Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December...
Transcript of Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December...
FORTUNA SENIOR SCENE
Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December 2010
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Annual Tribute to All Veterans “Raise the Flag” is the theme of the Seventh annual Tribute to Veterans sponsored by Fortuna Senior Services on November 11. This year’s featured speaker is Howard N. McLaughlin, Jr., a veteran of WWII. Doors open to the Veterans Memorial Building, Main Street, Fortuna, at 1:30 p.m. with the ceremony following at 2 p.m. McLaughlin landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, witnessing the raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi. He joined the Marine Corp in 1943, and serving with the 5th Engineer Battalion of the 5th Marine Division. From Iwo Jima, he went to Hawaii to prepare for the invasion of Japan, a military plan that was supplanted by the dropping of the atomic bomb. He was discharged in San Diego in 1946, and in 1948, passed a civil engineering test, working for the State of California for over 42 years. After retiring, he moved to San Juan Batista where he raised fuchsias commercially. He then moved to Fortuna, planning to do the same, but found it was too cold. Notwithstanding that plan gone awry, McLaughlin remains a resident of Fortuna. Following the “Raise the Flag” presentation, there will be a medley of patriotic songs in a sing-a-long, led by Betty Diehl, conductor for more than 40 years of the Ferndale Community Choir. Another special guest will be Russ Thompson of “Let’s Pretend with Uncle Russ,” a program presented by the Armed Forces Radio Services from 1948-52, heard by kids in American military bases throughout the world. Following that, music will be played by Don Hicks and Richard Phillipsen, with the floor open to dancing. Refreshments will be served by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Admission is free to the event sponsored by FSS, but donations will be accepted. An opportunity drawing will be held for an overnight stay at Benbow Inn, Garberville, including an additional $50 gift certificate; $100 gift certificate for Ivanhoe Restaurant, Ferndale; $100 gift certificate for Ferndale Meat Company, Ferndale; $50 gift certificate for Carter House Inn, Eureka. Tickets are available at the event. The American Legion and VFW is donating use of the building, and corporate sponsorship is provided by News Channel 3.
Howard N. McLaughlin, Jr.
Veteran of WWII
Speaker on November 11
7th
annual Tribute to Veterans
Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December 2010
Senior Scene is a bimonthly publication of
Fortuna Senior Services, Inc. P.O. Box 336
Fortuna CA 95540 (707)726-9203
[email protected] Directors
Carol Kinser - President Tom Mulholland – Vice President Chris Wennerholm - Secretary Bob Gillette - Treasurer Rick Center Marsha Hays Alice Herman Kevin Johnson Jim Stanfield Advisory Council Members Don Brown Cliff Clendenen RayDowdy Roy Frostensen Becky Giacomini Nancy Gregory John Gromala Dr. Ron Jones Pete Krueger Travis Low Jeff Nelson John Palotas Harriet Pecot Jon Sapper Dennis Scott Pat Whitchurch Hec Wood Bob Zigler Newsletter – Judith Wyland & Howard Lewis Membership - Corinne Stanfield Publicity - Wanda Rigby
Mission Statement of Fortuna Senior Services is to
“Enrich, Empower, Involve
Seniors of the
Eel River Valley Area”
MONTHLY MEETINGS 10 a.m.
Fortuna United Methodist Church 922 N Street, Fortuna
November 20
PG&E representative explaining Smart
Meter installations in Fortuna
December 18
Annual potluck—turkey ‘n all the trimmings
Mini-Trips will resume with the New Year
A full agenda of mini-trips is already in the
planning to begin in January. Please let us
know any sites of interest you would like to
visit. Call the office: 726-9203 and leave a
message, or email:
Auction Item:
FSS has been donated a brand new Epson
Stylus all- in-one wireless printer, Model
NX420 to be used as an auction item in
support of funding FSS. The printer may be
viewed at the FSS office. Bids start at $45
and may be dropped off at the office through
November 12, with award going to the
highest bidder.
