Whistlestop Express

E PRESSThe Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging MovementMAY 2012 Whistlestop.org

Whistlestop

Pigeons: Love 'em or Hate 'em?page 11

Stephanie Mohan's Faces of Whistlestoppages 6 & 7

Whistlesizers Provides Fun with Fitnesspage 2

Joe and Pola Martino enjoy a game of bocce ball.

Bocce Ball, Tennis Combine Exercise and Active Social LifeB y J O H N B O W M A N

Staying fi t and connected with other people gets harder as we age. Not so for Joe Martino, who will turn 80 later this

year. The San Rafael banker is a regular on the tennis courts, and twice a week he plays bocce ball. “My goal is to play tennis three times a week,” he said. And he usually keeps that com-mitment. Most of it is doubles, although, “One friend of mine, who is older, boosts his ego now and then by playing me in singles.” Joe has been playing tennis since he was 40, and he took up bocce ball about 12 years ago. His wife, Pola, often joins him on the bocce ball court at Albert Park. “About a thousand people play bocce ball here,” Joe said. “And it’s about fi fty-fi fty men and women. In fact, there might be slightly more women playing.” Joe fi nds both games to be very social. He was drawn to bocce ball for that very reason. “I was at the park one day and I saw all of these people at the bocce ball courts playing, laughing, talking and occasionally having a glass of wine. It looked like so much fun that I just had to try it. The season runs from late March through October.” He said bocce ball also has a special draw for him because of his Italian heritage. Bocce ball doesn’t require as much physical effort as tennis does. “I feel fortunate at this age to be able to do physical things, especially

tennis.” But it’s the social aspect that keeps him coming back. Joe also has a job that many would envy; he is a Ball Dude for the San Francisco Giants. Those are the folks who sit on chairs by the foul lines and fi eld errant baseballs. Is it fun tossing the balls to fans in the stands? “Well, the Giants are fussy about how you do that,” Joe answered. “They like you to wear a glove and try to catch the ball. Then, we’re not sup-posed to throw the ball into the stands, but hand it to a kid. If we don’t see a kid, we give the ball to an usher who will fi nd a kid to give it to. And yes, it is great fun.” He hopes to get picked for a couple of games this summer, including Italian Heritage Night at AT&T Park. ✦

Whistlestop Express MAY 20122

W histlesizers is not your average work-out class. The teacher

doesn’t like to exercise, some of the participants use walkers, and the average age is prob-ably around 80. Ruth Fleshman, a native Californian who grew up in Oakland, has been teaching the class at Whistlestop Ac-tive Aging Center for nearly 25 years. Why? She feels strong-ly about older adults staying healthy and believes exercise can make them happier and extend their lives. “I hate exercising,” said the Point Reyes resident. “The only way I’ll do it is if I teach the c lass .” W hen asked her age, Ruth said, “I don’t give out that informa-tion.” (Pause) “I’m over eighty.” The class meets ev-ery Tuesday morn-ing in the Caboose Room, starting at 9:15 sharp. There are usually between 10 and 15 partici-pants, almost always women. “The men are afraid they’d be embarrassed if they couldn’t keep up with the women,” said Ruth. “I always kept after my father to exer-cise, but he’d say, ‘I’ve already done that.’ He was a semi-pro basketball player and played football in college. But I told him, ‘You can’t store it.’” Class participants are in

their 70s, 80s and 90s. One woman, now in her 90s, was not in good shape when she started the class. But she has made progress and recently said, “As bad as I am, imagine

how much worse I’d be without this.” The class consists of various kinds of movement, includ-ing leg-lifting and s t r e t c h i n g . T h e g r o u p a l s o u s e s hand weights for part of the workout. “For a long time, it was thought that older people could

not build muscle,” Ruth said. “But studies done in Southern California showed that with weight t ra in ing, people could build mobility. Some would go from walker to cane to complete ambulation. Now, what we do is not weight train-ing. But we do use these little weights and they help. Join us. The class schedule is on page 10. ✦

