September 2015

September

SONOMA SENIORS TODAY “The Art of Aging” The 18th Annual Sonoma County Senior Art Show by Bonnie Allen

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eniors hold hands with both the past and the future, our ancestors and our descendants. Increasingly, we are expressing that connection through art. So it’s fitting that the 18th Annual Sonoma County Senior Art Show is themed, “The Art of Aging.” More than 100 Sonoma County senior artists will exhibit at the show at the Finley Center, 2060 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa. The show begins September 15, with a not-to-be-missed reception on September 17, 1–4 pm. Artists will demonstrate work in various media and be available to talk about it. It’s well worth a couple of hours of your time. If you can’t make the reception, the show con tinues through November 12, Monday through Friday, 8 am–6 pm, and Saturday, 9–11 am. It’s hosted by the Sonoma County Human Services Department Adult and Aging Division and the Area Agency on Aging, with support and cooperation from the City of Santa Rosa. As editor of Sonoma Seniors Today, I get invited to dozens of art exhibits. The Senior Art Show is one of the best. Seniors are turning to art in droves, and the juried show culls the best works from the many art classes for seniors provided by Santa Rosa Junior College. “The annual Senior Art Show is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the positive and rich “Self Portrait” by Bob Muniz contributions that older adults make every day to our community,” said Diane Kaljian, Director, Adult and Aging Division. “It’s inspirational to experience the art and meet the artists.” Some of the participants are lifelong artists. But many started late in life, enjoying the freedom they found after they retired and the by Jenay Cottrell children grew up. They discovered the leisure to pursue the discipline of learning to express ob Muniz found art after being forced to themselves artistically. Sometimes, a change in retire many years ago when he injured health status led to a flowering of talent. Such is his hand at work. It was a tough tran the case for featured artist Bob Muniz, whose sition for him. His wife Debbie encouraged him story is related here by Jenay Cottrell, Program to find a hobby and suggested that he take an art Planning & Evaluation Analyst for the Adult and class. In 2002 at age 58, he took his first class Aging Services Division. with Barbara Marlin-Cole through SRJC’s Older Don’t miss Bob’s work and the work of many Adults Program at Vintage House in Sonoma. other artists at this spectacular show. If you’re an (There are 23 locations in Sonoma County for artist, it’s a chance to see what your fellow artists Older Adults Programs such as art classes.) Bob are doing. If you’re a young person, you’ll see has taken classes from the same teacher ever your elders in a whole new light. You may even since, challenging himself to improve his craft be inspired to follow their artistic path. and making many friends along the way. He and a group of fellow artists from class now meet

Art from Adversity: Bob Muniz

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See Muniz, page 4 Nonprofit Org. PRST-STD U.S. Postage

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How the “F” Word Changed My Life A tale for National Grandparents Day

by Hank Mattimore

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art of my responsibilities as a volunteer grandpa at a home for abused and neglected children was to drive the kids to doctor’s appointments or to after-school activities. As a surrogate grandparent I tried very hard to set a good example for the kids in our charge. They had already heard enough cuss words and been exposed to enough violence in their young lives. On this particular day, I had 11-year-old “Tony” with me in the car. An AfricanAmerican and new to the home, he was quite shy and I wasn’t having a lot of success getting him to open up to this old white guy. This was hardly unusual. Kids sent to our group home had reason not to trust the adults in their lives. After a few awkward tries at conversation, I turned on the radio to listen to the 49’er football game. I’m one of these over-the-top football fans so when I hear the announcer saying that the Niners are on the one yard line with only 30 seconds left to play in a tie game, I am excited. “Go Niners,” I yell. Then disaster strikes. The Niners fumble and Arizona recovers. I don’t normally swear. I’ve never used bad language in front of the kids but at this moment I am breaking all of the rules. The “F” word erupts from my mouth. Omigosh! I didn’t say that did I? No, not in front of a little kid. There was this moment of shocked silence. Sheepishly, I looked down at Tony. His big brown eyes looked at me astonished. “Grandpa Hank!” was all he said. Of course I apologized. “Sorry Tony. That just slipped out.” I turned the game off and we rode in silence for a few minutes, me inwardly ashamed at losing my composure. Then I turned again to the boy. The little bugger had a smile on his face. “Damn it,” I thought to myself. “What are you laughing at?” “Nuthin,” he answered, but the grin never left his face. See “F” Word, page 11

More on National Grandparents Day: page 7

INSIDE Dawn Knight....................................................page 2 Volunteer Terri Timms............................... page 4 Employee Anne Gueulette.......................page 5 Legal Q & A......................................................page 5 New Attorney at COA................................page 5 Retirement Home Bully..............................page 6 National Grandparents Day.....................page 7 Young Farmers..............................................page 8 Noble Spoon Update..................................page 9 Senior Center Highlights.........................page 10 Crossword & Sudoku................................. page 11 Save the Date............................................... page 12

SONOMA SENIORS TODAY

September 2015 | PAGE 2

Client Finds “Warm and Loving People” at Sebastopol Senior Social Club

Sonoma Seniors Today published monthly by

by Cheri Lieurance, Marketing Coordinator

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smile by Dawn Knight, 72, lights up the room. Elegant and articulate, she has led a fascinating, stimulating life that is now somewhat circumscribed by the effects of brain cancer. She struggles with memory loss and can’t drive. Her daughter Melissa Taylor and son-in-law Glen Taylor share their Sebastopol home with Dawn so they can be on hand to assist her. It’s a busy home, filled with love, and family, including Dawn’s two young grandsons. The boys keep Melissa extremely busy, to the point where she can’t spend as much time as she’d like with her mother. Fortunately, Melissa discovered Council on Aging’s Sebastopol Senior Social Club, a program at the Sebastopol Senior Center that provides exercise, entertainment and companionship for seniors. Melissa brings her mother to the social club several times per week. “I have a brand new baby six weeks old, and a toddler who is almost two, and it can be overwhelming at times,” says Melissa. ”So I am not always able to provide the socialization, stimulation, and entertainment my mom deserves. Fortunately, the Senior Social Club provides me with piece of mind that she is getting that kind of interaction.” Before her illness, Dawn enjoyed a creative and fulfilling career as a “world-class interior designer, who did beautiful work for many interesting people,” according to Melissa, who is herself an artist. Dawn entered the field just out of high school, when she went to work for a furniture store in Anchorage, Alaska. Although Dawn’s personal aesthetic tends toward “simple, sophisticated, contemporary styles,” she relished working for a people with a variety of tastes. “I liked to have an open philosophy, because the more open you are, the more different types of designs you can do,” she says. Dawn ultimately ended in up Sacramento, and unfortunately developed stage 4 esophageal cancer in 2012. “She managed those treatments all by herself, impressively,” says Melissa. The cancer seemed to go into remission, but a year later, returned as brain cancer, At that

