Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 341

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 341

Santa Rosa, CA 95401Ask Kate ................

..............................page 2

Demobilization ..................................

.page 4

Friday Brunch ..................................

..page 4

Ask COA Legal .................................

..page 6

Letters ..................................

................page 6

Senior Center Highlights ..............page 7

Crossword & Sudoku .....................page 7

Save the Date ..................................

..page 8

SONOMA SENIORS

30 Kawana Springs RoadSanta Rosa, CA 5404

COUNCIL ON AGINGApril 2011

Terri Simpson,

by Bonnie Allen

Who can resist the sweet strains of “You Are My Sunshine”? Certainly not members of Healds­

burg’s Senior Social Club, who gave voice lustily to the lyrics and swayed in their seats. Later they got up to dance to “Tennessee Waltz,” and beat and shook rhythm instruments to “Okie from Muskogee.”

The magic is created by Jim DeArmon, sometimes known as “Cowboy Jim,” a one­time Texas farm boy who has collected 977 country classics on the laptop he brings to his twice­weekly song­fests at the Healdsburg gathering.

On a recent St. Patrick’s Day celebra­tion at the Club, DeArmon threw in “My Wild Irish Rose,” to the delight of all present. At age 81, DeArmon knows exactly what his audience likes. Many of them call out numbers or names of songs (each of his songs is numbered on a list) and with a click of a mouse, he brings up the lyrics on his laptop.

DeArmon is no stranger to the life that gave rise to many of these songs. He and his dad left the hardscrabble farm where he was born after his mother died when he was 9. In Coleman, Texas, his dad drove a cab and DeArmon worked as a meat packager before and after school, and as a theater usher in the evening.

At age 15, he hitch­hiked to California and settled with friends in Brawley, where he found work at a grocery store. He eventually served in the Navy in the Korean War, got married (his wife of 53

years, Gloria, passed away in 2003), and acquired a degree in business. He went to work for National Cash Register, which sent him to Santa Rosa in 1974.

The sit­down life brought its usual haz­ards, and when he was 48, the doctor told him to get his blood pres sure down. That

was when he picked up a guitar for the first time.

“My blood pressure went down,” he notes wryly. On retiring in 1989, DeArmon began per­forming. Over the years, he has sung at senior centers all over Sonoma County, though recently he has limited himself to Healdsburg two days a week.

DeArmon is blessed with a Texas drawl that’s as comforting as mashed potatoes, and a wicked sense of humor. When asked where he grew up, he deadpans, “I haven’t grown up yet.”

His advice for growing old successfully? “Keep laughing.”

What got him volunteering? “They asked me.” He elaborates: “They said, ‘What do we have to do to get you to come play for us?’ and I said, ‘Ask me.’”

Though his presence is worth gold to his audience, DeArmon gets no compensation other than the gratitude of Healdsburg members. But that compensation is better than gold. In fact, DeArmon is a living, breathing advertisement for volunteering.

It’s been a joy for DeArmon, who encourages others to volunteer. “There’s so many activities for people to get involved.

Anything that people want to do.”He recently wrote a note to Council on

Aging on what volunteering means to him:“It means I don’t get paid. In money,

that is. I am rewarded more than enough by the smiling faces, the caring, and the pouring out of love for each other. The few hours I spend are very well rewarded. We smile, talk, laugh, work, sing, dance and have a good time. I always feel good when I walk in, and when I leave, I feel better for being there that day.

“It’s a real feel­good place to go. “I’m happy to contribute what I can to

help put a smile on a face. It’s a real good feeling. I have a reason to keep going. A place to go. A reason to take care of myself and look presentable for the people. I am sure I get just as much from them as I give, if not more.

“I have people that care about me, as I care about them.

“I hope I can do this another 20 years.”Jim, we hope so too.

He Brings Country Classics to LifeWho’s having the most fun, “Cowboy Jim” DeArmon or Healdsburg seniors?

Find out more about volunteering for Council on Aging—call Michele Leonard at 525-0143, ext. 147.

