End of Life Concerns Club

A Finch enjoying the Summer Refreshments at Rossmoor

Jim Greenberg as President of End Of Life Concerns Club

President’s Message

As we’ve rounded the corner with the summer solstice, we can expect shorter days as the fall approaches. I hope you are able to take advantage of the freedom to enjoy the wide variety of activities these summer days offer.

The Club Fair was a great success, thanks to the participation of board members Marley Middlebrook, Bess Chosak, and Ray Riess. They made themselves available to interested attendees who stopped by with a wide variety of questions. (see Photo)



I had occasion to meet with Penny Reed, director of Rossmoor Walnut Creek’s Counseling Services ((925) 988-7750). My goal was to see if there were ways to coordinate our club’s programs with those offered by her office. I learned that their three licensed clinical social workers provide short term psychotherapy at no cost to Rossmoor residents with a maximum of six sessions per year. The office does not provide legal advice and, although they may offer guidance, they do not offer advice when it comes to completing official forms available there such as the State-issued POLST (Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment). 

The Counseling Services offer a number of presentations throughout the year, which are open to our community. This year their Optimum Wellness Lecture Series included sessions on Adult Protective Services/Financial Scams: Awareness and Prevention, Nutrition and Aging, Medi-Cal Benefits and Eligibility, Aging in Place, Parkinson’s Disease Overview, and Positive Aging. As you can see, some of their programs overlap with the topics our club presents, currently under the guidance of program chair Marcia Liberson. One of our goals for the coming year will be to coordinate our planning with that of the Counseling Center in order to avoid redundancy.

Have a great summer!

End of Life Concerns Club's Active Table at the Club Fair

JIM GREENBERG AND BESS CHOSAK, CO-FACILiTATORS

The Rossmoor Death Café will meet on Friday, July 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Vista Room at the Hillside Clubhouse. Sorry, no Death Cafe in the month of August.

Though not a grief support or therapy group, our Death Café offers a safe place to discuss such end-of-life issues as Advanced Healthcare Directives, discussing final plans and wishes with your family, and other late life concerns.

At our June gathering, Richard Naegle read this poem suggesting our flaws may shine.

I’m like one of those Japanese bowls

That were made long ago

I have some cracks in me

They have been filled with gold

That’s what they used back then

When they had a bowl to mend

It did not hide the cracks

It made them shine instead

So now every old scar shows

from every time I broke

And anyone’s eyes can see

I’m not what I used to be

But in a collector’s mind

All of these jagged lines

Make me more beautiful

And worth a higher price

I’m like one of those Japanese bowls

I was made long ago

I have some cracks you can see

See how they shine of gold.

-Peter Mayer

GLORIA GLUSKIN, FILM CHAIR

Our next movie presentation will be held on Monday, September 15. The title to be announced soon.

Marcia Liberson, Program Chair

Thanks to those who attended last month's presentation on Medical Aid in Dying, MAiD, moderated by Jim Greenberg. Attendee's learned more about this compassionate option for terminally ill individuals. Our next program will be in the fall.

MARLEY MIDDLEBROOK, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

New club web site! Please visit at:

RossmoorEOLCC.org

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Thank you for supporting our work at the End of Life Concerns Club. Just a reminder, no Death Cafe, movie or program during the month of August.

If you would like to join or renew your membership you may do so at the next Death Cafe, or drop off a check to the Gateway mailbox. Membership is $20 per year and is a great way to be involved in the community.

Contact Marley Middlebrook at marleypsyd@me.com or (925) 385-0336

Jim Greenberg, President

endoflifeconcerns@gmail.com

(412) 736-2317