Prime Time Living BOOM Dec 2016/Jan 2017

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Magazine

DEC 2016 | JAN 2017

Prime Time LIVING

Inspired living in your ime

Say Yes to ‘Ho-Ho-Ho’ and No to

HOLIDAY ALLERGIES

The

BEING MORTAL PROJECT

NAPA / SOLANO EDITION

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ON THE COVER

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Publishing/Contact

Say Yes to 'Ho-Ho-Ho' and No to Holiday Allergies

Owner/Publisher Tracee Stacy We want to hear from you! If you have any comments or questions to any of the authors of the articles youʼve read please send your letters to the editor to:

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Senior Isolation During the Holidays

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The

Being Mortal

Mailing 209 Glen Eagle Way Address Vacaville, CA 95688

Phone 707-449-1270

Fax 707-471-4082

Cell 707-628-9805

Email publisher@primetimeliving.org

Project

Web www.primetimeliving.org

Editorial/Sales/Art

Editor Wendy VanHatten PTLeditor@primetimeliving.org

Account Executive Cindy Lewis CindyL@primetimeliving.org 707-685-6731

Account Executive Annette Vance Annette@primetimeliving.org 925-286-0133

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

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10 YEARS 10 YEARS RATING ATING CELEB C CELEBR ARS RS 10 YE G 10 YEA INGATIN ATEBR CEL BR CELE CE

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WHAT'S INSIDE

Points Of Interest 17 20 23 28 27 29

Free Transit Training Winter Garb Recycle in the New Year Solano Mobility Call Center Senior Community Centers Resource Guide

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Wasismaybe.!?

{6}

inspired YOU

By Terry Minion

boom HEALTH 6

{8}

Say Yes to 'Ho-Ho-Ho' and No to Holiday Allergies

By ARA

22

Walk Supports NorthBay’s Adult Day Center

boom TRAVEL 13

{13}

Palm Springs…Where You Can Relax, Explore, and Indulge all in the same day. Then…get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

By Wendy VanHatten

boom LIFE 18

The Being Mortal Project

By Louise Joyce

21

Senior Isolation During the Holidays

24

SPCA Pet Therapy

boom FOOD & WINE

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What Should I Buy…Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava?

{24}

By Travel and Escapes

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Napa/Solano Edition

EDITOR'S CORNER

Words from Wendy As 2016 comes to a close, and 2017 rapidly approaches, do you take time to reflect back at what you’ve accomplished over the past 12 months? Do you remember all the fun you had in 2016? Were there good times, happy times, and sad times?

We had fun sharing our favorite wineries with you and introducing you to some new ones. Do you have one you can’t wait to tell us about? Let us know.

Sometimes, during this busy season of family, gift-giving, eating, partying, and decorating, we don’t think we have time to breathe, let alone reflect. But, we should take a few moments and remember 2016 as we move forward.

We’re always eager to share resources for everything from hip replacements to the latest in hearing aids, from how to deal with refinancing your home to dealing with Alzheimer’s, and from living an uncluttered life to reflecting on what’s important.

Personally, I’m excited about what I’ve done. I’m also excited about what we’ve accomplished here at the magazine. It’s been a great 2016…including all our growing pains and hiccups.

Hopefully, you’ve gained some new ideas for trips, from weekends to longer ones, in our travel features. Have questions about a destination? Ask us. We may know the answer or know someone who will know.

Bottom line…we all love what we do here at Prime Time.

More importantly, we love sharing it with you.

Enjoy this issue as we get ready to embrace 2017.

We’ve been fortunate enough to showcase some new businesses, as well as feature those who have been around a little while.

Anytime you know of a new business, let us know. We’d love to highlight them in an upcoming issue.

Wendy VanHatten, Editor

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Napa/Solano Edition

HEALTH

Say yes to

‘ho-ho-ho’ and no to

Holiday Allergies Shouldn’t this be the season for baking, gift-shopping, family gatherings, ho-ho-ho and mistletoe?

So why are you still sneezing?

