Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 341

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 341

Santa Rosa, CA 95401 The Volunteer Investment ...........page 4

Winnie Coombs ................................p

age 5

Planning Your Longevity ...............page 5

Empire College Video .....................page 5

Senior Center Highlights ..............page 6

Hoarding ..................................

............page 7

Crossword & Sudoku .....................page 7

Save the Date ..................................

..page 8

Day of Caring Action ......................page 8

SONOMA SENIORS

30 Kawana Springs RoadSanta Rosa, CA 95404

COUNCIL ON AGINGJanuary 2014

I look with disbelief at the enormity of the heap of unsorted papers I just dumped out onto my kitchen table. It is a very

old collection that had been stored away undisturbed for many years. The mound appears much larger than I had envisioned before emptying the moving company carton in which it was kept. The collection is now destined for sorting out anything worth saving and discarding the rest (I think).

I am 90 years old. For reasons beyond recall, my past intentions on more than one occasion to open the box labeled “miscellaneous” never materialized until today. I decided it is time to rediscover what I no longer remembered.

I begin. I randomly remove the piece lying uppermost in the mix. It is a barely readable newspaper clipping, brown with age. It is an obituary of someone I no doubt had known, probably back in grammar school. I think hard, but no longer recall even vaguely, what that person was like; her features and everything about her had been erased by time. I drop the notice into the large paper shopping bag marked “discard,” conveniently placed on the floor next to the table leg.

Next, I retrieve a copy of a poem by an unknown writer. It also is on age-discolored paper and a bit crumpled. However, you can tell by the fine crease lines that at one time it had been carefully folded. I had saved the poem when I was a teenager because the words appealed to me then, but they do not engage me now. So that, too, follows its predecessor into the discard bag.

As I continue in my effort to sort out what appears thus far to be ephemeral and mundane, I wonder: Is there anything in this mound, silent of purpose, that I will want to retain after all? Although I kept them like precious jewels in a treasure box

Not Just YetBy Helen L. Foster Reflections of a recovering hoarder

to be taken out from time to time and enjoyed, such times had eluded me. The past had not changed, but it is my present perception of what is deemed important that has. Will my search then be in vain?

I discover this sorting task is proving more daunting and time consuming than anticipated for my energy has dropped to a very low level. I shall resume my compulsion to continue on another day.

That thought is momentary, however, for a portion of a sheet which I hadn’t noticed before projects out from close to the bottom of the pile and arouses my curiosity. There is something familiar about it, maybe its color. I cautiously remove it out from under to avoid a slide of the overlying papers onto the floor.

The retrieved paper is how-to directions for an art project I intended to do. I stop to read with interest the article torn out of a magazine. Unfortunately, I had neglected to staple the pages together and now, except for the one, the rest are lost somewhere in the shuffle of bits and pieces.

It is too much effort to find them, but it doesn’t seem to matter (I rationalize).

For me, this art project is a thing of the past and I am not doing art projects anymore. Into the discard bag the page goes.

My tired old eyes, much too quickly overworked, refuse to focus any longer, making reading difficult. Physically, I am spent and have not yet found anything worth the effort. Also, the unforgiving pile lying on the table is hardly diminished.

Sobering reality takes over. My

immediate impulse is to dispose of it all and accomplish my mission as quickly as possible, by pushing-with one fell swoop-the entire heap into the shopping bag. I must do this before regret can enter my thinking and change my resolve to never again be a hoarder.

I begin grabbing handfuls from the heap and let them cascade down into the shopping bag. A brochure happens to miss and falls out onto the floor. I stoop to pick it up. On the cover is a picture of a bat; the title is intriguing: “Why You Should Love Bats.” Now this is something I must save and read later. I might learn how to deal with these persistent, uninvited flying creatures which have taken up nesting under the eaves of my front porch.

Then second thoughts, the arch-enemy of all tempted ex-hoarders, take over and bring to a halt further mass destruction. I rethink, maybe in among all those discards there might be other finds worth keeping at least for the present. I retrieve the discards for another day. I can always dispose of them later. I vow to be an ex-hoarder-but not just yet.

EpilogueSince writing this article, about three years later, the author subsequently discarded the accumulation but retained two items.

One was an old family recipe for a sweet made with honey the author’s mother sent to her when she became a bride and moved out to California.

The other was a love note written to her by her husband on their wedding day.

Helen Foster is a licensed nurse, artist, calligrapher, writer and art historian.

