MEMBER SURVEY COMING SOON!
Your Voice Will Help Shape the Future of Our Village
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Our last member survey was conducted in early 2020, and so much has changed for all of us since then.
Your input about our village is invaluable. Suggestions for new initiatives, feedback on existing programs and services, and ideas for improvement – your opinions are essential!
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Ashby Village members, look for an email this week from Bab Freiberg, Ashby Village Executive Director, that will include a link to the online member survey. You will have the option of completing the survey on paper or by phone, if you prefer. Volunteers will be available and happy to assist you.
Your participation is so important. Your thoughts, along with those of your fellow members, will better ensure that you have access to the programs and services you find most meaningful.
Make your voice heard!
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To conduct this member survey, Ashby Village was fortunate to partner with the UC Berkeley Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services at the School of Social Welfare. We are extremely lucky to be working with Emmeline Chuang, PhD, and Angela K. Perone, PhD, JD, MSW, MA, in developing, implementing and analyzing this survey.
Ashby Village has also benefited from the expertise and contributions of talented villagers, namely:
- Don Hubbard, EdD, former science teacher
- Alice Pressman, PhD, MS, Professor, Kaiser Permanente (KP) Bernard Tyson School of Medicine
- Joe Selby, MD, MPH, former Director of the KP Division of Research (DOR) and former Director of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
- Barbara Sternfeld, PhD, Research Scientist Emeritus, KP DOR
- Karen O. Dean, MSW, Ashby Village Member Services Manager
- Bab Freiberg, MPA, Ashby Village Executive Director
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“When I was growing up, tennis was the appropriate sport for girls – not the football that I played with the boys in the field where kids gathered in my suburban Chicago neighborhood.
It’s harder for adults to learn new things. They give up because they can’t ‘get it’ right away. Kids, on the other hand, are used to learning every day and have no assumptions that they know it already.
Get out and PLAY pickleball. It’s a great way to connect with people. Give yourself the gift of play. You’ll smile the whole time – guaranteed!”
Ellen Carlton
Ashby Village Volunteer
and Avid Tennis and Pickleball Player
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Ellen Carlton learned to play tennis when she was 12 years old and became a certified teaching professional in her 20s, achieving national ranking in her 50s. Ellen went on to teach coaches, instructors, and athletes how to learn and teach sports at Sonoma State College for 32 years. And she took up tennis once again. | |
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What activity inspires or enriches you? Cooking, walking, singing, writing, painting, star-gazing, travel, reading, bird watching, photography, bridge, Scrabble, swimming, movies, golf, pickleball, tutoring children, gardening, wildflowering, volunteering, video games?
If you're an Ashby Villager who is interested in sharing your story in a future newsletter, please contact Communications Manager Charis Hanshaw at charis@ashbyvillage.org.
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Did someone share our newsletter with you? Get your own copy! | |
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The first article in this new series takes you back to the beginning of the Ashby Village Board of Directors – when work was an “all hands-on deck” experience – and a look at where we are today, nearly 14 years later.
"Is it fun? Most of the work isn’t exactly glamorous (and trends nerdy), but it's meaningful because it’s important to the success of the Village."
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Popular Tai Chi Classes Continue! | | |
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T’ai Chi, Breath & Flow
at AV Julia Morgan Hall
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Karina Epperlein leads this current 8-session that continues through May 2.
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am
Current series is full and is not accepting new members at this time.
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Tai Chi Chih
at Rockridge Library
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Jenn Biehn leads a new 8-session April 15–June 17 (except Memorial Day)
Mondays, 2-4pm
Priority registration: AV Members and Volunteers
No Fee, donations encouraged
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New Cooking Interest Group | | |
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Announcing “Stone Soup”, a new Ashby Village cooking group aimed at those who live solo. Every 4th Thursday, we'll gather to cook healthy meals with fresh ingredients to eat together and take home. No cooking experience needed! | |
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The group will be led by Ashby Village Volunteer Christina Ahlstrand, and there is room for 8 participants.
