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RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION
Surf City—Santa Cruz Chapter 009
June 2018
We are retired California public employees working together to maintain and
improve the quality of the lives of our members by protecting and improving our
retirement and medical benefits.
General Membership Meeting
Tuesday June 5, 2018 — Time: 11:30
Bill Philipps will talk about his Sri Lanka Travels
For reservations call Pat @ 423-1239 Reservations must be made by Thur., May 31
If you find at the last minute that you can’t come, please call Pat.
We are charged for no-shows!
The Back Nine at
The Inn at Pasatiempo
555 Hwy 17, Santa Cruz (take Pasatiempo exit)
Sit-down lunch
$15.00/person
Veggie Lasagna — 2 pieces of garlic bread
Dessert: Cannoli
First lunch
is free when
you join!
SPEAKERS’ NOTES
Chapter 9 Board member Lynn McKibbin (pictured), and Janet Coit, Certi-
fied Funeral Celebrant, presented a “Prepare because You Care” session at
our May luncheon. Lynn’s extensive list of resources is on page 4. The fol-
lowing notes are from Janet’s talk.
Death Café’s are where people get together to eat cake, drink tea and talk
about death. The objective of a Death Café is “to increase awareness of
death with a view to help people make the most of their finite lives.” Basi-
cally, every day’s a gift and we need to remember to live that way. You can
find more about Death Café’s at their website. www.deathcafe.com
We’re here today to get you to think about death. Your death, your spouse’s
death, your children’s death. (Because remember, it’s not always the older
person who dies first.) These are really hard things to think about. And es-
pecially in our culture, folks don’t want to think about it.
These choices are personal and everyone has an idea of what a good death would be. Some are more like the Welsh
poet Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night -- Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” And others
are more like former first lady Barbara Bush who stopped medical treatment to go home for comfort care.
There are no right answers, it’s personal… but you can’t let it be private. You need to talk and discuss these
things with your families and your doctors. They should know what your wishes are so that they don’t have to
guess what you would want in terms of treatment or end of life wishes. Unfortunately, many of these conversations
end up happening in the emergency room when everyone is stressed and in shock.
I bet you all know someone who has had to make a health care or end of life decision for a loved one and then has
had to live with doubt and guilt for that decision. Maybe it was even you. Were those decisions made based on the
loved one’s wishes or was the decision based on their own wishes? You know folks who have said, “I can’t let
Mom go…” You probably know families that have been torn apart by the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, a
death in the family doesn’t usually bring out the best in people.
Continued on p. 3
Page 2
Treasurer’s Report – Steve Redfield
Beginning Balance: 4-1-18 $8,527.96
Ending Balance 5-1-18 $8,864.59
FUND BALANCES
General Fund $6,810.56
Investment Opportunities $2,054.03
TOTAL 5-1-18 $8,864.59
RPEA CHAPTER 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2018-2019
PRESIDENT Bob Culbertson 724-0860
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Mary Doherty 423-3610
VICE-PRESIDENT
Jo Paulson 916-677-7226
RECORDING SECRETARY
Mary Doherty 423-3610
TREASURER
Steve Redfield 476-8120
DIRECTORS
Term 2017-2018
Carol Horner 535-9079
Lynn McKibbin 338-7074
Dena Taylor 462-5548
Director vacancy
Term 2018 -2019
Bill Philipps 831-476-4584
Sue Pierce 408-353-2832
Director vacancy
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
MEMBERSHIP: Bill Philipps
HISTORIAN: vacant CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING! HOSPITALITY: Pat Pimentel
HEALTH/INSURANCE: Lynn McKibbin
LEGISLATION: Jerry Bowles
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Dena Taylor
PROGRAM: vacant CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING!