Granted, certain times of year are more allergen-filled than others, but the truth is, allergy symptoms can hit you in any season - even the holiday season! What’s more, the holidays bring unique triggers such as mold from evergreens inside your home, dust from long-stored decorations and food allergens in holiday foods.

“When you top off holiday allergens with the hectic pace and stress this time of year can bring, you have a recipe for a very sneeze-filled

season,” says Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “No one wants to be a Scrooge during the holidays. With some planning and precautions, it’s possible to reduce your exposure to allergens and have a more pleasant season.”

The ACAAI offers these tips to help navigate the many seasonal triggers you may face during the holidays:

Dodging Decoration Disaster

Decorations are meant to make the holiday season bright, but holiday adornments can harbor allergens. Mold from Christmas trees can trigger sneezing and wheezing. Aromas from scented candles can cause congestion and

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affect breathing. Decorations stored in attics or garages from year to year can be a home for sneeze-inducing dust mites.

detergent that causes itching, and the pillows may expose you to dust mites.

Be sure to pack your allergy medication before traveling. If you’re hosting, check with guests before they arrive to see what their allergy triggers are and get their guidance on what you can do to mitigate their exposure to allergens in your home.

Artificial trees, wreaths and garlands can be an alternative to live decorations that host mold. Remove dusty decorations from storage and clean them outside before bringing them indoors. At the end of the season, store them in sealed containers to keep out dust.

Avoid using artificial scents like candles and room sprays that can trigger symptoms for people with allergies and asthma. Instead, fill your home with natural aromas by baking holiday goodies or setting out a dish of unwrapped peppermints.

Finally, don’t forget that it’s also flu season and flu can trigger or make existing allergy and asthma worse. Get a flu shot, and be sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the holidays. If you do experience an allergy or asthma attack, see your board-certified allergist. You can get more information about allergies and asthma, and find an allergist near you at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

ARA Content

Safer Holiday Feasting

Seasonal foods are as much a part of the holiday season as tinsel and twinkling lights. However, dining as a guest in someone’s home can be a problem for people with food allergies.

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If you have food allergies, alert your host ahead of time. Offer to bring a dish or two that you know will be safe for you to eat. Carefully read labels on prepared foods to ensure they haven’t been made with trigger ingredients or in a facility where they might have come in contact with allergens. If you’re hosting someone with food allergies, be sure to prepare some allergenfree dishes and clearly label those that have common trigger ingredients like shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts.

Avoid Travel Trip Ups

Whether you’re visiting distant relatives or sharing a holiday meal with nearby neighbors, traveling during the holidays can mean exposure to allergens. Your neighbor’s beloved dog or cat may trigger pet allergies, no matter how well she cleans the house. The sheets on your hotel room bed may be washed in a

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Napa/Solano Edition

FOOD & WINE

What Should I Buy…

Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava?

By Travels and Escapes

W

ith the holiday season fast approaching, you want to pick up some sparkling wine to have on hand or to give as gifts. What do you buy? For that matter, what’s the difference in any of the sparkling wines?

Champagne: People often call any sparkling wine Champagne, but in reality, only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be called Champagne. It must be made from Pinot Noir (a blanc de noirs is a Champagne made predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes), Pinot Meunier, or Chardonnay (blanc de blanc is made from Chardonnay), and is most often a blend of all three.

Champagne is produced by méthode champenoise. This method is said to have been fortuitously invented by a certain monk called Dom Perignon and refined by the widow (veuve) Cliquot.

Both of these names should be familiar to any Champagne enthusiast (or even non-enthusiast) because they are still the two most famed houses of Champagne. boom 8

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Napa/Solano Edition

FOOD & WINE Méthod champenoise involves adding more yeast and sugar to a base of wine, then bottling the wine for a second fermentation. During this process, the wine sits on the dying yeast and sediment that forms, called the lees, and the bottle is gradually tipped and spun so that all the lees collect in the neck of the bottle. The bottle is then flash-frozen, the lees are popped out, and the bottle is sealed again, to be popped once more at a wedding, or engagement, or housewarming, or some other important occasion.

Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of Italy from a varietal of grape called Glera.

