Can We Be Too Old?, By Joyce and Barry Vissell

FEATURED COLUMNIST Can We Be Too Old?

We all know the expression, “You’re as old as you think or feel.” Yes, there’s a physical reality to aging, but even more importantly, there’s an emotional and spiritual reality. Too many people give up on activities just because of age. The real danger here is the giving up on life because we’re too old.

Joyce and I are 76. We can no longer physically do some of the things we used to do. Joyce is a gardener. She grows the most beautiful flowers all around our house. But she no longer has the physical endurance to be out working in the garden as much as she used to. So she chooses the jobs that bring her the most joy, and lets our beloved gardener (a refugee from El Salvador) who comes once a month, do the rest, especially the hard stuff.

True confession: I love softball! I love the feeling of the pitched ball meeting the “sweet” spot on the bat and hitting a line drive into the outfield. I no longer have the strength to hit the ball over the outfielder’s head, or over the fence for a home run. But a clean base hit really does it for me.

And I love fielding the ball, getting under the long arc in the outfield, and hearing the snap of the ball hitting the glove (especially when it stays in the glove). Perhaps my favorite is playing infield and the feeling of quick reflexes to stop a hardhit grounder or line drive.

I gave up softball six years ago when I had too much knee pain. Then I got a knee replacement and was told running would put too much stress on the new knee.

But I missed softball too much to completely give it up. This past year, I tried practicing with a local 55-and-older senior league, the Santa Cruz Irregulars, but quickly realized that most of the players were closer to 55 than 76. They were too competitive for me. So I placed an ad on Craigslist for non-competitive softball players, men or women, any skill level. Initially, I made a mistake and titled the ad, “Softball Just for Fun.” I got a few legitimate responses, but I also got responses from people wanting fun in other ways. You have to be careful what you put on Craigslist. I quickly changed the ad to “Non-Competitive Softball,” and got more appropriate responses.

One of the responders, who has now become a regular, is a man in his 50s who had a stroke. Before his stroke, he was an excellent, and competitive, ball player. Now he can still run to get quickly to the ball, he hits better and farther than the rest of us, but his throwing is the most affected by the stroke. He loves getting out there with us and doing what he still can do.

I mentioned what I love about softball. Now I need to share my limitations. I am by far the oldest person on the field. I love hitting, but I can’t hit nearly as many balls as the other players. We have perhaps 75 balls in several crates and buckets for pitching. Aside from the bad pitches, that’s a lot of swings. I have to pay close attention to my limit, and stop when my body says stop.

Then there’s fielding. I can run, but slowly and for only a short distance. A fly ball to the outfield has to be carefully evaluated. If I can get under it without injuring my knees by running too far or too fast, great! If I can’t, and the younger, more competitive, part of me says “go for it, no matter what,” I have to choose the wiser path and just let that ball meet the grass instead of my glove. Nobody’s running the bases. Nobody will be judging or heckling me. There’s no competition.

And it’s the same when I play infield. There’s even less time to get to the ball before it sails or rolls past me. Same rules apply. If I can get my glove on the ball without stressing, and therefore injuring, my body, therein lies the victory — and the wonderful feeling. The last Saturday I practiced, a ground ball was hit just out of my reach. Instinctively, I quickly removed my glove and threw it at the ball. Miraculously, the ball was caught by the flying glove to the loud cheering of everyone present. It was the “play of the day!”

Okay, enough about softball. I am encouraging the seniors among us to simply modify the activities we love, rather than dropping them completely, or saying, “I’m too old for this.”

Our bodies need physical exercise. The trick is to combine physical exercise with something you love, and then the physical exercise is no longer a chore.

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

I still love rafting rivers, but now choose easier rivers. I love backpacking into the wilderness, but find the easiest and quickest ways to get into the wilderness areas. A friend of ours loves her Zumba dance classes. She is close to our age, goes almost daily, does the moves that work for her body, and has a blast! In addition to physical activity, there are mental, emotional and spiritual activities. Don’t be tempted to give older age as an excuse for

The trick is to giving up writing, art, music, singing, combine physical learning new things, exercise with developing a new hobby (or continuing something you an existing one). love, and then the Joyce and I sincerely physical exercise hope we can continue leading our beloved is no longer a chore. retreats, counseling our clients, writing, and recording our weekly videos for many more years. Can you be too old? I don’t think so. n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, online, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. See their web site at SharedHeart.org.

WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce annually honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have dedicated time and energy toward making our community a better place to live, work and play. This year’s dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at Seascape Beach Resort. The chamber invites you for a roaring good time.

Nominations for Man, Woman, Business, Organization, and Outstanding Achievement of the Year are now open! To nominate see: https://tinyurl.com/aptos-chamber2022nominations.

COUNTY FAIR ENTRY INFO

Most Entries due Thursday, Aug. 25 • Poultry Deadline Aug. 6 The Santa Cruz County Fair, which will be Sept. 14-18, is using the ShoWorks online entry system this year for all departments.

For most entries, the deadline is Aug. 25. See https:// santacruz.fairwire.com/

Submitting your entries online will save you time on receiving day and help the fair display your items.

You can pay any entry fees by credit card online! Paying by credit card will incur a 3% processing fee. Checks can be dropped off at the fair office.

If you prefer paper entry forms, they are in the entry guide. The first time you use the system, click on the blue button in the upper right corner of the page to create an exhibitor account using your name, address & email address. Youth exhibitors are asked to enter birthdate & age.

This year, everyone needs to create an account. Write down your password. Once your account is created, you can use the username and password each time you visit the system. Use the blue buttons in the middle of the page to move to each step.

Find the department, division and class you wish to enter. Departments are listed alphabetically with some departments broken into categories (Home Arts and Agriculture Horticulture.) Fill in the required fields, marked by blue asterisk (*), and any optional fields needed to describe your entry.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

10 Week Class (mostly online) beginning Sept. 12 Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native Italianspeaking Instructors.

Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between we are delighted to welcome you. No matter what your goals are for learning Italian: Business, travel, pleasure, or because you love the sound of this beautiful language and would like to understand it better, these classes are a fun way to learn.

Pricing varies by class and most are online, with the exception of the Conversation Class. Registration ends Sunday, Sept. 4. Dante members receive an additional dis-count when they register with a coupon code. For information and to register go to: www.dantesantacruz. com/classes

SEACLIFF STREET FAIR BOOTH REGISTRATION

Due by Aug. 30 The Seacliff Street Fair will be Oct. 8. Booth applications are due by Aug. 30. For booth information, email info@seacliffimprovement.org

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by August 25

HELP WITH STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

Employers in California can deliver tens of thousands of dollars in federal student loan relief to employees, by informing them about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Providing this life-changing benefit to employees comes at zero cost to employers because it’s a free federal program.

An estimated 825,000 Californians could benefit from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by having their federal student loans cancelled after 10 years of public service work, but fewer than 15,000 have benefited from this pro-gram to date.

From now until Oct. 31, it is easy to get credit for the PSLF program. For information, see: https://www.californiaborrowers.org/ about-the-campaign

START YOUR NEW CAREER

Laid off in the pandemic? Stayed home teaching the kids? Want to change careers?

The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is designed to help job-seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. The program is designed to serve dislocated workers who need training to enter or re-enter the labor market.

Now people can sign up for WIOA programs from 12 - 1:30 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of each at the Downtown Library, 224 Front St., Santa Cruz. RSVP at: info@workforcescc.com and see the Life Literacies Center at the back of the library. Intakes are by RSVP only.

NATURE BOWL 2022: FAMILY CHALLENGE

Back by popular demand, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge is open, with the deadline to enter Wed., Aug. 31.

CDFW’s North Central Region initiated this familyfriendly competition during the pandemic as a delightful and educational way for families to explore nature close to home — in their backyards, neighborhoods and local wild areas — while having fun outside and working together to complete nature-related activities.

The 2022 challenge includes two scavenger hunts, one provided by CDFW and the other to be created by your family. There is also an extra credit element of cataloging your found items – just like a scientist. To sign up and receive the Nature Bowl 2022: Family Challenge packet, email genelle.treaster@wildlife.ca.gov. The Family Challenge packet is available at https://wildlife. ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS FALL SEMESTER

The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will begin its fall semester Friday, Sept. 9. Classes will be s on consecutive Fridays for nine weeks in the Music Building, VAPA, at the campus in Aptos. An entry-level String Orchestra Class, Grades 4-6 Beginning Strings for violin/viola/cello will be offered Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.

Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be 3:45-4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with a rehearsal following. Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m.

String players ages 5 to18 are welcome to join the string orchestral and chamber music programs. Students must provide their own instruments and bring pencils & music stands.

Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear N94/95 masks or a double mask that includes a surgical mask outside and inside the music building, except when alone.

A concert is planned for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. To participate or make contributions, call (831) 479-6101 or visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings. Register through Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or extension.cabrillo.edu before the first class.

PAY IT FORWARD

In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens That’s according to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, which has hundreds of adoptable animals awaiting a forever home.

Through Aug. 31, all shelter cats and kittens will be available for a ‘Pay it Forward’ adoption donation of adopters’ choice.

The suggested donation is between $20-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their donation to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals). The adoption fee includes spay/ neuter, microchip (including registration), age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for fleas/worms, and a free pet wellness exam with a local participating veterinarian.

The cost of care for shelter animals always exceeds the adoption fee but helping the neediest animals is at the heart of the shelter’s mission. According to the ASPCA, the average annual cost of having a pet is about $1,300, with the first year costs of $3,000. When the community chooses to adopt a pet that is spayed/ neutered or get their own animals altered, they are joining the solution

‘RESEARCHING YOUR GENEALOGY’ CLASS

Are you interested in Researching Your Genealogy, locating distant relatives, or creating a Family Tree diagram to give to your grandchildren and future generations? This course on Mondays & Fridays covers: Gathering family documents, the most relevant genealogy websites, useful historical records, DNA testing and privacy concerns, and more.

This course, sponsored by the Scotts Valley Senior Center, is for novice and intermediate researchers.

Instructor Maxine McCarthy researched her own ninegeneration family tree to identify ancestors dating to the mid-1700s, and located 102 extended family members living in seven different countries.

Dates: Mondays & Fridays Aug. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22 and 29.

Mondays :12-1 pm | Fridays: 2:30-1:30 pm.

Cost: $72-104, depends on # of students PRE-registration required! To register, call Darshana Croskrey (Scotts Valley Senior Center Coordinator) at 831-438-2444.

BIG BASIN EXPANDS RESERVATIONS

The day use parking capacity at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek has nearly doubled to 84 spaces, plus four ADA spaces.

Reservations are required to park at Big Basin; reserve a spot at: https://bit.ly/3I78QGI. Also, 15 percent of parking spaces will be held and released three days before the reservation date for visitors who can’t make plans far in advance.

The reservation system is a collaboration between California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Parking is $6 plus a $2 reservation fee. Parks passes are honored. Visitors without a reservation to park their vehicle will be turned away.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

ONGOING EVENTS

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

Fridays through Sept 30

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS

5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Featuring 25 local bands plus local eats and local artists and vendors.

The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): August Fuse (Opening – John Michael sings Sinatra) • Pacific Roots (Opening – The Dead Kampers) • John Michael Van Halen Tribute Band • Locomotive Breath September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale See https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridayssummer-block-party-2022/ First Sundays

WESTSIDE MARKETPLACE

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Wrigley Building parking lot, 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz The Westside Marketplace is where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food at the Old Wrigley Building parking lot.

Collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go & the Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market with live music. August’s featured artist is Ancestree, while food vendors include Pana, Cuevas, Three Waves Coffee, Cracked Cookies and Aunt LaLi’s. Visit foodtrucksagogo.com for more info.

DATED EVENTS

Wednesday August 17

COLLEGE PREPARATION SEMINAR

6-8 p.m., Online and at Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is partnering with the Princeton Review to bring college preparation assistance to local teens. The class can be attended in person at the Capitola Branch Library, and simultaneously live streaming to teens at home.

Registration required via Princeton Review for both virtual and in-person attendance. Register at bit.ly/SCPL-essay or call 831-427-7713 for assistance.

Saturday August 20

BACK TO THE WAY THINGS WERE

3 p.m., London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz The SF Mime Troupe will present Back To the Ways Things Were, outdoors at the London Nelson Community Center, with the band playing at 2:30 p.m.