Please join me in welcoming Bab Freiberg as our new Executive Director. After a half-year nationwide search, we found “the one” within a mile of Ashby Village’s office. Bab comes to us after 17 years with the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund where she was the Director of Strategic Consulting and recently from Just Cities (formerly the Dellums Institute for Social Justice) where she has been the interim Chief Operating Officer.

Bab exhibits a deep understanding of non-profit organizations and our Village’s mission, and has designed and directed volunteer-driven community services. During our search process, we were fortunate to learn more about Bab through conversations with both formal and informal references. One of the comments that stuck with me is that Bab has “a superpower of gathering data and information, synthesizing it, getting people on the same page and moving forward.” I experienced these talents over the past few months responding to Bab’s keen and inquisitive questions about our Village, history, strengths and challenges.

In addition to Bab’s leadership ability, she is experienced at cultivating relationships with community residents and organizations, public agencies, and businesses, and is a skilled and successful fundraiser.

For those who have worked with Bab, she is lauded as a team player and universally loved. The Search Committee and Board are confident that Bab will lead our Village with skill and vision as we move boldly into our next decade.

We look forward to working and growing together.

Check the Ashby Village Calendar to see what's happening this month!

Announcing a new article series focused on members of the Program Leadership Team and the central role they play in serving Ashby Village members.

So, what exactly is the Program Leadership Team? Read on here.

When: Thursday, July 14, 3:00-4:30pm

Where: *ON ZOOM* https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84801461083?pwd=elp5eDJ3V0F4bUhUVzFwS2MzWm1oZz09

Meeting ID: 848 0146 1083

Passcode: science 

The abyss has seen relatively little disturbance from human activities, but that situation is poised to change.

Environmental disturbance from seabed mining operations will be significant. Dr. Kim Juniper, Professor of Biology at the University of Victoria, Canada, will shine light on the current debate between deep-sea mining interests and the interests of biodiversity conservation and genetic resource biodiscovery.

Join us for this important presentation that is sure to expand our understanding of the human contributions to climate change. Read more and RSVP here.

The Events Team Presents:

Friday Afternoon at the Movies Monthly Film Series: Quartet

When: Friday, July 15, 4:00-5:00pm

Where: *ON ZOOM* https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89033630718?pwd=RFpUakl4ZTZLWXJheGlFSGMxdXVxdz09

Meeting ID: 890 3363 0718

Passcode: film

Please join us for our discussion of this delightful British comedy film directed by Dustin Hoffman. Quartet tells the story about how a home for retired musicians (planning a concert to celebrate composer Verdi’s birthday) is disrupted by the arrival of Jean (Dame Maggie Smith), an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.

As one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes says, “A delightful cocktail of friendship and the acceptance of the frailties, both in yourself and in others.”

You will need to see the film first on your own and then we will all get together via Zoom to discuss our reactions. Read more, access the film's trailer, and RSVP to join us here!

When: Wednesday, July 20, 11:00am-12:00pm 

Where: *ON ZOOM* https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88458034260?pwd=cTlsdzBqTDZWdUtLdTF6QjNwZjVZUT09

Talented young students of Celeste Solo Ensemble members (soprano Jumi Kim, violinist Evelyn Kwark, and pianist Hyunji Park) will perform for Ashby Village. It’s sure to be a treat you won’t want to miss! A detailed concert program will be available closer to the event date -- please check the calendar event page here.

When: Thursday, July 28, 2:00-3:00pm

Where: *ON ZOOM*

The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Ashby Village Healthier Aging Program are collaborating to offer a unique series of free one-hour virtual learning workshops.

The July 28th workshop will be led by a LightHouse staff member who will talk about the tools that make phones, computers, tablets, Alexa and other devices more accessible and easier to use. Join us to learn about the software programs, magnification devices, and apps that can read documents aloud, describe what’s in a room and much more. This workshop will be repeated in November.

To register and/or arrange for assistance accessing Zoom, email Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Coordinator for the LightHouse, at [email protected] or call her at 415-694-7331.

The LightHouse Connection series is intended to provide information and resources offered by LightHouse as a supplement to Ashby Village’s ongoing Low Vision Support Group discussions. Sessions do not have to be taken in sequence and there is no obligation to attend them all, join us when you can. For more information on the LightHouse Connection sessions or the Low Vision Support Group, please contact [email protected].

One year into volunteering with Ashby Village, M.A. has experienced a good deal of gratification and some surprise.