WEEKLY EVENT
CALENDAR
Presbyterian Church Monday
T'ai Chi 9:30 - 10:30 am
Line Dance 11:00 am- 1 pm Tuesday S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 3- 4 pm Wednesday T’ai Chi, 1 pm - 2:30 pm. S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 5 - 6 pm Thursday Cards and Games, 9 am - noon Bridge, Canasta, Cribbage, Pinochle Seated T’ai Chi 4 – 5 pm Friday Fun & Games 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
METHODIST CHURCH First Monday – Book Club 2 pm Monday & Wednesday Exercise: “Move It Off” 9:30 am S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 5– 6 pm Tuesday and Thursday Exercise: “Maintaining Mobility” (2 offerings) 9:30 and 10:35 am Tuesday Senior Stitchers (crochet, cro-knit, all handwork) 1:30 pm Friday Bike Group 8:30 am (725-5869) Hiking Group 8:30 am (725-7953)
RIVER LODGE Daily Walk the Levee every morning, 8:30 am
For more information Call the FSS office: 726-9203 Monday -Friday 10 am - noon United Methodist Church 922 'N' Street
Open Mic Music Jamboree
Sunday, November 28 2-4 pm
Fortuna Monday Club. Free Admission
Donations appreciated
Hope to see all of you there!
The Traveling Quilt Fundraiser
The ―Dresden Plate‖ quilt has been
placed around town in the lobby of
Fortuna banks generating more ticket
sales for the opportunity drawing at our
December annual potluck meeting.
(Remember--you need not be present to
win). This quilt was offered to us by one
of our members as a fundraiser—and
has our “THANKS” for proving to be a
fabulous fundraiser. Tickets are $1 each
or six for $5. The quilt measures 71"x
85" and was quilted by ―Susie Sews.‖
Tickets will be available at all meetings,
classes, through a mailing, and at the
FSS office.
Fortuna Senior Transit - 725-7625 Call for reservations 8:30-4:30 $1.25 cash for each way or by a card
$20 for 20 trips.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF!!
That would be Carol Kinser, Board President,
who volunteered hundreds of hours in this past
year of transition to be Acting Director of
Fortuna Senior Services. Carol is quick to credit
the entire circle of individual volunteers as
being “always there” to help carry on the
programs of FSS. Additionally, Carol also credits
the extraordinary support of the all-volunteer
Board of Directors as being a key to the
complete success of last year. Fiscally, the
Board closed the books with a positive balance,
a demonstration of prudent fund stewardship.
The Board searched for and hired an Executive
Director who began duties September 7.
Carol was presented with a plaque and gift at
the September membership meeting. The
plaque reads:
“To Carol Kinser, President of the Board,
Fortuna Senior Services, for service above and
beyond the call of duty in rescuing Fortuna
Senior Services by assuming selflessly the
additional responsibilities of FSS Director.
Her outstanding dedication, hard work and
efficiency enabled FSS to flourish and grow
when it might easily have foundered without
her strong leadership.
The Fortuna Senior Services Board of Directors
hereby awards this certificate of excellence to
Carol Kinser in grateful appreciation of her
tireless efforts and services.”
Carol will continue transitioning directorship to
Judith Wyland, both of whom will work to
foster a close working relationship with the
Board.
Planned office hours for Judy are 10 a.m. to 4
p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
with additional Monday office hours as needed.
The FSS office is staffed by volunteers Monday
through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon.
DONATIONS to FSS So you think you cannot afford to financially support your FSS? Yes you can!! Collect recyclable drink cans and bottles from yourself, your families, neighbors and friends. Once a month the Director of Fortuna Senior Services (Judy) will pick them up and deliver them to Eel River Disposal & Resource Recovery for a contribution to FSS. But, please be nice—have the cans and bottles rinsed and in a container to make pickup easier and not messy. Call the office: 726-9203 to arrange for the pickup services. In September we earned $53.54!
Want to do it yourself? Simply remember to credit account #115.
The Stitchery Group currently has members who will help you learn to crochet or cro-knit. Two teachers—no waiting! Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room, United Methodist Church, 922 N. Street. For more information call Chris Wennerholm, 725-2020. The Senior Social Group, a friendship gathering, has met for lunch several times, attending the play "Spelling Bee" at College of the Redwoods; "Man of La Mancha" at the Ferndale Rep and, most recently, the "The Treble-Making Nuns" a comedy quartet performance at the Monday Club. For more information, call Chris Wennerholm, 725-2020. Bridge Players (Thursday mornings) recently honored Dick Rodriguez as “Tournament Winner.” The luncheon tribute was also a farewell for Dick who is moving to Sonoma. He has deep roots with FSS, as a bridge player for many years, and by having served on the Board of Directors of FSS. The bridge players also gave special recognition to Kay Connors to show their appreciation for her volunteer-ism with the group. 4
September and October usher in a beautiful time of year here in Humboldt County. Most of us think of “fall” as being a season of harvest, beautiful colors, hearth fires warming and the beginning of holidays.
