December cal senior

California

Senior

december 2015

Joy Scott

caring for caregivers

Anne Currier

An american original

Visit Nevada County

this winter

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95603 a

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and, OR 97208 prsR std u.s. postage pa

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on the cover

California

JOY SCOTT

Photo by Kim Palaferri

As executive Director, of Tri-County Caregiver Relief Scott brings support and compassion to the caregiving community.

Senior

DECEMBER 2015 Produced by Gold Country Media

PUBLISHER

Tom Kirk (530) 850-1965

MARKETING AND

Jeremy Burke (530) 852-0200

SALES DIRECTOR

inside

06 10 12 14

PROJECT

Family caregivers deserve support

DIRECTOR DESIGNER

Often unsung, caregivers have resources available to help with their vital services.

The average American spends 24 hours in bed, so restful sleep is essential.

Holiday Recipe

Anne Currier: Songwriter, author, renaissance woman

Food makes the ideal holiday.

WRITERS

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VISIT nevada COUNTY

16 18

22 24 26

time to get out there

Jill and Jason Auld provide all the gear to explore the great outdoors.

nevada county events

Visit Nevada County this Holiday season.

volunteer of the month

calendar

advice columns

12

Diane Pingree shepherds children with a positive spirit, in the juvenile dependency system.

Rebecca Regrut (530) 852-0222 Jamie Hazelton (530) 852-0205 Gloria Beverage Anne Stokes Kim Palaferri Sandra Reeves

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Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

The publisher shall not be responsible for any liabilities arising from the publication of copy provided by any advertiser for California Senior Magazine. Further, it shall not be liable for any act of omission on the part of the advertiser pertaining to their published advertisement in California Senior Magazine.

Gold Country Media Services.

Small business? Ask us about our Design Services jamieh@goldcountrymedia.com

Jamee Horning and Violetta Terpeluk.

recipe

december 2015

Rich Hanner (530) 852-0236

PUBLICATION DESIGNED BY:

Senior related December events.

This cinnamon spice walnut muffin recipe is a high-protein, anytime snack rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates.

Jim Easterly (530) 852-0224

Rebecca Regrut (530) 852-0222 rebeccar@goldcountrymedia.com

The super-creative Anne Currier is an American original.

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EDITORIAL CONTENT DIRECTOR

getting a good night's sleep naturally

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06

GENERAL MANAGER

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photo by Kim Palaferri

Family caregivers deserve support

How respite workers can make difference

The aging Baby Boomer population is creating an increased demand within the global amily caregivers are a diverse community. family caregiver community, notes Jim GledThey represent every age, gender, sociohill, director of Strategic Initiatives for UCP economic and racial/economic group.

(United Cerebral Palsy) of Sacramento and Nearly everyone has either been a caregiver at Northern California. one point in the past or will be one in the future.

“Every day, new family caregivers are ‘born’ “Although I had been a caregiver for our son as they discover that an aging loved one is sufand a long-distance caregiver for my mother, fering from a disease or disability,” he added.

I didn’t recognize myself as a family caregivIn the U.S., nearly 50 million family caregiver,” said Nina Weiler, an advocate for AARP. ers provide an estimated $450 billion of “free” “Nor did I recognize my mother as one for our care annually, Gledhill added. father, who had Multiple Sclerosis. I recall my mother doing everything for him and not even What unites the community of family caregivconsidering she could ask others for help. The ers is the vulnerability, emotional stress and emotional toll on the family was devastating.” financial strain associated with caring for a loved one (relative, parent or spouse) facing a When her mother became ill in 2009, Weiler long-term physical condition. and her brother were forced to make decisions For caregivers of the elderly, the role can last about the care of her mother. an average of four to six years, according to “It was only at AARP, having conversations the research report, “Caregiving in the U.S.,” with others about caregiving that I recognized conducted by AARP’s Public Policy Institute what it was that my brother, my mother and I and the National Alliance for Caregiving. had done,” she continued. “Caregivers are the backbone of the system of long-term services In addition to day-to-day personal care tasks, caregivers become advocates for their loved and supports.”

By Gloria Beverage

F

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december 2015

ones — communicating with health care professionals and advocating for services. Not only that, they are often asked to perform medical and nursing tasks without any prior training.

Adding to the caregiver’s stress is the fact “they are less likely to be employed, more likely to be caring for their spouse (and living with him or her), and more likely to be managing finances for their recipient.”

Families believe it is their duty to provide this service on their own, believes Joy Scott, executive director of the non-profit Tri-County Caregiver Relief organization, which offers respite services to families with developmentally disabled children and brain-impaired adults.

“The driver for me is the huge need of support for families caring for loved ones who are not only developmentally disabled but also to seniors and people who find themselves with injuries requiring daily support,” she said.

“This was all driven home for me, when after working with this agency for two years, my daughter gave birth to this amazing baby boy with a developmental disability.”

Ten Tips for Caregivers 1. Eat well-balanced meals and do so on a regular schedule. Take a multivitamin. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

2. Exercise every day, even if it’s simply 15 minutes of stretching, yoga, calisthenics or walking.

3. Get outdoors. Fresh air renews the body and spirit. If you can’t get outside, open a window.

4. Get your zzz’s. Strive for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Nap when your loved one naps.

5. Treat yourself. Get treatment for your own aches and pains before they become serious.

courtesy

6. Don’t ignore your emotions. Vent your feelings to trusted family members of friends. Seek counseling, if needed.

7. Take time for yourself. Use relaxation or stress management methods, such as meditation, visualization or yoga.

photo by Kim Palaferri

Respite care — even as little as two hours — provides relief from the stress of caregiving, she added. The respite worker provides a vital service — giving families a break from the 24/7 care of a loved one.

courtesy

courtesy

“I have been an advocate for AARP for nearly 18 years, working on a variety of AARP state and federal priorities, including Social Security, Medicare and Long-Term Care and Caregiving.

