Page March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

With Spring right around the corner think about taking some time to partake in fun springtime activities that can help to not only improve cognitive function but happiness as well, according to the National Institute of Health. Even if mobility is a problem, you can choose adventures and venues that cater to the handi-cap and are wheelchair accessible.

Here are a few favorite springtime activities that are good for the soul:

1. Choose a local park or nature trail forwalks.Many landmarks, local parks and even naturetrails are appropriate for seniors (and arewheelchair accessible)! Do a little researchahead of time to find out what outdoor naturedestination is a good choice.

2. Visit a farmersmarket.There’s nothing likefresh fruits, vegeta-bles and local artsand crafts to inspireyou. Getting out into

the fresh air with other adults, children and of-ten pets is also beneficial. It might be fun to

choose a recipe before the outing to help inspire the palette with organic food as you peruse the market.

Whether it’s local landmarks, historical sites or sporting events, visiting tourist attrac-tions are good for the mind and for combating cabin fe-ver.

6. Eat outdoors at a restaurant or cafe.Good company, food and ambiance are all a reci-pe for success. Satisfy your palate and take time

Field Trips, Shopping, Errands

4

Volunteer Spotlight 8

3. Partake in spring Events & Presentations 10 cleaning.When there’s light outside Class Schedule coming in through the win-dows, clutter and dust are suddenly visible. It’s always healthy to do a little spring cleaning to create a comfortable ambiance. You might even want to put up a spring wreath and other fresh decorations.

4. Go fishing.If you are mobile, you canventure to many fishing spots,but even those who are wheel-chair bound can cast from apier or bridge over a creek orriver. Peruse your area for the perfect fishingspot.

5. Enjoy tourist attractions.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page 2 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Learn about nutrition and how to cook healthy cultural foods. Each demon-

stration event will have a cultural theme and will involve three dishes. We will take mo-ments to present about the health benefits of specific ingredients as well as the impact of nutrition on cardiovascular health. This pro-gram is funded through a grant from the Heart2Heart Program.

Learn about Berkeley’s hazards; how to stay safe during emergencies; family communication plans; disaster kits; and Alameda County (AC) Alerts.

Mini disaster kit Informational items Berkeley Ready magnet

Come enjoy the show as students showcase their many talents to entertain and show you a great time! The Mission of the Afro Latin indigenous Travel club (A.L.I.T.) is to promote cultural awareness and diversity, by connecting students, alumni, parents, and community members through service based projects both locally, and abroad.

Enjoy day trips, assistance with accessing community resources, hot lunch, clas-ses, informational presenta-tions, friends, and fun!

Senior Center membership is FREE and EASY for community members age 55 and over. Call your senior center today for more infor-mation about how to join!

Page 3 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

In the spirit of the “Go Further with Food” theme of March’s National Nutrition Month, try to

become a “budgetarian” by making food choices that offer both cost and nutritional value.

Beyond savings on your food bill, consider the possibilities—lower blood pressure, lower cho-

lesterol and triglycerides, and improved blood sugar control. These benefits can lead to fewer

doctor visits, potential decrease in medications, improved

ability to exercise, better emotional state, etc. It’s cycli-

cal, and saves even more money!

Our individual grocery bills can take a large chunk of our

monthly income, and we feel the pinch when food prices rise while our incomes do not. With a mission to reduce food costs and food waste, changing the way we shop and eat could result in more healthful dietary practices. Thankfully, some of the most nutritious foods

available can be a fantastic value. A true advocate of the budgetarian philosophy, much thought and care goes into every senior center lunch meal, resulting in solid nutrition within a very tight budget. Thank you for participating and supporting our program! Foods that provide some of the best bang for your buck

In-season fruits and vegetables, or plain frozen vegetables

Brown rice (often a little more $ than white, but better nutritional value)

Whole-wheat pasta and couscous (buy in quantity when on sale)

Chicken in value-packs (look for sales, freeze in two- or four-piece packs)

Beans, magical beans. Buy low-sodium canned, or cut costs by cooking dried, which

isn’t much work and can be frozen in small batches.