First meeting: Thursday, April 25, 11:30am-1:30pm
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Register through the calendar event here, call the Ashby Village office at (510) 204-9200 or send an email to info@ashbyvillage.org.
The initial meeting will be a time to get to know each other, discuss the structure of the group and enjoy a brown bag lunch. Christina will provide a fresh fruit salad for dessert. Contact Christina with any questions at cahlstrand51(at)hotmail.com.
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New Discussion Group for Ashby Villagers Starting in May
We live in a culture that tends to avoid talking about old age, illness and death. We’d like to change that by inviting Ashby Village members and volunteers to join a “Death Cafe” group to discuss aspects of death and dying.
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A Death Cafe is a respectful and confidential meeting where people can openly discuss death-related issues in a comfortable, gently structured setting. Death Cafes create a safe space for people to share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, fears, beliefs and stories about death and dying as a natural part of life. Meetings have no set agenda, objective or themes.
The first Death Cafe was offered in London in 2011 and the concept spread quickly worldwide. Further information can be found at deathcafe.com.
The first Death Cafe @Ashby Village will be held on Tuesday, May 21 (and each 3rd Tuesday of the month) from 2:30-4:00pm in the multi-purpose room at the Ashby Village office at 1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley. Registration is appreciated, but not required.
For more information about Death Cafe @Ashby Village, please contact Ashby Villagers Tedi Simonowsky (510) 526-5968 or Holly Chapin (510) 332-2693, or Ashby Village Member Services Manager Karen Dean karen@ashbyvillage.org.
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New Walking Buddy Team Coming This Summer
For years, volunteer Walking Buddies have met up with Ashby Village members one-on-one to spend time together moving in the fresh air walking in their neighborhoods and nearby parks.
This new Walking Buddy Team offers the opportunity for more ongoing connection among villagers by coordinating pairs and small groups for regular walks.
Ashby Village Volunteers: If you're interested in learning more, head over to Volunteer Connect and add the Walking Buddy category to your profile, then watch for an invitation to participate in this new group.
Ashby Village Members: You're encouraged to become a Walking Buddy too! Neighbors offering one another support and companionship is what the village is all about.
Please contact volunteer@ashbyvillage.org for more information about the new Walking Buddy Team or about becoming an Ashby Village volunteer.
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But wait, there's more! Do you like to plan and coordinate outings? Do you enjoy being creative and generating ideas with others? There's also an opportunity to support the new Walking Buddy Team as a co-coordinator. Please email your interest to volunteer@ashbyvillage.org.
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Kristina Holland
February 1944-February 2023
Kristina Holland, born Kristina Jane Hermansen on February 25, 1944 in Fayetteville, NC, passed away on February 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was the eldest daughter of Jacque Blaine and Milford Hermansen. Kristina is survived by her sisters Sheri Howe and Melanie Martin, daughter Lilia Holland Tamm, niece Julia Martin, and beloved grandson Aza.
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"Kristina's life was a testament to empathy, caregiving, spirituality, civic duty, and artistry [...] Kristina’s spirit touched all who knew her. She was a cherished movie partner, a thoughtful and prolific gift-giver, and pillar of support to friends in need, offering her wisdom and kindness without reservation. She fostered deep and enduring friendships rooted in empathy, humor – and a love of the Golden State Warriors.
Kristina was also deeply committed to enhancing her community and the broader society in which she lived. One of her cherished affiliations was with Ashby Village."
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For close to a decade, Kristina dedicated her time and passion to Ashby Village as both a member and a volunteer. Over the years, numerous villagers had the honor of crossing paths with Kristina, experiencing the depth of her involvement within our community. From offering member rides to engaging in heartfelt discussions with potential members, Kristina left an indelible mark through her commitment. Her collaborative spirit shone brightly as she worked alongside fellow volunteers within the Outreach Ambassadors Team, contributing to the mutual care that is at the heart of our village.
In honoring Kristina's wishes, her family opted not to hold a traditional funeral when she died. Instead they invited friends and loved ones to visit or call and share memories one-on-one. The official dates for that intimate memorial have passed, but their invitation to connect remains open.
