Ashby Village is a vibrant East Bay nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of a peer-to-peer approach to connect older adults with each other and the resources to age well and to remain active and engaged in the places they call home.

We're committed to building an inclusive organization and culture that advances access to practical services and social and cultural programs for older adults from all backgrounds and economic means to age healthier together with dignity, purpose, and self-determination in the diverse, multi-generational neighborhoods we all cherish.

We are aging better, together.

The International Day of Charity is a global celebration that was established to engage people around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.

Please consider offering your time as an Ashby Village volunteer, your financial support, or both! Even an hour or two each month helping our members and small donations help our village continue to thrive and serve more older adults in our communities.

Check our Calendar to explore upcoming events or activities that interest you!

You can also find us on Facebook and check out our YouTube channel!

Need a ride to the doctor or store? A lightbulb changed in a tricky place? Help with your computer or other electronics?

There are over 300 Ashby Village volunteers who help members every day with a variety of requests. It's one of the wonderful benefits Ashby Village members enjoy!

Whether you're a new member or have been a Villager for a while, see what a trained volunteer can do for you!

“I feel very lucky. I'm mobile and full of energy. If I can help people who need help, I’m going to do it. Volunteer work is basic to answering these needs. I look at the member request list early every morning and I’m not going to stop.”

Read more here about the amazing Ashby Village volunteer Sondra Jensen!

NEW Member Support Group! Hearing Loss Support

Ashby Village members with hearing loss are invited to join an initial meeting to determine interest in re-starting a monthly support group.

When: Friday, September 23, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Where: *ON ZOOM*

Bill Graham and Patty Mintz will co-host an ongoing group to provide all participants an opportunity to learn from and support each other by sharing the ways we’ve coped with hearing loss. The objective is to improve our ability to interact with the world around us. Read about the topics for discussion and how to register here.

NEW Interest Group! Writing Together

When: Tuesday, September 14, 2:00pm-3:00pm

Where: Zoom

Join us monthly on the second and fourth Wednesdays to share your writing efforts and ask for comments, edits, and critiques. Participation includes sending drafts to members in advance, reading a short section to one another on Tuesdays, and commenting. Hopefully, a few drafts will be available each session. Writings may be memoirs, drafts for publication, general topics, short stories, or revisions. We seek helpful feedback! Register here.

With the population of seniors in California set to grow by two-thirds in the next two decades, critical issues around housing, health care, transportation and more are weighing on families, communities and policymakers.

To help explore those issues and equip Bay Area seniors with practical information, Bay City News recently launched an Aging Information Hub for the greater Bay Area.

Bay City News Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit news organization backed by charitable contributions from "people who care about local news, a free press, democratic values and an informed citizenry".

Through data-informed stories and interactive data visualizations, the Aging Information Hub includes senior resources by county and reports on topics like affordable housing, an aging workforce, and shifts in electoral power.

The editors are eager to hear from readers about what they would like to see added to the site. Contact publisher Katherine Rowlands with your feedback: [email protected].

When: Friday, September 2, 3-4pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at the Ashby Village Julia Morgan Hall, 1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley

Ashby Village is pleased to welcome back the Perennials! —a group of women in their 60s and 70s who create light-hearted entertainment by weaving songs, scenes, and rhymes into their performances—all made up on the spot! Registration is limited, vaccination proof and registration required. RSVP here!

When: Friday, September 2, 4-5:30pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at the Ashby Village Julia Morgan Hall, 1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley

Come connect with each other in person and meet new members, volunteers and staff while enjoying light bites and drinks, but most of all great company! Registration is limited, vaccination proof and registration required. RSVP here!

When: Thursday, September 8, 3-4:30pm

Where: *ON ZOOM*

Meeting ID: 848 0146 1083

Passcode: science

Join us for a conversation with Professor Stephen Self of the Earth and Planetary Science Department at UC Berkeley who asks us to consider: Is our global society ready for the next explosive super-eruption?