OUTREACH: Sue Pierce
SUNSHINE: Mary Doherty
AREA III ASST. DIR.: Bob Culbertson
RPEA Chapter 9 website:
www.rpeasantacruz.org
Webmistress: Becky Taylor 421-9284
Legislative Report — Jerry Bowles
Jim Anderson has resigned as Director of Legislation from
RPEA's State Board of Directors. Jim is recommending that Ran-
dall Cheek fill out the remainder of his term. Randall is a mem-
ber of RPEA Sacramento Chapter 4. He has first-hand experi-
ence with the Legislature and already works with our lobbyist,
Aaron Read, on the Labor Council.
Sixty-eight ballot initiatives have been received by the Secretary
of State's office, some for the June ballot and some for the No-
vember ballot. Our state Legislative Committee will be watching
those that impact our members once they get approved for signa-
ture circulation. In California, the number of signatures needed to
qualify a measure for the ballot is based on the total number of
votes cast in the last election for the office of governor.
In the State Legislature bills are moving slowly. Our chapter
website www.rpeasantacruz.org has a current list of bills that our
Legislative Committee is watching.
Bob Culbertson (second from right) awarding $300 from our Investment Op-portunity Fund at our May luncheon to (from left) Jeanne Allen from Senior Network Services (HICAP), Justin Wright from the Homeless Garden Project, Brenna Ewing from Santa Cruz SPCA for Blackie's Fund, and Abbi Davis, SPCA Director.
Page 3
President’s Message — Bob Culbertson
Dear fellow retirees: Now is the time to start thinking about voting in the June Primary. I have a permanent
Vote by Mail status. I do it because I am a precinct inspector and work on election day from 5:30am to
10:30pm, and do not have time to go to my home precinct to vote.
You can still ask the county Elections Office for a mail ballot, but there is a deadline. I like to get the ballot
early and research any issue that I am not familiar with. It is also handy for those of us who get caught up on
election day with some surprise demand on our time, or are unexpectantly ill and do not feel up to going out.
Voting makes a difference for all of us. This year we will be selecting a new Governor in California. And
you may remember that in November it is the two candidates that receive the most votes that are in the run-
off; they may be in the same party. Our RPEA Legislative Committee looks at propositions that may affect
us, so read the latest statewide newsletter or ask Jerry Bowles if you have a question about the impact of a
ballot measure. Over 60 propositions were filed. Most of them will not make it to the ballot. But just look at
the difference between the Obama White House and the Trump White House; our votes will make the future
of California!
Continued from p. 1
How much easier would it have been if everyone knew what that person wanted. The family could then make deci-
sions based on carrying out what their loved one wanted in terms of treatment or end of life wishes. Because it was all
there for them, they could feel comfortable about those decisions.
Give your family one of the greatest gifts you could ever give them. Think about what you would want, then dis-
cuss with your family, and your doctors, as to what your wishes are. Write them out and make sure everyone knows
where to find them. They don’t do any good hidden away.
Remember, death isn’t something that happens to life, death is part of life.
Community Resources – Mary Doherty Helping family caregivers care for their loved ones and themselves
Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center offers services for family caregivers (family members or friends) of adults living with a
brain impairment such as:
Alzheimer’s disease
Stroke
Dementia
Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Brain tumors or brain injury
Mild cognitive impairment
Other conditions that may cause memory loss or confusion
Services include:
Care Planning
Counseling & Support Groups
Education, Workshops & Trainings
Information & Referral
Legal & Financial Consultation
Respite Care
Bi-monthly newsletter with upcoming events is available online at DelMarCaregivers.org
Services are free or low-cost sliding scale. Call to learn more about services:
Santa Cruz County 831-459-6639
Monterey County/San Benito Counties 831-424-4359
Toll-Free 800-624-8304
Page 4
RESOURCES — PREPARE BECAUSE YOU CARE
Compiled by Lynn McKibbin
Death Café’ Dates & locations found on SCC Hospice website in “Community Events”
Hospice of Santa Cruz County www.hospicesantacruz.org 940 Disc Dr, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (831) 430-3000
Call them for additional information about advance planning and events.
