Category Archives: Senior Living

Pro surfer, senior citizens join in fight against cancer

Matt Coulter, co-founder and executive director of The Young and Brave Foundation, shares a moment with one of the young and brave warriors battling cancer. Photo by: The Young and Brave Foundation.           
Matt Coulter, co-founder and executive director of The Young and Brave Foundation, shares a moment with one of the young and brave warriors battling cancer. Photo by: The Young and Brave Foundation.

Most people might wonder what a pro surfer and a group of senior citizens have in common, but then again, Oxnard native, and former U.S. Open of Surfing champion, Nathaniel Curran, is no ordinary surfer, and the residents at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura are no ordinary senior citizens.

Curran, along with local Venturan Matt Coulter, co-founded The Young and Brave Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to helping today’s youth beat cancer.  The residents and staff at Cypress Place have participated in many philanthropic endeavors over the years.  So it’s no surprise they now want to do their part in the fight against cancer.

And that’s exactly what they will be doing on Saturday October 8, 2016, when the senior community hosts their “Under The Big Top” fundraising extravaganza to benefit The Young And Brave Foundation.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Cypress Place on this event,” said Coulter, who runs the day to day operations of the foundation.  “We really need the support of the whole community to help those battling cancer.  It’s heartbreaking for anyone, but particularly the kids.  This fun event is a way to reach out and help those who are hurting,” he said.

The festive big top motif event will feature multiple arenas of fun.  Enjoy balloon animal making with the strolling circus clown, or dress up like a circus clown yourself and get your photo taken in the photo booth.  Try your luck at the carnival games – manned by Cypress Place residents – or dance the event away at the Dixieland band stage. And don’t forget to stop by the magnificent magician and juggler arena to be awed and amazed.

“We are thrilled to be helping out with this event for The Young and Brave Foundation,” said Pat Eichenhofer, who resides at Cypress Place along with her husband Herman.

A blast indeed.  Bring the kids to pet the farm animals, enjoy a delicious Philly Cheesesteak sandwich lunch, or enter the raffle for fun and prizes.  One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate to famous Duke’s restaurant in Malibu, and a chance to meet legendary surf icon, and original Gidget, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman.  Her life story was the inspiration for the Gidget novel, movies and TV series.

This fun-filled event is open to the public and takes place from 11.am. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016.  A $10 donation for adults is suggested.   $5 donation for kids 12 and under.   Game and raffle tickets sold separately.

There will also be free shuttle parking at Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston Street in Ventura (corner of Cypress Point Lane and Ralston Street).

100% of all event proceeds will go directly to The Young & Brave Foundation, so grab your friends and neighbors and come support a wonderful cause that benefits our local community.  For more information or to RSVP for this event, please call 805-650-8000.

The Young and Brave Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping today’s youth beat cancer.  To learn more about the The Young and Brave Foundation, visit their web site at www.theyoungandbrave.com/.

 

 

 

 

Dementia friendly Ventura County

VCAAA staff members Marleen Canniff, Christine Voth, Martin Marquez and Patti Jaeger.
VCAAA staff members Marleen Canniff, Christine Voth, Martin Marquez and Patti Jaeger.

by Phil Chandler, Owner of Right at Home of Ventura County, Home Care Agency

Have you seen someone who seemed confused when you are out running errands? Tasks that many of us take for granted, from finding groceries in the store, buying gas, and making a deposit at the bank can be challenging for someone with dementia. Many people with dementia are not diagnosed or deny that they have a problem. Their families try their best to ensure that their loved ones are in a safe and secure environment within communities such as agape cottage so they are supported and living as independently as possible with the support they need.

To help the nation address the impact of the alarming nationwide increase of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related diseases, Dementia Friendly America® was created in 2015 through the White House Conference on Aging. It is a national multi-sector collaboration of six federal agencies and 50 plus partners including AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association. The program mirrors the successful Alzheimer’s Society dementia friendly program in England.