The production method of Prosecco is notably different from Champagne or Cava in that the secondary fermentation that gives bubbly wine its fizz happens in steel tanks rather than in bottles.

This impacts the flavor notably, making it lighter and less yeasty. Prosecco can tend to be a little sweeter than Champagne or Cava, with bigger loser bubbles and buoyant flavors of apple, pear, lemon rind, light flowers, and even tropical fruit.

Due to the lengthy process of sitting on the lees, Champagne takes on richness and complexity and its signature biscuit-y or yeasty notes. And, while some styles of Champagne are crisp with notes of lemon, apples, and flint, fine champagnes frequently become bold with flavors of toasted brioche, roasted fruit, and toffee.

Cava:

Cava is Spain’s most notable contribution to the world of sparkling wine, and a most excellent contribution it is. Cava is usually made with a few grape varietals that you probably haven’t ever heard of—Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarello—though it can also be made from Chardonnay or Pinot grapes.

Prosecco: Prosecco is Italy’s most widely known

sparkling wine. For many years, it played a second fiddle to Champagne because much of the Prosecco available just wasn’t good. But fine Proseccos have become more widely available, and it now runs neck and neck with Champagne for popularity. When looking at the labels, check for DOC or DOCG found on the neck label. While both are indications of the quality of the communes of vineyards, the DOCG is a higher standard and, in my opinion, a better bottle.

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Though you’ll mostly see Cava at a price point similar to Prosecco, it’s actually more similar to Champagne in character and production. Like Champagne, the effervescence-producing secondary fermentation happens in the bottle (rather than a tank), but outside of the French region, the method cannot be called méthode champenoise and is instead known as méthode traditionnelle. Usually, in Spain the tirage, rotating and tipping the bottles during secondary fermentation is mechanized. In France, it is still done by hand.

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But since doesn’t sit on the lees for as long, Cava is lighter in style than longer-aged Champagnes.

Instead of toffee and biscuit notes, Cava will hit you with balanced citrus, melon, pear, and a pleasant acidity.

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Sparkling wines can only be called Champagne if they are made in the Champagne region. Technically, Prosecco and Cava are sparkling wines. So are many others made in many areas of the world, including right here in Napa Valley.

Back to the question of which one to buy. In the debate of any and all sparkling wines, there is no clear winner.

It’s a matter of taste, what you happen to be serving, your palate, your budget, and your preference.

Sparkling wines can only be called Champagne if they are made in the Champagne region.

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TRAVEL

Palm Springs…

Where You Can Relax, Explore, and Indulge all in the same day.

Then…get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

By Wendy VanHatten

O

nce a Hollywood playground with enough glitz and glamour for the rich and famous, Palm Springs offers a desert oasis vacation spot for all of us. This vibrant village atmosphere is pedestrian friendly with something for everyone.

If you’re looking for glitz and glamour, you’re sure to find it. In fact, you can rent a home built for Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, or Lucille Ball.

Take your own tour of homes, some once owned, and many currently owned, by popular Hollywood stars. Just walking past Marilyn Monroe’s home or one once owned by Elvis immerses you in the vibe of Palm Springs. Just imagine who else

used to walk up those colorful tiled steps to visit Marilyn.

Want more glamour? Head to the Uptown Design District and try on a vintage gown or wander through the retro galleries and boutiques. When you need a break, stop and sip a signature cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants. Can’t you just see the Rat Pack hanging out at a table in the corner?

If glitz isn’t what you’re looking for and relaxation is more your style, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and watch the sun come up over the ever-changing, colorful Little San Bernardino Mountains. With over 350 days of sunshine per year, this is the warm, dry climate loved by so many. It’s easy to see why the population doubles in the winter. And, why it’s so easy to come here.

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Want to indulge in a little exercise and learn some history of the area at the same time?

Options are almost endless.

Indian Canyons, located a short drive from Palm Springs, is a 15-mile long Palm Canyon, one of the most beautiful in the area. This is the ancestral home of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have thrived here for thousands of years. Contrasting with the barren desert are rocky cliffs and formations reaching toward the bright blue sky. Walking through what is considered the largest California Fan Palm Oasis, with its waterfalls and streams, it’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of a desert.