“I was a little hungry to engage with people who are action-oriented. My friend who recruited me spoke really highly of Ashby Village: a group of extremely active, intelligent older people working to create a good life as one ages,” she says.

Read more here about volunteer M.A. Morgan.

With gratitude and appreciation for her many years of service at Ashby Village, A GIANT THANK YOU to volunteer Sue Diehl!

Sue has volunteered since 2012, and during the last five years she has been our Ashby Village events calendar maven. All events that you’ve seen and registered for through the Ashby Village website were created by this volunteer extraordinaire. In addition to creating events, Sue also registered attendees, which nearly became a full time gig when Zoom events were being scheduled each month.

Thank you Sue, for your dedication and for keeping steady through one of the most difficult periods for our village. Ashby Village relied on you and you were there. Please come visit us at the office when you’re in the neighborhood.

Open to all Ashby Village volunteers and members! Space is limited to 16 adults plus four kids or grandkids (12-17 years old).

When: Wednesday, August 3, 12:00-3:00pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland

Registration Required. Sign up HERE

For visitors taking public transit, take BART to the Coliseum station and take AC Transit line #98. AC Transit line #98 stops on Edgewater Drive, near the Food Bank.

The next volunteer training is on August 13 in person at our Ashby Village office.

For more information, to join as a volunteer, or for questions about the volunteer program, please contact Jessica Sterling, Volunteer Services Coordinator at [email protected].

Encouraging new research suggests walking could help prevent new bouts of knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.

"A New Study Points to a Surprisingly Simple Way to Ward Off Knee Pain"

During the warm summer days Nature Walks (always on the calendar in dark green) will be at 10 AM.

The Monday walks are designed for everyone, but are especially planned for those who may have mobility challenges or like to walk a bit slower or for less distance.

The Wednesday walks tend to have options for both level and elevated trails and more or less distance and speeds.

Pictured here are our Monday June 13th Montclair Railroad Trail walkers; some also enjoyed lunch in Montclair afterwards.

If you have questions about our walks or would like to become a walk leader with us, please contact Jeanette ([email protected]).

When: Monday, July 11, 10am-12pm

Where: *IN PERSON* Tilden Park Little Farm parking lot, 600 Canon Drive, Berkeley

Very scenic 2-mile hike with options for shorter (1-mile flat) or longer (up to 4 miles) with a climb to Wildcat Peak. Wide trails, easy turn back. We should be able to see birds! Walk leaders will be available to accommodate trail selection and distance/speed abilities. Access more information, directions and register here!

Easy with more challenging options!

When: Wednesday, July 27, 10am-12pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at Redwood Gate, Canyon Meadow Staging Area, 7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland

Enter a magnificent redwood forest after winding a short distance through meadows with picnic areas. Several steeper and more challenging trails branch off from the Stream Trail and provide more moderate challenges. Access more information, directions and register here!

When: Thursdays, 10-11:30am - through August 18, 2022

Where: *HYBRID* ON ZOOM and IN-PERSON in the Julia Morgan Hall at the Ashby Village office, 1821 Catalina Ave., Berkeley

This class now offers HYBRID options. Consider joining us in- person at Ashby Village. Get more hands-on attention and meet your classmates in person!

We meet in the Julia Morgan Hall at the Ashby Village offices. Enjoy cool breezes from the open doors and exercise in a well-ventilated and safe environment. You can also continue to enjoy this class on Zoom. The choice is yours!

This Seated Gentle Yoga Demonstration workshop is for those participants who have low vision as well as mobility challenges.

Increase your strength, mobility, balance, breath and flexibility, and reduce fatigue through slow, easy, gentle movements.

Nancy Yates, instructor, has direct knowledge and experience teaching low vision students with restricted mobility since 1996. She introduced “Adaptive Yoga in a Chair” at the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind, the San Francisco Public Library, and the San Francisco Veterans Medical Center, and is a certified Arthritis Foundation instructor. She is also on the faculty of the Sutter Health Women’s Health Resource Center.

A 10-week Hybrid (in-person or on Zoom) Seated Gentle Yoga Class will begin on Thursday, August 1, 2022 from 1-2pm this Fall.

Join teacher Karen Racanelli for weekly Zoom drop-in Mindful Meditation classes on Tuesdays through July 26th.

We’ll explore focusing on our bodies and breath in an effort to create conscious awareness with loving-kindness. Each class will include a thematic talk and an accompanying 20-30-minute meditation with instructions on how to practice at home.

