lab Open Caboose Open Caboose, Board Rm. 457-8811 for info Caboose 457-0586 for info

$10 $4/8min.

Free $10Free Free Free Free Free

9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON PM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:30–NOON 2:00-3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM

Whistlesizers (Exercise) Knit!!!

Asian Social Group Watercolors with Hilda English Conversation Remembrance Writing Basic English for Spanish Speakers

Caboose Lounge Caboose Lounge Caboose Board Room Caboose

$2 Free Free Free Free $5 Free

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

CLASS

WEDNESDAYS

TIME

This Month at Whistlestop

THURSDAYS

Whistlestop ACTIVITIES 9:30–10:30 AM

Open 454-1552 for info Open Open Appt. Needed Open 454-1552 for info 454-0998 for info Open

Open 454-0998 for info 454-1552 for info Open 454-0998 for info Open 457-0586 for info

FRIDAYS

Open $4/8min.

9:00–2:00 PM Chair Massage Lounge 11:00–1:00 PM WS Knitters Caboose 1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Free Peer Counseling Free 1:30–3:30 PM ACASA (Support/Training) Board Room 1:30–3:30 PM Practice Spanish (Club) Staff Lounge Open Free 2:00–4:00 PM Friday Movie Caboose 1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays $2 457-0586 for info $2-$3 2:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Caboose 456-9062 for info $3 3:00–4:00 PM Yoga with Kelly Jackson Café The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.

LUNCH MENU

Jackson Café

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Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center

60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES Main Entrée $4.00/$6.75 $3.75/$5.00 Sandwiches Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25 Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25 Salads $2.50/$4.00

Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side Fresh Fruit Beverages Desserts

$1.25 $1.50 $1.00 $1.50

The Bird's Side b y R I C H A R D PAV E K PHOTOS © RICHARD PAVEK

OF MARIN

A Fish in the Sky

N

ot everyone realizes there are daily ‘fish flights’ over Marin. No, not by aircraft, these flights are by longranging Ospreys. Every morning and evening these fish hunters leave their large solitary nests atop tall trees in the foothills of Mt. Tam and fly six or eight miles to the San Pablo, Richardson or San Rafael Bays to search for breakfast or dinner. When a suitable fish is spotted, the Osprey plummets feet first into the water, often being partially submerged for a bit by a futilely struggling fish.

Once secured, it lifts its catch – often weighing half its own weight – up and out of the clutching water.

The photo shows the Osprey’s huge claws grasping a flounder. The Osprey’s eyes in this photo

appear blind, but they are not. Ospreys have a ‘nictitating’ membrane, a translucent eyelid that extends to shield the eyes when underwater, and to clean them. The Osprey here frequently shielded its eyes from the painful and damaging rays of the setting sun on its long, slow flight home.

Probably the best place to see Ospreys in Marin is the Starkweather Shoreline Path, at the east end of Bellam, in San Rafael. If you go in the evening, they are easy to spot among the ubiquitous and much slower Gulls that abound. No guarantees, though. I have spent many an evening waiting with little Osprey action to show for it. That was okay; the other birds made it worthwhile.

Every weekend I email an unusual bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like something nice to look at in your inbox, email me at SHENmaker@MSN.com.

Till next time, Richard whistlestop.org 11

Financial NUGGETS

the question, “What do you think about getting married in Italy? ” We were both

by JEFF STOFFER, CFA, CFP® giddy at the thought! We began working Romance and with the Italian consulate in San Francisco.

Yvonne invited one of her best friends, White Truffles Charisse, to come along. We were especially thrilled that she could speak Italian. I n keeping with this month’s theme of studied enough of the language to seek “humor and happiness,” I offer the story out white truffles. Vocabulary to arrange of how I got married in Florence, Italy, 25 a marriage ceremony was way out of my years ago. Although I have been in the inleague. vestment business for over 18 years, I had an Finally, the time for our magical journey earlier career as a chef at the famous Berkeley arrived.

We rented a little villa (aka villina) restaurant, Chez Panisse. in the San Donato in Collina, outside During my second year at Chez Panisse, Paul Florence.

It could not have been Bertolli was head chef. Under his more idyllic! Our landlords, the leadership, the menu had taken a Binis, welcomed us and invited us decidedly Italian turn. It seemed 'What do you up to their apartment for wine and only natural that Italy should be think about crostini. my next culinary destination. My The crostini were exquisite. girlfriend, Yvonne, and I began getting married Mrs. Bini revealed the “secret” of saving for the trip. It started as in Italy?' her liver crostini: anchovies. I was a food adventure; we decided to determined to recreate the recipe go in the fall to be there during when I returned to Chez, where it became white truffle and wild mushroom season.

Late one night during our planning I popped an instant hit, affectionately known as “Bini Crostini.”

A few days later, we began making arrangements in earnest to tie the knot in Helping You Maintain the town hall of Florence. Yvonne, Charisse and I went to the office at the Palazzo Your Independence Signoria. The young woman at the desk spoke virtually no English. We quickly discovered that Charisse didn’t know nearly as much Italian as we thought.