It doesn’t matter if you want to hike or take a more leisurely walk, trails offer something for every level. Word of advice…get there early in the day if you’re Napa/Solano Edition

doing any serious hiking, and take water and sunscreen. Once out of the oasis, the desert sun can be brutal.

Time to cool off? Climb aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar and head up to the top of Mount San Jacinto. So what if it’s 95 degrees? When you reach the 8,516 feet summit, after passing through five unique life zones which range from the Mexica Sonoran Desert to the Alpine wilderness, you will be glad you brought your sweater. Seriously, I can’t even imagine how those towers were built. For the more adventurous, there are over 50 miles of hiking trails, including primitive campgrounds.

spend some time wandering through the Palm Springs Art Museum, with its 28 galleries and two sculpture gardens. Both are worth the visit.

Thirsty? Hungry? It truly seems, that whatever your palate is craving, you’ll find it here.

Some of my recommendations include: Sip an exquisite cocktail and try the hummus at The Tropicale Restaurant and Coral Seas Lounge. You’ll see why this place is always a winner.

Savor the special Parrilladas with one of the best margaritas at Rio Azul Mexican Grill. Add

zesty combinations. No ordinary chicken salad, the mango, dates, and spicy guacamole are sure to have a party in your mouth.

Complete your lunch with a famous margarita and you’re all set to watch people walk by.

Happy Hour at TRIO Palm Springs is not to be missed.

Locals, some famous, hang out here…and I can see why. It just feels right. Food and drink are pretty wonderful, too.

Another day, stop in at Jakes for lunch and dine alfresco in the cool courtyard. You’ve got to try the salad with grilled watermelon…amazing.

Looking for a little fun with your cocktails? The Tonga Hut offers that and more. Be sure to ask about their hidden room. Hint… it’s behind the telephone booth.

Whether you want a long weekend get-away spot, a destination where you can spend a month or more escaping the cold, or somewhere to explore where the locals are friendly, the food and drink are enticing, and the activities varied…Palm Springs is my choice.

Relaxing…not hurried.

Colorful…not boring. Now, that’s my idea of a vacation.

Looking for a little less adventure? Explore the Moorten Botanical Gardens, where you can view over 3,000 examples of desert cacti and other desert plants in this internationally famous living museum. Or,

in their guacamole made right at your table, and you won’t leave hungry.

Stop for lunch at Las Casuelas Terraza. Timeless tastes and traditional flavors mix with

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IF YOU GO: Palm Springs is centrally located in inland southern California, an easy two-hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, with daily flights to either Palm Springs or Ontario airports.

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YOU

Wasismaybe.!?

By Terry Minion

December.

Oh the holiday spirit, cooler weather, fire in the fireplace, children’s faces aglow in anticipation. It can be a very joyous time of the year if you’re in the right place at the right time in the right frame of mind, or at least on the postcard or magazine cover.

It is also often a time of reflection. How’s it going? Where have I been? What went well? What didn’t? And, from the annual New Year’s resolutions perspective, have I succeeded with matching my intentions? Or did all that promise evaporate in the middle of January? Are there regrets? Did I become better, or worse? The annual review of the highlights or lowlights of the year.

Then there is January. New Year. New Year’s Day. The annual resolutions. Our intentions. Our grand desires. Making the list, full of hope and expectation. I will. It will be. I want more. I want less.

I want better ________.

I see. I hear. I smell. I taste. I feel.

I experience.

In this period of time, December ending the year, and January beginning the new year, it is so easy to lose what is now, enjoying life now, loving others now, living in the now. This moment. This minute. This hour. This glorious day.

Having just had yet another birthday, and the older I get, the less I look back and the less I look forward. I no longer, and haven’t for some time now set new year’s resolutions, or intentions. Nor do I look back much anymore at what was, the so-called good ole’ days, or the mistakes or trauma. No. The older I get, and the wiser I become, the more I spend my time right here, right now, this moment.