“We simply do not take care of our 4.4 million caregivers in California,” noted Weiler. “There is an expectation that the status quo will continue with family members taking care of their loved ones, despite the toll it takes on them personally and financially. But the UnitRespite workers can take clients out to eat, to ed States and California must face reality. As window shop or to a movie. Or the worker can Americans live longer and have fewer chilremain in the home playing a board game or dren, fewer family members will be available doing a craft project with the client while the for older adults to rely on for everyday help in family member goes out into the community. the future.”

“Respite allows the families to re-focus and AARP is working with legislative leaders to re-balance,” Scott stressed. “It is a break that raise awareness of the need for caregiving/ keeps the family from breaking.” healthcare and age-friendly communities as Weiler is passionate about finding support well as technology and financial security for our aging population. and resources for family caregivers.

“It gives the caregiver the chance to stand back from the situation and see it in a more positive light,” she said. “It lets them see other people enjoying their loved ones.”

8. Read, pray or meditate for at least 15 minutes a day.

9. Laugh often. Reminisce and share stories of happy times.

10. Ask for help. Friends, family and religious groups may be eager to assist.

Doing everything by yourself deprives others of the opportunity to serve.

—AARP, Courtesy of Nina Weiler

“Caregiving is one of the top priorities,” said Weiler. “We are fighting to support California’s more than 4.4 million family caregivers who help make it possible for older Americans and other loved ones to live independently at home — where they want to be. We fight to enact legislation that increases support for family caregivers so they can care for their loved ones at home.”

It’s critical to begin planning for long-term care well ahead of when care will be needed, Weiler stressed.

A resource developed by AARP, “Prepare Continued on page 8

Top Left: Joy Scott Executive Director Tri-County Caregiver Relief, and her friend Anahi Lule (9), take a little break from Scott's busy schedule to decompress from her busy schedule. Top Center: Joy and Anahi take advantage of a warm fall afternoon with a cleansing walk to relieve stress.

Top Right: Nina Weiler, her brother, Jonathan Weiler and mother, Alexandra Weiler at a family friend’s wedding in the early 90s. Bottom left: Nina's mother at the birthday party her friends in New York City threw for her in 2009. It was her last birthday. Bottom Right: Nina Weiler.

California Senior Magazine

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courtesy photos

Above: Caregivers and advocates show their spirit. Right: Caregiving advocate, Joy Scott, visits with the bear outside Gov. Brown's office at the state capitol.

to Care: A Resource Guide for Families,” includes information on how to discuss options with older family members, organize important documents as well as how to assess a loved one’s needs and locate important resources.

Another resource, Respiteer.com, has been launched by UCP of Sacramento and Northern California. The goal of the online site is to link family caregivers with resources and programs in an effort to promote family caregiver wellness around the world.

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“Operationally, we have been operating one of the largest in-home respite care practices in the organization,” explained Doug Bergman, CEO of UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.

“Respiteer represented an opportunity for us to implement a technology-driven initiative — not dependent on state funding — that would serve our regional clients and community well by connecting them into a technology-driven, global community of people who are passionate and knowledgeable about family caregiver wellness and respite care.”

“As a vibrant online community, Respiteer will build awareness of the family caregiver crisis for seniors and serve as an easily accessible place to get information, connect to respite and other services and interact with other family caregivers who have having the same experience,” Gledhill said.

Open to anyone who supports family caregiver wellness in their community, there is no cost to join the online community.

“Joining the Respiteer online community provides an easy way to show support for the UCP’s vision is to “establish a brandfamily caregivers in our lives today while preed online community where family paring ourselves for the same role in the fucaregivers from around the world ture,” he added. are actively participating, sharing knowledge and information and “Caregivers are the backbone of our system of providing support and encour- long-term services and supports,” said Weiler. agement to each other,” Gledhill “Family support is the new norm today, allowsaid. “As one community, these ing seniors to stay in their homes and commuRespiteers will also bring height- nities, keeping them out of costly institutions. ened awareness of the societal However, this family assistance comes at a and economic value of family substantial cost to the caregivers themselves, caregivers and the importance often taking a heavy toll on their personal and of investing in respite care to professional lives.” sustain family caregivers.”

Looking to the future, AARP continues to adBest of all, he added, there vocate for legislation that will make commuare no geographic bound- nities more livable for individuals who want aries to limit a caregiver’s to live independently at home — where they ability to make an impact. want to be, Weiler concluded.

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California Senior Magazine

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getting a

By Anne Stokes

I

t’s estimated that we spend a third of our lives asleep. With an average life expectancy of 80 years, that equates to 24 years in bed for most Americans. As consumers become more health-conscious, many are looking to incorporate healthier and organic aspects into their everyday lives, including in the bedroom.

“If you can make some changes in your sleep, it’s very beneficial,” said Brandy Alvis, owner of Tucked In. “Healthy sleep, and focusing on health and wellness go hand and hand. By making an adjustment in your mattress and in your bedroom, makes a huge impact.”

Newly opened in downtown Auburn, Tucked In is a natural bedding and mattress store that aims to help customers have a healthy night’s sleep.