Table ofCONTENTS

Staying Fit to Ski

From Rocky's PantryRocky Packard

Cuban Dancing

Faces of Whistlestop

Whistlestop Classes

Activities Calendar

The Bird's Side of MarinRichard Pavek

Grand MomAudrey Mettel Fixmer

Brain TeasersGary Gruber, PhD

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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc.930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901Chief Executive Offi cer, Joe O’HehirBoard of DirectorsPresident, Dennis ThompsonVice President, Terry ScusselTreasurer, Michael RiceSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor DelaneyVenessa Dixon • Claudia Fromm • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • Bob SonnenbergWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profi t organizationThe Mission of Whistlestop:To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.Whistlestop Contact InformationMain Number 415-456-9062Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858www.whistlestop.orgInformation & Referral Offi ce415-459-6700 • [email protected] Express Editorial, Art Direction & SalesJohn & Val Bowman Editors916-751-9189 • [email protected] Reynolds Art Directormreynolds@pacifi csun.comAdvertisingLinda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306

Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper

To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to [email protected].

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“I hate exercising. The only way I’ll do it is if I teach the class.”

Whistlesizers Class HelpsKeep Older Adults Young

Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE by JOHN BOWMAN

whistlestop.org 3

‘Dictionary Man’ Loves Words and Skiingby JOHN BOWMAN

Two of Gary Ragghianti’s passions in life are downhill skiing and his role as “Dictionary Man” when he volunteer teaches kinder-

garten kids at Sun Valley School. Gary, 68, of San Rafael, is a mediation lawyer. Back when he was working fulltime he did land use litigation. His skiing career didn’t start until he was in his 30s. “It was about thirty-fi ve years ago,” he said. “I really wasn’t inclined to ski but my wife, Mary Lou, was an excellent skier and she got me involved. Eventually, she stopped, but I

kept skiing.” Gary recently returned from a ski trip at Park City, Utah, where he goes three times a year. One of his ski-ing buddies is 72 years old. How does a guy stay in shape at age 68 in order to

continue skiing? “I’m obsessed with training,” Gary said. “I go to spin class three days a week and work with a personal trainer two days a week. It’s a good idea to stay in shape. You’re dealing with altitude and your quads and back muscles need to be strong. Otherwise, you can easily get hurt.” What does he love about skiing? “It makes me feel free. It’s like I’m fl ying – such a great sense of freedom and speed. It’s also relaxing. I often stop to take in the views.” His other passion is volunteering as a guest teacher at Sun Valley School in San Rafael. Gary created a game for the kindergarten pu-pils. It earned him the nickname, “Dictionary Man.” He has one child sit in a chair and look through the dictionary. The child picks a word but doesn’t say what it is, giving just the fi rst letter. The other children guess at what the word is. When someone guesses, they all then learn the spelling and meaning of the word. The successful guesser gets to sit in the chair and pick out a new word. Gary Ragghianti is a model for older adults who want to stay active, in shape, and also to give back to their community. ✦

“It’s like I’m fl ying – such a great sense of freedom …”

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This Orzo salad could be a light meal on its own and is easy to put together. Orzo re-sembles large grains of rice. You can fi nd

orzo for sale in your local grocery store. This type of pasta is most commonly made from white fl our, although you may fi nd it made from whole-grain fl our as well. Serves 6

1 Pound Orzo pasta, cooked al dente, drained and rinsed 8 oz Container Sun-dried tomato pesto 2 Each Roasted red peppers, peeled and seeded 1/2 Cup Basil, chopped 1/4 Pound Baby spinach, raw and coarsely chopped 1/4 Cup Olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook orzo pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and cool with cold running water. When fully drained, place pasta in bowl and add remaining prepared ingredients. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese: may be served warm or cold.

