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Aging and Independence

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Clariza Viola Suero
Clariza Viola Suero

Elvie Eggleston, 71, was told by her doctor that she is prediabetic. She then learns about a diabetes prevention program called "Sweet Victory" that focuses on lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help participants lose weight and reduce their risk of developing diabetes. The program involves weekly group sessions where participants learn about nutrition, set goals, and support each other. Five months into the program, Elvie has lost 15 pounds and improved her health markers. She has made long-lasting changes like bringing healthy snacks to social events and choosing healthier restaurant options.

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Until recently, Elvie Eggleston, 71, never gave it a second thought when ordering a cheese Danish to accompany her morning coffee. As someone who had been exercising regularly for several years and who en- joyed fruits and vegetables, she wasn’t especially concerned about her health or those extra pounds that had crept on during the years she had spent work- ing as an office assistant. But hearing from her doctor at a routine visit that she is now considered “prediabetic” changed all that. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine out of 10 people with prediabetes are not aware that they have the condition. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, between 15 and 30 percent of peoplewithprediabeteswill develop type 2 diabetes within five years, plus be at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Shortlyafterherdoctor’sappointment,Elviecameacross a flyer for the diabetes prevention program, “Sweet Vic- tory,” at the Fourth District Senior Resource Center. She signed up, eager for information and support that could help her lose some weight and improve her health. Sweet Victory consists of 16 weekly, one-hour group lifestyle coaching sessions. The goal of the program is to help participants lose seven percent of their body weight March 2016 Sweeter Than Sugar: Avoiding Diabetes (Continued on next page) at a rate of one to two pounds a week. Participants learn about healthy nutrition, completing food and physical activity logs, and brainstorming with classmates about how to manage different challenges that may come up. Then there is the weekly weigh-in to help keep people informed of their progress. “In the beginning,” Elvie says, laughing, “I always wore this really light pair of summer pants. I needed every advantage!” Thecombinationofclassroomlearn- ing, accountability, and peer support has been a winning combination for Elvie. “I love the homework…and there is a lot of work tracking calories and grams of fat. It’s like being in school, but it has helped me see all my bad habits.” She is making better choices and planning ahead so there are always healthy snacks on hand. “Three days a week I play cards and people bring cookies and other treats. I started bringing my own healthy snacks. Everyone is watching to see what I’m doing. Last week someone actually brought snap peas.” Eating away from home is a pitfall for many people, but Elvie is able to honor her preference to dine out while still sticking to her goals. “I’ve got my ‘go-to meals,’” Elvie By Ellen Schmeding Director, Aging & Independence Services Elvie Eggleston
(Continued from page one) explains. “They gave us a list of all the healthiest choices at different restaurants, so I can still go to El Pollo Loco or Panda Express.” Five months into the program, Elvie’s hard work has paid off. Not only has she lost 15 pounds, but her blood pressure and cholesterol levels have improved. Her old clothes are starting to fit again. All this success has come without a feeling of depriva- tion. “I’m not dieting…I’m just writing everything down.” Elvie now finds that she can wait for special occasions to indulge in a Danish. She prefers, instead, the sweet taste of success. Research shows that structured lifestyle interventions such as Sweet Victory can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half. To find a “Sweet Victory” class near you, call (858) 495-5588. For more information on how to prevent or manage diabetes, visit theAmerican DiabetesAssociation website at http://www.diabetes.org/. Jimbo’s...Naturally! customers donated more than $5,200 in December for our More on the Menu (MOM) program, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income, homebound seniors. Shown are (from left) Kelly Hartford, Jimbo’s; Mark Sellers, AIS; Jack Risely, with the Carls- bad Senior Center, one of our MOM Contractors. For more on MOM, visit www.GiveToMOM.org. Building An Age-Friendly Community Can your home accommodate your needs as you get older? How about your neighborhood? How about your city and county? The term “Age-Friendly Communities” refers to a vision developed by the World Health Organization and AARP, and which fits our Live Well, San Diego initiative. Imagine aligning our