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YEAR 56, NO.3 JANUARY 17-23, 2018

Rigged OFFSHORE DRILLING PLAN FACES WELLSPRING OF OPPOSITION IN CALIFORNIA

SERVING MARIN COUNTY

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Cheese Contest P8 Rainbow Girls P10 Best of Marin 2018 Ballot P12

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The REAL Mental Health Initiative at Congregation Rodef Sholom is proud to present our third annual speaker series:

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Maintaining Mental Health Tuesday, February 6, 7:00–9:00 pm

How to Raise an Adult with Julie Lythcott-Haims Julie will draw on her own insights as a mother and a student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. Lythcott-Haims will inspire audiences to join the growing movement allowing children to develop the resourcefulness, resilience, and determination necessary for success.

Julie Lythcott-Haims is the New York Times bestselling author of “How to Raise an Adult.”

She is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner of close to thirty years, their teenagers, and her mother.

Free and open to the public.

RSVP to MHI@rodefsholom.org or 415.479.3441

March 27 The Middle Place with Kelly Corrigan

The REAL Mental Health Initiative at Rodef Sholom is supported by the Laszlo N. Tauber Family Foundation facebook.com/realatrodefsholom/

twitter.com/REALRodefSholom

America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Faires

GEM FAIRE JANUARY 19, 20, 21

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Info Session

Saturday, January 20 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

UPCOMING IN THE REAL SPEAKER SERIES:

Congregation Rodef Sholom 170 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA www.rodefsholom.org/REAL

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Sponsored by GEM FAIRE, INC | (503) 252-8300 | GEMFAIRE.COM

Stevenson 3042, SSU sonoma.edu/depth

laurel.mccabe@sonoma.edu

707.664.2130

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8 Ellen Cronin

1200 Fifth Ave., Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415.485.6700 Fax: 415.485.6226 E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com Publisher Rosemary Olson x315 EDITORIAL Editor Molly Oleson x316

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Movie Page Editor Matt Stafford Copy Editor Lily O’Brien CONTRIBUTORS Amy Alkon, Rob Brezsny, Tom Gogola, Tanya Henry, Howard Rachelson, Nikki Silverstein, Charlie Swanson, David Templeton, Richard von Busack ADVERTISING Advertising Account Managers Danielle McCoy x311, Marianne Misz x336 Classified and Legal Advertising legals@pacificsun.com ART AND PRODUCTION Design Director Kara Brown

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Letters

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Trivia/Hero & Zero

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Feature

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Food & Drink

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Arts

Production Operations Manager Sean George Graphic Designers Jimmy Arceneaux Alfred Collazo CEO/Executive Editor Dan Pulcrano PACIFIC SUN (USPS 454-630) Published weekly, on Wednesdays, by Metrosa Inc. Distributed free at more than 500 locations throughout Marin County. Adjudicated a newspaper of General Circulation. First class mailed delivery in Marin available by subscriptions (per year): Marin County $75; out-of-county $90, via credit card, cash or check.

No person may, without the permission of the Pacific Sun, take more than one copy of each Pacific Sun weekly issue. Entire contents of this publication Copyright ©Metrosa, Inc., ISSN; 0048-2641. All rights reserved. Unsolicited manuscripts must be submitted with a stamped self-addressed envelope.

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Music/Film

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Best of Marin 2018 Ballot

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Sundial

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Astrology/Advice

VOTE! 2018

Jan 3-Feb 10 pacificsun.com

ISSUE DATE APRIL 25

Jan 3 - Feb 10

Letters

Need Health Insurance?

Get Covered. Stay Covered. Get Care.

Covered California Open Enrollment ends January 31.

Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round.

Visit Redwood Community Health Coalition at www.rchc.net for free application assistance.

Support for this message was provided by a grant from the Buck Family Fund of the Marin Community Foundation and First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission.

Recreational Sales will be available after January 22, 2018

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Top 20 Dispensary Best customer service in Nor Cal

This week, a letter-writer expresses his preference for newspapers over the radio.

No Harm

Glad to see articles here in Marin about vegan food, vs. dead animals and photos or recipes that promote violence (killed fish, meat, oysters, chicken, cow, dairy, etc.) [‘Artisan Vegan,’ Dec. 27]. No need to harm animals to eat.

—Saraswati, via pacificsun.com

Triumph Be Done Hours: M-F 10:00 am—7:00 pm S-S 10:00 am—5:00 pm 2425 Cleveland Ave # 175 | Santa Rosa | CA 95403 707.526.2800 SonomaPatientGroup.com

Happy New Year from Sonoma Patient Group -John Sugg President

This is my last ‘rag’ on the ‘president.’ Some words have other words hidden within them. Take the word ‘Triumph.’ When ‘i’ (for impartiality) and ‘h’ (for humility) are missing, there is ‘Trump.’ And take the word ‘Done.’ When ‘e’ (for empathy) is absent, there is ‘Don.’ —Raymond Bart Vespe

Praising Print

This is a letter appreciating keeping up with news via newspapers like the Pacific Sun rather than the radio. I am no longer able to listen to broadcasters, interviewees and callers who intersperse almost every sentence with ‘uh,’ ‘mm,’ ‘ya know’ and ‘actually.’ Also, these folks speak a sentence like, ‘You look to your leader for aid’ as ‘Ya look ta yer leader fer aid.’ Properly speaking ‘you,’ ‘to,’ ‘your’ and ‘for’ instead of ‘ya,’ ‘ta,’ ‘yer’ and ‘fer’ involves an outward extension of the lips (try it) that these folks seem, for some unconscious psycho-physiological reason, unable to perform.

Uh … thanks fer yer consideration!

—Raymond Bart Vespe

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1 Interestingly, San Francisco’s average high temperature in January is about the same as the city’s average low in July. What is that temperature, Fahrenheit (with a small margin of error being offered)?

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2 The bottom stripe on a U.S. flag has what color?

Degree Completion

By Howard Rachelson

Hybrid Saturday B.A. Liberal Studies @ SSU Designed for the working adult.

3a. What large land animal has a single horn? b. What large mythical animal has a single

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horn?

4 The Winter Olympics begin this February 9, hosted by what country? (And bonus: What region of that county?)

Classes meet one Saturday per month, as well as weekly reading, writing, and online seminars.

Info Session

5 A team of physics researchers from U.C. Berkeley in 1949 and 1950 discovered two radioactive chemical elements #97 and #98, and gave them what geographical names?

6 What five-lined humorous poems are named for their home county of Ireland?

7 In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal

workers from doing what, while driving?

8 The world’s largest inland sea lies north of Iran. What’s the name?

9 Women in France with brown hair have been referred to since the 16th

Saturday, Janurary 27 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Rachel Carson Hall 69, SSU $5 parking pass required in SSU general lots

sonoma.edu/exed/libs susan.mcfeeters@sonoma.edu

707.664.2601

century by what word?

10 This 94-year-old actress/singer/comedienne died on December 28, 2017, after a nine-decade career, including credits on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Hollywood Squares. Who was she?

BONUS QUESTION: What multifaceted person won an Academy Award and a Nobel Peace Prize, and was runner-up for Time magazine’s Person of the Year, all in 2007?

▲ For weeks, car parts sat in the median on Donahue Street in Marin City, right in front of the community’s busy bus stop, the result of a one-car accident which involved a thief in a stolen vehicle attempting to evade police. Neighbors took to NextDoor to discuss who was responsible for its removal (which, by the way, was the county of Marin) and whether it would still be there if the wreck occurred in a wealthier neighborhood, say Tiburon. A hero, Marin City resident Albert Long, emerged from the conversation. If no one was going to haul it away, he would.

Ironically, when he picked up the wreckage, the police stopped him, demanded his ID and questioned him. That didn’t deter Albert, who finished the clean-up and drove the detritus to the dump.

Answers on page

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Zero

Hero

Howard invites you to a Trivia Night Social and Mixer at the Bay Club Marin in Corte Madera Town center, for members and guests, on Thurs., Jan. 18, 6-8pm, and a community Trivia Night Fundraiser on Sat., Jan 27, 7pm, sponsored by the Women of Congregation Rodef Sholom, 200 North San Pedro Rd. in San Rafael. Contact Howard at howard1@triviacafe.com.

▼ Actor turned criminal?

Bryan Box, 23, of Vallejo, who played a part in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, has been charged with felonies ranging from elder abuse to burglary and possession of stolen property. The alleged crimes took place at the homes of Marin seniors, people who had once trusted Box to act as their caregiver. Particularly disturbing are the methods he purportedly used to gain access to their homes. The worst was when he allegedly phoned a Tiburon woman to say that her husband, who was in a convalescent facility, had died. Upon arriving at the facility, she learned that her husband was alive. Back at home, her jewelry went missing. We think that only a very bad actor would perpetrate crimes against the elderly.—Nikki Silverstein

Got a Hero or a Zero? Please send submissions to nikki_silverstein@yahoo.com.

Toss roses, hurl stones with more Heroes and Zeros at ›› pacificsun.com

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Trivia Café

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Under the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, the federal government will sell drilling leases in Northern California in 2021 and 2023.

Blue State Blues

California’s coasts unprotected from offshore drilling By Tom Gogola

L

ast week, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of numerous elected officials from around the state and the nation, and across the partisan divide, to tee off on U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for his decision to exempt offshore drilling in the vacation state of Florida while failing to do the same for blue states such as California with big tourist economies of their own.

The move by Zinke highlighted a federal energy policy under President Donald Trump to open offshore drilling, but only if it doesn’t mess with the president’s view from Mar-a-Lago. Newsom zeroed-in his critique, via a few pointed tweets directed at Zinke, over the secretary giving Florida a pass from fulfilling the Trump administration’s offshore-drilling plans as detailed in a report released

this month from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which operates under the aegis of the Department of the Interior.

Newsom noted that Zinke cited the impact on the state’s tourism industry as the signal driver behind his decision to keep the drilling rigs from view of tourists. Zinke did not, however, extend the same courtesy to other states with a robust tourist economy: Oregon, New York, Virginia and, of course, California.

Newsom had the numbers on hand to make his point. Florida, he noted in a series of tweets directed at Zinke, had 113 million visitors in 2016, while California had 269 million statewide visitor trips. Tourists in Florida spent $109 billion; in California, they spent $126.3 billion.

“Using this logic,” tweeted

Newsom, “CA’s coasts should be declared free of offshore drilling as well. Or do blue states not get exemptions?”

So far, they do not, and Newsom was unavailable for further comment on the matter. The BOEM document, the 2019-2024 proposed draft for the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (the OCS, for short), sets out a Trump-approved schedule for renewed offshore drilling from the North Atlantic around the bend of the Gulf of Mexico, and up to Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Under the OCS, the federal government will sell drilling leases in Northern California in 2021, and then again in 2023. The feds would offer new lease sales in Southern California in 2020 and 2022. The Central California region would also see new

potential leases in 2021 and 2023.

The last offshore drilling leases in Northern California were sold in 1963, when seven exploratory wells were drilled offshore, “with no commercial discoveries,” according to the BOEM report. That same year, a dozen exploratory wells were drilled in Central California and, similarly, no oil was found. Oil was discovered in Southern California, where all the current leases are.

The idea is that this time around, improvements in oil-exploration technology may yield something other than mud. But those improvements are causing grave concern among opponents of offshore drilling—a concern that’s been met with outrage over the Zinke duplicity in Florida.

“Offshore drilling is inherently dangerous,” says Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at the Center

In his comments to the BOEM, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra noted that oil companies were not exactly falling over themselves to pursue new drilling of exploratory wells in state waters— given, among other things, regulatory impediments from the state—despite general support in the industry to undo the Obama no-drill push.

The Shell Oil Company, for example, urged Zinke in the BOEM report to “make new OCS areas available to assess the extent of United States energy resources,” as it expressed disappointment in the Obama administration for banning offshore drilling and urged Trump to “quickly replace the current national OCS program and grant access to new areas.” Shell has numerous leases in Southern California waters. So do the Koch brothers.

Where offshore drilling is already being undertaken in California, localities have also chimed in with dismay at expanded leasing. There are 43 leases extant in the state as of 2018, mostly off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara. The latter is opposed to any new oil and gas lease sales and also voted on a city resolution in 2017 that pledged a “phase-out of all oil and gas extraction and a framework for responsible renewable energy development.”

Chevron U.S.A., which operates a vigorous oil-and-gas refinery operation in Richmond, was less demonstrative than Shell in its embrace of the new drilling timetables in the BOEM report—especially as it relates to drilling in California. It appears that Chevron is not at all interested in pursuing drilling or exploration in Central or Northern California. In its comments to the BOEM, the company did say the federal government “should move expeditiously to open unavailable submerged lands with believed resource potential for exploration and development.”

But Chevron also provided a ranking to the BOEM of its most desirable areas for exploration and development. Its first three are three regions of the Gulf of Mexico. The next three are regions of the Atlantic Ocean, and “the Southern California Planning area was ranked seventh.”

The company did not comment on drilling in Central and Northern California in the BOEM report—or in a follow-up email sent in response to questions about its plans post-Zinke.

“Chevron encourages expansion of domestic and global energy production, including development

‘

Using this logic, CA’s coasts should be declared free of offshore drilling as well. Or do blue states not get exemptions?

