Anniversary Issue of the Ashby Village News, July 2011

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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

One Year Anniversary Issue

Distributed to Village members and to others who have expressed an interest.

The Ashby Village Member Digest, published between newsletters, is not available to the public.

In This Issue

Upcoming Events

Word on the Street

Help!

Volunteers & Vendors

Milestones

New Members

Contacts

Contact Us

2330 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 204-9200

info@ashbyvillage.org

On the Web

www.ashbyvillage.org

Celebrating

Volunteers

We would like to recognize our Board and Committee members, service volunteers, pro-bono consultants, and many others (totaling over 110) who are helping craft this

remarkable Village

__________

Ada Burko

Alison Colgan

Andra Lichtenstein

Andrea Mok

Andy Mardesich

Anupama Parajule

Arielle Calugay

Barbara Freeman

Barbara Warsavage

Barbi Jo Stim

Betty Webster

Bev Davis

Bruce Watts

Carmel Hara

Carole Kennerly

Caroline Summer

Carolyn Erskine

Charlotte Herzfeld

Cheryl Crane

Daniel Sabsay

Danielle Peregory

Darryl Katz

Diane Resek

Earl Cheit

Elizabeth Carty

Enid Pollack

Eva Yarmo

Evelyn Hendricks

Gabriela Kramer

Gloria Bayne

Gloria Davis

Grace Wahlberg

Harriet Charney

Ilse Eden

Irene Marcos

Irene Rosenthal

Jack Kurzweil

Jacqulin Veta

Jan Taradash

Jane Ellison

Jane Hoberman

Jane Selby

Janet Cole

Jessica Li

Judy Kellman

Joan Cole

Joann Sullivan

Joanne Backman

Joseph Mixer

Judy Boe

Judy Brown

Julianne Morris

June Cheit

Karen Miller

Kay Licina

Keesje Fischer

Larry Yabroff

Laura Peck

Leda Dederich

Luciano Corazza

Lucy Scott

Lula Greene

Madison Parsons

Marcia Freedman

Margaret Neidorf

Marianne York

Marica Edelen

Marion Anderson

Marjorie Wolf

Mark Goldman

Marlene Bagdikian

Martin Paley

Michael Lara

Michelle McGuinness

Milton Mozen

Mitchell Haynesworth

Myown Hymer

Naneen Karraker

Natalie Peterson

Pat Klahn

Pat Sakai

Patricia Sussman

Patricia Carvalho

Paul Axelrod

Peter Sussman

Priscilla Camp

Priscilla Palmer

Rachel Kahn-Hut

Raynard Lozano

Renu Ray

Robert Davis

Roberta Pressman

Robyn Thomas

Sam Ciofalo

Samuela Evans

Sandy Simon

Shirley Haberfeld

Sondra Jensen

Sonia Spindt

Stephani Lesh

Steve Lustig

Susan Chainey

Susan Poor

Susan Tieger

Suzanne Bourque

Suzanne Riess

Sylvia Russell

Ted Roszak

Thelma Peck

Tiffani Walton

Tobey Klein

Tom Boyden

Veta Jacqulin

Walter Park

Wendy Reiser

William Webster

_____

This list is not exhaustive. If we missed your name, please let us know so we can include you in a list of additions in our next Newsletter

July 2011

As we begin our second year, it is with great pride that we report that 95% of memberships that came due by June 30th have been renewed. Thank you for this clear vote of confidence.

In this anniversary issue there are interviews with Ashby Village founders, and current officers on its Board, reflecting upon the beginnings of our Village.

Along with continuing to strengthen the programs and services of our Village, year two brings exciting new developments:

We are currently searching for an Operations Coordinator to assist in creating a strong, efficient administrative base.
Partnerships (or Linkages) are being discussed with numerous organizations, including Jewish Family & Children's Services of the East Bay, and the UC Berkeley Retirement Center.
We are beginning a year-long Strategic Planning Process that will involve all Village members to renew and update our goals and visions.

On Our First Birthday

by Elaine Hooker Jackson
Five years ago, longtime Berkeley neighbors and friends Pat Sussman and Shirley Haberfeld read an article about Beacon Hill Village in Boston, and the idea resonated. Their mutual enthusiasm led to numerous sidewalk conversations and ultimately culminated in the founding of Ashby Village.

Shirley Haberfeld and Pat Sussman at Yasai

Shirley and Pat at Yasai Market

where the conversation began

The issue that captivated them was summed up in another context by Geoff Hoyle in his popular one-man show, "Geezer": "Who will take care of us besides us?"