Per serving (excluding unknown items): 234 calo-ries; 20g fat (71.0% calories from fat); 4g protein; 14g carbohydrate; 2g dietary fi ber; 0mg cholester-ol; 490mg sodium. exchanges; 1 grain(starch); 0 lean meat; 4 fat. ✦

From Rocky's PANTRYb y R O C K Y P A C K A R D

Orzo Italia Salad

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New Dance Class SpreadsJoy, Brings People Alive

Be r t h a M e n d o z a h a s h a d

a dream about w o r k i n g a t Whistlestop since her father worked here eight years ago. Now she is a volunteer who leads a new dance class in Danzón, a type of dance that originated in Cuba, which is also popular in Mexico, where Bertha is from. She grew up in Oxtotitlan in Guerero. Danzón was also very popular in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, Mexico, because of the strong Cuban infl uence in the region. The Latin Rhythm class meets on Thursdays from 11am to Noon. There is a $2 fee. The new class is growing and more men have been coming. Bertha is transmitting much more than her skills; she is sharing her passion and love with the clients. She wants them to learn about her culture. She says volunteering and working with older adults is a passion of hers and a way for her to give back. “They raised us and have done so much for us. They have experience and wisdom and we need to help them feel more alive.” Bertha feels that music is a universal language – no words are needed. She tells the people she teaches to follow the music. “This music is very romantic, feel the music.” She loves that the old dances evoke memories of happy times for people. She can’t seem to help but spread the joy she feels when she is dancing. She will be going to Mexico in September and will take some classes so she can come back and share more with her students. Bertha also spends many hours as a volunteer at her son’s school, teaches knitting and cooks meals for St. Vincent de Paul. She says money isn’t important to her, but that she finds meaning in giving to people. Bertha will be dancing in traditional costume for the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café on May 4. Traditional Mexican food will be served. ✦ 457.1664 | norcoastmobility.com

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Whistlestop Express Editor, Val Bowman saw an inspiring photo exhibit by a NYC photographer that prompted us to ask Stephanie Mohan of Creative Portraiture, Fairfax, to donate her time and talented eye to capture our “Faces of Whistlestop.” Stephanie shot portraits of many of the people frequently seen at Whistlestop in special sittings in late March. “There is such diversity here.” said Yvonne Roberts, Whistlestop’s Development and Marketing Director. “We help so many people learn English, socialize, and connect with older adults with origins from Lithuania, Peru, Germany, Iran, Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, Guatemala, Mexico, Sudan, Russia, Thailand, and Turkey. You can see the wisdom, experience, and diversity in this beautiful portrait collection.”

Asghar Chegini

Shirley Young

Herman Claussen Lastenia Reales Jim Cooke

Maxine Simontacchi

Richard Giambastiani Paula Ross

Lolita Duarte Elizabeth Vanek

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“I think Stephanie Mohan has a unique ability to capture the essence of people, her style of portraiture brings out your true beauty.”

Participants may purchase portraits through Stephanie’s website at a discounted price. Please contact Whistlestop for the event code at 415-456-9062. Stephanie's studio number is 415-454-2102.

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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOPCOMPUTER/PICTURE CLASSBeginning: 2nd Friday • 2 to 4pmAdvanced: 3rd Friday • 2 to 4pmFee: $15 | Instructor: Gene DyerRegistration required: 459-6700Call for more information and class descriptions.

BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL ITuesdays, June 5 – July 10 • 10 to NoonInstructor: Mike Kress | Fee: 6-week course for $60Registration required: 459-6700 This is a hands-on course that will provide you with the basic skills needed to use your Windows-based personal computer. It is designed for fi rst-time computer users. You will learn how to: start your computer and turn it off , use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, use Windows components to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to fi nd information. Laptop users are welcome to bring their computer to class. You must have a Windows-based computer.

DROP-IN COMPUTER LABMondays • 10 to Noon/Wednesdays • 10 to 2pmNeed help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-on-one, if needed.

LAMAS QI GONG Ancient Chinese Self-Healing ArtMondays • 9:30 to 10:30amInstructor: Debra Zibitt, Certifi ed Sifu | Fee: $3 Lamas Qi Gong cultivates and manipulates one’s inner vital life force by using skill of breath, combined with gentle soft movements, visualizations and intentions. Lamas Qi Gong heals and strengthens the body. Benefi ts to you: On-going development

of personal growth, helps to eliminate stress, helps reduce anxiety and fear, promotes inner balance and regulation, improves immune system.