Consider This…

page 2 ◆ April 2011 Sonoma Seniors Today

30 Kawana Springs RoadSanta Rosa, CA 95404

707-525-0143 • 800-675-0143Fax 707­525­0454

www.councilonaging.com

President and CeO Marrianne McBride

BOard Of direCtOrsBonnie Burrell, ChairJeff Beeson, Vice Chair

Dena Lash, Corrine Lorenzen, Chuck McPherson, Kathy Pinkard, John Reyes, Deborah Roberts,

and Carl Vanden Heuvel

Contributions & Letters editor: Bonnie Allen, (707) 763­2544

sonomaseniorstoday@gmail.com

Contributors: Bonnie Allen, Kate Maxwell, Lenore Pimental

Proofreading assistance: Steve Della Maggiora

distribution Manager: Stacee Shade

advertising & subscriptions:Kerrie Kennedy, 525­0143, ext. 112 kkennedy@councilonaging.com

Sonoma Seniors Today is a publication of Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road,

Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 525­0143 information@c ouncilonaging.com

www.councilonaging.com

Sonoma Seniors Today strives to share a variety of viewpoints on subjects of interest to a broad range of its readership. Opinions and viewpoints expressed by contributors and those interviewed for articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Council on Aging. Readers are invited to share their ideas, opinions and viewpoints by writing to this publication. Suggestions for improving this publication are given careful consideration, and letters to the editor are welcomed. Photographs may also be submitted.

Editor’s note: Publication of all material is at the dis-cretion of the editor; originals become the property of SST and cannot be returned. Mail all submissions to Sonoma Seniors Today c/o Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, or email to SonomaSeniorsToday@gmail.com.

All rights reserved.© 2011 Council on Aging

by Kate Maxwell, Ph.D., MFTClinical Supervisor, Council on Aging

Dear Kate,

Sonoma Seniors Todaypublished monthly by

SST Subscriptions Make GREAT Gifts (especially for yourself)A portion of each Sonoma Seniors Today subscription will go toward providing senior services. And your gift keeps giving through the year. Mail this form with check or money order for $24 (1 year, 12 issues) or $12 (6 months, 6 issues), payable to Council on Aging, to: SST Subscriptions, c/o Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

Name________________________________________Telephone__________________

Mailing Address__________________________________________________________

City__________________________ State/Zip_________ Date ___________________For additional subscriptions, please use a separate sheet of paper.

Ask Kate

If you’d like to help us save printing and mailing costs and conserve paper by

reading Sonoma Seniors Today online, send your email address to

information@councilonaging.com, so we can email it to you. You’ll also find it

“printed” in full on our website at www.councilonaging.com/SonomaSeniorsToday.html

Bonus! The online version features full-color photos and clickable links!

Council on Aging is going green!

Have a question about aging issues or family dynamics? Send it to Kate Maxwell at Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, or email to kmaxwell@councilonaging.com.

I live in an assisted living facility for older adults. I’ve noticed that when we have a lot of deaths at the facility (my home!), I feel increasingly depressed. Last week there were four deaths and the halls were silent as if everyone withdrew to their apartments. Not only are the other residents less responsive to my greetings, but even the staff becomes unavailable, as if they’re afraid they might be asked about the deceased. I have found myself thinking about people here I like and I’ve wondered how I would feel if they died. It’s hard to make friends here and I wonder if every one is afraid of losing a friend so they avoid making friends. Is it possible that we that we could choose being alone over friendships due to fear?

—Anne in Santa RosaDear Anne,

I see a lot of people who isolate themselves. When I have asked why they don’t make new friends, I’ve been told they have already had a lot of grief and they don’t think they could take any more. Not everyone is quite so honest. Some make excuses about exclusionary social clicks or focus on one person who has been rude or rejected their greeting. So there seems to be a move toward self­protection that shows up as self­isolation.

Living with an older group will always involve death. No one welcomes grief and as we get older, we lose more and more friends, family and acquaintances. With that loss comes an increased need for family AND new supporting friends. Making friends outside the facility can be very beneficial—think church and senior centers. We can better deal with death when we have a support system. Recovering from grief requires a re­immersion in life, a re­focusing on the present life experience. Isolation seriously undermines the immune system and compromises both physical and mental health.