The Beacon Hill model - creating a community organization to enable members to remain in their homes as they age - has spawned more than 50 such villages across the country. Hundreds of similar organizations, from villages to "naturally occurring retirement communities," are in various stages of development, and the villages now actively share ideas and strategies.

This month, Ashby Village celebrates its first year of full operation, and by all measures it's wildly successful: a 95 percent renewal rate, higher than Beacon Hill's; double the number of members it had at launch, making it one of the fastest-growing villages in the country; a 70 percent return rate on a member survey; and most important, satisfied members who count on being one phone call away from getting help. That help could take many forms, some of them not yet articulated. A few of the more frequent requests have been for a ride to the doctor's office, a handyman's skilled assistance, a dinner delivered during a health crisis. Members also say they join for the social events and personal connections.

Susan McWhinney-Morse, one of Beacon Hill Village's founders, has said, "I often think that what gets older people down about living in their own homes are the little things. ... Who's going to change the light bulb on top of my stairwell? Who's going to fix the leaky faucet?"

Pat and Shirley get teary-eyed when they talk about it. They've known each other since before Shirley was a mother; her oldest daughter, Sarah, is now 36. But their friendship deepened over the countless hours they spent nurturing Ashby Village.

"We have given birth to something, and we had no idea we were pregnant," Shirley said.

Pat, a former hospice director, healthcare administrator and, at the time, consultant, had long worked with LifeLong Medical Care, a group of community health centers that now serves as Ashby Village's fiscal agent. Shirley retired in 2009 as an educational psychologist for K-12 schools. Her retirement spurred Ashby Village into the intense planning stages, 18 months before our operational launch.

The two co-founders marvel at the people they've met, the talent and commitment so many have brought to the cause. They recruited eight people who began meeting monthly. The meetings evolved to two or three times a week; the numbers swelled.

"In the past year, so many more stepped up to the plate in so many ways," Pat said.

"We kept stumbling onto things. Someone came up with something that would take us to the next level," Shirley added.

They credit Ted Roszak, author of "The Making of an Elder Culture," with pushing them to expand the village beyond the neighborhood of the original planners. Roszak, who died recently, was an early advocate for the village movement, and he and his wife, Betty, became charter members of Ashby Village. Roszak wrote in his book, "As the longevity revolution unfolds, senior villages will become one of the distinctive social inventions of our time."

Andra Lichtenstein "kicked us up another notch," Pat said. In the words of Executive Director Andy Gaines, Andra is one of the "three strong women" who work with him on the Executive Committee.

Jane Selby, another friend and neighbor of the cofounders, was a key participant in the original eight-member board. She has just moved temporarily to Washington, D.C., after her husband, Joe, was appointed to a central position in planning the future of healthcare. The Selbys retain their commitment to Ashby Village and plan to move back to their Berkeley home in a few years.

Feisty professional women are the movers behind most of the villages, author Gail Sheehy wrote in a USA Today article on the village movement. She quoted Ashby Village board member Bob Davis as saying that women are the ones who see the value of socialization.

Both Pat and Shirley now feel that the structure supports itself. "It's not all on our shoulders," Pat said. "Every idea anyone brings to the board, they're all looked at equally," and they've received many important contributions from the membership. There's no ego involved, Pat said, no "founders' syndrome."

Anxiety over membership renewals - needless, as it turned out - caused them to focus on the concept of sustainability. Two highly regarded retired UC Berkeley professors and administrators, Bill Webster and Steve Lustig, will head a sustainability task force to help chart Ashby Village's course for the future. Both are Village members.

Founders: Shirley Haberfeld and Pat Sussman

Shirley and Pat at the

New Year's Holiday gathering

Pat and Shirley already have strong ideas about some of the directions Ashby Village should take: broaden the volunteer base, particularly to include more people of various ages; broaden services based on what members say they need; increase diversity among members; expand institutional partnerships; double the membership base to more than 340 within two years; offer subsidized memberships, with the help of grants. Membership fees alone won't cover the cost.

Coincidentally, Village to Village Network, an umbrella organization of existing and fledgling villages, will hold its national conference this November in Oakland. "We asked them to make the theme sustainability," Shirley said.

The urgency of the theme has been underlined by Candace Baldwin, co-director of the Village to Village Network. As she told SeniorResourceGuide.com:

"When you think about the fact that by 2032, there will be more people over 65 than people under 15, we have no time to lose in getting sustainable villages in place."

UPCOMING EVENTS

Activities sponsored by Ashby Village

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

NATURE WALK AT INSPIRATION POINT LED BY NANCY CERIDWYN

Join Ashby Villagers investigating the natural surrounding and history of the area while sharing your own knowledge and memories, . The stroll will be paced for all levels. Terrain: Mostly level with some rolling hills

Distance: 2 miles round trip (depending on the group's energy that day)
Barriers: Some cattle grates

Inspiration Point - Tilden Park
Wheelchair-accessible
Open to members and up to two guests
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride.