No fee is required, but donations are welcome. Class size limited to 20 participants per week. Next class is July 5.

“Steps to Deal with Ankle Trouble” NYT 5/20/22

Ankle instability is often the result of nerve and ligament damage. These exercises can help get you back on, and stay on, your feet.

Also, check out the recording of Mary D’Elia's presentation to Ashby Village for more ways to keep your feet and ankles fit. Access the video, “Your Feet: Keep them Happy and Healthy” on the Ashby Village YouTube channel here.

Tip of the Month

We all have the fear: We’ve fallen and cannot get up. If you're wearing your Apple Watch, the Fall Detection service may have detected your fall and will automatically ask if you're okay. If you do not respond, it will call both 9-1-1 and your emergency contact automatically and help will be on the way.

If you are conscious, YOU can ask for help.

For Apple Users: Ask Siri something like, "Hey Siri: Emergency!" or "Dial 9-1-1" or "SOS". Your iPhone and/or Apple Watch will respond and call emergency services (9-1-1) and your emergency contact (if you set it up) and you can talk with them directly using your voice.

You can use Siri even if your iPhone or Apple Watch are across the room. Just speak loudly. In most cases, the iPhone or Apple Watch will hear you.

You can also use Siri to call a neighbor or close friend -- just make sure they are in your Contacts List. Ask, "Hey Siri! Call Fred Smith", or "Hey Siri, Text Fred Smith that I have fallen".

Here's a Tip: Practice making simple requests using Siri to get used to the service, like, "Hey Siri, what time is it?", or “Hey Siri, what’s the weather today?”

Need help? Let us know and a friendly, vaccinated, knowledgeable AV Tech Team volunteer can help. Email [email protected] or call 510-204-9200 to request assistance.

Resources on a wide range of technology topics are posted on the Village TECH TIPS & RESOURCES page.

“5 Ways to Feel Happier ... According to Science”

“Emma Thompson and balancing between 3 generations of women”

“How UC Davis is transforming the digital health narrative ...”

“Why community matters ... and how to find yours"

“... The extraordinary life of the nation’s oldest park ranger”

“Driving Assessment for Seniors: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late” [podcast] by Kirsten Howe, Absolute Trust Counsel, 5/30/2022

“Gender gap in some heart risk factors widens ...”

“The Unretirement” [podcast]

“F.A.S.T. stroke warning signs...”

Hello Villagers, this is Kate from the office. Due to some complex circumstances I need to find a place to live for myself and hopefully my beautiful Siberian cat.

I am looking for a room in someone’s home or a small studio starting in the next few weeks and until April of next year. I can be somewhat flexible with the dates. 

I am responsible, quiet but friendly, neat, and have very good references. I have lived in this area for many many years both as a homeowner and a renter, and I have experience sharing.

Please contact me either by calling the office at 510-204-9200, emailing me at [email protected] or texting my cell at 510-926-8242. You can also call my cell and leave a message.

Thank you very much, Kate Sosin.

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) matches volunteer tutors from all backgrounds with young readers in grades K-5 at Bay Area public schools for in-person and online tutoring.

Even before the pandemic, nearly three out of four children who complete third grade in California public schools struggled to read at grade level. Now, they need your help even more to bounce back from the past two years of massive educational and societal disruption. Summer and fall training dates available:

Sign up here for a free, online tutor-training workshop.

We welcome you to take part in this rewarding opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life by committing one hour each week during the school year. Questions? Contact Nieema Galloway ([email protected]).

Norma Harrison didn’t let mobility issues get in the way of being active in and making many contributions to Ashby Village and North Oakland Village (NOV).

Norma organized and maintained the popular Lunch Bunch, was active on the Program Committee, and every month hosted the Salon discussion group. And in between, she was an avid bridge player. This was all in spite of being dependent on a wheelchair much of the time.

Born in Oakland, Norma graduated from Oakland Technical High School and UC Berkeley. After graduation from UC, she took a job there and ultimately retired from the School of Social Welfare in the early 1990s. Meanwhile, she married Eugene, enjoyed traveling with him and they had two sons, Paul and Mark.

Norma's years with NOV began in 2014 when she became a service member and continued as a regular member after the merger of NOV and Ashby Village. Norma made many contributions to NOV and Ashby Village sharing her time, her home and her organizing skills. She will be greatly missed.

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