Peninsula Volunteers

Peninsula Volunteers Blog Moving to New Website

2012-02-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Volunteers has a newly re-designed website and our blog is going to become part of that site.

That means that we won't be updating this blog site any more. All the same material we would post here will appear on our main website from now on.

We will keep this blogspot open for some time to come, just to archive some of your favorite posts. So don't delete the link from your "bookmarks" and "favorites" just yet.

We hope you'll like our new format.

Thanks for reading and DO join us at www.penvol.org.

Accepting White Elephant Sale Goods Now

2012-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again to start thinking of drinking Irish Coffee as you wander the halls of Little House picking up those odds and ends you always wanted.

In fact, if you have merchandise to donate for the White Elephant Sale, we're accepting those now through March 8th at Little House between the hours of 10 AM to Noon and again from 2 to 4 PM, Tuesdays through Thursdays. (I'm sorry, but we cannot accept drop offs at any other times.)

Mural Project - Call for Artists!

2012-02-22T10:42:00.002-08:00

Little House is seeking a mural design for the interior of our Little House Cafe at 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park.

Theme: Two murals, one a Parisian cafe scene viewed from outside, showing diners enjoying food and beverages, camaraderie, and possibly looking from inside the cafe to the street outside, with Parisian views in the background. The second mural is an interior view closer of coffee being served.

Mural #1: Outdoor scene dimensions are 54" high by 137" wide.
Mural #2: A barista serving coffee; dimensions are 48" high by 58" wide.

Little House will supply the acrylic paints and gesso for painting the mural.

Since Little House serves a demographic that includes all ages, the style needs to be something that will appeal to a broad range of people. It doesn't need to be realistic, it can be somewhat abstracted or impressionistic, but it can't be cartoon-like or graffiti style.

PRIZE: The artist whose design is chosen will be included in the social media sites of Little House and Peninsula Volunteers, and will receive two free dinners at LuLu's Restaurant in Menlo Park.

Entry Deadline: March 22, 2012. Finalist will be asked to submit design in person.

NOTE: By submitting their artwork to the Little House Art Spaces, all artists agree to allow photographs to be taken of their art for educational, publicity and archival purposes by Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.

Entries may be sent to: cduhring@peninsulavolunteers.org.

Your entry must include the following: Name, Mailing Address, Phone, and Email (if you have one), plus your signature on this statement: "AGREEMENT: Your signature gives artist's consent to all conditions specified in the guidelines." Include the date you signed.

Meals on Wheels Receives Sequoia Hospital Grant

2012-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

For the third year in a row, Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels has received a $25,000 grant to participate in the Sequoia Hospital Homecoming Project (SHHP). The SHHP is a 5 agency collaborative that works toward supporting adults who have been recently discharged from the hospital to prevent their re-admission. Meals on Wheels, obviously, supplies the nutritional component and the daily safety check.

Last week the Dignity Health (formerly Catholic Healthcare West) region, from San Francisco down the Peninsula, awarded grants to a number of worthy agencies, all cooperating to improve community health.

Bart Charlow, PV Executive Director, Marie Violet, Director of Health & Wellness Center at Sequoia Hospital, and Marianne Mannia, former Rosener House Director and ubiquitous community volunteer.

The fun part for Peninsula Volunteers was that we got to spend some time with Marianne Mannia, who had been Director of our Rosener House program many years ago. She continues to volunteer for community health. And as you can see in the picture, she is the picture of health herself! What an advertisement for longevity through having a true purpose in life.

Our thanks to Sequoia Hospital and Dignity Health for supporting our program.

Subaru "Share the Love" for Meals on Wheels

2012-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” Awarded $750 “Share The Love” Most Meals Grant

from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)

Subaru’s “Share The Love” Event helps deliver nutritious meals and compassion to San Mateo County’s elderly

Menlo Park, CA (February 15, 2012) – Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” program is proud to announce it has been awarded a $750 grant from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) in recognition of its participation in MOWAA’s “Share The Love” Most Meals Contest. As part of Subaru of America, Inc.’s “Share The Love” Event, Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” worked with Carlsen Subaru during the holiday season to deliver warm blankets to low-income homebound seniors and disabled adults who receive Meals on Wheels daily lunches.

“Carlsen Subaru’s Manager, Todd Parkinson, was literally a driver for blanket deliveries,” said Bart Charlow, Executive Director of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. “Subaru supplied the car and worked with us, County Supervisor Don Horsley and NBC Bay Area to bring the gift of warmth, live on TV, to some of our long time meals recipients. When people can put a face to the service, they truly understand that Meals on Wheels is a life giver and often even a life saver!”

As one of the five Subaru “Share The Love” Event charitable partners, MOWAA created the Most Meals Contest to foster partnerships between local Meals On Wheels programs and Subaru dealerships. MOWAA is awarding $150,000 in Most Meals grants to the 48 Meals On Wheels programs across the country that recruited dealership employees to volunteer, deliver meals in Subaru vehicles and engage community members in the fight to end senior hunger.

Most Meals grants awarded by MOWAA range from $250 to $35,000. The nation’s economic downturn has made it more difficult to raise money to provide meals to the community’s homebound seniors. Peninsula Volunteers “Meals on Wheels” will use the money to help fund the increasing cost of gasoline to deliver over 80,000 meals to 8 cities in San Mateo County each year.