Dementia Friendly America® helps organizations, which have met specific criteria, to create a dementia friendly environment tailored to the needs and resources of the local community. Online tools, educational materials, templates and sector specific guides are provided to plan strategies, conduct needs assessments, identify issues, and engage the community, including service-oriented organizations, persons with dementia, and their caregivers. The result is to educate the public and to train persons in service sectors, such as cashiers, bus drivers, receptionists, etc. to recognize the signs of dementia and provide their service in a patient and compassionate manner.

The initial focus in Ventura County will be exploring what is needed to empower the Health Care Sector to become more dementia friendly, and other sectors will follow. The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), was recently certified by Dementia Friendly America® to lead Dementia Friendly Ventura County.

“The agency is thrilled to be among the 80 communities certified nationwide to be a Dementia Friendly America® partner. It is timely given that at least given that at least 14,000 persons in Ventura County have the disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “There is no treatment, no cure; it is 100 percent fatal. It is the fifth leading cause of death in California,” says Victoria Jump, Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.

The Dementia Friendly Ventura County Team Leader, Christine Voth, who is also VCAAA’s Manager of Business Strategy and Strategic Planning, has assembled a Dementia Friendly Ventura County leadership team. It includes persons from the Alzheimer’s Association, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Senior Concerns, Camarillo Health Care District, Health Care Agency, Elder Care Alliance, Alma Via, Right at Home, Coast Caregiver Resource Center, Oxnard Family Circle, persons with dementia, their caregivers and more. “We have begun with the Health Care Sector and are making plans to address other community sectors. The leadership team will evolve as we address other sectors,” says Voth.

Keep an eye on this column for future developments. For more information on the national program, go to www.dfamerica.org. For more information on Dementia Friendly Ventura County, call Christine Voth at 477-7305 or Phil Chandler at 389-5320.

Parkinson’s Support Group meeting

The Ventura Parkinson’s Support Group will be holding a “Round Table” discussion at 1PM on Wednesday October 12th for their monthly meeting at The Lexington in Ventura.

Attendees will get to know each other better with each person sharing a little about themselves and their history with Parkinson’s Disease. They also share common problems and coping solutions to the daily challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.

There will be group input on upcoming meetings for topics and speakers. Meetings are held every second Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm on the 3rd floor at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St.

Please check in at the front desk and sign-in. Extra parking is graciously available across the street from the Lexington in the Baptist Church parking lot. Call Patty at 766-6070 for further information. Reservations are not required.

 

Zumba Gold found in Ventura

Zumba is perfect for all active adults.
Zumba is perfect for all active adults.

A new 12 week session of Zumba Gold will be starting Monday October 10 at SCAN Health & Wellness Center from 4:00-5:00pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Zumba Gold is perfect for all active adults, 55+, looking for a Zumba class at a lower-intensity level. This easy to follow class focuses on heart rate, balance, range of motion, and coordination.  Come ready to sweat, leave feeling empowered, strong.  Regain flexibility and strength while having fun learning a dance step or two! Having two left feet is no problem.

Participants should wear workout shoes, comfortable clothing and bring water to keep hydrated.

For more information call (818)515-8590. To sign up contact SCAN Health & Wellness Center call 658-0365.

Candidates’ Forum held for seniors

Eight of ten City Council candidates were present at forum.

On September 20 Suz Montgomery, Chair of the Ventura Council for Seniors was the moderator for a City Council Candidates’ Forum held at the Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Dr.

Moderator Suz stated “this is an opportunity to ask the hard questions face-to-face with the people who want to run your city.”

Incumbent Carl Morehouse is not running for reelection, two current council members are, Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir.  There are ten (including those 2) running for the City Council.  Eight of them were in attendance Lorrie Brown, Dave Grau, Cheryl Heitmann, Matt LaVere, Brian Lee Rencher, Randall Richman, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios and Christy Weir (not attending were Michael Graves and Jackie Martenson)

There will also be a candidates’ forum and debate at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Bell Arts on the Avenue, focusing on that area of the city.