“Our whole focus here is the ritual of sleep, everything from falling to sleep, to staying asleep, and of course, waking up,” explained Alvis. “We offer everything sleep-related, focusing on natural fibers, sometimes organic, it’s always focused on nature and the real mindfulness of staying away from chemical exposure in mattresses. Here, it’s all about high-end bedding.”

Such chemical exposure comes from the federal government’s good intentions. Adopted in 2012, the government mandated flammability standards to ensure mattresses were not combustible.

Photos by Anne Stokes

Above: Tucked In, Auburn’s new natural bedding store offers customers the highest quality of organic and natural bedding and mattresses.

Right: Tucked In owner Brandy Alvis hopes to offer customers a better, healthier way to sleep with natural and organic bedding options. Her shop also carries naturally scented candles, essential oil diffusers, luxurious bedding, and other gift items.

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“The main way to pass the test is by the use of chemical flame retardants, and there’re very few natural flame retardant solutions,” said Alvis. “It’s really uncommon for [many] mattress makers, especially the big guys, to use a chemical-free or chemical-less or natural fire retardant solution because it’s difficult to come by and it’s really expensive.”

Tucked In carries Naturepedic organic mattress options that eschew the use of such chemical fire retardants. In lieu of polyurethane foam, which is standard in most mattress products, Naturepedic opts instead to create their products with natural elements, such as organic latex and cotton. Such natural fibers have other additional benefits as well.

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“Sleeping on natural fibers help with temperature regulation,” said Alvis. “It’s a very healthy, breathable surface. Natural cottons, wools, and silks help wick away the moisture from your body, wick away that humidity, so it helps your body self-regulate. Synthetic fibers and synthetic foams hold the heat next to the surface of your skin and they don’t help your body naturally acclimate.”

“Natural rubber is also naturally dust mite resistant and anti-microbial,” she added.

Compared to conventional, big-name labels, organic mattresses are comparatively priced when you compare and contrast all the bells and whistles.

comfort and luxury to sleep on an organic mattress.”

Tucked In also stocks an array of sleep accoutrements such as luxurious and organic cotton sheet sets, pillows, and sleep ware, essential oil diffusers and scents, and candles.

“Everything in here has no synthetic fragrances, they’re all natural fragrances,” said Alvis. “All of our candles are made from pure soy or a beeswax combination, so they burn very cleanly. It’s a nice way to add an extra touch to your bedroom environment, your office, or bathroom.”

“We certainly have lots of really fun gift ideas for kids, bamboo swaddle blankets, we also have some really beautiful bamboo pajamas “It’s certainly an investment, it’s in the up- for kids,” she continued. “We also pride ourper-tier category, but for the name brands it’s selves on helping grandparents understand the about the same price,” she explained. “The importance of organic bedding. It’s ironic that difference is that all of our beds have a 20-year it’s a new phenomenon because in reality, evwarranty and they’re all made in the United erything here is made the old-fashioned way.

States. If you compare apples to apples, our We have a baby registry as well and we help beds aren’t going to feel any different than a people understand if their daughter or daughmainstream mattress. They’re going to be just ter-in-law is very specific on what type of gifts, as comfortable, so you’re not compromising we can sort of shed a light on the ‘why.’”

California Senior Magazine

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holiday recipe dan zahra | food dude

Yield: 2 pints; Prep: 20 minutes; Cook: 2 hours Email Dan Zahra at fooddudedan@gmail.com

Food is a perfect gift for the holidays Danny Z’s Spicy Tomato Ginger Jam

W

ell here we are again, the holidays are right here in our laps. It’s always great to receive gifts of food and homemade food is even better, so long as it’s not fruit cake. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone actually eating fruit cake, come to think about it.

ter for Home Food Preservation at nchfp.uga.edu/publications/ publications_usda.html

The recipe makes two pints so be sure to make enough for the jars you will be filling. I make triple batches at a time. I have found it’s the perfect volume for the recipe to cook down without burning or I want to share with you some of caramelizing the sugar. my favorite foods for gifting. I like It is important to monitor the to put together gift bags of things heat when making recipes with I make. One year I gave smoked a lot of sugar because the sugar salmon, spiced mixed nuts, artican brown or burn. This usually san crackers and my spicy tomato happens at the end of the cooking ginger jam. process so it is very disappointing Everyone loved the items and to ruin the batch after two-plus loves my tomato ginger jam. So hours of creating it.

I am going to start this series of So get out your big pot and make gift foods with my tomato ginger a big batch of this jam for friends jam. This is a great condiment for and family. If “spicy”is not to your many foods. desire, then just leave out the heat.

Enjoy it with smoked salmon, on No jalapeño, red pepper flakes or a cracker, on grilled pork or mix it cayenne. Then you have tomato with cream cheese and it makes a ginger jam and that changes everything that this delicious jam great dip for vegetables or chips. pares with.

If you want to can it for the long term, I recommend following the As I always say, “play with your guidelines of the National Cen- food.”

Ingredients: • 1 1/2 pounds good ripe tomatoes (Roma are best), coarsely chopped • Place half of the chopped tomatoes in a food processor and pulse to purée as pictured.

• 1 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice • 3 tablespoon fresh grated ginger • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 jalapeño stemmed, seeded and minced Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes and cayenne to taste at the half way point of cooking if desired. Taste as you add because the heat can get away for you quickly.

Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.

3. Reduce heat to a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 2 hours.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use.

This will keep at least a week and much longer if canned.

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Anne Currier:

Songwriter, author, renaissance woman

By Anne Stokes

A

nne Currier is the essential Renaissance woman. The 93-year old Auburn resident, who spent her childhood in rural Auburn, New Hampshire, is an accomplished songwriter, poet, and author.

