C26 palomar by MHBgroup

Website: www.peerasm.org

October Editorial

This month’s editorial highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Information is excerpted from several websites, including the Susan G. Komen website (komen.org).

Like many people, I have heard of, and even participated in, Susan G. Komen breast cancer events and initiatives, however I realized I don’t really know the story of Susan G. Komen and her fight with breast cancer. I have included excerpts of her story on pages 12 and 13 of The Breeze.

Breast cancer is only one of so many types of cancer. There is hardly a family that has not been touched by cancer. Sometimes friends and family members are at a loss as to how to provide care and comfort to those facing this disease. On page 3, I have excerpted an article that suggests support that might be helpful.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For nearly four decades now, the country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life.

Since 1989, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has helped drive down mortality rates from breast cancer thanks to a focus on early detection and improvements in treatment.

Mammogram Screening

It’s necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer, and what’s normal for you so you can take action if

Drop us a line or an article anytime at PEE.TheBreeze@gmail.com

Also, the PEERA website is: peerasm.org

there are any changes in your breasts or underarm areas.

The following 2025 Mammogram Screening Guidelines are based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Age and Frequency:

• Women aged 40-74: Annual mammograms are recommended

• Women aged 75 and older: Discuss with a healthcare provider the benefits and risks of continued screening.

These guidelines are general recommendations and may vary depending on individual circumstances and risk factors. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan for each woman.

Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is typically thought of as a condition that happens in women. But everyone is born with some breast tissue. So, anyone can get breast cancer. Male breast cancer is a rare cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue of men. It happens most often in older men, though it can occur at any age.

Joanne Price, Editor, The Breeze

Disclaimers: The Breeze is not responsible for print quality and color interpretations, or date and time changes of events in this newsletter. Check our website for the most up-to-date information: peerasm.org. Ads placed in The Breeze and newsletter production quality are solely managed by the publisher: MHB Group 800-828-8242.

October Editorial

17 Ways to Help Someone During Cancer Treatment

(Last reviewed by an MD Anderson Cancer Center medical professional on February 29, 2024 )

When someone you know receives a cancer diagnosis, you want to help. But you may not know how.

Some people don't feel comfortable asking for help, or the list of things they need help with may seem too long and overwhelming. So, instead of asking what you can do to help, it’s usually better to find a concrete way to support your friend or loved one.

But what can you do that will actually be helpful? We asked some of our patients to share the most helpful things friends and family members have done to support them during cancer treatment. Here's what they suggest.

1. Deliver meals.

Organize friends and family to take turns preparing and bringing meals while the patient recovers. You don’t even have to cook; you can get takeout delivered. Or you could take care of the grocery shopping, or order groceries online and have them delivered.

2. Help keep their household running.

Cook, clean, mow the lawn, do the laundry, wash dishes, make sure the bills get paid, get the kids dressed for school, walk the dog and do all the things that the person in cancer treatment would normally do to keep life going for the rest of the family.

3. Give the primary caregiver a break.

Go to doctor’s appointments in the caregiver’s place, help with the kids or pets, organize medications, or send the patient’s spouse, parent or child off for a massage or a night or weekend to unwind. This can ease

the caregiver’s stress and give them the energy to keep going.

4. Drive the patient to and from appointments.

Even when treatment is over, drive them to checkups and scans. They may not show it, but cancer patients often have a lot of anxiety about these appointments, even years after treatment. A friendly face and someone to talk to can make a big difference.

5. Take notes during appointments.

Patients’ memories can be foggy during and after treatment, and the amount of information they receive can be overwhelming. Taking notes during appointments or when the doctor or nurse stops by can ensure they have the information they need later.

6. Visit.

Days can seem very long when you’re hospitalized, and a visit from a friend or family member can make a big difference. Just keep in mind that cancer patients often struggle with fatigue, so don’t stay too long – unless they ask you to stay longer.

7. Take care of their children.

Take them to school or sports practice, help with homework, or have them over for a slumber party or playdate. This can help take the kids’ minds off of cancer and ease their parents’ stress.

8. Make their living space comfortable.

Patients who travel out of town for treatment may have temporary living accommodations in apartments or at the homes of loved ones. Consider bringing the patient's bed sheets and pillows from home or family pictures and artwork that reminds them of home. This can help them feel comfortable while they’re away from home.