’

—Tweet by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom of energy resources on federal lands onshore and offshore,” says Veronica Flores-Paniagua, a spokeswoman for Chevron North America. “Our U.S. offshore priorities are continued exploration in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater, and to better understand the potential of the Atlantic waters off the East Coast.”

As it set out to reopen offshore drilling, the BOEM also heard from Florida’s Department of State and other of its agencies engaged in wildlife conservation. NASA also chimed in with concerns of its own about offshore rigs affecting future space missions. Those held sway over Zinke, while California’s concerns were brushed off.

Florida is led by Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who supported Donald Trump for president in 2016. The state as a whole went for Trump that year. The president spends significant time in the state, playing golf at the oceanfront Mar-a-Lago.

Zinke’s announcement regarding Florida, says Monsell, “clearly shows the total incompetence of this administration. One day it’s in the plan and a few days later it’s out?

That’s not at all how the process is supposed to work.”

She notes that the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, enacted in 1953, “requires the administration to consider several specific factors in developing an offshore oil and gas leasing plan in light of national energy needs and the risks of offshore drilling.

“Helping Republicans to win elections,” she adds, “certainly isn’t one of those factors.”

All of the attention on Zinke and the BOEM report, says Robert Bea, has only served to underscore a critical piece of the offshore drilling debate that hasn’t gotten nearly the attention: Trump administration proposals in the federal register that would roll back regulations developed after the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Bea, a professor emeritus at

Berkeley, is an engineer and riskassessment analyst who worked as a consultant for BP in the aftermath of the worst humanmade environmental disaster in the nation’s history (the election of Trump in 2016 notwithstanding).

He supports offshore drilling when done properly, and last year got a call from Australian officials who were then puzzling over a BP proposal to drill in the environmentally sensitive Great Australian Bight. The proposal put to the Australian parliament, says Bea, was to do “exploratory drilling in an environmentally sensitive area, basically using the same approaches and systems that they’d used in the Gulf of Mexico with Deepwater.”

Bea’s ultimate assessment was that it was too risky to drill—that the risk of a major environmental disaster was not offset by any urgency to extract the oil.

“When I saw this current twopronged proposal in offshore California and other sensitive areas,” he says, “I pushed into gear the same thinking.

And based on the administration’s proposal to roll back the regulations, I think the answer is pretty clear, and the answer is that the risks associated with [the BOEM] proposal are not acceptable or tolerable.”

Bea stresses that he is not at all opposed to offshore drilling and says that the rigs “are a part of our human struggle to recognize and exploit the blessings of our natural resources. I wouldn’t scream about the exploring of natural resources unless we are doing it irresponsibly.”

Bea has reached out to other nations, including Norway, which host international energy-exploration firms of their own, to gauge their response to the Trump one-two push on deregulating and expanding the offshore-drilling industry stateside.

“There is not one who thinks these current proposals are sensible or rational,” he says.Y To read the full version of this story, visit pacificsun.com.

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for Biological Diversity. The Oakland-based Monsell notes that the practice “causes dangerous pollution, risks devastating oil spills that kill marine life and harm coastal communities, and exacerbates the climate crisis.”

The advent of offshore fracking, which would be allowed by the Trump administration’s plan, “only heightens those risks,” she says. That process involves blasting a highpressure water-and-chemical stew into the ocean floor, which cracks rocks and exposes oil or gas fields.

“The high pressures used in offshore fracking increase the risk of well failure and oil spills.”

Then there’s the back end, says Monsell. Federal rules allow petrochemical companies to “dump their waste fluids, including fracking chemicals, into the ocean,” she says.

“Scientists have identified some commonly used fracking chemicals to be among the most toxic in the world to aquatic life.”

Her organization is pushing to end all offshore drilling and vows to fight the Trump move in court. “We need to transition away from this dirty, dangerous practice and toward a clean-energy future.”

Numerous state officials and agencies provided public comments to the Department of the Interior as it was hashing out its offshore-drilling plans—including the California Coastal Commission and the California State Lands Commission, the two agencies that would hold the key to any potential expansion of offshore drilling. They were joined by the state’s Office of the Attorney General and the California Fish and Game Commission, who all opposed the Trump plan to open California waters.

The coastal commission is responsible for implementing federally approved coastalmanagement programs but is “steadfastly opposed to any new leasing in ‘frontier’ areas of the OCS,” acknowledges the BOEM report. New drilling activities would mean new drilling platforms, pipelines “and other infrastructure that would likely cause significant adverse effects on coastal resources.”

In its comment to the BOEM, the coastal commission cites impacts to commercial fishing, tourism, marine wildlife and wetlands, and says that “expanded use of fracking and other well-stimulation treatments increases the risk of an oil spill occurring and potentially causing devastating statewide environmental impacts.”

Ellen Cronin

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‘Perfect bites’ are part of the upcoming Cheesemonger Invitational, a celebration of cheesemakers from far and wide.

FOOD & DRINK

Cheese Olympics Local cheesemongers to be honored

Degree

By Tanya Henry

M.A. Organization Development Ready to make a difference?

Guide the redesign of organizational structures, work processes, and governance to develop holistically sound organizations.

Info Session

Wednesday, February 7

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Rachel Carson Hall 69, SSU $5 parking pass required in SSU general lots

sonoma.edu/exed/orgdev MAOD@sonoma.edu

707.664.3977

C

heese is having a moment.

In recent years, mixologists, butchers and beekeepers have received widespread recognition for their artisanal craftsmanship—but this level of acknowledgment and appreciation has been a long time coming for cheesemongers. The pros are revered in Europe for their acumen—but only recently has the American public started to realize just what it takes to work behind a cheese counter.

The Cheesemonger Invitational, also referred to as the Olympics of Cheese, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 21 in San Francisco and will leave no doubt that there is much more to cheese than simply whether it’s made from cow, sheep or goat milk.

“There is so much education in this work,” says Hilary Green, who is employed at Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station and will be competing. Green joins more than 30 mongers from as far away as Florida, New York and Louisiana.

Now in its eighth year (fifth in San Francisco), the 48-hour

competition requires contestants to embark on a cheese decathlon that includes tasting, cutting, wrapping, sales and perfect pairings. The initial portion of the event takes place behind closed doors, and on Sunday only six remaining contestants vie for the winning title. The top 10 finishers are awarded prizes.

“The only way we can get the cheese out to consumers is by supporting the cheesemakers,” says Vanessa Tilaka, who works at Fisher’s Cheese & Wine in the Marin Country Mart, and will be competing in the invitational for the first time.

Attendees at the competition will be treated to contestants’ perfect-bite creations, cutting and wrapping demonstrations and the opportunity to taste delicious samples of some of the country’s finest cheeses.Y The Cheesemonger Invitational, Sunday, Jan. 21, 5pm-10pm; Public Works, 161 Erie St., San Francisco; 21 and over; $40; cheesemongerinvitational.com.

ARTS

Magic Details Keeping a fantasy alive By David Templeton

‘‘M

y dad always told me, ‘You can make people believe anything,’” recalls filmmaker Tina Romero, daughter of the legendary writer/director George Romero, creator of Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and several others. “My dad knew that if you can dream it up, and you can commit to and believe in your own idea, you can convince them of anything. You can convince them that the dead are rising from their graves and coming to eat their brains. The impossible can become reality, if you commit to it enough—and you pay attention to the details.”

Tina Romero, of New York City, has won awards for her short films and music videos, and has made a

name for herself as a prominent DJ (she goes by DJ TRx), primarily spinning at LGBT parties and queer nightlife clubs in New York.

She’s currently at work on her first feature-length film, a decidedly Romero-esque horror movie about the zombie apocalypse, seen through the eyes of the patrons at a drag nightclub.

“It’s called Queens of the Dead,” reveals Romero, adding that her father, who passed away in July of 2017, talked with her at length about the project before his death. “I’m going into the zombie genre with my dad’s blessing, though I’m doing it my own way. My films tend to be more musical than scary, so we’ll see.”

I spoke with Romero just before Christmas, and her father was very much on her mind.

“My dad was the ultimate Santa Claus,” Romero says. “It’s funny, because people know him for his horror work, but in real life, he couldn’t have been more of a teddy bear. He loved all kinds of magical kid stuff. He had a dark mind as well, obviously, but he would find these great ways to make Christmas all about the magic.

“Instead of just putting a lot of presents under the tree, Dad would be inventive,” Romero says. “We’d come downstairs on Christmas morning, and Santa would have replaced our carpet. Or changed the flowers in all the vases, putting them in some sort of Christmasthemed arrangement. And Santa would always have these obstacles he’d encounter.”

One Christmas when their family

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Courtesy of Tina Romero

This vintage photo is from a film shoot in which George Romero dressed as Santa to run through the background during a zombie mayhem scene.

was living in Florida, there was no fireplace in their home, and when the kids came downstairs on Christmas morning, there were no presents waiting for them.

“We kids didn’t know what had become of Santa, but then we noticed that, sticking down from the attic, there was this piece of red cloth,” she says. “And when we pulled down the attic door, this big red stocking fell down with all these gifts in it, with a note from Santa, saying, ‘Sorry guys, I couldn’t find the chimney!’

Another year, everything was outside on the back patio, along with Rudolph’s reindeer harness, which had somehow been left behind. “The best was the year Santa lost his wallet,” Romero says. “[It] had currency in it, from all over the world. There was a frequent-shopper card for the Hallmark store, and one for the Rothschild Big and Tall store. There was a reindeer-feed business card.

There was an international driving permit, a Humana health insurance card. There were postage stamps.

The details were amazing.”

Santa’s wallet contained a number of photos with notes on them—things like, “Me and Martha, Leningrad, 1991” and “Dasher on his 90th birthday.”

“It just really kept the fantasy alive,” Romero says. “I loved it! I loved the crumbs left on the cookie plate after Santa had been there, all the little details of magic. Whatever project my dad tackled, he went full force.”

It’s a tradition that Tina Romero continues, though hardly to the degree her father did.

“On Christmas, my girlfriend and I will sign things ‘From Santa,’ and do a little bit here and there,” she says, “and it always makes me think of my dad, and how special he made everything.”

Asked whatever became of the wallet, Romero is ready with the answer. “Oh, I still have it,” she says with a laugh. “I have a tiny fireproof box with the deed to my apartment, my social security card—and that wallet.”

Romero’s one regret is that her father never had a chance to write and direct a movie about Christmas.

“Unfortunately, he really got pigeonholed in the horror genre,” she says. “They wouldn’t let him make anything other than a horror movie. But if he had, I’m pretty sure it would have been the greatest Christmas movie of all time.”Y

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The North Bay’s Rainbow Girls cultivate their own original, richly layered, three-part harmonic folk music from their home in Bodega Bay.

At his best, filmmaker Michael Haneke tests our ability to investigate, and to try to understand, the casual cruelty of a family.

FILM

Family Drama Real Harmony MUSIC

Rainbow Girls strike a chord

By Charlie Swanson

I

n the eight years that vocalists, multiinstrumentalists and songwriters Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey and Vanessa May have lived and sung together, they have developed a natural, intuitive and unified musical mission under the name Rainbow Girls.

“Playing as part of this collective has given me an opportunity to find harmony in my own life, in the most natural sense of the word,” May says. “To bring that to other people is really important and has been a driving force for me.”

In November, Rainbow Girls unveiled their first album as a trio, American Dream, that lyrically touches on experiences of love, loss and what May calls the political storm going on. “There’s been a lot of dissonance around, people having a hard time finding where they fit in,” she says. “Rainbow Girls’ and my own journey with this is to help people find that harmony in their own lives.”

Named after the so-called “Rainbow House” where the three

first met and hosted weekly open mics while attending school in Santa Barbara, the Rainbow Girls moved to Bodega Bay after college, living in a cottage on Gowdy’s grandparents’ property when they’re not touring the U.S. or Europe.

“We moved up to the North Bay and at first felt like it wasn’t home because we were traveling so much and had such deep roots in Santa Barbara, but as soon as we started doing open mics again, we realized we do have friends here and we do have something to contribute to this community,” May says.

The 10-track American Dream is a culmination of their growth.

“Sometimes you know exactly where you’re supposed to be,” May says, “and other times we try to create something that is unexpected.”Y Rainbow Girls opens for Seattle folkpop band Kuinka on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley; 8pm; $15$17; 415/388-3850.

A middle-class existence in Calais

By Richard von Busack

T

he Michael Haneke film Happy End, made up of an all-star cast, is a chilly story of the decadence of a French family. It commences with the merciless gaze of a cell-phone camera spying down a hallway: 13-year-old Eve (Fantine Harduin) secretly filming her mother as she prepares for bed. The off-camera daughter affectionlessly describes every dull stage of her mother’s nightly preparation in Textese.

The mother, who we never meet in closeup, is later found OD’d on her depression meds. Eve comes to live with her surgeon father Thomas (Mathieu Kassovitz), his new bride and their new baby, and soon discovers evidence of Thomas cheating on wife no. 2, in the form of obscenely passionate emails.

There’s some money in this family—a Calais-based construction business run by Thomas’s sister Anne (Isabelle Huppert). The company had a large mishap, described as “a series of unfortunate coincidences,” digging the blockwide foundation for a building.

The Laurents aren’t very gentle

with each other. Anne chides her troubled son for helping himself to too deep a glass of wine. Eve tests out her mother’s prescriptions on her hamster—the animal doesn’t survive. The ancient and decaying patriarch of the family, 85-year-old Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) tells Eve the tale of a mercy killing—a reflection of the one Trintignant carried out in Haneke’s last film, Amour. The ambient bitterness makes the film’s title a euphemism: Suicide is some people’s idea of a happy ending.