Are you a hoarder?A visit to Helen Foster’s house will quickly establish that, though she found it difficult to work through a pile of papers, she is not truly a hoarder. See page 7 for more on the newly recognized disorder known as hoarding.

Helen Foster

page 2 ◆ January 2014 Sonoma Seniors Today

30 Kawana Springs RoadSanta Rosa, CA 95404

707-525-0143 • 800-675-0143Fax 707-525-0454

www.councilonaging.com

President and CeO Marrianne McBride

BOard Of direCtOrsJeff Beeson, Chair

Corrine Lorenzen, Vice ChairBonnie Burrell, James Devore, Joseph Huang,

Chuck McPherson, Jeanne Miskel, John Pearson, John Reyes, Deborah Roberts, Debby Roumbanis,

Carl Vanden Heuvel and David Vicini

editor: Bonnie Allen, (707) 763-2544

sonomaseniorstoday@gmail.com

Contributors: Bonnie Allen, Helen Foster, Denise Lowe, Susan Nurse

Proofreading assistance: Steve Della Maggiora

distribution Manager: Jeramon Shade

advertising525-0143, ext. 139

subscriptions:525-0143, ext. 112

Sonoma Seniors Today is a publication of Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road,

Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 525-0143 information@councilonaging.com

www.councilonaging.com

Sonoma Seniors Today strives to share a variety of viewpoints on subjects of interest to a broad range of its readership. Opinions and viewpoints expressed by contributors and those interviewed for articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Council on Aging. Readers are invited to share their ideas, opinions and viewpoints by writing to this publication. Suggestions for improving this publication are given careful consideration, and letters to the editor are welcomed. Photographs may also be submitted.

Editor’s note: Publication of all material is at the dis-cretion of the editor; originals become the property of SST and cannot be returned. Mail all submissions to Sonoma Seniors Today c/o Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, or email to SonomaSeniorsToday@gmail.com.

All rights reserved.

Sonoma Seniors Todaypublished monthly by

Like us on !We’d like as many of you to be friends as possible. Add your name to the 618 friends we already have. To find us, go to your Facebook page and type “Council on Aging” in the search window at the top. Not a Facebook member? It’s easy and free to sign up. Go to www.facebook.com and follow the directions to set up your home page.

Estate Planning Service

Providing revocable, simple trusts to So-noma County residents who own a home and wish to avoid probate of their estate.

Fees: $800 for a single trust $ 1,150 2 person trust

$300-500 Amending current trust

For more information or to make an appointment please call Barbara Swary at

Council on Aging, 707-525-0143 x 143

Providing revocable, simple trusts to Sonoma County residents who own a home and wish to avoid probate of their estate.

Fees:$800 for a single trust

$1,150 for a 2-person trust$300–$500 for amending current trust

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Barbara Swary at

Countil on Aging, 707-525-0143, ext. 143

estate Planning service

Sonoma Seniors Today January 2014 ◆ page 3

Council on Aging Donors

SST Subscriptions Make GREAT Gifts (especially for yourself)A portion of each Sonoma Seniors Today subscription will go toward providing senior services. And your gift keeps giving through the year. Mail this form with check for $24 (1 year, 12 issues) or $12 (6 months, 6 issues), payable to Council on Aging, to: SST Subscriptions, c/o Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

Name________________________________________Telephone__________________

Mailing Address__________________________________________________________

City__________________________ State/Zip_________ Date ___________________For additional subscriptions, please use a separate sheet of paper.

Many thanks and appreciation to our generous donors who gave gifts of support to our 17 programs and services during the month of November, 2013.

Council on Aging Mission Statement To enhance the quality of life for our aging community by providing services that promote

well-being and maintain independence.

Any errors or omissions in these listings are inadvertent. If your name was omitted, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling Ed Wurz, Donor Relations, 525-0143, ext. 139.

Joy Lovinger(707) 292-9998

joy@joycares.net

Mary Farrar(707) 888-2423mary@joycares.net

Overwhelmed caring for an older loved one?

Has living alone become too challenging?

Let an expert help youfind a place your senior-in-need can call home – All at no cost

to you or your loved one.