sur- roundings with our physical and mental needs as we age. Imagine enabling all people to actively participate in their communities regardless of their age. What would it take? An age-friendly community would make it easier for older people to stay connected to others who are impor- tant to them. It would help people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provide appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves. Join us to brainstorm how we can make San Diego County a shining example of an age-friendly commu- nity, one that serves old and young alike. During the next two months, we will be offering feedback forums to discuss your ideas. Then on June 15, we will hold an Aging Summit to further address what an age-friendly community could look like. But that won’t end the dis- cussion as we will be working for several years to turn the ideas and plans into reality. Public Feedback Forums The County of San Diego wants to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how we might shape an age- friendly community and give us feedback on needed ser- vices and programs. Light refreshments will be served. Monday, March 7, 10-11:30 a.m. at the South Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Ave., Chula Vista 91911. Thursday, March 17, 12-1:30 p.m. at the San Diego LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego 92103. Wednesday, March 30, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Encini- tas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas, 92024. Wednesday, April 27, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Scripps Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Dr., San Diego, 92131. For more information, contact Sarah “Sally” Jackson: sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 495-5525. Aging Summit 2016: Save the Date Our next Aging Summit conference will be held Wednesday, June 15. The free event will be held at two locations: the Town & Country Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego 92108; and at the California Center for theArts, Escondido, 340 N. Escon- dido Blvd., Escondido 92025. Registration is coming soon. Visit www.aisevents.org for details.
Honoring Almost Time to Celebrate Volunteer recognition time is right around the corner. RSVP/SVA had so much fun celebrating volunteers in September and October of 2015 that we just couldn’t wait a whole year to do it again. Recognition events will be held in May 2016. More details will be coming soon. We will do three regional events again this year. Come and join in the fun with other volunteers from your community. Meet new friends and catch up with old ones. Join us as we honor and celebrate your dedica- tion and service! Volunteers Needed Office Work Have you been looking for a place to put your office skills to work and make a difference in your community? Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) is look- ing for office volunteers for filing and other duties. The mission of SCRC is to help families and communities master the challenges of caring for adults with chronic and disabling conditions. Law Enforcement There are opportunities to volunteer with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, city police departments and the California Highway Patrol. Learn more about your community and how policing works, do patrols and make wellness check visits. Support for Seniors Would you like to help a senior? ElderHelp provides personalized services and information that help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes. Volunteers are needed as friendly visitors, helpers with grocery shopping or minor home repairs and drivers for doctor’s appointments. If you have the time and the passion, we have a vol- unteer activity for you. Call the senior volunteer office at (858) 505-6399. RSVP: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer of the Month The RSVP volunteer of the month, Robert “Zeb” Zbornak, was nominated by California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Oceanside. Zeb is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and pilot who flew many combat missions in Vietnam in support of the Green Berets. Zeb joined the CHP, Se- nior Volunteer Program in Oceanside in 1997 and continues to be an asset 19 years later. He has received seven commendations from the Oceanside Area Com- mander for his service. One assignment for which he received special recognition was providing traffic control for a motorcade consisting of over 100 police vehicles including family, friends, and dignitaries from the CHP Headquarters in Sacramento. He also was recognized for assisting with the closing of the I-5 freeway and rerouting of traffic after a large tanker truck crashed. He remained on duty at the scene for 13 hours. Other activities Zeb has participated in include as- sisting with the Community Outreach Program as well as several DUI checkpoints, one of which removed 37 vehicles from the streets for various violations. Zeb makes integrity the cornerstone of his commitment to the Senior Volunteer Patrol and serves as an example to all around him. He dedicates himself to the challenge of gaining the knowledge and proficiency necessary to be an exceptional volunteer. His actions and deeds are viewed as a reflection of the California Highway Patrol and all that it stands for. Zeb exhibits the qualities of good citizenship and professionalism and is respected by his peers. Zeb serves with dedication to our community just as he did while serving his country. Congratulations, Zeb, and thank you for your service! SVA: Senior Volunteers in Action Zeb Zbornak
