“Armed with markers and endless humor, Marina Mobile Home Park seniors turn Halloween into a lively Pictionary competition, transforming ‘pumpkin’ and ‘dog’ into whimsical doodles and good-natured laughs!” Images by Patricia Schallert.

by Patricia Schallert

Imagine a room filled with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of competitive spirit—because who decided handing out candy to trick-or-treaters was still a thing? “So last year,” quipped one attendee. Instead of playing porch patrol, these seniors flocked to the Community Center Clubhouse, transforming it into the hottest Halloween party in town. Armed with colorful markers and a fierce determination to out-sketch one another in a game of Pictionary, they brought their A-game. Who knew Grandma could turn “pumpkin” into something resembling a confused squid, just one tentacle short of a swimming lesson?

As they morphed everyday words into laugh-out-loud doodles, these seniors showcased their artistic “skills” (or lack thereof) while swapping stories and spreading joy like candy corn at a Halloween hoedown. With each cartoonish attempt, they reminded everyone that aging is just a number—much like the number of snacks and drinks consumed during a Halloween Pictionary showdown!

In Ventura’s Marina Mobile Home Park clubhouse, a friendly battle brewed between senior men and women, each competing for Pictionary supremacy. The men, channeling their inner Picassos, declared that their life experience would be a game-changer. Case in point: their sketch of what was supposedly “a dog,” though it resembled more of a squashed potato with googly eyes. Meanwhile, the women’s team seamlessly combined creativity and communication, crafting prompts into whimsical masterpieces fit for a gallery—or at least a refrigerator.

As the game heated up, so did the playful banter. Each correct guess was celebrated like a touchdown, and every misstep led to peals of laughter and good-natured heckling. The competition was more than just about bragging rights; it was a heartwarming celebration of camaraderie and creativity. Blending the spirit of Halloween with friendly rivalry and plenty of snacks—brownies, pretzels, pizza, and drinks—they reminded us all that the true secret to youth is a hearty laugh and a healthy dose of ridiculousness. They proved once again that the joy of play knows no age—or occasion!

Pictionary Rules for Seniors:

Players and Teams:
Men vs. women in a showdown of artistic “genius”—or more likely, a hilarious display of “What the heck is that supposed to be?”

Materials Needed:
An official game board (or even a pizza box in a pinch), some markers or pencils that may or may not be dried out, and a timer—preferably not an ancient sundial from last Thanksgiving.

Drawing Cards:
Use cards with words like “apple” or “bungee jumping.” Missing cards? Scribble random things on slips of paper. (Bonus points for “that thing you used to fix the sink”!)

Taking Turns:
Take turns, friends! Each round, one brave soul picks a card and attempts to draw without using words, letters, or the infamous “chaotic squiggles.” The team guesses what’s being drawn—good luck with that!

Timing:
Set the timer for one minute, or until everyone is either guessing wildly or laughing too hard to tell if it’s an elephant or a gothic castle.

Guessing:
Shout out your guess like it’s family reunion bingo! A correct guess wins the team a point and serious bragging rights. No correct guess? No points—and maybe no dignity, either.

Scoring:
Keep score on a notepad, which can double as a shopping list for those who forgot to pick up milk.

Winning the Game:
Play until one team reaches five points or someone calls out for bingo. Everyone’s a winner as long as there are laughs and snacks. As for the men vs. women score? The winner is yet to be determined!

Tips for Enjoying Pictionary:
Embrace the chaos! Perfect drawings are overrated. If you struggle to draw, turn it into a modern art masterpiece and claim it’s “open to interpretation.” Most importantly, remember: it’s not about winning but enjoying each other’s company and laughing until someone snorts. Happy drawing and guessing!

Don Earl with one of his unique, hand-crafted bags.

by Patricia Schallert

For many, retirement means slowing down and enjoying well-deserved rest. But for Don Earl, it marked the start of a new chapter as a self-taught leather artisan in Southern California, specializing in unique, travel-ready designs. Earl’s handcrafted pieces reflect his adventurous spirit and dedication to fine craftsmanship.

