The Tidings - Monte Vista Grove Homes

THE TIDINGS
MONTE VISTA GROVE HOMES
2889 SAN PASQUAL STREET
PASADENA, CA 91107
May 2015
(626) 796-6135
www.mvgh.org
“All the news that fits”
MINISTRY
MAY CONVOCATIONS Thursdays at 4:00 pm in Marwick
May 7 – A CONVERSATION WITH OUR CONGRESSWOMAN – JUDY CHU
Judy Chu, U.S. Representative for the 27th District, will be our speaker today. If you have
specific questions for her, please send them to Jane Vasquez and they will be forwarded on
to her office. Invite your friends to this session, an unusual opportunity to speak directly
with our congresswoman.
May 14 – THE OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE GLEE CLUB
On May 14, we will have the Occidental College Glee Club for the second year. They were
very well received last year, and this year will include some music, which they sang on their
latest tour this spring. This choir has a long history with such conductors as Howard Swan
and Tom Summerville and is now conducted by Desiree La Vertu who previously held that
position at Cal Tech.
May 21 – THE ART OF MODEL SHIP BUILDING – TOM ERICKSON
The program will demonstrate via PowerPoint the step-by-step building of model
ships. Several models will be on display, including the U.S.S. Constitution. "Old Ironsides,"
berthed at Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts, is the world's oldest commissioned
naval vessel afloat.
May 28 – MARIMBA & PIANO CONCERT – NANCY LEE PREUSCH, LISA EDWARDS
Nancy Lee Preusch studied marimba at Stephens College and Northwestern University.
She joined the Marimba Coeds, a group of 5 girls playing separate marimbas, who toured
the United States and Canada including the Ed Sullivan Show. Her mother, Alletta
VanAtwerp, was a Grove resident for 13 years. Nancy will be accompanied on the piano by
Lisa Edwards from San Marino Community Church.
2 COME HOLY SPIRIT FROM DEEP WITHIN ME
Come Holy Spirit from deep within me.
Struggle through my daily cares
and reach my heart with your calm.
Let me know myself, my true heart
Anew in You.
Come Holy Spirit from around me.
Let me see your goodness in
What my eye falls upon,
What my ear hears,
My hand touches.
Let me know You in those around me,
And know myself in every
person I encounter.
Come Holy Spirit from above and below me.
Let me know my small place
in the history that is long beyond my imagining.
Let me rest in your Sacred Presence
and participate in that which
Does not end.
-- By Pat Hoffman
FREEDOM
How many ways do I block the door to freedom?
O.K., I didn’t place all the blocks to begin with.
But those who placed them left the building long ago.
It’s like the key is in the jailhouse door
and I’m waiting for the jailer to come back
and take it away or open it for me.
Turn me toward the door.
Guide my hand to reach through the bars and turn the key.
Help me push through the rusting barrier
And claim the Self, the Life that You offer.
May the days it takes be only a breath
in Your Time.
July 29, 2006
From the “Prayers From the Heart” collection
Available at pathoffman.com/prayers
3 MVGH Men’s Prayer Fellowship
When: Monday Mornings
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Where: The Hearth Lounge
(All MVGH men are welcome)
May Leaders:
4 – Mark Duntley
18 – Bob Parry
11 – Jim Symons
25 – Cecil Hoffman
Come share this time for thanksgiving, intercession and fellowship
with one another as brothers in Christ.
For more information, contact Cecil Hoffman, Facilitator
MVGH Women’s Prayer Group
When: Wednesday Mornings
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Where: The Hearth Family Room
(All MVGH women are welcome)
We read the day’s passage from the Mission Yearbook of Prayer
and pray for our world, our MVGH family, our families and friends.
Both silent and spoken prayers are welcome.
For more information, contact Evelyn at (626) 316-1586.
PRAY FOR AFRICA
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Join us as we continue to pray for the vast and varied continent of Africa on the first
Tuesday of each month in the Gamble Room at 1:00 p.m. Our next gathering will be Tuesday, May 5 in the Gamble Room at 1:00 p.m.
A MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER
Gracious, Sovereign God, we pause to reflect upon our blessings as a nation and the high
cost of those blessings for many. Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country, for
opportunities to flourish, and for the security of our land. Thank you for those who have
served in the armed services of our country, risking their lives for our liberty. Thank you for
those who have given their lives in service to our country, sacrificing in such a costly way
for the sake of others. O Lord, may we be more aware of just how blessed we are as a
nation. May we be more grateful for our blessings, more faithful in stewarding them well,
more eager to share them with others. We know, dear Lord, that ultimate peace will not
come until your kingdom is here in all of its fullness. Nevertheless, we pray for a foretaste
of the future. We ask for the growth of peace throughout our world today, so that fewer and
fewer men and women will have to risk and even to sacrifice their lives. May your kingdom
come, Lord, and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven! All praise be to you, God of
grace, God of mercy, God of justice, God of peace! Amen
-- Mark D. Roberts
4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Eating with Confidence
Are you or someone you love having trouble eating or swallowing?
Embarrassed to go out to eat or eating al one because of coughing,
choking, or spilling? Losing weight because i t is hard to eat? Not
eating things you love because you can’t chew them?
Dysphagia is another term for swallowing
problems. Swallowing is a complex process
that moves food and liquids from the mouth
to the stomach. Swallowing involves the use
of many nerves and muscles in the lips,
tongue, mouth, throat, and esophagus,
which is the tube that connects your throat to
your stomach. It is important to treat
swallowing problems since they can lead to
serious health problems, such as: poor
nutrition and dehydration; loss of appetite
and discomfort; less enjoyment of eating;
embarrassment in social situations involving
eating; choking on food or liquids; and, food
or liquid entering the airway (aspiration),
which can lead to lung infections and
possibly pneumonia. Some people swallow
just fine, but have trouble getting food from
the plate to their mouth. This can have
different causes such as tremors, poor
attention to task, memory problems, or arm
strength and mobility issues.
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What should I do if I think I have a
swallowing or eating problem?
You should consult your health care
provider and your Therapy Specialists
Speech-Language Pathologist or
Occupational Therapist to find out what the
cause might be, so treatment can be
suggested. If the swallowing problem is in
the first three stages, you may be referred
to a Speech-Language Pathologist. If the
problem is in the last stage of swallowing,
you may need other treatment. If you notice
you have a problem with spilling or feeding
yourself that may be something with which
Occupational Therapy can help you.
How can I tell if someone I know has
swallowing or feeding problems?
Choking on food, liquids, and
medications, or food or liquid coming out
of the nose
• Coughing during or right after eating or
drinking
• Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or
after eating or drinking
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Extra effort needed to chew and swallow
Difficulty squeezing food or liquid down
the throat, “stuck” feeling
Pocketing of food on one side of the
mouth, food left in mouth after a meal
Excessive drooling
Spilling often
Weight loss
Losing food off of the utensil
“Chasing” food around on the plate
Hard to get food to the mouth
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patlented/materials/pd
fdocs/dis-cond/general/dyspha.pdf
http://www.healthinaging/org/public_education/pef/
swallowing_problems.php
5 MAY MUSINGS
Monday, May 11, 6-7:30 pm Marwick Place
God’s Revolutionaries: African Church Leaders in Politics
Speaker: Norm Thomas
All of us have known church leaders who spoke out prophetically on justice issues. But what
happens when church leaders become politicians? Can they be effective in both roles?
Zimbabwe in Africa provides a fascinating case study of not 1, 2, or 3, but 4 church leaders
who were active in politics during the intense struggle for justice by the African majority
population in that country. All were leaders of political parties. Two were prime ministers,
and one the first President of Zimbabwe.
Norm Thomas was a missionary during that time, worked with three of them, and followed
closely their careers. He will share his personal experiences, as well as his reflections as a
social ethicist, on their leadership and contributions.
SAVE THE DATE -- MAY 5th!
