Thank you for your year-end donations! Because of you, we exceeded our goal! It has been a challenging year for local non-profits and your support means more now than ever. |
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Updates, virtual classes & activities |
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We are all approaching 2021 with optimism and also with realism. Therefore, we will continue to offer home delivered meals to those seniors sheltering at home, online classes and activities to keep you moving, and programming to keep you engaged. Read below for new and upcoming events with Senior Coastsiders. |
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Call Senior Coastsiders at 650-726-9056 for further information on classes or upcoming events. To see regularly scheduled weekly classes, be sure to scroll down to the last section of this email. |
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Virtual Mystery Book Club This group meets the first Wednesday of each month (Wednesday, January 6th this month) at 1:00pm. The group will be discussing Disappearing Earth, by Julia Phillips. For the Zoom link, please contact [email protected]. Future books can be picked up at the Senior Coastsiders office at 925 Main Street.
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Speaking of books, if you live on the Senior Campus, you can have your Half Moon Bay Library books delivered to the Senior Coastsiders office for pick up. To get your name on the list for this service, please call 1-833-YES-SMCL or email [email protected].
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Headspace As you enter this new year, resolve to be kinder to your body and mind. Headspace is currently available for free through a partnership between #SanMateoCounty Behavioral Health & Recovery Services & @Headspace It provides free resources (meditations, sleep sounds, movement exercises & more) to help residents cope w/ stresses brought on by #COVID19 pandemic. This is a huge value - give it a try! Sign up here: https://www.headspace.com/san-mateo-county
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Mission Hospice We miss hosting events with Mission Hospice and Home Care but while we can't be together in person, we don't want you to miss their many offerings. Check out their event calendar for virtual author events, Death Cafes, and support groups at https://www.missionhospice.org/events/
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Computer Tutoring and Computer Donation and Loaner Program Limited computer tutoring has resumed and is available by appointment. Additionally, through the dedication of two high school students, we are ready to put laptops into the hands of those who need them! We also have loaner laptops provided by the Half Moon Bay Library. Please call our office for more details
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Senior Coastsiders and CoastPride are partnering to host intergenerational gatherings (virtual during the pandemic, and hopefully soon in-person). These gatherings will afford you the opportunity to share your lived experience about LGBTQ history and learn from LGBTQ youth what their experience is today. We will host these virtual gatherings and guide the conversations with focus questions, which we will design with you and the youth. Some of the topics we would like to explore include: (1) fears about getting older; (2) coming out; (3) living with pandemics: AIDS and COVID-19; and (4) interest in future LGBTQ themed information or events. We hope you will give your permission to share these intergenerational conversations because by sharing your lived experience, we will not only document our shared histories, but also build bridges across generations, foster connection, and promote an inclusive and welcoming community here on the coast. If you are interested in participating, please contact Hope at [email protected].
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2021 NEW Program Series
Building on the momentum of the climate change programming that was completed in 2020 through partnerships with San Mateo County and the City of Half Moon Bay, Senior Coastsiders is excited to offer a monthly program dedicated to climate change and environmental engagement. Look for the Evergreen Coastsiders logo and a new program each month.
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COVID TESTING In partnership with the City and County, Senior Coastsiders will continue to provide COVID-19 testing. This testing is available to anyone 55 and over and their caregivers. Registration is easy and the test is quick and efficient with results usually coming in 48-72 hours. Widespread testing is extremely important for curbing the spread of Covid and ensuring early treatment if infected. To learn more about the importance of testing, go to the NIH website at https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/why-covid-19-testing-key-getting-back-normal and to register for a test, call 650-726-9056 or go to https://curative.com/sites/10044. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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Vaccines are being distributed throughout California and San Mateo County. Reach out to your medical provider to find out when and where you can get vaccinated. We will continue to communicate with the county and share information with you as it arrives.
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Senior Coastsiders is partnering with PG&E to help educate Coastside residents on the new electric rate choices being offered to ensure that you get the best and most affordable rate possible. Check out their rate comparison tool at pge.com/ratechoices
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Happy 2021!
from the Executive Director
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2021 is the 21st year of the 21st century and the United Nations has declared 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables!!
I wonder what 2021 will bring for all of us. As much uncertainty as 2020 brought? Or a return to a more normal way of life? Whatever happens, there will be things that occur in 2021 that we can control and those that we can’t. This brings to mind the words of the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr who in 1932 wrote what has since become known as the Serenity Prayer and includes the often misquoted sentence “Give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.”
An article in the Greater Good magazine suggests 7 ways to feel more in control of your life:
- Control what you let into your mind, for example, reduce screen time or spend more time in nature.
- Set boundaries with difficult people and instead, surround yourself with friends, family, and communities who encourage you to reach your full potential.
- Be physically active, and get proper rest and nutrition, as this puts your body and mind into balance, giving you greater motivation, strength, and stamina.
- Position yourself as a learner; adopt a more open, collaborative approach; nurture your curiosity and allow yourself to explore new ideas, skills, and people. The Beacon is full of ideas for interesting classes, activities and opportunities you can try.
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Be aware of your unconscious beliefs, for example, I’m too old to learn a new skill. Increasing your awareness of how your emotions and beliefs drive your thinking, influence your behavior, and affect your judgment will help you navigate life with greater confidence.
- Check your intuition. You can get better at using intuition to inform your decision-making if you learn to quiet your mind, develop a greater awareness of what you’re thinking and feeling, and listen to your body.
- Deliberate, then act. When making an important decision, focus on the issue at hand, clarify your primary objectives, gather pertinent facts, generate options, then draft a plan. Try not to procrastinate, obsess over details, or worry excessively. Remember, taking action doesn’t require 100% certainty. You can always reassess later if need be.