Tolerate the acidity of these episodes, and the film can seem bracingly dry. There are flashes of comedy, and even a sort of dignified warmth in the scenes between Georges with his fading memory, and his granddaughter Eve with her own unkillable sadness. Happy End isn’t a simple social critique or an adolescent romanticization with suicide: In this bleak, acute vision of decline, it’s clear that stronger marriages or more honesty wouldn’t have helped these people any more than the meds did.Y

E PRESS

whistlestop.org February 2018

Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: Music and Movement Pg 9: Get Fit all over Marin Pg 12: Vote for Whistlestop in Best of Marin

Stretch for Fitness

WHISTLESTOP

Whistlestop Perspective

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 9am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

Teaching is a Way to Contribute

By Elizabeth Lynn

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs Manager

Mia Edwards Marketing and Communications Administrative Assistant

John and Val Bowman Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Fabia Butler Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com

Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com

Alfred Collazo, Production acollazo@metronews.com

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s F e b r u a r y 2 018

Rosemary Olson, Publisher

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rolson@pacificsun.com

OUR MISSION Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

LIKE US on Facebook

B

efore I started leading classes at Whistlestop Active Aging Center, I used some of the resources there and was very impressed. The staff is friendly, cheerful and caring. Whistlestop is a one-stop resource for older adults from fitness to housing and everything else important for them.

Older adults are a treasure for our families and communities and deserve to be valued, something that Whistlestop does supremely well.

I lead two types of fitness classes.

Whistlesizers is a very safe, gentle, mostly chair (although standing is always optional) fitness class for older adults.

Keeping the focus on safety and fun, this class is designed to improve range of motion, strength, flexibility, and to provide some light cardio, all with motivating music.

Participants have the opportunity to get to know each other in this class and there is often laughter. I am certified through the American Senior Fitness Association.

Elizabeth Lynn

Age Reversing Essentrics draws on the flowing movements of T’ai Chi for health and balance, ballet for strength, and flexibility and physiotherapy for healing and pain relief.

Age Reversing Essentrics is a gentle, slow-paced class of standing and floor movement. The class focuses on reawakening the body’s balance reflexes and gently increasing mobility, while simultaneously strengthening the muscles.

It’s also designed to provide relief from chronic aches, pain and joint stiffness.

I am certified through Essentrics. Short workouts called “Classical Stretch” can be seen on PBS. Most participants in my classes are in their 70s and 80s with a few in their 90s. I am one of the youngest at 67.

Current research, from holistic to conventional medicine and the Alzheimer’s Association, shows that exercise is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental health. At Whistlesizers, the social aspect is an added benefit of the class with the participants getting to know each other

‘The class focuses on reawakening the body’s balance reflexes...’ so they have fun while they exercise.

When not leading fitness classes, I like to read and I have been writing a memoir. I am passionate about wellness and nutrition and on February 21st at 10am I will be giving a presentation at Whistlestop on “Wellness Naturally.” (See page 6 for details.)

I also practice the selfempowering and lifeaffirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism.

I am very active in our global community, called the Soka Gakkai International, and I volunteer many hours a week supporting the members. Nichiren Buddhism believes in the interconnectiveness and sanctity of all life and the dignity of all people, so we strive to live a contributive life.

Movement and Music Help Balance

By John Bowman

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Rotary Home Team Work Day Saturday — February 10, 2018 from approximately 9AM — Noon Free service for senior homeowners in San Rafael with financial and or physical challenges.

Restrictions may apply if you rent.

Diane Hain

the one-hour class. Most of her students stand during the class, although some remain seated. “Some of the students are in wheelchairs, but they participate right along with the others. Some of the chair exercises are pulse raising. We also do some light weights and a lot of stretching, sometimes with batons or long wooden dowels.”

Despite having a knee replacement, Diane goes through all of the movements with her students, which helps keep her in good shape. “Not like when I was twenty,” she says, laughing.

Some students have told Diane that the last eight to ten minutes of class are their favorite part. “We play music, often classical, and relax with some deep breathing. We even include some adaptive T’ai Chi movements. Very relaxing.

I hope I can continue doing this for a long time.”

Replace Lightbulbs

Batteries in smoke detectors

Unclog most drains

Silence squeaky doors

Reset blown fuses

Some small repairs

Lightly trim bushes at front doors (no weeding or heavy yard work.)

Call, no later than noon on Thurs., Feb 1 with questions or to schedule a service.

Christine Ness, 415-456-9068 or cness@jtm-esc.org Home Team Partners: Episcopal Senior Communities, Marin Center for Independent Living, Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael, Rotary International, Whistlestop

Pauline Turns 109!

Pauline Angleman of Larkspur turned 109 in October. Pauline is shown with her special birthday cake. Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir presented her with a certificate for free lunches for life in the Jackson Café.

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aintaining our balance is critical as we age so that we can avoid falls and serious injuries. Whistlestop offers a way to do this in Diane Hain’s popular Movement and Music class.

“Keep moving; that’s the secret,” says Diane, who has taught classes at Whistlestop and other sites for 39 years. She is a graduate of Dominican University in San Rafael, where she earned a degree in Movement Education.

In her graduate project, she wrote about how older adults can gain spiritual, psychological and physical wellbeing if they keep moving. “I wanted a career where I could help people.”

Diane, who lives in Fairfax, loves teaching her class and says, “I so enjoy my students. They’re more like friends really.”

She describes her Monday morning class as “a good, moderate exercise class for older adults. We focus on balance and joint flexibility.” Her students, usually 13 per class in the winter months and 16 to 18 otherwise, range in age from about 60 to 80.

The class starts with a warm-up and then moves into movements that will help with balance and muscle strengthening. Music plays throughout most of

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Minimize Fall Risk

Include Pets in Your Plans

By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher

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ets are integral members of our families. They may be our only companions. It’s important to include pets in your estate planning process.

Planning ahead will ensure that when you become ill, incapacitated, or die, your pets will be taken care of according to your wishes.

Relying on the promises of family or friends to take care of your pets does not always work well.

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Please join San Rafael based estate planning attorney, J.R

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Hastings, for his presentation on Planning to Care for Your Pets, on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 10-11am at Whistlestop.

Imagine if you did not come home this evening, who would feed your pets?

Who would know the proper care of your best friends when you no longer can provide that care? How would anyone know what your pet loves and needs?

In a uniquely designed Pet Trust Seminar, attorney

Hastings will lead a discussion about the law, the practicalities and the common sense care for your fluffy, feathery, and furry friends. The answer for you may result in the addition of simple paragraphs to your latest will or even a whole article creating a Pet Trust. Who knows?

Certainly answers will start the communication you need to have. We look forward to a purrrfect seminar with you.

Need help with your estate documents?

Whistlestop, in partnership with Legal Aid of Marin, offers Marin older adults free half-hour appointments in a two-hour window on the first four Thursdays of the month. For an appointment, call Information and Referral: 415-459-6700.

For a free booklet, “How to Make a Will That Works,” or to learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’ArcyFisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop. org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.

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By Cynthia Seymour, MA, CNA, Health Navigator

ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. How do you minimize the risk of a fall?

Our 3 Step Approach 1. Seek the advice of a physician and rule out underlying causes, which can range from chronic conditions and infections to cognitive impairment, vision changes, dementia or medications.

2. Use health insurance for skilled care to improve balance and strength.

3. Add social determinants, including home care (also referred to as personal or custodial care), transportation and other services in the community for quality of life.

Once the physician has figured out what is contributing to weakness, imbalance and gait issues, they should initiate the conversation about treatments and next steps.

Solutions may range from physical therapy (PT), to ambulatory aids (walkers) and home care. With a doctor’s order, Medicare can

cover a certain number of PT visits per year in clinic or in home if eligible.

Home care is an anchor and can be accomplished through private caregivers, agencies, family members and adult day programs.

Transportation, meal programs, supervised activities and classes are other elements to consider.

We believe your care plan must run parallel to your financial plan and the goal is to optimize care, safety and contentment within the confines of health insurance, other benefits and personal financial means.

More Tips: •

Make a doctor’s appointment to address concerns and take notes

•

Add clinical care, outpatient PT or home health (skilled care)

•

Seek to improve balance and strength through exercise

•

Add attendant care

•

Make corrections: ambulatory aids, vision, home environment

Cynthia Seymour is Founder of Care Navigate in association with Seymour Cheplick Care Associates, Care Coaching for Elders and Families. Contact: cseymour@ carenavigate.com

Best of Whistlestop 2017 Whistlestop is proud of its dedicated employees and we want to honor those pictured here as our Best of Whistlestop. They keep the wheels turning throughout our operation, which has been serving Marin’s older adults for 64 years.

Marin Contracts Drivers & Attendants Christina Darin, Driver

Active Aging Programs & Services Bhuvana Seshadri, Accounting Specialist

Marin Paratransit Drivers Andrew Sayers, Driver

San Francisco Contracts & Attendants Tanika Turley, Driver

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Transportation Support Connie Andersen, Scheduler

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Keep Learning at Whistlestop

For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center (930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael). Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call 415-456-9062 with questions or to sign up.

The Active Aging Center will be closed to observe President’s Day on Monday, February 19th.

Wellness Naturally: Elizabeth Lynn’s Secret to a Healthier Life Wed, Feb 21, 10-11am No fee; Presenter: Elizabeth Lynn Whistlestop’s Whistlesizers and Age Reversing Essentrics Instructor will discuss her personal story of health issues to good health. She will talk from the heart about exercise, not smoking, minimizing toxins in the environment, diet, sleep, stress management and life forces. She has helped her physical problems by natural means, and is pain free and full of energy. She is not a certified MD or PhD, but wants to empower people to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café at Whistlestop Drop in for the best deal in town! Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, which includes a beverage, fruit and juice.

Zumba Class

SPECIAL EVENTS Marin County Commission on Aging Meeting Thur, Feb 1; Free and open to the public

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Presentation: 10-11am; Dimensions of Dementia 2; Speaker: Dr. Rammohan Rao

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Meeting: 11:15am, Marin County Commission on Aging Meeting Take the SMART Train to Whistlestop and stay for a delicious lunch in the Jackson Café; $6/$10.

The Crystal and Dan Duo Thur, Feb 1, 11:30am-12:30pm; No fee The Duo will be performing songs with a classical guitar accompanied by Crystal’s beautiful voice.

Screenings in the Resource Office Schedule a free 15-minute hearing screening. If you have hearing impairment, you may be eligible to receive a free phone complimentary of the California Telephone Access Program, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. Call 415-457-0586 to schedule an appointment. If you have recently had a hearing screening by a certified agent and have an impairment, please visit http:// www.californiaphones.org/application; fill out the form and submit it.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon Thur, Feb 8, 12:15-1:15pm Entertainment in the Jackson Café featuring Tina Carrello Duo; Lunches starting at $6, no tickets required for this event. Share the love; come eat lunch with a loved one or friend.

Free Phones & Hearing Screenings courtesy of CA Telephone Access Program

Estate Planning: to Care for Your Pets

Tue, Feb 6, 9:30am-12:30pm;

Who will take care of your best

Wed, Feb 28, 10-11am; No fee

furry, feathery friends after you pass away? In a uniquely designed Pet Trust Seminar, Attorney James R. Hastings will lead a discussion about the law, the practicalities and the common sense care for your pets. You may simply need to add a paragraph to your will or add a whole Pet Trust. We look forward to a purrrfect seminar with you.

How the Equifax Breach Affects You: Navigating Finances as an Older Adult Wed, Feb 21, No fee; Presenter: Kristina Warcholski If you have a credit report, there’s a good chance you’re one of 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in the data breach at Equifax. Find out what actions to take to protect your information from being misused.

Presenter Kristina Warcholski is the Consumer and Community Mediation Coordinator with the Consumer Protection Unit of the Marin County District Attorney’s Office.

Can’t come to the workshop? Visit: Identitytheft.gov/databreach

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS “Write Your Life Stories” Workshop Thur, Mar 1-Mar 22, 4 weeks, 1-3pm; Fee $20/30; Instructor: Jean Stumpf In this group, we will write our life stories using themes and following the Birren process. The workshop exercises, along with discussion, weekly writing assignments and story sharing, help keep participants inspired to continue writing.

Italian Beginning and Advanced Thur, Mar 1-Apr 26 (no class Apr 5); 8 weeks, $30/40; Instructor: Karen Raccanello Italian 3: 12:30-1:30pm; Advance from Level 2 to join this challenging Italian language and culture class. Preregistration required.

Italian 2: 2-3pm; Class offers interactive instruction focusing on Italian language and culture.

Preregistration required.

Ukulele Beginning and Advanced Wed, Feb 21-Mar 28; 6 weeks, $40/45; Instructor: Sandy Bailey Beginning 11:30am-12:30pm Advanced 12:30-1:30pm Strum your way to happiness.

Bring your own ukulele.

Age Reversing Essentric Exercise Class Mondays, 12:45-1:45pm, $6/8; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn This class is a gentle, slow-paced program of relaxed movement aimed at regaining mobility while building strength, reawakening the body’s balance ref lexes and providing relief from pain and tension. Perfect for injury recovery and improved overall health.