Assisted living facilities could promote discussion groups, which could foster a sense of community. This type of group generally requires a professional who can manage group dynamics and maintain an openness to new members and support diversity. The payoff for the facility would be more resident participation in self care and lowered operating costs.

So let me ask you readers (particularly those of you living in assisted living):

Do you feel lonely even though you live with other people?

What stops you from reaching out to other residents or new residents?

How could your facility increase social contacts?

Do you believe fear of death/loss limits your making new friends?

Are there gathering places, other than hallways, where you can sit and visit?

Do you need assistance contacting friends or family? Do you receive help?

As the “baby boomers” age, there will be an increasing need for assisted living. Perhaps with your help we could inform local facilities of your social/emotional needs. I would love to hear from you. Please write or email me at:

Kate Maxwell, Ph.D. Council On Aging 30 Kawana Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 kmaxwell@councilonaging.com If you respond, tell me about your living

situation: Do you have a private room or apartment, a roommate or do you live in a private home or apartment?

I look forward to hearing from you. With enough response we could wield some power.

—Sincerely, Kate

Sonoma Seniors Today April 2011 ◆ page 3

Council on Aging DonorsMany thanks to our generous donors who made gifts to Council on Aging’s programs and the Annual Appeal, February 9 through March 9, 2011

Any errors or omissions in these listings are inadvertent. If your name was omitted in error, please accept our apologies and let us know. We will print a correction in a future issue.

General Fund

$500–$1,000Anonymous“A grant from the Julia L. Grant

Donor Advised Fund of Community Foundation of

Sonoma County” John B. Russell

$100–$250Herbert BarrosJune L. BestCaroline and Edward BrollCommoncentsJacquelyn DidierMarion DoyleLori GatesJim KaumeyerSusan LewekOak Leaf Rebekah Lodge #74Rob ShirrellWidowed Persons Assoc. of

California

Under $100Aileen A. AndresenKarolyn BradleySusan K. BraitoGlenn CoxeCheryl C. CumminsJanice J. FallonSusan HagenLynn McGarveyStan MishanetzGuadalupe Roman MorenoDorothy Nickolai

Martha M. ParmeleeJane A. PatrickMark and Cindy PendergraftJanet SatnoySusan SavonisGeorge D. SolomonLisa R. TurnerDuncan and Cindy WoodsTara S. Zamacona

Holiday appeal

$1,000–$2499Robert and Terese Gilford

$100–$250Nancy LoudenDonald J. Persico David and Lisa Shenton

Under $100Amy C. BoydMr. and Mrs. George BrittonJon J. Diederich and Gretchen

Sue PatersonConstance and Martin FeibuschSheila LangAdrienne LaubyJames and Laura LeeDouglas W. Price and Leslie J.

Price FagerP. Doreen ProctorMuriel and William RogersKaren and David RustGarland J. SingletonRobert and Mary Sue TrosperCharles D. VeyCarmen Walsh

Meals on WHeels

$2,500 and aboveNorthern California Small

Business Assist Inc.

$500–$1,000Nephrology Associates Medical OfficeRotary Club of Rohnert Park/

Cotati

$100–$499Helen L. ArmitageNancy J. CahnWilliam and Grace ChalkerDennis and Sue Ann FlynnJune GrahamDoris and Ralph GuyonHelen LibeuPeter and Barbara OlsenMyrtleann PappasJames R Wirt

Under $100Karen ArmstrongAlex S. BendahanHenry BiresChristina ChaseWilliam and Sally CondonJeannine and Mikel CookRobert and Virginia CrozierThomas F. CurtinStephanie DuckhornLorri E. GoveiaDiane and Michael HernandezJames L. and Ruth E. Johnson

Peggy LeeMichelle L. Mason-ChaddCarl C. McElhaneyRuth E. MontagueJeanne MooreJohn and Elizabeth MurrayLt. Col. Glenn A. Reich USAF

Ret.Eugene and Darlene RicciSandra L. SanfordJerome SchifferChristine M. SoryMonse Speer

MeMorial GiFts

In Memory of Lee Ann Creasey

Greg and Kris Baird

In Memory of Sidney F. Hooper II Apem Components, LLC

Franklin and Stefania Small

In Memory of Sal Bisagno Irene D. Bisagno

In Memory of Franco Roghi Lloyd Wagner

Featured speaker: ROY JOHNSTON, ESQ.