Another choice of my gaining age and wisdom is that I tie my focus on now to a celebration of each moment I’m alive. I see. I hear. I smell. I taste. I feel. I experience. They say, ‘life is for the living,’ and how true that is to me now, and the living can only really be

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living when it is now. Looking back, or bringing the past into the present in my thoughts, or projecting my thoughts into the future is messing with the glory of now, the glory of life, of living.

So, in case you’re interested in joining me, I highly recommend letting the past go. It was. It was then. It is not now. In addition, I highly recommend giving no attention to the future. I might be. It’s a definite maybe, but it isn’t real yet because it isn’t now.

The only reality is. Right. This.

Moment. Now. This moment. Then this moment. Then this moment.

Feel the fullness of it. Feel the love it in. Feel the freedom of it. Feel the joy of it. Feel the experience of it. Experience the experience of it.

WasIsMabye.!? Was. Is! Maybe?

Hmmmm. I choose Is! Terry Minion is an owner/manager of www.UpwardTrend.org, a website, online marketing company based in Fairfield CA. He also writes the CTS Daily Inspirations at www.ctsdaily.net.

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LIFE

The Being Mortal Project

By Louise Joyce

(This is the first in a three-part series.)

It began with a book. A brilliant book.

Written by a physician with the heart of a writer, and in a language that we could all understand.

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, by Dr. Atul Gawande was published in October of 2014. It was a rare and beautiful glimpse into the mind, heart and process of a physician attempting to work with his patients at end-oflife. An acknowledgement of his limitations and a thirst to know more. On February 10th, 2015, the PBS television series Frontline first broadcast the documentary. Touching and powerful interviews with physicians working with patients at the endof-life. Heart-wrenching stories of those who would transition and leave their mark forever.

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In January of this year, Hospice Foundation of America put out the call on a national level for hospices to find a screening site within their locale, show the hour-long documentary and facilitate a discussion afterwards. As the Community Liaison for Yolo Hospice, this request landed in my e-mail inbox. My first thought was, this is doable. Our CEO, Craig Dresang, had met Dr. Atul Gawande in person and had his leadership team study the book weekly upon publication. My passion for the book was intact.

First, we needed a venue to land the event.

Knowing the power of the DVD, I gave a copy to Dallas Tringali, of the Woodland Senior Center.

I expressed my hope of landing a Being Mortal event at the Woodland Senior Center and knew that a large part of our audience would be seniors.

The Woodland Senior Center collaborating with Yolo Hospice on a Being Mortal event was a good community partnership. Dallas agreed, and as we toured the banquet room as a possibility, Dallas

asked, “How many are you expecting, Louise?”

over, fliers and e-mails to our Community Partners.

The Woodland Senior Center put it in their Senior Gram for the month of June.

I told him freely, “I don’t know, nobody wants to talk to the hospice girl. Maybe 25 to 40.” I knew that we had pulled numbers of up to forty from our Five Wishes events.

A Hospice Miracle Occurs Having created and worked events for years, from the very beginning there was something “If we needed more,” I asked. “How many could you special about Being Mortal. There was an air of hold?” effortlessness about it, as if we were coming to ease a great thirst and everyone wanted a drink.

“A hundred.”

Everybody that we asked for help said yes. That I laughed out loud and thought to feeling of effortlessness was myself, that would be a hospice ❝We had not yet fully confirmed in the numbers. Ten miracle. days before our June 10th event recognized its depth, we had RSVPs for a full house of We selected the date of Friday, its power. People 140. The Woodland Senior Center June 10th from 1-3 pm and were showing up in worked hard to expand the room gathered the rest of our community at the last moment to meet the partners.

