2011 - 07 Senior Outlook Larchmont Chronicle

Senior Outlook Larchmont chronicLe

JuLY 2011

ADVENTURE IN THE ICE AGE. Docent Colin Wilson at the Page Museum.

DELIVERING MEALS. 14

SQUEAKY WHEEL.

17

ROSARIAN.

18

20

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SENIOR OUTLOOk 2011

Retiree Bob Lass gains satisfaction from helping the homebound headquarters at 2131 W. Third St. “She wanted to put in an herb garden, so I donated to that, and then we added some tomatoes and other vegetables. It turned out pretty good,” said Lass. “And we use the fresh stuff in the meals we prepare.”

Lass said that after retir-

ing, “I figured I needed to find something to keep me going.”

Looks like he’s succeeded.

For more information on St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, contact Sister Alice Marie or volunteer director Carol Martinez at 323-484-7773 or go to stvincentmow.org

Alzheimer’s L.A. volunteer honored

if they choose, a cold one to enjoy later in the day, all for a donation of $2.50.

Anyone who lives within a service area, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion or ability to pay, is served.

“People rave about it. They say the food is wonderful,” said Lass.

He, in turn, raves about the program. “You get to know the people and they get to know you. And the satisfaction you get from helping people who can’t help themselves is certainly worthwhile.”

Lass encourages others to donate their time to Meals on Wheels, whose 300 volunteers prepare and deliver more than 4,700 meals across Los Angeles each day.

“For every volunteer they don’t have, they have to pay a person. And with gas prices, it’s really put a ding in the operation.”

Lass and his wife, Teddy, who raised seven children on Van Ness Ave., now reside on Wilcox. Married for 57 years—“we met in the fourth grade”—they have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who all live locally.

As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, Lass also makes sandwiches at downtown’s L.A. Cathedral and delivers them to shelters twice a week. Six mornings a week, he volunteers to open his church.

HE ALSO PITCHED in to create a garden for Sister Alice Marie at the Meals on Wheels

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from Alzheimer’s disease, Wunsch has been the Association’s director of volunteers since 1993.

She oversees more than 20 volunteers who staff the 24-hour Helpline that receives nearly 4,000 calls per year.

Wunsch was among 26 people over 50 who were honored at the ninth annual event.

©LC0311

MEALS ON WHEELS volunteer Bob Lass, with program founder Sister Alice Marie.

Judy Wunsch, 72, has been a full-time volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association of Los Angeles for 31 years.

She was honored in Washington D.C. last month by the MetLife Foundation Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards.

A former school teacher whose mother passed away

A GREAT SMILE IS A LIFE-LONG ASSET!

By Laura Eversz Every Thursday for the past ten years, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels volunteer Bob Lass has delivered food to housebound people.

Mostly elderly, they usually live alone, said Lass, who is retired from the film business.

“They are very independent.

But some are rehabbing from surgery, while many are simply unable to get to the grocery store or make themselves nutritious meals.”

And oftentimes they just want to chat. “Some have no family, so we’re the only people they see. We exchange pleasantries and pass the time of day,” he added.

After retiring, Lass found himself with time on his hands. When the pastor of his church, St. Brendan’s, organized an evening highlighting volunteer opportunities, he attended. “The idea of Meals on Wheels appealed to me, so I joined.”

HIS ROUTE IS NO. 7—Beverly to Sunset, Western to Vermont—and he makes stops at 30 to 40 residences. “We start packing up the van at 9:30 a.m. and are on our way by 10:30,” said Lass. "It takes us about two hours to deliver the meals."

Those who sign up for the program—founded by Sister Alice Marie Quinn in 1977 and completely funded by donations—get a hot meal, and

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SeNiOr OutlOOk 2011

Shoot hoops, swimming and yoga classes at area centers

Free health screenings, water aerobics, strengthening and stretching, chair exercises, and other work–outs for seniors are offered throughout the neighborhood.

Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center 1360 N. St. Andrews Pl. 323-957-3900 www.hsmpc.com Anyone 50 and over can take advantage of the gym and exercise classes at the Assistance League of Southern California Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center.

Fitness monitors ensure everyone stays on track and doesn’t overdo it on the treadmill, elliptical and other machines.

Monthly health screenings are also offered for blood pressure, bone density and other concerns.