MeMorial Gifts

In Memory of Fred WessaRichard F. Holm

In Memory of Fritz KrugerBarbara L Archer and Don Derrick

Holiday appealConstance BloodPriscilla CampbellRichard CohenCecil DixonJohn GreavesThomas GriffinGeorge R. and Toni HowerDavid HughesInge LuizGreer MaloneDiana PartridgeThomas PierceLil ReedDean E. ScottThomas S. SeegerTim ThompsonGene WarrenJay WerthLinda N. Wilson

Corporate eMployee GivinG

Pamela AlderetteTim and Pamela GilmoreCarolyn Johnson & Rick TheisEleanor NgManuel Salidivar

Corporate eMployee GivinG: Meals on WHeels

Thomas P. Insco

Meals on WHeelsAnonymousSusan ComstockEvelyn EllisonMarjorie C. FosterCharles S. HaseltineJeannette PacchettiLinda M. ReynagaLeighton RoystonPenny WolfsohnSt. Patricks Episcopal ChurchAngels Attic Thrift Shop, First Methodist

Church

Meals on WHeels: HealdsburG

Rotary Club of Healdsburg

GeneralAnonymousJennifer Badde-GravesLance BallengerBard Family FundRichard D. BarrowsPamela BasemanMartin BenckWilliam and Rosemary BerginFred BernhartNeil D. BlazeyThomas BourretRobert BowersStephen and Linda BowserMary BrandtPatricia BrittleJoe BrumbaughCarolyn J. BuckEleanor ButchartKenneth ChurchillJohn CrockenbergRoger DelgadoHerbert DowerElizabeth HerrinRichard HolmJean Holroyd-SillsHughes Family FundDarryll KlauckeJan LawsonAnthony MazzolaMichael McDonaldCarmen McReynoldsJulia MetzJill P. MoyerSteve RabinowitshGerald RobisonRichard RoehrlDon RowellMartha ShogrenFrank and Jean E. SpringerPauline TraubJohn L. WangerG. B. WithingtonCalvary Chapel of Santa RosaRedwood Life Member of the Telephone

Pioneers

sustaininG MeMbersRobert D. AdamsonPaula AldenPatricia BallardCharlotte Bell

Alex S. BendahanBarbara BlairDenelle BloomMelinda CabralBonnie Lu CahillThomas CahillPaul CampbellCarrie CarneyLewis CastleberryJames W. & Lygia A. CharltonMichael ClementiNancy CooperBeatrice CouzensGlenn CoxeAmy CrabbEdgar and Judith DeasKim GilmoreRichard GirvinJohn HackenburgC. William HagemannSusan HagenJanyce HaseltineRandall HaynesLinda IllsleyJean and Robert KaiserMark KoppenJames KoprivaLionel and Gerry LennoxGib LinzmanPatricia LondonYvonne MartinJudy MillerKathleen A. MouatPatti O’BrienTimothy ParsonsConnie PearsonMark PendergraftGary PendersJan PetersonMike PierreKaren PowellDonald RaimondiRoger Karraker and Nancy RappoltKay F. RogersJohn J. and Mary Ann RovaiJohn Markarian ConstructionDonald RowellWilliam RuehmannGeorge D. SalomonAnnette SantariniBob SantiniSusan Savonis

Irene SbranaDavid and Linda SchneiderGeorge A. SchneiderGerald ShikadaRoger SimpsonJudy SmithArvid SorumJanet StrobelRichard ThayerNancy TurnerC.J VandergriftCarl VastMark and Sandra WalheimCarla WedemeyerSteven WhiteleyPaul ZarnAnn and Richard ZimmerStraight Edge Stevedore ServiceNephrology Associates Medical Office

sustaininG MeMbers: Meals on WHeels

Thomas & Carin CutlerDonald FriedrichPatricia HarrisonMyrtleann PappasRebecca RappenspergerDennis Rhodes

sustaininG MeMbers: soCial & finanCial serviCes

Connie Aust

sustaininG MeMbers: leGal serviCes

Barbara Swary

Kibbles for KindnessBanfield Charitable Trust

“Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

—Nelson Mandela

page 4 ◆ January 2014 Sonoma Seniors Today

Council on Aging is pleased to announce the recent

appointment of Connie Aust, Director of Social & Financial Services, by Supervisor Efren Carrillo to the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Aust is a Fifth District appointee and looking forward to her participation. She brings to the table her insights on the needs of women over 60.

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1975 to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls and to address issues of discrimination and prejudice that negatively affect women in Sonoma County.

“Connie Aust will bring her incredible background of community service and her wealth of experience serving seniors and

Congratulations, Connie Aust!

the disadvantaged in Sonoma County to the Commission on the Status of Women,” said Supervisor Efren Carrillo. “It is always gratifying to be able to appoint an individual of such high caliber, and we are pleased that Ms. Aust is willing to serve in this capacity and further the important work of the Commission.”