9. Give a self-care gift bag.

Patients may struggle to prioritize self-care during treatment. Gift them a bag filled with unscented

(Continued on page 18)

Millennium Memo

The way you’re being billed for electricity is about to change. Due to a law passed in 2022 AB 205 you’ll see a new “Base Services Charge” of $24.15. The goal: “to make it more affordable to use electric technologies and clean, sustainable energy.”

We’re told that, as a trade-off, the cost of your actual usage will go down, possibly by 10%. The result: low electricity users might pay more, “medium” users about the same, but high electric users might save money. That’s how I understand it, anyway.

Folks on the CARE Program get a discount on this new charge, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re enrolled, if you qualify. You can find out about that at sdge.com/CARE or sdge.com/FERA. As usual, we’re just the messenger here.

In Other News

• SPARC’s latest: Craft Creations. That event happened on Sept. 10, after this Memo’s deadline, but there was coaster decorating, tie-dye, coffee & donuts…

• Next up for SPARC: a Medicare Seminar (in time for open enrollment) & a class on preventing phone scams. Both events are on Oct. 8.

• You haven’t been talking to Solicitors, have you? As Kasey has noted, that’s like feeding a stray animal it only encourages them. If one of them knocks on your door, “Just Say No.”

• Do you call the Office for personal advice, such as where to get your car smog checked, what contractor to hire, or how to get your cellphone working?

Kasey has many talents, but that sort of thing isn’t in his job description. At the risk of sounding insensitive, I’d suggest that Google (or perhaps YouTube) is your friend here.

• Several of you asked that I talk about speeding yet again, but do I really have to do that? You know it’s dangerous, it scares folks that like to walk Palomar East’s streets…please be careful at least while you’re driving in the Park.

In some cases, it’s a guest that’s the speed demon. Please make sure your guests, family members, and anyone else you invite knows the 15 MPH rule.

A few years ago, I told you about my late father, and how slowly he would drive so slowly, in fact, that when we were on the freeway, even Amish people would honk. OK, you can go a bit faster than he did, but please Drive Safely!

George Turk President Millennium Housing

Maintenance Update

The primary focus of the maintenance staff has been remodeling and improving the Dog Park. I do not have photos to share but by the time you read this article, the project should be concluded. We hope the dog park attendees enjoy the new atmosphere. This area is for the enjoyment of residents’ pets who are registered with the office.

Home Sales

At the time of writing this article, no homes have sold in the month since the previous article, and none are in escrow. Currently there are 15 homes for sale.

Coyotes Awareness

As the season shifts and temperatures cool, you may notice coyotes become more visible in our community. While they generally avoid humans, our neighborhoods provide easy food sources and shelter that draw them closer to homes. The presence of pet food, compost, or trash attracts coyotes. Here are some important reminders to help keep your pets and homes safe.

Use Deterrents. Coyotes dislike strong odors. Scents like wolf urine, ammonia-soaked rags, or moth balls placed strategically will discourage them from lingering.

Secure your yard. Keep trash in containers and lids closed tightly, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid leaving pet food outside.

Protect your pets. Always keep pets on a leash when outdoors and never leave them unattended.

Practice hazing Coyotes should never feel comfortable around humans. If you encounter one, make noise. Yell, clap, or blow a whistle. Wave your

arms to appear larger. Hazing helps reinforce their natural fear of people and keeps them from settling in.

Clean Your Gutters

Overflowing water can cause wood rot and attract pests. Regular gutter cleaning extends the life of your system and enhances the overall appearance of your home.

Pest Control

The seasons and temperature play a role in pest migration. Rodents often relocate to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter. Don’t let them occupy your shed, take shelter under your home, or gain entry to the inside of your residence. Pick the fruit from your trees. Keep bushes and shrubbery neat and trim and your property clean of clutter to prevent nesting. Set traps to reduce their numbers.

Short & Quick

• Days are getting shorter. Please remember to wear something reflective or bright and carry a flashlight when walking at night so vehicles can see you!

• The speed limit is 15MPH. PLEASE adhere to it. Come to a complete stop at all signs. Tell guests visiting the park the speed limit

• PALOMAR WEST COMMUNITY CARPORT SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th, 8am – 3pm

“Don’t treat people as bad as they are. Treat them as good as you are ”

Your concerns and needs ARE IMPORTANT! If it is not urgent or an emergency, we encourage you to email us: palomareast@gmail.com

Website: www.peerasm.org

Upcoming PEERA Board Member Elections

The Working Election Group would like to thank the PEERA membership that attended the Aug 23rd meeting for approval of the Working Election Group to continue preparation for the election of the 2026 PEERA board. We appreciate your faith in us. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct 7th at 5:30 pm. We will be discussing the election ballot. Hope to see you there!