And don’t forget to eat more fruits and vegetables in honor of 2021 being the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables!
Very best wishes for 2021.
Sandi
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1.The article is adapted from The Power of Agency: The 7 Principles to Conquer Obstacles, Make Effective Decisions, and Create a Life on Your Own Terms (St. Martin's Press, 2019, 336 pages)
2.Greater Good magazine is published by the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California, Berkeley and turns scientific research into stories, tips, and tools for a happier life and a more compassionate society.
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Unstoppable Seniors (US)
by Casey McClung
The Iron Nun: Sister Madonna Buder
In a society where aging is oftentimes equated with ill health and vulnerability, it is important to remember that societal preconceptions cannot define us, and each one of us can write our own story of aging. The world is full of people who had some of their finest moments only after they became seniors. We’ll be highlighting some of these Unstoppable Seniors in the months to come because their story is also a part of our story. Here is a story of US:
Madonna Buder, born Marie Dorothy Buder on July 24, 1930, is a Roman Cathloic religious sister. At the age of 40 she left her congregation to establish a new and non-traditional community of religious Sisters. The community she and 38 other Sisters established, Sisters for Christian Community, is inspired by the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and is independent of the Roman Catholic Church. As such, Buder has the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle. What makes Sister Buder an Unstoppable Senior, however, is that she also became the oldest woman to finish an Ironman Triathlon at the spry age of 82 in 2012 when she completed the Suburu Ironman in Canada. By the way, triathlons come in many distances, but an Ironman requires a participant to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run in under 17 hours. All told, Sister Buder has competed in over 389 triathlons, 45 of which have been Ironman events. To cap it off, she is also a Senior Olympics athlete.
In March 2019, Sister Buder wrote an article about aging for “America; Jesuit Review,” in which she gave the following advice:
“When people ask me for advice on how to cope with aging, two suggestions come to mind. First, remember yourself as a child. Imagine yourself as that little person skipping along without a care in the world. Second, never stop being that child. It will help you be pure, creative and authentic.”
Here’s to Unstoppable Seniors everywhere!
Do you know an Unstoppable Senior? Maybe someone local? Let us know! We would love to share their story! Email Casey at [email protected]
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Outdoor Zumba Gold Join instructor Laurie Becker on Tuesday mornings in the back parking lot for a 10:30-11:15 am Zumba Gold class. This is perfect for older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. Space is limited, please call the Senior Coastsiders office at 650-726-9056 for more information. Cost is $5.00 per class. Class will continue as long as weather permits.
Online Smart Phone Classes - Having difficulty hearing or seeing on your smart phone? Attend a free online training and make your smart phone work better for you! Learn how to make your phone louder and easier to hear, how to send text messages, how to turn your phone into a magnifier, how to connect Bluetooth devices, how to operate basic functions of your phone and much more! These two-part online trainings are presented by California Telephone Access Program. iPhone and Android sessions are ongoing. To participate, you will need a computer, internet service, a valid email address AND your smart phone! Please contact the Senior Coastsiders office at 650-726-9056 to register - space is limited.
Pilates Classes with Karen continue online from 9:00-10:00am every Tuesday and are free of charge. Email Karen at [email protected] to get signed up. This class is currently only open to those who have taken Karen's classes in the past.
Art Every Day! Mary Kay Jolley offers painting class online through an email format as well as once weekly live class (and previous classes are available on Youtube). To get on the class mailing list, email [email protected]
Functional Mobility with Kimm Ronberg continues on Wednesdays 9:00-10:00am via Zoom. Email Kimm at [email protected] for the link to the class.
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Gentle Yoga LindaGrace is offering Gentle Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00am-12:15pm. Contact LindaGrace at [email protected] to sign up.
Jetta's Balance Class for Seniors - Jetta will take participants through a series of exercises focused on increasing balance and reducing falls. Join Jetta on Thursdays at 10:30 am by contacting [email protected]
Rosen Classes continue on the regular schedule with Jetta and Kate. For Mondays at 9:30am, and Wednesdays at 10:30am, email [email protected] to receive the invitation to the Zoom classes. For Kate's Friday class at 11:00, email Kate O'Shea at [email protected]. Class fee is based on a sliding scale and can be paid via Paypal or by check.
Parkinson's Exercise Class continues on Tuesdays via Zoom. Email Jetta at [email protected] for more information and to sign up.
Stages Peer Counseling meets every Tuesday via Zoom at 11am. Please email Michelle at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
Qigong with Judy Pruzinsky - Tuesday afternoons 1:00-2:00pm and Thursday evenings 7:30-8:30pm. Please contact Judy for more information.
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Other Resources & Activities |
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RotaCare Coastside is open for phone visits. Patients can schedule phone visits by calling 650-388-2340. Please leave a message including your name, date of birth, and phone number, and the Clinic Manager will return your call to schedule a telephone encounter.
Friendship Line - California - Even in these challenging times, friendship is always a phone call away. Discover how the Friendship Line is growing to connect to more Californian seniors. Available 24 hours a day and ready to connect, call (888) 670-1360.
The California Peer-Run Warm Line is a free, non-judgmental, emotional, non-emergency support line that allows people with mental health challenges to talk to a peer who is trained to help. The phone number is (855) 845-7415. Chat is also available at https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline/.
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If you need assistance with shopping, would like to sign up for meals on wheels, need a mask, or need other assistance, we are just a phone call away! Please call our office at 650-726-9056. |
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Please forward to anyone you think might benefit from this information! |
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