COLLOQUY ON HEALTH CARE
TUESDAY, MAY 5,
2:30 - 4:00 PM IN MARWICK PLACE
The California Legislature has twice approved a Single-Payer Health Plan for the State of
California, which was then vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwartzeneggar. The movement for
passage again is being spearheaded by the All Care Alliance embracing a coalition of 15,
and growing, statewide organizations including many health providers. They recently
celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Medicare with a huge rally in Sacramento. What are the
arguments in favor of such a plan? Is it an improvement over the Affordable Care Act?
What is the extent of our responsibility for our neighbors? How is the Single-Payer Plan
implemented in other countries?
A short documentary will be shown explaining the Canadian system -- Reactions?
“Lots of new information about the history of healthcare here and in Canada.”
“Descriptive comments by Canadian Citizens regarding their situation…. are stark.”
A panel of knowledgeable speakers with long histories in the health care field includes Dr.
Sally Seven, Dr. Irma Strantz, Mr. Terry DeWolfe, and Dr. Areta Crowell. They will deal with
various aspects of the Single-Payer Plan and there will be time for questions and discussion.
The colloquy is open to all. Come and bring your friends. For more information refer to the
flyer of April 7, or contact Ray Heer, Coordinator. 356 0166.
For further information – Ray Heer, Co-coordinator 626-356-0166.
6 A DIVE INTO GOOD HEALTH
Experts in fitness for older adults aren't surprised about the benefits of water exercise. On
average, aqua exercise participants increased their strength by 27% in the quadriceps, 40%
in the hamstrings, and about 10% in the upper body region. "It's clear that aqua aerobics or
water-based activities provide significant benefits for older adults, including increasing
metabolism," says Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, PhD, head of the Department of Kinesiology at
the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At his former post at the University of
Alabama, he led research for 15 years that looked into the effects of physical activity (both
on land and in water) among older adults. "Our study combined aqua aerobics -- walking
and dancing in the water -- with actual strength training in the water. The participants lifted
weights while they were in the water." In addition to increasing metabolism, Chodzko-Zajko
says physical activity in general improves cardiovascular health, increases strength, and
slows down age-related loss of muscle mass and the decrease of reaction time that comes
with getting older. Regular aquatic exercise over 12 weeks results in more strength,
flexibility, and agility, and better total cholesterol levels.
We now offer Aquatic Therapy through Therapy Specialists’ rehab services. Call 507-2718836 to schedule your assessment today and start on a path of healthy living!
Lisa Rodriguez, OTR/L, RAC-CT Therapy Specialists | Regional VP of Clinical
Operations ph. 858.514.0375 x317 | fax 858.514.0383 | cell 619.743.9044
www.therapyspecialists.net
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WATER AEROBIC CLASSES
BEGIN WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH 8:00 A.M.
AT THE POOL
WITH ANNETTE RICCHIAZZI, INSTRUCTOR
continuing weekly through October, weather permitting.
Annette is a certified group fitness instructor, spinning teacher,”Team in Trainng” cycling
coach and water fitness instructor who teaches at Breakthru Fitness in Pasadena, Pedal
Spin Studio in South Pasadena and Gerrish Swim and Tennis Club, as well as providing
training with individual clients. She also coaches both track and cross-country teams and
works with athletes on strength and conditioning, proper stretching, warm-up, cool-down,
recovery and nutrition. She is CPR certified and has worked with professional athletes and
weekend warriors. For both, her philosophy stays the same: “Keep your goal out in front of
you and when you think it is getting too hard, focus on it and keep pushing toward it.” She
lives in Pasadena with her husband and 3 children.
You don’t have to be a swimmer because this class involves moving different parts of your
body through the water for conditioning, proper stretching and strengthening. This class is
for BOTH men and women and has been researched and sponsored by the Wellness
Committee of Monte Vista Grove Homes. Any Questions? See Carolyn French
7 The MVGH Wellness Committee presents the third workshop for 2015
Nutrition Options – The Plant-Based Diet The medical community agrees that what we eat is important to our
overall health. If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood
pressure or are overweight – your doctor has no doubt discussed a change in your diet with you. Science is making remarkable strides in research and
treatment of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The role of diet in treating and even
reversing the effects of these diseases is becoming increasingly important. Join us Tuesday, May 19th from 11:00 – 2:00 pm at Marwick Place to learn how a plantbased diet can have dramatic positive effects on our health. Our speaker will be John
Tanner, Ph.D. a survivor of cardiac arrest and founder of The Nutrition Science Foundation
in Monrovia.
