May 2023

This month, Ashby Village joins others across the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month and challenge the narrative on aging.


Led by the Administration for Community Living, Older Americans Month is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens ... what Ashby Village and hundreds of other villages are committed to doing every day of the year.


This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, celebrates a wide range of aging experiences and promotes the importance of paving our own paths as we age.

Ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:


Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure, and invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities to bring in more growth, joy, and energy. See the many opportunities under Event Highlights below.


Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, insight and the confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes, and creative activities -- like those organized by AV members and volunteers here.


Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when we are connected and involved. Volunteer, mentor, and participate in (or lead!) AV interest groups and social activities.


Form relationships. Enhance your quality of life and develop deeper connections with family, friends, and community members by introducing new perspectives and ideas. Stop by the first Friday AV Social Hours and consider volunteering to provide friendly calls or visits to AV members.

Certain holidays can be difficult, including this one. We hope, no matter what this holiday brings for you, that you'll enjoy these special features of Village mothers and their children.

Meet Ashby Village Member

Mother & Son

Roberta & Damian

Spieckerman


Mother’s Day Gift: How One Son Helped His Mother 

Meet Ashby Village Volunteers

Daughter & Mother

Sasha Roberts

& Tali Buckman


High School Requirement Leads

Daughter and Mom to AV

New Board member Sophia Chen with partner and son

Get to know new Ashby Village Board Member Sophia Chen!


"something that has always guided me is the belief that there’s always time, if you really care about something. And joining the Ashby Village Board now at the age of 40 fit into that philosophy"


Learn more about Sophia here!

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Ashby Village Office Closed

Monday, May 1

Monday, May 29

Memorial Day Holiday

Member Wellness & Support

Meet Member

John Lau


Teacher, Squash pro, Hemingway fan, Outreach volunteer ... get to know John!

Member Support Groups


Hearing Loss

Group 1: 3rd Friday*

Group 2: 1st Thursday


Low Vision

Alternate Wednesdays


Caregivers*

4th Monday


Women in Their 70s*

2nd & 4th Wednesdays


Over 80

2nd Monday

Alternate Tuesdays*


90 Plus Club

1st Monday


*Group(s) full. Gathering interest for additional groups! Contact karen@ashbyvillage.org

Summer Health & Wellness Presentation

Trouble Sleeping as We Age:

Why Does It Matter?


Tuesday, June 13, 10-11:30am *ON ZOOM*

Early registration is open!

Dr. Katie Stone, Senior Scientist, CA Pacific Medical Center and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics UCSF, will speak about some of the health risks of impaired sleep and what to do about it.


Registration and information here.

The rains have abated, and the wild flowers are flourishing. Don’t miss our beautiful May walks and hikes!


See the Event Highlights section below and join us!

Healthier Aging Fitness Classes Update


Regular physical activity is vital for supporting our personal wellbeing. While AV-sponsored fitness classes are on hiatus, Healthier Aging would like to spotlight some wonderful exercise opportunities in the community.

YMCA-East Bay


The Y offers online and in-person classes, including yoga, senior fitness and strength training. Senior and reduced cost rates available.


Recommended: 

Senior Fitness (online)

Mary D’Elia, Albany Y

M/W/Th 10-11:45am

Senior Centers


Senior centers offer many wonderful in-person fitness, yoga and dance classes. Check out your local senior center:

Albany

Berkeley

El Cerrito

Emeryville

Oakland

Richmond

Yoga Instructors


Ada Lusardi

Online and In-person


Nancy Yates

Online


Vickie Russell Bell

Online 

Tech Tip

OMG! I didn't mean to send that text!

by Jack Frater, AV Tech Team Volunteer


Can I retrieve it? Or change it? If you use an iPhone or iPad, YES! You can undo or edit iMessage texts you send. It's not just about typos.


There are so many times when we pop off a message to someone and then instantly regret it. Thoughts of driving to their home to grab the phone with the regrettable message come to mind. But, there's an easier way! And while it leaves a trace (recipients will see you unsent a message), it may be easier than trying to explain the mistake in further texts.

So, how do we do it? Let's suppose you just sent a text message on your iPhone or iPad and, for whatever reason, you want to recall it.

  1. Select the errant text by pressing gently on the message with your finger, and a little menu will come up beside the message.
  2. Select "Undo Send" and, magic ✨ the message is recalled (you'll even see a little "poof").


You can also edit a text message and resend it: just select "Edit" from the pop-up menu, make your changes, and send it again. The catch: you only have about 2 minutes or so to unsend or edit.


Try it out!


Now, if I can only figure out how to "undo" something I said.

Get In-Home

Tech Support


Members: Request tech help by calling the Ashby Village office at 510-204-9200 or by emailing info@ashbyvillage.org and a friendly AV Tech Team volunteer will help!