‘Healthier Living’Workshops These interactive and goal-oriented workshops were developed by Stanford University to help people self-manage their chronic health conditions.The program consists of a workshop that meets 2½ hours per week for six weeks, led by two trained peer educators who also have a chronic condition. March 8 – April 12 (Tuesdays) from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Escondido Senior Center, 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 92025. New classes are added regularly at locations throughout the county. For more information or to find a class near you, visit www.HealthierLivingSD.org, or call: (858) 495-5500, ext. 3. Please leave a message; your call will be returned promptly. Intergenerational Games For the past 14 years, active older adults (50+) and third- grade students have joined together for the annual Intergenerational (IG) Games event at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. TheGamesofferadultsandyouth the opportunity to connect while having fun engaging in non- competitive fitness and wellness activities such as paddle tennis, nutritional bingo, and ultimate Frisbee. Enrollment is open for older adultparticipantsattheIGGames to be held at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista on April 5. Contact Pam Plimpton at (858) 495-5769 or pam.plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov. A North County IG Games will be held in San Marcos on March 30. To participate, contact BrynnViale at (760) 740-3045 or brynn.viale@sdcounty.ca.gov. An IG Games designed especially for foster youth ages 12 – 17 will be occurring at Point Loma Nazarene Uni- versity on March 12. Contact Selina Brollini at (858) 616-5832 or selina.brollini@sdcounty.ca.gov. Low-Cost Computers Have you or someone you know held off on buying a computer due to the cost? The San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF) can help. Low-cost, refurbished computers, complete with Microsoft Office software are available to older adults and those who are lower income. Computer classes and volunteer teaching opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit www.sdfutures.org or call (619) 269-1684. Farewell to Editor Denise Nelesen After 16 years as Communications Manager for AIS and editor of this publication, Denise Nelesen is re- tiring to share more adventures with her 93-year-old dad. Denise was also editor of the Safe Seniors newslet- ter. Both publications will continue with the new editor: Sarah (“Sally”) Jackson. Denise, a licensed clini- cal social worker with a degreeinjournalism,came toAIS in 1999 after having a private psychotherapy practice, working with VITAS Hospice and writing a regular column called “Seniority” for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Sally has a Master’s degree in social work and has worked with AIS since 2008. Please send calendar items for the Aging & Indepen- dence bulletin by the 10th of each month to sarah.jack- son@sdcounty.ca.gov or mail to her at P.O. Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193-3217. Life Coaches Needed Make a difference in the life of a young person. The Workforce Academy for Youth (WAY) seeks older adults(50+)tobelifecoachestoemancipatingfosteryouth who are interning with the County. Training and support isprovided.Theprogrampaysastipendof$250permonth for a commitment of three to five hours a week of mentor- ing. For details, contact Pam Plimpton, Intergenerational Coordinator, at (858) 495-5769 or email: pam.plimpton@ sdcounty.ca.gov. Financial Wellness Seminars San Diego County Library is partnering with San Di- ego County Credit Union to offer free weekly instruc- tion and counseling in personal finance. Financial Well- ness Wednesdays classes will be held at participating library branches on Wednesdays throughout March. Topics include Building a Better Budget, Rebuilding After a Financial Crisis, and Understanding Credit Re- ports. For the list of classes and locations, visit: http:// www.sdcl.org/financial-wellness.html. Denise Nelesen
