Happy New Year!
The beginning of a new year is an opportune time for each of us to reflect on what we’re doing to enhance our own wellness and consider how we might improve our situation in the year to come. It’s challenging this year as we continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, not knowing what new variants might be on the horizon. In the face of that challenge, it’s more important than ever for us to take constructive steps forward, which will of course look different for each of us.
Ashby Village can help. We have a long history of offering Healthier Aging programs for members. These were all disrupted by the pandemic in some way, some moving online and others grinding to a halt. The popular yoga class returns for another session starting in January, and we’re actively looking to add more offerings this winter and spring.
In addition to encouraging broad participation in wellness-oriented activities to support the health of our members, we also hope to attract new members who are interested in building strength, flexibility, and stamina, all while building friendships and community.
If you have ideas for Healthier Aging programs, please reach out to Karen Dean, our Member Services Coordinator, Roberta Pressman, Healthier Aging Team Leader, or to Jeanette Ward, Healthier Aging Team Co-Leader. Let’s make this a community-wide effort in 2022, setting and reaching new goals for our own health and well-being.
My best to you all,
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January Board Column
Get to know our Board members a little better!
This month, Judy Appel reflects on becoming part of the Ashby Village family and her commitment to inclusion and social justice. Read Judy's column here.
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Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month. |
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The Ashby Village 2021-2022
Annual Fundraising Appeal
Reaches $150,000
in Gifts and Pledges
Bringing us closer to our
$200,000 goal!
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Thank you to all of you in our generous community who have already donated! The wonderful culture of giving that we have built throughout our Village allows us to expand our reach and broaden our services for members.
If you haven’t given already, it's not too late! We hope you'll join in supporting Ashby Village and make a donation today.
With gratitude,
Your Friends at Ashby Village
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90 Plus Group Reconvening on Zoom
When: Monday, January 3, 2:00-3:30pm
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All Ashby Village members 90 years of age and older are invited to a monthly get together. We will share our stories, discuss where we are today and voice our dreams for the new year. This meeting will take place the first Monday of every month, on Zoom for now, until we can once again meet safely in person. We look forward to seeing you! |
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The Social Hour Team Presents:
Friday Afternoon at the Movies Monthly Film Series - Discussion of the Film Philomena Staring Judi Dench
When: Friday, January 7, 4:00-5:00 PM
Meeting ID: 890 3363 0718
Passcode: film
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*Plan to see Philomena on your own or with a friend before our discussion group meets* and then join us for what promises to be a lively discussion of this very special and moving drama. Read more details here. |
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An Ashby Village Arts and Culture Series Event
Co-Sponsored by Ashby Village Elder Action
and Village Movement California
Engaging Elders in Climate Action
When: Sunday, January 9, 2:00-4:00pm PST
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Climate visionary Bill McKibben will make the next presentation for our Ashby Village Arts & Culture Series about Third Act, a new, national network of elders seeking to work intergenerationally on climate change. He promises to inform us how to tap our strengths—our experience, networks, time, and wisdom—for our most valuable legacy: protecting the future of our children, grandchildren and the human species . This event is co-sponsored by Village Movement California, the statewide association of California Villages. Read more here.
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Science and Ideas Group: Can We Use Synchrotrons to Change the World? YES WE CAN!
When: Thursday, January 13, 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Meeting ID: 848 0146 1083
Passcode: science
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Have you ever wondered about that large donut-shaped, dome-roof building located within the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on top of the hill? Italian physicist, Marco Zangrando, PhD, will guide us on a journey spanning through radio- and micro-waves, rainbows, Einstein, light speed, and more! Read more details here.
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Music Appreciation: Listening Guide to Classical Music
For our classical music lovers, but not only!
When: Wednesday, January 19, 11:00 AM
Meeting ID: 884 5803 4260
Passcode: music
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Soprano Jumi Kim designed a course – now in its second year – for Ashby Village members interested in classical music that features a brief lecture accompanied by a description of the repertoire to be performed by Jumi or other guest artists. This month, she will present Class 8: Celeste Solo Ensemble: New Year’s Concert “Go for Baroque!” Read more details here.
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Prospects for Police Reform in Bay Area Cities
New Perspectives from the Cities of Richmond, Oakland, and Berkeley
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An Ashby Village Elder Action Event Co-Sponsored by Berkeley Friends Meeting
When: Monday, January 24, 10:30 AM PST
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Calling 911 is the usual way people fearing threats to their safety
reach out, and currently the 911 response is to send the police.
However, there are times when this response is not appropriate. Come hear from a panel of those working on police reform in Richmond, Oakland and Berkeley about the creative projects and new ideas for responding to these crises. Read more here.