The Subaru “Share The Love” Event ran from November 19, 2011 to January 3, 2012. Subaru is donating $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during “Share The Love” to the customer's choice of one of five charities, including MOWAA. Over the past three years, proceeds from the Subaru “Share The Love” Event have provided funds to MOWAA to support its vision to end senior hunger by 2020.

"We are honored to be part of ‘Share The Love’ again this year," said MOWAA President and CEO, Enid Borden. "Subaru is a corporation with a conscience. They understand that providing nutritious meals to hungry and homebound seniors in need is a moral imperative."

About Peninsula Volunteers

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. is a pioneer in senior services and was the first volunteer organization to receive a HUD grant to develop and build low-income senior housing in the

United States

. For 64 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., has created and provided high quality and nurturing programs for the aging in South San Mateo County, which have allowed seniors to pursue long, healthy and useful lives. Each year, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. delivers over $5 million in services, including over 150,000 hot meals to seniors and the homebound and senior centers, and touches over 4,500 households through its programs: Meals on Wheels; Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and Peninsula Volunteer Properties, Inc. The latter provides 82% of the affordable senior housing in Menlo Park at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments. For more information, visit: www.peninsulavolunteers.org.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

Treat Your Loved One to the Alzheimer's Cafe

2012-02-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

If you've been feeling kind of isolated from friends and fun, since your loved one has been dealing with Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment, then you can break out and start living gain! Come and socialize at our Alzheimer's Cafe on Tuesday, January 17th.

The Alzheimer's Café is a place and opportunity that brings together people living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. It is a warm and inviting atmosphere that nurtures friendship and mutual support.

Based on the work of Dutch psychologists, the Café is a place where everyone can be themselves, share experiences, and learn from one another. There's no agenda, only the opportunity to socialize and enjoy a day out in a creative environment. Feel free to stop in, have coffee and pastries, and become part of this growing movement.

For information, call Julie Scales, Little House Program Manager at (650) 326-2025, ext. 229.

Days and Times: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2 – 4 PM. Next event: Feb. 21, 2012
Location: Little House Activity Center 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Cost: FREE, donations gladly accepted.

Facebook Returns for Hands-On Training

2012-02-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

Feb. 23rd - 3:30 PM

After a successful first meeting, experts from Facebook are coming back to Little House to teach smaller, more interactive classes. To provide individual attention, classes are limited in size and therefore pre-registration is required.

FREE

The last time Facebook came to Little House we were completely full, with a waiting list. You would have thought that Facebook's 800 million regular users had arrived.

Don't miss your opportunity! Reserve your space right away.

Authors Salon nearly sold out, so hurry!

2012-02-02T08:04:00.001-08:00

Friends, our 21st Annual Authors Salon is nearly sold out. If you want tickets, please rush your order today!

Returning to a Peninsula location, the Sharon Heights Country Club, this year's line up of authors has some of the best-sellers you've been dying to hear live. Great lunch, great speakers, great company, so what are you waiting for?

By the way, we still have room for underwriters and sponsors.

For more information, call Cathy Duhring: 650-326-0665, ext. 238, or email: cduhring@peninsulavolunteers.org

Last Chance to Sign Up for Facebook at Little House

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Please make your reservation today if you want to join in the fun, because space is very limited!

Introduction to Facebook taught by Facebook staff

Thursday, January 26th, 3:30pm

Peninsula Volunteer's Little House

Activity Center

800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park

The presentation will be geared towards individuals who have limited experience with Facebook and are looking to advance their social media skills in the new year. All ages are welcome to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops to follow along with the presentation. Pre-registration is required by Monday, January 23rd. For more information and to pre-register, call 650.326.2025, ext. 222 or email knwachob@peninsulavolunteers.org. Click here to view the full press release.

Peninsula Health Care District Awards Rosener House

2012-01-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

On January 26th, the Peninsula Health Care District will hold a public ceremony to celebrate the new crop of organizations receiving grants from them. Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House Adult Day Services is proud to be among them!

Recognizing that 20% or more of Rosener House participants reside in the Peninsula Healthcare District, they decided to support our program for the very first time.

We will highlight one of our Rosener volunteers, Cathy Morgan, for her excellent contribution to making our program such a warm, friendly and stimulating place. Please join us!

And THANKS to the Peninsula Health Care District!

Facebook Is Coming to Little House

2012-01-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

If you want to know what all the fuss is about

- or just to keep up with your friends and family -

here's your chance!

Introduction to Facebook taught by Facebook staff

Thursday, January 26th, 3:30pm

Peninsula Volunteer's Little House

Activity Center

800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park

Volunteers Needed in January

2012-01-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Have a Little Fun Volunteering at LITTLE HOUSE!

THE LITTLE SHOP THURSDAYS 12-2pm 1-2 months

· Customer Service and Cashier Skills

· Other shifts available

· Substitutes needed Mon.-Fri.

FRONT DESK FRIDAYS 8am-12:30pm ongoing

· Meet and greet members and guests

· Training provided

· Trained subs needed on-call

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers

9:30-11:30 Tuesdays and Fridays
Once a week or on-call availability preferred
Deliver hot meals and a smile to homebound
Regular Routes in Menlo Park area
Substitutes needed from Belmont to Menlo Park
Provide car, gas, proof of insurance, driver’s license
Authorize release for background and DMV check

To volunteer or for more information, please contact Mary Rached, Director of Community Volunteer Program

Ph: (650) 322-1029 email: mrached@peninsulavolunteers.org

Start Your New Year Right with Alzheimer's Cafe

2012-01-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

For information, call Julie Scales, Little House Program Manager at (650) 326-2025, ext. 229.