Ms. Aust, a licensed Professional Fiduciary, has

been with the Council on Aging for 22 years. As a teen, she wanted to be a social worker to the elderly and returned to this dream full time after completing her BA in Sociology at Sonoma State University. Pursuing an internship at the organization then coming on full time, she has seen the Social & Financial Services Department grow from one person balancing checkbooks to the multi-level support service that it is today.

Aust is also the supervisor of the Elder Advocate at the Sonoma County Family Justice Center—a “one-stop shop” center for those dealing with family violence.

“We believe Ms. Aust brings her extensive knowledge and experience in senior support in the community to the table,” says Marrianne McBride, President and CEO of Council on Aging.

Connie Aust

COA Director is picked for Commission on Status of Women

Fall Prevention Coaches Needed!

Did you know that falls are the #1 reason people 55 and older go to the hospital? Would you like to make a

difference helping Sonoma County seniors prevent falls?

The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (SCAAA) is looking for volunteer coaches to facilitate the nationally acclaimed “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls” series. This 8-week program of 2-hour classes includes group discussion, problem-solving, assertiveness training and low-impact exercises. If you possess good communication and interper-sonal skills, have an interest in leading small groups of older adults, the ability to perform and instruct low-intensity exercises and carry up to 20 pounds, consider attend-ing this training. Volunteer coaches will be requested to lead two 8-week series in 2014.

Training to become a certified Matter of Balance volunteer coach will be held on Thursday, January 23rd and Friday, January 24th, 8:30 am–12:30 pm at the County of Sonoma, Human Services Department, 3725 Westwind Blvd. in Santa Rosa. You must attend both days of the training. Please call 565-5936 for more information.

As I work closely with aging

members of our society, I have stopped for a moment and thought long and hard about what I do and why I do it.

When you have said goodbye after working with a 90-year-old, and you get into your car to drive home, think for a moment before you turn the ignition, and ask yourself, “Is this what I can expect it to be like for me when I reach 90, if indeed I do reach 90?”

As autumn reaps what spring has sown, we see another year passing. Watching the seasons come and go as we head homeward at the end of the day, we may find ourselves glancing at the vine-covered fields surrounding us, leaves turning green and then gold and then red, and then eventually falling off so that there is nothing left to look at but bare vines hanging on bare wire.

Just as vineyards prepare for the seasons of the year, we are planting, sowing, and investing for the season in our lives when we will appear no more colorful than a bare vine and must hang on for assistance the handle of a cane or walker, perhaps preferring the arm of a friend.

Demonstrating to others that I consider something worthwhile enough for me to do it on my own personal time is not only an example of the value of volunteering but also an investment I make in myself. Currently, I am preparing for the day when I may have to take care of the aging members of my own family. Eventually, however, I will have to take care of myself as well. Therefore, whatever I learn in my volunteer work is a lesson that I have the potential of using some day in the not too distant future.

With this in mind, I focus on being as effective as I can and work closely with the members in our group individually and strive to do what is most effective so that each may receive the full benefit of the program. In doing so, I find myself developing new ways of performing tasks to accommodate those members who are suffering from the effects of aging.

For example, our Bingo game evolved into a silent version using a dry erase board. This is done for the benefit of our members who are hard of hearing so they can see what numbers are being called. It has proved to be more helpful for them in keeping up with the game, since they couldn’t hear me whenever I tried to just say the numbers, often repeating them, which slowed down the pace.

Since writing the numbers up on the

The Volunteer Investmentby Denise Lowe

board helped move the game more quickly, more prizes could be awarded because more rounds could be played. As a result, ALL of our members get more out of our game.

Working with seniors should not be considered just a job. Am I just here to babysit these people? Shouldn’t the time spent with them be used to help these adults get the most of our program?

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than the opposiite.” —Nelson Mandela

Sonoma Seniors Today January 2014 ◆ page 5

I first met Winnie Coombs when I moved into her

neighborhood. She was 84 at the time and told me she had to get home for her music lesson. Turns out she had started to learn to play the organ two years previ ously, and had a tutor come to her house weekly. That got my attention: an 82-year old starting a completely new venture. Little did I know there was way more to come.

As I got to know Winnie, I watched as she purchased a brand new car at the age of 86, took regular trips to the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland Oregon every year, and at 88 set off on a group trip to Europe. When I asked her how she managed to keep up with the tour group, she told me she didn’t need to do that—at every stop, she would explore as much as she could, and she was very happy with that.

She did not view aging as a disease, and she was very realistic that her capabilities changed over time and that she would continue to do everything she was interested in while she could. When she couldn’t, she would look for ways to adapt—non-participation was not an option to her way of thinking.