Classes include yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

A body dynamics class meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Participate in arthritis relief exercises on Tuesdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Hollywood Wilshire YMCA 1553 N. Schrader Blvd.

323-467-4161 www.ymcala.org Aquatics for Older Adults and chair exercises are some of the classes available at the YMCA. Simple stretch low-impact aerobics class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m., while chair exercises, focusing leg and arm lifts, are on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Aqua Fit & Tone sessions are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Aquatics for Older Adults classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m.

Pan Pacific Senior Activity Center 141 S. Gardner St. 323-935-5705 Located next door to the Fairfax Library, this activity center gives seniors ages 50 and over a place to shoot pool, shoot hoops, or play table tennis, as well as work out in the gym and take exercise classes.

Stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, treadmills and other gym equipment are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hatha yoga classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.

Westside Jewish Community Center 5870 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-2531

EXERCISE CLASSES at the Pan Pacific Senior Activity Center are well attended.

Balance Challenge, brain ball, yoga, strength and strengthen and water aerobics are just some of the classes offered to seniors by the WJCC. Senior water aerobics are taught Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.

Yoga classes on breathing and mobility are Mondays at 9:30 a.m.

Balance Challenge also helps improve strength, posture and walking skills on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Brain ball, focusing on coordination, is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Fall avoidance classes are taught on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Stretch and strengthen classes are available on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

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Larchmont Chronicle

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Senior outlook 2011

Finding inspiration, art at Kingsley Manor Gabrielle Boisson’s daughter took her to three assisted living centers after hearing she was lonely in a large house by herself.

Boisson liked the gardens

and cleanliness at Kingsley Manor, her pick.

Three years and seven months later, “I enjoy every minute,” says the 91-year-old.

Last year she had a 22-year

old neighbor, two doors down, Kristie Wang.

The USC gerontology student was living on site as part of her graduate studies.

Boisson was making mario-

RESIDENTS Gabrielle Boisson; right, Kuokao Chu, seated, and William Shinderman.

nettes for a Halloween puppet show when she heard about an art class Wang taught, and has been a student ever since.

“I do lots of watercolors,” says Boisson, in a French accent.

A painter as a child, her parents persuaded her to pursue more practical pursuits. She survived the Nazi occupation (“I know what it is to lose everything: food, clothing.”), married and ran a preschool for 35 years.

Wang recently graduated and is starting USC’s medical school. But a new intern will take over the class.

Living on the site was

UCLA, League advise on safety, natural disasters

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Las Palmas Senior Center 1820 North Las Palmas (323) 465-7787

Atwater Park Baptist Church 3370 Perlita Ave. (323) 664-6847

American Lithuanian National Center 3356 Glendale Blvd. (323) 533-3179

Chevy Chase Rec. Center 4165 Chevy Chase Ave. (323) 574-7694

Griffith Park Adult Community Center 3201 Riverside Dr. (323) 422-5282

Braille Institute 741 N. Vermont Ave. (323) 707-0663

Trangle Square Housing 601 N. Ivar Ave. (323) 219-4368

Dining Centers are open to all seniors who are age 60 and over.

1360 North St. Andrews Place • (323) 957-3900 • hsmpc.com Assistance League of Southern California • (323) 469-1973 • assistanceleague.net

By Morris Schulatsky Guest columnist Be ready. This is the message that seniors are urged to remember.

Recently representatives from the UCLA School of Medicine and the Assistance League of Southern California informed seniors on safety and preparedness during natural disasters. In a crowded lecture hall they said people are becoming more aware since hurricane Katrina, the Japan tsunami and other natural disasters.

In case of earthquake, or other disasters, the speakers advised elderly to prepare an emergency kit.

Put supplies in a box in a secure place. Include water, non-perishable food, money, coins and cash, flashlights and batteries, gloves, medications, cell phone, pens, keys, glasses, warm clothing. Take your hearing aids with you.

“Don’t forget sturdy shoes,” they advised. “And have important IDs.” Also sponsoring the talks were L.A. County Dept. of Health and L.A. County Department of Aging.

The speakers will go to other senior centers to get people thinking about emergencies before they happen. They say, “Be ready to protect yourself and those around you.”

invaluable, she says. “I loved it because I was able to see a different side of a retirement community and develop relationships.

“They inspire me much more than I help them,” says Wang.

PHOTO ON COVER: Gabrielle with Kristie Wang.