March 5, Saturday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A Healing Arts Group for individu- als coping with disability from any neurological disorder will be held at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Center, 354 Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas. To register or for additional informa- tion, call: (760) 633-6709. March 7, Monday 12:30-2:30 p.m. “Smartphones: Which One Should You Buy?” workshop will be held at the College Ave. Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San Diego 92120. Explore the pros and cons of different phones and plans. For more information, call: (858) 637-3270. March 9, Wednesday 10-11:30 a.m. A “Memory Café” for individuals concerned about or experiencing memory loss is held at the Poway Senior Center on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Enjoy socialization, relaxation, refreshments, discussion, and en- tertainment. Family members or caregivers are welcome as guests. To register, learn more, or find other sites throughout the County, call (858) 412-7337 or email memo- ryguides@gm​ail.com. Send In Your Items Thismonthlycalendarwelcomesyour contributions. Just send items by the 10th of each month preceding the issue date to: Sarah Jackson, editor, Aging & Independence Services, PO Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193- 3217. Or you can e-mail to: sarah. jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov. March 11, Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. “Operation Family Caregiver,” a free educational conference for military and veteran family caregivers, will be held at the North Inland Live Well Center, 649 W. MissionAve., Escon- dido, 92025. Lunch provided. To RSVP, call Southern Caregiver Re- source Center at (858) 268-4432. March 13, Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The “Spring Forward Music Festival and Pet Expo” will be held at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escon- dido 92025. Live entertainment, an organic food fair, arts and crafts, a pet “fashion runway” and more. For details, call (866) 991-3747 or visit www.springforwardfestival.com. March 15, Tuesday 5:30 p.m. “LivingYour Best Life” seminar with Dr. LaseAjayi from Rady/UCSD and Scripps Mercy will discuss nutrition, healthy lifestyles and fitness at the Crest Library, 105 Juanita Lane, El Cajon 92021. For more infor- mation, call Paula Soltero at (619) 442-7083. March 16, Wednesday 9 a.m.-Noon “Spring into Healthy Living” event presented by Sharp Grossmont Hos- pital will be held at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 91978. Workshops, health screenings, community re- sources and more. Free continental breakfast. To RSVP, call AARP at (877) 926-8300. March 23, Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tax return assistance by certified AARP volunteers will be available at the Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, 91977. Volunteers will answer questions and can prepare state and federal tax re- turns for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. For more information, call: (619) 463-3006. March 23, Wednesday 6:30 p.m. “RebuildingAfter a Financial Crisis” will be held at the Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #17, Santee 92071. A San Diego County Credit Union representative will share in- formation on budgeting, repaying debt, rebuilding credit, establishing emergency savings, and replenishing retirement savings. For more infor- mation, call: (619) 448-1863. March 31, Thursday 12:45-2 p.m. “The Importance of Awe” with UCSD Psychiatry professor Dr. Raeanne Moore will be held at the College Ave. Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San Diego 92120. Explore the importance of awe in our lives and how it relates to our overall well- being. For more information, call: (858) 637-3270. Advisory Council The AIS Advisory Council will meet at noon Monday, March 14, atAIS, 5560 OverlandAve., Third Floor, San Diego 92123. These meetings are open to the public.
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN, TURN TO US. Ellen Schmeding Helen Robbins-Meyer Dave Roberts, District 3

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Aging and Independence

  • 1. Until recently, Elvie Eggleston, 71, never gave it a second thought when ordering a cheese Danish to accompany her morning coffee. As someone who had been exercising regularly for several years and who en- joyed fruits and vegetables, she wasn’t especially concerned about her health or those extra pounds that had crept on during the years she had spent work- ing as an office assistant. But hearing from her doctor at a routine visit that she is now considered “prediabetic” changed all that. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine out of 10 people with prediabetes are not aware that they have the condition. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, between 15 and 30 percent of peoplewithprediabeteswill develop type 2 diabetes within five years, plus be at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Shortlyafterherdoctor’sappointment,Elviecameacross a flyer for the diabetes prevention program, “Sweet Vic- tory,” at the Fourth District Senior Resource Center. She signed up, eager for information and support that could help her lose some weight and improve her health. Sweet Victory consists of 16 weekly, one-hour group lifestyle coaching sessions. The goal of the program is to help participants lose seven percent of their body weight March 2016 Sweeter Than Sugar: Avoiding Diabetes (Continued on next page) at a rate of one to two pounds a week. Participants learn about healthy nutrition, completing food and physical activity logs, and brainstorming with classmates about how to manage different challenges that may come up. Then there is the weekly weigh-in to help keep people informed of their progress. “In the beginning,” Elvie says, laughing, “I always wore this really light pair of summer pants. I needed every advantage!” Thecombinationofclassroomlearn- ing, accountability, and peer support has been a winning combination for Elvie. “I love the homework…and there is a lot of work tracking calories and grams of fat. It’s like being in school, but it has helped me see all my bad habits.” She is making better choices and planning ahead so there are always healthy snacks on hand. “Three days a week I play cards and people bring cookies and other treats. I started bringing my own healthy snacks. Everyone is watching to see what I’m doing. Last week someone actually brought snap peas.” Eating away from home is a pitfall for many people, but Elvie is able to honor her preference to dine out while still sticking to her goals. “I’ve got my ‘go-to meals,’” Elvie By Ellen Schmeding Director, Aging & Independence Services Elvie Eggleston
  • 2. (Continued from page one) explains. “They gave us a list of all the healthiest choices at different restaurants, so I can still go to El Pollo Loco or Panda Express.” Five months into the program, Elvie’s hard work has paid off. Not only has she lost 15 pounds, but her blood pressure and cholesterol levels have improved. Her old clothes are starting to fit again. All this success has come without a feeling of depriva- tion. “I’m not dieting…I’m just writing everything down.” Elvie now finds that she can wait for special occasions to indulge in a Danish. She prefers, instead, the sweet taste of success. Research shows that structured lifestyle interventions such as Sweet Victory can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half. To find a “Sweet Victory” class near you, call (858) 495-5588. For more information on how to prevent or manage diabetes, visit theAmerican DiabetesAssociation website at http://www.diabetes.org/. Jimbo’s...Naturally! customers donated more than $5,200 in December for our More on the Menu (MOM) program, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income, homebound seniors. Shown are (from left) Kelly Hartford, Jimbo’s; Mark Sellers, AIS; Jack Risely, with the Carls- bad Senior Center, one of our MOM Contractors. For more on MOM, visit www.GiveToMOM.org. Building An Age-Friendly Community Can your home accommodate your needs as you get older? How about your neighborhood? How about your city and county? The term “Age-Friendly Communities” refers to a vision developed by the World Health Organization and AARP, and which fits our Live Well, San Diego initiative. Imagine aligning our sur- roundings with our physical and mental needs as we age. Imagine enabling all people to actively participate in their communities regardless of their age. What would it take? An age-friendly community would make it easier for older people to stay connected to others who are impor- tant to them. It would help people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provide appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves. Join us to brainstorm how we can make San Diego County a shining example of an age-friendly commu- nity, one that serves old and young alike. During the next two months, we will be offering feedback forums to discuss your ideas. Then on June 15, we will hold an Aging Summit to further address what an age-friendly community could look like. But that won’t end the dis- cussion as we will be working for several years to turn the ideas and plans into reality. Public Feedback Forums The County of San Diego wants to hear from you. Share your thoughts on how we might shape an age- friendly community and give us feedback on needed ser- vices and programs. Light refreshments will be served. Monday, March 7, 10-11:30 a.m. at the South Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Ave., Chula Vista 91911. Thursday, March 17, 12-1:30 p.m. at the San Diego LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego 92103. Wednesday, March 30, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Encini- tas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas, 92024. Wednesday, April 27, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Scripps Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Dr., San Diego, 92131. For more information, contact Sarah “Sally” Jackson: sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 495-5525. Aging Summit 2016: Save the Date Our next Aging Summit conference will be held Wednesday, June 15. The free event will be held at two locations: the Town & Country Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego 92108; and at the California Center for theArts, Escondido, 340 N. Escon- dido Blvd., Escondido 92025. Registration is coming soon. Visit www.aisevents.org for details.