Representatives numbers that left us need. We rushed to land a venue from Dignity Healthcare, The breathless.❞ for a second event for our wait list American Chinese Coalition for RSVPs. University Retirement Compassionate Care, UC Davis, Community of Davis stepped up in a hurry, and University Retirement Community and our very own while we all sat down for the documentary on Yolo Hospice made up the first team of discussion June 10th, we did so with a sigh of relief, that our facilitators for June 10th. St. John’s Retirement wait list RSVPs were currently being called and Village volunteered to be our food sponsor. We given the date of Tuesday, Aug 23rd at University advertised it to the community of Woodland, via Retirement Community for the next Being Mortal postcards into the homes of any resident 55 and

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LIFE perfect vehicle for such a task. We simply followed our hearts, to see if perhaps, this event would be another spoke we could introduce into the great wheel of easing suffering at end-of-life. It didn’t take us long to discover that The Being Mortal Project wasn’t a spoke, it was our greatest wheel.

presentation.

We were foolish then, children really, when we thought it would be enough. We had not yet fully recognized its depth, its power. People were showing up in numbers that left us breathless. We didn’t know then what we know now. That the conversation had to be the right vehicle, something with an air of gentleness and truth about it, so that it landed on you tenderly, so that you found yourself one degree less afraid to talk about the greatest unknown. We didn’t know then that The Being Mortal Project was the

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The calls kept coming. People were content to be on a wait list if the venue of their choice was full. We rallied to land the event at venues that understood the mission and felt passionate about the cause.

(The project and conversation will continue in our next issue)

Louise Joyce is the Community Liaison for Yolo Hospice, providing education, resources and support to community partners, as we care for our hospice patients wherever they call home. She has extensive experience working with seniors and veterans which she obtained from her time at Brookdale Senior Living in Vacaville, formerly known as Merrill Gardens and as the Marketing Director for The Californian and Acacia Glen Senior Apartments in Woodland. She recently celebrated five years with Yolo Hospice.

LIFE

Senior Isolation during the

A

H

bout one in five seniors reports being isolated, said Dallas Jamison, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Tens of millions of adults are chronically lonely, and a growing body of research has linked that isolation to disability, cognitive

lidays

decline, and early death.

Still another line of research suggests that loneliness and isolation doubles the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.

During the holidays, the impact of isolation and loneliness are greatly amplified. The holidays are known for family, togetherness, giving, and sharing. For a senior in isolation all of these warm holiday traditions are literally out of their reach.

Seniors in isolation are also more likely to develop Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic staff describes SAD as a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. For most people with SAD, symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping energy and again increasing feelings of sadness and loneliness.

“This is a public health issue of growing concern,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation. Stigma plays a large role in preventing seniors from seeking help. “Who wants to admit that, ‘I’m isolated and I’m lonely?’ It evokes feelings of shame and embarrassment” said Dallas Jamison.

Humans evolved to live in social groups, and we’re most comfortable when we feel part of a group or community. Make a Solano County senior feel like they are a part of our community by Adopting-a-Senior this holiday season. For $20 you can feed a senior for one month; for $120 you can feed a senior for six months; and for $240 you can feed a senior for a whole year.

During the holidays, the impact of isolation and loneliness are greatly amplified.

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Napa/Solano Edition

HEALTH

Walk Supports NorthBay’s Adult Day Center

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glorious walk around the Suisun City waterfront in October not only raised local awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, but also helped generate some $14,000 for NorthBay Healthcare’s Adult Day Center Program, which helps patients and families struggling with dementia and memory loss.

It was all part of the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser, which raised more than $178,000 in Solano County for the Alzheimer’s Association.

NorthBay Healthcare Adult Day Center and its supporters fielded four teams and more than 130 walkers in the fundraising event, held Oct. 22. Their efforts alone raised just over $23,000.

In an agreement with the Alzheimer’s Association, 60 percent of those funds will be returned to the organizations that raised them. According to NorthBay Adult Day Center Program Manager Sandy Perez, the $14,000 will provide scholarships for program participants.

NorthBay offers adult day services through a supervised group program that offers respite for caregivers and enjoyable activities for those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory loss disorders.

Participants at the Adult Day Center benefit from social interaction and a specialized therapeutic program, while

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caregivers gain time during the day to work or recharge.

NorthBay team members have walked more than 1,100 miles and raised more than $50,000.