Estate Planning and Real Estate Attorney

Introduction by Council on Aging Legal Services Director Barbara J. Swary, Esq.

Location: Council on Aging

30 Kawana Springs Road Santa Rosa

GK Hardt Conference RoomApril 28, 1:00 to 2:00 P.M.

Refreshments will be servedPlease RSVP: (707) 525-0143, Extension 142.

Protect Your Assets Through Estate Planning

A Council on Aging Seminar“What happens after your first spouse dies?”

Roy Johnston, Esq.

Estate Planning Service

Providing revocable, simple trusts to So-noma County residents who own a home and wish to avoid probate of their estate.

Fees: $800 for a single trust $ 1,150 2 person trust

$300-500 Amending current trust

For more information or to make an appointment please call Barbara Swary at

Council on Aging, 707-525-0143 x 143

Dolores UllrichDon and Rorie WaldenDorothy WilliamsPhyllis and William WitterNorman Wood

page 4 ◆ April 2011 Sonoma Seniors Today

Lamplighters Senior ApartmentsAcross from Coddingtown Mall,

Whole Foods, bus stopFrom $825

2055 Range AvenueSanta Rosa

707-527-5444

Individual Freedom.It’s what residents find here every day at Brookdale Place

Chanate. We inspire our residents to be as independent as possible.To our residents, it’s liberating. To their families, it’s gratifying. Andto us, it’s fulfilling. There’s everything here you could want or need.

• Full service, restaurant-style dining• Spacious and private apartment homes in studio and 1-bedroomfloor plans

• Weekly housekeeping and laundry services• Over 180 social and recreational activities each month• Access to care should it ever be required

Call Brookdale Place Chanate at (707) 575-7503.

Schedule your personal visit and complimentary lunchand find out how you can save up to $2500!

Offer available for a limited time only!

Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA 23068-ROP01-0510

Independent LivingPersonalized Assisted Living

Exceptional Experiences Every DaySM

3250 Chanate Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404www.brookdaleliving.com

RCFE# 496803241

Have you tried Council on Aging’s Friday Brunch buffet yet? With brunch options designed by new

Meals on Wheels Chef Josef Keller, it’s Sonoma County’s best kept bargain secret—at a suggested donation of only $5 for seniors. Offering a choice of entrees, the brunches are held every Friday at Council on Aging’s dining sites at the Cloverdale, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol Senior Centers, and Silvercrest (Santa Rosa) and Vinecrest (Windsor) senior housing.

Friday Brunch at Bargain Rates

I knew it was time. For years my 1985 Toyota Tercel had been groaning as it shifted gears, came to a stop,

or went over bumps. None of that was new. But now I was having to add oil every two weeks, and my garage floor had continent­sized stains. There was no way my old car was going to pass its upcoming smog test. By California standards, my little hatchback would be delegated a “gross polluter,” an environmental blight, a brazen carcinogen. Bringing it up to compliance standards would cost thousands of dollars and made no sense. Still.

Fifteen years ago the Tercel became my “dog car.” When the rescue of oversized dogs becomes your fate in life, it behooves you to have a vehicle that can withstand dirt, mud, sand and all the odors emitted by wet fur. For people I’ve always had a newer, clean car with air bags and sturdy safety features, but since my retirement most of my driving has been in the Tercel with its oxidized paint and worn out upholstery.

I bought my old car in 1986 at a Hertz

rental sale. I wanted a modest sedan in a neutral color, one that I could drive in

questionable neighborhoods without garnering attention. As a social worker in the welfare department, I had to make home visits, drive clients, carry food and supplies. My small

car fit the bill exactly.There were times when I

smuggled women and their children in my car to the local Police Depart­

ment, where they would be met by staff from the women’s shelter. We were avoiding their abusive, violent partners in the waiting room of the welfare office. Other times I picked up clients from the hospital and brought them home to their small apartments where they would be met by In­Home­Supportive­Services providers. Inconspicuous and low­key, my car and I were part of a secret angel network known only to the most desperate and needy.