Days and Times: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 2 – 4 PM.
Location: Little House Activity Center 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Cost: FREE, donations gladly accepted.

You CAN Manage that Chronic Disease

2012-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Shakespeare phrased it as "...the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to."

Living longer is living better if we can find the ways to manage what ails us. By the time we're in our 40s we start feeling the pinch of time - not to mention all those accidents and illnesses we laughed off earlier. By our 50s and 60s we accumulate a few "passengers" that won't get off the bus.

So what! These days we can do more for ourselves by learning how to live with chronic diseases.

Little House has teamed with Sequoia Healthcare District to bring you just what you need:

Rosener House Needs YOU!

2012-01-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Rosener House needs volunteer activities assistants.

Work with staff to provide music, art, meals and socializing to participants
10:30 am -1:00 pm Weekdays
Performing/ musical talent, guitar, piano etc. helpful
Spanish speaking volunteers a plus

Rosener House volunteers have a ball! There's more creativity here in the daily activities than you can ever imagine. If you don't have talent, we can use your smile, because you have no idea how far a little personal contact goes!

Call Mary Rached at (650) 322-0129 for more information, or email her at this link.

Yes, We're Still Online!

2012-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Our apologies if our website has been a bit behind these past couple of weeks. We are in the midst of a re-design of that site. We'll debut that soon.

In the meantime, for those of you interested in the January Little House Newsletter click this link.

For those interested in the February Meals on Wheels menu click this link.

Thanks for your patience and...

Happy New Year!!!!

It's Not Too Late to Donate - Think of Your Tax Deductions

2011-12-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

Giving may yield you tax deductions.
Now doesn't that make your brain light up?

Research shows that even a small act of giving, like dropping coins into a fund-raising bucket, lights up the pleasure circuits in your brain. So, why not be charitable this holiday and enjoy an added health benefit!

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. programs at Little House, Rosener House and Meals on Wheels are possible thanks to support from people like you.

To donate, click on this link. You will be directed to a safe and secure website where you can make your donation. Any gift amount is greatly appreciated!

Warm wishes for a Happy Holiday Season

and Healthy New Year!

Little House Noted in People Magazine

2011-12-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

Cheryl Burke, dancing master of "Dancing with the Stars" appears in a story in the holiday extra edition of People Magazine this month. She's the first one quoted in a story about celebrity memories of the holidays. Cheryl tells the nation (or at least all the mag readers) about her fond memories volunteering each Christmas at Little House as part of her cherished family tradition, along with her Peninsula Volunteer mom, Sherri Burke.

We aren't allowed to reprint their article here, so you'll just have to find the magazine or check their website if you're curious.

We CAN tell you that Cheryl's dance studio has a large ad in our January Little House News, which will be posted on our website shortly.

Thank you Cheryl. You're a good friend, a good person and a really GREAT dancer!

Reserve Your Holiday Dinner Spot!

2011-12-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Call Aida Sanchez at: 650-326-2025 ext. 222.

Little House Volunteer Chosen for President's Award

2011-12-13T15:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Leonard Friedman was recognized

for 19 years of volunteer public service.

(For the full story from the pages of The Almanac by Sandy Brundage, click this link.)

Leonard Friedman has been hosting our bridge club at Little House for 19 years! He's been introducing people to the game and making sure that they come to enjoy the pleasure and the brain health benefits of this popular game.

Thanks to a nomination by the RSVP of San Mateo and Northern Santa Clara County, he came to the attention of the White House (yes, that White House!) for his efforts.

At a small ceremony yesterday at Little House (yes, our Little House), he was presented with the award. The ceremony had to start late, as none of Lenny's Bridge students were willing to stop in the middle of a hand! Now that's dedication!

"You get a good feeling when you volunteer," he said. "You teach people a new game, but you also learn from the experiences. Volunteering makes you healthier, happier and wiser."

Leonard ought to know. He's 87 years young! And that probably trumps whatever you're doing, so come on down and learn Bridge from Lenny.

Subaru "Share the Love!" for Meals on Wheels

2011-12-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) represents and supports Senior Nutrition Programs like our Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels across the country. MOWAA needs our help today, and your help might translate into a grant from them to our own program, as it has in the past.

Take a minute to vote for Meals On Wheels as your favorite Subaru “Share The Love” charity and Subaru will donate $1 to help end senior hunger: “Share The Love” Facebook page

You can also go to our local partnering Subaru dealership, Carlsen Subaru, in Redwood City and if you buy a car from them this month, Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels can get a contribution for every car sold.

We appreciate all your support! Thanks.

Cool December at Little House!

2011-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

MAHARAJA: THE SPLENDOR OF INDIA’S ROYAL COURTS

Explore the life and times of

India

’s great kings through this presentation, viewing the objects they used and the art they commissioned, collected, and loved. Nearly 200 stunning artworks illuminate the dazzling world of these kings from the 1700’s to the 1940’s, a period of dramatic change.

Docent: Michelle Wilcox, Asian Art Museum

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 1:30 to 2:30 PM (NOTE: new time)

Cost: $3 members/$5 non-members

Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

JOHN O’CONNOR

SAILING ROUND THE WORLD

Come and meet John O’Connor, a long time Menlo Park proprietor and his wife Karen, who took an 8 year sabbatical aboard their 60 foot yacht, Windsong. John will share pictures and yarns about the people and places they met along the way. Included will be the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Maine the Azores, Gibraltar, the Mediterranean, Black and Red Sea.