Whistlesizers Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am and Thursdays, 11am-Noon; $4/5; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn The instructor uses breathing muscle exercises to improve posture and relieve pain. Leg exercises increase blood f low and provide knee protection. No registration required.

Students must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.

Yoga Fridays, 3-4pm; Fee $3/5; Instructor: Kelly Yoga for all levels is offered to gain and maintain balance, strength and flexibility of both body and mind.

Yoga experience is not necessary.

Please bring your own yoga mat.

No registration required. Students must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.

Mondays and Thursdays, 9:3010:30am, Fee $6/8; Instructor: Pam Feel energized as you experience a fun, motivating combination of music and dance steps guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba movements are easy for all activity levels. No registration required.

Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for

Write Your Life Stories Intro Wed, Feb 7, 9:30-11am; Fee: $5; GAB Instructor: Jean Stumpf Learn how to write your memoir with the Birren Method, known as Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Tickle your memories while doing short writing exercises with an option to share your unique life stories. Beginners and seasoned writers welcome. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 for questions.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Therapeutic Medical Massage

by Rabel Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri, 10am1pm; Fee: $1/minute Drop in – first come/first served – or call Rabel at 415-419-4608 to schedule a clothes-on massage.

Rabel is a soft tissue specialist, certified by the American Medical Massage Association.

Bi-Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, & Medication Reviews 2nd and 4th Fri, 9:30-11am; Free Blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews offered by BrightStar Care.

No registration required. BrightStar also provides in-home care and caregiving; call 415-332-3300.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES

Technology February March 2018 Pre-registration and payment required.

415-456-9062 Intro to Computers – Windows or Apple

password to class. (For Apple devices only.)

Tuesdays, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, 10am-Noon (4 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people

Tech Tips for Transportation

Technology 4 Life offers a workshop for seniors who want to learn how to use iPads and tablets and what they can do on the Internet. We have iPads and tablets for you to try while we teach you some basics. Learn how to shop from home or where to catch a bus to the doctor’s office or the movie theater, or where to find answers to medical issues.

Learn a few basic steps so you can use the Internet safely and protect your privacy. You will learn with other beginners just like you.

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, Mar 15 & 22, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48; Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, review the basics of your device and learn how to get the most out of built-in apps including Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and Maps/GPS. We’ll find and install new apps, and update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple

Tuesdays, Mar 13 & 20, 10amNoon (2 classes) Fee: $10 Your Smart Phone, tablet and computer are great tools for getting rides! In partnership with Marin Transit, this discounted class gives you transportation options in Marin. Go online and use websites and apps to find the fastest and cheapest ways to get where you want to go. Travel by bus, SMART train, ferry, Lyft, subsidized taxis or maybe a ride from a volunteer. Bring your Smart Phone, tablet or laptop to class; computers will be available.

We will help you set up a Clipper card with a built in senior discount. Especially geared to older adults and disabled riders as well as caregivers.

ONGOING Open Lab | No Fee Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteers are available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance is offered on Wednesdays from 11am-Noon.

Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop and Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in their particular area of concern.

11:30AM - 2PM

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Zumba Gold

independent older men and women (55+), who give each other the gift of listening in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom.

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Celebrate!

We’ve been doing that since 1972

Whistlestop Weekly Activities Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.

TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM

Schedule a Visit!

Thank You Marin!

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org

10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 12:45PM-1:45PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 9:30AM-10:30AM

TUESDAYS

A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.

MONDAYS

10:00AM-NOON

10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

Voted Best Senior Living

10:00AM-11:30AM

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org WEDNESDAYS

10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM

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THURSDAYS

10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON

FRIDAYS

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9:30AM-10:30AM

10:00AM-1:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

CLASS INFO FEE Zumba Gold Drop-in $6/8 Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt. or drop-in $1/min Computer Lab Drop-in Free German Social Circle Drop-in Free Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Adult Coloring Drop-in Free Movement & Music (415-485-9318) 1/29-3/12 $59 Russian Social Group Drop-in Free Age Reversing Essentrics Drop-in $6/8 ESL Classes 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Mah Jongg Drop-in Free French Class Drop-in $3/5 French Social Group Drop-in Free Intermediate Spanish Class Drop-in $3/5 Beginning Spanish Drop-in $3/5 Senior Circle Drop-in Free Computer Lab Drop-in Free Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt. or drop-in $1/min Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Multicultural Senior Program* Drop-in Free Adult Coloring Drop-in Free Beginners Ukulele (6 weeks) 2/21-3/28 $40/45 Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) 2/21-3/28 $40/45 Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in Free ESL Classes 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Citizenship Exam Prep Class Register; ongoing $40/50 Zumba Gold Drop-in $6/8 Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt or drop-in $1/min Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Italian 3 1/4-2/22 $30/405 Italian Study Group for Italian 2 Drop-in $2/4 Vietnamese Social Group Drop-in Free Italian 2 1/4-2/22 $30/40 BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri Drop-in Free Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 Free Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt or drop-in $1/min Movie Club Drop-in Free Spanish Club Drop-in Free Ping-Pong Drop-in $2/4 Yoga with Kelly Drop-in $3/5

* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed) | # Fees member/nonmember

Community Connections

Get Fit All Over Marin The following venues can help you get fit and stay healthy.

These venues are also listed in our Whistlestop Guide and Directory of Older Adults Services.

Corte Madera Swingers 415-927-5072, 458 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera: Exercise classes and T’ai Chi.

Freitas Senior Community T’ai Chi 415-479-7581, 455 Manuel T. Freitas Pkwy, San Rafael

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication.

This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care.

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

Offers T’ai Chi classes to improve circulation and balance.

Larkspur Walkers 415-927-6746, cityoflarkspur.org

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

Walking group meets at 9am Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Piper Park in Larkspur. One hour walk around the park.

Marin YMCA 415-492-9622, 1500 Los Gamos Dr., San Rafael, ymcasf.org

Builds strong communities through health and wellness programs, hikes and social events for older adults.

Whistlestop 4.3438 w x Trusted 4.8438 h providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors.

6-22-15 licensed • bonded • insured

Expore Creative 707-938-9960

Osher Marin Jewish Community Center 415-444-8800, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael

Your Health Plan Might Cover the Gym

The Silver&Fit Exercise & Healthy Aging Program provides those who are qualified access to a fitness facility membership through a broad network of participating fitness facilities. If you are not interested in joining a facility, the Silver&Fit program offers a Home Fitness Program, with your choice of up to two Home Fitness Kits per benefit year. For information, visit silverandfitaffinity.com.

Another program, SilverSneakers, also covers gym memberships for some health plans. Go to silversneakers. com to check eligibility and to search for gyms and classes available to you in your area.

• • • • • • • •

Light Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation & Clean Up Medication Reminders Personal Care • Respite Care Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance Help with Daily Grooming Bathing & Toileting Assistance Help with Ambulation

• Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com

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Full schedule of aquatic and land-based therapeutic exercise programs.

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Getting Around

Whistlestop Gets Her To ‘Water Walking’ Class

By John Bowman

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s F e b r u a r y 2 018

T

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helma Olgiati loves her time as a swimmer and “water walker” at the Mill Valley Recreation Center and she says she couldn’t do it without Whistlestop.

“I am so grateful for Whistlestop transportation; I couldn’t do it without them,” says Thelma, who turned 80 in December. She also visits Whistlestop for other activities, including the holiday parties. “Some of the ladies I swim with also go to Whistlestop.”

Thelma has a bad knee and misses the hiking she used to do in the Marin County hills. But she is able to swim and waterwalk, which she says, “is

“I couldn’t do it without them.” not only good for my health but is really fun.” She has been going to the heated, indoor pool for eight years.

Before that, she swam at the YMCA. Now she swims slow laps and does water walking, which strengthens her knee.

Thelma has lived in Sausalito for nearly 30 years. “Before that I lived in the Marina in San Francisco, but my home was seriously damaged in the ’89 earthquake. That’s when I moved to Marin.”

Thelma Olgiati

You Can Make a Difference Join the Whistlestop Family by making a gift I want to become a monthly supporter with a gift of:

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$50

/month

Or make a single donation in the amount of: $500

$250

$125

$100

Billing Info Name Address Phone Email Payment Info MC Exp Date

Visa

CC# 3 Digit Code

Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901

Thank You!

A Licensed Homecare Agency offering

Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state

Celebrating 20 years of service

Geriatric Care Management:

Dignity • Respect • Personal Care • Safety

RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families

All services managed by owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

Age Friendly Fairfax

Apply for Grand Jury Duty

T

and you can download an application and learn more at MarinCounty.org/ Depts/GJ. Or call 415473-6132. You must be interested in investigating the performance of local government agencies and enthusiastic about recommending solutions to improve governance and services. Be ready to commit at least 20 hours a week for one year, beginning July 1, and willing to cooperate with 18 others to achieve a common goal.

Age Friendly Fairfax and Fairfax Recreation are pleased to offer free classes for older adults, as well as a monthly forum and a monthly luncheon.

FREE and open to all Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax Fourth Friday 1-2pm Feb. 23: “Staying in Touch with Family & Friends” We all rely on phones and more and more on computers. What special challenges come with age and how do you go about getting the technology you need if you have hearing, vision or mobility limitations? Join a communications and computer expert and a speaker from the California Telephone Access Program; phones and devices will be on display.

F e b r u a r y 2 018 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

he Grand Jury system has been used in England since the twelfth century. Grand juries were brought to America in 1635 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony empanelled the first one in the new land. The Grand Jury system has been embedded in the California Constitution since the beginning of statehood in 1850.

Serving on the Marin Civil Grand Jury is a life-changing experience.

You are urged to apply; the deadline is April 22

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Whistlestop

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Volunteer Opportunities Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life! the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive requests by email, which they can accept or decline. Volunteers need a reliable passenger car, current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License, and a clear background check and DMV report.

2018

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s F e b r u a r y 2 018

Help Whistlestop Be In the ‘Best of Marin’

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You can help Whistlestop to once again be recognized in the Pacific Sun’s Annual “Best of Marin 2018” competition. All you need to do is go online and vote before 5pm on Saturday, Feb. 10th.

Simply follow these steps: go to the PacSun website, www.pacificsun.com, and click on the VOTE! Best of Marin banner at the top of the home page. Then vote for the following five categories: • Under “Everyday,” vote for Whistlestop as the Best Senior Services, and for Best Non-Profit.

• Under “Food & Drink,” vote for Whistlestop’s Jackson Café as Best Restaurant.

• Under “Arts & Culture,” vote for Whistlestock both as Best Music Festival and Best Outdoor Music Festival.

You will need to complete at least 20 votes on the ballot in order to be included in the vote total. Also, only 20 votes are allowed per IP address (per computer). Vote now so you don’t forget! We would love to see Whistlestop get this recognition. Thank you for your support!

A CarePool Orientation and Training takes place each month.

Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed Monday, Wednesday or Friday to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. Each volunteer agrees to take one, 2-3 hour shift a week. A valid California Driver’s License and clear DMV report are needed with a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults to

Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers The Jackson Café provides a warm, comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and support social interaction.

Cashier or food service experience is a plus. Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45 am-2pm.

To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415456-9067.

By Matthew Stafford

Friday January 19 - Thursday January 25 • All the Money in the World (2:12) True story of John Paul Getty III’s kidnapping and the ransom his billionaire grandfather refuses to pay; Ridley Scott directs Christopher Plummer and Michelle Williams.

• Big Sonia (1:33) A 90-something émigré faces her harrowing past as a Holocaust survivor when she’s evicted from her tailor shop after 30 years.

• Bolshoi Ballet: Romeo and Juliet (2:30) Shakespeare’s tragedy of star-crossed love in Renaissance-era Verona comes to terpsichorean life with a little help from Sergei Prokofiev and star choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.

• Call Me by Your Name (2:12) Torrid tale of an expat American teenager’s love affair with his father’s intern one sweltering Italian summer.

• Coco (1:49) Colorful Disney/Pixar cartoon about a Mexican musician’s adventures in the Land of the Dead; Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt and Edward James Olmos provide the vocals.

• The Commuter (1:44) Hitchcockian tale of an innocent bystander caught up in a deadly plot aboard a crowded commute train; Liam Neeson stars.

• Condorito: La Pelicula! (1:28) The beloved feathered comic strip hero hits the big screen, saving the world (and his goofy pals) from an alien despot.

• Darkest Hour (2:05) Gary Oldman delivers a career-defining performance as Winston Churchill, rallying the British citizenry to resist the Nazi menace in the early days of WWII. • The Disaster Artist (1:38) True story of how filmmaker un-extraordinaire Tommy Wiseau created the cult classic The Room, often considered the worst movie ever made; James Franco directs and stars.

• The Divine Order (1:37) Period comedy about a Swiss housewife who leads her village’s feminist movement as the country lurches towards women’s suffrage (in 1971!).

• Django (1:55) Reda Kateb stars as the legendary 1940s jazz guitarist, wowing crowds in German-occupied Paris while his fellow gypsies face Nazi persecution.

• Downsizing (2:15) Absurdist sci-fi dramedy about a new race of voluntarily diminished 5-inch-tall suburbanites; Alexander Payne directs Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig and Christoph Waltz.

• Ferdinand (1:47) Munro Leaf ’s flowersniffing bull ambles onto the big screen with a troupe of merry misfits in tow; John Cena vocalizes.

• The Final Year (1:29) Documentary follows then-president Barack Obama and his foreign policy team as they establish his global-diplomacy legacy throughout 2016.