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Senior outlook 2011

Volunteer work is on her crowded agenda Margaret Sowma may have retired 31 years ago, but one look at her calendar, and you can see she is busier than ever.

Her main volunteer efforts are aimed at senior issues, but she also volunteers at American Red Cross blood drives two days a month and staffs the voter registration booth at the L. A. Convention Center following citizenship ceremonies.

A former seamstress with a Los Angeles manufacturing company, Margaret is a member of the Federation of Retired Union Members.

She is also on the state board of the California Alliance of Retired Americans. As a member of the group’s California Senior Legislature, she attends an annual four-day conference in Sacramento.

The petite Windsor Square resident considers sewing and travel among her non-volunteer activities. Trips to Egypt, Greece, Spain, Romania are reflected in the souvenirs hanging on the walls of her home.

The single senior is a native of New Jersey. She emigrated to Los Angeles in 1948.

Her first volunteer post was setting up a thrift store for the City of Hope in a downtown location. The Music Center and Hammer Museum have also had the benefit of Margaret’s time.

SHE ENJOYS a peaceful moment at home, before going off to one of her many meetings.

Another role the 80-plus activist plays is as block captain, and she has been involved in the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council since its inception. She is now an alternate on the board.

When Margaret sees a problem in the neighborhood, she reports it.

If there is a zoning or preservation infraction, she will let the proper authorities know about it.

In thanks for her diligence, Margaret won the Windsor Square Association Squeaky Wheel award a few years back.

Years ago she won a title as seamstress of the dress made in the shortest time—four minutes, 26 seconds.

She has been going full bore

ever since.

Keep brain tuned with fun, walks in the sunshine The four pillars of brain health are physical, mental, social and cardiovascular activity, says preventative gerontologist Dr. Arnold Bresky.

Walk in the sunlight, eat a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables to offset the free radicals in the environment, stay curious and keep dreams alive to give your life meaning.

Never retire, and do new, challenging and intellectual work every day to offset the signs of aging.

Alzheimers is the brain aging, he says. And, “aging takes place when the cells are unable to repair themselves. It begins at age 50.”

Here are his Brain Tune Up suggestions: 1. Have fun and laugh frequently.

2. Meditate and pray.

3. Enjoy music therapy (he recommends Mozart’s Piano concerto #21).

4. Sleep from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

5. Exercise.

6. Eat a Mediterranean diet of fresh, seasonal foods that are low in fat and high in omega 3’s.

7. Drink at least six, eightounce glasses of water daily.

8. Exercise the brain with music, art, puzzles, etc.

9. Perform an act of kindness every day.

Senior talent show seeks contestants Display your singing, dancing or comedic ability at the second annual Senior Talent Show at the Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Center, 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd., on Sun., July 24, at 3 p.m. Individual contestants or groups up to five are welcome.

To sign up contact Marlene Walker at 310-559-9677.

Deadline to register is Tues., July 5. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. Registration fee is $10. Refreshments will be served.

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They’re precious They’re precious to you. to you.

Make sure Make sure they’re protected. they’re protected.

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• Driving to medical appointments, medication reminders

No doubt your family means everything to you. If you could, you’d surround them with a At Mount Sinai, our RIBBON OF PROTECTION program enables that kind of protective bubble to keep them from harm when you’re no longer here to do it yourself.

• Outings, activities and mental engagement (ask us about special help for dementia/Alzheimer’s patients)

program enables that kind of At Mount Sinai, ourTrust RIBBON ROTECTION Mount Sinai Funeral – funded OF by anP interest-bearing debenture – that helps to defray

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bubble. allows you to plan ahead by securing two spaces in specified areas at our Simi funeralIt expenses.

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bubble. It allows you to plan ahead by securing two spaces in specified areas at our Simi Valley Park for the purchase price of one, plus Endowment Care, and by establishing a

Valley Park for the purchase price of one, plus Endowment Care, and by establishing a The result be that your– family from unnecessary distraction at ahelps very to defray Mount Sinai will Funeral Trust fundedwill bybeansaved interest-bearing debenture – that difficult time. They’ll be able to focus on what must be their priorities – to grieve, to

funeral expenses.

connect with family and friends, and to tell your story.

TheIfresult will belikethatmore yourinformation family willabout be saved unnecessary you would Mountfrom Sinai’s time-limiteddistraction program, at a very , please difficult time. They’ll able to focus on what must be their priorities – toat grieve, to the RIBBON OF Pbe ROTECTION call Len Lawrence, General Manager,

866-71-SINAI, or send email toand gmoffice@mountsinaiparks.org. connect with family andanfriends, to tell your story.