30 Kawana Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-525-0143 • 800-675-0143 Fax 707-525-0454 www.councilonaging.com President and CEO Marrianne McBride Board of directors Corrine Lorenzen, Chair Deborah Roberts, Vice Chair Jeff Beeson, Bonnie Burrell, Jayne Cohill, James DeVore, Joseph Huang, Chuck McPherson, Mary Meuchel, Jeanne Miskel, Leticia Padilla, John Pearson, John Reyes, Debby Roumbanis and David Vicini Editor: Bonnie Allen, (707) 763-2544 [email protected] Contributors: Bonnie Allen, Jenay Cottrell, Cheri Lieurance, Michele Leonard, John Lesjack, Hank Mattimore and Paul Miller

Dawn Knight point, Dawn’s daughter and son-in-law decided to move from their home in San Francisco to Sacramento to help Dawn through the radiation treatments and their side-effects, which include memory impairment. It was apparent she would continue to need help from her family. Less than enthused about living in Sacramento, Melissa researched other locations where the family could live, and settled on Sebastopol, a decision that has delighted Dawn. “It’s like being in a vacation spot,” she says. “People are lovely, and the town has a lot of things going on.” Dawn finds the same warm spirit among her friends at the Sebastopol Senior Social Club. “I enjoy the people. They are really warm and loving.” Council on Aging provides four Senior Social Clubs in Sonoma County, located in Healdsburg, Sonoma, southwest Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. The program is designed to enrich the quality of life for older adults with limited physical and cognitive functioning. For more information, contact Laurel Anderson at 525-0143, ext. 103.

Proofreading Assistance: Steve Della Maggiora Distribution Manager: Jeramon Shade Advertising: 525-0143, ext. 112 Subscriptions: Use form on page 2. Sonoma Seniors Today is a publication of Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 525-0143 [email protected] www.councilonaging.com Sonoma Seniors Today strives to share a variety of viewpoints on subjects of interest to a broad range of its readership. Opinions and viewpoints expressed by contributors and those interviewed for articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Council on Aging. Readers are invited to share their ideas, opinions and viewpoints by writing to this publication. Suggestions for improving this publication are given careful consideration, and letters to the editor are welcomed. Photographs may also be submitted. Editor’s note: Publication of all material is at the discretion of the editor; originals become the property of SST and cannot be returned. Mail all submissions to Sonoma Seniors Today c/o Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, or email to [email protected]. All rights reserved. © 2015 Council on Aging

Mission Statement To enhance the quality of life for our aging community by providing services that promote well-being and maintain independence.

Make SST part of your plan to age successfully! Sonoma Seniors Today is your local resource for all things aging-related, with tips on how to stay healthy, engaged and financially secure. Subscribe now to receive your monthly issue filled with helpful information. Best of all, your subscription helps fund senior services provided by Council on Aging. Mail this form and check payable to Council on Aging, SST Subscriptions, 30 Kawana Springs Rd, Santa Rosa CA 95404. Carol Brohmer RN

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Council on Aging Donors

Many thanks and appreciation to our generous donors who gave gifts of support to our 16 programs and services during the month of July, 2015.

Annual Appeal A New Leaf Gallery-Sculpture Margaret Anderson Aileen A. Andresen Mr. & Mrs. Roger Aquistapace David and Linda Bergman Donna E. Bertagnolli Marlene J. Bertram David and Carole Bliese Helen Bradley Martin Brady Mary A. Browning Gail J. Bullard Rick Camilleri Louis E. Capuano Jr. Janice Carr John Caslin Thomas M. and Mary R. Chelini Thomas M. Chelini Frank and Rita Citti Susan and Henry P. Culp Patricia Dahl Alan Decker Vivian Dehay Pamela J Deming Susan M. Dochtermann Ron Dodge Michael and Maureen Dolce Joan E. Edwards Engelke Construction Inc. Denise Facendini V. Georgia Fauss Nyla Fleig Marjorie and Ian Fraser John Fredericks Barbara Frisch-Klopper Ruth and Raymond Gardner Martin H. Gerber Mary Gibson Glen and Kathleen A. Gillis Sandra Ginger

Deborah S. Goldyne Evelyn and Hans Gottschalk Ted and Liane Green Ruthe A. Gridley Allen L. Hall Patricia Hansen Cathy Haralson Sheila P. and John Harmon George M. and Lynda L. Harrington Danita Haynes Delores Headley Heidi Hochrein Carolyn Hossli Edson R. and Ann L. Howard Linda and David Hughes Nancy M. Hunt Sylvia Illsley Linda and Allen Jackson Linda Blair and Robert Judd Robert Karr Elizabeth J. Keegan Kilcor Builders & Design, Inc. Billie Kimura George Knudtzon Freeke Kohl Steve Laherran Claire G. Lampson Harriet and Seymour Lenz Barbara Lowell Samuel and Ann Lunde Kenneth and Terry Marshall Michael McClung Paulette and James McHugh Helen Miles Claire Miller Mary Jane Mittelstadt Jeanne Moore John and Janet Lynn Moore Ronna L. Moore Thomas and Eileen Morabito Marie Murphy

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Steven and Nanette Nelson Ed Nordman Maurine Olson Gloria Opperman Judith Ann Osiecki H. Scott and Diana J. Partridge Mr. and Mrs. James Pekkain Merton F. Preston Robert and Susy Raful Douglas A. Roberts Frances L. Roby Robert D. Ryan Carol Ann Sawyer Tom Sawyer Gretchen Schoch Richard Schoenstein Martha Shogren Alice Sigler Daphne W. Smith David and Irene Sohm James T. Spahr, Jr. Diana Squatritto Allan C. St. Marie Paul A. Stokes Edmund F. and Maureen E. Storck Janet Strobel The Heck Foundation Felice Torri Carol Toth and Donna Wheeler Cheryl A. Traendly Wallace and Anne Trujillo Gil Tully Elinor and John Twohy Laura M. Upjohn Randall and Laura Verniers Caecilie Von Perbandt Jean Von Trende Alex and Sharon Vyborny Leroy and Sharon Wallace Carleen Watts Eva R. Weber Mark G. White Carolyn Williams Dorian and Gwynneth Williams William E. Yoes Deborah Zant

Annual Appeal: Meals on Wheels Norma A. Austin Joseph W. Doctorchik Linda Pardini

Ann Sebastian Robert Sherwood Wanda Stricklin Pamela Ann Turner

General

Alexander Comazzi Elyse Devon Sandra Olsen and Herbert Wandel Darlene Pacheco Wells Fargo Philanthropy Fuhnd

Meals on Wheels

Fidelity Charitable Melissa Meith Jack Nardini Nephrology Associates Medical Office Laura Graham Deanna Schwartz Don Taylor

Sustaining Members

Charles and Margaret Abramowitz Patricia Ballard Charlotte Bell Doni Bird John T. Brayton Bonnie Lu Cahill Tammera and Paul Campbell Carrie and Art Carney Lygia and James Charlton Jerry and Marcy Clausen Linda M. Close Barbara Coen Jacqueline Corley Cheryl C. Cummins Debra Cutting Emily and Melvin Davis John and Kathleen Dennison Donald and Renee Deorsey Cece Depaoli David and Joyce Fanucchi Richard E. Fennell Michael and Margaret Fuson Leigh Galten Mark and Judith Giampaoli Raymond Gloor W Mark Gwin George M. and Lynda L. Harrington Janyce Haseltine Wendy and Randall Haynes

