FORTUNA SENIOR SCENE

Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December 2010

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Annual Tribute to All Veterans “Raise the Flag” is the theme of the Seventh annual Tribute to Veterans sponsored by Fortuna Senior Services on November 11. This year’s featured speaker is Howard N. McLaughlin, Jr., a veteran of WWII. Doors open to the Veterans Memorial Building, Main Street, Fortuna, at 1:30 p.m. with the ceremony following at 2 p.m. McLaughlin landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, witnessing the raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi. He joined the Marine Corp in 1943, and serving with the 5th Engineer Battalion of the 5th Marine Division. From Iwo Jima, he went to Hawaii to prepare for the invasion of Japan, a military plan that was supplanted by the dropping of the atomic bomb. He was discharged in San Diego in 1946, and in 1948, passed a civil engineering test, working for the State of California for over 42 years. After retiring, he moved to San Juan Batista where he raised fuchsias commercially. He then moved to Fortuna, planning to do the same, but found it was too cold. Notwithstanding that plan gone awry, McLaughlin remains a resident of Fortuna. Following the “Raise the Flag” presentation, there will be a medley of patriotic songs in a sing-a-long, led by Betty Diehl, conductor for more than 40 years of the Ferndale Community Choir. Another special guest will be Russ Thompson of “Let’s Pretend with Uncle Russ,” a program presented by the Armed Forces Radio Services from 1948-52, heard by kids in American military bases throughout the world. Following that, music will be played by Don Hicks and Richard Phillipsen, with the floor open to dancing. Refreshments will be served by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Admission is free to the event sponsored by FSS, but donations will be accepted. An opportunity drawing will be held for an overnight stay at Benbow Inn, Garberville, including an additional $50 gift certificate; $100 gift certificate for Ivanhoe Restaurant, Ferndale; $100 gift certificate for Ferndale Meat Company, Ferndale; $50 gift certificate for Carter House Inn, Eureka. Tickets are available at the event. The American Legion and VFW is donating use of the building, and corporate sponsorship is provided by News Channel 3.

Howard N. McLaughlin, Jr.

Veteran of WWII

Speaker on November 11

7th

annual Tribute to Veterans

Vol. VII, No. 6 November / December 2010

Senior Scene is a bimonthly publication of

Fortuna Senior Services, Inc. P.O. Box 336

Fortuna CA 95540 (707)726-9203

admin@fortunasenior.org Directors

Carol Kinser - President Tom Mulholland – Vice President Chris Wennerholm - Secretary Bob Gillette - Treasurer Rick Center Marsha Hays Alice Herman Kevin Johnson Jim Stanfield Advisory Council Members Don Brown Cliff Clendenen RayDowdy Roy Frostensen Becky Giacomini Nancy Gregory John Gromala Dr. Ron Jones Pete Krueger Travis Low Jeff Nelson John Palotas Harriet Pecot Jon Sapper Dennis Scott Pat Whitchurch Hec Wood Bob Zigler Newsletter – Judith Wyland & Howard Lewis Membership - Corinne Stanfield Publicity - Wanda Rigby

Mission Statement of Fortuna Senior Services is to

“Enrich, Empower, Involve

Seniors of the

Eel River Valley Area”

MONTHLY MEETINGS 10 a.m.

Fortuna United Methodist Church 922 N Street, Fortuna

November 20

PG&E representative explaining Smart

Meter installations in Fortuna

December 18

Annual potluck—turkey ‘n all the trimmings

Mini-Trips will resume with the New Year

A full agenda of mini-trips is already in the

planning to begin in January. Please let us

know any sites of interest you would like to

visit. Call the office: 726-9203 and leave a

message, or email:

admin@fortunasenior.org

Auction Item:

FSS has been donated a brand new Epson

Stylus all- in-one wireless printer, Model

NX420 to be used as an auction item in

support of funding FSS. The printer may be

viewed at the FSS office. Bids start at $45

and may be dropped off at the office through

November 12, with award going to the

highest bidder.