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Larchmont Chronicle

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SENIOR OUTlOOK 2011

Docent Colin Wilson is off on an adventure at the Page Museum

By Suzan Filipek Wearing a hat he picked up in Brazil and speaking with a peppy Aussie-sounding accent, Colin Wilson looks like he is heading off on an adventure.

The docent at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits takes school children into the outback of Hancock County Park. Here oozy tar bubbles to the surface. Bones from dire wolves, Saber-tooth cats and other creatures

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“YOU CAN WATCH BONES being dug out of the matrix,” says Colin of the museum’s on-site excavation of Ice Age fossils.

larger than anything we are accustomed to are still being excavated.

“We don’t know why the supersized mammals became extinct. North America was covered by hundreds of thousands of these mammals from Mexico to Canada,” says the dapper 70-year old.

HIS VENTURE INTO the Ice Age began five years ago when he boldly walked into the Page and asked to speak to the office manager.

“I was retired and thought, ‘Maybe I should do something… I live five blocks from the museum. It was convenient for me.’”

A four-day training program began what has become ongoing research into the Pleistocene Epoch, about 1.6 million to 10,000 years ago.

Besides studying glaciers, he has learned the history of Rancho La Brea, the Spanish who first documented its tar and the Indians who used the sticky goo to waterproof their baskets and make their spears.

“I was always interested in the science magazines,” says the retired businessman. He now spends his time studying the Chumash Indians and Clovis people and the large animals that roamed the country.

Theories as to their demise include a warming trend that started about 18,000 years ago and early man’s migration into their territory.

But what is the best part of giving weekly docent tours?

“My favorite part is reaching out to the kids. It’s very gratifying,” says the grandfather of two.

There’s nothing like a group coming up after the tour and telling him how much they liked it, except maybe the 33 letters that follow, in individual handwriting heralding their favorite part of the hour.

He often walks the fourth through 11th graders to Proj-

ect 23, the museum’s newest excavation site. It was found a few years back in the parking lot during remodeling of the L.A. County Museum of Art next door.

“You can watch bones being dug out of the matrix. That’s what we call [the tar and gravel].”

Because dire wolves hunted in packs, they were trapped in larger numbers than any other creature. Still only one succumbed to the tar every 10 years or so, when you do the math.

“We’ve found 3,180… last count. They’re always finding more, so you never know exactly how many.”

Colin also heads his group to see the fossils cleaned and studied and on display inside the museum. “We carbon test the bones and zap them with a machine to estimate the age,” says the U.K. native. He lived in Australia—which explains the accent—before settling in L.A. 33 years ago.

TOURISTS MAKE UP the bulk of summer tours, says the Dunsmuir Ave. resident.

Sales experience (he sold calculators and typewriters) comes in handy with the more challenging adult groups, he says.

A world traveler, he and his wife Mercedes went to South America, where he did some excavation in Ecuador. He dreams of taking part in a dig in Israel one day, “if I live that long,” he laughs.

As treasurer of the Docent Assoc., a volunteer group that supports museum staff, he collects the members’ $10 yearly dues to pay for books on all things Pleistocene and for gifts for the speakers at the group’s monthly meetings.

Next year he will be events program director, and he is already lining up speakers.

Meeting paleontologists and experts from all over the world keeps him up to date. “You learn as you go,” he says.

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Senior outlook 2011 Beauty Bus rolls into Leeza’s Place bringing style, glamour A team of facialists, hair stylists and make-up professionals descended upon Leeza’s Place at Olympia Medical Center last month and got to work.

The members of the Beauty Bus Foundation pampered and primed three sets of mothers-daughters at the caregiver assistance center. The free service on the Beauty Bus Spa Day was provided by the nonprofit group, which strives to give people battling an ill-

ness—and their caregivers— pampering by someone other than a medical practitioner.

“All in all, it was a tremendous day and we cannot thank Beauty Bus enough for their time and commitment to glamour! This kind of love and respect, given out with such positive energy and dignity makes such a difference,” said Yael Wyte, Leeza care advocate.

Among upcoming activities

is an annual dance at the Belmont Westwood on Sat., Sept.