For a growing number of seniors, though “fall” means just that—down with a thud!
The number of serious falls, especially by older Americans, has brought on the need for a Fall Prevention Awareness Week in California. Fortuna Senior Services thinks we should be extending that awareness throughout the year for our overall good health.
Fortuna Senior Services is being proactive in
forestalling injuries caused by this health hazard
by offering a varied format of exercise classes
aimed at promoting better strength, balance
and flexibility, including improved range of
motion in major joints of the body, as well as
aerobic exercises and exercises aimed at
preventing ostereoposis. Here’s a personal
testimony of Chris Wennerholm, FSS Board of
Directors member and participant of the
MTWTH morning exercise classes:
While I was on vacation recently, I had the misfortune of falling down an entire flight of stairs. I was fortunate enough to be able to walk away from that accident with only a (small) broken bone in my shoulder, which healed on its own. I feel extremely blessed because several doctors have since assured me that a serious fall like that for seniors usually means LIFE-CHANGING.
INJURIES AND A NURSING HOME!! I know my guardian angels were working overtime and I thank God daily for suffering so little damage, but I also credit the strength and flexibility gained from regularly attending senior exercise classes four days a week. Being in good physical condition played a big part in minimizing the injuries I could have sustained and I urge all seniors to join an exercise group and reap the benefits of staying strong and active. Our FSS exercise teacher, Nanette Heidtman, has taught exercise and dance for many years, has expert knowledge of anatomy, and focuses on balance, flexibility, mobility, building strength, and weight loss.” Join the any of the Fortuna Senior Services exercise classes. Call Nanette at 725-3231, Marla at 725-6180, Rosemary at 725-2613, Letha Rogers at 725-2497 or Meryl King at 725-6270. These volunteer instructors can give you information about the courses, and encouragement to regain or maintain your optimal health. Participants of any age and ability are welcomed to the FSS classes: Two classes of Move it Off are offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am and at 10:40 am; Maintaining Mobility (2 classes) is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. and at 10:35 a.m.; S.T.R.O.N.G. classes (preventing osteoporosis on Tuesdays, 3-4 pm/Presbyterian Church 1431 Ross hill Rd. (use the side door, please), AND Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m./Methodist Church, 10th & N Streets. At the Presbyterian Church, Ross Hill Road, T’ai Chi is offered Mondays, 9:30 a.m., again on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and seated T’ai Chi on Thursdays at 4 p.m.
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Now, about falls. . .
A Few Facts
What to Do After a Fall… If You CAN Get Up
What to Do After a Fall… If You CANNOT Get Up
What to Do After a Fall… If You Are the WITNESS
When to See a Doctor
Preventing Another Fall
Consequences of a Fall: The Physical Aftermath
Consequences of a Fall: The Psychological Aftermath
Find Out More
We all fall from time to time. With age, both the number of falls and the likelihood of injury increase. So, it's important to know what to do if you fall or if you see someone else fall. Reacting properly to a fall can make the difference between a "serious" fall and a "less serious" one. It often helps to decrease its physical and psychological consequences. It enables you to regain your confidence more quickly and to continue to be as independent as possible.
A Few Facts
One-third of seniors (age 65 and over) have a fall every year; half of them have more than one fall.
Falls are the most common cause of injury among seniors.
Seniors are nine times more likely to be hurt in a fall than someone under age 65.
Nearly two-thirds of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors are the result of falls.
Roughly half of all falls occur at home.
What to Do After a Fall… If You CAN Get Up
The first thing to do is to catch your breath. Check and see if you are injured. Even if you think you're OK, take your time before getting up again.
Follow These Five Steps for Getting Up
1. Lie on your side, bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.
2. Pull yourself toward an armchair or other sturdy object, then kneel while placing both hands on the chair or object.
3. Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the chair or object.
4. Stand up. 5. Very carefully, turn and sit down.
Practice these steps often and be prepared in case you fall. Most of all, stay calm.
What to Do After a fall… If You CANNOT Get Up
If you feel any discomfort or are unable to get up, try to get help.