Winnie died at the age of 96, still grateful for and enjoying every day. I found her to be an inspiration in my own life, reminding me every day that anything was possible for me if I cared to pursue it—right then and in the future. She showed me the way that I could age with realism, and without artificial ageism barriers. I count myself lucky to have known Winnie Coombs, and I hope I can pass on the teaching and inspiration to younger people, the way she did to me.

Winnie Coombs An embodiment of positive agingby Susan NurseCoalition on Positive Aging (COPA)

Winnie Coombs

In keeping with the mission of Empire College to foster community involve-ment, Sheri Graeber, Certified Tourism

Ambassador and Hospitality & Wine Department Head, came across a great lead. Graeber learned about Stage, a line of gourmet meals marketed locally by Council on Aging that benefits their Meals On Wheels program. Featuring only fresh ingredients, these tasty entrees are sold at many community markets in Sonoma and Marin Counties, creating a circle of support for the seniors served.

Here was an opportunity to take on a marketing project, from inception to presentation to the client. So, with the approval of Sherie Hurd, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Operations at

Empire College, her class developed a story line, created a script, and filmed a clever video promoting Stage meals.

The video features a story line about a busy professional woman who serves the Stage meals as her own creation at her book club meeting. Everyone enjoys them, and they never discover that the meals are packaged, thus gaining her kudos for her culinary prowess. These ready-to-eat meals are convenient for people with busy lives who appreciate a freshly prepared option to grab for lunch or dinner.

“Anytime we can collaborate with our community partners, we mutually expand our outreach and shared knowledge,” says Council on Aging CEO Marriane McBride. “We are grateful for the creativity that has been offered us and pleased that we enrich the experience of others in our community.”

Graeber’s current class will again take on the project, this time focusing on healthy lifestyle and nutritional choices featuring

Surprise!Empire College class creates marketing video for Stage Meals

the backdrop of The 4th Annual Sonoma Wine Country Senior in 2014.

Stage meals are sold at G & G Markets, Kenwood Market, and Fairfax Community Market in Marin County. To see the video, visit tinyurl.com/lcnsed5 online.

“There is no passion to be found in playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the life you are capable of living.” —Nelson Mandela

Back row, left to right: Jo Galatoire, Ariel Azcarate-Wright, Bonnie Wertz, Tara Rhodes, Sheri Graeber (instructor); Front row, left to right: Paula Hamilton, Lacie Oakley

Senior Center HighlightsSebastopol Senior Center

167 N High St, Sebastopol, 829-2440 www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org

• Wednesdays starting Jan. 8, 3–4 pm: strengthening Your Pelvic floor. Pelvic floor strengthening should be part of your daily routine. A strong pelvic floor helps us to lift, stand from sitting, ascend stairs, control our bladder function and enjoy sex. You will have beautiful posture, be able to sit up straight for long periods and protect your lower back from injuries. Learn how to activate and use your pelvic floor in 4 classes. $8 per class. To pre-register, call Julie Smith, 829-1250, or the Sebastopol Senior Center.• Tuesdays starting Jan 14, 10:30–11:45 am: new art History Class. With SRJC Instructor Maria Gonzalez-Blue, explore art ranging from primitive cave paintings and petroglyphs to Tiffany’s stained glass windows, the Impressionists. You’ll help develop an outline that focuses on favorite artists, periods and styles. Maria Gonzalez-Blue is an expressive arts educator-consultant and multi-media artist. She has taught a variety of courses with adults for over 25 years. Slides, DVDs and videos will be available for viewing the art being discussed. FREE. • Tue, Jan 14, 2 pm: Get ready for Obamacare. Hanna Mc Laurin and Cady Smith from West County Health Center will be here to explain the key aspects of the Affordable Care Act and its impact. FREE.

Vintage House Senior Center264 First St East, Sonoma, 996-0311www.vintagehouse.org

• Tue, Jan 7, 9 am–1:30 pm: aarP newly designed smart driver Course. Begins with a 4½ hr. renewal. Designed for drivers 55+ years old. Reservations required. AARP mem bers, $15; non-members $20; payable by check to AARP only. Have current driver’s license & AARP membership card when registering. • Thursdays, starting Jan 9, 11 am–12:30 pm: Jin shin Jyutsu. Join Sophie Acheson, certified Jin Shin Jyutsu therapist. Learn simple hand & finger techniques to use on yourself to support the immune system, stimulate circulation, release pain & tension & bring peace of mind. $3 member/$5 non-member. • Mon, Jan. 20, 10–11 am: new Year’s resolution 101: How to Sort, Purge, & Organize Your Papers; and • Mon, Jan. 27, 10-11 am: Be the Curator of Your Legacy: What Will the Papers You Leave Behind say about You? Join Diane Judd, professional organizer for this informative & fun class. $3 member/$5 non-member.