Joseph Hirschmann Linda Illsley John Markarian Construction Phillip A. Johnson Bob Jordan and Jennifer Bennett-Jordan Sumedha Khanna Wendy Lebleu Ardath Lee Lionel and Gerry Lennox Janet M. MacDonald Anthony Mazzola Judith and Thomas McMorrow Gary and Mary Meagher Florence E. Melander Leslie Meuchel Judy Miller Kathleen Mouat Virginia O’Neill Gary Penders Joan Peterson Karen Powell Rapid Express Courier Roger Karraker and Nancy Rappolt Charles E. and Sarah. J. Rhodes Kathleen Roche Mary Ann Rovai William and Patricia Ruehmann Larry W. Ruminson Carol Sanders Annette Santarini Bob and Claudia Santini Susan Savonis Irene Sbrana Metha Singleton Richard A. Solar Arvid Sorum Wallace Stewart Barbara Swary & Stewart Lauterbach Louis and Brenda Switzer J. and Richard Thayer Carl and Kathryn Vast Jan Volk

Tributes In Memory of Sylvia Benn Elissa Benn

In Memory of Jack Furrer Bev Mager

In Memory of Joan Gorham

Network for Good

In Honor of Joseph Lising

Nicolas and Lamkje Sonnega

Marty Wait Mark and Sandra Walheim Betty R. Waters Carla Wedemeyer Alexander Williams Paul Zarn

Sustaining Members: Meals on Wheels Chady Wonson and Bruce Albert Paula Alden Isabel Baker Daisy Bogart Carin and Thomas Cutler Stephen Heidl Dennis Rhodes June Whitesides

Any errors or omissions in these listings are inadvertent. If your name was omitted, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling 525-0143, ext. 112.

Volunteering Your Skills for a Good Cause

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ot some time on your hands? Eager to contribute your skills to a good cause? We’ve got some important volunteer roles you might be able to fill: Main office reception, food samplers, chef prep, clerical, dining site helpers, Social Club assistance, Meals on Wheels drivers, and guitarist. For more information and registration please call Michele Leonard at 525-0143, ext. 147.

To leave a bequest is to make a permanent statement of your values. It is by this act of charity that the world will remember what you cared about and what you stood for. If providing for seniors matters to you, consider a gift to COUNCIL ON AGING in your estate plans.


Volunteer of the Month:

Terri Timms By Michele Leonard Director of Volunteer Services

“It Feels So Good to Contribute”

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erri Timms, a retired nurse, is now extremely busy as a volunteer, grandmother and aunt. She works at the gift store at her local church (the Center for Spiritual Living) and will provide emergency first-aid treatment for her church’s upcoming AIDS bicycle race. Council on Aging is fortunate to have her as a volunteer helping prepare Meals on Wheels in the COA kitchen and handing out samples of our The Noble Spoon entrees at local grocery stores, including Petaluma Market, G&G, Pacific Market and the Safeway stores in Santa Rosa. Terri even helped to “table” (distribute agency material) at the Sonoma County Fair this year. When asked why she’s such a giver, Terri’s reply is: “After working as a nurse my whole life, it’s so much fun changing gears and doing something completely different. It feels so good to contribute. It’s as simple as that!” For information about volunteering for Council on Aging, contact Michele Leonard, Director of Volunteer Services, 525-0143, ext. 147 or [email protected].


Muniz, continued from page 1 weekly for coffee to discuss what they’re going to paint before they head off to class. Because of his hand, Bob can only work in small stretches, typically painting for only one hour of a 2-1/2 hour class, but it is worth it because of the joy he gets out of painting. Since he was a young boy, Bob had always wanted to learn how to paint, but in elementary school he was discouraged by a teacher who marked him down for not painting in a certain set way. He picked what he called the “easiest medium.” He soon found out, however, that “it is a learning process to control water.” Early on, Bob would get discouraged because he thought he had to finish his paintings in class. Now he doesn’t look at the time spent but the process of what he needs to do next. “The first two years, I created nothing but mud,” he said. Over time, he says he’s improved and before long, he started entering paintings in the Sonoma County Fair, where he’s won many ribbons, including the best of show one year. Bob paints all subjects, including portraits, flowers and landscapes. “I’m the type of person who likes a challenge and doesn’t want to tie myself to one subject,” he explained. He paints mainly in class but also in a bedroom in his house that he’s converted to a studio. As for advice for other seniors who are interested in trying art, he said, “You’ll never know if you’ll like something and are good at it until you try. The only way you fail is when you stop.” He reminds people that Thomas Edison tried at least 1,000 times before creating a light bulb that worked. He says those many times weren’t failures, but were steps needed to find what would work. He describes fear as “False Evidence Appearing Real.” He further explains that painting—as with all art—is a process and you should allow yourself to go through the process. For Bob, age is only a number. “It’s what’s in your heart and mind and what you to want to express through your art that’s important.”

History Inspires Art! Help us design a mural to celebrate our 50th anniversary!

Council on Aging announces a mural design contest with a twist! It has two different age divisions: Under 20 and Over 60. The winning designs will be featured on our kitchen building. Submit your painting or drawing no later than Nov. 30 to enter. Pick up an entry form at the COA office at 30 Kawana Springs Road or go to www.councilonaging.com and click on “events” in the main menu to view our 50th anniversary celebration events.

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page 4 ◆ April 2015

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Legal Q & A by Paul Miller Director of Legal Services

I do a lot of my own projects at home, from painting to electrical work to plumbing. I have a simple estate; why shouldn’t I create my estate plan myself? —Chris, Healdsburg any people have the skills and patience to complete projects around the home, including painting, plumb ing and electrical work. Many people who are “do-it-yourselfers” take the time to properly plan and research their project, proceed cautiously, and ensure that everything is done exactly right. However, those people who make mistakes with do-it-yourself projects can face dangerous and expensive consequences: an electrical fire as a result of an improperly wired outlet, or a rotten subfloor due to a leaking pipe. The consequences of making a mistake in home repair can be devastating; however, the consequences of making a mistake with your estate plan can be even more disastrous. Many do-it-yourself estate plans are drafted in an effort to avoid time-consuming and expensive probate. However, when estate plans

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this column is general in nature, and cannot be deemed legal advice, nor does it give rise to an attorney-client relationship. The contents of this column are not intended as attorney advertising or as a solicitation for legal services. Our Legal Services Department prepares trusts, wills, advance health care directives, and powers of attorney. For

are not properly created, estates can still be subject to probate (defeating the purpose of setting up a living trust). Additionally, do-ityourself estate plans can be inadvertently drafted ambiguously, creating disagreements between children and other beneficiaries, leading to expensive, time-consuming, and destructive litigation between family members. Finally, there may be substantial adverse tax consequences of making seemingly innocuous choices when creating your own estate plan. Most people will work over 80,000 hours in their lifetime to provide for their comfortable retirement and to pass on a legacy to their loved ones. You have spent a lifetime building your nest egg; I strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney to ensure that your estate is managed and distributed exactly the way you wish after you are gone. Before meeting with an attorney, you may wish to consult valuable lowcost legal resources (such as Nolo Press) that can help give you a better understanding of the estate planning process and whether do-ityourself estate planning is for you. Paul Miller, Esq. received his law degree (cum laude) from Empire College School of Law in 2002, and he will be completing his Masters in Tax Law (LL.M.) at Golden Gate University in 2015. more information about services, go to www.councilonaging. com/services/legal-services or call Paul Miller directly at 525-0143, ext. 143. We invite you to submit a question for Paul’s column (with your first name and city) by sending it to pmiller@ councilonaging.com.