17. Check the website for more information, Leezasplace.org.

Support groups Support groups are offered every month. These include a young adult caregiver group and an early stage memory loss support group.

Also offered are free health screenings and yoga and other classes. Check the website for dates and times.

CAREGIVERS and their moms get pampered by the Beauty Bus Foundation team.

Dogs do it. Cats too.

Aging, it’s not just for people Antioxidants and exercise turn out to be good for aging pets too, according to the Southern California Veterinary Medical Assoc.

Human patients can be difficult to study, while observing canine companions has proved very helpful, according to Carl Cottman, Alzheimer disease research director at Cal. State Irvine.

“Social interaction, exercise and diet really do make a significant difference in dogs. We believe the same must be true for people.

“We know moderate exercise bolsters the brains in dogs and people,” said Dr. Cottman.

As with their human counterparts, aging often results in degenerative brain diseases, known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Cats are believed to have a similar condition.

Symptoms include disorientation, wandering aimlessly; changes in intereactions, being withdrawn or reclusive, disturbances of sleep patterns, unexplained yowling by cats and missing the cat box.

Vets often prescribe medication as well as antioxidants and special diets to help sharpen

wits, as they do for people.

“Take a dog for a walk rather than a pill. It may be just what the doctor ordered,” Cottman added.

Nominated for Most Original

Agencies available to assist in elder abuse situations

The city Dept. of Aging offers an elder abuse community education program to increase awareness on the identification of abuse, how to report mistreatment and neglect, and available community resources to prevent it and assist caregivers.

Elder abuse can be physical abuse, or it can take on other forms such as neglect, forced isolation or financial or verbal abuse. If you suspect someone is being harmed, there are two agencies who investigate these cases: Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates cases of abuse and neglect in the community. Call 213-351-5401 or 800-992-1660 toll free ombudsman investigates allegations of abuse for residents of longterm care facilities. Call: 800-334-9473.

A rare find and a classic address in the heart of Hollywood, Kingsley Manor embodies the eclectic spirit of its surrounding community from nearby cafes, restaurants and culture, to the extraordinary collection of people and perspectives. Known for its innovative programs, Kingsley Manor welcomes USC gerontology student residents who add to the vitality of this community.

Kingsley Manor. A Hollywood original.

Schedule your tour today: 323-661-1128 License #197602346

We are an equal opportunity housing provider.

Kingsley Manor offers three levels of care including 24-hour on-site healthcare.

1055 North Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90029

www.kingsleymanor.org

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Rosarian, artist, organizer among Tania Norris’s many talents

By Jane Gilman Tania Norris’s love of roses has propelled her into a new volunteer role—president of the fledgling Beverly Hills Rose Society.

The society officially was launched last May

to replace the Tinseltown Rose Society that has been dormant for years. It takes someone with Norris’s energy and vision to start a new group.

“Sixty-three other rose enthusiasts are in on

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The Hollywood-Wilshire YMCA Offers Classes for Active Older Adults

Mentor Volunteer Exercise Be healthy Swim Get involved Teach Learn Yoga

Zumba & Dance Exercise can increase range of motion bone density and pain relief.

Come by for a visit: Hollywood Wilshire YMCA 1553 N. Schrader Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028 or call (323) 467-4161

the grand floor of the society.

We have already produced a newsletter and will be inviting guest speakers covering all aspects of the rose,” says the Scotland-born volunteer.

She has lined up a speaker on “Great Rose Gardens of Great Britain” for a future meeting.

The Society also will be holding garden tours and field trips. A new hybrid tea rose has been named in her honor.

The “Tania Norris Rose” by the members of the Society.

It is a pink and yellow blend, characteristic of its parent, the “Gentle Giant.”

She began gardening at the age of six, and continued gardening in the many places her father’s job as an engineer took the family to. These included England and Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia).

Her training was as in interior decorating, and when she and her first husband moved from England to Los Angeles, she began working for Walt Disney. She created the New Orleans Square in Disneyland and other projects at Disney World. Her interior design work can also be seen on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

The Windsor Square resident has been an antiques dealer and hostess of a daily radio show, “World of Books” (“I read a book a day”). Oh, did we mention she was a professional Scottish Highland Dancer before she came to the States?

Another talent is as a painter. She specializes in botanicals, and coordinates the art classes at the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills.

Norris also runs the Gardens’ boutique as both gift buyer and seller. She has been a volunteer at the historic estate for 20 years.