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Exploring Creativity: Life Story Writing Group with
Amy Gorman
When: Thursdays, January 27; February 3, 10, 24; and March 3, 24, 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: via Zoom (link provided to participants before the first class)
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Participants in the Life Story Writing Group will explore their stories using a guided process based on Guided Autobiography. Come preserve your life stories and experiences in the context of a supportive group! Read more details here.
There is limited space for this event. Please RSVP no later than January 8 by clicking below to email Amy directly - please include your telephone number .
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A Conversation with Rita Blitt
Visual Artist - On Family, Drawing,
Painting, Sculpting and Filmmaking
Presented by the Ashby Village Exploring Creativity Group
When: Sunday, March 6, 2022, 1:00 to 2:30 PM - With an opportunity to view short films before and after the event
Where: via Zoom (link to come closer to the event date)
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The Ashby Village community is in for a very special treat! Rita Blitt is an Ashby Village member and internationally renowned contemporary American artist, and we are honored that she will share work and stories from her 70+ years of creating in various media in conversation with Patricia Sakai of the Exploring Creativity Group of Ashby Village. At age 90, Rita Blitt is still creating art, and she’s not stopping! Read more about Rita's extraordinary work here, and please RSVP to join us!
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Volunteer Training Coming Soon!
Our new Volunteer Services Coordinator, Jessica Sterling, is hard at work planning to restart volunteer training in early 2022. The Volunteer Training will be held in early February on Zoom (announcement and registration details to come!). Read more about Jessica on our staff bio page!
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Kudos to the Ashby Village Tech Team!
Written by Laurie MacDougall, Communications Committee Volunteer
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The November meeting of the Ashby Village Board of Directors featured a special presentation by Maryl Gearhart speaking on behalf of the Tech Team. Maryl summarized the myriad contributions by technology volunteers over the past two years that have helped keep members, volunteers, and staff stay connected. Read the full article to learn more about the amazing work by our Tech Team here.
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The days are short, dark, and cold...but let's keep MOVING!
A recent study of octogenarians found that “certain vital immune cells worked differently in the brains of older people who were active ... Physical activity seemed to influence their brain health, their thinking abilities, and whether they experienced the memory loss of Alzheimer’s disease ... The findings add to growing evidence that when we move our bodies, we change our minds, no matter how advanced our age.” [“Physical Activity and Aging Brains” by Gretchen Reynolds; NYT, December 7, 2021]
Join your fellow members and let’s keep moving at Ashby Village! Check out our classes in 2022
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Hiking Options
Monday, January 10 at 10:00 AM (Easy walk)
Piedmont Ave Historical Walk with Ruby Long, an AV member, who has been leading walks and studying the history of the Piedmont Avenue area and Mountain View Cemetery for a number of years. She will share pictures and stories of the streetcar era, point out WPA sidewalk markers, architecture, and much more. Option for lunch at the Crepe Pan afterwards. Limited to 10 members/volunteers due to sidewalk capacity. Read more details and register here.
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Wednesday, January 26 at 10:00 AM
Redwood Regional Park Nature Hike. Hike the flat and easy Stream Trail with additional more challenging options. Several walk leaders will be available to accommodate trail selection and distance/speed abilities. Read details, directions, and register here.
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Yoga with Nancy via Zoom
Improve your flexibility and your balance! We are delighted that Nancy Yates will be teaching again next semester. Her fees have increased, but because we really care about your health, members will have the increased cost subsidized by Ashby Village. The new fee schedule:
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Members:
ITAV Members:
Non-Members:
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10.00 per class for 10 classes ($100 total)
FREE
$15.00 per class for 10 classes ($150 total)
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New session begins January 13 and runs through March 17, 2022. Read more and register here.
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Stretch, Strength, and Dance
with Anne Aronov
A really fun class that gets our heart rate up and helps improve our balance!
When: Wednesdays, January 19 through June 1, 2022, 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Where: via Zoom
Register through the Berkeley Adult School. For more information and instructions, read more here.
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Fall Prevention
We are all aging and with each passing year our fall risk increases. Regular exercise, helps a lot in preventing falls but here’s some things you can do at home to help decrease your chances of falling.
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AARP: 10 Ways to Reduce Fall Risks
A few simple home changes can keep you safer on your feet
- Install carpet with short, dense pile.
- Secure rugs with double-sided carpet tape.
- Reposition electrical and extension cords out of the way.
- Use nightlights.
- Remove rugs at the top or bottom of stairways.
- Do away with floor wax.
- Use rubber bathmats or strips in bathtubs and showers.
- Install at least two grab bars in the shower/bath.
- Keep exits and hallways open.
- Repair broken or uneven pavement on walkways.
