Pigeons - Whistlestop

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
S
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
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 • 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 • [email protected]
Whistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & Sales
John & Val Bowman Editors
916-751-9189 • [email protected]
Missy Reynolds Art Director
[email protected]
Advertising
Linda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306
Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper
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Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
2
Whistlestop
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
W
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
T
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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whistlestop.org 3
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From Rocky's PANTRY
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Whistlestop Express
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
B
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 Danzón, 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. Danzón 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.”
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.” 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 Café on May 4. Traditional Mexican
food will be served. ✦
PROVIDING IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE
& COMPANIONSHIP FOR SENIORS
Serving All of Marin County
ALL PERSONAL CARE
Meal Preparation
Grocery Shopping
Light Housekeeping
Driving/Errands
Medication Reminders
Bed Bath/Sponge Baths
Years of Experience
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whistlestop.org 5
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
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whistlestop.org 7
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
[email protected]
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
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
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:
[email protected]. ✦
Till next time, Richard
whistlestop.org 11
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A private pay skilled
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From Fran Cohen’s Reflections of My Life
W
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beautiful hills of Tiburon
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Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012
Alive and Kicking at 97
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JMHOMECARECOM
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!” 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!”
“Grams,” 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.”
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. ✦
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of occasional “GrandStories,” 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.
As everyday life becomes more
challenging, a little help can go a long way.
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A sample of our services:
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Bathing/Dressing
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to Appointment x• Cooking
Laundry
•Drive
Run Errands
•Run
PostErrands
Surgery Care
Much
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x• And
And
Much
More!
Call Today and Get $25 off!
415-451-0100
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.”
To Discover
What All the Talk
is About Call
Drake Terrace Today!
415-491-1935 | www.LifeatDrakeTerrace.com
275 Los Ranchitos Rd., San Rafael, CA 94903
Lic. # 216801028
VISIT US ONLINE
whistlestop.org 13
Grand MOM
by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
Born 30 Years
Too Soon?
Recognized experience
and excellence.
Family owned and
operated since 1994.
These honors are a source
of pride for us, security and
peace of mind for you.
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415-884-4343
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Luxury Retirement Living
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750-2400 sq. ft.
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Transportation,
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Access to Health Care Providers
For Sales or Leasing Information,
Call Smith Ranch Marketing
415-491-4918 • www.SmithRanchHomes.com
400 Deer Valley Road, San Rafael
14
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
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and address to
[email protected]
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Because How You Live Matters
• AwardWinning Home Care and Care Management
• Skilled Nursing Visits • Healthcare Advocacy
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• Senior Care Consultation • Spiritual Care
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Serving San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
-AYsPM
On Being a Trustee
(the paperwork battle and
tax responsibilities)
Special Seminar for Legacy
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and Guests
Speakers: J.R. Hastings, JD
& Charles Stuckey, CPA
-AYsPM
Domestic Partner Estate and
Retirement Planning
Speaker: J.R. Hastings, JD
-AYsAM
Your Life, Your Legacy
Planning Ahead: Funerary
Decisions
Speakers: Luke Boncore,
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Mike Garner, Assurant Solutions
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Long Term Care – Planned
and Unplanned
Speaker: Dennis Ford, EA
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2012 (last half) Personal
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Speaker: J. Ryan Hastings,
LLM, CPA
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4th Annual Marin Symposium
for Estate Planing Advisors
Producer: J.R. Hastings Law
Location: Four Points Sheraton
Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website at www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php
or Telephone 415-459-6635
16
Whistlestop Express
MAY 2012