Del Mar Community Connections
Del Mar Community Connections
Schedule of Events and Activities                                                           October 2008
In This Email
Thought du Jour
Bus Trip to UTC
Join us at the Movies!
Telephone Reassurance Program
Jerry Finnell Volunteer of the Year
Flu Shots
West Nile Virus Warning
New Hours!
Ongoing Events & Activities
Honor Our Veterans
Biggest Mistakes Claimants Make
Online Mah Jongg
Thanks, Winston School!
Health Forum Discussions
Tai Chi At Last!
Medicare Questions?
Quick Links
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Thought du Jour
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? ~Satchel Paige

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Bus Trip to Home Depot, Target & Armstrong Nursery
dmcc busFriday, October 10th 
Need to pick up some supplies for gardening or another project around your house or apartment?  Join us Friday, October 10 from 9 am to 1 pm as the DMCC shuttle bus travels to Target, Home Depot and Armstrong Nursery in Encinitas.  As always, our friendly driver Scott or smiling bus host and will carry your packages to the door when we return you home.  If you would like to join us, call Heather to reserve your seat at 792-7565.
La Jolla Playhouse Trip
inviteSee The Third Story
This month, we have FREE tickets to a Saturday matinee at the La Jolla Playhouse to see The Third Story, about a brazen out of work Hollywood screenwriter who collaborates with her son to create an uplifting, imaginative and endlessly funny script.  Tickets are limited, so don't miss the bus! Call the office to sign up at 792-7565.
Telephone Reassurance Program
As a Project Care organization, Del Mar Community Connections is now offering the Telephone Reassurance program to those living in the City of Del Mar.  The program replaces the "Are You OK?" Program previously administered by Meals on Wheels.  It is designed to generate a daily check-up call Monday through Friday to Del Mar residents and those clients previously receiving this service by Meals on Wheels in the Del Mar environs. Our office will supervise the calls from Monday through Friday.  The call time can be tailored to fit your morning schedule.  If you would like to sign up to receive this service, call Heather at 792-7565. 
Jerry Finnell Volunteer of the Year
Ann Silber is the 2008 Jerry Finnell Volunteer of the Year for her endless devotion, friendship and service to all of us through many decades.  Congratulations, Ann!
flu shotFriendly Reminder
October 8th
Flu & Pneumonia Shots
Our annual Flu Shot Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 from 9 am to 3 pm In the City Hall Annex and we have several exciting guests planned to entertain you while you wait to get your shots. 
Don't miss out! If you haven't made your reservation yet, call 858-792-7565 now. Both Flu and Pneumonia shots will be available.  When you call, please advise whether you are covered by Medicare A or B.
West Nile Virus
2 Reports in Del Mar
The second case of West Nile Virus was reported in Del Mar last month.  Both victims were over age 50, a susceptible group for WNV, and both incidents occurred at the south end of town.
 
Fight the Bite
Protect yourself:
Wear long sleeves & pants when outdoors.  Light colored clothing lets you see mosquitos before they bite you.
 
Use insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535.
 
Eliminate standing water in your yard that might be in old tires, bird baths, plant saucers or play equipment.
 
Stock decorative pools & ponds with Mosquito Fish.
 
Report mosquito breeding areas or dead birds.
 
Representatives from San Diego Vector Control will be making a presentation at the October 6 City Council meeting, so tune in to Channel 24 to learn more.
New Office Hours for DMCC! 
We're Closing Alternate Fridays 
Starting the first week in October, the DMCC office will be closing every other Friday, but staying open longer on the other days.  Office hours are now 7:30am - 5:30pm.  Office closures will be listed on the DMCC website calendar.

yellow house

 
Dear Friends, Neighbors and Supporters,

Thank you to everyone who turned out for Bella Luna, our annual fundraising party, held Thursday, September 18.  From the peach bellini welcome cocktails to dancing with our shoes kicked off, it seemed a great time was enjoyed by all. We appreciate the generous support of the community we so lovingly serve.
 
Starting October 7, a counselor from Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be available in our office for one-hour appointments to help you with your Medicare issues. Counselors will be in the DMCC office the first and third Tuesday of every month  to discuss prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, long term care insurance and home health care. If you have appeals to file or discrepancies with your health care claims, please make an appointment to iron out these problems. Call 1-800-434-0222 to schedule an appointment. HICAP is administered by Elder Law and Advocacy and funded by the California Department of Aging and County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services.
 
As promised, Tai Chi by the Sea will start in November. Tai Chi, the gentle movement exercise, is a noted assistance with strengthening balance. The location of the classes will be at our Powerhouse Park. Parking is kindly offered to us at Jake's restaurant. The instructor will be Mary Ann Soward, a long-practiced Tai Chi teacher. Enroll in this class by calling the San Dieguito Adult Education Program at 760-753-7073, ext. 3148 or online at www.sdadulted.com.