She has an impressive list of accomplishments, especially considering Currier, the sixth child born out of 14 sisters and brothers during the Great Depression, completed her formal education in grammar school.

Photos by Anne Srokes

“She grew up on a farm in New Hampshire,” said Currier’s niece, Cheryl Gilbert. “The farming was very poor, so she had a struggle with her family just to have food, so she’s very resourceful. “ Currier recalls harvesting food just outside the door.

“I would go out barefoot in the morning, way out in the neighbor’s yard, and I would pick cowslips and bring them home so we would have them to eat.”

Currier married at the age of 16 and had three children before her husband passed away. After his death, she moved to California in the 1980s, settling down here to enjoy the sunshine (and lack of New England winters.)

Throughout her life, Currier carried a creative spark, expressing herself through writing songs, poetry, and children’s stories.

“Out of the 14 kids my mother had, I’m the only musical one in the bunch,” she said. “When I was a kid, I used to [tap out melodies] on the table all the time. I was always humming something. When I graduated from grammar school, the superintendent handed out our diplomas While Currier is also a published writer. Her and he said, ‘this lady here could go a long way book, “Chére Ma-Ma,” published in 1960, was inspired by her industrious mother, in music.’ I never forgot that.”

Mathilda “Tilly” Charest, who managed to Over the years, Currier has amassed a sizable raise 14 children virtually on her own during songbook, including a collection of “51 Songs for the Great Depression.

50 States.” Her song, “New Hampshire’s Granite State,” was adopted as an official honorary “She was the most unusual woman that I state song in 1977. Currier has a binder full of knew because she had a hard, hard life,” says gracious recognitions and thank you’s for her Currier. “She was working in the mills by the musical achievements from several cities, states time she was 9 years old. Today you wouldn’t do that, but in those days you did. She was and even the U.S. House of Representatives.

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running from one stitch to the other, and wherever they were broken, she had to keep tying them all day long.”

After marrying at 18, Charest and her husband moved from Maine to a farm in New Hampshire, where she was the main family provider as her husband traveled constantly in his search for work.

“She was everything,” recalls Currier. “She was the farmer, when we needed wood for the

• Songwriter and author Anne Currier has a binder full of appreciation and accolades for her patriotic songs, including this letter of praise from the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Author Anne Currier’s book, “Chére Ma-Ma,” paints a loving picture of her mother, Mathilda “Tilly” Charest, and chronicles her childhood in rural New Hampshire.

• Songwriter Anne Currier’s song, “New Hampshire’s Granite State,” was adopted as an official honorary song by the state in 1977.

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stove, she’d go out and harness the horse, she didn’t know how to harness a horse, but she figured it out, she’d go down to the woods and cut some trees down. She learned how to do all these things because she had to.”

While Currier’s admiration for her hard-working mother is obvious, her stories paint a loving picture of her childhood and her family.

“Something whispered in my ear and said, ‘you must write a book about your mother,’” recalled Currier. “And I thought, ‘but I don’t know where to start!’ It said: ‘start where you are.’ So I went to visit my mother that afternoon, and the first thing she started to talk about was her days on the farm, so that’s how it started.”

“They’re very sweet vignettes, and it’s a whole different lifestyle,” said Gilbert. “The people here in Auburn would probably like it because it matches the rural type of lifestyle that people have up here, and they may have some memories of growing up kind of like she did.”

To that end, Gilbert says that she and Currier plan to donate several copies of her book to the Placer County Library for the public’s enjoyment.

“It’s become not only a family treasure, but I’ve had co-workers read it and they were entranced, they thought it was special,” said Gilbert. “It appealed to me because it’s so simplistic and so heartfelt and so descriptive. It’s almost like bringing a little documentary into your head, you can visualize the events that happened throughout their young lives.”

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VISIT NEVADA COUNTY

Time to get out there

By Sandra Reeves

“W

e are in business to provide a local, handson buying experience,” Jason Auld, owner, Mountain Recreation.

What is now billed as “Nevada County’s most complete yearround outfitter” started as a small sporting goods store called Sports Fever. Jason and Jill Auld had been living a mountain sports lifestyle at Lake Tahoe when they decided to marry and move back their home ground of Grass Valley.

They bought Sports Fever, took control of it on July 1, 2000, and were married two weeks later.

“Needless to say it was an extremely crazy, exciting time,” Jason Auld said. “We both came from an outdoor adventure background but not necessarily a retail background. The store seemed like it would be a fun and exciting adventure to earn a living back in our home town.”

The couple’s biggest challenge when starting out, besides gaining financing, was “jumping on a moving train. We hopped in with an existing staff that was basically training us at the same time we were managing them.”

As the shop evolved, the Aulds began offering more outdoor products for sports they were more familiar with — backpacking, skiing, and mountain biking. After a year, they changed the name from Sports Fever to their corporate name, Mountain Recreation. In 2004, the economy was booming, the store healthy, so they bought their own building and moved the business to 491 East Main Street.

With the move, they decided to stop selling bicycles and to focus 16

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december 2015

Photos by Kim Palaferri

Above: Mountain Recreation sales clerk, Ted Beedy, helps Ales Peterson pick out the perfect pair of boots with the right fit. Below: Mountain Recreation owners Jill and Jason Auld, took their passion for the outdoors and created a one stop shop that features a diverse selection of sporting goods.

instead on soft goods and apparel offerings. In 2013, they started operating a concession at Scotts Flat reservoir renting standup paddleboards and kayaks.