To honor Kristina, her family created a memorial site as a permanent tribute. You can read her full obituary, view photos of her family and career, and share thoughts and memories of your own here. Donations may be made to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, an organization dear to her heart.
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April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! | | |
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Our Volunteers Have Hearts of Gold
Ashby Village appreciates our volunteers for their service each and every day. Volunteer participation ranges from the mundane to the extraordinary; from weeding a garden to picking up a bag of groceries to driving to an important medical appointment.
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As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, let's extend our gratitude even further to those who selflessly contribute to our village in various capacities.
From office assistance to planning engaging events, from guiding support and interest groups to addressing the direct service needs of members, our volunteers exemplify dedication and compassion. Their consistent and caring presence fosters meaningful connections within our community, enriching the lives of members and fellow volunteers alike. Let's take this opportunity to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions they make each day.
The next time you cross paths with a volunteer, why not take a quick moment to say "thank you"? It'll surely brighten their day!
*Volunteer Appreciation Party! Saturday, April 27*
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Good News!
Last month's outreach encouraged more volunteers to add "Driver" as a service category and to pick up extra ride requests.
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A big shout out to our top drivers this month:
Gary Greene, Shelley Million, Kathy Tobin, and Bill Graham!
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Writing the Historical Novel
Pre-Social Hour
Friday, April 5, 3-4pm
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
| Join us for this special presentation and stay for the Social Hour! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here. | | |
Social Hour
Friday, April 5, 4-5:30pm
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Connect with neighbors and meet other members, volunteers and staff while enjoying tasty snacks and drinks! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org
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Nature Walks & Hikes
Monday walks are intended for all levels of ability. Trail selections for Wednesday hikes offer distance and speed options – choose your adventure! Registration for each walk or hike is recommended so we know to look for you.
RSVP to Jeanette (650-954-7476 cell/text, or jbwardhmb@gmail.com)
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Richmond Bay Trail – plus
Rosie the Riveter Museum!
Monday, April 8, 1-3pm
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond
A pleasant walk on the waterfront for exercise, a memorial garden to view, a museum to explore, and a couple of restaurants for an afternoon snack. Something for just about everyone! Get more information and meet-up details here.
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Redwood Regional Park
Stream Trail
Wednesday, April 17, 1-3pm
7867 Redwood Road
Oakland
A favorite "go to" hike to welcome spring! This partially paved trail winds through meadows with picnic areas before entering a magnificent forest with towering redwoods, arching bay trees, and lush ferns. Accessibility information and more details here.
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AV Science & Ideas Group Presents
Climate Change and Social Consequences
Thursday, April 11, 3-4:30pm *ON ZOOM*
The warming climate is causing changing weather patterns, agricultural disruption, extinctions, migrations of people and animals, and political instability. The interrelationships are complex and difficult.
Diz Swift joins us to discuss how climate consequences are affecting society and the policy and government action that is necessary as our challenges become even more serious. Registration is encouraged, email Joseph Evinger (jdevinger@comcast.net) and read more here.
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Presenter: L. Dismore (Diz) Swift, PhD, Geology | |
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AV Elder Action Presents
YouthAlive! Presentation
Tuesday, April 16, 2-4pm *ON ZOOM*
Concerned about street violence? Ashby Village Elder Action interest group will hear what one extraordinary Oakland organization is doing to address the problem, involve teens and advocate for change. Attend this Elder Action meeting and hear how we can help YouthAlive! in their efforts. Access the Zoom link here.
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Join the Ashby Village Elder Action Group!
Are you passionate about supporting and advocating for our elder community? Are you interested in learning how to get more directly involved in protecting our democracy and supporting legislation and policies that impact the lives of seniors? Do you feel committed to issues like climate action, reducing gun violence, supporting our youth, advocating for better long-term care, health care and nursing home reform? Do you want to meet like-minded elders who are energetic and enthusiastic about actively engaging in this work?
Join the Ashby Village Elder Action Interest Group and make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community!