*Death Over Dinner http://deathoverdinner.org It all started with a Univ. of Washington graduate course called “Let’s Have Din-
ner and Talk About Death,” taught by Michael Hebb and Scott Macklin, which grew into a beautiful website designed by Seattle
agency Civilization with content developed by Angel Grant. There is a link to a 17-min. TED TALK that is very good!
*“Putting Things in Order” record book: www.STARCREST.COM Stock # 56483 $6.00 Also on this website is a great little
lighted magnifying glass for $8 – Stock # 49353. You may also order by phone: (800) 551-2843. The cover of the book is posted
on our website, just in case you forgot what it looks like.
“Get Your Stuff Together” https://www.gyst.com Great website full of advanced planning ideas with sections on Legal Ques-
tions, Digital Details, State Forms, Attorney Directory, Revocable Trusts, Emergency Fund and Guardianship. Most tools have a
cost but a few are free.
Aging with Dignity https://www.agingwithdignity.org Aging with Dignity is a national non-profit organization with a mission
to affirm and safeguard the human dignity of individuals as they age and to promote better care for those near the end of life. The
life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta served as the inspirational foundation of Aging with Dignity. Holds the copyright for
the “FIVE WISHES” advanced directive which you can buy for $5 on their website, with a tutorial.
CA Medical Association http://www.cmanet.org/resource-library/detail?item=advance-health-care-directive-kit-english has an
advanced health care directive kit for $6 to buy on their website.
https://www.peacefulpillhandbook.com is a website which offers a publication that provides research & information on euthanasia
and assisted suicide for the elderly ($85). The sample they have online is very small print, so you may need a magnifying glass.
*https://www.compassionandchoices.org Compassion & Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest and most active nonprofit working
to improve care and expand options for the end of life. It has a comprehensive publication “THE GOOD TO GO TOOL KIT” that
elaborates on all aspects about assisted suicide. This is also on our website. Contains many links for more information and action
steps for end of life choices and there is a link to information and forms specific to California. (800) 247-7421.
*http://capolst.org/ Contains the POLST pdf form and instructions for completion. The form is also on our website and is usually
printed on pink paper. My primary care doctor gave me this form and you can obtain one from your primary care doctor.
*Advanced Planning comprehensive information and links is here: http://www.caringinfo.org EXCELLENT SOURCE with free
downloads for forms & information. INFO line: (800) 658-8898
*The CA advanced health care directive is found at : http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/pdf/
ProbateCodeAdvancedHealthCareDirectiveForm.pdf and is posted on the RPEA local website.
*Advanced Planning Guide from UHC posted on our website
*Retired Members Death Benefits www.calpers.ca.gov Log in and enter the title in SEARCH BOX
You can also call them at (888) 225-7377 and ask them to mail you a copy.
*File of Life Foundation: www.folife.org You can order 1 packet for free, they will mail it to you. They are available at the Vol-
unteer Center in Tara Ireland’s office (831) 427-5070. We have posted printable forms on our website that you can use.
Who Will Care For You? Care-givers resource from Consumers Reports https://www.consumerreports.org/elder-care/elder-care-
and-assisted-living-who-will-care-for-you/
Senior Network Services www.seniornetworkservices.org or call their information and assistance line at (831) 462-1433. The
bright yellow Senior Resource Directory is on their website. They update it every year so check with them for updated info.
Page 5
Health & Insurance — Lynn McKibbin
VACCINES UPDATE
• Shingrix vaccine to prevent the painful Shingles episode is the newer, more effective vaccine and is pre-
ferred by the CDC for all adults 50 & over, whether or not they’ve had chickenpox, shingles or a Zostavax
vaccine (the older vaccine which is less effective). Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful localized rash of-
ten with blisters caused by the varicella virus which causes chickenpox. The virus remains in the nervous
system after a chickenpox infection (not a very nice thing to do) and you can catch the chickenpox at any
age in life. Check with your primary care doctor for their recommendation -- most do not carry the vac-
cine themselves and will refer you to a nearby pharmacy who does. Medicare does cover the cost of the
vaccine, but you will have a co-pay. My co-pay with UHC Medicare Advantage is $20 per injection, and
you must have 2 of them, 6 months apart, to be effective. Call your favorite pharmacy for info about your
price as it may be different than mine – they will order it for you and notify you when it arrives so you can
go the next day or so to get it (they do it in the pharmacy).
• Other vaccines recommended for everyone include INFLUENZA vaccine annually (which contain possi-
ble different strains/types of the virus) and TETANUS DIPTHERIA (Td) booster every 10 years; one of
the boosters can be Tdap which includes coverage for pertussis which affects adults as well as children.
• Other vaccines that may be recommended for you based on health risks include HIB (haemophilus influ-
enza type b); Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Meningococcal type A or B; Pneumococcal PCV13 or PPSV23;
and other vaccines may be recommended if you plan to travel outside of the country. Make sure that dis-
cussion with your doctor during your annual physical exam includes vaccine recommendations and rec-
ords.
Membership — Bill Philipps
We now have 586 members. I hope to see some growth this Spring/Summer as the
school districts’ classified employees choose to retire at the end of the school year.
See you at the June 5 meeting with my pictures of Sri Lanka!
What do you see around you?
Members are invited to submit photos to our editor for display
in the newsletter and on our website. Photos can be of any-
thing as long as they are taken in Santa Cruz County.
Email your photos in jpeg format to [email protected].
Please put “Newsletter Photo” in the subject line. This
month’s picture of 3 deer on Bob Culbertson’s property was
taken with a motion sensor camera.
Retired Public Employees Association of California-CH 9
PO Box 413, Capitola, CA 95010
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SANTA CRUZ, CA
PERMIT # 200
if you're not already receiving this newsletter via email, please consider doing so! It will save our chapter considerable
money each month by reducing the printing and mailing costs. Just let me know. We want to hear from you! Please
email your letters to the editor to me at [email protected] or send to RPEA, P.O. Box 413, Capitola CA 95010.
Upcoming General Membership & Board Meetings
July 3 — Speaker from Monarch Services
Aug. 7 — Annual picnic. Details next month
The Chapter Board of Directors meets the last Tuesday of the
month. Chapter members are invited to join us. Let a member
of the Board know you would like to attend and get directions
to the meeting. All the Directors’ names, phone numbers and
email addresses are located on page 2 of every newsletter.
Tell your friends about RPEA! We are the voice of all CalPERS mem-
bers, retired or still working. It is an organization that advocates for
retirement security for all public employees. Anyone can join, and
members receive discounts on various kinds of insurance and enter-
tainment attractions. In our local Santa Cruz Chapter, members enjoy
monthly luncheons, interesting speakers, and special BBQs and holi-
day parties. Get a friend or neighbor to join RPEA and you will get 10
free raffle tickets at the next meeting you come to. We have recruit-
ment packets of information for you to give to anyone you think might
like to join us.
We are looking for sponsors to assist the chapter in the
cost of printing and mailing of our newsletters. The
sponsorship will not only be printed in the newsletter,
but would be on our chapter website which will reach
over 700 persons. The cost of the sponsorship for a
business-card size would be: $25/1 month; $60/3
months; $100/6 months; $180/1 year. Please contact
Dena Taylor by email, [email protected], or call
(831) 462-5548 if you are interested or can direct us to
an interested sponsor.
SUNSHINE — Mary Doherty
We send cards to members
throughout the month. If you
know someone who we
should send a card to,
please let me know at 831-
423-3610
Happy Birthday to all Chapter 9 members
with birthdays in June.
Have something to say? Send
a letter to the editor! Send to
[email protected] or to
the return address on this
newsletter.
The secret to staying young is to live
honestly, eat slowly and lie about your
age.
--- Lucille Ball