Employee of the Month:

Anne Gueulette

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nn has been employed at COA for almost 29 years. She really cares about our senior clients and the quality of food they eat. Every day Ann does quality control on the meals and advises the chef if things should be changed. She is the supervisor of Santa Rosa home-delivered meals. Her duties include manag ing all of the staff Meals on Wheels employees and the volunteers as well. She is treasured and highly valued. Congratulations, Ann! “What feeling in all the world is so nice as that of a child’s hand in yours? What tenderness it arouses, what power it conjures. You are instantly the very touchstone of wisdom and strength.” —Marjorie Holmes

New Attorney Joins Legal Services Staff Sheila Miller says she enjoys helping clients work through the intricacies of estate planning. “It’s a real gift to help make the senior’s wishes known to their family. They shouldn’t be a mystery.” In addition to providing estate planning for COA, Sheila Miller also works part-time for Legal Aid of Sonoma County, where she obtains restraining orders for victims of elder abuse. Her legal career also includes tenures at the Sonoma Today I created my estate plan...

County Victim Services Division and Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator Division, as well as eight years of private practice in family law. She received her law degree from Empire College School of Law, attending and graduating at the same time her brother did. “In working with Legal Aid, I’ve come to know members of the staff at Council on Aging and I think they’re exceptional,” says Miller. “So it’s an honor to work here.” ...And helped feed a hungry senior in Sonoma County

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ttorney Sheila Miller has joined the staff of Council on Aging’s Legal Services Department. She will help expand the department’s capacity to serve additional clients in need of comprehensive estate planning, including trusts, wills, and advance healthcare directives. Miller, sister of the Legal Services Depart ment Director Paul Miller, has worked with her brother in his private estate planning practice for several years. Says Paul Miller, “I’m very happy to have Sheila on staff at Council on Aging. I know from personal experience her outstand ing capabilities and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for all her clients.”

Your legal fees help fund vital services for seniors in Sonoma County, including Meals on Wheels. For additional information on our legal services please call Paul Miller at 707-525-0143 ext. 140 or email at [email protected]



Retirement Community Bully

There’s one in every facility by John J. Lesjack

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arol Lee carried her shiny red suitcase in her right hand as we walked down La Dolce Vita Retirement Community’s Hallway. She was wearing her dark suit with the knee-length skirt, white blouse, and silver neck lace. Her platinum gray hair was cut fashionably short. She stopped in front of the young recep tionist, set her suitcase down, and signed out for the weekend. Her friend, the peacenik with magenta-colored hair, stood nearby and smiled approvingly. From behind her, Carol heard, “You going away?” Ona Barker sat on her wheelchair in front of six other residents hanging around the lobby instead of their empty rooms. An older inhabitant of La Dolce Vita, Ona had evolved into a consummate bully. Her favorite tactic was to roll up beside a smaller person during dinner and say, “What’s that slop you’re eating?” If the person cried, Ona said, “Can’t you take a joke?” Ona squawked, “You got a car?” “No. I walked here,” I said. “Are you going away?” Ona said. “No,” I said. “We’re escaping. We’re tired of looking at grape vines. We want to look at the ocean, to dream, to recite poetry!” Ona gave me a hard stare and said, “Are you being a wise guy?” “I’m being funny,” I said. “Can’t you take a joke?” “I don’t like funny,” she said. “Humor is a system, but it’s not perfect, as your history just proved.” “How long have you two been together?” Ona asked. “Thirteen years,” I responded without thinking. “I wouldn’t waste 13 years of my life waiting for a man, no matter how good looking he is,” she explained. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I said. “If I couldn’t get him to marry me after one year, he wouldn’t respect me,” she explained. “And so you married a good looking man who respected you?” I asked. “He respected me until the divorce,” she said. “You don’t really know a person until you divorce him,” Ona said. Then she added, “Are you two having an affair?” “Don’t hold back,” I said. “Ask anything you want. Ignore the 13-year comment I made.” She was playing to the audience behind her and her audience wanted to hear how an ambulatory 75-year old man would retaliate.

“Well, are you?” Ona demanded, bullying me into a response. “We’re traveling in sin, if that’s what you mean.” “What about the affair?” she persisted. I allowed Ona’s question to hang in the air, like flatulence that no one acknowledges at a garden party. Then I answered more for the fun of shock value than her edification. “We are,” I smiled. “The wonderful Victorian kind—a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and Carol, singing beside me with the top down.” I laughed and heard the receptionist and Carol Lee laugh. The peacenik laughed and said, “It’s good to have your top down.” “How long?” Ona said. ‘I think having one’s top down is a personal choice,” I said. Ona was on a mission and repeated the question. “How long have you been together?” “What time is it?” I said, looked at my watch and said, “Thirteen-years, four days.” I was conscious of traffic increasing on Highway 101. Then there was my…you know… flame of love. (Wink.) “How come you don’t get married?” Ona said. She was like a pit bull with her aggressive questioning. People were getting embarrassed for her and others were downright annoyed. I was impatient to get away. I had come to pick up Carol Lee and her red suitcase, not this bully. I’d been put on the spot before but never like this and it was all my own doing, damn it. That said, the way out of a problem is to go through the problem. Right? “How come we don’t get married?” I repeated the question louder for any senior citizen or gossip in the Universe who may have missed it. Then I lowered my voice, leaned over, went eye ball to eyeball with the large Ona and said, “Carol Lee won’t raise the children in my religion.” Ona had no fear of embarrassing herself and said, “Which religion is that?” “Which religion?” I said. Then I paused and said in capital letters: “HEDONISM!” Heads slowly turned as the bully’s face wrinkled up. “What’s hedonism?” she said. “You’re not at all playful, are you?” I said. Ona turned to her audience, “Am I playful?” None of them said anything. “I don’t remember,” Ona said. When Carol Lee, the receptionist and the

Q: How can you invest in the well-being A:

of Sonoma County seniors?

Set up a charitable trust or estate plan that will help us feed and care for seniors now and into the future. For information on how you can help Sonoma County seniors, call Marrianne McBride, President & CEO, 707.525.0143, Ext. 111. The Council on Aging is proud to announce that the Endowment Fund is managed by Exchange Bank. The Exchange Bank continuously serves Sonoma County community charitable endeavors. For more information, call 707.524.3151.