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

LIVING ROOM CHAT

These chats are usually hosted by Ashby Village members and give you an opportunity to hear from our Board, staff, and members about what it means to be part of the Village.

Home of Eva Yarmo, 2776 Hilgard Ave, Berkeley
Open to all
Wheelchair-accessible.
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 4:00-6:00 P.m.
SIX SECRETS OF HEALTHCARE, AND MORE

This workshop will give you tips for navigating an increasingly complex healthcare system and give youtools to make informed healthcare choices.

Jewish Family and Children's Services, Suse Moyal Center for Older Adults, 2484 Shattuck Ave. (corner of Dwight Way). 90 minute street parking is available in front (there will be a break to move cars) or two hours on Blake Street.
Wheelchair-accessible
Open to members who can bring up to two guests
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride.

The presenter Joanna Smith is founder of Healthcare Liaison and has 25 years experience in the fields of health, public health and mental health. She has worked as a medical social worker and hospital discharge planner in healthcare systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
POTLUCK AND MORE

Join other Ashby Village members for a potluck supper with rich conversation around a dining room table. Please

bring your favorite dish to share.

Edith Kasin will host at her home, 483 Boynton Avenue, Berkeley
Wheelchair-accessible
Open to a total of 14 guests, each members can bring up to two guests
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride.

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

LIVING ROOM CHAT

Home of Thelma Elkins, 24 Arlington Avenue, Kensington
Open to all
Wheelchair-accessible.
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
ASHBY VILLAGE PICNIC at Briones Park

Join us for this first-ever Ashby Village picnic. More details regarding food and drink will be forthcoming in our next publication.

Wheelchair-accessible picnic area and bathrooms
RSVP here, or call our office at (510) 204-9200.
Let us know if you need a ride.

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WORD ON THE STREET

I had a most delightful experience when Darrell Katz, a member of Ashby Village, answered my request for computer consultation. Darrell was not only knowledgeable but patient in answering my questions and helping me apply the information. Although we had not previously met, it truly felt as though we were members of a community; it was a comfortable and easy interaction. It was very helpful when Darrell invited me to call him if later I needed further assistance or reminders in recalling information, etc. In the process of "taking care of business", we got to know a little about each other and our experiences in the Village. I have made a new friend. Thanks, Darrell.

--Carole Kennerly

I would like to let you know how pleased I was with our volunteer, Luciano Corrazza. He did a great job helping me out. The fact that he fixed my lighting fixture illuminated my life as well as my room. As we age we need a bit of help here and there, and I appreciated Luciano's help immensely! Please let him know. Thanks.

-- Dr. Gabriella Kramer

Paul Axelrod was very nice, did the jobs quickly, efficiently, and pleasantly. It's such a relief to get these things done! Thank you, Ashby Village.

-- Sylvia Russell

The Ashby Village Newsletter is always so nicely put together and fun to read, and it was especially nice to see the article about Joe and I. Thanks you so much for that! I still can't quite believe all this is happening. Ashby Village is truly an amazing organization with wonderful people and I to remain a part of it -- even from across the country!

-- Jane Selby

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HELP!

Village needs and opportunities

Now Hiring - OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

We are currently seeking an Operations Coordinator to assist the Executive Director to build a strong, efficient administrative foundation for the organization. This entails refining and overseeing a small, busy office; assisting multiple committees; and managing a corps of office volunteers. This person must be able to juggle multiple tasks, have excellent follow-up and detail skills to provide organizational continuity. The position will begin at half time (20 hours/week) and will hopefully increase to full time within a year.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume. No calls or faxes, please! Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, early submission is encouraged. We anticipate a start date of August 15. Click here to download Job Description

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS

Music is the song of the soul, and we're seeking to incorporate more of it into our potlucks, picnics and gatherings. Do you have a band, play an instrument, sing or lead sing-alongs? Do you have children or grandchildren who are musically talented? If you do, or know someone who might be interested in creating music for and with us, please contact the office.

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VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION & TRAINING

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to assist Ashby Village and its members in a wide assortment of tasks. Volunteers support members with transportation, home handiwork, assistance at medical appointments, home safety assessment and more. Volunteers help the organization with administrative and clerical tasks, communications and outreach. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact the Ashby Village office.

Ashby Village office, 2330 Durant Ave.
Wheelchair-accessible
If you would like to participate, please contact us immediately at (510) 204-9200 so we can begin the application process.