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The Search Continues for Our
Next Executive Director!
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We are continuing to look for an Executive Director, a unique opportunity for a leader who is interested in furthering our mission as we grow across the region we serve in partnership with other community-based organizations serving older adults.
Ashby Village is conducting this search through our friends, supporters, and networks of committed organizations. Please spread the word about this opportunity to your own networks! We will likely find the right person through your personal and professional connections. Thank you for your help!
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*SAVE THE DATES! NEW WORKSHOPS!*
We’ve scheduled two new workshops in February and March!
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Apple Watch: The Basics
When: Thursday, February 3, 2022, 10:00 to 11:30 AM Where: In Person (Per the Village's COVID guidelines, masks are required.)
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Are you considering an Apple Watch? Or, have you recently acquired an Apple Watch and need tutoring in basic functions and features? This café-style workshop is for you!
We’ll meet in small groups at separate tables for personalized hands-on introduction to the Apple Watch. For people considering a watch, we’ll cover models and features. For people who recently acquired a watch, we’ll cover basic functions and applications, focusing on communication and health apps that are important to older adults.
NOTE: This workshop is Part 1 in a two-part series on the Apple Watch. The second workshop (to be announced) will be designed for intermediate and advanced users.
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Phone & Text Spam & Scams: How to Identify and Reduce
When: Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Where: via Zoom (link provided to those who register)
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Join us by Zoom as Ashby Village technology volunteers share useful information on phone and text spam and scams.
You’ll learn to distinguish telemarketing, legal robocalls and texts, illegal robocalls and texts, and scam calls and texts. You'll get answers to questions like: How can I recognize phone and text scams? How can I reduce unwanted calls and texts? What should I do if I fall prey to a scam?
The workshop is interactive, and you’ll have ample opportunity to share experiences and ask specific questions.
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Tech Service of the Month |
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Each month we highlight one of the many tech services we provide. For January, ask us for help with that new device you acquired over the holidays! |
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Request Assistance From Technology & Electronics Volunteers!
Tech Volunteers can help you with a wide range of devices, applications, and features, for example:
- setting up, learning how to use, and maintaining devices
- updating operating systems
- installing and learning applications
- setting up backup systems
- installing and learning password managers
- reorganizing your computer desktop
- deciding whether you need a new device
- modifying your workspace for better ergonomics
In-Home support has resumed for vaccinated members and volunteers. Visit current information on Village Services and Programs, and then email [email protected] or call 510-204-9200 to request assistance with your devices and apps.
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Resources on Technology Topics
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Curated by volunteer Patricia Hom
by Angus Chen, NPR, 10/26/2019
by Hannah Frishberg, New York Post, 05/25/2021
by Rebecca Sohn, LifeScience, 06/28/2021
by Lindsay Holmes, HuffPost, 09/13/2021
by Steven Petrow, Health, 11/06/2021
Shared by Alan Stein
by Cara Buckley, New York Times, 11/20/2021
Shared by Robin Finnegan
by Joseph Coughlin, MarketWatch, 12/13/2021
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Reflections on Past Events |
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Important Work to be Done on State Plan for Aging
Written by Elisabeth Scharbaum, Communications Committee Volunteer
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When California governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order to create a Master Plan for Aging in June 2019, it launched a process that Ashby Village’s Elder Action interest group embraced with enthusiasm and commitment. Led by Marcia Freedman, co-founder of Elder Action and an Ashby Village Board member, a number of AV folks submitted input and participated in key conversations. Hopefully, Marcia’s recent death will not stop our involvement in this critical work.
It’s no surprise that a number of people from AV and other Villages attended a recent workshop that outlined progress made on the Master Plan and solicited input into how to improve its implementation. Read the full article about highlights from the workshop here.
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Considering a Move to Independent Living
"I am considering a move to a senior independent living facility and would like very much to talk to someone who is considering or who has done this. Please contact me by email at [email protected] or call me at 510-697-7210."
Tish Campbell, AV Member
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Intergenerational Volunteer Opportunity for Members
Are you looking for a meaningful virtual volunteer opportunity with Bay Area middle school students? WriterCoach Connection would like to hear from you! WriterCoach Connection is a non-profit organization that has provided individualized critical thinking and writing coaching to more than 37,000 middle and high school students at Bay Area underfunded public schools for over 20 years. Read more about this opportunity and contact details here.
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Submit an Article!
Would you like your event or notice to appear in the next Village Voices Newsletter? Use this simple form to submit your material. Please submit by the 15th of the previous month. Late submissions are not guaranteed placement in the next newsletter.
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Thank you to the Ashby Village volunteers who contributed to this issue of the Village Voices newsletter. |
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