A FREE Plant-Based Lunch will be served to all attendees at 12:30 pm. In order for us to
have enough food prepared, you will need to register to attend this workshop. There will
be a sign-up sheet in Nancy Lain’s office. We must have all reservations in by
Thursday, May 14th.
If you have questions regarding the plant-based diet lunch or what information will be
covered in the workshop, please call Ray Heer at 626.356.0166.
MVGH Residents Invited to Purchase a Well for African Village
with No Clean Water.
Art French invited our residents to join him
in raising funds for the installation of a water
well in a village in Africa with no clean water.
He did this following Jordan Wagner’s
presentation on Generosity Water at an April
Convocation. He believes we can accomplish this. I agreed to coordinate the effort.
Please go to www.generosity.org. Scroll
down to watch the “Legacy Campaign”
video. Do not click on the “Start Your Own
Campaign.” I have already done that. All
you need to do is send me your email
address and tell me you want to
participate.
Jordan gave a fine presentation. When
Generosity Water started, there were
1,100,000 billion villages without clean
water. Now the number is only 748 million.
This is a doable project that will bless us
and the people we help. There was much
enthusiasm about this project following
Jordan’s talk. "As of 4/20/15 donations
and pledges total $2,400 toward our goal
of $5,000."
This is a project initiated by residents and
is not a Monte Vista Grove Homes
organization sponsored effort.
What do we need? We need 15 more
individuals or couples to join with us by
committing to send Generosity Water
$100 a month for three months to fund our
project. This will fund the $5,000 project.
-- Bill Cunningham wmc@earthlink.net
8 (AD) MINISTRATION
PRESIDENTIAL PONDERINGS
An Early Lesson
I was 24 the year I graduated from SFTS. Not yet ordained, I was totally unprepared for
ministry when we arrived at our first church. The 200-member congregation was located in
the small town of Wamego, Kansas. I was a native Southern Californian! I had only been to
one funeral in my life. It was my own grandmother’s service. On our third Sunday in town,
following Sunday church services, a note was handed to me explaining that Miss Smith had
passed away unexpectedly in the night. Her family was all gathered at her home down on
Main Street. They were expecting me. Skipping lunch, I arrived with much trepidation at a
large two story, white frame house. The mortician greeted me and ushered me into the
large darkened Kansas parlor. The heavy drapes were pulled against the summer heat. I
blinked my eyes against the light change as the mortician led me around the inner circle of
around 20 seated people. He introduced me to the Browns, the Quincys and various family
members named Smith. Mumbling what must have been inane words, I stooped to shake
the hands of each person in the circle. Finally, we came to the last person. The mortician
motioned and said “And this is Miss Adeline Smith.” I stooped, extended my hand and
muttered “How do you do, Miss Smith.” The mortician caught my arm and whispered
urgently, “Pastor, that’s MISS SMITH the DECEASED!!!” Sure enough, as I squinted, there
she was propped up in her rocking chair big as life – except that she was the deceased! At
that moment I could only wish that I were in her place!
(Submitted by Bill Hansen upon Don Maddox’s request)
STAFF APPRECIATION FUND NEWS
We began the year with a fund balance of $3,585.17. Since then we have received $1,700
as of March 31; Total $5,285.17. The goal is $365 per resident or approximately $50,000.
We have other people making contributions as well. Thank you to all who have participated
so far and to all who will be giving later this year.
I sent each resident a guide for giving so that we can receive all of the donations by
November 30. If you need another guide, let me know. There are now 11 residents giving
in installments. We will be giving the gifts to staff in December.
Make your check payable to the MVGH Residents’ Association with the memo to read “Staff
Appreciation Fund.” Put it in the box for our Association, which is under where we put
outgoing mail. Put your check in an envelope marked “Staff Appreciation Fund.”