Canned tuna (buy several water or oil-packed albacore when on sale)

Eggs—great protein, versatile—scramble, fry, hard-boil, add to hot, just-drained pasta

or make a quick version of stir-fried rice (leftover rice and leftover or frozen vegeta-

bles). When on sale, buy extra—beaten eggs can be frozen for up to three months

(always defrost in the refrigerator; 3 tablespoons=1 egg).

London Broil or flank steak. If you occasionally enjoy beef, these are lean cuts, so

you’re not paying for fat. Great in sandwiches, salads and stir-fries.

Page 4 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Members participating in field trips

Please DO NOT park in the Senior Center parking lots. Be mindful of any parking restrictions in the areas sur-

rounding the senior centers, such as: street cleaning; area time limits, etc.

Excursions Leaving from NORTH Berkeley Senior Center Fill out a Field Trip Request and turn it in, or call North Berkeley Senior Center by 4:30 pm on the first business day of the month to sign up for the lottery.

A lottery will be held at the end of the day to determine your spot on the trip or wait list. Trips scheduled for the first week of the month will appear on the previous months sign up. Late sign-ups will be listed on a first-come, first-served basis depending on space available.

Participants must call to determine their spot on the trip list.

Members may sign up for three (3) total trips per month: up to two (2) “long” trips are allowed.

Excursions Leaving from SOUTH Berkeley Senior Center Fill out a Field Trip Request and turn it in or call South Berkeley Senior Center starting at 9:00 am on the first business day of the month.

Spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. Trips scheduled for the first week of the month will appear on the previous month’s sign up. Once spaces on the bus are filled, participants will be placed on the wait list.

Participants may only make trip reservations for themselves.

RETURN TRIP: Drivers will wait no more than 15 minutes after the agreed meeting time for field trip participants to board the bus. Once the bus departs, participants will be responsible for their own return transportation. Please plan accordingly!

WALK SCORE: Some trips may include walking on unpaved or uneven surfaces or may have other challenges. The key below will help to identify walking conditions.

For complete information about signing up for trips, please see senior center staff.

Page 5 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Pez Museum (Burlingame) Date: Wednesday, 3/7/18 Time: 10:00 am—3:30 pm Admission: $2 Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking China Wall Buffet (Concord) Date: Wednesday, 3/14/18 Time: 10:30 am—2:00 pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2 Lunch: $9.19 + beverage, senior discount Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light walking Movie: “A Wrinkle In Time” (TBD) Date: Tuesday, 3/20/18 Time: TBD Admission: $6 Transportation: Free Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Short; Light walking Museum of the African Diaspora (San Francisco) Date: Wednesday, 3/28/18 Time: 10:00 am—3:30 pm Admission: $5 Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Heavy walking de Young Museum (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 4/3/18 Time: 10:00 am—3:30 pm Admission: Free / special exhibit fees apply Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Heavy walking

Museo Italo Americano (San Francisco) Date: Wednesday, 03/14/18 Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light- Moderate

International Art Museum of America (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 03/20/18 Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Admission: $15; $10 Admission (65+) Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light-Moderate

Regal Jack London Stadium 9 (Oakland) Date: Tuesday, 03/27/18 Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (Movie starts @12:30) Admission: $6 Transportation: Free Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Short; Light

Contemporary Jewish Museum (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 04/03/18 Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light-Moderate

Treasure Island Culinary Academy (San Francisco) Date: Thursday, April 04/05/18 Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm (Seating at 12 noon) Admission: n/a Transportation: $2 Lunch: $13 Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light

Page 6 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

The Seed to Flower Collaborative is pleased to announce that it has begun a free grocery distribution twice a month.