In desperation, I called Mr. Bini to see if he could help. We were all passing the phone around. Mr. Bini kept apologizing that he could not attend the wedding. I hadn’t invited him. We just needed him to explain that we wanted to secure a date to be married.

The young woman kept calling me by my As everyday life becomes more middle name, Guy. She pronounced my last challenging, a little help can go a long way. name as if it was French and it sounded like “Gooey Stofay.” I would have been laughing A sample of our services: if the whole thing were not so frustrating. x Grocery Shopping x Alzheimer’s Care After what felt like Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s x Prepare Meals x Med Reminders on First?” routine, we finally had our date. x Light Housekeeping x Bathing/Dressing x Drive to Appointment x Laundry On October 23, 1985, the Deputy Mayor of x Run Errands x And Much More!

Florence performed the ceremony in the Sala Rosa of the Palazzo Signoria. Molto buon! ✦ Call Today and Get $25 off!

Jeff Stoffer, CFA, CFP, is a Whistlestop 415-451-0100 Board member.

I

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Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

‘Seize the Day! Senior Power!’ Info Fair October 19

Tickle Your Fancy By Watching Rat Tickler Video on Internet

C

W

ome celebrate your power and your life at the 2011 Marin Senior Information Fair. Seize the day to celebrate, investigate, share your opinions and learn about new resources.

Whistlestop Wheels will provide free, round trip rides from our Active Aging Center at 930 Tamalpais Avenue, downtown San Rafael, to the Fair and back. Fair visitors who drive and pa ccan take the free parking lot park shut shuttle service from the various Fa Fair parking areas to the Fair’s fro front door — and back to their ve vehicles.

The Fair’s theme is “Seize the Day! Senior Power!� and is open Wednesday, October 19, from 9am to 3p 3pm at the Marin Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of The Flags, in San Rafael. Admission is free.

More than 130 Fair booths will feature information about things of concern to older adults, including: housing, legal issues, volunteer opportunities, voting, social security, medication, Medicare, physical therapies, safety and medical equipment, travel, health related issues, home care, hospitals, nutrition, education, physical fitness, hospice, health testing, cultural activities, finance, real estate, senior support programs of all kinds and more.

2011 booth offerings will include a variety of health evaluations, computer lessons, flu shots, spinal screenings, professional massage therapy, chiropractic evaluations, blood pressure checks and other health screenings, food tasting, prize drawings, a digital camera clinic and much more.

There will be ballroom dancing to the tunes of the Starduster Orchestra. Day-long entertainment includes intergenerational performances

by Bay Area dancers, singers, physical fitness instruction, demonstrations, art shows, hands-on activities, at-booth giveaways, prizes, awards and more. The emcee will be Jan Wahl of KRON TV and KCBS Radio. Last year, the Fair attracted 4,500 visitors.

For more information, visit www.marinseniorinformationfair.org/. âœŚ

e guarantee a laugh or two if you check out the Internet video of scientist Jaak Panskepp tickling rats.

A New York Times article written by John Tierney led us to the video and we had to share it with you. When you play the video you will hear the tickled rats chirping — an ultrasonic noise that’s audible thanks to the special equipment that enabled Dr. Panksepp and his colleagues to discover this phenomenon. The NY Times reports, “Young rats make the same chirp when they chase and play with one another, and they like to hang out with other rats who chirp at this frequency (50 kHz). It seems to be a happy sound: rats will run mazes and press levers in order to be tickled, and they’ll emit the same chirp when the dopamine reward circuits in the brain are stimulated.�

Hear it for yourself by going to the Discovery Channel online and clicking on “Laughing Rat.â€? (Requires Quicktime.) or search "tickling rat" on You Tube. âœŚ Visiting AngelsÂŽ Can Help Share the Care

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whistlestop.org 13

Grand MOM

by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER

Laughter is Best Medicine

I

learned about God’s humor from Sister Gregory, a delightful Franciscan nun who was staff advisor for my high school newspaper. As editor, I had to ‘put the paper to bed,’ writing the last headlines, crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s before going to press. One night we had to work right through dinner time and both confessed we were hungry. Sister excused herself and returned with a heaping, fragrant bowl of popcorn. As we dove into it she said, giggling, “I always see God’s humor in popcorn. Can’t you imagine him chuckling as he created the ear of corn, saying, ‘Wait ’til they see what happens when they get this near fire?’”

I believe God wants us to delight in all creation just as we did when we were babies, discovering the wonders of the world. We marveled to find that our little arms could hug a mama’s leg. We giggled to see cartoon characters slip, slide and

fall on their butts. We thrilled at the satisfaction of learning new skills as our bodies and minds developed in amazing ways.

Now as we age, we must watch those bodily functions go into reverse. Every day, it seems, we check off another thing we can no longer do. Let’s not cry about it but find the humor in it.

Recently I met my old friend and former colleague, Tony, out for his daily brisk walk. I praised him for keeping in such good shape in his 70’s.

“But you know what?” He replied, “I can’t stand on one foot anymore!”