 

 

Birthday bash held at Museum for Helen Yunker

In the new Helen Yunker Alcove Suz Montgomery interviewed Helen for posterity. Eric Howes designed the alcove and artist Ryan Carr painted the outside murals. Photos by John Hankins

On Sept.17 a 95th birthday celebration was held for Helen Yunker at the Museum of Ventura County. At the celebration the Helen Yunker Lobby was dedicated which will be a part of the remodeling of the Museum which is scheduled to be completed in January, 2017.

Hundreds of her friends enjoyed the sounds of the VJO Sextet (featuring the vocals of Donna Green), food and congratulating Helen who, as usual looked beautiful in her wonderful attire.

Helen stated “I am so sorry for any omissions on the invitation list for my 95th birthday and bequest celebration held at the Ventura County Museum.   My vision is greatly impaired, so I was not able to review the invitation list to ensure that everyone was included. “

“Though the time was very short for planning the party, it was a great success. Special thanks are due to Betsy Chess and Elena Brokaw for an outstanding job. “

“If you were there, I know you had a great time, and I thank you for the thoughtful mementoes and cards that I received. My purpose for the celebration was to bring the community’s attention to the great need to financially support this very important and major institution. Our museum needs your help now!”

“Our museum is the largest treasure chest of Ventura’s lives and stories told through art and artifacts that exists anywhere. Our museum offers invaluable opportunities to educate our children and stimulate their interest in history. Our museum attracts 50,000 visitors a year to the heart of our city. This contributes extra dollars for our local businesses along with more sales tax for our city. Our museum provides an amazing research library and archives that contain over 170,000 items unavailable elsewhere.”

“To launch this urgently needed fund drive, I have personally donated $25,000  and hope this starts the ball rolling.”

“An institution of this importance and magnitude needs financial giving from the entire community that it serves. I hope you will step up and join me and know you are helping to preserve our past and ensure the future of our museum. Please go to http://venturamuseum.org/donate-now/”

stuff-yunker-insetAt age 95, Helen Yunker can look back over an incredible life of achievement and service to her community.  Her philosophy is simple – “In helping and sharing with others, you multiply your own blessings many times.”

Helen arrived in 1948 in California, from Chicago, where she was born in 1921. After 10-years in direct sales, Helen fulfilled her dream of living at the seashore when she moved to Ventura’s Pierpont Bay area in 1958. A retired realtor in 1971 she founded Helen Yunker Realty.

Her 58 years in Ventura is a virtual kaleidoscope of ongoing community engagement. She has been recognized over the years for her many contributions, by numerous service organizations in the areas of educational, medical, civic, youth, theater, and arts.

Her recognition and contributions over the years are too many to list. But we are all blessed and grateful her contributions to our art, heritage and culture.

When her portrait was painted by Johanna Spinks as part of The Face of Ventura series in the Ventura Breeze Helen stated “Having grown up in Chicago, Ventura, with its 25,000 population in 1958, its climate, location and overall ambiance, was a true panacea and fertile ground for my life’s goals.  Today, after 54 years of service, my greatest blessing is the thanks and recognition I receive, also fully aware of my intense struggles, as well as accomplishments.  Where else, but in Ventura, can one be embraced like a family member, and be gifted a feeling of belonging?”

 

ENCORE will teach you computer skills

ENCORE is a hands-on, self-paced training program for people 50+ who want to learn computer skills for job or personal use. There is no charge for tuition – just an annual $10 registration fee. You follow written materials and receive help from a teacher as needed. It is not a traditional lecture class where you have to be at the same point as everyone else. Select only the modules you want:

Career Development • Job Seeking Skills • General Math & English • Office Machines & Telephones • Keyboarding • Internet Basics & Email • Microsoft Office Programs.

To register call 289-7925 and ask about the next start date. M/Tu/F 8-10 am or 10 am-12 pm