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 1:30 to 2:30

Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members

Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

THE PRISCILLA STANFORD SINGERS & DANCERS

Join us once again this year for a fabulous, fun and entertaining hour of song and dance with the children, teenagers, graduates and family members of the Stanford Dance Studio. The Stanford group is choreographed by Pricilla Stanford, Director of the PS Performing Arts Studio in Belmont.

Date: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 1:30 to 2:30 PM (NOTE: new time)

Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members

Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

And for a Little House light music....

August Mozart will be playing the piano on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. during lunch.
The University Heights Montessori School kindergarten class is coming to sing on Wednesday, Dec. 14 about 11:45 again during the lunch hour. They will be staying with us for lunch and will bring gifts for our members who are at lunch.

Is that cool enough for you yet? See you there!

BBB is a Smash Hit!

2011-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

This year's Baubles, Bangles & Bags was not just sold out early. The event was a smash hit with those who got seats AND raised a whopping record for this event! (We'll post the $ soon.)

Congratulations to Camilla Shroff and her team: Patricia Grillos, Darlene Woodson and Linda Drew.

The "R by Reeti" fashion show was tasteful and elegant. The tables were elegant and fun. The crowd? Well they were certainly fun and having a ball. If you were there you know that; if you missed it this year, you'll want to be there next year for sure.

Be sure to look for BBB next fall and this time buy your tickets and send in your sponsorship early.

R by Reeti, established in 2011, is a brand built as a Couture Fashion House encapsulating an artistic blend of both creativity and majesty. The hallmark of the house is luxury in all aspects of manufacture and design.

We Are Grateful To The Following For Their Support

Dine Out Raises Funds for Meals On Wheels

2011-11-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

We just want to thank all our diners, donors and restaurants who made our 2011 Dine Out for Meals on Wheels such a success! Altogether we raised almost $12,000 from hundreds of patrons at over 50 San Mateo County restaurants.

Hats off to these restaurateurs - and please say "thank you for Meals on Wheels" every time you dine with them all year:

Participating Restaurants as of September 30, 2011

Meal	Restaurant	Address	City	Telephone
D	Alice's Restaurant	17288 Skyline Blvd.	Woodside	650-851-0303
L D	Amici's East Coast Pizzeria	880 Santa Cruz Avenue	Menlo Park	650-329-8888
L D	Amici's East Coast Pizzeria	226 Redwood Shores Pkwy.	Redwood Shores	650-654-3333
L D	Amici's East Coast Pizzeria	69 E. Third Avenue	San Mateo	650-342-9392
D	Amigo's Grill	3130 Alpine Road, #290	Portola Valley	650-851-3997
B L	Ann's Coffee Shop	772 Santa Cruz Avenue	Menlo Park	650-322-0043
L D	Bistro Vida	641 Santa Cruz Avenue	Menlo Park	650-462-1686
L D	Bona Restaurant	651-H Maloney Street	Menlo Park	650-328-2778
L D	British Bankers Club	1090 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-327-8769
L D	Carpaccio	1120 Crane Street	Menlo Park	650-322-1211
L D	Cedro Ristorante	1010 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-322-3376
L D	Celia's Mexican Restaurant	379 Gellert Blvd.	Daly City	650-755-6213
L D	Celia's Mexican Restaurant	1850 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-321-8227
L D	Celia's Mexican Restaurant	201 El Camino Real	San Bruno	650-877-8245
L D	Celia's Mexican Restaurant	504 Peninsula Avenue	San Mateo	650-343-5886
L D	Celia's Mexican Restaurant	3190 Campus Drive	San Mateo	650-349-0165
D	Chantilly Restaurant	3001 El Camion Real	Redwood City	650-321-4080
B L D	Copenhagen Restaurant & Bar	356 Woodside Plaza	Redwood City	650-365-6616
D	CreoLa	344 El Camino Real	San Carlos	650-654-0882
L D	Donato Enoteca	1041 Middlefield Road	Redwood City	650-701-1000
D	El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant	325 Sharon Park Drive, # B4	Menlo Park	650-854-7300
L	El Sabor Michoacano	2380 Cooley	East Palo Alto	650-630-7897
D	Gambardella's	1165 Merrill Street	Menlo Park	650-323-6730
L D	Il Fornaio	327 Lorton Avenue	Burlingame	650-375-8000
L D	John Bentley's	2915 El Camino Real	Redwood City	650-365-7777
D	Luttickens After 5	3535 Alameda de las Pulgas	Menlo Park	650-854-0291
B L	Main Street Coffee Roasting Company	150 Elm Street	Redwood City	650-368-3430
D	Margarita's	2098 Broadway Street	Redwood City	650-701-0709
B L D	Max's of Redwood City	1001 El Camino Real	Redwood City	650-365-6297
D	Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar	100 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-330-2790
L	Mistral	370-6 Bridge Parkway	Redwood Shores	650-802-9222
L D	Mountain Mike's Pizza	390 El Camino Real #A	Belmont	650-508-9090
L D	Mythos	1201 San Carlos Avenue	San Carlos	650-610-0202
D	Oak City Bar and Grill	1029 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-321-6882
B L D	Pamplemousse	2401 Broadway Street	Redwood City	650-599-9714
L D	Pasta Pomodoro	490 El Camino Real	Redwood City	650-474-2400
L D	Pasta Pomodoro	811-A Cherry Avenue	San Bruno	650-583-6622
L D	Pasta Pomodoro	1060 Park Place	San Mateo	650-574-2600
D	Parkside Grille	884 Portola Road	Portola Valley	650-529-9007
D	Pizza My Heart	831 Middlefield Road	Redwood City	650-361-1010
D	Ristorante Mataro	827 Santa Cruz Avenue	Menlo Park	650-325-7900
D	Round Table Pizza	1225 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-321-6861
D	Round Table Pizza	3130 Alpine Road	Portola Valley	650-854-9283
L D	Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi	2198 Broadway Street	Redwood City	650-368-0800
B L D	Sweet Orchid	134 So. B Street	San Mateo	650-342-6700
L D	Taqueria El Jarocho	2395 University Avenue	East Palo Alto	650-326-1829
L D	The American Bull Bar & Grill	1819 El Camino Real	Burlingame	650-652-4908
L D	Trapeze Restaurant	266 Lorton Avenue	Burlingame	650-344-4242
L D	Trellis Restaurant	1077 El Camino Real	Menlo Park	650-326-9028
B L D	Vanilla Moon	872 Laurel Street	San Carlos	650-593-3015
D	Woodside Bakery & Café	3052 Woodside Road	Woodside	650-851-0812

