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(L-R: AV Board Secretary Susan Pierpoint, AV Board Member [Ret.]
Bob Davis, AV Board Chair Andra Lichtenstein, AV Board Member
[Ret.] Laura Peck)
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Celebrating Retiring AV Board Members Bob Davis and Laura Peck
At the recent year-end AV Board meeting, founding Board members Bob Davis and Laura Peck were recognized for their years of leadership service to Ashby Village.
Bob and Laura are not going far, as both will continue as Sustaining Advisors to the Board.
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Know a family member or friend that might like the Village Voices newsletter? Forward this email and let them know they can ... | |
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Navigage Board Members Judy Vallas and Vickie Hatos visited the Ashby Village office to hand deliver the first check of a generous 3-year grant. Their support will help us strengthen and expand our technology services, which has been a lifeline for our villagers since the start of the pandemic and remains one of the most frequent service requests by members.
Judy and Vickie told us how meaningful it is for them to meet people in person from the organizations they support, and we were thrilled to meet and get to know them!
(L-R: AV Board Treasurer Edwin Eng, Navigage Board Member Vickie Hatos, AV Board Chair Andra Lichtenstein, AV Board Member Sophia Chen, Navigage Board Member Judy Vallas)
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Ashby Village is honored to once again receive support from the Joseph & Vera Long Foundation. This new 3-year grant will support efforts designed to reduce social isolation and ultimately the associated health effects that can result.
Continued support from JVLF significantly boosts our ability to make a difference in the lives of our villagers.
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Thank You
Berkeley Pilgrimage!
| The Berkeley Pilgrimage Foundation shares our commitment to making positive change in the lives of older adults. Their support will help us reach our neighbors who rely on local senior centers and those who live in senior affordable housing. | | |
Ashby Village Is Honored to Recognize Susan Pierpoint
as a Legacy Circle Member
“...in this chapter of my life, everything I do is legacy work
– a chance to leave the world
a bit better place.”
Learn how Susan's personal mission to give back – to elders and the next generation – inspired her legacy gift to Ashby Village.
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Member Wellness & Support | |
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In My Memory Always
by AV Volunteer Pat Kirkpatrick
I’ve been a volunteer for Ashby Village for 8 years now. I have loved almost all of my encounters with AV members, but my long-term stint as a reader for June Cheit was a gift to me that has enriched my life immeasurably.
June and I literally found one another at a fundraising event for AV in December 2016. June was sitting by herself near the fireplace and I joined her. Ever the remarkable listener, June asked me many questions before I had the opportunity to find out about her life and interests.
She told me that she was a founding member of Ashby Village and that she had macular degeneration and could no longer read books as she had her entire life.
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After I told her of my love of books, she asked me if I might consider reading to her aloud. Without hesitation, I agreed.
Since that serendipitous meeting almost 7 years ago, June and I have read 42 books in our book club of two. The literature we read served as a jumping off point for robust conversations covering politics, family, travel, language and the human capacity for good and evil.
My volunteer work with June evolved into a long-lasting friendship, which was cut much too short by June’s unexpected death on June 29th of this year at the age of 97. Her death is a crushing loss to me, her family, friends and those who worked with her.
In her honor, I have decided to dedicate more time to reading and be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge like my dear friend June.
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Get In-Home Tech Support!
Is your email not sending? How do you find information on the internet? Having trouble connecting with your doctor for a virtual telehealth appointment? Want help with enabling closed captions on Zoom? AV tech volunteers can help!
Members can place a technology service request by calling the Ashby Village office (510-204-9200) or emailing info@ashbyvillage.org with information about your needs and a friendly knowledgeable AV Tech Team volunteer will be in touch!
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Tech Tips are on hiatus following the sudden passing of AV technology volunteer Jack Frater. Check this space for information about AV technology services and articles on technology topics of interest to our villagers. | | |
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Pre-Social Hour
A Conversation with Nancy Rubin
On the Documentary, "Hi, I'm Nancy Rubin"
Friday, August 4, 3-4pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
| Join us for this special presentation and stay for the Social Hour! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here. | | |
Social Hour
Friday, August 4, 4-5:30pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Connect with neighbors and meet other members, volunteers and staff while enjoying tasty snacks and drinks! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org
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Nature Walks & Hikes
Monday walks are intended for all levels of ability. Trail selections for Wednesday hikes offer distance and speed options – choose your adventure! Registration for each walk or hike is recommended so we know to look for you.
RSVP to Jeanette (650-954-7476 cell/text, or jbwardhmb@gmail.com)
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Tilden Botanic Garden
Monday, August 7, 10am-12pm
1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley
Docent tour for the first 15 people to arrive, others may self tour. Get more information and meet-up details here.