NEW MEMORY BOOK WORKSHOPINTRODUCTORY SESSIONMonday, May 21 • 1:30pm Register: 456-9062Are you interested in creating a photo book that tells a personal story? Or creating a photo book of your loved ones or pets to share or give as a gift? Helen Clark will show you step by step how to create this special memory book.

LIFESQUARE: GIVING YOU PEACE OF MINDFriday, May 18 • 2pmRegister: 456-9062Lifesquare securely relays your essential health information to medical professionals in an emergency.

Find out how it works, why Lifesquare is important, what

the benefi ts are, and how your personal information will be protected.

GOING PLACESMarin YMCA and Whistlestop invite you to join Adventures in Culture. Living in the Bay Area, there are many points of interest to visit. The Y plans older-adult trips to diff erent locations, such as museums, attractions, gardens, and much more.

To register for one of these outings, please contact Lisa O’Brien, Marin YMCA, 492-6922 or Debbie Benedetti, Whistlestop, 456-9062.

SONOMA VALLEY MUSEUM OF ARTFriday, May 18Fee: Community Member $15Sonoma County is rich in innovative artists who practice and inspire creativity in diverse ways. Cathy Ellis, Peter Hassen, Ryan Lely, William Smith and Esther Traugot are fi ve of these artists whose work is deserving of wider recognition. Each inspires the viewer to regard our experience

Commission on Aging-Healthy Aging Symposium

Thursday, May 10 • 9:00-1:00 pmWhere: Embassy Suites, San Rafael

Topic: Maximizing Our Potential as We AgePresenters: Joel Kramer, PsyD,

UCSF Memory and Aging CenterNext Meeting: June 14 • 10:00am • 12:30pam

Topic: What is Marin Village? Where: The San Rafael Community Center

whistlestop.org 9

• Marketing & Promotions Assistance• Chiropractor • Zumba Instructor• Watercolors Instructor • Italian Social Group Leader• Portuguese Social Group Leader• Bi-lingual Computer Teacher

RESTORE & IMPROVE YOURBALANCE TRAINING CLASSTuesdays & Thursdays • 2:30 to 3:30pmFee: $10 suggested donation per class/drop-ins welcomeThomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT, has been working in the health and healing rehabilitation fi eld since 1992, primarily with those who are physically challenged with sustained disabilities, impairments or limitations. You will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely implement very simple exercises to train your balance. You will also learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard your risks of injury. Bring a water bottle and 1- or 2-pound weight(s) to class.

WHISTLESTOP TAX PROGRAMA Sincere Thanks To All Our Volunteers!Whistlestop off ers our heartfelt thanks to our Volunteers who worked so hard on the tax program. We could not help as many people and achieve as much as we do without your commitment. We are grateful for all you do and the diff erence you make. A special thanks to our Tax Preparers: Anne Johnson – Margaret Todd Senior Center, Carol Golden and Kirk Beales - Whistlestop and Tax Greeter, Scott Marcum.

Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902Get Qualifi ed to Ride: 456-9062, [email protected] a Ride: 457-4630STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969

Transportation Numbers

from a fresh perspective, whether through the lens of an iPhone or via the juxtaposition of cultural and spiritual icons. Bring a lunch. Depart at 10:30 am, return about 3:30 pm.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORSWednesday, May 23Destination: Golden Gate Bridge to Cliff House This will be a one-way hike across the Bridge and along the Coastal Trail to just above the Cliff House, stopping to eat our lunches at Baker Beach. Total distance is about 5 miles, with a descent of 200 feet to the beach, and then a climb of nearly that through the Seacliff area and on to the Coastal Trail again. Depart at 9:30 am, return about 3 pm.

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS, OLD WINDMILL AND THE BEACH CHALETFriday, June 1Fee: Community Member $20Since reopening in 2003, the Conservatory of Flowers has become one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations. The elegant, rehabilitated building continues to be recognized as an icon of San Francisco’s Victorian past. The fl oral displays and exhibitions inspire visitors with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. For lunch, you can purchase from the menu of Beach Chalet or bring your own, then enjoy the sites of the windmills in Golden Gate Park. Depart at 10:30 am, return about 3:30 pm.