On rainy mornings, I sometimes picked up neighborhood kids on my way to work and dropped them off at Montgomery High School. My record passenger load was six dripping, hulking guys, all of them carrying gargantuan backpacks. By now they are all adults, fully established, with families of their own. Time has moved on.

My grandchildren grew out of their safety seats and booster chairs, and had their first driving lessons in my old car. Several of my dogs lived their whole lives being ferried twice a day to the dog park, and one by one we all grew old. Still, my car kept going, surviving one car crash where I had to chase down the “hit and run driver” to get his insurance information and another where an unlicensed driver slammed into me at a stoplight. Life went on and on, and so did my car, for twenty­four years.

Two weeks ago I received my fourth appeal from the state, offering me one thousand dollars if I would let them remove my car from the road. I mourned for days but finally agreed to do the right thing. It was long overdue.

Demobilizationby Lenore Pimental

In which an old friend is decommissioned

See DEMOBILIZATION, page 5

Q

MENUApril 1

Omelet bar Caesar salad bagels and cream cheese fresh fruit orange cocktail milk, coffee, tea.

April 8Scrambled eggs and cheese

OR crepes with blueberry filling spinach and artichoke pasta salad pumpkin muffin with butter fresh fruit orange juice milk, coffee,

tea.

April 15Eggs Benedict Caesar salad

banana muffin with butter sunshine salad cranberry juice cocktail

milk, coffee, tea.

April 22Southwest chicken frittata OR orange

glazed French toast spring greens with vinaigrette cranberry scones

with butter mandarin oranges orange juice milk, coffee, tea.

April 29Scrambled eggs and chives OR buttermilk waffle spring greens with vinaigrette cranberry scones fresh fruit

orange juice milk, coffee, tea

For seniors 60 years of age and older and their spouses and caregivers under 60 years of age. Suggested donation: $5. Please call 525-0383 for reservations (Español: 525-0143, ext. 127).

Q

Sonoma Seniors Today April 2011 ◆ page 5

One of my daughters tried to tell me that my car was only an inanimate object and not worth my emotional response. She seems not to know that objects become imbued with their own special essence after long, close associations. Then again, my daughter is a scientist. She doesn’t realize that I was her age when I first purchased the car, that it has accompanied me to marriages, births and deaths, that it has seen five presidential elections, a full career, and my retirement. My daughter doesn’t know that I’ve lent the car to the homeless,

left it in airports for weeks on end while I traveled the world, taken it on camping trips packed with tents and sleeping bags. My car served me well, adapted to the different phases of my life, and never failed to start right up with the first turn of its key. We were together for nearly two hundred thousand miles and ten thousand days. That counts for something.

I’m driving my “people car” now, and it barely whispers. In the back seat I’ve installed a hammock­type seat cover for dogs and my confused pup rides in a style to which she does not wish to become

accustomed. Flora doesn’t like the fact that the windows seem to open and close at will, that she can’t lean on my shoulder as I drive, that I take the time to dry her feet before letting her enter. We’re adjusting to life in the fast lane, something we were never able to do in the old car, and we appreciate that all the heat vents work. Still, both of us experience a moment of confusion when we go into the now spacious garage, a sense of loss and displacement. Our old car is gone, and with it, thousands of memories. I’ll need some time to mourn.

deMOBiLiZatiOn: Cont. from page 4

page 6 ◆ April 2011 Sonoma Seniors Today

You said. . .Letters to the editor

by Barbara Swary, Esq. Legal Director

Overpayment Notifications from Social Security

For the record: the Quran, as modern scholars prefer to spell it, makes no mention of 72 virgins, or any other heavenly extra privilege for those who kill unbelievers. Yes, the Quran advises killing unbelievers, but only if they’re attacking Muslims. Otherwise, “let there be no compul-sion in religion.” —Editor

If you or someone that you know receives a notification from the Social Security Administration, please take

quick action. If you do not, you may lose your

right to appeal. Most typically, the notices are regarding an overpayment by Social Security (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Navigating the “system” can be confusing, stressful and frustrating. Seek help through an agency that provides assistance with the appeals process, including Disability Services and Legal Center, or Council on Aging Legal Services.