Our Saturday movie excursion this month is being pre-empted by a trip to La Jolla Playhouse to see The Third Story.  Our shuttle bus will also be traveling to Target, Home Depot and Armstrong Nursery in Encinitas October 10th, and we also have an upcoming trip to the USS Midway planned in November for a special Veteran's Day Memorial Service. The details for each are contained in the newsletter.

We will keep you alerted as new programs and services begin, which seems to be often with the resourceful hands of our Program Manager Heather Glenn.

Until next month!
Warm regards,
Shirley King,
President

Ongoing Events & Activities

Unless noted otherwise, call DMCC at 858-792-7565 for more information on any of the following activities.
 
Mondays
Computer Tutoring for Seniors
9 -11:30 a.m.  
Free!  In Partnership with Casa di Amistad and the Solana Beach Senior Center, DMCC offers FREE computer tutoring plus use of Web Adapt technology for those with vision challenges.  120 Stevens Ave., SB, Computer Lab, Room 108.
 
Health Education Forum Discussions with Dr. Mark Kalina
9 - 11:30 a.m.
Free!  Interactive discussions designed to empower participants to experience a higher level of health & well-being.  September 22 - November 10.  St. Peter's Parish.  Reservations recommended; donations welcome.
 
Warm  Water Aerobics Class for Del Mar Seniors
12 Noon to 1 p.m.
 
Noonan Family Swim School, Jimmy Durante Blvd.  Fee:  $6/class or $30 for 6 classes.  Register in class. 
 
Tuesdays
Senior Fitness Classes by San Dieguito Adult Ed
Three one-hour classes:  8, 9 and 10 a.m. T/Th 
(10 a.m. class is with chair)
Fall session September 2 - October 30. All classes at Del Mar Powerhouse.  Register by phone 760-753-7073 ext 3418 or online at www.sdadulted.comFee:  $15.
 
Wednesdays
Shuttle Bus Service to go Grocery Shopping
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
DMCC shuttle bus provides pick-up at City of Del Mar residents' homes and takes them alternately to either Henry's in Solana Beach or Trader Joe's in Encinitas.  There is always a cheerful bus host on board to assist riders loading and unloading their purchases.  Suggested donation:  $3.  Call 858-792-7565 24 hours in advance to arrange pick up.  New Bus Hosts are always needed and it's FUN!  Please volunteer! 
 
Mah Jongg Games
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free!  No partner necessary.  Upstairs in the Powerhouse Community Center.  For more information, call June Strasberg 858-755-4680.
 
Bridge
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free!  No partner necessary.  Downstairs in the Powerhouse Community Center.  For more information, call DMCC office.
 
Thursdays
Senior Fitness Classes by San Dieguito Adult Ed Three one-hour classes:  8, 9 and 10 a.m. T/Th 
(10 a.m. class is with chair)
See Tuesday description for details
 
Shuttle Bus Service to go Grocery Shopping
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
DMCC shuttle bus provides pick-up at City of Del Mar residents' homes and takes them to Vons on Mango and Ralph's Shopping Center in DM Highlands.  There is always a cheerful bus host on board to assist riders loading and unloading their purchases.  Suggested donation:  $3.  Call the DMCC office 24 hours in advance to arrange pick up.  New Bus Hosts are always needed and it's FUN!  Please volunteer!
 
Life Story Writing
9 - 11:30 a.m.
September 4 - October 23 at St. Peter's Library with Mai Lon Gittelsohn.  Register by phone 760-753-7073, ext. 3418 or online at www.sdadulted.com.  Fee:  $15.  (also offered Fridays - see below)
 
Knit and Stitch - October 2, (First Thursday of each month) 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Free!  Bring your own project and share an idea.  At the Del Mar City Library.  For details, call Regina Horner at 858-755-1931.
 
Fridays 
Life Story Writing
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
September 5 - October 24 at St. Peter's Library with Mai Lon Gittelsohn.  Register by phone 760-753-7073, ext. 3418 or online at www.sdadulted.com.  Fee:  $15. 
 
Silver Age Yoga for Seniors
10 - 11 a.m.
Free! With chairs or on the floor.  Chairs provided; bring your own yoga mat for floor work.  Teacher trained and certified by Silver Age Yoga.  At St. Peter's Parish Hall. 
 
Senior Legal Services - October 31 (Last Friday of each month) 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Free! For seniors 60 and older in the 92014 zip code area.  Attorney provides advanced healthcare directive, power of attorney, wills, referrals and more.  Must call DMCC office for an appointment and to confirm date.
 