Another role is as a patron

of the Rose Hills Memorial Park’s public rose garden and a member of the Getty Museum Research Institute and its painting conservancy.

“I’m so busy, I don’t have time to smell my own roses,” laughs the red-haired dynamo.

“But it keeps me young.”

SEA WOMEN subject of new book.

Book signing, dance at Cultural Center

“Moon Tides: The Women Divers of Jeju Island,” a book reception with photojournalist and writer Brenda Paik Sunoo, is Fri., July 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Guest performance by choreographer and dancer Peggy Myo-Young Choy is also scheduled.

Jeju Island’s sea women, or haenyeo, plunge more than 65 feet for abalone, octopus and seaweed, while holding their breath for more than two minutes, and labor well into their 80s. Their numbers have dwindled from 15,000 in the 1970s to less than 3,000. Free.

RSVP required at www.kccla. org/english_/3reservation_ list_.asp

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Exhibit chronicles Holocaust survivors, Café Europa members

Affordable Living for the Aging honors Austin Beutner Civic leader Austin Beutner was recently bestowed Affordable Living for the Aging’s highest honor.

Beutner, former Los Angeles first deputy mayor for economic policy and job creation, received the Sheldon W. Andelson Award at ALA’s second annual Janet L. Witkin Dinner.

“Austin Beutner has long worked for the betterment of Los Angeles in a wide vari-

ety of avenues,” said David Grunwald, ALA’s president and chief executive officer. “This recognition is a token of our appreciation for all that he has done for Los Angeles.”

“Through my work at the City and on the Bonnie Brae Project I saw, first hand, what a heart-wrenching challenge it is for our senior citizens to find affordable housing,” said Beutner. “I feel honored to be recognized by an organiza-

tion like ALA whose mission is to ensure our community is meeting our housing needs.

I look forward to partnering with ALA on innovative ways to provide seniors with affordable housing options.”

was eight years old.

Each photo is accompanied by a biographical statement researched by writer Jane Jelenko.

Café Europa is a weekly

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SURVIVORS John Gordon and Sophie Hamburger are members of Café Europa.

Photos by Barbara Mack

Artist Barbara Mack photographed 42 Holocaust survivors, each with an object of their choice symbolizing their life. The result is the exhibit, “Cafe Europa, Portraits in Black and White,” at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust through Sept. 1.

Among the subjects are Sophie Hamburger—next to her tattooed number 74428 is a fragment of the garment she wore when she escaped a death march.

Her “triumphant smile suggests that though the Nazis might have taken much from her, she ultimately defied them by building a meaningful life,” said Mark Rothman, museum executive director.

John Gordon holds a cutglass goblet, all he has left of his family and his mother, whom he last saw when he

social group for survivors, hosted by Jewish Family Service.

“It provides cultural programming, lectures, field trips, and some of the best holiday parties around,” said Rothman.

The museum is at 100 S. The Grove Dr. Free.

1127 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600 • Los Angeles, CA 90017

Call (213) 250-5333 For Your Appointment

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SeNiOr OutLOOk 2011

Senior Center debuts new fitness room A new fitness center recently opened at the Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center for adults 50 years and older.

The center, at 1360 N. St.

Andrews Place, offers preventative health screenings and social activities. The programs are provided with the assistance of Partners in Care

Foundation.

The center’s fitness room has treadmills, elliptical equipment and recumbent bikes to promote cardio-vascular

endurance. is managed by T h e a project manmulti-press ager and two machine, part time projdual adjustect assistants able pulwho will serve ley, lateral as fitness center and low row monitors. machine, leg Membership press and leg costs range extension from $10 to machines $40 per month. provide Financial assisstrength tance is availtraining. able for those A service ELLIPTICAL equipment pro- who qualify. of the Assis- vides cardiovascular workout For more tance League in new fitness room. information of Southcall the Center ern California, the center is at 323-957-3900 or go to www. open five days a week and hsmpc.com.

Take a look at some of the places to hang out, have fun

Choose Belmont Village for Memory Support We all have occasional difficulty remembering things. When it persists in a loved one, it could be the sign of Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI. Belmont’s Circle of Friends® tackles the effects of MCI through a daily program of exercises and activities for our residents. These group “workouts” help to maintain mental alertness, are fun to do, and they work. Our residents and families report a renewed enjoyment for life and improved well-being. If you’re concerned about MCI in a friend or loved one, ask us how our Circle of Friends memory enrichment program can help.