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Note: There is no Wednesday hike in August – it will return September 20. | |
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AV Science & Ideas Group Presents
Economic Demography: Population Aging and the Economy
Thurs, August 10, 3-4:30pm *ON ZOOM*
Martha Jones joins us to discuss how population aging affects the economy using two examples from the US: Social Security and the care economy.
Registration is encouraged, email Joseph Evinger (jdevinger@comcast.net) and read more here.
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Martha Jones, Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Health and Society, Vanderbilt University | |
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AV Elder Action
Special General Meeting:
It Takes a Village to Age Well
Charlotte Dickson, Executive Director of Village Movement California
Wed, August 15, 2-4pm *ON ZOOM*
Charlotte Dickson joins us to explain the history, market and long-term vision for Villages. Come discuss how Villagers can advocate for sustainable funding and create allies among elected officials and policy makers. Click "ON ZOOM" for the link or get it here.
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AV Events Team Presents
Celeste Solo Ensemble
Summer Concert: "Shall We Dance?"
Wed, August 16, 4-5pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Pianist Hiyunji Park, cellist August Lee, and soprano Jumi Kim will present well known classical dance music that will have your feet moving. Read more and register here.
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Ashby Village Information Session
Join us to explore Ashby Village membership and volunteering opportunities!
Saturday, August 19, 2-3pm *IN PERSON*
1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley
Come hear how we're helping each other and our community age better. Call 510-204-9200 or email info@ashbyvillage.org to register and get the Zoom link here.
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Save The Dates!
Friday, September 1, 3-4pm *IN PERSON*
Pre-Social Hour: Ashby Village Players Entertain!
Ashby Village members and other seniors will perform two short “adventure” comedies – Great Escapes and Miss You – directed by Ashby Village volunteer Gary Green. Don't miss it!
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Sunday, September 10, 10a-5pm *IN PERSON*
Ashby Village at the Solano Stroll
Get more festival information here.
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Tuesday, September 19, 2-4pm *ON ZOOM*
Elder Action General Meeting
Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) Proposals: An Update
Ramon Castellblanch (Prof. Emeritus, Public Health, San Francisco State University) joins us to share information about recent proposals from the CA Department of Aging, how to fund LTSS, and who will be included. Get the Zoom link here.
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Saturday, September 30, 11am-2pm *IN PERSON*
10th Annual Ashby Village Picnic!
Lake Temescal Regional Park, 6500 Broadway, Oakland
Details to come!
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Do you like using technology?
Do you enjoy sharing your tech know-how with others?
Might you occasionally have time to share what you know and make a big difference in people’s lives?
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Volunteer to help members with tech! | |
Add "Technology-Mac" and/or "Technology-PC" to your list of category skills in Volunteer Connect today. See below for details on how to add and remove categories from your Volunteer Connect profile. | |
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Here are ways you can help:
- Provide one-on-one tech assistance virtually and in-person with computers, smartphones, tablets, and printers, including installation and setup, internet navigation, software tips, security tips, and general troubleshooting
- Facilitate tech support groups (iOS/Android, Mac/Windows, etc.)
- Support and plan workshops and events for our members and volunteers
- Assist Ashby Village operations with tech needs
- Collaborate with other technology volunteers to explore solutions to new or growing challenges
Even if you consider yourself a basic technology user, your skills are valuable!
What are the benefits to you of volunteering?
- Feeling deeply appreciated from those you help
- Sharing in the joy our villagers experience when they learn something new or solve a problem
- Meeting and learning from other great volunteers with a wide range of skills and backgrounds
- The opportunity to strengthen and broaden your skills by teaching others
- Getting to know the wonderful people in our village community!
If you’re interested in learning more, let’s chat! Contact the Tech Team at techteam@ashbyvillage.org
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Anything Change? Update Your Volunteer Connect Profile!
We understand that interests and availability may change for our volunteers. Remember that you can update your interest categories anytime!
Consider adding one of the top three requested categories to your list this month: technology for Mac or PC, grocery shopping, and driving*.
Please click on the link on your morning emails or on your Volunteer Connect homepage labeled "Your Category Update Form" and update your interests today and as often as you like. Contact Volunteer Services Coordinator, Jessica Sterling, at jessica@ashbyvillage.org with questions.
*Volunteer drivers are required to provide proof of a clean driving record, valid drivers license, and current car insurance.
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Ashby Village Salutes Volunteer
Tom Noyes
"Tom is our maestro of SalesForce! His expertise and problem solving prowess help us address ever-evolving needs and improvements. I've learned so much from working with Tom and enjoy our weekly check-ins and his patient and warm teaching style. Whether he's in Oakland or Bologna, Italy, I can always count on him when I need him - grazie mille Tom!"