Sponsors:

Carlsen Subaru

Xfinity brought to you by Comcast

Bay Area's NBC

Raging Grannies Rage On!

2011-11-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Their official name is “Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom”, but they call themselves the "Raging Grannies"!

Raging Grannies WILPF has been a hotbed of dangerous women since 1915, when the founders came together to protest U.S. entry into World War l. Today they come together to sing songs of support for peace, the environment, economic and political justice, full rights for women and the end to all forms of violence. Hey, if you can play a tuba like that one, why not "give peace a chance"?

Yesterday those grannies blew their horns for all our Tuesday Tea guests at Little House. Come blow your horn, blow your mind, blow bubbles - whatever makes you happy - at our weekly Little House talks, concerts, classes, activities and events. If you haven't been here lately, you don't know what you're missing, but you sure can find out by checking out our upcoming activities and classes on our website.

Do we have fun at Little House, or what?

You're Never Too Young for Little House

2011-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

And you thought Little House was only for seniors! Think again and take a look at our youngest visitors.

Photo Exhibit in Little House Galleries

2011-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Ellen Rosenthal Photography

In Little House Galleries in November

Ellen Rosenthal is a San Francisco-based photographer who has traveled extensively and lived out of the country for 10 years. Many of her images show the effects of light and shadows. Being a linguist by training, her work often contains incongruities involving words and unexpected juxtapositions. For a preview of her portfolio, visit her website.

Caregivers Month - Activities for YOU!

2011-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

November is National Caregivers Month

Rosener House Special Events fo YOU!

There is a waiting list forming for very few spots left.

Call Rosener House right away!

(650) 322-0126

Sponsored by

Meals On Wheels - Behind the Scenes

2011-10-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

Students from Language Pacifica School volunteered their time and energy to move and organize supplies for Meals On Wheels.

All of our programs offer various “behind the scenes” volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Just ask how you can help! Call (650) 322-0129 or email volunteer@peninsulavolunteers.org

Little Shop Sidewalk Sale

2011-10-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween Ball

2011-10-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Meals on Wheels Blanket Bonanza!

2011-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

NBC Reporter Bob Redell & Supervisor Don Horsley

Deliver Blankets to Meals on Wheels Recipients

Just in time for the cool weather, County Supervisor Don Horsley teamed up with NBC Reporter Bob Redell and Carlsen Subaru General Manager Todd Parkinson to deliver warm blankets right to their doors. Everybody had fun - what a terrific gift, warmth.

So now you can truly say we deliver a warm meal and a warm blanket, along with the warm human company.

Click here to view the live broadcast, courtesy of NBC Bay Area.

Why Are These Women Smiling?

2011-10-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers Meals On Wheels is delivering a warm winter blanket to all our regular food recipients next week!
Starting Tuesday, October 11th, everyone on our Meals on Wheels routes - from East Palo Alto through Belmont - will be receiving a nice warm blanket, along with their tasty meals.

Peninsula Volunteers Pat Grillos, Linda Drew
and Meals on Wheels Chair Jackie Scandalios
in front of a shed full of blankets.

Last year at our "Mayors for Meals" event, Supervisor Don Horsley noticed how cold some of their houses were. When he inquired, he found that many of the seniors and disabled adults were turning off their heat to save precious dollars. Even worse, he saw that some of them didn't have a blanket to keep them warm!

That's when Peninsula Volunteers Linda Drew and Pat Grillos swung into action. They created a fundraising event just to buy blankets and were very successful. This week Meals on Wheels will return to those cold homes and give a gift of warmth.

On Tuesday, NBC Bay Area Reporter Bob Redell will join Supervisor Don Horsley in kicking off the blanket delivery drive. Carlsen Subaru Manager Todd Parkinson will drive them to select homes to publicize how important it is that we truly take care of our most vulnerable home-bound citizens. Look for them in the news on Tuesday and send your best wishes along with them to those who need our help the most!

Meals on Wheels Director Marilyn
Baker-Venturini engulfed by all the blankets.

For your information, NBC/Comcast and Subaru are both partnering with Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels this year. Supervisor Don Horsley is a longtime supporter of the program, having someone very close to him as a recipient for years.

For more information on the blanket drive call: Pennie Lundberg, Director of Development at 650-326-0665 ext. 231. We can use YOUR support!