MEDICARE 101: EXPLANATION OF BENEFITSFriday, May 18, 11amRegistration: 456-9062Adam Knepper, Community Development

Representative from Country Villa, will explain what Medicare A, B & D cover regarding Hospital, Physician, Pharmacy, Home Health, Skilled Nursing and Medical Equipment.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESContact: Debbie at 456-9062 or [email protected]• Jackson Café • Center Services• Board/Card Game Leader


Whistlestop ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME CLASS INFO COST 9:00–2:00 PM Chair Massage Open $4/8min. 9:30–10:30 PM Lamas Qi Gong Open $3/class 10:00–11:00 AM AM Monday (Discussion) 457-0586 Free 10:00–NOON Computer Lab Open Free 11:00–12:30 PM German Social Group Open Free 11:10–NOON Movement & Music Open Free 2:00–4:00 PM ESL (Jan. 23-May 16, 2012) 457-8811 Free 4:00–5:30 PM Citizenship Class 454-0998 $25

9:15–10:15 AM Whistlesizers (Exercise) Open Free 10:45–11:45 AM Cardio Exercise Class Open Free 11:00–2:00 PM Manicurist Appt. Needed Free 1:00–3:00 PM Learn Spanish Open Free 2:00–3:30 PM English Conversation 454-0998 Free 2:30–3:30 PM Balance Class Open $10

9:15–10:15 AM Whistlesizers (Exercise) Open Free 10:00–NOON Knit!!! 457-0586 Free 11:00–NOON Latin Rhythm 454-0998 $2 2:00-3:30 PM English Conversation 454-0998 Free 2:00–4:00 PM Remembrance Writing Open $5 3:00–4:00 PM Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers

9:00–10:15 AM Tai Chi Qigong Sugg. Donation $10 9:00–2:00 PM Chair Massage Open $4/8min.10:00–11:30 AM Seniors' Circle (Support) Open Free 10:00–2:00 PM Computer Lab Open Free 10:30–11:45 AM Corazón Latino Open Free 10:30–NOON Mah Jongg Open Free 2:00–4:00 PM ESL (Jan. 23-May 16, 2012) 457-8811 Free 3:00–4:00 PM Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers

1:30–3:30 PM ACASA (Support/Training) Peer Counseling Free 1:30–3:30 PM Practice Spanish (Club) Open Free 1:30–4:00 PM Friday Flicks May 11 & 25 Free 2:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky May 4 & 18 $3 3:00–4:00 PM Yoga with Kelly 456-9062 $3

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The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.

LUNCH MENU60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES

Main Entrée$4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées)

Sandwiches$4.25/$6.25

Soup du Jour$1.75/$2.25

Hamburger w/Fries$4.25/$5.25

Salads$2.50/$4.00

OTHER ITEMSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit $1.50Beverages $1.00Desserts $1.50

Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center

Jackson Café

whistlestop.org 11

The Bird's Side OF MARIN b y R I C H A R D P A V E K

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Pigeons: Pests or Beauties?

Back in the 80’s, I could see the overhang of the deck above me from the office

window of my f loating home. One day, a pair of pigeons built a nest there, and soon there were two healthy, hungry and vocifer-ous nestlings. Every day, I opened the window and spoke to them. They, in turn, insisted that I feed them, which I didn’t. As there was nothing below but water, I worried about how they would leave the nest. One day I looked out and they were gone. I went out and searched, fearing I would see dead chicks fl oating in the water, but I saw no chicks and no parents. The next day I went to pick up my daily pa-per from the dock and there they were, looking up at me with obvious recognition. They moved aside as I walked past, but didn’t fl y off. For a few days they

would walk about on my deck until they fl ew off to explore the world. But every so often they returned for a walk around and a bit of a chat. Unfortunately a few months later, the local pigeon colony had grown so large and troublesome that the neighbors began driving them away and I never saw the pair again. To this day I have mixed feelings about pigeons, as do many of you. On the one hand they are pests, on the other they are rather beautiful – and they do pick up the seeds that fall from my bird feeders to the deck. So I guess that I will just have to go through life confl icted about pigeons, as I am about so many things in the world today. Every weekend I email an interesting bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like to see something nice in your Inbox, email me at: [email protected]. ✦ Till next time, Richard