You have a limited time to respond to an overpayment. The correct response may be to do a waiver and/or request for reconsideration. The next step is the right to appeal to an administrative law judge. failure to respond can result in losing all or a portion of your income.

remember: Always save ALL paperwork from the Social Security Administration. You may need to prove some fact in the future that happened in the past. There is no statute of limitations by social security to claim that you were overpaid.

editor:Thank you so much for printing the

story [“Sleeping with a Stranger”] by Lenore Pimental in your February issue. Her experience illustrates what we can do, one person at a time, by not allow ing prejudice to determine our behavior.

In the mid­nineties, I hosted a young Muslim from southwest France for a few weeks. He was as courteous and respectful as one could ask for. I was touched when he called me long distance from France the following summer to wish me a happy birthday. We stayed in touch as his life proceeded from university student to teacher, husband and father.

Sometimes I’m discouraged by the

changes in the 21st century caused by terrorism. The story by Lenore Pimental illustrates the power of knowledge and a positive attitude.

—Jacqueline Hanford, sebastopol

editor: When Moslem MEN of any age travel

by plane, etc., to or from anywhere on this planet, they do NOT introduce themselves by name to nearby non­Moslem passengers. They do NOT discuss their personal or family affairs, including their warm relationships with their mothers. And they do NOT rest their heads on the shoulders of obviously Christian FEMALE passengers who may be sitting next to them.

Ms. Pimental also included a quote from the Moslem Koran (unnecessarily spelled “Quran” for dramatic effect). The quote emphasizes the importance of “doing good to parents, kinsfolk, etc.” [Note: the quote was added by the editor.]

The “Holy Koran” also admonishes ALL Moslems that it is their duty to KILL as many “unbelievers” (non­Moslems) as possible. It is also claimed in the “Holy Koran” that every Moslem who murders “unbelievers”

will be rewarded in the Moslem heaven with the services of 72 Moslem virgins. Therefore, the Moslem heaven must be a very crowded place with so many virgins busily rewarding all Moslem murderers who have faithfully served their religion.

Ms. Pimental also mentioned in her article that her fellow passenger, Mohammed, spoke only broken English. In actual fact, immigrants from the Middle East—particularly Lebanon—usually speak English that is comparable to that spoken by college­educated persons in the U.S.

If Mohammed spoke only broken English, he would not have passed the interview for a U.S. or Canadian visa prior to leaving Lebanon.

I seriously question the profound sincer­ity that Ms. Pimental expressed in her article.

—J.W. Upton-Chalmers, santa rosa

Send your questions to SST, Legal Q&A,30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa,95404.

f f f f f f f

Sonoma Seniors Today April 2011 ◆ page 7

April Crossword Puzzle

Supply the missing numbers so that every row, column and 9-digit square contain only one of each number. No math skills are required, and no guesswork. For hints on doing Sudoku puzzles, visit www.websudoku.com, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Sonoma Seniors Today, 30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (Solution on page 8.)

Senior Center & Social Club Highlights

Sebastopol Senior Center167 N High St, Sebastopol, 829-2440, www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org.