~Su-Yin Bickner, AV Operations Manager
Learn more about Tom!
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Edited by Member Peter Sussman
Jennifer Perrine, the author of today's featured poem, has published four award-winning collections of poetry. Since getting a PhD in English in 2006 from Florida State University, Perrine, who uses the pronoun "they," has also published numerous short stories, nonfiction reports and essays.
A resident of Portland, Ore., Perrine has taught at several colleges and universities. At last report, they are the co-host of Incite: Queer Writers Read and a writing coach for populations as varied as high school students, prisoners, LGBTQIA+ affinity groups, health care workers and general audiences. In addition to poetry, they teach anti-oppression practices.
Perrine has a vivid descriptive eye in poems whose narrative flow often carries the reader to unanticipated insights, as in today's selection. Poet Ellen Bass has described the music of Perrine's poems as "language enjoying itself".
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A Poem by Member Mary Shepard Phillips
While spending an hour in a dentist's chair recently, Mary wrote the following poem. When she shared it with her fellow Tea and Poetry Neighbors in North Oakland, they thought other villagers would enjoy it too!
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There was an old woman, who lives on a Way
With her dog Lad, she walked every day.
She was creaky and blind...
but still down deep inside
Was a girl
who could run...just for fun...
That kept her alive
Mary Shepard Phillips
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Thank you to North Oakland neighborhood group member Joan Feinberg for sharing this anecdote and poem. | |
Get AV Volunteer Tricia Sullivan’s Memoir as an Audiobook! | |
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“Overland Before the Hippie Trail: Kathmandu and Beyond with a Van, A Man, and No Plan” is now available as an audiobook at AMPlify!
Plus, get a $10 discount (about 50% off) if you order before August 20. Just use coupon code “HippieTrail10” when you check out.
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Tricia’s book and presentation were featured last fall in both the October and November editions of the AV Village Voices newsletter – find these past issues on the AV website here. | |
Share Your Stairlift Experience
From AV Member Kay Loughman: We are almost certainly going to have to install stairlifts in our multi-story house. I really don't know much about them, and I would be grateful to hear from AV members who have experience with these products. Which brands and models you have, extras that were worthwhile (or a waste of money), unexpected benefits (or problems), installation considerations, and your experience with particular installing companies. Please share your thoughts with me: kayloughman@comcast.net.
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Embark on a Journey of Deep Reflection and Discovery
Are you someone who finds joy in pondering life's profound questions? Are you seeking a space to explore the depths of human existence and the mysteries that surround us? If so, join the philosophical discussion group led by AV Member Kester Watters Wednesdays from 2-4pm at the North Berkeley Senior Center located at 1901 Hearst Ave.
The group will delve into topics that have intrigued humanity for centuries. Together, we'll engage in spirited discussions on topics such as the nature of a good life, the age-old dilemma of good versus evil, the enigma of life after death, the principles guiding our decision-making process, and humanity's role in shaping the future. Throughout our discussions, we'll draw wisdom from various sources, including science, religion, philosophy, and mysticism, valuing each perspective for the unique insights they offer.
Kester Watters has been leading thought-provoking discussions for over a decade. By challenging assumptions and sharing personal triumphs, Kester fosters an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and respectful dialogue.
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Special Event: Getting to Know the Villages
Brought to you by the UC Berkeley Retirement Center
Do you know somebody who isn’t familiar with the Village Movement but might be interested or benefit from learning more about it?
The UC Berkeley Retirement Center will host a virtual moderated panel discussion featuring members and volunteers from Ashby, Lamorinda and San Francisco Villages with the goal of building awareness about the benefits, resources and services available to members and volunteers of a Village community.
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Monday, September 11, 12-1:30pm *ON ZOOM*
For more information about the event, including the moderator and the panelists, please visit the event website here.
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The following information is shared by our extended community and is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Ashby Village of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. Ashby Village bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content. Please contact the posting individual or organization for answers to questions regarding its content. | |
Helping Seniors Connect
Supported by Cornell University and UC Berkeley, Roger is a voice assistant that checks up on older adult's wellbeing and connects them with seniors as a group on a phone line to discuss topics of interest. There is no app or website to go to, just pick up the phone when Roger calls! Learn more about Roger here.
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Thank you to the Ashby Village members, volunteers, supporters, and staff who contributed to this issue of the Village Voices newsletter!
Would you like your event or notice to appear in the next Village Voices newsletter? Use this form to submit your material by the 15th of the month.
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