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AV Events Team Presents
Celeste Solo Ensemble
Final Concert & Reception
Wednesday, April 17, 11am-12pm
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
The Celeste Solo Ensemble, led by Jumi Kim, has performed regularly on Zoom and in person for Ashby Village for over three years. Regretfully, this will be the last concert performed by the Celeste Soloists for Ashby Village.
The Violin and Piano Duo Concert will be performed by Jiwon Evelyn Kwark (violin) and Hyunji Park (piano). Both soloists have been performing for Ashby Village since 2021. Jiwon performed in some Zoom concerts, but never in person at Ashby Village, so this will be very meaningful and memorable for everyone.
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We hope you will join us for this program and stay for a reception to honor these wonderful musicians who have generously shared their time and talents with our village community.
RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more about Jiwon and Hyunji here.
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Ashby Village Information Session
Join us to explore Ashby Village membership and volunteering opportunities!
Sunday, April 28, 2-3pm *ON ZOOM*
Come hear how we're helping each other age better in community. Call 510-204-9200 or email info@ashbyvillage.org to register for the Zoom link.
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Event Reflection
Fraud Prevention for Seniors
You asked, and here it is! On February 22, 2024, Jennifer Pardini from Legal Assistance for Seniors and Sean Casey, Information Security from Patelco, visited Ashby Village to talk about consumer fraud and the effect of Artificial Intelligence on scams against older adults.
Revisit the recorded presentation on the Ashby Village YouTube channel and download a PDF of the accompanying slides:
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Thursday, May 2, 11am-3pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Elder Action Postcard Party
Help Get Out the Vote in a Key Battleground State
Join Ashby Village’s Elder Action interest group for this live, fun and useful event! Write postcards to inform Georgia voters about where and when to vote in their newly redrawn districts, whom to contact, and the key issues at stake. Come for the whole time or pick up postcards and help from home. Email Amy Gorman for more information.
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Friday, May 3, 3-4pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Pre-Social Hour: Singer Songwriter Betsy Rose
Betsy’s program of original songs, many of which will have us all singing along, captures both the tenderness of living in these times, and the humor, joy, and resilience of elder wisdom! Read more here, and join us.
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Saturday, May 11, 9:30am-12:30pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Spring Volunteer Training
Tell a friend! Read more here, and join us!
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Edited by Member Peter Sussman | | |
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Rita Dove, Pulitzer Prize winner and the youngest and first black U.S. Poet Laureate, is the closest this country has to a public poet. She has been honored often at the White House and made numerous media appearances in venues such as PBS specials, the NBC Today Show, Prairie Home Companion, the Bill Moyers and Charlie Rose shows and Sesame Street. She has received of more than two dozen honorary degrees.
Dove, a Virginia professor of English, has frequently returned in her poetry to historical subjects, which she makes vivid with keenly observed details such as those in today's featured poem, "Woman, Aflame." Of the mundane details that recur frequently in her poems, Dove has said, "Nothing is too small. Nothing is too, quote-unquote, ordinary or insignificant. Those are the things that make up the measure of our days, and they're the things that sustain us. And they're the things that certainly can become worthy of poetry."
Today's poem is one of a series that Dove calls "testimonies" from her 2021 book Playlist for the Apocalypse, which casts a freshly observed, moral eye on historical events and figures. There is added irony in this poem, of course, because it "testifies" to abortion restrictions as historical memories, restrictions that were revived by the Supreme Court a year later in its Dobbs decision.
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The following information is shared by our extended community and is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Ashby Village of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. Ashby Village bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content. Please contact the posting individual or organization for answers to questions regarding its content. | | |
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How To Talk About Wishes for Care
Through the End of Life
with Reverend Rosemary Lloyd
from The Conversation Project
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 2-4pm on Zoom
The Conversation Project wants to help us talk about our wishes for care through the end of life so those wishes can be understood and respected. Join this session to learn ideas for how to have these conversations with the important people in your life. Read the event flyer here.
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Thank you to the Ashby Village members, volunteers, supporters, and staff who contributed to this issue of the Village Voices newsletter!
Would you like your event or notice to appear in the next Village Voices newsletter? Use this form to submit your material by the 15th of the month.
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