– Sally Yeater

The following are several key points for the upcoming election:

• Each mobile home unit will have only one vote.

• Any member of the Association who is unable to attend the annual election meeting may vote by absentee ballot.

• In September, the Nominating/Election Committee sent out a form for members to nominate PEERA Board members for the open Board positions. (Note: Members can nominate themselves.)

• In October, the Nominating/Election Committee will verify that the nominees agree to nomination and they are eligible to run for a PEERA Board position.

This verified list of nominees will be posted on the PEERA bulletin board in the main clubhouse at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Election Meeting. This list will also be posted in The Breeze newsletter and on the Palomar Estates East website (www.peerasm.org)

• The Nominating/Election Committee will prepare the election ballots for use in the election.

• All submitted absentee ballots received by the Nominating/Election Committee must be unopened ballots.

• The PEERA Annual Election Meeting will be held in November. All election ballots collected in the ballot box at the meeting, along with all unopened absentee ballots, will be counted by the Nominating/Election Committee and the results will be published no later than November 17th (two days following the election).

• Results of the election will be posted on the PEERA bulletin board as well as in The Breeze newsletter and on the Palomar Estates East website.

Upcoming October Events!

There are four Social Club events in October:

• Oct 3rd (Friday) – Social Hour, 5:30-7:00 pm

• Oct 18th (Thursday) – Palomar East Fall Craft Fair, 9 am-3:00 pm

• Oct 25th (Saturday) – Halloween Extravaganza, 5:15 pm to 8 pm

• Oct 31st ( Friday) – Bark in the Park Pet Parade, 3 pm

Be sure to check the Calendar (for other activities sponsored by PEERA, SPARC, or sister parks.)

Paella Dinner: Reflections

In August, the Social Club invited CB Catering to the Clubhouse to create a fantastic Paella Dinner. Attendees watched as a traditional Spanish meal was prepared in a huge paella pan over an open flame! It was fascinating to see how the meal came together with fresh seafood, vegetables, and rice. And of course, it was delish! We had a great time trying new food and enjoying time together.

New Event in the New Year: Dine In/Dine Out

Starting in the new year, we are proposing a new event on the Social Club calendar to create more opportunities like the Paella Dinner. It will be modeled after Palomar Estates West’s monthly Dine In/Dine Out event. One month we will have a meal catered or prepared in our Clubhouse by a resident volunteer, and the next month, participants will meet in a local restaurant to enjoy a meal out together.

Both are open to everyone in the park on a 1st come 1st serve basis. They’ll be limited in number and we will announce them in The Breeze every month.

Keep an eye out for more information on Dine In / Dine Out events starting in January 2026!

Social Club

October Craft Fair at Palomar East

Halloween at Palomar East

Palomar Estates East is excited to announce our annual Halloween Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 25th in the PEE Clubhouse, 5:15 PM to 8 PM. Please bring your favorite spooky dish to share and BYOB.

This year’s event will include prizes for outstanding costumes and themed food.

We have also invited our favorite DJ to get us in the dancing spirit. Tickets are $10 for all park

residents (this includes residents of our sister parks) and $15 for guests.

You can buy your tickets on Wednesday, October 1 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the PEE Clubhouse or at the October Happy hour, Friday, October 3rd between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

If you would like to volunteer to help make this event magical, there is a sign-up sheet in the Social Club board in the Clubhouse.

5:15 PM – 8 PM

Upcoming Events – Palomar Estates East

Carport Sale – November 8th, 8 am to 1 pm

I’m Liona Shareing, Spc. 125. I am the Social Club resident host for the carport sale to be held on November 8th in our park

If you wish to participate in the sale, please sign up in the clubhouse. This signup list is on the Social Club bulletin board.

Please let me know if you are willing to help put up direction to homes signs in the park, indicating the streets and homes where sales will be taking place.

I would be grateful for your help.

I’ll be putting up signs on Rancho Santa Fe Road and San Marcos Blvd, and will also be advertising the carport sale on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and at mobile home parks in San Marcos.

Directional signs that will be used at various locations to identify carport sales are shown to the right.

If you have any questions, call me: 760-509-4889.

Thank you, Liona

Various directional signs that will be used at various locations to identify carport sales:

Other Events – Palomar Estates West

The Susan G Komen Story - Excerpts

Growing up, Suzy and I were just about as close as two sisters can get. Suzy was the perfect older sister.