Windsor Senior Center9231 Foxwood Drive, Windsor, 838-1250

• Mondays, 1–3 pm: scrabble Group. Join this weekly scrabble group for a brain-teasing afternoon

page 6 ◆ January 2014 Sonoma Seniors Today

A Very Special Thank you to Albert DiSilver, Director of Visiting Angelsfor their generous sponsorship of marketing for Council on Aging

We believe in Sonoma County!

Says Albert on KZST radio Hi, this is Albert DeSilver, Director of Visiting Angels, Sonoma County’s premier homecare agency. Caring for an elderly parent can make busy lives even busier. At Visiting Angels, we work with the Council on Aging to ensure seniors have a safe, stimulating environment, and families have respite year round.

Take it from Michele;her mother is a Council on Aging client.

“My mother’s artistic talents have resurfaced! She’s drawing again! She is blossoming under the care she receives at the Council on Aging Senior Social Club in Santa Rosa. And I’ve

learned they also provide financial and legal services and Meals on Wheels that will support me and my husband as WE age.”

Thank you again, Visiting Angelsfrom all of us at

And thank you for sponsoring a full page ad in

North Bay Biz Magazine

Sponsored in partnership with Edward Jones

Continued on page 7

January Crossword Puzzle

Supply the missing numbers so that every row, column and 9-digit square contain only one of each number. No math skills are required, and no guesswork. For hints on doing Sudoku puzzles, visit www.websudoku.com, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Sonoma Seniors Today, 30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (Solution on page 8.)

Solution on page 8

Sonoma Seniors Today January 2014 ◆ page 7

Thanks to the A&E reality show, Hoarders, and TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive, hoarding is now a topic of conversation. This year the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders listed hoarding as a mental disorder for the first time.

We all have areas of clutter in our lives, but when does the clutter become a hoard? According to the Mayo Clinic, some markers of hoarding behavior include the following:

Inability to throw away possessions • Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items • Great difficulty categorizing or organizing • possessions Indecision about what to keep or where to put • things Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or • embarrassed by possessions Suspicion of other people touching items • Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running • out of an item or of needing it in the futureFunctional impairments, including loss of living • space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards If you have a “Fibber McGee’s closet”

somewhere on your property, or meet one or two of these criteria (I know I do!), that doesn’t mean you’re a hoarder. But if every available surface is covered with papers or objects to the extent you can’t use your kitchen table or can barely walk through a room, you might want to consider getting help.

Unfortunately, because many hoarders are embarrassed about hoarding, or because they do not believe they have a problem, it’s often difficult to reach a hoarder with simple reasoning. Kimberlee Foster (no relation to Helen Foster), whose business, Chucket, offers free seminars on clearing clutter (See page 8 for details on her January 24 Seminar), finds working with hoarders productive only when the hoarders are eager to change. She worked with one client to part with a small portion of clutter, only to discover that the client had gone out and replaced everything after she left. This type of client, says Kimberlee, would benefit more from a professional who is experienced at working with mental illnesses, such as a behaviorist or psychologist.”

On the other hand, she was successful with one woman who fit the definition and really wanted to change. She gave the woman a series of homework assignments that the woman completed diligently and gradually divested herself of her extra possessions. Without the clutter, the woman transformed her life in other ways, such as by losing a great deal of excess weight.

For those who aren’t quite hoarders and want to downsize, Foster offers some practical tips:

Stop buying. If you see something in a store that • you think you need, visualize where you are going to put it. Is there space?Only bring in new things after you’ve gotten rid • of as many or more old things.Start small—perhaps with a bookcase or closet. • Or get rid of all broken or no longer used items. Find a good reason to declutter: Maybe you’d • like to have company, or need space for a walker or wheelchair. Maybe you’d like that spare room to be available for visiting family members. Maybe you can make some money selling items. Start slow. Set a timer and only declutter for 15 • minutes a day. Reward yourself when you’ve gotten rid of • some stuff (but not by buying more stuff). Take a nice walk, or go out to dinner.Someone can benefit from your reusable items. • Vet Connect is an example of an organization that will pick up cast-off furniture and use it to help house homeless vets.