Groceries will be distributed from the South Berkeley Senior Center and available to members of the North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, and to families of students at John Muir and Malcolm X Elementary Schools.

To start, the distribution will consist of produce and bread only. Over the next couple of months, we will add items including: fresh produce, meat, dairy, and shelf stable items!

Please remember to bring your own grocery bags.

for quality bonding with family and friends. 7. Visit a nursery. Nurseries are an excellent place to visit be-cause you can partake in your indoor and out-door plant preferences, which adds to the ex-citement factor. Beautifying both indoors and outdoors provides some color and enjoyable ambiance.

8. Go on a picnic. Pack a delicious lunch with a comfortable blan-ket and enjoy the out-doors, picnic style. You

can bring binoculars for bird watching, books to read, or cards for some outdoor game-fun. 9. Plant an herb garden. To go along with healthy eating, a modest herb garden provides not only gardening fun, but also healthy and tasty ingre-dients for your favorite dishes. You can also plant a potted herb garden inside! 10. Go see a show. Whether a local theatre production or a fancy opera; getting dressed up and having a fun evening watching a show adds not only a little fun to senior-life, but also some culture. Source: https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/4-05-16-springtime-activities-for-seniors/

Mare Island Museum (Vallejo) Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Admission: $5 Transportation: $2 Lunch: On Your Own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Light-Moderate

Page 7 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

ATTENTION: Members may sign up via the Field Trip sign-up to participate in shopping trips departing from South Berkeley Senior Center.

SHOPPING

Day Where Time

Tues, 3/6 Dollar Tree (Richmond)

1 –3 pm

Tues, 3/13 Walmart (American Canyon)

10 am - 1:30 pm

Wed, 3/21 Costco (Richmond) 10:30 am - 1 pm

Tues, 3/27 Foods Co. (Oakland) 1 - 3:30 pm

Wed, 4/4 Dollar Tree (Richmond)

1 - 3 pm

Day Date Time

Mondays 3/5; 3/12; 3/19; 3/26

10 am - 12 pm

Thursdays 3/1; 3/8; 3/15; 3/22; 3/29

1 - 3 pm

ERRANDS

SHOPPING

Day Where Time

Thurs, 3/15 Costco (Richmond) 11 am - 2 pm

Mon, 3/19 Sprouts (Albany) 11 am - 2 pm

Tues, 3/27 Berkeley Bowl West

11 am - 2 pm

Mon, 4/9 Safeway (Berkeley) 11 am - 2 pm

ATTENTION: Members must sign up via the Field Trip lottery to participate in trips to Costco, departing from North Berkeley Senior Center.* Must have your own Costco Membership to participate.

Day Date Time

N/A

ERRANDS

*Folding carts OK. Must be folded while on the bus.

Page 8 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Simone Caovantrang was born in 1934. Sheattended Collège Chasseloup-Laubat in Saigon, Vietnam.

Simone migrated to the USA in 1982. From 1990 to 1992 she volunteered at Summit Hospital, and for almost two years she was a Houng viet (Vietnamese language) teacher in Oakland. Simone is fluent in Vietnamese, French and Eng-lish.

Simone joined the North Berkeley Senior Center in 1991, and has been a reliable Gift Shop vol-unteer from 1992 until today where she contin-ues to volunteer with her hus-band, Michael Hooker.

We appreciate Simone for her invaluable support to our sen-ior center, specially her support of the NBSC Gift Shop.

Your input is needed to make Berke ley a livable and enjoyable city for all ages. Keep an eye out for surveys that

will are available at your senior center . We want to hear from YOU!

South Berkeley Senior Center volunteers, we will acknowledge and show our deep apprecia-tion for everything that

you continue to do for the Berkeley senior community. Please join this event as we celebrate YOU!

See what opportunities are available!

Page 9 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

What is Kinship Care?