John and Carol Lee peacenik in magenta-colored hair laughed out loud, I felt vindicated. “Pleasure seeker!” I said. Ona looked dazed so I fired a last verbal salvo across her bow. “Eat, drink and be merry!” I picked up Carol Lee’s red suitcase, gave her my arm and shivered from the hedonistic vibrations of her touch. We were inches from the glass doors when we heard from behind us: “When are you coming back?” I thought about that and said, “When we are satiated.” “That sounds awful,” she said. “You two should go to confession soon.” “I’m a Libra,” I said. “I need balance. First I sow my old oats. Second I pray for crop failure.” Carol Lee and I looked at one another, began laughing, and hurried to my car. Then we were speeding south and laughing so hard drivers on 101 looked at us as if we were two septuagenarians high on Maui Waui. I put the top up and Carol Lee put her head down on my shoulder. I talked about what to see on this trip—Filoli gardens, a Monet exhibit, the Rosicrucians? “The trouble with us hedonists,” I said, “is that we’ve seen everything.” Carol sat up, removed her glasses and said modestly, “You haven’t seen Jasmine Regina’s latest outfit.” That name jolted me. I looked briefly into a pair of twinkling blue eyes. “Your naughty twin sister has a new outfit?” “Jasmine Regina packed it herself,” Carol said. “With the lavender oil, the scented candles and, you know.” She moved coquettishly. I straightened up and pressed the escalator, I mean the accelerator, to the floor, if only in my imagination. Then in real life, I kissed her ear and said, “I love it when you talk dirty, Honey.” John J. Lesjack has been published in the SF Chronicle Sunday Magazine and many other publications. He won the Press Democrat Christmas tradition writing contest in 2011.



“Do Something Grand” It’s the theme of this year’s National Grandparents Day, September 13

My Grandma

by Bonnie Allen

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he late Marian McQuade was a lifelong promoter of grandparents. Not surpris ing, since she had 43 grandchildren of her own, not to mention 15 great-grandchildren during her life. Born in 1917, McQuade started working on senior issues in 1956, when she helped organize an event in honor of West Virginia’s octogenarians. Because McQuade was convinced that grandparents are important to society, she pushed to have a special day set aside to honor them. The first Grandparents Day was celebrated in West Virginia in 1973. But her goals were national. Politically active, she had run for Congress and met with Presidents Nixon and Carter to promote a national day. In 1978, President Carter signed a proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as Grandparents Day, beginning in 1979. President Obama’s 2014 Grandparents Day Proclamation notes that “With grit and determination, our grandparents have built better lives for their loved ones and a better future for our country.” He should know. He was partially raised by his grandparents from age 10, and he credits his grandmother for developing his character. The President continues to value the importance of grandparents. It’s one reason why his children’s maternal grandmother lives in the White House with the family.

Some local thoughts on grandparenting

We talked with some grandparents about their connections with their grandchildren. “They give me an opportunity to see the world through their eyes,” says Petaluma grandmother Barbara Arhon. “Children and babies are open and tell you exactly what they want.” Arhon feels she is a better person for this insight. “Things that are important to me may not be important to them, so I get to see what’s really important in other people’s lives. The most basic thing is just the love that you get from a child and the love that you give to the child. Every grandparent has their own take on what it is, but this is what it is for me.” Arhon, a musician, taught her granddaughter to play the guitar, and the two even performed together at musical gatherings when Zoe was younger. The relationship continues to evolve as Zoe moves into her pre-teens and is more interested in being with her peers. Arhon has written a playful book about her interactions with Zoe, who regularly challenges Arhon’s assumptions about grandparenting. Now, with two younger grandsons, she is refining her “techniques.” “I’m learning how to deal with issues in a way different from being a mother.” Arhon has an advantage over fellow Petaluman Stan Gold. When his grandchildren were born, Gold declared that there was nothing more wonderful than being a grandfather. But the grandchildren live across the continent. “The problem is that I am a long-distance grandparent,” he says wistfully. “I see my grandgirls only once a year, when I go to the East Coast. I miss them the other 51 weeks of the year. They are growing up without me. Keeping in touch with e-mail is no substitute for an

by Bonnie Allen

From the West Virginia State Archives

honest-to-goodness bear hug. Even an occasional Skype doesn’t take the place of a real hug from bright-eyed little girls—and getting to hug them back!” Barbara Arhon says she wouldn’t dream of moving away from her grandchildren, no matter what the incentive. For her, the grandchildren are central to her life. But it’s a sad fact of life that, out of sheer necessity, more and more people must leave the communities where they grew up. How can we address this? If you live far from your grandchildren, how do you keep them a part of your life?

Staying connected

To fulfill the promise of last spring’s Aging Together conference, “Community Connections Across Generations,” grandparents and grand children need to be present in each others’ lives. The National Grandparents Day website (grandparentsday.org) has many suggestions for getting closer to your grandchildren—or grandparents—even if you don’t live near them. And there are other ways to make the connection across generations. Their section, “Do Something Grand,” for instance, suggests: • Volunteer with and advocate on behalf of another generation. • If you’re online, encourage your friends and family to swap their regular Facebook profile or cover photos with one that includes their grandparents and/or grandchildren and keep it up throughout the week. Share what you’re doing to celebrate Grandparents Day. • Register a young adult to vote. • Take a grandchild or grandparent with you when you vote. • Talk about how daily life has changed over the generations. Which things have changed for the better? For worse? There’s a printable “Take Action Guide” you can download and print for family members who may not be Internet-savvy. There are stories and facts about grandparents. Did you know that Olympic gold medalist Felix Sanchez kept a photo of his beloved “Abuela,” pinned beneath his bib while competing? It was her faith in him that kept him striving for the gold even after struggling with injuries. Did you know that 7.8 million children are living in households headed by grandparents and other non-parent relatives? That these grand parents save us taxpayers $6.5 billion a year by keeping their grandchildren out of foster care? There’s a reason why humans survive long past their ability to bear children. Grandparents

The author with grandmother and baby brother

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’ve often thought that having one person who is always there for you is the most important blessing a child can have. My grandmother was a “safe harbor” for me during a tumultuous childhood in which my mother blundered through several marriages and abusive relationships. In my mind’s eye, I picture myself sitting in Grandma’s lap in her tree-shaded woodland cottage as she read me stories. She was my compass in stormy waters. My mother was a brilliant woman, but not domestic at all. As I grew older, Grandma taught me to cook and sew. In our adventures, she relived her childhood through me. We watched soap operas and read the comics together. We took road trips. I will never forget the day we stopped in redwood country, walked into the woods, spread a blanket and sat down to play cards while munching on chocolate covered raisins. My grandmother’s unconditional love, unsullied by the preoccupations of parenthood and the need to earn a living, made me the person I am today. I keep this in mind as I see my own granddaughters progress through babyhood and school days. What will the future hold for them? I can’t wait to find out.