The facility, 3777 VacaValley Parkway in Vacaville, offers a safe environment, with activities focused on maximizing each person’s remaining function and capabilities. Staff are specially trained to work with patients who suffer from memory loss.

NorthBay Healthcare employees, family, friends and patients have been activley involved in supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the last four years. In that time, NorthBay team members have walked more than 1,100 miles and raised more than $50,000.

Solano County’s

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Thank you for making us your #1

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seven years in a row, thank you!

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23

Napa/Solano Edition

LIFE have been screened by the shelter veterinarian, are fully vaccinated, and must get along with other animals and people. The majority of the Animal Assisted therapists (the pets) have been rescued from shelters or other similar situations.

SPCA Pet Therapy Interview with Kelly Palm, DVM Using excerpts from Derek Palm’s project report

T

hree years ago, this was a service project started by a teenager. Today, this is a program which gives seniors in assisted living facilities something to look forward to.

On holidays like Halloween and Christmas the animals get dressed up during their visit, which is something the residents look forward to. Just how do you dress up a turtle?

Kelly tells me volunteers notice a difference in the residents when the animals walk in the door. The stress level goes down, depressed looks disappear, and the entire place takes on a much happier atmosphere.

Clinically, it has been proven residents who interact with animals as therapists require less doctor visits, have lower blood pressure, are calmer, and have a lowered heart

Not just the seniors… Volunteers and pet therapists enjoy watching the animals interacting with the people. It is truly a win…win… win.

So how and why did this start?

Derek Palm needed a service project for his senior year. This was three years ago. His mom is the shelter veterinarian for the SPCA of Solano County. She suggested Derek use the idea from UC Davis, where veterinary students take their pets to visit local seniors in assisted living facilities on weekends. So, why not do it here? He tried it, with the blessing and help of Debbie Dillion, Executive Director of the SPCA. Currently the pet therapy program has four cats, one turtle (yes…a turtle), and 11 dogs that regularly visit Brookdale in Vacaville at both the Ulatis and Leisure town locations. These animals boom 24

rate. Alzheimer’s patients, who might be withdrawn, come out of their shell when they see the animals. All around, a good day for everyone.

Derek learned their visits were often the high light of the residents’ day. He also believes his project makes a difference in the lives of people. Judging by their response, I would agree.

As you might expect, this valuable and positive program is in demand, with more facilities requesting this service. The SPCA is currently accepting new pet and volunteer teams.

Volunteers and their pets are screened for specific behavior and to make sure the pet is current on vaccinations. They also need to make sure your pet gets along with others… pets and humans.

Then, the volunteer needs to show proof of either home owner insurance or renter insurance, in case of an incident during the visit.

How do you find out if you and your pet can be a part of this worthwhile and exciting program?

Contact volunteer@solanospca.com for more information.

Derek says he dedicated his project to Snowball, a resident of the SPCA that passed away December 6, 2013. He was a pioneer of this project and he will be greatly missed.

Thanks, Derek and Dr. Palm, for starting this amazing program. Let’s keep it going and growing.

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Napa/Solano Edition

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Senior Centers American Canyon Senior Center 2185 Elliott Drive American Canyon 707-647-4369

Napa Senior Activity Center 1500 Jefferson Street Napa 707-255-1800 Florence Douglas 333 Amador St. Vallejo 707-643-1044

Please contact your local Senior Center for Schedule & Event Information

Fairfield 1200 Civic Center Drive 707-428-7421 McBride 91 Town Square Vacaville 707-469-6660 Rio Vista Senior Center 25 Main Street, Rio Vista 707-374-3349

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Dixon 201 South 5th St. 707-678-7022 Suisun City 318 Merganser Dr. 707-421-7203 Benicia Senior Center 187 L Street 707-745-1202 Senior Center Without Walls seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org 877-797-7299

Napa/Solano Edition

Learn how to use and enjoy transit in Solano County.

Our Transit Training Program Will Teach You How To: • Read schedules • Plan a trip • Find your stop • Board and get off the bus

• Pay your fare • Use transfers • and more...

Do you use your public transportation system?

If so, we need your expertise.