1. Call out for help if you think you can be heard.
2. If you have an emergency call device or telephone at hand, use it.
3. If you don't, try to slide yourself towards a telephone or a place where you will be heard.
4. Make noise with your cane or another object to attract attention.
5. Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you.
6. If you can, place a pillow under your head and cover yourself with a piece of clothing or a blanket to stay warm.
7. Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.
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What to do after a fall… If You Are the WITNESS If you see someone fall, resist the urge to get the person up immediately. First check for condition: is the person conscious or unconscious? Does the person appear to be injured? Reassure the person. If the individual cannot get up, call for help and administer first aid if you are able to do so. Help the person find a comfortable position and keep him or her warm using an item of clothing or blanket.
If the individual appears able to get up, proceed with care and follow the steps below.
1. Bring a chair close by; help the person turn onto the side and bend the upper leg; help the person into a semi-seated position.
2. Placing yourself behind the person and getting a firm grip on the hips, help the person to a kneeling position with both hands on the chair.
3. Holding on to the chair, the person should then place the stronger leg in front. You may help by guiding his or her leg.
4. With a firm grip on the hips, help the person to stand, then turn and sit on the chair.
When to See a Doctor Whether you're the victim or the witness of a fall, never underestimate its seriousness. Even if it appears no harm was done, there could be after-effects.
Here Are Some of the Reasons for Seeing a Doctor
loss of consciousness just before or after the fall
injuries
a strong or lingering pain
dizziness
nausea
overall weakness
headaches
vision problems
Symptoms may appear in the days that follow a fall. If you fall, take note of your condition. If you witness a fall, take note of the person's condition. In some cases, a fall may be the sign of an illness, or it may be caused by medication. It's always better to mention falls to your doctor. He or she can then assess the situation and see if the fall is linked to an illness, prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs.
Preventing another fall Surroundings - It's a good idea to check your environment to discover any fall hazards, particularly if you have had a fall. Simple changes to prevent falls include grab bars, non-slip rugs and a handrail on both sides of stairs. Shoes - Wearing unsuitable footwear increases the risk of falling. Make sure your shoes have non-slip soles and heels of reasonable height, and are wide enough to prevent any twisting of the foot. A good heel cup that goes around the back of the heel also stabilizes the ankle. Taking Precautions - Thinking about your fall, come up with a plan so that you'll feel in control for the future. Share this plan with your family and neighbors. Consider getting an emergency call device or always have a cordless phone close at hand, especially if you fall often. Ask a friend or a family member to phone you at regular intervals, or get this service from a company or a volunteer centre. Give your keys to someone you trust who could use them in an emergency. In short, think about what you can do to get help if you have a fall.
Consequences of a fall: The Physical Aftermath A fall is often accompanied by physical complications. As a matter of fact, falls are the most common cause of injury among seniors. Besides bruises and scrapes, one-third of seniors who fall, suffer fractures or muscle damage. They can also develop pneumonia, blood clots or other after-effects after they lie on the ground for an extended period. Hip fractures are the most common injury. Among people over age 65, approximately 40% of fall-related injuries resulting in hospitalization are due to hip fractures.
Consequences of a fall: The Psychological Aftermath it’s normal to be more cautious after a fall, but the fear of falling again may lead you to restrict your activities. This is a vicious circle: the less active you are, the more your strength and flexibility decrease, which increases your risk for falling. What's more, if you isolate yourself because you feel vulnerable, the reduced social contacts may undermine your spirits. Discussing your fear of falling with your family or with health professionals should help diminish your fear. A physiotherapist can also suggest various rehabilitation exercises that will help you.
Taking a fall brings your physical limitations to the surface and may jeopardize your independence. It's a difficult experience to go through. Knowing the potential consequences of a fall and knowing what to do will set you on the path to a faster physical recovery and a return to enjoying life.
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CHRISTMAS NOW AND
THEN IN STORIES AND
SONGS
Beaux & Belles will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 19, to benefit Fortuna Senior Services. The musical event starts at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club.
The Victorian-costumed group will sing traditional carols along with some modern-day songs. The audience will be invited to sing along with traditional carols such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and A Christmas Song.
Also featured will be two choral readings, “The Message” written by Nanette Heidtman, and “A Christmas Alphabet” written by Marion Conger. Music will be interspersed with readings of Christmas-themed poems and stories.