One person who has reached across the generations is Hank Mattimore. He has been a grandparent-in-residence at the Children’s Village of Sonoma County, and volunteers as a spiritual advisor in the juvenile justice system, where many of the youth still refer to him as grandfather. See his story, “How the “F” Word Changed My Life, on page 1. are the carriers of our culture. It is their task to transmit that ancient wisdom to a generation not yet hardened by life’s realities. Perhaps you are not blessed with a grandchild or grandparent. Find one! There is someone out there a couple of generations away from you who will benefit from knowing you. Celebrate Grandparents Day by seeking out that person. For a special opportunity to make a difference across the generations, see “CASA Volunteers Needed,” page 9.



Seniors Benefit from Young Farmers’ Hard Work, Donors’ Generosity by Cheri Lieurance, Marketing Coordinator

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hanks to the largesse of several generous donors, Meals on Wheels clients are enjoying hundreds of pounds of locally raised beef and pork in their meals. The meat came from animals raised by young members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), who auctioned them off at the 2015 Sonoma County Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction. The meat produced by the donated animals— including 1-1/2 steers and three hogs—is enough to constitute about 3,300 meals for frail, homebound seniors who can benefit greatly from the high-quality protein. Melissa Prentice, owner of Wine Industry Compliance Services, placed the winning bid on a 1,275-pound steer, and promptly donated all of it to Meals on Wheels. It’s the fourth year she’s donated beef she purchased at auction to the cause of feeding seniors. “It starts with the kids, then goes to seniors, so it’s a great circle,” Prentice says. Prentice purchased her steer for the second year in a row from 12-year-old Gage Anderson, a member of the Forestville 4-H Club, largely on the basis of a letter from Anderson thanking her for purchasing his steer in 2014. “He was really into the fact that we donated the meat,” she said. Prentice, who also purchased another half a

Cooper Ostello shows off his hog

beef, was given the other half of the steer by another donor who preferred to remain anonymous, so Prentice also donated that onehalf steer to Meals on Wheels. The steer from which the meat came was raised by Steven Pozzi, from the Petaluma FFA, who is headed off to attend California State University, Fresno, this fall. Stacey Biagi, of Biagi Bros. placed the winning bid on two hogs at the livestock auction. She then turned around and donated all of the meat from one swine, and almost the entire amount of meat from the second one— cumulatively almost “500 pounds of organic pork,” says Biagi. One of the hogs was raised by 10-year-old Cooper Ostello, a member of the Lytton Springs 4-H Club. The other hog was raised by an FFA member. It’s the second year that Biagi Bros. has donated pork obtained from the auction. “We want to inspire other businesses to get behind Sonoma County youth. Everyone knows someone in 4-H, which teaches kids discipline, structure and how to take care of an animal. To then be able to donate it to a cause like Meals on Wheels is phenomenal.” Still another hog was bought by Mel and Janeen Sanchetti of Sanchetti Ranch, who also opted to donate their purchase to Meals on Wheels for the second year in a row. They purchased it from Kendra Foster, of the Forestville 4-H Club. A long-time contributor to Meals on Wheels, Janeen Sanchetti decided to show her support in a new way: by donating the hogs. “I’m also a long-time supporter of 4-H,” she notes. Says Laura Colgate, Director of Senior Nutritional Services at COA, of the junior livestock program, “I was raised on a farm and participated in both the 4-H and FFA by raising animals and selling them at the Sonoma County Fair Junior Livestock Auction. I understand the importance of the experience for young people, and the value of the locally raised premium meat for seniors.”

Town of Windsor Provides $20,000 Grant for Meals on Wheels

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he Town of Windsor has generously agreed to provide a $20,000 grant to Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 to help defray the cost of providing meals to frail, homebound seniors in Windsor during the next fiscal year. Windsor first began supporting Meals on Wheels in 1996, according to Olivia Lemen, Management Analyst for Windsor, with a grant of $5,000. It has grown steadily over the years until it reached $20,000 starting in 2005. “From the outset of the Town of Windsor’s Funding program for local non-profit organizations in 1996, Windsor Town Councils 8◆ April 2015 have,page without reservation, approved annual

Left to right: Melissa Prentice, Amanda Prentice, Gage Anderson

Like us on Facebook! Be our friend and share your support and love of Council on Aging with your friends and family. With over 9 800 people already our friends, you can keep up to date on the exciting events coming up, read stories about the seniors we serve and the volunteers who help us each day. To find us, go to your Facebook page and type “Council on Aging” in the search window at the top. Not a Facebook member? It’s easy and free to sign up. Go to www.facebook.com and follow the directions to set up your home page.

funding for the meals programs for Windsor senior citizens administered by Sonoma County Council on Aging,” says Bruce Okrepkie, Town of Windsor Mayor. “Windsor values health and quality of life for all of its citizens and appreciates the support that Council on Aging provides.” “Two fully staffed meal delivery routes serve Windsor five days a week with a total of over

15,000 meals a year,” continues Okrepkie. “It has been satisfying to be able to partner each year with Council on Aging to support its Meals on Wheels program, which ensures that our homebound senior populace is provided the opportunity for both nutritious meals and Sonoma Seniors Today personal social contact. ”



The Noble Spoon to Become Vending Item for Byte Foods by Cheri Lieurance, Marketing Coordinator

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ouncil on Aging in Sonoma County and Byte Foods are partnering to bring The Noble Spoon’s wine-country-inspired entrées to businesses throughout the Bay Area. Byte uses internet-connected kiosks to serve fresh, healthy meals and snacks, to employees 24 hours a day, just steps from their desks. Made by dedicated chefs in Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen, The Noble Spoon offers a rotating menu of 10 different entrées that reflect the eclectic variety and local, fresh ingredients characteristic of wine country cuisine. Proceeds from sale of the entrées help support the COA’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers more than 285,000 meals per year to frail, homebound seniors. “We are excited about partnering with Byte Foods, who is providing us with an avenue to reach a previously unexplored market with our entrées—employees needing nutritious, convenient lunches or dinners without leaving their workplaces,” said Marrianne McBride, President and CEO of Council on Aging. “Byte offers healthy corporate food options, oftentimes at no cost to the employer, and our partnership with The Noble Spoon is an exciting one that’s been welcomed as a popular lunch option for many of our customers,” said Megan Mokri, Founder of Byte Foods. “We’re excited to be working with The Noble Spoon because of their focus on local, fresh ingredients and our philanthropic goals of giving back to the community.” By working with Byte Foods, The Noble Spoon products will be featured at a growing number of Bay Area businesses, including Annie’s, 2K Games, BBDO, WeWork, Butler Stern Silverstein & Partners, and many others.

Sonoma Seniors Today

The food options include Blue Bottle Coffee, snacks, salads, sandwiches, cold-pressed juices, wraps, burritos and entrées. With Byte Food’s internet-connected kiosks employees have convenient access to food 24 hours a day and can purchase items with just a swipe of a credit or debit card. According to Mokri, the smart-refrigerator technology boosts productivity by offering access to healthy food on-site, and even provides employers the ability to subsidize the costs of the food in unique ways such as happy hours. The Noble Spoon products are also available at a growing number of select local grocery stores. In Sonoma County, they are available at Big John’s Market, Fircrest Market; G&G Supermarkets; Glen Ellen Village Market; Molsberry Market; Pacific Markets; Petaluma Market; Pohley’s Market; Safeway stores in Santa Rosa, Windsor and Healdsburg; and Sonoma Market. In Marin County, they are available at Fairfax Market, Marinwood Market, Red Whale Coffee and Scotty’s Market. For more information about The Noble Spoon, go to www.councilonaging.com/ TheNobleSpoon. For more information about Byte Foods, go to www.bytefoods.co.