Event Highlights

Nature Walks & Hikes


Monday walks are intended for all levels of ability. Trail selections for Thursday 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)


AV member- and volunteer-led walks and hikes are more popular than ever, and more hiking leaders are needed. If you would like to volunteer to assist, please contact Jeanette for more information.

Lake Temescal Loop


Monday, May 1, 1-3pm

6500 Broadway, Oakland


Flat and easy, this short loop trail meanders past the beach and goes around the lake. Get information and meet-up details here.

Round Top Loop

*Note the earlier time*

Thursday, May 11, 10am-12pm

6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland


This favorite in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is good for all skill levels. Get information and meet-up details here.

Pre-Social Hour

The Inspiring Transformation

of Colombia


Friday, May 5, 3-4pm *IN PERSON*

1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley


Ashby Village member and volunteer Joan Straumanis will share highlights of her recent trip and what she learned about this once dangerous country that is now safer, democratic, and verging on real prosperity.

Join us for this special presentation and stay for the Social Hour! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here.

Social Hour


Friday, May 5, 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

AV Exploring Creativity Group Presents

Where Your Pen Lands

Workshop with AV Member Linda Trichter Metcalf


Sat., May 6, 1:30-4:30pm *IN PERSON*

1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley


For writers and non-writers alike, this intimate workshop will introduce Proprioceptive Writing where participants will learn to listen to their thoughts with empathy and curiosity, and reflect on them imaginatively. Open to AV members and volunteers. RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here.

AV Elder Action Climate Action Task Force

Ways to Save & Electrify Your Home

With Electrification Expert Tom Graly


Tuesday, May 9, 2-3pm *ON ZOOM*


Tom Graly is back by popular demand with more tips and ideas you can put right to work! Benefit from time-limited savings on heat pumps and many other ways to save money AND energy! Get Zoom registration information here.

AV Science & Ideas Group Presents

Stop Eating Your Children's Lunch:

A Case For Animal-Free Foods


Thursday, May 11, 3-4:30pm *ON ZOOM*


Daniel Westcott joins us to share new solutions in development that promise to maintain our cultural connection to food while reducing the climate impacts inherent in our current agricultural system. Registration is encouraged, email Joseph Evinger (jdevinger@comcast.net) and read more here.

Daniel Westcott

PhD Plant Biology, Head of Protein and Texture at Climax Foods

AV Emery Bunch Neighborhood Group

Documentary Film Group

Badass Beauty Queen: The Story of Anastasia Lin


Thurs., May 11, 4:30-5:30pm *ON ZOOM*


The story behind Miss World Canada Anastasia Lin, who uses her beauty to fight for human rights in China. Watch the documentary prior to the discussion. (Film available on Kanopy). Get Zoom registration information here.

AV Elder Action

General Meeting

May Topic: Addressing Gun Violence


Tuesday, May 16, 2pm *ON ZOOM*


There have been nearly 150 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, and even more victims of community gun violence throughout the Bay Area. 

Gabriel Garcia, Policy & Advocacy Director for Youth ALIVE!, will tell us about how his Oakland-based organization is addressing the problem. They support legislation to treat violence like a public health crisis in order to help heal trauma survivors impacted by this violence. Get the Zoom link and registration information here.

AV Events Team Presents

West of Erin Irish Band


Wednesday, May 17, 11am-12pm *IN PERSON*

1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley


Jason Pollack and his Band performed on Zoom for Ashby Village last year on St. Patrick’s Day. We all loved them and can’t wait to hear them again – this time in person! Come enjoy great dance tunes of Ireland and songs of emigration, love, and adventure. High-energy, moving musical magic guaranteed! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here.

AV & The Grubb Co. Present

Conversation with the Expert: What is Really Going On in the East Bay Real Estate Market


Thursday, May 18, 2-4pm *IN PERSON*

1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley

Long-time friends DJ Grubb (President and CEO of The Grubb Co.) and Todd Kerr (founding publisher of Berkeley Times) discuss the local market — how we got here and where we are going! 


Join us for this special presentation! RSVP to info@ashbyvillage.org and read more here.

RSVP by Email Here

AV Exploring Creativity Group Presents

A Documentary Conversation with Nancy Rubin


Saturday, May 20 *IN PERSON*

1pm Film, 2-4pm Program

1821 Catalina Ave, Berkeley

Look who’s on TV! “Hi, I’m Nancy Rubin” is a highly-acclaimed documentary about Ashby Village member and long-time volunteer photographer. The documentary was nominated for a Rockie, the Canadian equivalent to our Emmy! Join Nancy to discuss this heartwarming and powerful story of one teacher’s success. Read more here.

Ashby Village Information Session

Join us to explore Ashby Village membership and volunteering opportunities!


Sunday, May 21, 2-3pm *ON ZOOM*


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.