Kinship care is the full-time care, nurturing and protection of children by relatives, godparents, step-parents, or any adult who has a kinship bond with a child. Kinship Families offer a positive, stable, safe alternative placement for children who are unable to live with their biological parents.

You Are Not Alone!

Recent figures show that there are 20,000 minor-aged children living in households headed by grand-parents and other relative caregivers in Alameda County alone.

How Can Family Support Services Help YOU?

Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP) leads a collaborative of partners who offer an array of services from which caregivers can choose. Services are offered in English and Spanish, and may include: Information and referral Crisis intervention Case management Support Groups Workshops and trainings Assistance with legal guardianship Kinship Youth Program Limited emergency respite

How to Get Started?

The First Step is to Call: (510) 834-2443 ext. 3008

Tell Them What You Need: Experienced staff will talk with you about your unique situation, and how the program can work with you to meet your family’s goals.

Schedule an Appointment: They can come to your home, or you can go to their office. It’s your choice.

Come to a Support Group if you want to: Groups are free, and you will meet others who understand your successes and challenges. A monthly support group is offered at the South Berkeley Senior Center! (see “The Kinship Support Group” below)

For more information:

Kinship Support Services Program Family Support Services of the Bay Area 401 Grand Avenue, Suites 200 & 500 Oakland, CA 94610 (510) 834-2443

Source: http://fssba.org/our-services/kinship-support

Are you a Relative Caregiver taking care of another relative’s child? You are not alone! Come share experiences and learn strategies in a supportive environment. Qualified childcare will be available.

Page 10 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

SBSC Trip Planning Committee Day: Thursday, 3/1/18 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am Location: Office A

Our Story Group Day: Thursday, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/18 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am Location: Classroom A

Brown Bag Program Distribution & Annual Registration by Mercy Retirement Care Center Annual Registration: Friday, 3/2/18 Distribution: Friday, 3/2/18 & 3/16/18 Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: Multipurpose Room Description: Annual registration for new and existing participants, bring proof of age & in-come. Annual donation of $10 is greatly appreci-ated.

HICAP Counseling Day: Fridays, 3/2/18 & 3/16/18 Time: 1 – 3 pm Location: Health Room Description: To make an appointment, call (510) 832-3040. Free counseling and advocacy toMedicare beneficiaries about Medicare, supple-mental insurance, prescription drug plans andmore.

American Bone Health Day: Monday, 3/5/18 Time: 1 – 2 pm Location: Lounge

Free Blood Pressure Check provided by Lifelong Medical care Day: Mondays, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26/18 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Dining Room

SBSC Advisory Council Meeting Day: Wednesday, 3/7/18 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am Location: Conference Room A

Financial Wellness by World System Builders Day: Thursday, 3/8/18 & 3/22/18 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am Location: Lounge Description: Learn the basic principles of build-ing a strong financial foundation.

Volunteer Appreciation Party Day: Friday, 3/9/18 Time: 2 – 4 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Mobile Food Pantry Donated by The Seed to Flower Collaborative Day: Friday, 3/9/18 & 3/23/18 Time: 2 – 4 pm Location: Parking lot

More Than Food Cooking Demonstra-tion hosted by UC Berkeley’s Blood PressureProject & City of Berkeley’s Heart 2 Heart Program Day: Friday, 3/9, 4/13 & 5/11/18 Time: 3 – 4:15 pm Location: Dining room

Legal Assistance For Seniors Day: Monday, 3/12/18 Time: 1 – 2 pm Location: Lounge

Intergenerational Arts & Crafts with the Girl Scouts Day: Friday, 3/16/18 Time: 10 - 11 am Location: Multipurpose Room

Quarterly Birthday Party Day: Friday, 3/16/18 Time: 1 -4 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

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Learn about bone health and fracture pre-vention.