Jackie Scandalios & Pat Grillos packing the blankets.

Homecare California and Zero Barriers

2011-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Little House Community Forum

Featuring Homecare California and Zero Barriers

Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Place: Little House Activity Center

800 Middle Ave. Menlo Park, Ca

NEW EVENING CLASS - CERAMICS FOR FUN

2011-09-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Handmade ceramics and pottery can be a very gratifying hobby that produces fun and satisfying results. For many people, it's an enjoyable release that is created by working an inanimate mound of clay into a beautiful work of art that you made through your artistic abilities.

Our instructor, Margie Starr Calabretta, has been working with clay for over 40 years. She has taught classes up and down the Peninsula and is well-known within the community.

Please call Little House for more information on this incredible opportunity to use your hands and bring the images in your mind to life.

Date: 4 weeks, begins October 4, 2011 and ends October 25, 2011
Time: Tuesdays, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $60.00 per session, or $15.00 per class
Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

NEW CLASS - GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY

2011-09-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

We get great satisfaction and fun from knowing

the history of our ancestors

— where they lived, how they managed their challenges, and why you have that family heirloom. This series of genealogy classes will get you started and well on your way to a delightful excursion of a life time.

Instructor: Richard D. Rands, Director of the Los Altos Family History Center

*** Bring your laptop to class if you own one. WiFi available. ***

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:30 AM
October 11 - December 22, 2011, 10 weeks
Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $90.00 members/$99.00 non-members

For more information call: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

Alzheimer's Walk is a Huge Success

2011-09-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

We don't know the final figures on how much was raised at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease this past weekend. Nor do we yet know how much was raised on behalf of our Rosener House in particular.

What we do know is that tens of thousands of people in the Bay Area responded to all the publicity and showed up to "walk the walk"!

Here is a cute picture of our own "Team Rosener House".

Yes, that is Shayna our wonderful Pet Therapist in the bottom of the picture. She wouldn't hear of leaving her Rosener House friends behind!

Walmart Donates Emergency Generator

2011-09-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a generous donation (and much help) from Walmart, through our association with Meals on Wheels Association of America, we now have an emergency generator for our Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels program!

People's lives depend on our daily delivery of hot, nutritious and SAFE meals to their homes. For home-bound seniors and disabled adults, who cannot shop, cook, or store food for themselves, this is often the major nutrition they get each day. For some it's their ONLY meal each day! That makes our Meals on Wheels deliveries a life-saver (along with the daily personal safety check our drivers make at each home.)

So what would happen if the electricity at our kitchens at Little House were to stop or brown out? Our refrigerator and food-safe packaging machinery wouldn't run and we would have to cancel that life-giving meal.

Now, thanks to Walmart, that won't ever happen. THANK YOU, WALMART!

For more information visit our Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels page, or call: 650-323-2022.

For your further reading: Mercurynews.com and the Palo Alto Daily News ran an article on September 21st about the donation: http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_18942100?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

Peninsula Volunteers Wants YOU to Volunteer!

2011-09-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Community Services Desk at Little House offers information and resources to family members and care givers of older adults. It also schedules appointments for Little House services such as podiatrist, acupuncture and massage and provides SamTrans and Menlo Park Shuttle schedules.

Volunteers like Helena (shown here) look forward to helping others in a relaxed and comfortable setting every Monday- Friday 10am-2pm. Come visit and see for yourself!

TO VOLUNTEER FOR LITTLE HOUSE, ROSENER HOUSE OR MEALS ON WHEELS PLEASE CONTACT: Mary Rached, Director Community Volunteer Program at mrached@peninsulavolunteers.org 650-322-0129

Luau at Rosener House - the Tongan Connection

2011-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House’s annual Luau was the perfect opportunity for volunteer Lousiale Uasike to share her Tongan culture and dance. Lou is an assistance minister for the Tongan Free Wesleyan Church - Tapanakkale, Redwood City and willing to extend her ministry to the community and specifically, at Rosener House. For over a year, she has been a calm and caring presence- giving her time each week, extra help to the activities staff and many smiles to the participants. To more information about volunteering visit www.penvol.org

Picture Yourself as Doing Good in Your World

2011-08-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Meals on Wheels
Volunteer Drivers Needed!

Check in on a homebound senior and bring a hot meal along with your smile!

Delivery routes consist of 10-15 clients in the mid-Peninsula area. Pick up meals from our Menlo Park facility at Little House. Volunteers provide their own cars, gas, proof of insurance and release for background check. We are currently looking for a once a week driver M-F; 9:30am-Noon; 6 month commitment

Join the Rosener House Fun
Volunteer Mondays 10AM-1PM

Assist staff with music, art, fitness and other activities for participants in our adult day care program. Socialize, help serve lunch or take a walk in the park! Piano or guitar talent is a plus.

To volunteer for our programs, contact Mary Rached, Director of Community Volunteers (650) 322-1029 mrached@peninsulavolunteers.org

Sizzling September at Little House

2011-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Teas at Little House

1:30 to 2:30 PM (NOTE: new time)

Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center

Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members

Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 229

The Original 3 Tenors Concert DVD

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

To whet your appetite for Opera San Jose’s presentation on September 13th, we are showing the fabulous DVD of The Original Three Tenors Concert. In this performance touted by some as the greatest classical concert in modern times, tenors Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, along with conductor Zubin Mehta, join forces in celebration of the World Cup Soccer.

Photo courtesy of
Opera San Jose and Chris Ayers.

Opera San Jose

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Principal artists from Opera San Jose showcase selections from the company’s 2010-11 season. They include Mozart’s Idomeno, Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Poulend’s La Voix Humaine, Verdi’s La Traviata, and Gounod’s Faust. At the end of the program, there will be an opportunity for audience questions to the artists.

Larry Hayes - Publisher

Active Over 50 Magazine

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Join us to learn about the creation of the magazine, Active Over 50. Larry Hayes, publisher/editor, started the quarterly magazine six years ago, which has since grown to over 200,000 readers. “Older adults are not done; they’re doing incredible things and they inspire me,” he said. People in his magazine give him the drive to keep going at 71.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Have you ever wondered about the training and gifting of a dog for a blind person? Lynette Kersey, will tell how she came to receive her very best friend and guide dog, Logan, a three year old Golden Labrador. Logan will here so you can meet in person this trusted, loved companion of Lynette’s.

In The Little House Galleries

Discoveryscapes After Insecta

Prints by Foster Beigler

In the on going series, Discoveryscapes After Insecta, I am working with traditional linoleum and woodcut materials. I have a sense of connection with what went before, and also a connection with the digital age. I derive a sense of pleasure and exclusion from the world around me as my hands guide me while carving out thousands of little pieces of material from the flat surface of wood or linoleum.

Foster Beigler is a multi-media artist. She spent twenty-five years in international television as a photojournalist, an occupation that allowed her to travel the world extensively. She documented and published worldwide on twelve sets of Olympic Games covering the advances in television technology.

Luau was a Lu-WOW! at Little House

2011-08-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Over 100 guests turned out in their best Hawaiian shirts and skirts to sip mai-tais, dine on high island cuisine by Chef Larry Wong, be entertained by the Pacific Islander Performers, a Ukulele concert during dinner, and dance to the Jerry Jay Quartet.

Needless to say, "A great time was had by all!"

Volunteering at PV Unites the Generations

2011-08-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Friends, there's nothing like giving of your time and caring as a volunteer. At Peninsula Volunteers the word "volunteers" is not just for show - it's the heart of what we are!

There's an old joke regarding grandparents and grandchildren about why they get along so well: they have a "common enemy", the parents generation in between. All kidding aside, the feelings of being hustled aside when their brains and hearts and creativity are flowering are common to both the generations. Given the chance, they relate exceptionally well.

The story in the Menlo Park Patch is a very good illustration of that. Menlo Park Patch story about volunteering at PV.

Here's another one for you: Jacob and Chrissy Andriola of YMSL (Young Men’s Service League) prepare food for Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels. The newly formed chapter of the national service organization pairs teenage boys with their moms to help others in the community.

If you would like to volunteer yourself (we need hundreds every year) or know someone who would like to do so, please call our Director of Community Volunteering, Mary Rached: (650) 322-0129 or email her at: mrached@peninsulavolunteers.org

“Raise the Roof” On Little House

2011-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers Launches Online Campaign

In the true tradition of the old-fashioned barn raisers, Little House, aka the Roslyn Morris Activity Center, has invited the community at large to help replace the roof of the building, long in need of repair.

As part of this campaign we are, for the first time, offering a specific online donation

opportunity with funds directed toward roof construction. Through an Angel donor we have secured half the cost of the roof - $75,000 – and are seeking to raise the remainder from online, direct mail, events and other angel investors in the community.

For a donation of $100 or more, you will receive our monthly Little House Newsletter, giving you information on the myriad of classes offered to adults of all ages – everything from a physical “boot camp” to French and Italian lessons, woodshop, lapidary and ceramic classes, a café serving nutritious lunches 5 days per week, to rousing games of Bingo, cards, dominoes, and much, much more.

A donation of $250 or more will include the newsletter subscription AND a one year membership to Little House. You may either use the subscription yourself or we will assist to donate it to a local citizen. All donors of $50 or more will receive a listed acknowledgement of roof benefactors at a

special area of Little House.

Watch for the Little House icon on our website with the roof being built before your eyes as the donations increase! Donate to your community, become involved, and help make our building safe!

DONATE TO LITTLE HOUSE ROOF HERE

Fun with Clay at Little House

2011-07-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

You think you can't do ceramics? Think again! Margie Calabretta, our Ceramics Instructor, shows you just a few techniques you can learn at Little House in our classes.

I can't get that old rock & roll song out of my head: "He took a hundred pounds of clay...."

Get your hands dirty, have real fun, learn something new, and you end up with useful items and gifts to boot. Call Julie Scales at Little House to sign up: (650) 326-2025 ext. 229.

Or just come by to chat with Margie if you're on the fence.

"Jilly's Garden" - Dedicated to a Lady

2011-07-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers has been honored to have Jill Jerrehian as our President, not once, but twice. Her dedication to all our programs is evident in everything she does. Jill is here almost every day working tirelessly behind the scenes.

So it's fitting that her family organized an event with the Peninsula Volunteers to honor her.

Yesterday we did the impossible: We surprised Jill with the dedication of our new Little House patio in her name: "Jilly's Garden". Was she ever surprised! Take a look at the expression on her face.

Jill is about to say "Oh my!"

Peninsula Volunteers Board, Past Presidents and Community Advisers were there to help celebrate.

Daughter, Laura O'Donohue, and Jill.

Who's that under those Foster Grants?

Jill loves the new patio and invites all to share in the pleasures of sitting under an umbrella amidst the flowers and watching the children or the squirrels in the park.