Beaux & Belles have been performing for the past three years under the direction of Nanette Heidtman. Accompanist Carol Masterson will be joined by Janet Sclar on the violin for two instrumental pieces.
This benefit concert is suitable for the entire
family. Free-will donations will be accepted in lieu of a specific charge.
Happy Birthday in NOVEMBER to…. 1
st Sara Then
2nd
Arlene Longnickel Colleen Foster Corinne Stanfield Terry Iversen 5
th Nancy Spruance
6th
Bobbi Bennetzen 7
th Deborah Sypherd
8th
Beverly Griffin Dennis Scott Margie Yates 9
th Dennis Hazelton
Ingrid Pfeiffer Mary Ellen Mello Wanda Cope 10
th Jeri Thomson
11th
Phyllis Davy Stan Clark 13
th Lester Reynolds
17th
Diane Harrow 20
th Frank Pratt
Gail Morrison Virginia Dexter 22
nd Carolyn Campbell
24th
Donna Brisbin Joyce Godwin 26
th Janet Wigginton
28th
Donna Kay Johnson Francis Porro Jerry Sisson 29
th Shirley Glavich
30th
Frank Cope
Happy Birthday in DECEMBER to… 1st Leafy Briggs Anita Ritchie 2
nd Buck Carroll
Lynn Marchand 3
rd Edgar Roberts
5th
Lucille Scilacci Sean Flynn 6
th Kent Wrede
7th
Mary Greene Bob Kitson 9
th Betty Sleep
Howard McLaughlin Ron Irvin 10
th Jim Wingo
13th
David Kennard 14
th Chuck Acridge
Judy Roberts 15
th Mary Solotoff
16th
Mel Hoff 18
th Bette Cawthon
21st
Ava Zampatti Carolyn Dowdy 24
th Dave Settle
25th
Margaretta Batten Norma Bohrer 26
th Ose Begley
29th
Faith Platt 30
th Rita Shea
CHRISTMAS NOW AND
THEN IN STORIES AND
SONGS
Beaux & Belles will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 19, to benefit Fortuna Senior Services. The musical event starts at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club.
The Victorian-costumed group will sing traditional carols along with some modern-day songs. The audience will be invited to sing along with traditional carols such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and A Christmas Song.
Also featured will be two choral readings, “The Message” written by Nanette Heidtman, and “A Christmas Alphabet” written by Marion Conger. Music will be interspersed with readings of Christmas-themed poems and stories.
Beaux & Belles have been performing for the past three years under the direction of Nanette Heidtman. Accompanist Carol Masterson will be joined by Janet Sclar on the violin for two instrumental pieces.
This benefit concert is suitable for the entire
family. Free-will donations will be accepted in lieu of a specific charge.
Happy Birthday in NOVEMBER to…. 1
st Sara Then
2nd
Arlene Longnickel Colleen Foster Corinne Stanfield Terry Iversen 5
th Nancy Spruance
6th
Bobbi Bennetzen 7
th Deborah Sypherd
8th
Beverly Griffin Dennis Scott Margie Yates 9
th Dennis Hazelton
Ingrid Pfeiffer Mary Ellen Mello Wanda Cope 10
th Jeri Thomson
11th
Phyllis Davy Stan Clark 13
th Lester Reynolds
17th
Diane Harrow 20
th Frank Pratt
Gail Morrison Virginia Dexter 22
nd Carolyn Campbell
24th
Donna Brisbin Joyce Godwin 26
th Janet Wigginton
28th
Donna Kay Johnson Francis Porro Jerry Sisson 29
th Shirley Glavich
30th
Frank Cope
Happy Birthday in DECEMBER to… 1st Leafy Briggs Anita Ritchie 2
nd Buck Carroll
Lynn Marchand 3
rd Edgar Roberts
5th
Lucille Scilacci Sean Flynn 6
th Kent Wrede
7th
Mary Greene Bob Kitson 9
th Betty Sleep
Howard McLaughlin Ron Irvin 10
th Jim Wingo
13th
David Kennard 14
th Chuck Acridge
Judy Roberts 15
th Mary Solotoff
16th
Mel Hoff 18
th Bette Cawthon
21st
Ava Zampatti Carolyn Dowdy 24
th Dave Settle
25th
Margaretta Batten Norma Bohrer 26
th Ose Begley
29th
Faith Platt 30
th Rita Shea