WEEKLY EVENT

CALENDAR

Presbyterian Church Monday

T'ai Chi 9:30 - 10:30 am

Line Dance 11:00 am- 1 pm Tuesday S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 3- 4 pm Wednesday T’ai Chi, 1 pm - 2:30 pm. S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 5 - 6 pm Thursday Cards and Games, 9 am - noon Bridge, Canasta, Cribbage, Pinochle Seated T’ai Chi 4 – 5 pm Friday Fun & Games 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

METHODIST CHURCH First Monday – Book Club 2 pm Monday & Wednesday Exercise: “Move It Off” 9:30 am S.T.R.O.N.G. Exercises 5– 6 pm Tuesday and Thursday Exercise: “Maintaining Mobility” (2 offerings) 9:30 and 10:35 am Tuesday Senior Stitchers (crochet, cro-knit, all handwork) 1:30 pm Friday Bike Group 8:30 am (725-5869) Hiking Group 8:30 am (725-7953)

RIVER LODGE Daily Walk the Levee every morning, 8:30 am

For more information Call the FSS office: 726-9203 Monday -Friday 10 am - noon United Methodist Church 922 'N' Street

Open Mic Music Jamboree

Sunday, November 28 2-4 pm

Fortuna Monday Club. Free Admission

Donations appreciated

Hope to see all of you there!

The Traveling Quilt Fundraiser

The ―Dresden Plate‖ quilt has been

placed around town in the lobby of

Fortuna banks generating more ticket

sales for the opportunity drawing at our

December annual potluck meeting.

(Remember--you need not be present to

win). This quilt was offered to us by one

of our members as a fundraiser—and

has our “THANKS” for proving to be a

fabulous fundraiser. Tickets are $1 each

or six for $5. The quilt measures 71"x

85" and was quilted by ―Susie Sews.‖

Tickets will be available at all meetings,

classes, through a mailing, and at the

FSS office.

Fortuna Senior Transit - 725-7625 Call for reservations 8:30-4:30 $1.25 cash for each way or by a card

$20 for 20 trips.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF!!

That would be Carol Kinser, Board President,

who volunteered hundreds of hours in this past

year of transition to be Acting Director of

Fortuna Senior Services. Carol is quick to credit

the entire circle of individual volunteers as

being “always there” to help carry on the

programs of FSS. Additionally, Carol also credits

the extraordinary support of the all-volunteer

Board of Directors as being a key to the

complete success of last year. Fiscally, the

Board closed the books with a positive balance,

a demonstration of prudent fund stewardship.

The Board searched for and hired an Executive

Director who began duties September 7.

Carol was presented with a plaque and gift at

the September membership meeting. The

plaque reads:

“To Carol Kinser, President of the Board,

Fortuna Senior Services, for service above and

beyond the call of duty in rescuing Fortuna

Senior Services by assuming selflessly the

additional responsibilities of FSS Director.

Her outstanding dedication, hard work and

efficiency enabled FSS to flourish and grow

when it might easily have foundered without

her strong leadership.

The Fortuna Senior Services Board of Directors

hereby awards this certificate of excellence to

Carol Kinser in grateful appreciation of her

tireless efforts and services.”

Carol will continue transitioning directorship to

Judith Wyland, both of whom will work to

foster a close working relationship with the

Board.

Planned office hours for Judy are 10 a.m. to 4

p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,

with additional Monday office hours as needed.

The FSS office is staffed by volunteers Monday

through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon.

DONATIONS to FSS So you think you cannot afford to financially support your FSS? Yes you can!! Collect recyclable drink cans and bottles from yourself, your families, neighbors and friends. Once a month the Director of Fortuna Senior Services (Judy) will pick them up and deliver them to Eel River Disposal & Resource Recovery for a contribution to FSS. But, please be nice—have the cans and bottles rinsed and in a container to make pickup easier and not messy. Call the office: 726-9203 to arrange for the pickup services. In September we earned $53.54!

Want to do it yourself? Simply remember to credit account #115.

The Stitchery Group currently has members who will help you learn to crochet or cro-knit. Two teachers—no waiting! Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room, United Methodist Church, 922 N. Street. For more information call Chris Wennerholm, 725-2020. The Senior Social Group, a friendship gathering, has met for lunch several times, attending the play "Spelling Bee" at College of the Redwoods; "Man of La Mancha" at the Ferndale Rep and, most recently, the "The Treble-Making Nuns" a comedy quartet performance at the Monday Club. For more information, call Chris Wennerholm, 725-2020. Bridge Players (Thursday mornings) recently honored Dick Rodriguez as “Tournament Winner.” The luncheon tribute was also a farewell for Dick who is moving to Sonoma. He has deep roots with FSS, as a bridge player for many years, and by having served on the Board of Directors of FSS. The bridge players also gave special recognition to Kay Connors to show their appreciation for her volunteer-ism with the group. 4

September and October usher in a beautiful time of year here in Humboldt County. Most of us think of “fall” as being a season of harvest, beautiful colors, hearth fires warming and the beginning of holidays.