“Our strongest asset is that we are diversified in our product offerings,” Jason Auld said. “If the snow is bad and no one is buying or renting skis or snowboards, we can still sell shoes and apparel. If there is too much snow to start backpacking in the spring, or if it is a bad fire season to backpack, we can still sell shoes and apparel. In a drought and the lake is low and rentals are down, we can still sell shoes and apparel. So I guess having a strong shoe and apparel offering is really our biggest asset.”

mountain recreation 491 E Main St, Grass Valley 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Sunday (530) 477-8006 or mtnrec. com

“We are in business to provide a local, hands-on buying experience,” Jason Auld explained.

“Online has certainly changed the landscape since we started. But walking into a store and engaging in back and forth dialogue, getting tips and advice, swapping In the near future, though, to meet stories about things to do and the rising demand, the Aulds plan places to go — the human interto expand their rental options for action is something that can never standup paddleboarding, back- be replaced with an e-commerce experience.” packing, and camping.

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California Senior Magazine

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17

NEVADA COUNTY EVENTS december

Cornish Christmas Fridays 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 18 Recapture the spirit of Christmas past amid the charming surroundings of historic downtown Grass Valley during the annual Cornish Christmas Celebration.

Started in 1967 as a way

to preserve Grass Valley’s Cornish heritage and holiday traditions, Cornish Christmas remains one of Grass Valley's most popular events. Mill and West Main Streets are closed to motorized traffic and filled with the sights and sounds of an old fashioned Christmas; carolers, jugglers, musicians, the Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, Tommyknocker Cloggers and of course, Santa Claus.

Handmade arts and craft from artists throughout California are displayed on our historic downtown Grass Valley streets.

Delicious food and drink can be purchased from a number of Grass Valley restaurants and specialty food vendors.

Fore more information visit downtowngrassvalley.com.

with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels and carolers dressed in Victorian attire. This annual, family tradition features holiday activities for all ages: carriage rides, live entertainment, savory yuletide treats and libations, and of course, Father Christmas! Victorian singers, Victorian Christmas bagpipers, brass bands and 1:30 – 6 p.m. Sundays Dec 6, strolling minstrels provide warm 13 and 20 and 5 – 9 p.m.

Christmas music. Nevada City’s Wednesdays Dec 16 and 23 famous Walking Christmas Tree and a living nativity scene Welcome the holiday season can be found, along with hot in style in historic Nevada roasted chestnuts and horse City, a quaint, Gold Rush town drawn carriage rides. Attendees nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Sierra where each are encouraged to dress up and add to the Victorian nature year the downtown transforms of the event. For information, into a genuine Christmas card call (530) 265-2692 or visit come to life. It’s a magical nevadacitychamber.com. setting of hilly streets outlined

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Volunteer of the Month diane Pingree

Reaching out to kids in need

By Kim Palaferri

A

t the age of 68, Diane Pingree had raised her three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson, even watched them go off to college in various directions. Pingree wanted to fulfill a void in her quiet home, so she turned to donating her time at local churches with the Christmas Basket program. Though that was rewarding, she still had a lot of grandmotherly love to share.

CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates is run by Child Advocates of Placer County. casaplacer.org

ken apart, the child most often needs a person whom they can trust, and who can stand up for the child and voice their concerns.

Pingree wanted to be that person, “When my kids grew up, I had time and knew she had something to I could invest in other families so provide to CASA Kids. they could have that same experience as my children did,” she said. CASA Placer County’s primary role is to reunite kids who are vicPingree learned of a program that tims of child abuse, neglect, or who was seeking new volunteers for have parents who struggle with Child Advocates of Placer County, addiction of drugs and/or alcohol. which runs the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program The purpose of a CASA volunteer for the Placer County court system. is to be “the eyes and ears of the judge and the voice of the child.”

Her husband of 55 years encourThey are able to do this by submitaged her to inquire about a positing court reports and then going tion as a CASA advocate, because to the child’s hearing and standing she was good with children. up in court to voice their concerns.

According to CASA’s web site Pingree fulfills that philosophy (casaplacer.org), the goal of the and adds a little fun with social program is to prevent abused, neoutings while doing her CASA duglected, and abandoned children ties. “I have taken my CASA Kids from becoming lost in the juvenile to the movies, holiday events, and dependency system and workeven soccer games at William Jesing to find them safe, permanent sup University.” Pingree said. homes as soon as possible.

Before a child can be returned Pingree went through the intenhome, parents are required to atsive 30-hour training requirement tend and complete classes that are and completed a full background offered by Placer County. The cricheck to become a CASA volunteria for reunification can involve teer. Currently there are 139 CASA drug counseling, parental classes, volunteers like Pingree who have and anger management. dedicated their free time to make a difference in a young person’s life. A CASA representative will monitor the reunification between the Sometimes when a family is bro20

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december 2015

parent and child for approximately “They like going for milkshakes 6 months, until the case is closed. and sitting down to talk, rather than going for activities like we Pingree said that when a family did while they were CASA Kids,” case has ended, and the family has Pingree said. been reunited again, the duties are not necessarily over. Weekly vis- “You grow to love these children,” its help the child transition back she added tearfully. Pingree said that her CASA Kids always have a into normalcy. grandmotherly relationship availPingree’s heart is invested into able to them, because she is their each of her four different CASA unspoken grandma.

Kids cases.

CASA Executive Director Don “My first CASA Kid’s case closed, Kleinfelder said Pingree could be, and I became a mentor for him,” “St. Everyone’s Grandmother.”

Pingree said. She added that even though the court relationship is “When I hear her voice in our over, the work can still continue office, I always put down what I through mentorship. These days, am doing, and head her way for Pingree enjoys conversations with a hug, a smile and a quick bask in her first CASA Kid on a social level. her light,” Kleinfelder said.

brain games across 1. Placido Domingo, e.g.

6. Copy 9. Do arithmetic 12.Oyl of “Popeye” 13.Nothing 14.To’s opposite 15.On a regular basis 16.Emerald, e.g.

17.Adapted 18.Zero 20.“____ Got Sixpence” 21.Sicknesses 24.Building wing 26.Cut down 27.Dove’s noise 28.Classify 30.Master

down 32.Boll ____ 36.Screamed 38.Mine’s output 39.Confront 42.Corn portion 43.Overwhelmed 44.The total amount 45.Employed 47.Life story, for short 48.Crazed 50.Zest 54.Junior 55.Work by Keats 56.Pasted 57.Snaky letter 58.Berth 59.High-spiritedhorse

PUZZLE NO. 793

1. Excessively 2. Santa’s staffer 3. Young louse 4. Bread bakers 5. Gambling town 6. Celestial beings 7. Baked fruit dessert 8. Kind of tree 9. Fasten 10.Long golf shot 11.Loved a lot 19.Cuddle 21.Drink cubes 22.Cured salmon 23.Crop 25.Brings down 26.Feasted

PUZZLE NO.529

28.Exist 29.Ruby 31.View 33.Oath 34.Bitter resentment 35.Directed 37.Praised 39.Aesop’s specialty 40.False name 41.Bumpkins 43.Mature 46.Easter edibles 48.Riot crowd 49.Thirst quencher 51.Take to court 52.Golf accessory 53.Uncanny

Sudoku

Copyright © 2015, Penny Press

For puzzle answers go to: www.calsenior.com

HOW TO PLAY SODUKO: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

California Senior Magazine

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21

visit our website: calsenior.com

CALENDAR

upcoming EVENTs photos by Keith Sutter

sacramento ballet presents the nutcracker The Nutcracker is a true holiday spectacular. The enormous growing Christmas tree, Clara’s fearless battle with the Mouse King, the soaring Magic Balloon, the sparkling Snowflake Forest, the delicious Kingdom of the Sweets, and the radiant elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy have been creating family memories for almost three decades. And yes, the Sacramento Ballet partners once

again with the Front Street Animal Shelter to find homes for the adorable canines starring in the Prologue. Live music is an option for selected performances. Presented by Sacramento Convention Center Complex and Sacramento Ballet at Community Center Theater. Shows are Dec. 12-22. For information on tickets and showtimes visit sacballet.org or (916) 808-5181.

Senior Centers - Events auburn Senior Center 550 High Street, Auburn (530) 823-8172, auburnseniorcenter.com Classes and Activities • Aerobics-low impact • Bridge party • Cribbage Club • Dancing – Ballroom class and practice – Line-dance class – Social Dancing – Tea Dance 22

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december 2015

• Greeting card craft class • Grief recovery group • Knitting, crocheting, quilting and needlepoint • Legal clinic for seniors See their website for class and activity days and times.

Ballroom dance lessons with the Auburn Social Dancers from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at Auburn Senior Center, 550 High St. in Auburn. Group lessons and one-on-one tutoring. Cost: $7.

Info: AuburnSocialDancers.org.

Senior Centers - Events Elk Grove Senior Center 8830 Sharkey Ave., Elk Grove (916) 685-3160, thesceg.org

Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center 915 27th St., 27th and J Sacramento (916) 808-5462, portal.cityofsacramento.org

Gadabouts Travel - Our travel office plans trips to many exciting locations. Day/Casino trips, and extended trips are offered throughout the year.

• All Seasons Cafe • Art • Cards, Games, and Hobbies • Dance • Education and Technology • Exercise, Wellness & Fitness • Music Classes • Social Gatherings • Writing and Language Arts

BINGO at the Center - Grab a friend and join us for some fun games of BINGO. The Senior Center hosts BINGO each Friday at 12:45pm.

Stay Healthy & Fit - Join us for Aerobics, Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, Yoga, Chair Exercise, Strength Trainingor Tap Dancing – to name a few.

Join the Lunch Bunch (Monday thru Friday) - Congregate Meals by ACC are served five days a week in the SGEG Dining Room. Reservations are required, call 685-4804. Donations are suggested.

The Hart Senior Center frequently features special events and presentations on topics of interest to older adults.

Check their website for information about upcoming events.

Sunrise Recreation and Park District

Rusch Park Community Center 7801 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights (916) 207-9691, Sunriseparks.com

Folsom Senior Center 48 Natoma St., Folsom (916) 351-3510, folsom.ca.us • Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.

• Activities and programs are for ages 55+ (unless noted otherwise) • Senior Lounge and two activities rooms • Drop in and enjoy books, puzzles, games, organized activities and make new friends.

• No membership is required and the coffee is always hot!

el dorado hills Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills (916) 358-3575, www.edhcsd.org Ongoing programs include: • Senior Fitness • Fun Bingo • Bridge • Pinochle • Hand & Foot • Mexican Train • Cribbage • Line Dance • Canasta • Wii Bowling

• Knit & Crochet • Movie of the Month • Computer User Group • Chess Club • French Club • Book Club • Theater Group Outings • Senior Stampers • Painting Pals

Other classes include computer classes, cooking classes, art classes, conversational english, memoir writing, figital photography, and ukulele and guitar lessons. The Senior Fun Time Band plays a concert the last Friday of the month.

Senior Nutrition is offered at noon Monday through Friday.

Guest speakers on a variety of subjects speak weekly. A grief support group meets year-round on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Parties for all occasions and holidays are scheduled regularly.

Foothill Community Center 5510 Diablo Drive Sacramento Bridge groups meet once a week year-round and welcome new players. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and they play only for the love of the game.

Check the website or call for schedule info: 521-6556.

Single Deck Pinochle plays from noon to 3 p.m.

Tuesdays at Rusch Park Patio Room. New players are welcome. However, some knowledge of the game is necessary. Double Deck Pinochle plays from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at Rusch Park Patio room.

Scrabble from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays at Rusch Park Sunrise room. New players welcome. Info: 745-3579.

roseville's senior center 1550 Maidu Drive, Roseville (916) 774-5960, roseville.ca.us/seniors Activities • Games • Movie matinees • Crafts • Bingo • Free health seminars • Day trips and excursions • Book Reviews • Discussion groups • Line dance • Singing group

Clubs • Quilt Club • Roseville Genealogy • Roseville Better Gardeners Exercise • Maidu Walkers • Nice & Easy Fitness • Chair exercise programs • Parkinson’s and Arthritis fitness classes • Water Fitness

See their website for additional services and support groups.

To submit a calendar listing email: rebeccar@goldcountrymedia.com

California Senior Magazine

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advice violetta terpeluk | financial advisor

Tips for Spending on Your Grandkid

M

any grandparents spend cash on their grandkids — whether by chipping in on tuition bills, purchasing special treats or simply buying holiday gifts and helping with day-today expenses. Many seniors say that creating a financially secure life for themselves and their family is an important goal. As a grandparent, it can be hard to find a balance between supporting (and spoiling) your grandkids while ensuring you don’t run short on funds to reach your own financial and retirement goals. Here are four tips to keep it all in check:

Know what you can afford

No matter how much you enjoy splurging on your grandkids, your financial security should remain your first priority. There are many unknowns in retirement, including your longevity, fluctuation of the markets and the impact of inflation on purchasing power.

Spend and gift within your means to maintain your own financial health in the future.

Determine if you’re giving or loaning

If you’re giving a gift, understand current federal tax rules, which are based on the calendar year. In 2015, you can give up to $14,000 to each family member before the federal gift tax is applied. And make certain the recipient knows it’s a gift for their own tax purposes, and so there is no uncertainty about whether or not they need to pay you back. If you are loaning 24

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december 2015

money to a grandchild, be very specific about the terms and repayment, and consider having a written document that both parties sign and date. This can help safeguard your financial situation and ensure both of you are on the same page — now and in the future.

their own financial planning. For example, if the parents of your grandchild know how much you are expecting to contribute to their child’s education, they may be able to decrease the amount allocated to a 529 Plan and invest more toward other goals, such as their own retirement.

in their own means. Keep in mind the smart — and sometimes tough — financial lessons you learned as you made your own way as a young adult, and the pride that came with successfully overcoming challenges.

If you want to provide financial support to a family member, but haven’t incorporated it into your Talk about it overall financial plan, consider Many people tend to shy away Establish boundaries from discussions about money Even if you want to help your consulting a financial professionand finances with their family. If grandchildren financially, de- al. He or she can help you evaluyou would like to help support pending on their situation, it may ate your financial needs and goals your grandchildren or save for not be appropriate to do so, or to and create a strategy. A clear and their future goals like college or repeatedly provide support. Ev- realistic understanding of your a down payment on a home, be eryone appreciates help, but if own financial picture can help sure to communicate this with your grandchild needs to learn you identify how much you can their parents. This can help your financial independence, there can comfortably give and stay on adult children do a better job with be value in letting them live with- track with your own goals.

Jamee Horning | Executive director, Seniors first

battle loneliness during the holidays

W

ith the holidays around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Work parties, Christmas get-togethers, list-making and gift-giving all compete for our time and attention. While we’re distracted going and doing, the elderly in our lives can get lost in the hustle and bustle. That’s where Seniors First comes in.

Helping Seniors Stay Connected

Spreading Holiday Cheer

This year Seniors First is offering a unique way to keep local seniors connected during the holidays, we’re calling it “Elves for the Elderly”. This program pairs community volunteers with needy seniors during the holiday season to provide camaraderie, social connection and a modest gift. You can “adopt” a senior this holiday season by calling or visiting our offices.

To an elderly person living alone, a friendly visit, even a brief one, can mean the difference between a good day and an unbearable one.

And in certain situations, those bad days can easily turn into bad weeks leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you know a senior who could benefit from social connection with others, I encourage you to learn more about the programs offered by Seniors First.

Volunteers Make the Difference

Be it a friendly visit by a trained volunteer, a drop-in visit to our social ‘day stay’ program, a hot meal delivery or safe transportation to an errand or appointment, we have resources that can make a world of difference for seniors living in Placer County.

For more information on these and other programs offered by Seniors first, please contact Janessa Jordan at (530)889-9500 x213.

The trained team that manage Seniors First’s Information & Assistance Line can make recommendations, offer guidance and share resources to help the senior in your life maintain their independence and thrive. Call (530)889-9500 ext. 214 or 216 for information and assistance.

Seniors First is always in need of trustworthy volunteers to serve as drivers, friendly visitors and in other roles. Our volunteer opportunities can be structured to fit any interest or schedule, and training is provided. Volunteering to serve area seniors makes a real and lasting impact in the lives of our volunteers and in our community.