Open Board Meeting Wednesday, September 14

All members, volunteers, staff, and supporters are cordially invited to the Ashby Village Open Board meeting on Wednesday, September 14.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 9 to receive the Zoom link and agenda. Your participation is welcome!

Friday Afternoon at the Movies Monthly Film Series: Hidden Figures

When: Friday, September 16, 4-5pm

Where: *ON ZOOM*

Meeting ID: 890 3363 0718

Passcode: film

Watch the film first on your own and then join us for a discussion about this powerful biographical drama about three brilliant African-American women mathematicians at NASA who faced racism, segregation and discrimination as they served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962.

Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. Read more, access the film trailer, and RSVP here.

When: Sunday, September 18, 2-3pm 

Where: *ON ZOOM*

For years, Ashby Village members have opened their homes to host small, personal gatherings where people can hear from our members, volunteers, Board members and staff about what it means to be part of the Village.

Join us on Zoom to learn more about Ashby Village - what we do, who we are, and how we are helping our community to continue Aging Better. Together.

LightHouse Connection: Rehabilitative Services &

When: Thursday, September 22, 2-3pm

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.

This month, the LightHouse Rehabilitative Services &

Independent Living Skills session kicks off an encore presentation of this helpful and popular series.

Come hear about solutions for everyday situations, like tips for organizing mail, cooking in the kitchen, and performing tasks in a non-visual manner.

Read more about the class, how to register, and/or arrange for assistance accessing Zoom here.

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].

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 2pm PDT!

Ashby Village Arts & Culture Series and Elder Action are excited to welcome Anat Shenker-Osorio, whose research-based messaging strategies empower social change advocates on issues like protecting election results, police reform and more!

Registration is open for this compelling presentation. Learn more and save your spot here.

When:  Tuesday October 25, 2022, 2-4pm

Where: via ZOOM webinar (RSVP for link)

Join us to hear Dr. Laurie Vollen speak on the latest research and use of medical marijuana for symptom relief of many ailments and age-related conditions. Learn more and register here.

We are excited to welcome our newest Ashby Village volunteers!

When: Monday, September 12,

Where: 1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley

home to Ashby Village offices.

Sheri Albers, Community Outreach Coordinator

Allyson Ferrari, Volunteer Manager

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is headquartered in San Francisco, with an office in Berkeley, CA. Read more about LightHouse and the resources they offer here.

Ashby Village Volunteers, watch your email inbox for upcoming MedPals, Decluttering, and Home Safety Assessment training dates.

If you're interested in joining any of these teams, add them to your profile using your Volunteer Connect link.

Contact Jessica Sterling, Volunteer Services Coordinator, with questions at [email protected].

Ashby Village volunteers and members joined together for a Volunteer B’Cause event on Wednesday, August 17th to help our neighbors at the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

Sign up here to volunteer at ACCFB as an individual.

The Ashby Village Volunteer B'Cause program assists fellow local nonprofit organizations with specific projects.

Contact Ashby Village Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Sterling ([email protected]) if you'd like to join us on our next community service outing.

This is a good time to check your home to keep you safer on your feet!

And ... sign up for the free A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Workshop! This complimentary class is limited to 14 people and there are a few open spots remaining.

When: September 20-November 8, 2022, 10am-12pm

Where: On ZOOM

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning and evidence-based program that helps people manage concerns about falls, increases physical activity, and emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.

The program was originally developed at Boston University and was given a trial run at Ashby Village several years ago to great reviews. Alameda County’s Emergency Medical Services/Senior Injury Prevention Partnership now offers it free of charge to Villagers.

The attendance at our Healthier Aging Nature Walks continues to grow as members and volunteers enjoy being outside to socialize and get some exercise.

Volunteer walk leaders are available to accommodate walk pace and distance. We usually have a few options to satisfy and/or challenge walkers.

When: Monday, September 12, 10am-12pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley - Meet at the Vista Point circle

The 1.5 mile Cesar Chavez loop perimeter trail features wild flowers, a beautiful view, a beach and sculpture, and is home to burrowing owls! Good for all skill levels! Access more information, directions and register here.