• Thursday, April 7, 2:00 pm: Writer/speaker Jean sloan, author of She Flew Bombers will talk about her latest book, She Built Ships During WWII. Jeane will cover excerpts from her book: The Port Chicago explosion, Tuskegee Airmen, Japanese American internment, the first child care center, and women welders and riveters. Slone weaves an intricate story of cruelty, compassion and love. The courage of women welders who built ships while their hus­bands were at war is depicted so well that the characters come to life. A tender ro­mance is threaded throughout the book and we agonize with the heroine as she brings it to its inevitable conclusion. This historical fiction is a page­turner to the very end. • Thursday, April 21, 2:00 State Bar sponsored Presentation on Prevention of seniors Being Victimized by scams and Other types of elder abuse. Three attorneys—Desiree Cox, Bridgett Mackay and Lori Ingram—will talk about the various types of scams and abuse that happen to seniors, how to avoid them, what to do when confronted with abuse and how to protect oneself from scam artists. FREE, refreshments included.• Wednesday, April 27, Timber Cove Inn in Jenner, depart 10:30 am from Mt. Olive Church, 460 Murphy Ave., Sebastopol. Timber Cove Inn is a secluded getaway built for ultimate relaxation with stunning panoramic views of the ocean inside and out. This is the time that whales will be migrating to Northern California. Bring your binoculars, we might get lucky. $30 for our chartered bus. Lunch on your own. RSVP, 829­2440.• Thursday, April 28, 2:00: Meet the Doc. third Meet the doc session with speaker Dr. Gregory Rosa, director of the Palm Drive Medical Center and a long­time family medicine doctor in Sebastopol. He will be talking about the best exercises for seniors and how exercise can help. Healdsburg Senior Social Club Note: Senior Social Club is not a drop-in program. For enrollment information, call Robin Mahon, 433-6161, Mon-Wed, 9 am–2 pm.• Tuesday, April 6, 10 am: Collage Project with sixth grade students.• Tuesday, April 20, 10 am: easter egg dyeing.

If you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, it’s a scam! These emails try to make you provide financial information so they can steal your identity, or they want you to click on a link that can contain viruses. If you get such an e­mail, forward the com­plete message to phishing@irs.gov so the agency can investigate. The IRS doesn’t send unsolicited e­mails to taxpayers.

Scam of the Month Phony IRS Audit Notices

Across 1 Imitate 4 Council on ___ 9 Korean or Vietnam12 Business name abbr.14 Afghan capital15 TV’s “The ___ Storm Show”16 State of Unconsciousness17 Upper crust18 Voiced19 Hampers21 Hang on the clothesline23 Flightless bird24 Metric wt. unit25 Turquoise28 School grp.31 Snaky fish34 Dishevel36 Lazy writer’s “and so forth”38 Small dog’s comment40 Goofs41 Foxy lady?43 Opera solo44 Terminal abbr.45 Baseball stat.46 Divides48 Raggedy Ann’s friend51 This paper, for short53 Engrave54 Affirmative56 Old English measurement58 Inflatable boat61 Friday brunch offering66 Take in67 Taken __ (shocked)69 Ids’ counterparts70 Buck71 Embankment72 At hand73 Your, poetically74 Orange coats75 Opposite of 50 down

Down 1 Bank abbreviation 2 Needy 3 Writer Bombeck 4 African common name 5 New Mexico town 6 Wading bird 7 Crackpot 8 Glitter 9 Hospital unit10 Winged11 Depend13 Non-stick spray15 Overeat20 Brunch, for instance22 Sorbet25 Artery26 Muslim holy book27 Ship initials29 Where Jim DeArmon was born

30 Dined32 Musical33 Quoth34 Type of shirt35 Adam’s rib37 Nervous system, for short39 Dads42 April addressee43 Computer key47 Skin49 Expiring50 Variant of 54 Across52 Lenore’s car55 Resell (tickets) for profit57 Enjoys58 Lemon component59 Vow60 Heavy cart61 Favorite, breezily62 Top score63 Opposed to(dial.)64 Frat party attire65 Pallid68 Spelling contest

LIFELINE withAUTOALERT®

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The only medical alert pendant that can call for help when

you can’t!

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For info on the leading personal response service for over 35 years,call:

707-778-7883

Working for YouInformation & Assistance/Case Management:Do you need help with senior resources? Call us any time for information, assistance and case manage­ment services. Call Carol Martin at 525­0143, ext. 101. Sebastopol seniors only: call the Russian River Senior Center at 869­0618.

Senior Financial Services:Our bonded and insured counselors assist seniors who are unable to handle bill paying, checkbook reconciliation, eligibility documentation for retire­ment programs, and other financial needs relative to their daily money management. This program is especially designed for the forgetful senior or the se­nior with poor vision and often protects them from financial abuse and late fees associated with forget­ting to pay their bills. For peace of mind, call Connie Aust, Director, today at 525­0143, ext. 108.