Hoarding or Clutter? by Bonnie Allen

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

Across 1 Spring mo. 4 Capital of Norway 8 Acting as a cause14 Wk day15 First letter of the Arabic alphabet16 Salt17 Lease18 Camp home19 Main dish20 Disconcerted22 Depression pres.23 Skinny24 Bath powder27 Bees’ cousins31 Fake butter, briefly33 Good care initials35 Ball holder36 Nurse initials38 Morse code dash39 Meager40 Bordered on44 Least46 Prohibits47 Sheep49 Nervous system, for short50 Tasty sandwich initials51 Bullfight cheer52 Journalist’s question55 Philippine dish with marinated chicken

or pork58 Lowdown, briefly61 Not in port63 Orangutan or bonobo65 Chopping off67 Gave a speech70 Take a nap71 Pair72 Sickly73 Fertilizer ingredient74 Make a mistake75 Informal76 See 9 down77 Sargasso or Bering

Down 1 Geography reference 2 S. W. Indian tribe 3 Like most shops 4 Vow 5 Partly frozen rain 6 Singer Ronstadt 7 Frequently in poetry 8 Gourmet cook 9 Root beer brand (3 wds.)10 Extreme11 Title12 Consumed13 Downwind21 Melts ore25 Brit. company26 Chowder ingredient

28 Prow29 Where Lima is30 Appear32 Choose34 Modish37 Legendary fiddler39 Accident40 Syrian bishop41 Bare42 “Do __ others”43 Surrealist painter45 Uruguay-Paraguay dir.48 Chess pieces53 Side notes54 Teacher’s job security56 Indonesian dying technique57 Golf tournaments59 Regional vegetation60 Seeped62 Greek marketplace64 Nervous66 They’re found in pods67 Lout68 __ Grande69 Entire70 Flop

of fun! Make new friends and work on your vocabulary! Donation.• First & Third Thursdays, 2–3 pm: Mexican Loteria. Nueva actividad solamente en Espanol. Haga amigos nuevos, disfrute de los alimientos, gana premios y tengan buen tiempo mientras jugando loteria Mexicana. El primer y tercer jueves de cada

mes, de las dos de la tarde a las tres de la tarde. Solo 55+ anos de edad. Por mas informacion llame Delia Nieto, 484-8125. $1 por juego y se juegera todo en Espanol. (New activity for Spanish-speaking active adults 55+. Make new friends, enjoy snacks, win prizes and have a good time while playing Loteria!)

Senior Center Highlightscontinued from page 6

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” —Nelson Mandela

Working for You

Save the date...(Events are free unless otherwise indicated)

page 8 ◆ January 2014 Sonoma Seniors Today

Information & Assistance/Case Management:Do you need help with senior resources? Call us any time for information, assistance and case management services. Call 525-0143, ext. 101. Sebastopol sen iors only: call the Russian River Senior Center at 869-0618.

Senior Financial Services:Our bonded and insured counselors assist seniors who are unable to handle bill paying, checkbook reconciliation, eli-gibility documentation for retire ment programs, and other financial needs relative to their daily money management. This program is especially designed for the forgetful se-nior or the senior with poor vision and often protects them from financial abuse and late fees associated with forget-ting to pay their bills. For peace of mind, call Connie Aust, Director, at 525-0143, ext. 108.

Senior Peer Support:This program is to help seniors struggling with seri ous mental illness access services and programs that help them develop skills and social support, leading to a more con-structive and satisfying life. After an assessment visit by COA case managers and a licensed marriage and family therapist, clients are matched with trained volunteers for 12 weekly sup port sessions to develop a care plan solution with the client’s approval, then follow-up with progress notes. Sponsored by the Department of Mental Health Services. Call Michele Leonard, Director of Volunteers, 525-0143, ext. 147, for information.

Lawyer Referral Service:If you are 60 or older and need an attor ney, you will be referred to a panel of elder law attorneys experienced in working with seniors. An initial half-hour consultation is $40. If you retain the attorney for further services, fees will be at the attor ney’s usual rate. The service is certified by the California State Bar, Certification #0111. Call 525-1146.

Senior Meals:Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program personally delivers over 260,000 fresh meals to seniors each year. We also staff ten dining sites that provide nutritious meals as well as companionship. Therapeutic meals and nutritional counseling are available for seniors with special needs. Call 525-0383 for information on home delivery or dining site locations.

Stage:Availabli at your local G & G Markets in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Stage is the Council on Aging’s affordable gour-met option that offers restaurant-quality, fine dining entrees prepared fresh and ready to be warmed in the microwave or oven. Stage can also be delivered to your home. To learn more about this program, call 525-0383.