Alive and Kicking at 97is the Best Gift of All

From Fran Cohen’s Refl ections of My Life

W hat can I say about the wonderful surprise visit from my granddaugh-ter Ashara? It was September 24,

2011, a beautiful sunny day. I was waiting for my daughter Bonnie, her husband Richard, and my younger sister, Selma, 90, to help me celebrate my birthday. Everything had been hush-hush and I had no idea about their plans for the day. I was still getting ready when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it and there stood a lovely, girl. I did not recognize her at fi rst. “Ashara!” I gasped. The girl was my beauti-ful granddaughter. I was so shocked, but de-lighted too, as she had come all the way from Pennsylvania, leaving her two little children, two- and three-year-olds, with her husband. There was much hugging, kissing and talk! “Ashara! I can’t believe you would come from such a distance for my birthday!” “Grams,” she said, “You are special and I am so much like you. I too have been writ-ing and painting, just like you. In fact, a chil-dren’s book I wrote is at the publishers now.” Well, the family sure kept the secret of her coming. At last we all got into Richard’s car and drove to Buckeye in Marin County. At the restaurant, with everyone in a gala mood, I was toasted with champagne and a great meal. To end a perfect day, we came back to my home. I cried and laughed for joy as I opened gifts. The real gift though was to be spending my birthday with my family. And to be alive at ninety-seven and still kicking is the best gift of all. ✦ Editor’s note: This is one in a series of occa-sional “GrandStories,” about Marin County grandchildren and grandparents. Fran’s book was edited and designed by CJ Carroll of Dreamcatcher, who teaches a class on remem-brance writing at Whistlestop, see page 10 for class schedule.

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Appreciating Whistlestop B y M I C H A E L R I C E

I joined the Whistlestop Board of Directors to make a con-tribution to an organization I

knew provided a lifeline of important services to an active aging community in Marin. I’d grown up in the area, and made a career helping business owners locally for over 25 years, and I felt I could make a difference. I understood we have an ever-increasing aging population that is an independent lot, who are not used to access-ing services. When I fi rst joined the organization, I spent time riding on the buses with the clients, listening to stories. For some, the need for services and lifestyle changes came quickly with the loss of a spouse, a fall that led to a hip replacement, or loss of the ability to drive. Think for a moment how many of us in Marin will fi nd ourselves in the same situation and how we might feel. In April last year, I found I needed to attend to an old injury and have my hip replaced. I was rela-tively young, and this was my fi rst trip to the hos-pital. I knew I would not be able to walk for weeks or drive for a month, and I realized I would lose my independence for a while. I learned any of us can quickly become disabled, or fi nd ourselves alone in our homes with loss of independence. I learned much during my recovery, and I identifi ed with the stories I heard on the buses about how folks came to rely on our services. A few times a year, Whistlestop Board members get together to make calls to thank those who have given to the organization. I happened to speak with a donor who was recovering from her own hip surgery and needed our services for the fi rst time. Our experiences were similar in how we felt uncomfortable reaching out for help and services. But in her case, she was foreign born, her children were overseas, and many of her close friends had moved or passed away. Whistlestop was there for her with transportation, and a variety of services to get her reconnected. For me, I found my recov-ery an enlightening experience. More than ever, I appreciate what a lifeline Whistlestop services are to Marin residents. ✦

Michael Rice is a VP at Circle Bank and a Whistlestop Board member.

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Grand MOMby AUDREY METTEL FIXMER

Born 30 Years Too Soon?