Ongoing
Rides to Medical Appointments:  DMCC volunteers, using their own cars, drive City of Del Mar residents to medical appointments.  Call a week in advance to reserve a ride.  To become a volunteer driver, call the DMCC office.
 
Dial-A-Ride Taxi Vouchers for seniors over age 62 and residents with special needs who live in the City of Del Mar are available through DMCC.  Call the office for details.
Salute to America's Veterans 
amflagAboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum 
Join us for a shuttle bus trip to this very special Veteran's Day Memorial Salute hosted by VITAS bereavement staff and a military chaplain which will include patriotic music, stories, refreshments and color guard from the San Diego Chapter Sons of the American Revolution on Friday, November 7, 12 -3 pm.
 
Honor a veteran by writing his or her name on a ribbon medallion to be hung on an eagle and displayed in the VITAS office.  Those who cannot attend can call 858-499-8901and request that a name be added.  All veterans in attendance will be awarded a certificate of appreciation. 
 
RSVP to DMCC by 5:30 pm, Tuesday, November 4 to ride the shuttle bus.
9 Biggest Mistakes Claimants Make
Social Security Disability Benefits
According to the Atcheson & Keppler Law Firm, here are some of the biggest mistakes they see people make in applying for Social Security disability benefits:
1.  Not applying soon enough - many months of eligibility can be lost.
2.  Taking 'no' for an answer - not appealing a denial.
3.  Taking 'yes' for an answer - accepting a late onset date and thus reducing the back benefit award. 
4.  Missing appeal deadlines, or not applying again if this happened.
5.  Not requesting that prior applications be reopened.
6.  Not considering depression as an aspect of an illness.
7.  Not verifying that all medical records are in the file.
8.  Believing that a simple note from a doctor saying you are "disabled" is enough to win.
9.  Not knowing that you can be eligible for worker's compensation, VA benefits and other private insurance programs at the same time as Social Security disability payments.
Shanghai Solitaire
invitePlay Mah Jong Online
Stretch your multicultural muscles with Shanghai, also known as MahJong Solitaire. The goal is to match two identical MahJong tiles that are on top of or along the edge of the pyramid until you get to the bottom. You can play a simple game online free at MahJonged.com.  Be careful, though!  It's addictive and we bet you can't play just one game!  If you want to learn how to play the real thing, join June Strasberg upstairs at the Powerhouse Wednesdays 10am - 2pm.
Heartfelt Thanks 
Winston School Students 
The Winston School students have generously donated their time and efforts every week to keep our shuttle bus clean! They have diligently washed the windows, swept the floors, wiped down the seats and straightened the seatbelts all so that our Del Mar "seasoned" citizens can ride in comfort during their weekly bus trips shopping. Thank you, Winston School students!
Weekly Senior Health Forum Discussions 
invitewith Dr. Mark Kalina
Dr. Kalina has created a series of topics designed to engage participants in an interactive discussion and empower them to experience a higher level of health and well-being.  Attend the ones of interest to you.  Reservations encouraged.  Free, however donations are welcome.  Mondays, 9:30-11am at St. Peter's Parish Hall.
 
October 6 - Cancer - A Path to Healing (at the City Hall Annex)
October 13 - Alternative and Complementary Medicine
October 20 - Finding and Maintaining Balance (at the Annex)
October 27 - Working with Body Pain
November 3 - Re-thinking the End of Life
November 10 - Putting It All Together
 
Dr. Kalina has a passion for improving the quality of medical care for seniors.  He was primary care physician at Scripps Clinic for 16 years.  From 1997-1999, he was medical director of the Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease; director of Scripps Clinic Wellness and Prevention Programs from 1998-2000, and led senior groups with his patients for 10 years.
Tai Chi By the Sea 
inviteBeginning November 13th!
It has taken us awhile to locate the perfect instructor, and we know she will have been worth the wait!  Mary Ann Soward will teach Tai Chi by the Sea at our lovely Powerhouse Community Center, and students can choose to have class inside or out, depending on the weather.   Classes will be held Mondays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. from 11/13/08 to 1/12/09.  Combine Tai Chi with the exercises you learned in your Matter of Balance class!  Register through San Dieguito Adult Ed beginning October 13 by calling 760-753-7073 ext. 3418 or online at www.SDAdultEd.com.  Fee: $48 for 7 classes. 
Medicare Questions?
Ask the HICAP Counselor 
A HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) counselor will be available at the DMCC office the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 9am to 12 noon.  If you need help with your prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance, or health claim appeals, call for a free appointment:  1-800-434-0222.

Del Mar Community Connections is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.  Neighbors helping neighbors to create a web of safety, service and support.