The Kinship Support Group Day: Monday, 3/19/18 Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm Location: Conference Room B

Berkeley Rent Board Day: Tuesday, 3/20/18 Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Location: Dining room

The Joy of Aging Grace Wright, Center for Independent Living Day: Monday, 3/26/18 Time: 1 – 2 pm Location: Lounge

Talent Show by KIIP King High School African-Latin Indigenous Travel Club Day: Friday, 3/30/18 Time: 1 – 2:30 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Advanced DirectiveDay: Monday, April 2, 2018 Time: 1 – 2 pm Location: Conference Room B

Learn about the services offered by Legal Assistance for Seniors, as well as the eligibility criteria for receiving services.

Join us to celebrate members with birthdays in January, February, and March. Dancing, refreshments, cake, and ice cream!

A rent board counselor will provide one on one assistance with questions that you might have as a tenant or landlord.

Learn about how to plan the care you’d like to receive if you ever become unable to make decisions for yourself. Learn basic principles of building a strong

financial foundation.

Page 12 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

NBSC Trip Planning Committee Day: Thursday, 3/1/18 Time: 1 - 2 pm Location: Gameroom B Additional: Trip suggestions can be placed in the white suggestion box located in the lobby.

Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Dog Day: Friday, 3/2/18 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Brown Bag Program (Donated by Mercy Retirement Care Center) Day: Fridays, 3/2/18 & 3/16/18 Time: 12 - 2 pm Location: Health Room Additional: If you would like to register please bring proof of Income and ID.

New Senior Orientation Day: Monday, 3/5/18 Time: 10 - 11 am Location: Health Room Additional: New members will receive infor-mation about our programs & services.

FREE Blood Pressure Checks (Provided by LifeLong Medical Care)Day: Wednesdays, 3/7; 3/14; 3/21; 3/28/18 Time: 10 am - 12 pm Location: Hallway adjacent to the Coffer Bar

NBSC Advisory Council Meeting Day: Wednesday, 3/7/18 Time: 10 - 11 am Location: Health Room

Elder Voices (Everyone welcome!)Day: Wednesday, 3/7/18 Time: 1 - 4 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group Day: Thursday, 3/8/18 Time: 3 - 4 pm Location: Classroom C

Clothing Giveaway Day: Friday, 3/9/18 Time: 1 - 3 pm Location: Workshop B

New Volunteer Orientation Day: Monday, 3/12/18 Time: 1 - 2 pm Location: Health Room Additional: New volunteers will learn senior center policies and procedures, and about how to volunteer successfully.

Piano Concert with Lisa Siragusa Day: Wednesday, 3/14/18 & Tuesday, 3/27/18 Time: 1 - 2 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

March Birthday Celebration Day: Wednesday, 3/21/18 Time: 1 - 3 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Commission on Aging Meeting Day: Wednesday, 3/21/18 Time: 1 - 3 pm Location: Classroom C

Page 13 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group Day: Wednesday, 3/21/18 Time: 3 – 4 pm Location: Library

Financial Wellness Workshop Day: Friday, 03/23/18 Time: 10:30 – 11:30am Location: Library

Gray Panthers Meeting Day: Wednesday, 3/28/18 Time: 1:30 -4:00 pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Join us to celebrate February birthdays! Music, dancing, and cake! Everyone is welcome!

Learn basic principles of building a strong financial foundation.

Page 14 March 2018 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors

Aging Services Division 1901 Hearst Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 981-5200

The City of Berkeley Aging Services Division welcomes participants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, veterans’ status, disabilities (physical & mental), and medical condition (including cancer & HIV status).

Tri City Café Lunch Program Lunch is served daily at both Senior Center locations at 12:00 PM (unless otherwise noted)

$3 for members 60+ (suggested contribution) $5 for members 55 - 59

Cash, and weekly or monthly checks accepted. No one 60+ is turned away for inability to contribute.

Senior Center membership is FREE and EASY for community members aged 55 and over! Call or visit your senior center today for more information about how to join.

Email: seniors@cityofberkeley.info Web: www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors