A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

     “Amy,  your  word  is  pres0ge.”      “P-­‐R-­‐E-­‐S-­‐T-­‐I-­‐G-­‐E,  Pres0ge.”      That’s  the  sound  of  success  at  Casa  Sandoval’s  twice  weekly  Spelling  Bee.  Each  Tuesday  and  Thursday,  James  Gonsalves  donates  his  0me  on  this  popular  

ac0vity.  Brainpower  and  the  constant  use  of  it  is  important  at  Casa.  We  design  our  monthly  ac0vi0es  so  that  Casa  residents  will  u0lize  their  gray  maKer  on  a  regular  basis.  Spelling  Bee  is  one  of  three  very  popular  ac0vi0es  

organized  by  James.  He  also  devotes  his  talent  to  Trivia  and,  on  occasion,  Math  problem  solving.            Among  the  other  brainpower  ac0vi0es  is  mandala,  which  helps  develop  concentra0on  -­‐        (Pg.  4)

BRAINPOWER TO STAY YOUNG

CASA UNIVERSITY

STAND ABOVETHE CLOUDS:

CASA UNIVERSITY (L) HELPS RESIDENTS LEARN NEW THINGS WHILE SPELLING BEE CALLS ON

RETAINED KNOWLEDGE.

MANDALA BLACKOUT IPAD LEARNING

CASA  CONNECTION

James Gonsalves

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Wow, what a July we had at Casa Sandoval! The 4th of July celebration was extremely popular and you’ll see many images from that week’s action in this issue. I hope all of you had a good time participating in our fun and creative activities. By now you’ve probably all seen the new hallway decorations for Casa Sandoval’s Around the World in 60 Days. This one’s going to be amazing! On our walls and throughout the building, we’ll be showcasing many countries during the next few weeks. The ‘tour’ list includes displays for the U.S., Greece, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, Australia, England, Russia, Japan, France, and the continent of Africa. You’ll see scaled down versions of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Taj Mahal, Victoria Falls, the Statue of Liberty, the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and much, much more. It’ll be like seeing the real thing in miniature! This world tour is a compilation of the many special events we’ve hosted at Casa and will feature photos of all the residents, staff, and guests who took part in the fun. It’s a chance to share the memories that make Casa Living so special. We are also making sure that we continue to upgrade the quality of activities offered to our residents. You’ll see a new batch of fun and educational activities in our new calendar. As always, please feel free to suggest something new and interesting. Summer is a time for fun and excitement and this is a chance to welcome four new Casa residents: Jack Smith, Martin Santana, and Irma and Tom Lanhart. I look forward to seeing your smiles each day and pray blessings for you and your families.  I love you all! Ann Villapando

Edna Zocchi 8/03 Jean Rolf 8/04 Janet Golonka 8/09 Virginia Gonsalves 8/10 Gene Silveria 8/18 Leonard Bailey 8/18 Chris Delp 8/19 Ben Corioni 8/20

Manuel Pontes 8/26Mary Ellen Brown 8/26Thelma Morgan 8/27Paulina Janas 8/31Gloria Surosky 8/31

Casa ContactsAnn Villapando

Corporate Executive Director

Tess BarretoChief Financial Officer

Rick ChavezCommunications Director

Claude TroskaExecutive Chef

Lilia SenoAdmissions Counselor

Alondra BrisenoFront Desk/Activities Manager

Patricia SilvaFacilities Manager

Olivia RodriguezDining Room Manager

510-727-1700www.casasandoval.com

Copyright 2013

RCFE #015600073

Hi Casa Family! Happy Birthday!

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RESOLUTIONBy Shoshi

Wisdom comes in odd shapes and sizes: in a realization of a common destiny with our neighbors. It’s an inkling that we really don’t have much to complain about. A sense of power in the conquering of little things; a sense of chutzpah in the right to laugh at outrageous things while keeping respect for the private things that others use as swear words.

We have not too long to go; one can tell that being a part of a dwindling group of seniors. Yet this is a day for resolution – to smile cheerfully, to work hard at being strong, and to share our brave tears with all who would call themselves friends.

WILLIE LOUIEWILLIE LOUIE DESERVES AN EXTRA SPECIAL MEASURE OF THANKS. AS A PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT, WILLIE WAS ONE OF OUR BEST SOLDIERS IN WWII. WILLIE STAYS IN SHAPE BY HITTING THE TREADMILL DAILY AND LOOKS AS VIBRANT AS HE DID WHEN HE WORE THE UNIFORM.

ROSE SOUSAIF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SMILE AND A GOOD HEART, LOOK FOR ROSE. THIS 4-YEAR CASA RESIDENT IS A FIXTURE AT CASA NEWS, CASA UNIVERSITY, AND AT ALL OF OUR PATIO EVENTS. ROSE AND OLE WERE MARRIED FOR 65 YEARS AND RAISED A BEAUTIFUL AND SUCCESSFUL FAMILY.

HARLAN SMITH

HARLAN IS AN OL’ HAND WHO WORKED MORE THAN 40 YEARS FOR LOARD’S ICE CREAM. HE’S ORIGINALLY FROM KANSAS, WHERE HE RODE HORSES ON THE FAMILY RANCH. HE STILL LOOKS LIKE HE COULD RUSTLE UP A HERD OR TWO AND MOVE THEM ALONG ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL.

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TESLA MODEL S

Brainpower to Stay Young (cont.)

(From  Pg.  1)while  leaving  room  for  crea0vity.        Three  of  our  other  popular  ac0vi0es  are  CASA  News,  Casa  University  and  Champion  for  Seniors.  (See  page  6)      Each  day,  Rick  Chavez  delivers  a  15-­‐minute  newscast,  packaging  current  stories  and  events  with  relevant  commentary  and  extrac0ng  life  experiences  from  the  residents.      Casa  University  is  in  session  each  Wednesday  morning  and  features  a  short  backgrounder  followed  by  a  special  topical  video.  All  of  the  videos  are  broadcast  quality  and  can  range  in  subject  material  from  science  to  history  to  medicine  to  sports  and  everything  inbetween.      A  more  casual  version  of  Casa  U.  is  conducted  on  Friday  mornings.  Rick  typically  shows  presenta0ons  that  relate  to  nature,  food,  travel,  or  music.      The  main  goal  for  all  of  us  is  for  Casa  residents  to  use  their  brilliant  and  incredible  minds  and  keep  them  ac0ve  and  produc0ve  for  as  many  years  as  possible.        

Tips for Improving Memory

Memory can be affected by many factors. These include lack of use, high stress, lack of rest, poor nutrition, poor health, and lack of exercise. Our memory tends to decline as we age. However, a healthy older adult should be able to recall quite well, particularly when given cues and prompts. Here are some strategies to help you keep your memory sharp!

1. Practice! Learning games and memory exercises keep your brain active.

2. Identify! Recognize what types of information and situations you tend to be forgetful about. 

3. Sleep! Get lots of rest. A tired brain will not process as efficiently as a well-rested brain.

4. Eat a good well-balanced diet.

5. Rehearse. Information that you need to remember will be recalled better if you repeat the information to yourself.

6. Use memory aids such as lists or notes with daily activities.

7. Routine. Develop routines and fixed areas for placement of items such as car keys.

8. Exercise. A regular routine increases blood and oxygen flow and increases learning and memory ability.

BRAINPOWER

K-CASA NEWS

CASA UNIVERSITY

SPELLING BEE

BRAIN FITNESS

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Casa  Sandoval  will  soon  begin  training  our  residents  in  the  use  of  the  iPad,  crea0ng  new  learning  opportuni0es  and  opening  doors  of  communica0on  that  had  previously  been  shut.  According  to  a  study  by  eMarketer,  iPad  use  among  seniors  grew  190%  during  2011.  It  could  be  quite  surprising  at  the  advantages  the  iPad  offers  to  senior  ci0zens  with  diminishing  senses  or  reduced  mobility.  It’s  also  user  friendly  for  those  whose  hands,  wrists,  and  fingers  are  hampered  by  arthri0s.  As  eyesight  fades  and  it  becomes  harder  to  see  the  printed  page,  tablets  offer  the  ability  to  expand  the  type  to  a  readable  size.  If  the  senior  is  comfortable  online,  it’s  possible  for  them  to  read  email  from  family  members  who  want  to  stay  in  touch.  Friends  and  family  can  upload  large  photo  albums  that  can  be  easily  viewed  by  the  senior.    

     Here’s  a  look  at  some  popular  free  iPad  apps  for  seniors:

     

     Postcards:  Designed  for  seniors,  this  simple  apple  allows  your  older  loved  one  to  easily  view  family  photos.

                             

     Skype:  Face-­‐to-­‐face  video  conferencing.  Seniors  can  chat  with  loved  ones  anywhere  in  the  world.      

     ITunes  U:  Makes  courses  by  a  wide  variety  of  educa0onal  ins0tu0ons  easily  accessible.

     

     Lumosity:  Play  popular  brain  games  designed  to  help  people  exercise  their  mind  and  stay  sharp.

     

     TED  Talks:  Watch  free  lectures  and  talks  by  scien0sts  and  thinkers  of  the  21st  century.

     

     Virtuoso  Piano  3:  Play  piano  and  other  instruments  with  the  touchscreen.

     

     WeatherBug:  Get  forecasts,  view  the  local  radar,  and  get  alerts  from  the  Na0onal  Weather  Service.

     

     iBooks:  Turns  an  iPad  into  an  eBook  reader.

           

     NPR:  Public  radio  fans  are  sure  to  enjoy  news  and  programming.

     

     Goodreads:  Users  can  read  and  write  reviews,  keep  a  log  of  books  read,  and  receive  book  recommenda0ons.

     

     WebMD:  Health  informa0on  and  medical  news.

     

     Dragon  DictaKon:  Text  recogni0on  app  designed  to  help  seniors  dictate  emails  and  other  messages.

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Words Have Meaning

My six-year old granddaughter draped a soft beaded bracelet on her hair and said, “Isn’t this awesome?” I don’t think that was in my vocabulary when I was six years old. Back then ‘awful’ meant very bad. At six I would have said, “Isn’t this pretty?” My mom would’ve said, “That looks classy.” My aunt may have said, “How stylish!” A teenager in the 1940s would say, “That’s sharp!”

Words are used to express information, ideas, and feelings. Each generation has its slang words and older generations shudder as they hear the words as distasteful, unnecessary, or annoying. I’m having trouble with young people adding “like” to their sentences. “I was going to the store, it was like three o’clock.” I think of the song from the musical, “My Fair Lady” titled “Why Can’t the English Teach Their Children to Speak?”

The choice of words often reveals something about someone’s personality or their education. Sometimes words come tumbling out without thought. My mom warned, “Words spoken cannot be taken back.” Thus, the saying, “think before you speak.”

Books are not written with slang words, lest they not be understood 40 years down the line. Over the years, the meaning of words may change. My grandparents would not have understood why my grandson wants to look ‘cool’ rather than ‘handsome’. And many of us may never learn to say, “It’s awesome!” Jean Rolf

Champion for Seniors Gulf War veteran John Forrett outlined new and updated VA benefits for our residents who also served. The Champion for Seniors event opened the eyes of many who had been leaving benefits on the table. Among the most commonly overlooked benefits are the Surviving Spouse and the

Aid & Attendance pensions. Please inquire soon; you may be eligible for assistance. Rick Chavez will help keep Casa veterans informed; he has all the forms you’ll need plus a direct line to John Forrett who can answer all questions you have about the VA.

Congestive Heart Failure Thursday,  August  15,  2013  6:00  PM  Casa  Auditorium

What  is  CHF?What  are  the  Symptoms?How  do  I  test  for  CHF?How  to  Manage  CHF

Presented  by:  LifeGuard  Home  Health

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PAT R I O T I C C O O K I E SDuring our 4th of July week celebration, the Casa Sandoval residents each had a chance to decorate

homemade sugar cookies using stars, stripes, and a variety of sprinkles for the birthday of the U.S.A.

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The spools of thread on the wall are a dead giveaway to anyone who wanders into the Silveria’s home. This is not an amateur operation; Marilyn has all the tools to make just about anything that can be worn. As a matter of fact, she handcrafted her own wedding dress and was every bit the beautiful bride as she strolled down the aisle with Gene. This is a couple who raised nine sons and daughters, all of whom are doing very well in their own careers. Gene and Marilyn also have a living room photo display that features the kids plus their 15 grandchildren. They’ve raised their family through lean and plentiful times alike. As with most people from their generation, Gene and Marilyn got used to working hard and keeping a good sense of humor. Even into their 80‘s, Gene’s booming radio voice is powerful enough to be heard all ‘round Casa and Marilyn’s easy spirit continues to set others at ease. Like any great couple, they are each other’s greatest supporters.

If you happen to wander down the hallway on the 2nd floor, don’t be surprised if you hear the hum of a sewing machine, stitching out a new dress pattern. Apartment 203 is where Marilyn Silveria stays hard at work, sewing her own clothes and those of her husband Gene. She’s an expert of the first order, having done this ever since she learned the craft at age 12.

The fall season is coming up soon and that’s a time when many of us dig out the cooler weather clothing. No surprise, we often find that our garments need repair before they can be worn again. No problem; “Seamstress Extraordinaire” is coming to the rescue. Marilyn would like to let her fellow Casa residents know that she’s available for any sewing chores that need to be done. Fixing or finishing men’s and women’s clothing is a cinch for her but she’s also got a treasure chest of patterns in her bottom drawer and would be happy to make something new for a special occasion. Knowing that most residents are on a fixed income, she has made her costs as flexible as possible, based on a person’s need and ability to pay. In other words, don’t be shy about asking her to stitch up that loose hem, even if you’re struggling to stretch your paycheck. If you look closely at the picture below, you’ll not only see a dapper looking Gene Silveria but you’ll also see that his shirt pocket was created with extra material from the tail of his shirt! Thanks to Marilyn, he now has a custom made, one-of-a-kind shirt that makes a dashing man even more so. Take time today to make friends with Gene and Marilyn and don’t hesitate to take full advantage of her incredible and much needed seamstress skills. You can contact her at Apartment 203 if you ever need to take Marilyn up on her generous offer.

Marilyn Silveria:Seamstress Extraordinaire

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U N C L E S A M H AT STHE CASA SANDOVAL TEAM TOOK IT UP A NOTCH AS THEY BUILT THEIR OWN

UNCLE SAM HATS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION. LOTS OF CREATIVITY!

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4 T H O F J U LY B - B - QMr. Chang and his singers helped bring a successful 4th of July celebration to a close with patriotic

songs and a delicious b-b-q. The Casa Sandoval residents proudly showed off their Uncle Sam hats.