She was beautiful and kind and loving, not only to me but to everyone. She was the star of our hometown of Peoria, Illinois the high school homecoming queen, the college beauty queen.

I, on the other hand, was bigger, heavier, and taller than most of my friends and her friends. I developed my own way of getting attention. I was a tomboy and a mischief-maker and delighted in nothing more than spending hours galloping around on horseback. I was simply known as Susan Goodman’s little sister, Nancy.

Suzy came back to Peoria when she graduated from college and got a job modeling locally. Eventually, she married her college sweetheart, Stan Komen.

After graduating from college, I packed up my bags and moved to Dallas, Texas, home of my father’s older sister. Although we were separated by distance, Suzy and I spoke every day by phone in the late afternoon.

As if it were yesterday, I can remember the phone call I received from Suzy one Tuesday afternoon. Her doctor had found a lump in her breast that was not a cyst. He recommended a biopsy.

I decided to fly home to Peoria.

When I got off the plane, my father was waiting there alone with an expression on his face I will never forget. He didn’t have to say a word. At the age of 33, Suzy had breast cancer.

What happened from this point on is still difficult for me to talk about because I am so much more knowledgeable on the subject today. If I had only known then what I know now.

The truth of the matter is that growing up in the small town of Peoria, our family had been treated our whole lives by one doctor. Suzy trusted him with her cancer the same way she did with her measles. Mistake number one.

None of us knew enough to inquire about seeking information from a major cancer center or from a group of physicians associated with one in Peoria. He was our doctor. Period.

Our family doctor called in a surgeon to review Suzy’s case. It is important, if you are to learn from our mistakes, that I tell you a little bit about this surgeon. He was very handsome, very suave, and seemed very self-confident. According to Suzy, this surgeon told her that he could cure her. Even the most respected cancer experts in the country (which he was certainly not) do not talk about recovery in terms of surviving cancer or remission. They refrain from using the word cure because cancer can recur.

This surgeon suggested performing a subcutaneous mastectomy After Suzy’s surgery, the surgeon walked confidently into the room and said, “You can relax, we got it all. I believe she’s cured.” My heart sank because I knew enough to know that cure is a very difficult word to use in reference to cancer. If it is used at all, it is more likely to be spoken after a five-year period has passed without a recurrence.

For the next five months or so, Suzy felt pretty good, but before six months had gone by, our worst nightmare became a reality. Suzy found another lump. This time it was under her arm.

Suzy went next to the Mayo Clinic, where we learned that her cancer had metastasized (spread) to her lung and under her arm.

A major turning point in Suzy’s struggle for survival came from a surprising source, Mrs. Betty Ford. Mrs. Ford had finished a successful bout with breast cancer. In Betty Ford, my sister found new strength. “Nan,” she said, “if Mrs. Ford can admit she has breast cancer and tell the whole world she intends to fight it, well then so can I.”

Suzy decided to seek treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When she arrived, she was a Stage IV cancer patient. This means that the disease had spread to other organs in her body and was still growing. It was a very critical situation. But, for the first time, Suzy was part of a team: Her new doctor and his associates

Susan & Sister

The Susan G Komen Story -

made Suzy a partner in every decision. Suzy’s doctor’s approach to the disease was aggressive.

As part of this whole experience Suzy had a concern for the patient’s experience. “Nan,” she said, “as soon as I get better, let’s do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research. I

know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here. This isn’t right.”

Suzy passed away in 1980, three years after her first diagnosis. Nancy Goodman Brinker founded the Susan G Komen Foundation in 1982.

N EW: Residents’ Recipes Corner

Pineapple Topped Sausage Appetizers

Submitted By: Jetta Russell, Spc 321

I made these appetizers for the September Social Hour, and some folks wanted the recipe It's so very easy to make these yummy bits!

This recipe was adapted from a Crock Pot recipe that had no pineapple and no specific brand ingredients.

If you see a name brand for an ingredient below, please use it - especially the Eckrich Polska Kielbasa "Natural Casing" Smoked Sausage Rope. The meat is very finely ground and there is no tough casing to eat.

This recipe is budget friendly. I buy my ingredients at WINCO in San Marcos.

Yield: About 30 appetizers

Ingredients:

Eckrich Polska Kielbasa Natural Casing Smoked

Sausage Rope 1 pound package

1 Cup of Kraft Original BBQ Sauce

1/2 Cup of Dark Brown Sugar

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon of Colman's Mustard (powder in a yellow tin)

1 teaspoon of jar mince garlic or garlic powder

(I use mince garlic in a jar)

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1 to 2 tablespoons of a neutral oil. I use good quality avocado oil

About 1/2 of a medium pineapple

30 Toothpicks

Preparation:

Add the oil to a large warming skillet. Slice the sausage into 1-inch round pieces. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook it very lightly for about 10 minutes.

Please note: Do not add the pineapple now. This will be done at the end. Add all the remaining ingredients (other than the pineapple) directly into the skillet. No bowl is needed to premix.

Mix and barely simmer the sausage in the sauce for 30 to 40 minutes.

Turn off the heat and keep the skillet on the burner to cool down until warm.

Cut up about 1/2 of fresh pineapple in 30 3/4inch cubes.

To assemble:

Slather the warm sauce on the bottom of your serving platter to prevent the sausage from drying out. For each appetizer, place a piece of sausage on the platter, top with a piece of fresh pineapple, then stick a toothpick through to the bottom. Do this for all the appetizers, filling your platter. ENJOY!

Community Activities Additional Park Activities

Bocce

All Are Welcome Come Join the FUN!

858-752-0460

OCTOBER

2025

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES: The following are regular weekly activities that occur on the day indicated.

10 AM – Zumba (Clubhouse)

1 PM – Hand & Foot Card Game (Fluharty Home, Spc 179)

1:30 – 3:30 PM –Women’s Billiards (Pool) at West 9:30 AM - Noon –Quilting Group (Clubhouse Card Room)

– 3:30 PM Billiards (Small Clubhouse)

– 8 PM –Manipulation Card Game (Clubhouse)

AM – Chair Yoga (Clubhouse) 11:15 AM –Zumba (Clubhse) 1 PM – Hand & Foot Card Game (Fluharty, Spc 179) 6 PM – Bingo (West) 9 AM – Tai Chi (Clubhouse) MONTHLY OR

Park Member News

Welcome New Neighbors

We look forward to getting to know you! Please fill out the envelopes found in your Welcome tote. You can return them to the Social Club and/or PEERA mailboxes in the clubhouse.

New Neighbors Who Arrived in August

• None

Gone But Not Forgotten

The following residents have either moved or have passed away. They are gone but appreciated for the time they lived in our community.

• Susan Mortimer: Space 81 Arrived: 3/2007 Passed Away: 7/4/2025

Rocks, Rocks, and More Rocks!

We had a record number of painters and everyone who attended our September class was able to take home at least two rocks each. Some painted butterflies and placed them in the new Butterfly Garden adjacent to the game room. Our October class will be held on the 7th at 10:00 and, as always, the cost is $10.00. If you are unable to sign up in the Rancho Vallecitos Clubhouse, please give either Donna or Dawn a call to let them know you will be attending so we will have enough supplies for everyone. If you have not painted before, no worries, we are there to help you every step of the way. You can also just come in and visit to check out what we do and meet some really awesome people. We just have a lot of fun. Hope to see you in October. For questions, contact:

• Dawn Anguiano – 760-802-2170 dawny46@gmail.com

• Donna Nicastro – 760-945-7629 donnanicastro47@gmail.com

Wedding Anniversaries

Oct 7 Ronald & Dolores Berenty

Oct 9 Pete & Becky Eiden

Oct 9 Jon Sherman & Sabine KurzSherman

Oct 16 Pete & Jacqueline Knowlton

Oct 29 Jerry & Carol Chamberlin

Remember, to be sure your anniversary is included on your special month, you can email The Breeze editor at PEE.TheBreeze@gmail.com. Be sure to send your email at least 2 months prior to your anniversary date.

Park Member News

Celebrating October Birthdays!

Book Club COME ONE, COME ALL!

Please come and join us for our monthly Book Club gathering on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM in the card room of the main Clubhouse.

Join our lively discussion and share your thoughts or just kick back, listen and enjoy a snack.

• October Book – The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson Host for October: Linda Cockrell

• November Book – The Ghostwriter, by Julie Clark Host for November: Jo Holloway

Book Review – The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

accusations that he was the one who killed them. Decades later, the legend only grows as his career as a horror writer skyrockets.

The Taylor family shatters in a single night when two teenage siblings are found dead in their own home. The only surviving sibling, Vincent, never shakes the whispers and

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire professional life hiding the fact that she is the only child of Vincent Taylor. Now on the brink of financial ruin, she's offered a job to ghostwrite her father's last book. What she doesn't know, though, is that this project is another one of his lies. Because it's not another horror novel he wants her to write.

After fifty years of silence, Vincent Taylor is finally ready to talk about what really happened that night in 1975.

Afternoon Bunco

There is now Afternoon Bunco at Palomar East!

This meets on the first Thursday each month at 12:45 pm at the Clubhouse Card Room. Dice roll at 1 pm.

For additional information, contact: Lydia Harry (408-482-8364).

October Editorial -

lotion, fuzzy socks, lip balm, a journal and other items so they can pamper themselves and feel good during treatment.

10. Stay connected.

Text, call, email, etc. One idea is to coordinate a phone chain among friends. Each day at a specific time, a friend calls and checks in with the patient. This is a great way to let the patient know you’re thinking of them.

11. Send a thoughtful gift.

Mail them their favorite snack or give them activity books to do during treatments. If the patient has children, books about how to talk to your kids about cancer would be helpful. You could buy a small flip notebook and use it as a countdown for treatments, starting with day 1 to the end of treatment. For each day, write quotes, affirmations or simple words of encouragement. This is a great way to help someone keep a positive mindset and brighten their day.

For 16 gift ideas from cancer survivors:

Go to mdanderson.org and type in the search bar type: Gift Ideas.

12. Pray for/with the patient.

This gives many patients the courage to face another day.

13. Sit with them and listen.

Don’t offer advice or recommendations unless asked. Instead, listen to the patient’s concerns, acknowledge that cancer sucks and offer a shoulder to cry on. And if the patient doesn’t feel like talking, sit there with them quietly. There is a lot of power in simply being present.

14. Have normal conversations.

Remember that most cancer patients don’t want to be treated differently just because they have cancer. Talk to your friend or loved one like you did before. Talk about what’s going on in

the neighborhood or at your kids’ school, favorite TV shows, etc. This can briefly help take patients’ minds off cancer. Make them laugh by telling jokes or sharing funny videos. Laughter really is good medicine.

15. Plant a garden.

If you have a green thumb, consider planting a garden with vegetables and herbs. This will produce food for patients to eat, and if they’re up to it, patients can help in the garden. There are many benefits to gardening, including decreased stress and improved mental health.

16. Surprise them with a fun afternoon out.

If the patient is feeling well enough during treatment, consider taking them out for a day to do an activity they enjoy. For example, if your loved one is an avid golfer, it may not be possible to get to a golf course for 18 holes. But a trip to a golf store to buy some new gear or hit the ball a few times around the putting green could be a welcome surprise.

17. Motivate them.

Encourage them to do what they need to do to get better, whether that’s doing their exercises for rehab, taking medications or eating more.

However you decide to help, remember: any love and support you provide can make a big difference, whether it cheers the patient up, or frees up their time and energy so that they can focus on job No. 1: healing and getting back to living life.

Laughter is the Best Medicine…Recap

I want to thank everyone who attended our first Tell a Joke Day, held on August 16th. We had a wonderful turnout and I’ve been hearing that people would welcome another one. (Though they want cake next time, too…)

First and foremost, a huge round of applause goes to Lauren Grey, without whom the event never would have happened at all. She was the brainchild and the locomotion that kept it on track (ish). She really did a wonderful job! (…and she’s the one to kiss up to if you want another one…)

Special thanks to our resident stand-up comedienne (is that still politically correct?), the infamous Michele Silva!!! And of course, a huge thanks to Carl Silva for playing host, emcee, fill in the dead space guy, etc., etc.

Another major player was Ken Hodor. Without him there would have been no sound. Amazing how much that matters! He arranged the multitude of microphones needed, and even the rock star headset Michele used for her performance!

Thanks also go the Jen Weiss and Michelle Lema of the Social Club, who had to field the questions and worries and dumb ideas we came up with enroute to the final event. Their knowledge and patience are so appreciated.

Thank you two for pointing us in the right directions and reeling us in when we wandered too far afield.

And of course, thanks to all of you attendees! As Carl went from table to table, everyone (except Cat, maybe) was kind enough to read the jokes from file cards that were passed out ahead of time. I was pleasantly surprised by how many of you were brave enough to stand up and tell your personal jokes or anecdotes. So fun to get to see the lighter side of everyone’s life !!

– Andrea Martin Social Club Resident Host