After relocating to Ventura County from Florida in 1979, Earl began his journey into leatherwork in 2018. Since then, he’s grown from a solo craftsman to the head of a small but dedicated local team. “After working as a mechanical engineer, I entered a very different chapter in my life,” Earl says. “I was used to designing with computer software and cutting metal shapes for construction, but now I design on paper, create templates by hand, and cut each leather piece individually. Crafting a fine leather bag is labor-intensive and requires precision—a single misstep can mean starting over entirely.”

Earl’s passion for leatherwork began with making bridles, harnesses, and restoring saddles, grounding him in quality craftsmanship. Inspired by his work in the equestrian industry, he embraces traditional techniques, including hand-stitching and high-quality leather selection. Over time, he expanded his capabilities, acquiring antique leather machines from the 1800s and learning to make sandals. These custom sandals feature durable soles that mold to the foot with textured grips to prevent slipping. Earl also began developing a line of luxury handbags, using industrial sewing equipment to refine his designs.

The leather he sources is from tanneries worldwide, including materials from France, Italy, and the United States. Occasionally, he uses alligator leather from Thailand when restoring antique bags. His vintage doctor bags incorporate discontinued fabrics from Ethan Allen, resulting in functional, stylish designs that accommodate essentials like laptops and phones without adding extra weight. Constantly refining his skills, Earl uses a mix of hand stitching and machine sewing to create items with enduring quality. Recently, he’s focused on developing a complete product line, including passport wallets, phone purses, card holders, and sunglasses cases. His latest creation, “The Bootleg,” is a driver’s license and card holder secured with a strap to prevent cards from falling out.

Beyond his craft, Earl’s company donates a portion of all sales to Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture and soil health as solutions to environmental issues. “At Don Earl Leather, we’re committed not only to creating quality leather goods but also to supporting the adaptive grazing movement, which is healing our planet one acre at a time,” he explains. Kiss the Ground educates ranchers on adaptive grazing to maximize soil health, eliminate pesticides, and create vibrant ecosystems. Through immersive storytelling, education, and advocacy, the nonprofit reaches millions with its core mission of inspiring regeneration.

Earl’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every item, from wallets to handbags, made to be enjoyed for decades and passed down. Each piece reflects hours of thoughtful labor, often crafted with turn-of-the-century tools. Earl believes that each item a customer chooses becomes an extension of themselves as the leather develops a unique patina over time. “Your piece becomes a reflection of you, evolving as uniquely as you do,” he says.

To learn more, visit donearl.co or go to donearl_official on Instagram.

Image by Freepik

From the California Department of Real Estate

If you are 62 or older, reverse mortgages are a way to borrow against the equity in your home (the value of your home minus any mortgage debt you may have) to provide what may be tax-free income (often referred to as cash flow). A reverse mortgage requires no scheduled loan payments until the loan ends.

Potential Advantages of a Reverse Mortgage
• A reverse mortgage may help you continue your financial independence and maintain or improve your quality of life.
• A reverse mortgage allows you to remain in and keep the title to your home.
• The money you receive is generally not considered taxable income. You should consult with an independent tax professional to determine individual tax consequences of a reverse mortgage.
• You make no payments until the end of the term of the loan (defined to be when the last eligible borrower permanently leaves or sells the home, when you die, when a fixed due date occurs, or at the end of the loan term as it otherwise may be determined).
• You can eliminate mortgage payments by paying off existing loans through proceeds from the reverse mortgage.
• You can select from several different benefit payment plans/options to meet your needs.
• Your income or credit score is not a consideration in obtaining a reverse mortgage, since no payments are required until the loan ends. • Independent counseling is required in advance.

Potential Drawbacks of a Reverse Mortgage
• They are more complicated than conventional mortgages, and the consequences of various plans/options are not always obvious.
• They are relatively expensive compared to other loans, including home equity loans, especially at the time the loan is originated.
• Although the money you receive is typically income tax-free, it may affect your eligibility under existing law for “needs-based” public assistance benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid/MediCal.
• They may reduce or eliminate the equity in your home, affecting the estate to be distributed to your heirs.
• When the product is other than an FHA-insured mortgage, you should confirm the reverse mortgage is entirely a non-recourse loan. This means the liability to repay the loan is limited to your home (its then market value or sales price) and would not subject any of your other assets or income, or the income and assets of your heirs, as sources for repayment.
• They are often not well understood by real estate, mortgage, tax, or legal professionals. Check out their experience with these mortgages before accepting their advice.

Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Reverse Mortgage
• How much money do I need?
• Is there a way to meet my needs that does not involve a reverse mortgage?
• Will a reverse mortgage make my partner or me ineligible for any “needsbased” public assistance benefits—now or in the future?
• Does my home qualify for a reverse mortgage?
• How much can I borrow through available reverse mortgage products?
• How much will it cost me in origination fees, closing costs, interest, monthly, or periodic fees?
• Will I have to sell my home before I die to pay off the reverse mortgage?
• If I die and my partner is still living in my home, will he or she have to leave or pay off the reverse mortgage?
• Will the reverse mortgage become due and payable if I require long-term care and move to an assisted-living facility, or to a nursing or convalescent home?
• Will there be anything left for my partner, my heirs, or me when the reverse mortgage is fully paid?
• Are there any fees, costs, or other charges due when the reverse mortgage is fully paid? (Regardless of product, prepayment penalties cannot be demanded when the reverse mortgage is partially or fully prepaid.)
• What are my continuing financial obligations with a reverse mortgage, such as property maintenance, property taxes, insurance premiums, and homeowners’ association assessments or fees (as applicable)?

Types of Reverse Mortgages
• FHA-insured mortgage: A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) product.
• Lender or privately insured mortgages: These are known as “proprietary” products, but such products are not currently available.
• Uninsured mortgage products offered by a financial institution or a licensed lender: Again, proprietary products are currently not available.

Important Things to Do Before You Make a Decision
• Decide how long you expect to stay in the home.
• Consult with a Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved reverse mortgage counselor before you apply. A counselor can help you decide whether a reverse mortgage or some alternative is the
best choice for you. To find a HUD-approved Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counselor near you, call (800) 569-4287.
• Decide if you really need a reverse mortgage. Another type of loan may be a less costly solution. Discuss this with a counselor.
• Include trusted family members in the decision-making process. If inheritance is an issue, adult children may be willing to help.
• Shop around and compare offerings. Not all reverse mortgages are the same; their terms vary substantially.
• Determine if a reverse mortgage will affect your ability for “needsbased” public assistance benefits.
• Review your mortgage broker’s license record. Call DRE for clarification on any discipline taken.
To contact the California Department of Real Estate, call (877) 373-4542 toll-free for assistance in
English or Spanish. Visit www.dre.ca.gov.

CAUTION: This general information is NOT a substitution for the advice of an attorney, accountant, and/or financial planner. Before you decide to pursue a reverse mortgage, you should carefully consider your individual circumstances so you can make a wise decision about the most valuable asset you may own—your home. Factors to consider include whether the proposed reverse mortgage is a recourse or nonrecourse loan, whether the loan would have a fixed or adjustable interest rate, and/or the current or projected market value of your home.

Image by Freepik

by Debbie Lasley

As Volunteer Coordinator for CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, I’m thrilled every day by the
inspiring individuals I meet, all eager to make a difference in our community. The interviews I conduct with potential volunteers are truly eye-opening, each person sharing a unique story that fuels
my passion for this work. It’s amazing to hear the heartfelt reasons behind their desire to volunteer. Each has a meaningful reason to lend a hand to our elderly neighbors, and these inspiring stories highlight the powerful connections being forged within our community. Every interaction reminds me of the impact we can make on each other’s lives, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds as we work together to create a brighter future for our elders.

Our Building Bridges Intergenerational Program is one of the most magical parts of our organization, bringing together adult volunteers and enthusiastic students each week to serve seniors. This program
connects generations, shares wisdom, and creates lasting bonds. It enriches the lives of seniors while also empowering the next generation to carry forward a legacy of kindness and community spirit.

Currently, our program boasts 10 incredible teams across Ventura County, but we’re on a mission to grow! We’re always seeking passionate adults and students to join us in our goal of serving all 600 of our cherished seniors. Whether you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, share your time, or learn from
the rich experiences of our elders, we invite you to become part of this transformative journey. If you’re interested in lending a hand or learning more about how you can contribute, don’t hesitate—give us a call. Together, we can create even more magic and strengthen the bonds in our community. Your involvement can make a world of difference.

To learn more about CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, call (805) 658-8530