Coffee and laptop virtual meeting (Credit Chris Montgomery)

Save The Dates!


Sunday, June 11, 10am-12pm *IN PERSON*

Southeast Berkeley History Walk

Ashby Village Member Ron Sipherd will lead us on a neighborhood loop showcasing homes and history in Southeast Berkeley. 

Registration and information here.


Tuesday, June 13, 10-11:30am *IN PERSON*

Trouble Sleeping as We Age: Why Does It Matter

Member Support Summer Health and Wellness Presentation

Registration and information here.

Volunteering

Ashby Village Volunteers Are Extraordinary!

Check out the highlight reel from the volunteer

appreciation party held on April 22!

We wish both of you all good things in your next chapter!

Thank you Ellen Newman! As co-leader of the Connections Team for the past five years, you have been generous with your wisdom, time, and energy. The Connections Team is flourishing, and we are truly grateful for your role in creating many meaningful connections among members and volunteers.

Thank you Jean Hoehn! It is with appreciation and admiration that we thank you for your dedication and service to Ashby Village. Your care in forming the Decluttering Team helped many members to clear their homes of unnecessary clutter.

Illustrations by Storyset

Following medical procedures or even basic healthcare screenings, people often must arrange for someone to transport them home, and that can be tough for older adults living alone.


Unlike many older adults who put off important healthcare procedures because they have no one to call on to accompany them (like those highlighted in this recent New York Times article), Ashby Village members can and do get assistance from our trained MedPal volunteers.

New MedPal Volunteers!


We are delighted to welcome our newest MedPal volunteers: Sue Wilson, Jacqueline Wish, and Michael Kiyabu!


Ashby Village MedPal volunteers help members organize vital information, prepare questions, and serve as a trusted presence during in-person or telehealth visits.


In a comprehensive training facilitated by Ashby Village volunteer Linda Rose, Sue, Jacqueline and Michael learned the necessary skills to accompany Ashby Village members to healthcare appointments and offer assistance. They join the dedicated group of MedPal volunteers who provide invaluable support to Ashby Village members. MedPal volunteers commit to respecting member privacy and keeping personal information confidential. Importantly, all notes taken by a MedPal volunteer belong to and are provided to the member.

Ashby Village members who would like to request a MedPal volunteer for an upcoming in-person or telehealth appointment, please contact the Ashby Village office at 510-204-9200 or email info@ashbyvillage.org with detailed information about your needs.

If you are interested in becoming a trained MedPal volunteer, please email Volunteer Services Coordinator Jessica Sterling at jessica@ashbyvillage.org to register for the next MedPal training session taking place this summer.

What We're Reading

Curated by Volunteer Pat Hom

(with additional contributions from Ashby Villagers)

The Unlikely Style Icon Teaching Older Women to Be Fashion Rebels

Celeste H. Dennis, Narratively


Gridlock in emergency departments

by Stephen Bohan, STAT


Retirement means different things to different people

George Jerjian, make it/CNBC.com


Challenging “disabled” assumptions

J. van Amermom, Neuromyletis


What are muscle knots?

Zachary Gillen, The Conversation


Options beyond running for your health

Beth Skwarecki, lifehacker

Opinion: Aging and Ageism–12 Seniors Discuss

Healy, Anderson & Rivera, NYT


I Am Not 80 Yet, but Among These 80-Year-Olds Is Where I Like to Be

Bonnie Tsui, NYT


Millennials are begging their parents to move in

Jeanette Settembre, New York Post


Knitwear Sensation at 83 – Delia Barry knits for “Banshees of Inisherin”

Lou Stoppard, NYT


Life-Changing Magic of a Urologist

Jancee Dunn, Well-NYT

A Healthier Aging Recommended Read

Announcements

American Academy of Arts & Sciences

and the Berkeley Program Committee Honor

Ashby Village Member

Maxine Hong Kingston


Wednesday, May 10 *IN PERSON*

5pm Reception, 5:30pm Program

The Faculty Club at UC Berkeley 

Minor Lane, Berkeley, CA 94720 

Celebrate author Maxine Hong Kingston as she receives the Academy’s Emerson-Thoreau Medal for her distinguished achievement in the field of literature. The program will feature remarks by UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ, Academy President David Oxtoby, and Kingston. Following the award presentation, Viet Thanh Nguyen will join Kingston for a conversation about her work.

Village Movement California:

Latest News & June Conference


On June 2 in Oakland, VMC will host "Fulfilling Our Potential", the first statewide in-person village gathering since 2019. Villages play a crucial role within California’s aging services continuum, and every day villages deliver on the five bold goals in the CA Master Plan for Aging that offer older adults, their families and communities, and the State a path towards sustainable aging. This and more in the latest edition of VMC news.

Thank you to the Ashby Village members, volunteers, supporters, and staff who contributed to this issue of the Village Voices newsletter!


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