TRAINED MEDPAL VOLUNTEERS NOW AVAILABLE

How many of us have gone to a doctor's appointment with so many questions for the doctor that we've forgotten to ask them all? You wish that you had another set of eyes and ears with you. Ashby Village now offers MedPal, a corps of trained volunteers. In addition to transportation, MedPal offers a wide array of assistance.

Figuring out what questions you want to ask.
Writing down your questions, or helping you write them so that you don't forget anything when faced with a busy doctor.
Taking notes for you if you would like during your medical appointment
Working with you on organizing your medications - when to take what.
Going to follow-up appointments with you as requested.

All information will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Many of you may just want the ride, but, for those of you who would like more: when you call, please ask for a MedPal.

New Service for Members: CLIPPER CARD TRANSPORT

Volunteer drivers will now be available in August to assist members to purchase Senior Clipper Cards. Senior cards must be purchased in person. These cards work like FastTrac with an auto reload (charged to your credit card) when the amount on your card falls below a certain amount. Senior Clipper cards can be used on any public transportation services, e.g. BART, Muni, ferries, AC Transit. Discounts vary from service to service.

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MILESTONES

Retirements, book publications, art openings . . .

A Tribute to Ted

As many of you know, our dear friend and fellow Ashby Village member, Ted Roszak, died on July 5. As one of the pioneers and deep thinkers in the movement of redesigning our lives as we age, Ted, was a vital part of catapulting Ashby Village from a small neighborhood organization to one that included all of Berkeley and many surrounding communities. His big thinking and his passion for the Village movement was contagious. His heart and soul were evident at every committee meeting and every Living Room Chat where he and his lovely wife, Betty, were always present to encourage others to reach out and grab onto the village movement - supporting one another in our communities as we age.

If you were fortunate enough to have had a conversation with Ted, you would have heard him emphasize the point that the Village movement could only exist if the current elders used that same energy and ebullience of the Boomer generation to spearhead alternative ways to age in their communities. "My own hope is that the boomers-the best educated, most widely traveled, most innovative generation we have ever seen-are not too frivolous to face the dilemmas of longevity. On the contrary, I believe they will in growing numbers as the years unfold, recognize that the making of an elder culture is the great task of our time, a project that can touch life's later years with nobility and intellectual excitement." While Ted realized it was pushing the rock up the hill, he was confident that the elder culture of today could do this. And furthermore, he viewed this movement toward aging in our homes or in our communities not just for current elders, but creating new structures for our children and our children's children. His book The Making of An Elder Culture was an eloquent call to arms....if not us, then who?

Ted's enthusiasm for Ashby Village was present to the very end of his life. At his bedside days before his death, Ted was still talking about the virtues of Villages. He was a great contributing member to Ashby Village in its infancy and, fortunately, was able toward the end of his life to see Ashby Village take shape and also to be there for him as his illness progressed.

We want to thank Ted for his contributions to Ashby Village, for his forward and big thinking, for his passion and for his humor and wit throughout the challenge of forming Ashby Village from the grassroots upward. We owe so much to him and we will miss his presence and his unconditional encouragement and for rodding to us think big.

Our sincere condolences go to his wife, Betty and his daughter, Kathryn and his grand-daughter, Lucy. These three women always brought smiles of love and pride to Ted when he spoke of them.

For details of Ted's rich background and literary contributions, please see articles in the July 13th edition of the SF Chronicle and the New York Times. His book, The Making of an Elder Culture is available and highly recommended for Ashby Village members. A copy is available to check out at the Ashby Village office.

City honors Russ Ellis and Julie Shearer for their work in the arts

On Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7 p.m., a Mayoral proclamation will honor Ashby Village founding members, Russ Ellis and Julie Shearer for their work in the arts. At different times, each worked to save music at Cazadero Music Camp, the City-owned Sonoma County campsite in the redwoods.

Russ Ellis in his studio with

Julie Shearer

Shearer helped form the nonprofit that saved Cazadero Jazz Camp, which lives on today as the ever popular Jazz Camp West. Her pre-teen musical about divorce won praise for the moving story and music that have helped parents and children talk about a sensitive subject. Inspired by the City's honor, Shearer plans a summer release of an album of original songs.

Ellis, as a member of Camps, Inc., helped dissuade the City from selling off the beloved Cazadero site, added world music to the Cazadero Music program, and increased student diversity through generous scholarships. As UC Berkeley Vice Chancellor, he also helped save the Young Musicians Program, a seven-week summer course on the Berkeley campus for musically gifted, low income youngsters.

The brief proclamation ceremony takes place between 7-7:30 pm before the 8 p.m. Council meeting on Tuesday, July 19. Friends and wellwishers are invited to attend.

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NEW MEMBERS