It is important to know that this giving is an expression of our APPRECIATION for the staff
and the amazing services we receive from them. They are not tips or bonuses.
From Bill Cunningham wmc@earthlink.net 626-795-5707
9 PHILANTHROPY CORNER Monte Vista Grove Homes 2015 Events
Annual Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, May 2nd from 8-11 am.
Monte Vista MUSINGS: Norm Thomas, God's Revolutionaries: Sub-title: African Church
Leaders in Politic: a Zimbabwe case study. Monday, May 11th from 6-7:30 pm in Marwick Place.
Annual Fall Sale: Saturday, October 3rd.
5th Annual Founders’ Gala: Saturday, November 14th 6-9 pm at Descanso Gardens in La
Canada. Honoring The Gamble Family, Dr. Dawn Malcolm and Trinity Presbyterian Church
(Pasadena).
NOTES FROM THE APRIL TOWN MEETING
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Volunteer Appreciation Week recognition of all the residents who volunteer at MVGH
and for Meagan McClellan’s team to make it a special week of celebration.
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The Memory Care and Wellness Center Project
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Review of the Concept Designs
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Designed with input from several professional groups
Will be 4,990 sq. ft. (city’s limit is 5,000 sq. ft.)
Rooms (double and single) for 10 ambulatory residents
The Great Room is designed as an open dining, living and activity space and opens out
onto the existing garden.
The Wellness Center
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The MWTF* has met a number of times since the beginning of the year.
The MWTF made a recommendation to the Board on the selection of a fundraising
consultant. Nancy Ackerman from Netzel was introduced.
The MWTF made a recommendation to the Board in regard to selecting an architect.
Gladys Bowen from Shelter Architects was introduced.
The MWTF made a recommendation to the Board in regard to selecting a Project
Manager. The Task Force selected Sean Leonard of S. L Leonard & Associates.
The MWTF spent many meetings reviewing, discussing and editing concept designs.
The MWTF just reviewed the proposed Capital Campaign Goal & Strategy – to be discussed
at the next Board meeting. Stay tuned for more specifics!
Fixed equipment exercise area
Group exercise area/smart classroom
Restrooms, Massage Therapy Room, OT/PT Treatment Room, Wellness office & storage
The Update on Sidewalks & Streetlights
The New Mini-Van
Water Conservation
Ladder or Chairlift for the Swimming Pool
(For more information, see Town Meeting Summary)
* (Memory Wellness Task Force)
10 Ask the Executive Director…
Questions are accepted in any format: in writing (signed or unsigned), email
(dherbert@mvgh.org), voicemail (626-796-6135 ext. 415), or just in passing…
Since we just had a Town Meeting where
we addressed issues, news & questions,
I thought I would focus on just one
question: Who is Noelle Gonzales and
what exactly does she do??
WHAT does Noelle Gonzales do???
Noelle’s title is “Administrative Assistant”
and her role is multi-faceted. Her primary
responsibility is that of my “assistant.”
This has enabled me to regain a better
work/life balance. In addition, as we
launch a Capital Campaign and begin a
large building project, my role will expand
in new directions.
As my assistant, Noelle will be responsible
for taking minutes at all Board and most
Board committee meetings. This will
streamline documentation and sharing of
information. In the past, this responsibility
has been scattered among a variety of
staff, adding to their already full workloads.
Noelle will also provide basic technology
support to the staff and back-up support
for the sound system in Marwick Place.
Last year, residents requested that we
provide additional talent in this area so
that someone who can handle technical
issues staffs all convocations and events.
She will also handle the computer
maintenance on MVGH computers, which
will save us what we have been paying for
outside support.
Noelle will also be able to provide administrative support to other departments,
including coverage for the Business Office in
the Commons as the need arises. We have
been leaning heavily on our only two
administrative staff: Nancy Lain (thank you!)
and Alisha Zuch (works part-time). We have
some fabulous employees and we want them
to last!
WHO is Noelle Gonzales???
She was raised in Hastings Ranch and
attended La Salle High School with our own
Meagan McClellan. They were both
cheerleaders at La Salle. After graduation,
Noelle attended Pasadena City College and
transferred to UCLA (go Bruins!) where she
received her B.A. in American Literature.