For a growing number of seniors, though “fall” means just that—down with a thud!

The number of serious falls, especially by older Americans, has brought on the need for a Fall Prevention Awareness Week in California. Fortuna Senior Services thinks we should be extending that awareness throughout the year for our overall good health.

Fortuna Senior Services is being proactive in

forestalling injuries caused by this health hazard

by offering a varied format of exercise classes

aimed at promoting better strength, balance

and flexibility, including improved range of

motion in major joints of the body, as well as

aerobic exercises and exercises aimed at

preventing ostereoposis. Here’s a personal

testimony of Chris Wennerholm, FSS Board of

Directors member and participant of the

MTWTH morning exercise classes:

While I was on vacation recently, I had the misfortune of falling down an entire flight of stairs. I was fortunate enough to be able to walk away from that accident with only a (small) broken bone in my shoulder, which healed on its own. I feel extremely blessed because several doctors have since assured me that a serious fall like that for seniors usually means LIFE-CHANGING.

INJURIES AND A NURSING HOME!! I know my guardian angels were working overtime and I thank God daily for suffering so little damage, but I also credit the strength and flexibility gained from regularly attending senior exercise classes four days a week. Being in good physical condition played a big part in minimizing the injuries I could have sustained and I urge all seniors to join an exercise group and reap the benefits of staying strong and active. Our FSS exercise teacher, Nanette Heidtman, has taught exercise and dance for many years, has expert knowledge of anatomy, and focuses on balance, flexibility, mobility, building strength, and weight loss.” Join the any of the Fortuna Senior Services exercise classes. Call Nanette at 725-3231, Marla at 725-6180, Rosemary at 725-2613, Letha Rogers at 725-2497 or Meryl King at 725-6270. These volunteer instructors can give you information about the courses, and encouragement to regain or maintain your optimal health. Participants of any age and ability are welcomed to the FSS classes: Two classes of Move it Off are offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am and at 10:40 am; Maintaining Mobility (2 classes) is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. and at 10:35 a.m.; S.T.R.O.N.G. classes (preventing osteoporosis on Tuesdays, 3-4 pm/Presbyterian Church 1431 Ross hill Rd. (use the side door, please), AND Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m./Methodist Church, 10th & N Streets. At the Presbyterian Church, Ross Hill Road, T’ai Chi is offered Mondays, 9:30 a.m., again on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and seated T’ai Chi on Thursdays at 4 p.m.

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Now, about falls. . .

A Few Facts

What to Do After a Fall… If You CAN Get Up

What to Do After a Fall… If You CANNOT Get Up

What to Do After a Fall… If You Are the WITNESS

When to See a Doctor

Preventing Another Fall

Consequences of a Fall: The Physical Aftermath

Consequences of a Fall: The Psychological Aftermath

Find Out More

We all fall from time to time. With age, both the number of falls and the likelihood of injury increase. So, it's important to know what to do if you fall or if you see someone else fall. Reacting properly to a fall can make the difference between a "serious" fall and a "less serious" one. It often helps to decrease its physical and psychological consequences. It enables you to regain your confidence more quickly and to continue to be as independent as possible.

A Few Facts

One-third of seniors (age 65 and over) have a fall every year; half of them have more than one fall.

Falls are the most common cause of injury among seniors.

Seniors are nine times more likely to be hurt in a fall than someone under age 65.

Nearly two-thirds of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors are the result of falls.

Roughly half of all falls occur at home.

What to Do After a Fall… If You CAN Get Up

The first thing to do is to catch your breath. Check and see if you are injured. Even if you think you're OK, take your time before getting up again.

Follow These Five Steps for Getting Up

1. Lie on your side, bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.

2. Pull yourself toward an armchair or other sturdy object, then kneel while placing both hands on the chair or object.

3. Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the chair or object.

4. Stand up. 5. Very carefully, turn and sit down.

Practice these steps often and be prepared in case you fall. Most of all, stay calm.

What to Do After a fall… If You CANNOT Get Up

If you feel any discomfort or are unable to get up, try to get help.

1. Call out for help if you think you can be heard.

2. If you have an emergency call device or telephone at hand, use it.

3. If you don't, try to slide yourself towards a telephone or a place where you will be heard.

4. Make noise with your cane or another object to attract attention.

5. Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you.

6. If you can, place a pillow under your head and cover yourself with a piece of clothing or a blanket to stay warm.

7. Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.

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What to do after a fall… If You Are the WITNESS If you see someone fall, resist the urge to get the person up immediately. First check for condition: is the person conscious or unconscious? Does the person appear to be injured? Reassure the person. If the individual cannot get up, call for help and administer first aid if you are able to do so. Help the person find a comfortable position and keep him or her warm using an item of clothing or blanket.

If the individual appears able to get up, proceed with care and follow the steps below.

1. Bring a chair close by; help the person turn onto the side and bend the upper leg; help the person into a semi-seated position.

2. Placing yourself behind the person and getting a firm grip on the hips, help the person to a kneeling position with both hands on the chair.

3. Holding on to the chair, the person should then place the stronger leg in front. You may help by guiding his or her leg.

4. With a firm grip on the hips, help the person to stand, then turn and sit on the chair.

When to See a Doctor Whether you're the victim or the witness of a fall, never underestimate its seriousness. Even if it appears no harm was done, there could be after-effects.

Here Are Some of the Reasons for Seeing a Doctor

loss of consciousness just before or after the fall

injuries

a strong or lingering pain

dizziness

nausea

overall weakness

headaches

vision problems

Symptoms may appear in the days that follow a fall. If you fall, take note of your condition. If you witness a fall, take note of the person's condition. In some cases, a fall may be the sign of an illness, or it may be caused by medication. It's always better to mention falls to your doctor. He or she can then assess the situation and see if the fall is linked to an illness, prescribed medication or over-the-counter drugs.

Preventing another fall Surroundings - It's a good idea to check your environment to discover any fall hazards, particularly if you have had a fall. Simple changes to prevent falls include grab bars, non-slip rugs and a handrail on both sides of stairs. Shoes - Wearing unsuitable footwear increases the risk of falling. Make sure your shoes have non-slip soles and heels of reasonable height, and are wide enough to prevent any twisting of the foot. A good heel cup that goes around the back of the heel also stabilizes the ankle. Taking Precautions - Thinking about your fall, come up with a plan so that you'll feel in control for the future. Share this plan with your family and neighbors. Consider getting an emergency call device or always have a cordless phone close at hand, especially if you fall often. Ask a friend or a family member to phone you at regular intervals, or get this service from a company or a volunteer centre. Give your keys to someone you trust who could use them in an emergency. In short, think about what you can do to get help if you have a fall.

Consequences of a fall: The Physical Aftermath A fall is often accompanied by physical complications. As a matter of fact, falls are the most common cause of injury among seniors. Besides bruises and scrapes, one-third of seniors who fall, suffer fractures or muscle damage. They can also develop pneumonia, blood clots or other after-effects after they lie on the ground for an extended period. Hip fractures are the most common injury. Among people over age 65, approximately 40% of fall-related injuries resulting in hospitalization are due to hip fractures.

Consequences of a fall: The Psychological Aftermath it’s normal to be more cautious after a fall, but the fear of falling again may lead you to restrict your activities. This is a vicious circle: the less active you are, the more your strength and flexibility decrease, which increases your risk for falling. What's more, if you isolate yourself because you feel vulnerable, the reduced social contacts may undermine your spirits. Discussing your fear of falling with your family or with health professionals should help diminish your fear. A physiotherapist can also suggest various rehabilitation exercises that will help you.

Taking a fall brings your physical limitations to the surface and may jeopardize your independence. It's a difficult experience to go through. Knowing the potential consequences of a fall and knowing what to do will set you on the path to a faster physical recovery and a return to enjoying life.

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CHRISTMAS NOW AND

THEN IN STORIES AND

SONGS

Beaux & Belles will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 19, to benefit Fortuna Senior Services. The musical event starts at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club.

The Victorian-costumed group will sing traditional carols along with some modern-day songs. The audience will be invited to sing along with traditional carols such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and A Christmas Song.

Also featured will be two choral readings, “The Message” written by Nanette Heidtman, and “A Christmas Alphabet” written by Marion Conger. Music will be interspersed with readings of Christmas-themed poems and stories.