Thank you for helping Seniors First make a difference in the lives of our greatest generation.

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recipe

By Paula Hendricks, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant at Hendricks For Health (916)773-1191

paula hendricks | what's trending

Cinnamon Spice Walnut Muffins makes 36 mini muffins

A

tasty high-protein, anytime snack rich in fiber and lower in carbohydrates. I like to make them in mini muffin tins and keep them in the freezer so I won’t eat them all at once! For the almond meal and wheat bran, I use Bob’s Red Mill brand. Replace those super-sized, high sugar sweets and enjoy these during the holidays with a dab of butter. Recipe adapted from The Eades Low Carb Comfort Foods Cookbook.

Ingredients: • 12 oz organic light cream cheese, soft • 5 whole eggs, high quality omega-3 rich • 1/4 cup organic honey or coconut sugar (you can also use 1/4-1/2 cup sugar substitute if you like) • 2 tsps vanilla • 1 1/2 cups almond meal • 1 cup unprocessed wheat bran • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 tsps ground cinnamon • 1 tsp of your choice of seasonings (pumpkin pie spice, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg) • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or any other nut, or combo with ground flax or chia seeds)

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Put cream cheese and two eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth.

3. Add the remaining eggs, one at a time, beating briefly after each.

4. On slow speed, stir in the rest of the ingredients except the walnuts.

5. When mixture is well blended, stir in the walnuts.

6. Lightly grease three mini muffin pans (hold 12 each) 7. Fill almost to the top. They will rise only slightly and brown lightly 8. Bake muffins for about 18-20 minutes.

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CALIFORNIA NEVADA COUNTY DIRECTORY AssIsTED LIVINg FACILITY Brunswick Village Assisted Living 316 Olympia Park Cir, Grass Valley 95945 (530) 274-1992 Sierra View Manor 120 Dorsey Dr Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-4849 BED & BREAkFAsT/ INNs Riverside Inn 206 Commercial St Downieville, Ca (530) 289-1000 Swan Levine House 328 S Church St Grass Valley 95945 (530) 272-1873 Emma Nevada House 528 E Broad St. Nevada City, 95959 (530) 265-4415 CANDY & gIFTs Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe 236 Broad St. Nevada City, 95959 (530) 265-3448 CLOThINg/gIFTs Bamboo Home Store 130 Mill St. Grass Valley 95945 (530) 272-0303 COFFEE hOUsE/ROAsTER Caroline’s Coffee Roasters 128 S Auburn St, Grass Valley, 95945 (530) 273-6424 FUNERAL hOmEs Chapel of the Angels 250 Race St. Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-2446 FURNITURE Country Wood Furniture 116 W Main Street Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-5375

Senior DIRECTORY

gIFTs Junk In The Trunk 122 Mill St Grass Valley 95945 (530) 274-8991

hOTELs & mOTELs Best Western Gold Country Inn 972 Sutton Way Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-1393 Northern Queen Inn 400 Railroad Ave Nevada City 95959 (530) 265-5824 INDEpENDENT LIVINg Bret Harte Retirement Inn 305 W Main St, Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-7137 The Village 400 Railroad Ave Nevada City 95959 (530) 265-3973 kITChEN sTORE/ COOkINg CLAssEs Tess Kitchen Store 115 Mill Street Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-6997 REALTOR/REAL EsTATE Terry Ann Ferguson, Mitchell Real Estate 428 Colfax Ave. Grass Valley 95945 (530) 273-5800 REsTAURANTs The Owl Grill & Saloon 134 Mill St, Grass Valley 95945 (530) 274-1144 skI & sNOwBOARDs Mountain Recreation 491 E. Main St Grass Valley 95945 (530) 477-8006 ATTORNEY/AUTO ACCIDENT Lorraine Gingery, Attorney 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd #140 Roseville 95747 (916) 415-7070

ATTORNEY/EsTATE pLANNINg The Chubb Law Firm Heather R Chubb 8920 Sunset Avenue, Suite E Fair Oaks 95628 Office: 916-241-9661

CREmATION BLUE OAKS Cremation & Burial Services 300 Harding Blvd Ste 201 Roseville 95678 (916) 787-6257 phone

BURIAL Acacia Cremation And Burial Society 1510 Merkley Ave Suite 5 West Sac 95691 (916) 993-8432

mONUmENTs Ruhkala Monument Co Inc 4501 Yankee Hill Ct, Rocklin, 95677 (916) 624-1176

1205 A Street Antioch 94509 (925) 775-4462 3477 Broadway St American Canyon 94503 (707) 980-6470 BLUE OAKS Cremation & Burial Services 300 Harding Blvd Ste 201 Roseville 95678 (916) 787-6257 phone CREmATION Acacia Cremation And Burial Society 1510 Merkley Ave Suite 5 West Sac 95691 (916) 993-8432

pETs BOARDINg REsORT All Pets Boarding Resort 3994 Delmar Ave, Loomis 95650 (916) 652-3687 phYsICAL ThERApY Fuqua Physical Therapy 6560 Greenback Lane Citrus Heights 95621 (916) 723-3372 8795 Folsom Blvd.

Sacramento 95826 (916) 386-0778 RETIREmENT/AssIsTED LIVINg Camino Care, Inc. 7501 Sunrise Blvd.

Citrus Heights 95610 (916) 486-9639

1205 A Street Antioch 94509 (925) 775-4462 3477 Broadway St American Canyon 94503 (707) 980-6470

To see your listing here...

Contact Donna Jones 530-852-0206 California Senior Magazine

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december 2015