Easy 3 miles with options for more challenge

When: Wednesday, September 28, 10am-12pm

Where: *IN PERSON* at 10800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland - Meet at the Joaquin Miller Sequoia Bayview Trailhead

Enjoy patches of redwoods along this shady, wide and level trail that has a slight elevation change (239 ft). Access more information, directions and register here.

Join us for a joint Healthier Aging and Events Team gathering in Richmond!

We'll visit the Rosie the Riveter Museum, walk the waterfront, view the memorial garden, and enjoy a snack. Members and Volunteers are welcome.

To register for any of these events, or if you have questions about our walks or would like to become a walk leader with us, please contact Jeanette Ward ([email protected]).

When: Thursday, September 1, 10-11:30am.

Where: *ON ZOOM* - Register here.

When: Thursday, September 1, 1-2pm

Where: *ON ZOOM* - Register here.

When: Wednesdays, 10-11:30am, September 7, 2022 through January 11, 2023

Where: *IN PERSON* - Julia Morgan Room at Ashby Village. The doors will be open and everyone will be vaccinated and boosted. Register through the Berkeley Adult School here.

Do you have a love/hate relationship with your cellphone, computer, Apple watch or any other tech device? Well, you have company ... even the experts are sometimes frustrated, including your AV Tech Team!

This month, we're here to remind you that you're not alone. Cary Sweeney from the UC Berkeley Retirement Center published an article about this very topic. Read Cary's short and relatable piece (along with helpful resources!) that reminds us to keep trying and have patience.

Because isn't it marvelous when something you try actually works? We know you can do it!

Your Ashby Village Tech Volunteers can help you with a wide range of your tech devices (phone, tablet, computer, watch) and applications and features -- including the Tech Tip above!

In-home support is available for members and volunteers with up-to-date vaccinations. Call the Ashby Village office at 510-204-9200 or email [email protected] to request assistance.

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

by Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 02/17/2022

by Joseph Coughlin and Luke Yoquinto, The Boston Globe

by Lynette Rice, DEADLINE, 04/27/2022

by Amy Norton, US News, 04/27/2022

by Josefina Carbonnell, The Palm Beach Post, 05/18/2022

by Lou Fancher, East Bay Times, 07/13/2022

Neuroscience News, 08/10/2022

Feeling Dismissed? “How to Spot ‘Medical Gaslighting and What to Do About It.” Experts share tips on advocating for yourself in a health care setting.

Ever Wonder How You Will Afford Long Term Care Should You Need It? (and more than half of us over 65 will)

Stair Lift Recommendations: Member Julia Curtis from North Oakland is looking for recommendations for outdoor and indoor stair lifts. If you have a reliable source and/or information on initial cost and installation, reliability, and maintenance, please contact Julia at (510) 653-1118 or [email protected]. Thanks Ashby Village community!

Room Wanted With Kitchen Privileges: Very reliable tenant is looking for a room to rent. Great references, including one from an Ashby Village member. If you have an available room or know someone who does, please email [email protected]. Thanks neighborhood group co-leader Diane Resek!

Document Formatting: Member Anita Aaron is the part-time Executive Director for California Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an organization with no real budget but a real passion for linking people experiencing blindness and low vision with services they need. Anita could benefit from someone who’s familiar with formatting Word, PDF, and occasional spreadsheet documents. If you have 30-45 minutes every week or two and you're interested in helping to make her documents look good and read well, please contact Anita by email at [email protected].

Pisces is the first water-based cremation service in our area. Aquamation uses one-tenth of the energy of flame cremation and has zero emissions. It’s as gentle on people as it is on nature. Learn more at www.withpisces.com or by calling 310-861-4505.

Oakland School for the Arts, a public charter school near Lake Merritt, is desperately seeking a physics teacher who might be willing to re-engage with 11th grade students who really want to learn.

If you are a retired physics educator, or know someone who is, please contact Katy Zaugg, Principal ([email protected]) or apply directly here. Thank you for your consideration!

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