• Gintama (2:10) Hideaki Sorachi’s adventure-comedy manga about a samuraiturned-handyman pressed into action when nefarious aliens invade Japan.

• The Greatest Showman (1:45) Hugh Jackman stars as P.T. Barnum in a phantasmagorical musical extravaganza about the birth of modern showbiz.

• Happy End (1:47) Acerbic look at a wealthy French family and the Moroccan servants who tend to their needs; Jean-Louis Trintignant and Isabelle Huppert star.

• I, Tonya (1:59) Irreverent, darkly comic look at the Tonya Harding saga stars Margot Robbie as the overdriven Olympic skater of yore; Allison Janney co-stars.

• In the Fade (1:45) Cannes-winning German thriller about a lone Hamburg widow and the neo-Nazi couple she targets; Diane Kruger stars.

• Insidious: The Last Key (1:43) Parapsychologist Lin Shaye is back, snooping her way through the spirit world of ghosts, goblins and other spooky types.

• The Interrupters (2:05) Hard-hitting documentary focuses on three Chicago social activists whose mission is to stop the infection of urban violence at its source.

• Jane (1:30) Documentary examines the life and work of legendary anthropologistenvironmentalist Jane Goodall through never-before-seen National Geographic footage; music by Philip Glass.

• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (1:52) Four teenage nerds enter an ancient jungleadventure video game and can’t get out despite such self-avatars as Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black.

• Lady Bird (1:33) Greta Gerwig’s breakout comedy stars Laurie Metcalf and Saoirse Ronan as a blue-collar mother and daughter bonding in circa-2002 Sacramento.

• Loving Vincent (1:35) Groundbreaking animated film employs Van Gogh’s artworks to explore the artist’s tormented life and death; Jerome Flynn enters the picture as Dr. Gachet.

• Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2:22) The saga concludes with Thomas and company breaking into a deadly labyrinth to rescue their fellow gladers.

• Molly’s Game (2:20) Rat-a-tat Aaron Sorkin repartee-fest tells the true tale of the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game; Jessica Chastain runs the table.

• Murder on the Orient Express (1:54) Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Agatha Christie’s detective extraordinaire Hercule Poirot, divining whodunit on a snowbound luxury railcar; Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench and Michelle Pfeiffer are among the cast.

• National Theatre London: Follies (2:35) Direct from the West End it’s Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical about a troupe of chorus girls reuniting for one last high-kick; Imelda Staunton stars.

• Novitiate (2:03) Soul-searching drama about a decade in the life of a young nun from early-1950s postulant to Vatican II novitiate; Margaret Qualley and Melissa Leo star.

• The Other Side of Hope (1:38) Wry, bittersweet Finnish dramedy about the lucky convergence of a Syrian refugee, a middle-aged salesman and a dilapidated restaurant.

• Paddington 2 (1:45) The benevolent bear is back and going all Sherlock in foggy London town; Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters are among his posse.

• The Shape of Water (1:59) Otherworldly Guillermo del Toro fairy tale about forbidden secrets, sexual longing and the Cold War; Sally Hawkins stars.

• The Square (2:25) Cannes prizewinner about a Swedish art curator whose dedication to social altruism flies out the window when his smartphone is stolen.

• Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2:32) Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher return in yet another chapter of the popcorn space opera; Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro co-star.

• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (1:55) Raw, wrenching noir comedy stars Frances McDormand as a grieving mother and Woody Harrelson as the small-town cop she sets her sights on.

• Wonder (1:53) A brave youngster with a disfigured face inspires compassion and acceptance when he enters public school for the first time.

• New Movies This Week •

Bolshoi Ballet: Romeo and Juliet (Not Rated) Lark: Sun 12:55; Tue 7:30 Regency: Sun 12:55 Django (Not Rated) Rafael: Fri-Sun, Wed-Thu 3:30, 8:15; Mon-Tue 8:15 Rafael: Fri, Wed 4, 6, 8; Sat-Sun 12, 2, 4, 6, 8; Mon-Tue • The Final Year (Not Rated) 6, 8; Thu 4, 6 Lark: Sat 4 • Gintama (Not Rated) Rafael: Thu 6 (writer Alex Kotlowitz in person; • The Interrupters (Not Rated) a benefit for Health Equity) In the Fade (Not Rated) Rafael: Fri-Sun, Wed 4:15, 6:30, 8:45; Mon-Tue 6:30, 8:45; Thu 4:15, 8:30 Jane (Not Rated) Rafael: Sat-Sun 2:15 Northgate: Thu 7, 10:20 Rowland: Thu 7, 10:15 • Maze Runner: The Death Cure (PG-13) National Theatre London: Follies (Not Rated) Lark: Thu 7:30 PGS: Intuition Is Your Personal Guidance System (Not Rated) Rafael: Fri, Mon-Thu 6:15; Sat-Sun 12:15, 6:15 Present Laughter (Not Rated) Lark: Sat 1 The Square (R) Rafael: Sat-Sun 12:30

In Yuichi Fukuda’s film ‘Gintama,’ aliens invade Japan.

Most showtimes were not available as we went to press. Please visit fandango.com for schedule updates. We regret the inconvenience.

Showtimes can change after we go to press. Please call theater to confirm.

CinéArts at Marin 101 Caledonia St., Sausalito, 331-0255 CinéArts at Sequoia 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 388-4862 Cinema 41 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 924-6505 Fairfax 9 Broadway, Fairfax, 453-5444 Lark 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 924-5111 Larkspur Landing 500 Larkspur Landing Cir., Larkspur, 461-4849 Northgate 7000 Northgate Dr., San Rafael, 800-326-3264 Playhouse 40 Main St., Tiburon, 435-1234 Rafael Film Center 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael, 454-1222 Regency 80 Smith Ranch Rd., Terra Linda, 479-5050 Rowland 44 Rowland Way, Novato, 800-326-3264

11 PA CI FI C S U N | JA NU A RY 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M

Movies

• PGS: Intuition Is Your Personal Guidance System (1:23) Bill Bennett documentary explores the nature of that often infallible inner voice with insights from scientists, spiritualists and theologians.

• Pitch Perfect 3 (1:33) Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and the rest of the Bellas reunite for a cappella crooning and bad behavior on a USO tour.

• The Post (1:55) True story of The Washington Post’s heroic publication of the Pentagon Papers stars Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee and Meryl Streep as Kay Graham; Steven Spielberg directs.

• Present Laughter (2:20) Direct from the Great White Way it’s Noël Coward’s fun-filled farce about an aging, narcissistic matinee idol; Kevin Kline stars.

• Proud Mary (1:28) Stone-cold killer Taraji P. Henson turns her life around when a hit gone wrong gets her involved with a little boy.

PACI FI C SUN | JA NU A RY 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 | PA CI FI CS U N. COM

12

Best of Marin Vote online at pacificsun.com

(mailed ballots will not be counted)

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hat makes Marin County one of the best places in the world to be? Let us count the ways. More accurately, let us count your votes. Our annual Best of Marin readers’ poll is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to turn to you, our loyal readers, to tell us exactly what you love most about Marin. We tally your votes—in categories that include Arts & Culture, Fitness & Recreation, Food & Drink, Home Improvement, Family, Everyday, Beauty, Health & Wellness and

Arts & Culture Best Art Festival Best Art Gallery Best Art Studio Best Ballet Company Best Band Best Charity Event Best Cover Band Best Dance Studio Best Festival Best Film Festival Best Indie Filmmaker Best Media Personality: TV, Radio, Print Best Movie Theater Best Museum Best Music Festival Best Music Venue Best Outdoor Art Event Best Outdoor Music Festival Best Outdoor Music Venue Best Performing Arts Company Best Performing Dance Company Best Place to Dance Best Theater Company Best Videographer

Fitness & Recreation Best Beach Best Bike Route/Trail

Best Bike Shop Best Boating Company Best Cycling Event Best Gym Best Health Club Best Hiking Trail Best Horseback Riding Company Best Martial Arts School Best Outdoor Adventure Tour Best Park/Open Space Best Personal Trainer Best Pilates Studio Best Skate Shop Best Snow Sports Shop Best Sports Fishing Charter Company Best Surf Shop Best Swimming Pool Best Tennis Club Best Water Sports Company Best Yoga Studio

Food & Drink Best Bakery/Cafe Best Bar Best Bartender Best BBQ Best Beach Restaurant Best Breakfast Best Brew Pub Best Brunch Best Burger

Romance—to determine the winners, and then put together our biggest issue of the year, published on April 25, to celebrate them.

From its lively arts and culture events, to its eclectic food scene to its aweinspiring landscapes, Marin certainly spoils all who spend time here. We look forward to seeing which people, places and things have captured your hearts.

Happy voting!

Best Burrito Best Business Lunch Best Butcher Shop Best Cafe/Coffeehouse Best Caterer Best Cheese Shop Best Chef Best Chinese Best Chocolatier Best Cocktails Best Craft Brew Event Best CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Best Deli (must specify town) Best Diner Best Dining after 10pm Best Dive Bar Best Farmers’ Market (specify location) Best Food Truck Best French Best Frozen Yogurt Best Gluten-Free Menu Options Best Happy Hour Best Ice Cream Best Indian (must specify town & complete biz name) Best Italian Best Japanese/Sushi Best Latin American Best Local Coffee Roaster Best Mediterranean (must specify town & complete biz name)

Best Mexican (must specify town & complete biz name) Best Micro-brew Best Natural/Sustainable Restaurant Best New Restaurant (opened in 2017) Best New Winery (less than one year) Best Outdoor Dining Best Pizza Best Place for Oysters Best Restaurant Best Restaurant with a View Best Sandwich Shop (must specify town) Best Seafood Best Server (specify restaurant) Best Sommelier Best Sports Bar Best Spot to Dine Solo Best Tea Shop/Cafe Best Thai (must specify town & complete biz name) Best Vegetarian Best Vietnamese Best Waterfront Restaurant Best Wine Best Wine Bar Best Wine Event Best Wine List Best Wine Tasting Room

A few online voting rules

» Complete at least 20 votes of the ballot for inclusion in the poll

» Include your name and a daytime phone number

» Ballots are confidential, but

you may be called to confirm your vote

Family Best Animal Adoption Center Best Animal Hospital Best Baby Gift Store Best Children’s Camp Best Child Care Center Best Children’s Clothing Store Best Children’s Consignment Store Best Children’s Educational Center Best Children’s Indoor Sports Center Best Children’s Museum Best Child-Friendly Restaurant Best College Best Dog Obedience School Best Dog Park Best Hobby Shop Best Kennel Best Pet Boutique Best Pet Day Care Best Pet/Feed Store Best Pet Groomer Best Place for a Children’s Party Best Preschool Best Private School (K-12) Best Public School (K-12) Best Toy Store Best Veterinary Services

Home Improvement Best Appliance Repair Best Architect Best Carpet Cleaning Best Carpeting/Flooring Best Cleaning Service Best Computer Repair Service Best Contractor (commercial) Best Contractor (residential) Best Deck & Fencing Best Electrician Best Hauling Best Home Furnishings Best Home Improvement Store Best Home Organizer Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler Best Landscape Design Company Best Locksmith Best Moving & Storage Best Nursery/Garden Center Best Painting Contractor Best Paint Supplier Best Plumber Best Real Estate Brokerage Best Roofer Best Self-Storage Best Solar Supplier Best Tree Service Best Window Cleaners

» Only 20 votes per IP address » Pacific Sun staff members,

contributors, advertisers and their families may vote

» Deadline for online ballots is February 10 at 5pm

Romance Best Boutique Hotel Best Couples Counseling Best Erotica Store Best Lingerie Shop Best Place for Singles to Meet Best Romantic Dinner Best Sex Therapist Best Staycation Best Wedding Event Planner Best Wedding Photographer Best Wedding Reception Venue

Beauty, Health & Wellness Best Acupuncturist Best Allergist Best Beauty Supply Store Best Chiropractor Best Dentist Best Dermatologist Best Ear, Nose & Throat Physician Best Endodontist Best ER Doctor Best Esthetic Dentist Best Esthetician Best Eye Lash Extentions and/or Brow Enhancements Best Facial

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Best Family Practitioner Best Full-Service Beauty Salon Best General Practice Physician Best Hair Salon Best Heart Surgeon Best Holistic Health Center Best Holistic Herbal Shop Best Holistic Practitioner Best Internal Medicine Physician Best Laser Surgery Center Best Lasik Eye Surgery Best Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Best Local Hospital Best Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Best Massage Services Best Midwife Best Nail Services Best OB⁄GYN Best Oncologist Best Ophthalmologist Best Oral Surgeon Best Orthodontist Best Orthopedic Surgeon Best Pediatrician Best Pharmacy Best Physical Therapist Best Plastic Surgeon Best Psychiatrist Best Psychologist

»next page

PA CI FI C S U N | JA NU A RY 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M

Readers’ Poll

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PACI FI C SU N | JANUA RY 17- 23, 2018 | PA CI FI CS UN. COM

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Readers’ Poll Best Auto Repair Best Barber Best Body Art Place (tattoo, piercing, etc.)