“So? You gave up ballet?” We both laughed at that.

We oldies are careful to keep our prescriptions filled, but the best medicine is laughter. We need to refill that prescription every day by hanging out with people who are ‘suppliers’ of laughter.

As an octogenarian, I like to hang out with people of all ages. Here’s a partial list of rules: • Hang out with your great grands; they’ll help you get up off the floor.

• Hang out with four-year-olds. They find humor in your wrinkly arms.

• Hang out with your ‘kids’ in their 40’s and 50’s; they’ll tote your groceries.

• Hang out with your friends in their 60’s; they can still drive at night.

• Hang out with bridge friends in their 70’s; they might remember who dealt last.

• Hang out with medical people; they understand your bad plumbing.

• Hang out with positive, happy people; they will shine through the clouds.

And remember that God who laughed when he created popcorn? I think he is still chuckling as he sees us oldies watching our bodies deteriorate.

Now he’s saying, “Wait ’till they see the new bodies I have waiting for them up here.” ✦

• We deliver full-service, non-medical caregiving • Our caregivers are our employees—each is insured and bonded, and has gone through rigorous screening, orientation and training • We handle all employer responsibilities— wages, taxes, Workers’ Comp • Family-owned and operated since 1994

415-884-4343 • www.HiredHandsHomecare.com Call today for a complimentary Needs Assessment and Home Safety Evaluation

14

Whistlestop Express SEPTEMBER 2011

Serving Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties

FAMILIES - YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREGIVER Free In-Home Assessment

Medication reminders / Personal Care Assistance Errands / Shopping / Meal preparation Regularly supervised visits and re-evaluations Continuity of Caregiver Over 15 years experience

Part-time / Full-time, Short-term / Long-Term Nationwide background check and drug testing required for all caregivers Bonded and Insured Long Term Care Insurance accepted

CALL TODAY & RECEIVE A FREE HOUR OF CARE 415-895-5185 t 855-219-7118 www.InYourHomeCareForLife.com

THE HELP YOU NEED, AT THE TIME YOU NEED IT— IN YOUR HOME

WE BILL INSURANCE ON YOUR BEHALF

Even If You Hire Outside Help, You Are Still the Caregiver

Brain

By MARY BLOUNT

Marin’s Gary Gruber (www.drgarygruber.com) is recognized as the leading authority on standardized tests. Through his work, more than 35 books, he has helped students dramatically increase aptitude, intelligence and standardized test scores on tests like the SAT and ACT. His Brain Teasers column appears quarterly in Whistlestop Express.

LIGHTEN UP

A horse goes into a bar and the bartender says,, "Hey, Buddy. Why the long face?

By GARY GRUBER, PHD

Question: Assuming the statement “Only the good die young,” is true, we can infer which two of the following? a) No good person lives to an old age. b) Anyone who lives to an old age must be bad. c) Only bad people do not die young. d) All bad people do not die young. e) Some bad people die young.

Answer: a and d. “Only the good die young” means that those who are not good do not die young and no good person does not die young.

Choice c would have been correct if people were either good or bad. Some may be neither.

C

aregivers often feel guilty, as if they are giving up on their loved ones, when they hire an agency to help. If you are in this position, you might consider that extra help could make you a better caregiver.

Taking care of your loved ones means giving them the best care you can provide. Often, during the early years, that typically means your own loving, hands-on care. However, as their needs grow, the best care sometimes means you need to hire help to come into the home or arrange adult day care while you work. Perhaps it means they need to move to assisted living or even a nursing home.

Remember, none of these changes means you give up your role as caregiver. Changes in care arrangements simply mean that now you are not providing all of the hands-on care. Instead, you may help with some care and you now can act as a direct advocate for your loved ones, overseeing the help you pay for.

In other words, you are still a caregiver, but your duties have shifted. You may still be on call 24/7, but you should have enough help so that you can get some sleep. If there is an emergency, you can be alerted. If there is a change in medication, you can be told.

Being an advocate doesn’t mean you create an adversarial relationship with the paid caregivers who now help provide care. It’s quite the contrary. The more you make it clear that you are all a team, the better your relationship with the hired caregivers will be.

This team cooperation can cause peace of mind.

Caregiving often shifts the relationship with your loved one. Getting help can improve your relationship with your loved one. You get to be daughter/ son again or husband/wife.

Mary Lou Blount is a principal in Your Home Care For Life. She can be reached at 415-8955185. ✦

TEASERS

Easy Ways to Support Whistlestop My Broker Donates can make sure your next property sale will boost the quality of life for Marin’s older adults. My Broker Donates connects you with the best-in-market realtors who will donate 15% of their referral fee to Whistlestop. You choose the agent. Buy or sell a home, generate a sizable donation. Go to www.mybrokerdonates.com for more information.

Good Search — simply go to GoodSearch.com, and when you search the internet using their search engine, Whistlestop gets a donation! GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50-percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. It’s a simple and compelling concept.

You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it’s powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime! ✦ 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 in the enclosed envelope.

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