Beaux & Belles have been performing for the past three years under the direction of Nanette Heidtman. Accompanist Carol Masterson will be joined by Janet Sclar on the violin for two instrumental pieces.

This benefit concert is suitable for the entire

family. Free-will donations will be accepted in lieu of a specific charge.

Happy Birthday in NOVEMBER to…. 1

st Sara Then

2nd

Arlene Longnickel Colleen Foster Corinne Stanfield Terry Iversen 5

th Nancy Spruance

6th

Bobbi Bennetzen 7

th Deborah Sypherd

8th

Beverly Griffin Dennis Scott Margie Yates 9

th Dennis Hazelton

Ingrid Pfeiffer Mary Ellen Mello Wanda Cope 10

th Jeri Thomson

11th

Phyllis Davy Stan Clark 13

th Lester Reynolds

17th

Diane Harrow 20

th Frank Pratt

Gail Morrison Virginia Dexter 22

nd Carolyn Campbell

24th

Donna Brisbin Joyce Godwin 26

th Janet Wigginton

28th

Donna Kay Johnson Francis Porro Jerry Sisson 29

th Shirley Glavich

30th

Frank Cope

Happy Birthday in DECEMBER to… 1st Leafy Briggs Anita Ritchie 2

nd Buck Carroll

Lynn Marchand 3

rd Edgar Roberts

5th

Lucille Scilacci Sean Flynn 6

th Kent Wrede

7th

Mary Greene Bob Kitson 9

th Betty Sleep

Howard McLaughlin Ron Irvin 10

th Jim Wingo

13th

David Kennard 14

th Chuck Acridge

Judy Roberts 15

th Mary Solotoff

16th

Mel Hoff 18

th Bette Cawthon

21st

Ava Zampatti Carolyn Dowdy 24

th Dave Settle

25th

Margaretta Batten Norma Bohrer 26

th Ose Begley

29th

Faith Platt 30

th Rita Shea

CHRISTMAS NOW AND

THEN IN STORIES AND

SONGS

Beaux & Belles will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 19, to benefit Fortuna Senior Services. The musical event starts at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club.

The Victorian-costumed group will sing traditional carols along with some modern-day songs. The audience will be invited to sing along with traditional carols such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and A Christmas Song.

Also featured will be two choral readings, “The Message” written by Nanette Heidtman, and “A Christmas Alphabet” written by Marion Conger. Music will be interspersed with readings of Christmas-themed poems and stories.

Beaux & Belles have been performing for the past three years under the direction of Nanette Heidtman. Accompanist Carol Masterson will be joined by Janet Sclar on the violin for two instrumental pieces.

This benefit concert is suitable for the entire

family. Free-will donations will be accepted in lieu of a specific charge.

Happy Birthday in NOVEMBER to…. 1

st Sara Then

2nd

Arlene Longnickel Colleen Foster Corinne Stanfield Terry Iversen 5

th Nancy Spruance

6th

Bobbi Bennetzen 7

th Deborah Sypherd

8th

Beverly Griffin Dennis Scott Margie Yates 9

th Dennis Hazelton

Ingrid Pfeiffer Mary Ellen Mello Wanda Cope 10

th Jeri Thomson

11th

Phyllis Davy Stan Clark 13

th Lester Reynolds

17th

Diane Harrow 20

th Frank Pratt

Gail Morrison Virginia Dexter 22

nd Carolyn Campbell

24th

Donna Brisbin Joyce Godwin 26

th Janet Wigginton

28th

Donna Kay Johnson Francis Porro Jerry Sisson 29

th Shirley Glavich

30th

Frank Cope

Happy Birthday in DECEMBER to… 1st Leafy Briggs Anita Ritchie 2

nd Buck Carroll

Lynn Marchand 3

rd Edgar Roberts

5th

Lucille Scilacci Sean Flynn 6

th Kent Wrede

7th

Mary Greene Bob Kitson 9

th Betty Sleep

Howard McLaughlin Ron Irvin 10

th Jim Wingo

13th

David Kennard 14

th Chuck Acridge

Judy Roberts 15

th Mary Solotoff

16th

Mel Hoff 18

th Bette Cawthon

21st

Ava Zampatti Carolyn Dowdy 24

th Dave Settle

25th

Margaretta Batten Norma Bohrer 26

th Ose Begley

29th

Faith Platt 30

th Rita Shea