Best Bookstore (new) Best Bookstore (used) Best Business Bank Best Camera/Photography Store Best Car Audio Best Chamber of Commerce Best Clothing Store – Men’s Best Clothing Store – Women’s Best Consignment Store Best Consumer Bank & save Upgrade your kitchen Best Costume/Festival Apparel up to $1500* when you buy Shop ™ Appliances fourBest GECredit CaféUnion Best Culinary Store Best Digital Creative Services Best Eco-Conscious Business

Best Rehabilitation Center Best Retreat Center Best Spa Best Spa/Hot Tub Store Best Sports Medicine Best Spray Tan Best Urgent Care Center Best Waxing Studio

Everyday Best Accountant Best Antique Shop Best Art Supply Store Best Attorney Best Auto Body Repair Best Auto Dealer (new) Best Auto Dealer (used) Best Auto Detailing

Upgrade kitchen & save Upgrade youryour kitchen & save * when you buy * when to $1500 up toup$1500 you buy ™ Appliances ™ Appliances GE Café four four GE Café

Buy 4 GE Café Appliances and get $500 TM

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Plus get $500 with a Pro Range or Wall Oven/Cooktop Combination

Vote f o r U s!

Plus an additional $500 when you add a built-in refrigerator

*Via online or mail-in rebate. See rebate form for details and list of eligible models.

Buy 4 GEAppliances Café Appliances get $500 Buy 4 GE Café and get and $500 TM

TM

2158 4th Street, San Rafael

get $500 withRange a Proor Range Wall Oven/Cooktop Combination Plus getPlus $500 with a Pro Wall or Oven/Cooktop Combination

415.454.2021

an additional $500 when add a built-in refrigerator Plus anPlus additional $500 when you addyou a built-in refrigerator

Martin & Harris Appliances 2158 4th Street *Viaoronline or rebate. mail-inSee rebate.

See rebate forand details and list ofmodels. eligible models. www.martin-harris.com *Via mail-in rebate form for form details list of eligible Sanonline Rafael 415-454-2021 & Harris Appliances MartinMartin & Harris Appliances 2158 4th Street 2158 4th Street San Rafael San Rafael 415-454-2021 415-454-2021

Best Ethnic Market Best Event Production Services Company Best Fashion Jewelry Store Best Financial Advisor Best Fine Jewelry Store Best Florist Best Framing Shop Best Furniture/Home Furnshings Best Gift Shop Best Grocery Store Best Home Audio Best Hotel/Resort Best Hydroponic Supply Store Best Judge Best Law Firm Best Local Food Product Best Locally Made Retail Product Best Motorcycle/Scooter Shop Best Musical Instruments Store

Best Natural Foods Store Best New Retail Business (opened in 2017) Best Nonprofit Best Optical Store Best Phone Repair Best Pipe Shop Best Psychic/Medium Best Record/CD Store Best Recycling Center Best Senior Living Facility Best Senior Services Best Shoe Store Best Tire Shop Best Tow Service Best Town Other than Your Own Best Transportation Best Travel Agency Best Vape Shop Best Vintage Clothing Store

CALENDAR

Due to limited space this week, most Sonoma and Napa listings have been cut from the calendar. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Concerts MARIN COUNTY Eric Muhler Back by popular demand, the jazz pianist and composer performs a solo show that presents a classical repertoire with improvised and engaging flair. Jan 20, 7pm. $20-$25. Dance Palace, 503 B St, Pt Reyes Station. 415.663.1075.

Tao Theory Trio plays an album release show, influenced by their diverse backgrounds in classical, folk, rock, jazz and more. Jan 21, 6:30pm. $12. Fenix, 919 Fourth St, San Rafael.

415.813.5600.

Todd Boston Award-winning guitarist and multiinstrumentalist performs an intimate one-man show celebrating the release of his Billboard Top Ten album, “ONE.” Jan 19, 8pm. $20-$32. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.

415.383.9600.

Clubs & Venues MARIN Fenix Jan 18, Liz Stires student showcase. Jan 19, Chick Jagger and the Trouble with Monkees.

919 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.813.5600.

HopMonk Novato Wed, open mic. Jan 18, JB Jazz Ensemble.

Jan 19, Notorious. Jan 20, the Theory with the Messengers. 224 Vintage Way, Novato.

415.892.6200.

Iron Springs Pub & Brewery Jan 17, Soulbillies. Jan 24, Jethro Jeremiah Band. 765 Center Blvd, Fairfax. 415.485.1005.

Marin Country Mart Jan 19, 5:30pm, Friday Night Jazz with Masha Campagne. 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.5700.

19 Broadway Club Jan 17, songwriters in the round with Danny Uzi. Jan 19, Zion-I with Z-Man and Vocab Slick. Jan 20, Neil Young tribute night. Jan 21, 4pm, Dale Alstrom’s Jazz Society. Jan 22, open mic. Jan 23, Eddie Neon blues jam. Jan 24, Acoustically Speaking’s Grateful Jam. 17 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 415.459.1091.

Osteria Divino Jan 17, J Kevin Durkin. Jan 18, Passion Habanera.

Jan 19, David Jeffrey’s Jazz Fourtet. Jan 20, Walter Earl Duo. Jan 21, Parker Grant Trio. Jan 23, Greg Jacobs Duo. Jan 24, Jonathan Poretz.

37 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.9355.

Panama Hotel Restaurant Jan 17, Rusty String Express. Jan 18, Deborah Winters. Jan 23, Brian Byrnes. Jan 24, Lorin Rowan. 4 Bayview St, San Rafael.

415.457.3993.

Papermill Creek Saloon Jan 17, Judy Radiloff. Jan 18, Rockin Johnny Burgin. Jan 19, Whiskerman. Jan 20, El Cajon. Jan 21, 5pm, Papermill Gang. Jan 23, Agents of Change. 1 Castro, Forest Knolls.

415.488.9235.

Peri’s Silver Dollar Jan 18, the Mosswoods. Jan 19, Ancient Baby.

Jan 20, Swamp Thang. Jan 21, Grateful Sundays. Jan 22, open mic. 29 Broadway, Fairfax. 415.459.9910.

Rancho Nicasio Jan 19, New Copasetics. Jan 20, the B Sharp Blues Band. Jan 21, 4pm, Emily Bonn & the Vivants. 1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio.

415.662.2219.

Sausalito Seahorse Jan 17, Milonga with Marcelo Puig and Seth Asarnow. Jan 18, Toque Tercero flamenco night. Jan 19, Reed Fromer Band. Jan 20, TDK. Jan 21, Mazacote with Louie Romero.

Jan 23, Noel Jewkes and friends. 305 Harbor View Dr, Sausalito. 415.331.2899.

Smiley’s Schooner Saloon Jan 19, the Well Known Strangers. Jan 20, Just Friends. 41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas.

415.868.1311.

Sweetwater Music Hall Jan 18, Kuinka and Rainbow Girls. Jan 19, Green Leaf Rustlers featuring Chris Robinson. Jan 20, 12pm, tribute to Mikie Lee Prasad with Shark Alley Hobos and friends. Jan 20, 9pm, Wild Child. Jan 21, the Secret Sisters with Smooth Hound Smith. Jan 24, Mild High Club and Jerry Paper. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley.

415.388.3850.

Terrapin Crossroads Jan 17, Colonel & the Mermaids. Jan 18, Ross James’ Cosmic Thursday. Jan 19, Chum: a tribute to Phish in the Grate Room.

Jan 19, Top 40 Friday dance party. Jan 20, Paige Clem and friends. Jan 20, T Sisters and Hillstomp in the Grate Room. Jan 21, Grahame Lesh and friends. Jan 23, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Subatomic Sound System. Jan 24, Colonel & the Mermaids. 100 Yacht Club Dr, San Rafael. 415.524.2773.

Throckmorton Theatre Jan 20, tribute to Dan Hicks with the Hot Licks. Jan 21, an evening with George Winston. 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.

415.383.9600.

filmmakers, photographers and authors sharing uplifting stories about art illuminating travel. Jan 24, 6:30pm. Book Passage By-the-Bay, 100 Bay St, Sausalito.

415.339.1300.

Trek Winery Jan 20, Ain’t Misbehavin’. 1026 Machin Ave, Novato. 415.899.9883.

Film

Art OPENING

Art Film Friday Mill Valley filmmaker Gary Yost shows and discusses four short films he has made about local artists including Zio Ziegler, Stonefox and Genna Panzarella. Jan 19, 7pm. $5 donation. O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331.

MARIN Bank of Marin Jan 18-Mar 18, “Unchained Artists,” thoughtprovoking show features artwork, poetry and handcrafted objects created by inmates in prisons from around the US and prisoners incarcerated on death row at San Quentin State Prison. Reception, Jan 18 at 6pm. 19 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. Mon-Fri, 10am to 6pm 415.380.4665.

Marin Community Foundation Jan 22-May 18, “Bond,” exhibit features art from three Bay Area couples, six individual artists, displayed side-by-side with their partners. Reception, Jan 24 at 6pm. 5 Hamilton Landing, Ste 200, Novato. Open Mon-Fri, 9 to 5. 415.464.2500.

Comedy StoryNights Hear true tales from comedians and storytellers Omar Qureshi, Heather Gold, David Nguyen, Scott Sanders and Tony Cyprien. Jan 17, 7:30pm. $18. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley.

415.383.9600.

Team Trivia Contest Jeopardy-style questions, songs and visuals hosted by comedian Clark Peterson. Fri, Jan 19, 7pm. $3. The Club at McInnis Park, 350 Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael. 415.492.1800.

Tuesday Night Live See standup comedians Jim Short, Steve Mazan, Dave Nihill, Larry “Bubbles” Brown and others. Jan 23, 8pm. $17-$27.

Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Events LitWings Event Series Writer Erin Byrne hosts an evening of

Crazywise Groundbreaking doc looks at the treatment of people with mental illness and how shamanic cultures treat them with compassion. Discussion follows screening.

Jan 19, 7pm. Dance Palace, 503 B St, Pt Reyes Station. 415.663.1075.

Somm Wine-centric film screens with tasting and talk by wine specialist Carter Dyer. Jan 17, 6:30pm. Diesel Bookstore, 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.785.8177.

Food & Drink Fresh Starts Chef Event Chef Joanne Weir, a PBS-TV favorite and award-winning cookbook author, demonstrates a fresh and delicious midwinter menu. Jan 18, 6:30pm. $60. The Key Room, 1385 N Hamilton Pkwy, Novato.

415.382.3363, ext 215.

Growing Nuts in Marin Learn how to successfully grow and store nutritious nuts from master gardeners. Jan 19, 12pm. Civic Center Library, 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, Free. 415.473.6057.

Off the Grid Food Trucks Eat your way through the largest gathering of mobile food trucks in Marin, listen to live music and take in great views. Sun, Jan 21, 11am. Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.5700.

For Kids “Around the World” with Marin Symphony Kanbar Kids presents a family concert program featuring music from China, Ireland, Russia, Mexico and the US. Jan 21, 11:30am. $5-$15. Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. 415.444.8000.

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Sundial

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Concerts

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16 Thu 1⁄18 • Doors 7pm ⁄ $15–$17 • All Ages

Kuinka + Rainbow Girls

Sat 1⁄20 • Doors 8pm ⁄ $22– $24 • All Ages

224 VINTAGE WAY NOVATO

EVERY WEDNESDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH DENNIS HANEDA

Wild Child

THU 1/18 $10 6:45PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW ALL AGES

Sun 1⁄21 • Doors 7pm ⁄ 16– 22 • All Ages

FRI 1/19 $1015 8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW 21+

+ Smooth Hound Smith

NOTORIOUS

A Live Re-Creation of a 1960s Doors Concert $

$

The Secret Sisters

Mon 1⁄22 • Doors 7pm ⁄ FREE • All Ages

Open Mic Night

with

Austin DeLone

Thu 1⁄25 • Doors 7pm ⁄ $12–$15 • All Ages

The Overcommitments

Fri 1/26 & Sat 1⁄27 • Doors 8pm ⁄ 27– 42 • All Ages All Star Band feat Members of The Neville Brothers, Radiators & Dirty Dozen Brass Band $

The New Orleans Suspects Eric McFadden

Sun 1⁄28 • Doors 6pm ⁄ $27–$32 • All Ages Johnny A. (The Yardbirds)

+ Matt Jaffe

Mon 1⁄29 • Doors 7pm ⁄ $27 • All Ages

Mattson 2 with Tommy Guerrero www.sweetwatermusichall.com 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley Café 388-1700 | Box Office 388-3850

Fireside Dining 7 Days a Week

Din ner & A Show

Copasetics Jan 19 New Tim Eschliman, Dallis Craft, Fri

Rancho Sean Allen Debut! Dance Party 8:00 / No Cover

e Dancty!

Par

The B Sharp Blues Band 8:00 Sun Emily Bonn & The Vivants Jan 21 Old Time Swing to Honky Tonk Sat

Jan 20

4:00 / No Cover

“West Marinicana” Jan 26 Lowatters Fri

High Lonesome Twang to Lowdown Roots 8:00 / No Cover

Annie Sampson Band Jan 27 The Rock, Blues, & R&B 8:00 / No Cover Sat

21+

MON 1/22 $5 5PM DOORS / 6PM SHOW ALL AGES

BANDWORKS

+ Jerry Paper

Lunch & Dinner Sat & Sun Brunch

SAT 1/20 $10 8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW

+ THE MESSENGERS, SONIC STEPS

Mild High Club

feat special guest

AN EVENING WITH

THE THEORY

Wed 1⁄24 • Doors 7:30pm ⁄ $20–$22 • All Ages

$

JB JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Le Jazz Hot Wed Feb 14

Bring your sweetheart Wednesday night for a romantic evening with live music & fabulous food & drink!