  • 3. Honoring Almost Time to Celebrate Volunteer recognition time is right around the corner. RSVP/SVA had so much fun celebrating volunteers in September and October of 2015 that we just couldn’t wait a whole year to do it again. Recognition events will be held in May 2016. More details will be coming soon. We will do three regional events again this year. Come and join in the fun with other volunteers from your community. Meet new friends and catch up with old ones. Join us as we honor and celebrate your dedica- tion and service! Volunteers Needed Office Work Have you been looking for a place to put your office skills to work and make a difference in your community? Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) is look- ing for office volunteers for filing and other duties. The mission of SCRC is to help families and communities master the challenges of caring for adults with chronic and disabling conditions. Law Enforcement There are opportunities to volunteer with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, city police departments and the California Highway Patrol. Learn more about your community and how policing works, do patrols and make wellness check visits. Support for Seniors Would you like to help a senior? ElderHelp provides personalized services and information that help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes. Volunteers are needed as friendly visitors, helpers with grocery shopping or minor home repairs and drivers for doctor’s appointments. If you have the time and the passion, we have a vol- unteer activity for you. Call the senior volunteer office at (858) 505-6399. RSVP: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer of the Month The RSVP volunteer of the month, Robert “Zeb” Zbornak, was nominated by California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Oceanside. Zeb is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and pilot who flew many combat missions in Vietnam in support of the Green Berets. Zeb joined the CHP, Se- nior Volunteer Program in Oceanside in 1997 and continues to be an asset 19 years later. He has received seven commendations from the Oceanside Area Com- mander for his service. One assignment for which he received special recognition was providing traffic control for a motorcade consisting of over 100 police vehicles including family, friends, and dignitaries from the CHP Headquarters in Sacramento. He also was recognized for assisting with the closing of the I-5 freeway and rerouting of traffic after a large tanker truck crashed. He remained on duty at the scene for 13 hours. Other activities Zeb has participated in include as- sisting with the Community Outreach Program as well as several DUI checkpoints, one of which removed 37 vehicles from the streets for various violations. Zeb makes integrity the cornerstone of his commitment to the Senior Volunteer Patrol and serves as an example to all around him. He dedicates himself to the challenge of gaining the knowledge and proficiency necessary to be an exceptional volunteer. His actions and deeds are viewed as a reflection of the California Highway Patrol and all that it stands for. Zeb exhibits the qualities of good citizenship and professionalism and is respected by his peers. Zeb serves with dedication to our community just as he did while serving his country. Congratulations, Zeb, and thank you for your service! SVA: Senior Volunteers in Action Zeb Zbornak
  • 4. ‘Healthier Living’Workshops These interactive and goal-oriented workshops were developed by Stanford University to help people self-manage their chronic health conditions.The program consists of a workshop that meets 2½ hours per week for six weeks, led by two trained peer educators who also have a chronic condition. March 8 – April 12 (Tuesdays) from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Escondido Senior Center, 210 Park Avenue, Escondido 92025. New classes are added regularly at locations throughout the county. For more information or to find a class near you, visit www.HealthierLivingSD.org, or call: (858) 495-5500, ext. 3. Please leave a message; your call will be returned promptly. Intergenerational Games For the past 14 years, active older adults (50+) and third- grade students have joined together for the annual Intergenerational (IG) Games event at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. TheGamesofferadultsandyouth the opportunity to connect while having fun engaging in non- competitive fitness and wellness activities such as paddle tennis, nutritional bingo, and ultimate Frisbee. Enrollment is open for older adultparticipantsattheIGGames to be held at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista on April 5. Contact Pam Plimpton at (858) 495-5769 or pam.plimpton@sdcounty.ca.gov. A North County IG Games will be held in San Marcos on March 30. To participate, contact BrynnViale at (760) 740-3045 or brynn.viale@sdcounty.ca.gov. An IG Games designed especially for foster youth ages 12 – 17 will be occurring at Point Loma Nazarene Uni- versity on March 12. Contact Selina Brollini at (858) 616-5832 or selina.brollini@sdcounty.ca.gov. Low-Cost Computers Have you or someone you know held off on buying a computer due to the cost? The San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF) can help. Low-cost, refurbished computers, complete with Microsoft Office software are available to older adults and those who are lower income. Computer classes and volunteer teaching opportunities are also available. For more information, please visit www.sdfutures.org or call (619) 269-1684. Farewell to Editor Denise Nelesen After 16 years as Communications Manager for AIS and editor of this publication, Denise Nelesen is re- tiring to share more adventures with her 93-year-old dad. Denise was also editor of the Safe Seniors newslet- ter. Both publications will continue with the new editor: Sarah (“Sally”) Jackson. Denise, a licensed clini- cal social worker with a degreeinjournalism,came toAIS in 1999 after having a private psychotherapy practice, working with VITAS Hospice and writing a regular column called “Seniority” for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Sally has a Master’s degree in social work and has worked with AIS since 2008. Please send calendar items for the Aging & Indepen- dence bulletin by the 10th of each month to sarah.jack- son@sdcounty.ca.gov or mail to her at P.O. Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193-3217. Life Coaches Needed Make a difference in the life of a young person. The Workforce Academy for Youth (WAY) seeks older adults(50+)tobelifecoachestoemancipatingfosteryouth who are interning with the County. Training and support isprovided.Theprogrampaysastipendof$250permonth for a commitment of three to five hours a week of mentor- ing. For details, contact Pam Plimpton, Intergenerational Coordinator, at (858) 495-5769 or email: pam.plimpton@ sdcounty.ca.gov. Financial Wellness Seminars San Diego County Library is partnering with San Di- ego County Credit Union to offer free weekly instruc- tion and counseling in personal finance. Financial Well- ness Wednesdays classes will be held at participating library branches on Wednesdays throughout March. Topics include Building a Better Budget, Rebuilding After a Financial Crisis, and Understanding Credit Re- ports. For the list of classes and locations, visit: http:// www.sdcl.org/financial-wellness.html. Denise Nelesen
  • 5. March 5, Saturday 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A Healing Arts Group for individu- als coping with disability from any neurological disorder will be held at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Center, 354 Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas. To register or for additional informa- tion, call: (760) 633-6709. March 7, Monday 12:30-2:30 p.m. “Smartphones: Which One Should You Buy?” workshop will be held at the College Ave. Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San Diego 92120. Explore the pros and cons of different phones and plans. For more information, call: (858) 637-3270. March 9, Wednesday 10-11:30 a.m. A “Memory Café” for individuals concerned about or experiencing memory loss is held at the Poway Senior Center on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Enjoy socialization, relaxation, refreshments, discussion, and en- tertainment. Family members or caregivers are welcome as guests. To register, learn more, or find other sites throughout the County, call (858) 412-7337 or email memo- ryguides@gm​ail.com. Send In Your Items Thismonthlycalendarwelcomesyour contributions. Just send items by the 10th of each month preceding the issue date to: Sarah Jackson, editor, Aging & Independence Services, PO Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193- 3217. Or you can e-mail to: sarah. jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov. March 11, Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. “Operation Family Caregiver,” a free educational conference for military and veteran family caregivers, will be held at the North Inland Live Well Center, 649 W. MissionAve., Escon- dido, 92025. Lunch provided. To RSVP, call Southern Caregiver Re- source Center at (858) 268-4432. March 13, Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The “Spring Forward Music Festival and Pet Expo” will be held at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escon- dido 92025. Live entertainment, an organic food fair, arts and crafts, a pet “fashion runway” and more. For details, call (866) 991-3747 or visit www.springforwardfestival.com. March 15, Tuesday 5:30 p.m. “LivingYour Best Life” seminar with Dr. LaseAjayi from Rady/UCSD and Scripps Mercy will discuss nutrition, healthy lifestyles and fitness at the Crest Library, 105 Juanita Lane, El Cajon 92021. For more infor- mation, call Paula Soltero at (619) 442-7083. March 16, Wednesday 9 a.m.-Noon “Spring into Healthy Living” event presented by Sharp Grossmont Hos- pital will be held at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, 91978. Workshops, health screenings, community re- sources and more. Free continental breakfast. To RSVP, call AARP at (877) 926-8300. March 23, Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tax return assistance by certified AARP volunteers will be available at the Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, 91977. Volunteers will answer questions and can prepare state and federal tax re- turns for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. For more information, call: (619) 463-3006. March 23, Wednesday 6:30 p.m. “RebuildingAfter a Financial Crisis” will be held at the Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #17, Santee 92071. A San Diego County Credit Union representative will share in- formation on budgeting, repaying debt, rebuilding credit, establishing emergency savings, and replenishing retirement savings. For more infor- mation, call: (619) 448-1863. March 31, Thursday 12:45-2 p.m. “The Importance of Awe” with UCSD Psychiatry professor Dr. Raeanne Moore will be held at the College Ave. Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San Diego 92120. Explore the importance of awe in our lives and how it relates to our overall well- being. For more information, call: (858) 637-3270. Advisory Council The AIS Advisory Council will meet at noon Monday, March 14, atAIS, 5560 OverlandAve., Third Floor, San Diego 92123. These meetings are open to the public.
  • 6. WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN, TURN TO US. Ellen Schmeding Helen Robbins-Meyer Dave Roberts, District 3