Choose Circle of Friends • Dedicated program coordinator and specially trained staff

There are five area locations for seniors to socialize, exercise, play games, take classes and share stories.

Claude Pepper Senior Citizens Center 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd.

310-559-9677 www.laparks.org This center, operated by the Dept. of Parks and Recreation, has a little bit of everything, from line dancing, bridge, arts and crafts and design classes, to sewing, quilting, memory enhancement, acting, yoga and tai chi.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Designed specifically for MCI by a leading gerontologist • Structured exercises and activities tailored for residents’ abilities • Physical and mental “workouts” for a balanced approach to cognitive fitness • Seven-day support

COMPUTER instruction is one of the many services offered at the Freda Mohr Center.

Burbank (818) 972-2405 Encino (818) 788-8870 Hollywood Hills (323) 874-7711

Freda Mohr Multipurpose Senior Center 330 N. Fairfax Ave. 323-937-5900 www.jfsla.org Jewish Family Service of L.A. operates this center, which offers hot meals, transportation, counseling, classes on disaster preparedness, knitting and crochet, gait and balance, singing, theater, chronic disease management and a weekly coffee klatch.

Computer instruction, field trips, holiday celebrations and a Wii gaming system exercise class are also offered.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rancho Palos Verdes (310) 377-9977 Westwood (310) 475-7501 Info Center Now Open Thousand Oaks (805) 496-9301 RCFE Lic. 197603515, 197603848, 197605090, 198204246, 197607761 © 2011 Belmont Village, L.P.

The Community Built for Life ® www.belmontvillage.com

LarchmontChron_7_2011_COF.indd 1

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Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center 1360 N. St. Andrews Pl. 323-957-3900 www.hsmpc.com Sponsored by the Assistance League of Southern California, the center offers bingo, acupuncture, arts and crafts, bridge, a computer lab, as well as an Hispanic Club and classes on learning English as a second language.

One-time classes on topics such as memory training and mature driving are also offered throughout the year.

Hot meals and transportation to the center are available five days a week.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pan Pacific Senior Activity Center 141 S. Gardner St. 323-556-5231 www.laparks.org Part of the city Department of Parks and Recreation department, center activities include ping-pong, basketball, a monthly book club, movie screenings every Friday, a Spanish class and a zumba dance class. A hot lunch program is also available.

Hours are Mon. through Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Westside Jewish Community Center 5870 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-2531 The senior activities program at the WJCC includes classes on memory retention, singing, acting and fall avoidance. Also, there are two movie screenings a month, hot kosher lunches, trips to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

In addition world affairs discussion group, a holocaust survivors group.

Office hours are Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activity times vary.

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Wellness, history, writing and films among OASIS classes The OASIS program for adults over 50 includes classes in history and politics, visual and performing arts, financial and legal issues, writing, travel and more.

A technology training program developed specifically

skin

deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Q. I’m older than many of my colleagues and not retiring anytime soon. How can I stay in the work force and still project a young energetic image?

A. More people can relate to you than you can imagine. Baby boomers are aging but working as hard as ever. And with the economy in its current state, they’re remaining in their jobs and competing with younger coworkers.

Meanwhile a recent Newsweek poll informs us that looks are valued over education in the workplace (though not over confidence or experience). So much for the not so good news. The great news is that there is a wealth of nonsurgical options that I can offer you that will keep your face looking fresh and your incredibly valuable confidence as high as it should be.

In a nutshell, this is an ideal time to be maturing! The first step is Botox, or its newer cousin, Dysport, to smooth those parallel lines between your brows that make you look tired and cranky at work (even when you’re not). Botox and Dysport can also minimize crows feet, lift a drooping mouth and smooth vertical bands on your neck. Injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Sculptra, and Radiesse work their subtle magic to restore lost volume at cheeks, temples, lips and around the mouth, and under the eyes - all giveaways of aging.

We’ve also recently seen some facelift-rivaling results with a few new skin-tightening devices; Ulthera and eMatrix. With minimal downtime you get smoother tighter skin, more even tone, reduced lines and wrinkles, and increased collagen production. To keep your skin in its best condition, periodic IPL’s (Intense Pulsed Light), also called Photo Facials, will remove age spots, freckles, and broken capillaries and simultaneously increase collagen production. Your work experience is uniquely yours.