• Help people become more independent using transit • Introduce new transit users to bus travel and public transportation

★ Volunteers receive a FREE monthly transit pass.★

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707-446-6500

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1345 GATEWAY BLVD, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533

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Resource Guide - Important Local Phone Numbers SOLANO COUNTY

NAPA COUNTY

AREA AGENCY ON AGING

AREA AGENCY ON AGING: 800-510-2020

The toll free number will automatically route the caller to the city of residence.

NAPA OMBUDSMAN: 707-258-9348

1-800-510-2020

Administrative Offices: F a i r f i el d: V a ca v i l l e: V a l l ej o:

PTS_Sol_OctNov09:Layout 1

9/29/09 8:00 ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

644-6612 4 2 9 -6 2 3 5 4 6 9 -6 6 7 9 6 4 3 -1 7 9 7 AM

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1-800-660-1993

NORTHBAY ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE CENTER

IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: 707-253-3818 ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES: 707-253-4625 MEALS ON WHEELS: 7077-253-6111 NAPA VALLEY HOSPICE & ADULT DAY: 707-258-9080

707-624-7971

Reaching Across the Generations NORTHBAY ALZHEIMER'S DAY CARE CENTER When older adults across the generations 707-624-7970 Fax: reach 707-624-7969 to become mentors for children, everyone beneSENIOR DAY PROGRAM fits.FAIRFIELD It is for these reasons that the Solano Inter707-428-7742Partnership was formed. generational

CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTERis a TheREDWOOD Solano Intergenerational Partnership 800-834-1636 composite of individuals and professionals representing andVolunteer senior’s services with FAITH INchildren’s ACTION: Interfaith Caregivers of Solano County, Caregiver Respite Program, Ride with Pride & Cancer Patient Navigator Program the goal of promoting intergenerational opportuSouthpractices Solano County: 707-425-6164 Solano nities, and policies throughout North Solano County: 707-469-6675 County.

IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES If you are interested in learning more(I.H.S.S.) about intergen-

Public Authority: 707-784-8259 erational initiatives and opportunities please contact I n t a k e L i n e: 7 0 7 -7 8 4 -8 2 5 9 Rochelle Sherlock at 707-864-3984 or rochelle_sherMEALS ON WHEELS of Solano County lock@comcast.net.

Home Delivered Meals: 707-425-0638 i As cited in Zedlewski, S., & Butrica, B. (2007). Are We Taking Full AdDixon, Fairfield, RioPotential?

Vista, Suisun & Vacaville vantage of Older Adults’ Perspectives on Productive Aging, Number 9, December 2007, http://www.urban.org Home Delivered Meals: 707-644-7444 ii When Older Adults are Involved in the Community, the Benefits are Mu& Vallejo tual,Benicia (2004). The AdvantAge Initiative. http://www.vnsny.org/advantage/resources.html#facts Congregate Dining: 707-426-3079 iii As cited in Zedlewski, S., & Butrica, B. (2007). Are We Taking Full AdSenior centers in Solano County vantage of Older Adults’ Potential? Perspectives on Productive Aging, Number 9, December 2007, http://www.urban.org

HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING & ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP) 800-434-0222

We use gentle effective SOLANO OMBUDSMAN 24-Hour Hotline:technique 800-231-4024

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES We specialize in Sciatica, 707-784-8259

Arthritis, Headaches, Knee Problems, 24-Hour Hotline: 800-850-0012 Degeneratie Disc Disease, Plantar Fascitis, All Body Pain & Pain Management "I guarantee

Providing 50+ seniors a resource for social interaction while providing support and information through social services, nutrition, recreation and travel opportunities.

NO MEMBERSHIP FEE REDUCED-FARE TAXI CARDS AVAILABLE MOST EVENTS ARE AT NO OR LOW COST

318 Merganser Drive • 707-421-7203

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.• Monday through Friday

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Find these reading glasses in our magazine and be registered to win a $50 Olive Garden gift card! Simply e-mail the PAGE NUMBER and your NAME and ADDRESS or enter by mail by 1/15/2017. primetimeliving@aol.com or

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