Noelle loves to read and write. She tried her
hand at teaching but decided that was not
her gift. She most recently worked for
Universal Studios as a Production Office
Coordinator. After hearing Meagan rave
about how fulfilling her job at MVGH was,
she began to seek something that had more
purpose. She heard through Meagan that an
Administrative Assistant position had opened
up and she jumped at the chance.
Noelle is the youngest of seven. Her father,
John Gougeon, is an accomplished architect.
His notable works include St. Rita’s Church
in Sierra Madre and Pasadena Presbyterian
Church. Her mother, Lorie, is a homemaker
and a talented crafter.
Noelle lives in Temple City with her husband,
Christopher (an electrician for Universal
Studios) and their two dogs, Pumbaa and Zazu.
-- Deborah Herbert 11 MISCELLANY
FROM THE TREASURE CHEST
(This statement of purpose for MVGH was written
and posted during the 20’s or early 30’s.)
A COLONY OF MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES
FOUNDED BY THE SYNOD OF CALIFORNIA.
“Monte Vista Grove Homes are different from what we usually expect when we think of an
institution dedicated to the happiness and the care of the veterans of the Church.
In fact Monte Vista Homes (notice the name is in the plural) are best thought of not as an
institution, but as a colony of homes provided rent free for life, for the main purpose:
1. To assist ministers and missionaries whose pensions and other means are small, to live
out their declining years most comfortably…..
2. To provide a neighborhood of men and women of common faith….
Members of Monte Vista Grove Homes are chosen from among the list of eligible applicants
with the following preferences: 1. Financial need. 2.California residence and service. 3.
Date of application. 4. Qualities of character and service, which indicate an enrichment of
life for the whole colony.
Until the building program is completed, applicants who have funds of their own are
received equally with those in need, provided a gift is made to the Board, sufficient for the
Board to build a new apartment, gradually enlarging its facilities to care for a larger number
of those who otherwise would have to struggle on inadequate pensions.
Monte Vista Homes are again different, in that the purpose is to give the maximum amount
of freedom and the minimum amount of interference in the lives of those who come to take
their residence in the colony.” Another Treasure! The History Committee -- Bill Hansen
REMEMBERING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
When I was assigned as an assistant principal in the 1980s to a school in East Hollywood,
I entered what is now known as “Little Armenia.” This was a new world to me. I quickly
learned to appreciate “baklava” (a honey filled filo dough pastry), differentiate between
Eastern and Western Armenian dialects, and to somberly acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks in 1915 -1916.
Over one and a half million Armenians living in Turkey were killed, men, women and children.
Most Armenians in America are children or grandchildren of the survivors. Those who lost
their lives will be commemorated on April 24th. Pope Francis recently acknowledged this
tragedy, but neither the current Turkish government nor the United States has done so.
Political expediency needs to be replaced by conscious compassionate action to stop further
atrocities from happening anywhere and everywhere in our world.
-- Diana Lorenz
12 REMINDER
THE MVGH PANCAKE BREAKFAST/SILENT AUCTION
Saturday, May 2nd 8:00 – 11:00 AM
The Stores will be open!
Come and browse through the clothing, books, jewelry, china, gift items,
the list goes on and on!
Bring family and friends to enjoy some
GREAT GROVE PANCAKES
and fellowship too!
SEE YOU THERE!
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Do YOU Know Where to Recycle in the Commons?
If not, be sure to glance underneath the
Cubbies next time you pick up your menus
and memos, etc. There you will discover a
number of blue bins where miscellaneous
paper & magazines, used dry cell batteries,
used ink cartridges, CRV plastic bottles &
aluminum cans, and some hazardous
materials such as aerosol cans can be
deposited.
Happy Recycling!
Pun-ishments
I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.
How does Moses make his Tea? Hebrews it.
Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control
her pupils?
I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.
Be kind to your dentist—he has fillings, too.
I changed my iPod name to “Titanic.” It’s syncing now.