But I see helping you feel your best about your appearance and confidence as my job. It’s what drew me to this profession and what keeps me coming to work.

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology.

She is an injection training physician for the better known dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse and the new Evolence as well as a physician trainer for Botox. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and an international Sculptra trainer for Dermik Laboratories. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com.

Telephone (323) 464-8046 Adv.

for older people, as well as health and wellness programs that helps them make lifestyle changes, are also offered at OASIS at Macy’s at the Westside Pavilion, 10730 W. Pico Blvd.

Wellness Westside Walkers, a free program, meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays on level two of the mall outside Macy’s. Regular walkers receive recognition for mileage at an annual celebration.

Optometrist Dr. Myron Levine will explain what each part of an eye exam is for and discuss eye conditions and treatment options on Thurs., July 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn about common foot ailments from Dr. Mary Schuh, who will answer questions and provide tips on Wed., July 27 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Later, learn four things you can do to prevent falls from 2 to 4 p.m.

Dr. Mara Mather, associ-

e-mail.

Students will put their newfound skills to test by taking photos and sending them on Mondays July 11 and 18 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Learn LEARN TO PERFORM common e-mail tasks as c o m m o n well as how to send and receive digital pictures at e-mail tasks, OASIS computer classes. such as how to set up an ate professor of gerontology account, communicate with and psychology at USC, will other users and set up an illustrate ways to keep your address book on Mondays Aug. mind and memory healthy on 1 and 8 from 10:15 a.m. to Thurs., July 28 from 1 to 2 12:15 p.m. p.m.

Film screenings Computers Elizabeth Taylor plays a An introduction to digital New York fashion model who photography shows how to engages in an illicit affair with send and receive pictures of a married socialite in “Butteryour family and friends through field 8.”

A discussion follows the screening on Fri., July 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Recent college grad Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is trapped in an affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) in the 1960s satire “The Graduate” on Fri., Aug. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Miscellaneous A class on summer fashions promises to be fun. Learn the do and don’ts of warm-weather wear on Thurs., July 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity. Guests will hear about available positions and their perks on Fri., July 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Certified financial planner and author Ken Stern will outline investment options for retired individuals at a class on Fri., July 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

To join OASIS or for more information, go to oasisnet. org or call 310-475-4911, ext.

2200.

“I’m living proof of the power of the LEGION Knee.”

Billie Jean King Sports icon and humanitarian

Recipient of two LEGION Knees with VERILAST Technology Billie Jean King is one of more than a million knee pain sufferers whose life has been transformed by the LEGION™ Primary Knee replacement.

Now, lab tests show revolutionary VERILAST™ Technology is expected to provide it with wear performance sufficient for 30 years of actual use under typical conditions—that’s more than twice the wear testing of any other knee replacement you can choose.

It’s time to put a stop to your chronic knee pain.

Ask for the only knee lab tested for 30 years of wear performance.

Rediscover Your Go with VERILAST Knee Technology.

Olympia Medical Center is pleased to offer this state-of-the-art technology.

5900 W. Olympic Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.olympiamc.com 24/7 live operator available for physician referrals at 800-547-5189.

Based on in-vitro wear simulation testing, the LEGION™ Primary Knee System with VERILAST™ Technology is expected to provide wear performance sufficient for 30 years of actual use under typical conditions. The results of in-vitro wear simulation testing have not been proven to quantitatively predict clinical wear performance. Also, a reduction in total polyethylene wear volume or wear rate alone may not result in an improved clinical outcome as wear particle size and morphology are also critical factors in the evaluation of the potential for wear mediated osteolysis and associated aseptic implant loosening. Particle size and morphology were not evaluated as part of the testing. For more information, call 1-866-867-6040 or visit RediscoverYourGo.com. ™ Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Certain marks Reg. US Pat. & TM Off. Billie Jean King is a recipient of the LEGION Primary Knee System and a paid spokesperson for Smith & Nephew.

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Proudly Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, the Miracle Mile District and Surrounding Communities for Over 63 Years

2nd Consecutive

Certificate of Excellence from CalHospitalCompare.org

(310) 657-5900 24/7 LIVE OPERATOR AVAILABLE FOR PHYSICIAN REFERRALS AT (800) 874-4325 Olympia Medical Center 5900 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.olympiamc.com Olympia Medical Center is a Physician Owned Hospital

Larchmont Chronicle