“If I knew then what I know now” is a com-mon opener for us older adults. It is es-pecially appropriate for things involving

healthcare — the benefi ts of regular exercise, for example. Granted, the Mamas got lots of ex-ercise hanging out laundry, the Papas couldn’t afford much tobacco, and the kids didn’t get rides to school. However, after the birth of my fi rst child in the late 40’s, I expected to get back into shape by pull-ing on a Playtex rubber girdle. Jack LaLanne was the fi rst exercise guru that I remember. I thought he looked silly with those oversized muscles and skin-tight leotards. Yet, he got through to me about nutrition, and I was determined to feed my family a healthy diet. Then Jane Fonda burst onto the scene. Now her I could relate to. She worked every muscle in her body and her appearance was proof enough that it succeeded. Her message to “work those muscles until they burn” came through to me. I bought a couple of her videos and worked out in my living room, but soon realized that working alone was not much fun. I enrolled in a dance aerobics class that appealed to my social nature. I faithfully attended for several years. I could go there at 6:30 a.m. and still have time to shower and be at school to teach at 8:00. I must confess that when the arthritis in my knees got too bad, I gave up the dance aerobics, but substituted water aerobics for a couple of years. I had both knees replaced and I didn’t have pain in my knees for the next 18 years, but I have only exercised sporadically. My friend John McKenzie, a retired banker, is my latest inspiration. He just fi nished compet-ing in the annual Birkebeiner race (six miles on skis) for the 25th year. Over 4,000 compete, and John came in fi rst in the Over-80 category. (Okay, he was the only one in his category.) How does he stay in shape? In good weather he does a six-mile course on roller skis and rides a bike to church every day, which is 12 miles round trip. Did I mention that John had both knees re-placed four years ago? ✦

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whistlestop.org 15

Brain TEASERSB y G A R Y G R U B E R , P h D

Q. In the following subtraction problem, each letter uniquely represents one digit from 0 to 9. Find the values of A, B, and C and at least one digit is not 0. A B A - C A A B

Write a three digit number with h hundreds digit, t, tens digit and u units digit as 100h + 10t + u. You will fi nd that A = 1, B = 0 and C = 9.

We have 100A + 10B + A - 10C – A = 10A + B. This gives us 90A + 9B = 10C or 10A + B = (10/9)CThe only way A and B can be integers is if C = 9. That makes 10A + B = 10. The only way this is possible with A and B integers (from 0 to 9) is if A = 1 and B = 0.

Q Which is greater, the average rate of a car going uphill a certain distance at a rate of A miles per hour and downhill the same distance at a diff erent rate, B miles per hour, or the average of the rates A and B? Assume A not equal to B.

A. The average rate is less than the average of the rates. Average rate = 2AB/(A + B). Average of the rates = (A+B)/2.

Answer

Answer

My Garden Grows Boysb y B E T T Y P A G E T T

My garden grows boys. We smile with each berry we pop into our mouths: Blackberry, raspberry, strawberry.We plant potatoes and pick tomatoes, Watch ladybugs and learn about the seasons. We fi nd treasures:A carrot we planted last year,A feather from an owl.And over in a corner, a pile of scat –Now what animal was that? It isn’t all fun – We weed and wait,We thin and prune – and wait.But we love to dig – that work is fun!My garden grows boys. ✦

Betty Pagett (Oma) wrote this poem about her grandchildren, James, 6, and Zachary, 2.

Dr. Gruber’s Brain Teasers column appears in numerous publications. You can contact him through his website www.drgarygruber.com for information on courses or any questions.

Multi-Cultural Picnic FeaturesMusic, Friends and Good Food

Join your friends and make new ones at the Multi-Cultural Picnic Friday, May 25 from 11am to 1pm at Pickleweed

Multi-Purpose Room, 50 Canal Street, San Rafael. Special Features: Steel Drum Music, Zumba Dancing and a Guitarist. ‘Delicios’ burgers, hotdogs and fruit. $4 for those 60+; $6 for all others. RSVP: 456-9062 ✦

Guests at last year’s Multi-Cultural Picnic enjoyed good food, music and dancing.


Marin Senior Coordinating Council

930 Tamalpais AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94901-3325

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On Being a Trustee(the paperwork battle and tax responsibilities) Special Seminar for Legacy Management Plan Members and GuestsSpeakers: J.R. Hastings, JD & Charles Stuckey, CPA

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