THU 1/25 $10 6PM DOORS / 6PM LESSON ALL AGES

COUNTRY LINE DANCING WITH DJ JEFFREY GOODWIN EVERY 2ND & 4TH THURSDAY!

SAT 1/27 $10 8PM DOORS / 9PM SHOW

MARK MACKAY

21+

+ CHAD BUSHNELL (ACOUSTIC) SAT 2/3 $30 7PM DOORS / 8PM SHOW

ROYAL JELLY JIVE

21+

5TH ANNUAL D2C BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HAITIAN CHILDREN

PROCEEDS TO HELP THE KIDS OF THE DEVOTED TO CHILDREN FOUNDATION IN HAITI

Book your next event with us. Up to 150ppl.

Email kim@hopmonk.com

HOPMONK.COM | 415 892 6200

Keeping The Living Music Alive Jan 19 • Fri • 8pm • Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley

Todd Boston “ONE CD Release Concert”

A Solo performance by multiinstrumental virtuoso

Feb 16 • Fri • 8pm • Freight & Salvage, Berkeley

Jai Uttal “Valentine’s Day Concert” “Live in Love” with José Neto, Prajna Vieira, Ben Leinbach, Michelle Goerlitz, Greg Barnett Mar 11 • Sun • 7pm • Unity in Marin, Novato

Jami Sieber & Kim Rosen “Only Breath” Merging Poetry and Stunning World-beat Music Mar 25 • Sun • 7pm • Unity in Marin, Novato

Adey Bell “Silver Wheel CD Release Concert” An intimate evening w/“Shadow Shaman” singersongwriter w/ soulful, angelic voice, unreal pianist!

Apr 8 • Sun • 7pm • Showcase Theater, Marin Center

R. Carlos Nakai Quartet “Live in Concert” Global Ethnic Grooves w/ Native American flutes

Apr 14 • Sat • 8pm • Showcase Theater, Marin Center

Tommy Castro Weekend

Fresh Take on Universal Truths: Genius improvisation & Dharma Talk Humor—unpredictable & moving

Fri Mar 2 & Sat Mar 3 Reservations Advised

415.662.2219

On the Town Square, Nicasio www.ranchonicasio.com

Mongolian Contortion Circus Showcase You’ll be head-over-heels for this exciting stage show. Jan 20, 1 and 4pm. $10-$20.

Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600.

Lectures

Petty Theft Weekend Fri Feb 16 & Sat Feb 17

On Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Dance Palace in Point Reyes Station, jazz pianist and composer Eric Muhler will perform a solo show that combines classical music with original compositions.

Nina Wise and Vinny Ferraro “Wild Wisdom: SOUL-O”

May 12 • Sat • 7:30pm • Marin Center Auditorium

Deva Premal & Miten with Manose “Soul of Mantra Tour” Comes to Marin All Ages • 415.924.4848 • lloydbarde.com

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Twelve-step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. Sat, 8am. All Saints Lutheran Church, 2 San Marin Dr, Novato.

781.932.6300.

Sausalito Woman’s Club Scholarship Recognition Fund Applications Permanent residents living in the Sausalito or Marin City School District planning to initiate or continue education at an accredited college, graduate school, vocational or art school are eligible to apply. Through Mar 1. Sausalito Woman’s Club, 120 Central Ave, Sausalito, swcsrf.org/ applications. 415.332.2700.

Winter Pruning of Wisteria Learn how to do structural pruning this winter to produce a healthier wisteria vine with bountiful flowers in the spring. Jan 20, 11am. Free. Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd, Novato. 415.898.4623.

Readings Book Passage Jan 17, 7pm, “The Largesse of the Sea Maiden” with various authors, a tribute to Denis Johnson. Jan 18, 7pm, “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump” with Tom Singer and Bandy Lee. Jan 20, 7pm, “Velvet on a Tuesday Afternoon” with Clive Rosengren. Jan 21, 1pm, “Bury the

Past” with James L’Etoile. Jan 21, 4pm, “Drop Dead Red” with Glenda Carroll. Jan 21, 7pm, “Aegean April” with Jeffrey Siger.

Jan 22, 7pm, “Green” with Sam GrahamFelsen. Jan 23, 7pm, “Mindful Parenting in a Messy World” with Michelle Gale.

Jan 24, 7pm, “Rebel” with Nick Nolte, acclaimed actor reads from his intimate memoir. Ticket includes signed book. $32. 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera.

415.927.0960.

Book Passage By-the-Bay Jan 17, 7pm, “The Gospel According to Father Coffee” with William Vlach. Jan 18, 6pm, “The Edge” with Kim Steinhardt. Jan 19, 6pm, “Achtung Baby” with Sara Zaske. 100 Bay St, Sausalito. 415.339.1300.

Falkirk Cultural Center Jan 18, 7:30pm, Marin Poetry Center presents Martha Ronk and Brian Turner. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438.

Osher Marin JCC Jan 24, 5pm, “Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn” with Daniel Gordis. 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. 415.444.8000.

San Rafael Copperfield’s Books Jan 21, 2pm, “Passion Projects for Smart People” with Michael Wing. 850 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.524.2800.

Theater The Children’s Hour Ross Valley Players present the vital contemporary play, banned from stages in London and Boston when it first debuted in 1934. Jan 18-Feb 11. $12-$27. Barn Theatre, Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.456.9555.

Seminars&Workshops To include your seminar or workshop, call 415.485.6700.

SINGLES WANTED! Single & Dissatisfied? Tired of spending weekends and holidays alone?

Join with other singles to explore what’s blocking you from fulfillment in your relationships.

NINE-WEEK SINGLE’S GROUP. Advance sign-up required; space limited. Groups starting 1/22/18. Also offering: ongoing coed (emotional) INTIMACY GROUPS (married/partnered or single), WOMEN’S GROUP and INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY & COUPLES THERAPY. Central San Rafael. Possible financial assistance (health/flex savings accounts or insurance). Call (415) 453-8117 or email reneeowen@sbcglobal.net for more information. Renée Owen, LMFT#35255. https:// therapists.psychologytoday.com GROUP FOR FORMER MEMBERS OF HIGH DEMAND GROUPS OR “CULTS”, “spiritual,” “religious,” “philosophical,” “Eastern,” “Coaching/Improvement,” etc. Safety and trust in discussing experiences and coercive influence in groups and families with leaders who claim special status and who use unethical, manipulative methods to recruit and indoctrinate with increasing demands on personal lives. Facilitated and developed by Colleen Russell, LMFT, CGP, since 2003. GROUP FOR MOTHERLESS DAUGHTERS, women who have lost their mothers through death, illness, separation, or estrangement in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. A safe place to grieve and to explore many influences of mother loss in relationships, parenting, individual goals, trust, etc. Facilitated and developed by Colleen Russell, LMFT, GCP, since 1997. Kentfield. Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy. 415785-3513; crussell@colleenrussellmft.com, http://www.colleenrussellmft.com.

New Year, New Job—We of LAUNCH have formed an Employment Agency especially designed for Millennial’s. If you or someone you know age 18 to 30 is struggling to get into, or to return to, the workforce, we can help. We have trained hundreds of clients to find work that is lucrative and rewarding. Workshops and private sessions available. Contact Program Director, Mary Ann Maggiore at maggiore@five4five.org for more information. Or text us at 415-577-6627.

DIVE DEEP INTO THE HEART SUTRA. Join us for a five week exploration of the Heart Sutra with Sarah Woodard, a senior student of the late Choygam Trungpa Rinpoche. We will explore the history and context of the Heart Sutra through the study of different translations and commentaries handed down over the centuries. The Heart Sutra expresses the Buddha’s ultimate teaching on wisdom and emptiness. All are welcome. No prerequisites or experience required, The class will meet every Thursday at 7 pm for five weeks at Tamalpais Shambhala Center, 734 A Street, San Rafael. The cost is $125,00, or pay what you can. Please check our website for more details at https://shambhala.org/

Community Spanish Language Learning Center In Downtown San Rafael www.spanishindowntown sanrafael.com REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Firehouse Community Park Agency calls for bids from qualified Skate park contractors to complete an existing skate park at Mesa Park in Bolinas, CA. Approximately $80,000 has been allocated for this project. For submittal instructions & requirements.

Contact: mesaparkboard@gmail.com

Mind&Body HYPNOTHERAPY Thea Donnelly, M.A. Hypnosis, Counseling, All Issues. 25 yrs. experience.

415-459-0449.

Home Services CLEANING SERVICES All Marin House Cleaning Licensed, Bonded, Insured.

Will do Windows. O’felia 415-717-7157.

FURNITURE DOCTOR Ph/Fax: 415-383-2697

Real Estate HOMES/CONDOS FOR SALE AFFORDABLE MARIN? I can show you 50 homes under $500,000. Call Cindy @ 415-902-2729.

Christine Champion, Broker.

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE OSCAR - 415-505-3606

YARDWORK LANDSCAPING

❖ General Yard & Firebreak Clean Up ❖ Complete Landscaping ❖ Irrigation Systems ❖ Commercial & Residential Maintenance ❖ Patios, Retaining Walls, Fences For Free Estimate Call Titus

415-380-8362

or visit our website www.yardworklandscaping.com

CA LIC # 898385

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT— File No: 2017-143502. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: BUILDING SOLUTIONS, 2171 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SUITE C, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 : THE PERFECT BUILDER, INC., 2171 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SUITE C, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. The business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant is renewing filing with changes and is transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 8, 2017.

(Publication Dates: Jan 03, Jan 10, Jan 17, and Jan 24, 2018) NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2017-143533. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: CONSIDER IT DONE, 336 REDWOOD DRIVE, WOODACRE, CA 94973: CHEYENNE LEVI, 336 REDWOOD DRIVE, WOODACRE, CA 94973.

The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL.

Registration expired more than 40 days ago and is renewing under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Dec 14, 2017. (Publication Dates: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 of 2018)

business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Jan 10, 2018. (Publication Dates: Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7 of 2018)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2017-143621. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: TIME FOR COLOR, 1769 GRANT AVE., NOVATO, CA 94947: HANA NUGUSU, 810 LARK CT, NOVATO, CA 94947. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registration expired more than 40 days ago and is renewing under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Jan 2, 2018. (Publication Dates: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 of 2018).

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2018-143700. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: RF CONSTRUCTION, 15 WEST CRESCENT DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: RAMIREZ FLORES FELIX, 15 WEST CRESCENT DR., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant is renewing filing with changes and is transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Jan 9, 2018. (Publication Dates: Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7 of 2018)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2018-143708. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: WH SERVICES HANDYAN, 757 LINCOLN ST., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901: WALTER HERNANDEZ GODOY, 757 LINCOLN ST., 26, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registrant will begin transacting business under the fictitious

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2017-143532. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: MARIN SF ELECTRIC, 1382 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94910: AUTO CHARGE ELECTRIC INC., 1302 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD., SAN ANSELMO, CA 94910. The business is being conducted by A CORPORATION. Registrant is renewing filing with changes and is transact-

ing business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County ClerkRecorder of Marin County on Dec 14, 2017. (Publication Dates: Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7 of 2018) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT—File No: 2018-143701. The following individual(s) is (are) doing business: FLOORTEX DESIGN, 5768 PARADISE DR., CORTE MADERA, CA 94925: RUDY HASSID, 288 OLIVE AVE., NOVATO, CA 94945. The business is being conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL. Registration expired more than 40 days ago and is renewing under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Marin County on Dec 14, 2017. (Publication Dates: Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, of 2018)

OTHER NOTICES SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:THE TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF JOHN TREWAVAS, DECEASED; THE TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF RUTH S. TREWAVAS, DECEASED; and ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE,

Trivia answers «5 1 Around 54-57 degrees Fahrenheit 2 Red 3a. Rhinoceros b. Unicorn 4 South Korea; PyeongChang 5 Berkelium and californium 6 Limericks 7 Texting

8 Caspian Sea 9 Brunette; brown-haired men

are brunet, with a silent ‘t’, from the word ‘brun’ (brown)

10 Rose Marie (shown here with Frank Sinatra) BONUS ANSWER: Al Gore, for the film An Inconvenient Truth, and the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change

17 PA CI FI C S U N | JA NU A RY 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M

To place an ad: email legals@pacificsun.com or fax: 415.485.6226. No walk-ins please. All submissions must include a phone number and email. Ad deadline is Thursday, noon to be included in the following Wednesday print edition.

PACI FI C SUN | JA NU A RY 1 7 - 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 | PA CI FI CS U N. COM

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PublicNotices OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ TITLE, OR ANY CLOUD ON PLAINTIFFS’ TITLE TO THE PROPERTY sued herein as DOES 1 though 100, inclusive, Exhibit “A All that certain real property situated in the unincorporated area of the County of Marin, State of California and being more particularly described as follows: An unnamed lane 4 feet wide lying between lots 33 and 34 as shown on that certain map entitled, “Map of Camp Tamalpais Homestead Valley Calif. Being a subdivision of Block 12 of Tamalpais Land & Water Co’s Map No. 7” filed for record on November 17, 1908 in Book 3 of Maps at Page 2. A Portion of A.P.N. 047082-23. YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DAMANDANTE): DENNIS SCOTT, an individual and AMY SCOTT, an individual. CASE NUMBER: CIV1704469. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days.

Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts.

Online Self-Help Center ([ http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp ]www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and propertymay be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the

California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. jAV/501 Lo han demandado.

Sf no responde dentro de 30 dlas, Ia corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versi6n. Lea Ia informaci6n a cantinuaci6n. Tiene 30 DiAS DE CALENDAR/0 despues de que le entreguen esta citaci6n y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta par escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una capia a! demandante. Una carta a una 1/amada telef6nica nolo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en farmato legal correcto sf desea que procesen su caso en Ia corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de Ia corte y mas informaci6n en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California ([ http:// www.sucorte.ca.govJ ]www. sucorte.ca.govJ, en Ia biblioteca de !eyes de su condado a en Ia corte que le quede mas cerca. Sf no puede pagar Ia cuota de presentaci6n, pida af secretario de Ia corte que le de un formulario de exenci6n de pago de cuotas.

Sino presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y Ia corte le podra quitar su suefdo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que flame a un abogado inmediatamente.

Sino conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un seNicio de remisi6n a abogados. Sf no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener se!Vicios legales gratuitos de un programa de seNicios legales sin fines de Iuera. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de Iuera en el sitio web de California Legal SeNices, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.orgJ, en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, {wNw. sucorte.ca.govJ o poniendose en contacto con Ia corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

AVISO: Por ley, Ia corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costas exentos por imponer un gravamen sabre cualquier recuperacf6n

de $10,000 6 mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesi6n de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil.

Tiene que pagar el gravamen de Ia corte antes de que Ia corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (EI nombre y direccion de Ia corte es): Marin County Superior Court 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113, San Rafael, CA 94913-4988.

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (EI nombre, Ia direcci6n y el numero de teletono del abogado del demandante. o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Christopher A. Skelton CSB# 287823, Rifkind Law Group, 100 Drake’s Landing Road, Suite 260, 415.785.7988.

Greenbrae, CA 94904. DATE: Dec-5, 2017. James M. Kim/ Clerk C. Lucchese/Deputy (Pub Dates Jan 03, Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24 of 2018) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No: CIV 1704675.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ALEXIS SARA ROSENBLATT filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: ALEXIS SARA ROSENBLATT to ALEXIS SARA ROSE ANGELUCCI. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: 02/23/2018 AT 09:00 AM, DEPT A. Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. A copy of this ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circula-

tion, printed in the county of Marin: PACIFIC SUN. Date of filing: Dec 22, 2017 (Publication Dates: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 of 2018) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No: CIV 1800006. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner MISHARY KHALID SAOUD AL-SALEM filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: MISHARY KHALID SAOUD AL-SALEM to MISHARY STEWART SALEM. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: 02/13/2018 AT 09:00 AM, DEPT E. Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. A copy of this ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin: PACIFIC SUN. Date of filing: Jan 2, 2018 (Publication Dates: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 of 2018) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF MARIN. No: CIV 0704690. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner SUSAN CONSTANCE WENDER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: SUSAN CONSTANCE WENDER to MEIYA SUSAN WENDER.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: 02/14/2018 AT 09:00 AM, DEPT E. Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913. A copy of this ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in the county of Marin: PACIFIC SUN. Date of filing: Dec 27, 2017 (Publication Dates: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 of 2018) NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: SARA WILSON STANDER, nee SARA ANN WILSON; Case No. PR-1800031. filed on Jan 3, 2018. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of SARA WILSON STANDER, SARA ANNE WILSON. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed in the Superior Court of California, County of MARIN by MATTHEW WILENCHIK. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MATTHEW WILENCHIK be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before

taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action). The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: FEB 13, 2018 at 9:00 am. in Dept. J, Superior Court of California, Marin County, located at Superior Court of California, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA, 94901. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or A CONTINGENT CREDITOR OF THE DECEDENT, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under Section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: JOHN STANDER, 64 MARTENS BLVD., SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, 925.285.2588.

Publication Dates: Jan 10, 17, 24 of 2018)

By Amy Alkon

Q:

I got dumped four months ago, and I’m still not sure what happened.

All of my boyfriend’s explanations seemed vague, and the breakup really came out of nowhere. I don’t want to contact him. How do I sort this out so I can move on?—Desperately Seeking Closure

A:

Science has yet to figure out a number of life’s mysteries—questions like, “What came before the big bang?” “Why is there more matter than antimatter?” and “If we’re so advanced, what’s with short-sleeved leather jackets?”

Freak breakups—unexpected, inexplicable endings to relationships—are really tough because our minds don’t do well with unfinished business. It ends up bugging us to get “closure”—and by “bugging,” I mean like some maniacal game show host in hell, shouting at us for all eternity, “Answer the question! Answer the question!”

This psychological spin cycle we go into is called “the Zeigarnik effect,” after Russian psychologist and psychiatrist Bluma Zeigarnik. In the 1920s, Zeigarnik observed that waiters at a busy Vienna restaurant were pretty remarkable at remembering food orders they had taken but had yet to deliver. However, once they’d brought the food to the patrons, they had little memory of what the orders were.

Zeigarnik’s research (and subsequent modern research) suggests that the mind remains in a “state of tension” until we complete whatever we’ve left incomplete— finishing the task we’ve started or finally answering some nagging question.

This might seem like bad news for you, considering the mystery you’ve got on your hands. However, you can make use of psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research. He explains that our brains are “expensive” to run; basically, it takes a ton of energy to keep the lights on up there. So our mind is programmed to take mental shortcuts whenever it can—believing stuff that has even a veneer of plausibility.

As for how this plays out, essentially, your mind assumes that you’re smart—that you don’t believe things for no reason. The upshot of this for you is that you can probably just decide on a story—your best guess for why your now-ex-boyfriend bolted—and write yourself an ending that gets you off the mental hamster wheel.

Should those old intrusive thoughts drop by for a visit, review the ending you’ve written, and then distract yourself until they go away—like by reciting the ABCs backwards.

Q:

I’m a woman in my early 40s, married for 12 years. I gave up my career as a dancer to be a mom. I can afford not to work, as my husband makes great money. However, my kids are now 12 and 13 and don’t need me like they did when they were little. I feel as if I don’t have any purpose in my life, and it’s getting me down. I can’t go back to dancing now. What do I do?—At Loose Ends

A:

Sure, your kids still need you, but mainly to drive them places.

In fact, in these modern times, it can feel like much of your job as a mother could be done by a stern-voiced Uber driver. This is a problem. As social psychologist Todd Kashdan explains, “Years of research on the psychology of wellbeing have demonstrated that often human beings are happiest when they are engaged in” activities that bring meaning to their lives.

As I explain in Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck, living meaningfully means being bigger than just yourself. It means making a difference—making the world a better place because you were here. You do that by, for example, easing people’s suffering—and you don’t have to be a hospice nurse to do that. You can do as my wonderfully cranky Venice neighbor @MrsAbbotKinney does as an adult literacy volunteer—teach people how to read. I always get a little misty-eyed when I see her tweets about taking one of the people she’s tutored to apply for their first library card.

Because doing kind acts for others appears to boost general life satisfaction, doing volunteer work should lead you to feel more fulfilled. This is especially important in a world where daily hardships involve things like struggling to remember your new PIN to get milk delivered from the online supermarket—as opposed to trekking through a snowstorm to the freezing-cold barn.Y Worship the goddess—or sacrifice her at the altar at adviceamy@aol.com.

Astrology

For the week of January 17

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many American women did not have the right to vote until August 18, 1920. On that day, the Tennessee General Assembly became the 36th state legislature to approve the Nineteenth Amendment, thus sealing the legal requirements to change the U.S. Constitution and ensure women’s suffrage. The ballot in Tennessee was close. At the last minute, 24-year-old legislator Harry T. Burn changed his mind from no to yes, thanks to a letter from his mother, who asked him to “be a good boy” and vote in favor. I suspect that in the coming weeks, Aries, you will be in a pivotal position not unlike Burn’s. Your decision could affect more people than you know. Be a good boy or good girl.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the coming weeks, destiny will be calling you and calling you and calling you, inviting you to answer its summons. If you do indeed answer, it will provide you with clear instructions about what you will need to do to expedite your ass in the direction of the future. If on the other hand you refuse to listen to destiny’s call, or hear it and refuse to respond, then destiny will take a different tack. It won’t provide any instructions, but will simply yank your ass in the direction of the future.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Looks like the Season of a Thousand and One Emotions hasn’t drained and frazzled you. Yes, there may be a pool of tears next to your bed. Your altar might be filled with heaps of ashes, marking your burnt offerings.

But you have somehow managed to extract a host of useful lessons from your tests and trials. You have surprised yourself with the resilience and resourcefulness you’ve been able to summon. And so the energy you’ve gained through these gritty triumphs is well worth the price you’ve had to pay.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Every relationship is unique. The way you connect with another person—whether it’s through friendship, romance, family or collaborative projects—should be free to find the distinctive identity that best suits its special chemistry. Therefore, it’s a mistake to compare any of your alliances to some supposedly perfect ideal. Luckily, you’re in an astrological period when you have extra savvy about cultivating unique models of togetherness. So I recommend that you devote the coming weeks to deepening and refining your most important bonds.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): During recent weeks,

your main tasks have centered around themes often associated with strain and struggle: Repair, workaround, reassessment, jury-rigging, adjustment, compromise. Amazingly, Leo, you have kept your suffering to a minimum as you have smartly done your hard work. In some cases you have even thrived. Congratulations on being so industrious and steadfast! Beginning soon, you will glide into a smoother stage of your cycle. Be alert for the inviting signs. Don’t assume that you’ve got to keep grunting and grinding.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944) created four versions of his iconic artwork The Scream. Each depicts a person who seems terribly upset, holding his head in his hands and opening his mouth wide as if unleashing a loud shriek. In 2012, one of these images of despair was sold for almost $120 million. The money went to the son of a man who had been Munch’s friend and patron.

Can you think of a way that you and yours might also be able to extract value or get benefits from a negative emotion or a difficult experience? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to do just that.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I think I like my brain best in a bar fight with my heart,” says poet Clementine von Radics. While I appreciate that perspective, I advise you to do the opposite in the coming weeks. This will be a phase of your astrological cycle when you should definitely support your heart over your brain in bar fights, wrestling matches, shadow-boxing contests, tugs of war, battles of wits and messy arguments. Here’s

By Rob Brezsny

one of the most important reasons why I say this: Your brain would be inclined to keep the conflict going until one party or the other suffers ignominious defeat, whereas your heart is much more likely to work toward a win-win conclusion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When he was

24 years old, Scorpio-born Zhu Yuanzhang (13281398) was a novice monk with little money who had just learned to read and write. He had spent years as a wandering beggar. By the time he was 40 years old, he was the emperor of China and founder of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled for 276 years.

What happened in between? That’s a long story.

Zhu’s adventurousness was a key asset, and so was his ability as an audacious and crafty tactician. His masterful devotion to detailed practical matters was also indispensable. If you are ever in your life going to begin an ascent even remotely comparable to Zhu’s, Scorpio, it will be in the coming 10 months.

Being brave and enterprising won’t be enough. You must be disciplined and dogged, as well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1892, the influential Atlantic Monthly magazine criticized Sagittarian poet Emily Dickinson, saying that she “possessed an extremely unconventional and grotesque fancy.” It dismissed her poetry as incoherent, and declared that an “eccentric, dreamy, half-educated recluse” like her “cannot with impunity set at defiance the laws of gravitation and grammar.”

This dire diss turned out to be laughably wrong.

Dickinson is now regarded as one of the most original American poets. I offer this story up as a pep talk for you, Sagittarius. In the coming months, I suspect that you’ll be reinventing yourself. You’ll be researching new approaches to living your life. In the course of these experiments, others may see you as being in the grip of unconventional or grotesque fantasy. They may consider you dreamy and eccentric. I hope that you won’t allow their misunderstandings to interfere with your playful yet serious work.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bubble

gum is more elastic and less sticky than regular chewing gum. That’s why you can blow bubbles with it. A Capricorn accountant named Walter Diemer invented it in 1928 while working for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company. At the time he finally perfected the recipe, the only food dye he had on hand was pink. His early batches were all that color, and a tradition was born. That’s why even today, most bubble gum is pink. I suspect that a similar theme may unfold soon in your life. The conditions present at the beginning of a new project may deeply imprint the future evolution of the project. So try to make sure those are conditions you like!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “When one door closes, another opens,” said inventor Alexander Graham Bell. “But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened.” Heed his advice, Aquarius. Take the time you need to mourn the lost opportunity. But don’t take MORE than the time you need. The replacement or alternative to what’s gone will show up sooner than you think.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gilbert Stuart painted the most famous portrait of America’s first president, George Washington. It’s the image on the U.S. one-dollar bill. And yet Stuart never finished the masterpiece. Begun in 1796, it was still a work-inprogress when Stuart died in 1828. Leonardo da Vinci had a similar type of success. His incomplete painting The Virgin and Child with St. Anne hangs in the Louvre in Paris, and his unfinished The Adoration of the Magi has been in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery since 1670. I propose that Stuart and da Vinci serve as your role models in the coming weeks. Maybe it’s not merely OK if a certain project of yours remains unfinished; maybe that’s actually the preferred outcome.Y Homework: Report your favorite graffiti from a bathroom wall. Go to Freewillastrology.com and click on “Email Rob.”

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