Senior Peer Support:This program is to help seniors struggling with seri­ous mental illness access services and programs that help them develop skills and social support, lead­ing to a more constructive and satisfying life. After an assessment visit by CoA case managers and a licensed marriage and family therapist, clients are matched with trained volunteers for 12 weekly sup­port sessions to develop a care plan solution with the client’s approval, then follow­up with progress notes. Sponsored by the Department of Mental Health Services. Call Michele Leonard, Director of Volunteers, 525­0143, ext. 147, for information.

Lawyer Referral Service:If you are 60 years old or older and need an attor ney, you will be referred to a panel of elder law attorneys experienced in working with seniors. An initial half­hour consultation is $30. If you retain the attorney for further services, fees will be at the attor ney’s usual rate. The service is certified by the California State Bar, Certification #0111. Call 525­1146.

Senior Meals:Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals to temporarily home­bound or chronically ill seniors. Ten dining sites provide meals and companion s hip. Therapeu tic meals and nutri tional counseling are available for special needs. Call 525­0383 for information on home delivery or dining site locations.

Senior Social Club:This service has helped hundreds of people to recon­nect with others through our Social Club Activities program, offering the opportunity to gather for meals, exercise, entertainment, companionship, and arts and crafts. The programs are held in Healds­burg, Sonoma, and Sebastopol. Call Connie Aust at 525­0143, ext. 108

Senior Legal Services:Legal consultation and representation in matters of housing, consumer fraud, Social Security and SSI, Medi­Cal and Medicare, and elder abuse are pro­vided. Also available are simple trusts, wills and du­rable powers of attorney for health care and finance. Call 525­0143, ext. 140.

Senior Transportation:The Caryl Weis Transportation Program provides rides for ambulatory seniors, 60 and older. Our vol­unteer drivers will bring their own personal vehicles and their friendly smiles while transporting seniors door to door. All rides within Santa Rosa are $10. Rides outside of the area are based on mileage. Pay­ments are made in advance by check or bank card. Call 525­0143, ext. 113. If you would like to become a volunteer driver, please call 525­0143, ext. 147.

Council on Aging Mission Statement:

To enhance the quality of life for Sonoma County’s aging community

by providing services that promote well­being and maintain independence.

Save the date... (Events are free unless otherwise indicated)

page 8 ◆ April 2011 Sonoma Seniors Today

◆ 3th Fridays of the month: Hearing Loss support Group. Clubroom at the Lodge at Paulin Creek, 2375 Range Ave, Santa Rosa, 1:30 pm. This volunteer group meets to help each other improve communication and to learn more about hearing loss. We also have featured speakers who present educational programs. Join us! Info: Marion, 527­8399.

◆ Apr 9–10: american Philhar-monic presents Moby dick. John Kendall Bailey returns to lead the orchestra and chorus in an all­American concert featuring well­known favorites and a rare performance of “Moby Dick.” Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. 546­3600.◆ Apr 12: Walk a Mile in their shoes. Join Verity (formerly United Against Sexual Assault), the District Attorney’s office and the Victim Assistance Center. Step out of your comfort zone and join us on a short walk in someone else’s shoes, as we gather to remember and support all victims of sexual violence. 11:30 am–12:30 pm, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 575 Adminis tration Drive, Santa Rosa. 545­7270.◆ Apr 21: Petaluma’s Butter & egg days. Downtown parade at noon features more than 2,000 people and travels 12 blocks through historic downtown. Spon­

sored by the Petaluma Downtown Assn.10 am–5 pm. 762­9348.◆ Apr 21: alzheimer’s association presents “Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease,” 10:30 am–NooN, Petaluma Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. Topics include warning signs, differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis and commu­nity resources. To register, call 573­1210.◆ Apr 28: Protect Your assets through estate Planning. “What Happens When Your Spouse Dies?” A free Council on Aging Seminar with Roy Johnson, Esq., estate attorney. See page 3 for details and signup.

Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about or see discussed in Sonoma Seniors Today? Send your suggestions to Council on Aging (Attn: Bonnie) at 30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa 95404; or call 763-2544; or email sonomaseniorstoday@gmail.com.