-- Gene Terpstra
13 DISASTER READINESS
Your Red Notebook
Red Notebooks are your guide for emergency procedures and contact information for –
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emergencies, including First Aid
evacuation procedures
team leaders & members
buddies for singles
location of gas, electrical and water
residents’ addresses & phones
staff location & phone
city emergency personnel.
Be sure to keep your notebook up to date. We have new residents and long-time residents
who have changed location and phone numbers. If you did not pick up the new information
at the last Disaster Drill, you should have received the pages in your cubby. Please contact
Jane Vásquez if you do not have the new information.
-- Jane Atkins Vásquez
MVGH REPORTS AND RECORDS
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Are you continuing to downsize? Do you have any Residents Association paperwork from the past? Are you afraid that your children won’t save these precious documents? Never fear, help is on the way! The current Residents’ Association Council will accept
minutes, agendas, committee reports, financial records and anything else you consider
to be of value for the archives. Please put them in Cheryl Prentice or Henry DeGraaff’s
cubbies. We will organize and add them to the space that has been designated for us.
If you need them picked up, please call me.
Thank you,
Cheryl Prentice (626) 796-7026 THANK YOU!
TO: Meagan McClellan and
the MVGH STAFF
FROM: MVGH RESIDENTS
for the wonderful week of
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
14 30 Lessons for Living
In a new book by this title, a gerontologist shares practical advice from more than 1,000
seniors from across the USA. Karl Pillemer calls them “the experts.” Many of the interviews
can be viewed on legacyproject.human.cornell.edu. Here are some gems:
On aging
“Embrace it. Don’t fight it.” Growing older is both an attitude and a process. Their common
advice: “Don’t waste your time worrying about getting old.” Most found that old age vastly
exceeded their expectations. Even those with serious chronic illnesses enjoyed a sense of
calm and contentment. A 92-year old, who can no longer do many of the things she once
enjoyed, said, “I think I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life--things that were
important to me are no longer important, or not that important.” Another said, “Each decade,
each age, has opportunities that weren’t actually there in the previous time.”
On happiness
Almost to a person, the elders viewed happiness as a choice, not the result of how life treats you.
A 75-year old man said, “You are not responsible for all the things that happen to you, but
you are completely in control of your attitude and your reactions to them.” “Adopt a policy of
being joyful,” advised an 84-year old. Even if their lives were nine decades long, the elders
saw life as too short to waste on pessimism, boredom and disillusionment.
-- Norm Thomas
NOTICE TO ALL WINE AND CHEESE NIBBLERS
Wine and Nibbles participants were invited to venture out
into the beautiful garden between the Gamble Room and the
Hearth corridor to enjoy the setting and fresh air.
We understand that maintenance staff will be installing
necessary handrails as well as leveling the grass area.
THANK YOU!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I have been overwhelmed at all of the cards I have received for my 90th birthday celebration.
Thank you all for your kind words and thank you also for coming to the party in Marwick.
-- Don Hawthorne
15 MAY BIRTHDAYS
Don Hawthorne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 01
Mary Lou Lorimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 01
Martin Miller-Hessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 01
Ruth Suzuki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 02
Noreen Nazarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 07
Norman Stanhope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 10
Gene Terpstra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 12
Edmundo Vásquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 14
Dave Tomlinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 17
Jacquie Terpstra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 29
THE TIDINGS 2015 GUIDELINES
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Articles to be 235 words or less
Articles to be submitted in Arial - 12 point type
Articles to be to the point with content and information
Personal experiences, ponderings, thank you notes, other news are wanted
Informational news, ideas and stories from committees and individuals
Articles due on the 15th of month prior to publication
NOTE: All submissions will be reviewed for inclusion by the Tidings Team.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE OUR NEWSLETTER INVITING TO READ.
THE TIDINGS
MONTE VISTA GROVE HOMES
Executive Director: Deborah Herbert
President of the Residents’ Association: Don Maddox
Publisher: Marilyn Manning
Editor: The Tidings Team
(Carole Bos, Joyce DeGraaff, Cheryl Prentice)
Consultant: Jack Lorimer
Printing and Distribution: Nancy Lain
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