Senior Social Club:This service has helped hundreds of people to recon nect with others through our Social Club Activities program, offering the opportunity to gather for meals, exercise, entertainment, companionship, and arts and crafts. The programs are held in Healdsburg, Sonoma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa. Call Laurel Anderson at 525-0143, ext. 103.

Senior Legal Services:Legal consultation and representation in matters of housing, consumer fraud, Social Security and SSI, Medi-Cal and Medicare, and elder abuse are provided. Also available are simple trusts, wills and durable powers of attorney for health care and finance. Sorry, no walk-ins. Please call 525-0143, ext. 140, for an appointment.

Senior Care Coordination:Our experienced staff provides advocacy-based long-term care management for seniors who are having difficulty navigating the local senior service delivery system. Our Senior Care Coordinator creates an individualized and thoughtful care plan to reflect and preserve the senior’s values and lifestyle choices, while maximizing opportuni-ties for positive change and maintaining quality of life. We work in collaboration with home health care agencies and provide integrated services through other Council on Aging services. Our fees are very competitive with private care managers in our community. Call 525-0143.

◆ First Thursdays: free Movies for seniors. Four films to choose from each month through June 5 for seniors age 60 and older. Starts at 10 am; doors open at 9:30 am. Third Street Cinemas, 620 Third St, Santa Rosa (between Santa Rosa Ave and D St., 1-1/2 block from the Transit Mall). Two parking garages charge 75 cents per hour. For movie titles, call 522-0330, ext. 3# after the previous Friday. Sponsored by Santa Rosa Memorial Park & Mortuary/Eggen & Lance Chapel; Kobrin Financial Services; Synergy Medical Group. Info: Gwen Adkins, 523-1586, ext. 21.

As part of the United Way Day of Caring Program,

Sonoma State Univer-sity students provided a much needed face lift to the Council on Aging conference rooms at their Kawana Springs Road office in Santa Rosa.

The event was organized and supervised by Kim Young, Coordinator of Days of Service at Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) at SSU. JUMP is the volunteer and service office at Sonoma State University. Students (shown left to right above) Yenin Calderon, Lupita Calderon, Michelle Martin, Gemma Bolanos, Alexis Hernandez, Yazmin Campos and Grisel Gomez—all from Lambda Theta Nu Sorority at the University in Rohnert Park, volunteered their time and energy. This resulted in a

much refreshed public space for the Council on Aging staff and clients to meet in.

The Day of Caring Program by United Way is a day for making a hands-on difference in the community. Volunteers get out from behind their desk,

roll-up their sleeves and learn about local non-profits, their work, and how volunteer projects make our community a better place to live and work. Through Day of Caring, United Way works to connect volunteers from businesses and community groups with local non-profit organizations to work on various projects from painting to creating a new playground. Through Day of Caring activities, the United Way hopes to foster a culture of civic engagement in the communities we serve.

Thank You SSU Students!Day of Caring volunteers spruce up COA conference rooms

◆ diabetes Prevention Program Classes. Dr. Jerome R. Minkoff MD, FACP, Community Board Member for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, will discuss the program, diabetes education and management to fellow providers, support staff, patients, administrators, business owners, employees, parent groups, unions, and other interested groups.

Jan 9• , 6 pm and Jan 15, NooN, at the YMCA, 1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa. Jan 7• , 4 pm and Feb 1, 10 am at the Petaluma Senior Center.

545-9622, ext. 3412.◆ Jan 24: Downsizing & Moving 101. You are invited to attend our community’s informative Downsize Home Event, led by Kimberlee Foster, Downsizing Consultant & Senior Move Manager. At Vineyard Commons, 3585 Round Barn Blvd, Santa Rosa, 10:30 am. Whether you are moving or staying put for now, sifting through years of accumulation can be daunting. Kimberlee, owner of Chucket Organizing & Move Management, will provide practical ideas on how to deal with

your “stuff.” Learn how to make your next move an easy one! Limited seating. RSVP 578-8400 to reserve. www.chucket.net.◆ Jan 18: New Horizons Band of santa rosa. Glaser Center, 547 Mendo-cino Ave, Santa Rosa, 2 pm. A variety of music for all ages. Free, donations accepted.◆ Yearlong: Planning for your longevity. An exciting new workshop series from The Collaborative on Positive Aging to explore and develop your personal plan. Tuesdays in Santa Rosa, Wednesdays in Petaluma. See page 5 for details.

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