CASA Volunteers Needed For Neglected Children

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very day in Sonoma County, children are removed from their homes because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Through no fault of their own, these children are made dependents of the Juvenile Court, where an overburdened legal system

sometimes cannot hear their voices. They need a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to provide consistent and personal support as they go through months of legal procedures. CASA provides human contact the youth need and the adult experience and savvy the court needs to make better decisions for them. If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work. A CASA volunteer is a powerful voice in a child’s life. CASA training takes place over three and a half days. It begins Thursday, September 24, 10 am–1:30 pm, then runs from Tuesday, September 29, through Thursday, October 1, 8:30 am–5 pm, at CASA’s office at the Los Guilicos complex near Oakmont in Santa Rosa. For more information and to sign up for CASA training, contact Millie Gilson at 565-6375.

April 2015 ◆ page 9



Senior Center Highlights Bennett Valley Senior Center

704 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, 543-4624 • Mon, Sep 14, 9:30–11:15 am: Learn to Ride the Bus. Class instruction, then the class takes a ride on the bus! Learn CityBus routes, the transfer system and fares in this fun and entertaining class. See your city for the first time as a passenger rather than driver. Free, preregistration required at 545-8608. #72234. • Sat, Sep 26, 10 am–2 pm: Big Buck$ Bingo. $10 at the door, extra packets $5. BBQ lunch. Pre-registration required, minimum of 30 to hold bingo. • Mon, Sep 28, 9–11 am: Flu Shot Clinic. Free for Medicare Part B holders; $30 all others.

Finley Center

2060 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa, 543-3745 http://tinyurl.com/PersonSeniorCenter • Fri, Sep 18, 11 am–1 pm: Octoberfest. At the Finley Center Courtyard. Co-sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club. Grilled brats, German sausages and veggie dogs, potato salad, kraut, special mustards and dessert. The Biergarten will offer an assortment of beers, soft drinks and waters. All are welcome! $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Tickets available at Bennett Valley, Finley and Steele Lane centers. #72018. • Tuesdays, 11 am–1 pm: The Beauty of Painting, Fundamental Techniques. Explore painting techniques with renowned French artist Christian Quintin. Using acrylics and oils, explore fundamentals such as blending, glazes, pigments and materials. All levels are welcome. Ongoing session. Call for dates and fees.

Sebastopol Senior Center

167 N High St, Sebastopol, 829-2440 www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org. • Sat, Sep 10, 6:30–10:30 pm: LGBTQ Dance. Light snacks will be provided and wine available for purchase. Entertainment by DJ Dave Brown. $10.

Vintage House

264 First St East, Sonoma, 996-0311 www.vintagehouse.org • Thu, Sep 10, 2–4 pm: “Being Mortal.” Watch the documentary and join a national dialogue taking place in our community about the inescapable reality of life: death. FREE. • Thu, Sep 24, 1:30–3:30 pm: Advance Care Directive Workshop. Come join the discussion to assist you in writing or revising your advance health care directive.

Fax: 707-497-3010

“Becoming a grandmother is great fun because you can use the kid to get back at your daughter.” —Roseanne

Attention: Medicare Beneficiaries Remember these dates: October 15 to December 7

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he annual election period allows you to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Prescription Drug plan. Senior Advocacy Services encourages all Medicare beneficiaries to review your coverage for 2015. For assistance or a one-on-one counseling appointment with HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program), call 526-4108, ext 117. A program of Senior Advocacy Services.



“F” Word, continued from page 1 I had to smile, too. “Dude, I screwed up didn’t I?” The boy put his hand on my shoulder for a brief second. “Hey, it’s ok, grandpa Hank. We all make mistakes.” What I recall the most about that experience was that the relationship between this old white grandpa and an 11-year-old kid named Tony was never the same after that. We connected. Maybe seeing my own humanity gave him permission to be more relaxed around me. Whatever it was, we became buddies. He used to drop in on me to watch TV together. Our favorite show was “Everybody Hates Chris,” that sitcom about a junior high black kid and his experiences growing up going to an all-white school. We bonded, Tony and I. I like to think I was able to help him grow up through those preadolescent years. He helped me to grow, too. Made me realize that the good Lord uses even our goofs to teach us life lessons. I’m even grateful for the Niners for NOT winning that game. Follow Hank Mattimore’s blog at grandpahank.com. “Perfect love sometimes does not come till the first grandchild.” —Welsh proverb

Estate Planning Service Providing revocable, simple trusts to Sonoma County residents who own a home and wish to avoid probate of their estate. Fees: $1200 for a single trust $1800 for a couple trust $215 / hour for amending current trust For more information, please call Paul Miller at Council on Aging, 707-525-0143, ext. 143

September Crossword Puzzle 1

Across 1 5 9 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 37 39 40 41 42 44 47 48 50 51 52 56 59 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

Louvre On top of Vigil Paddles Dad Orderly arrangement Trash heap Knots Rift Gone by Zany Arab country Scream Local star Roberto’s huzzah Mammalian feature Pop-ups, for instance Type of spider Connection Central points Morsel for a horse Booty “La __ Vita” Hardens Alias indicator Not as much Brain wave test, for short Computer key Lounging couch Lids Swiss mountain cottage Retirement community bully* Identical Winged Seaweed substance A donation to Meals on Wheels* PBS science show Word list, for short Swarm Boat part Baseball team

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creative

writing classes

A Lighthearted, Practical Approach with Real Results!

with Valerie Serrano, MFA, with 25+ years writing and 7 years teaching in New York City, currently also teaching writing at the Santa Rosa Finley Community Center.

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

30 31 1 Fizzy drinks 32 2 Respond to a comedian 33 3 Protective covering 34 4 Kitchen unit, for short 35 5 Chimney pipes 36 6 Compensated 38 7 Oil exporting org. 39 8 Space org. 43 9 Football conference 45 10 She taught her granddaughter to play guitar* 46 11 Streetcar 49 12 Org. that advocates for foster youth* 51 13 Church song 53 21 Thaw 54 22 Pressure unit, briefly 55 25 Type of Greek column 56 27 Vase 57 29 Warms up 58 60 61 Grandparent Tales 62 65 My granddaughter came home from second 67 grade and said, “Grandma, guess what? *Answers found in this issue

Down

Against Neuron end Pairs This paper, for short* Fishing tackle Ca. University Peat or sphagnum Lament Food reg. org. Building addition Level of government Accomplishment Last concluder, sometimes Inquired Golf term Make into law Pub game Redeem a check Singing voice Wharf He let the “F” word slip out* Lotion ingredient Clean Bard’s before Naval officer prefix

We learned how to make babies today.”

More than a little surprised, I tried to keep my cool. “That’s interesting.” I said. “How do you make babies?”

Are you a family member or caregiver?

Do you need a break?

Get some of your precious time back while your loved one enjoys an engaging atmosphere with activities for people with memory loss.

Donations to cover the cost of club activities are appreciated but no one will be denied access to activities if they are unable to contribute.

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We all have a story to tell. Express yourself.

the Let’s Write! studio is located at: 1400 Guerneville Rd, #2 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

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Fiction, Poetry, Memoir, Personal Essay Professional instruction & feedback Small class or private individual session Writer-friendly rates Take advantage of my experience!

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 Lively group exercise  Delicious lunch  Brain games  Visits from children  Art and music  Lively discussions  Respite for caregivers

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“It’s simple,” replied my granddaughter. “You just change ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es’.”

Let’s Write!

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Solution on page 12

Senior Social Clubs are located in Sebastopol, Sonoma, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa. Call Laurel at 707-525-0143 X103 or email [email protected]

Supply the missing numbers so that every row, column and 9-digit square contain only one of each number. No math skills are required, and no guesswork. For hints on doing Sudoku puzzles, visit www.websudoku.com, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Sonoma Seniors Today, 30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (Solution on page 8.)


Working for You Information & Assistance/ Case Navigator:

Do you need help with senior resources? Call us any time for information, assistance and help managing resources. Call 525-0143. Sebastopol seniors only: call the Russian River Senior Center at 869-0618.

Senior Financial Services:

Our bonded and insured counselors assist individuals who are unable to handle bill paying, checkbook reconciliation, eligibility documentation for retirement programs, and other financial needs relative to their daily money management. This program is especially designed for the forgetful senior or someone with poor vision and often protects them from financial abuse and late fees associated with forgetting to pay their bills. For peace of mind, call Connie Aust, Director, at 525-0143, ext. 108.

Senior Peer Support:

This program is to help seniors struggling with serious mental illness to access services and programs that help them develop skills and social support, leading to a more construc tive and satisfying life. After an assessment visit by COA case managers and a licensed marriage and family therapist, clients are matched with trained volunteers for 12 weekly support sessions to develop a care plan solution with the cli ent’s approval, then follow-up with progress notes. Sponsored by the Department of Mental Health Services. Call Michele Leonard, Director of Volunteers, 525-0143, ext. 147, for information.

Lawyer Referral Service:

If you are 60 or older and need an attorney, you will be referred to a panel of elder law attorneys experienced in work ing with seniors. An initial half-hour consultation is $40. If you retain the attorney for further services, fees will be at the attorney’s usual rate. The service is certified by the California State Bar, Certification #0111. Call 525-1146.

Senior Meals:

Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program personally de livers over 285,000 fresh meals to seniors each year. We also staff ten dining sites that provide nutritious meals as well as companionship. Therapeutic meals and nutritional counsel ing are available for seniors with special needs. Call 525-0383 for information on home delivery or dining site locations.


Save the Date (Events are free unless otherwise indicated) September 9: Redwood Stitchers Open

House. Exhibit features every kind of needlework you can imagine and more. Noon– 2:30 pm at Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa. At 1 pm, Tami Soler will teach a free class in patterning darning. Refreshments served. Bring scissors; all other supplies furnished. 544-8016. September 12: Welcome to the Village. The Village is an innovative concept of friends helping friends to continue living vibrant, active and connected lives in our own homes as we age. Village Network of Petaluma, 402 Petaluma Blvd. N. 10:30–11:30 am. VillageNetworkofPetaluma. org, 776-6065. September 17: Advance Care Planning. Learn about advance care planning and how to complete an advance health care directive. Russian River Senior Resource Center, 15010 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 1:30–4 pm. Trained facilitators from My Care, My Plan: Speak Up, Sonoma County, an advance care planning community initiative, will present. September 15: Parkinson’s Support Group. Suketu Khandhar, MD: “Update on Par kinson’s Medications“ at 1717 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, 1–3:15 pm. People w/Parkinson’s, families, caregivers welcome. 538-5178 or 431-8767. September 27: Bilingual Brain Fair Preview. Brain experts discuss how to use games to improve mental functioning through Mindcraft games for kids. For parents, teachers, adults changing jobs, boomers, seniors and children. Roseland Accelerated Middle School, 1777 West Ave, Santa Rosa, 2–5 pm. 526-9196.

The Noble Spoon:

The Noble Spoon is the Council on Aging’s affordable gourmet option, available at select fine grocery stores, that offers restaurant-quality, fine dining entrées prepared fresh and ready for microwave or oven. See www.councilonaging. com/TheNobleSpoon for a sample menu and links to store locations.

Senior Social Club:

This service has helped hundreds of people to reconnect with others through our Adult Day Program activities, offering the opportunity to gather for meals, exercise, entertainment, companionship, and arts and crafts. The programs are held in Healdsburg, Sonoma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, and provide respite for family members. Call Laurel Anderson at 525-0143, ext. 103.

Senior Legal Services:

Available are simple trusts, wills and durable powers of at torney for health care and finance. Please call 525-0143, ext. 140, for an appointment.

Senior Care Navigator:

Our experienced staff provides advocacy-based long-term care management for seniors having difficulty navigating the local senior service delivery system. Our Senior Care Coor dinator creates an individualized and thoughtful care plan to reflect and preserve the senior’s values and lifestyle choices, while maximizing opportunities for positive change and maintaining quality of life. We work in collaboration with home health care agencies and provide integrated services through other Council on Aging services. Our fees are very competitive with private care managers in our community. Call 525-0143.

S L A T U OA RS P DUMP T A GO MA S H R I E K O L E H UN TS FOC I DO L C E A K A L E A L T C A P S C A L I K E S T E E R HORD E

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ON WA T C H P A A R RA Y E S CH A S M CA P OMA N S UN HA I R A D S ME N N E X U S OA T L OOT S T I F F E NS S S E E G DA Y B E D H A L E T ON A A L A R A GA R N OV A D I C T K E E L ME T S

October 9: 10th Annual Tech Expo. More

than 60 exhibitors will display assistive technology devices and educational materials for veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and health professionals. Come see the new technologies! Finley Hall, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, 10 am–3 pm. Sponsored by Disability Services and Legal Center. 528-2735.

Volunteers Needed

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olunteers with financial expertise are needed to help the Sonoma County Elder Justice Coalition’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) identify, investigate, prevent and remedy an increasing number of elder financial abuse cases. Accountants, CPAs, estate planners, private fiduciaries, real estate brokers, forensic accountants, bankers, insurance experts and attorneys will review confidential financial abuse reports made to Adult Protective Services and other agencies throughout the year. Volunteers will work an average of five hours a month during their year-long service. Work schedules will be flexible, since the FAST team reviews and responds to reports within three business days. For more about this volunteer opportunity, visit www. socoelderprotect.org/htm/fast.htm or contact FAST Coordinator Tara Underly, 565-3921 or [email protected].