The Jerrehian Family

Martha Castillo Clayprints in Little House Galleries

2011-07-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

From July 18^th through the end of August, Peninsula Volunteers Little House Galleries will be pleased to be showing the clay prints of Martha Castillo. Come visit and view these unique works of art.

Martha Castillo’s life reflects many facets of the arts. Starting with classical ballet as a young girl, she later discovered a passion for theatre, along with ceramics, collage, and the visual arts. She holds a BFA in theatre arts, and a Master's degree in Art Therapy.

In the mid 70’s, Martha embarked on an exploration of ceramics as a sculpture medium, and continued her studies in England where she lived for seven years. In 1993, Martha returned to California. She focused for a time on collage and mixed media, and continued her studies of various other art techniques. During an investigation into fine art printmaking, she was introduced to Mitch Lyons* and his innovative new technique, clay monoprint, or “clayprinting”. Now working almost exclusively in this medium, she sets some time aside for teaching.

In addition to gallery representation, Martha shows in alternative spaces, including her own studio. Martha’s paintings have been compared to Richard Diebenkorn, and Hans Hoffman, among others.

For a visual demonstration of how she creates her prints, go to Martha’s website: http://www.marthacastillo.net/workshop-demo/

Patch Story about Little House Wood Shop Instructor

2011-07-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our own Richard Springer is a star! Not only is he a great teacher and master craftsman, but now he's getting some local press. If you've ever longed to know how satisfying working with your hands can be, now's the time to sign up for a class with him. Call Little House today.

Patch.com Feature About Rich Springer

We'll Always Have Paris - Photography Show

2011-07-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Little House Galleries is pleased to host a colorful photography show, "We'll Always Have Paris" by F. Wainwright.

If you've always hungered to have tea with Gertrude Stein, drinks with Hemingway and Fitzgerald, have your portrait painted by Matisse, sip an absinthe while Eric Satie tickles the ivories for you, dance to Django Reinhardt's "gypsy jazz" - well, then this show may spark some more daydreaming!

No, we can't pay for your plane fare. So do come and visit the show and dream of walks along the quais of the Seine.....

New Director of Development at Peninsula Volunteers

2011-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Pennie L. Lundberg has recently been named as the Director of Development for Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. in Menlo Park, Ca.

Pennie is a 10-year veteran of the nonprofit sector, having served as a fundraising executive with Community Gatepath in Burlingame, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. Prior to that Pennie held various sales and management positions with six college and professional sports teams.

Pennie’s primary responsibility will be offering support, structure and implementation of fundraising initiatives to the PVI organization.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be associated with such a distinguished organization – the Peninsula Volunteers members, Staff and Clientele. I can’t wait to get started!”

To reach Pennie, email: plundberg@peninsulavolunteers.org or call: (650) 326-0665, ext. 231.

Rosener House Unaffected by State Budget Cuts

2011-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Rosener House Continues at Full Strength

Peninsula Volunteers Reassures Community Over State Cuts

July 6, 2011 [Menlo Park, CA] Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., today assured the Mid-Peninsula community that its Rosener House services to aging residents and their caregivers are totally unaffected by the State of California’s plan to eliminate the Medi-Cal coverage of Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) services.

Peninsula Volunteers, which sponsors Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center, Meals on Wheels, and Rosener House Adult Day Services, is a private non-profit organization, and is not a Medi-Cal provider. On July 1, the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the planned elimination of federal participation for Medicaid covered services to ADHC, licensed in California by the Dept. of Health Care Services, to be effective Sept. 1, 2011.

“Since the CMS announcement, we have received many calls expressing concern over the continuation of the Rosener House program. We want to assure the community that our 64-year-old mission to provide quality services and care for aging residents of the area is unaffected and, if anything, may grow in light of the state budget cuts to the point of our needing to establish a waiting list. Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House Adult Day Services is licensed by the California Dept. of Social Services and is excluded from this decision,” said Bart Charlow, Executive Director of Peninsula Volunteers.

Rosener House has provided services to older adults in need of a structured, therapeutic activity program in a secure, state of the art center in residential Menlo Park for over 30 years. A staff of 16, ranging from Registered Nurse to many Activity Leaders serves 45-50 participants each week day, who are transported by family caregivers or paratransit and pay on a sliding scale according to income. Participants are involved in a wide variety of activities to suit their needs and capabilities including music, art, exercise, reminiscing groups, and current events. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy are available. Also available are a specialized Dementia Services Program designed to support and maintain capabilities, and an Early Memory Loss Wellness program for independent adults concerned with memory loss.

For more information about Rosener House, see www.peninsulavolunteers.org/rosener house, or call 650-322-0126.

July is HOT at Little House!

2011-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, we're air conditioned! What are you doing sitting at home and sweltering?

Here's the lineup of great things happening in July at Peninsula Volunteers Little House (details below):

BBQ Thursdays - delicious smoky and hot every Thursday at Little House Cafe starting July 7.
Boot Camp: - LOSE WEIGHT & FEEL GREAT starting July 12 - Sept. 29.
Ceramics Class: July 7 - 28.
Live Band at Thursday Night Dance: July 21 Live Music “Jerry Jay Trio”.
Arthritis Exercise Class: July 6 - 29.
New artist in the Gallery: Martha Castillo of Clayprint Studios July 17.
Don't forget the Independence Day Celebration all day on July 6th (no reservations required).
Early morning hours Monday through Thursday, opening 8 AM.
The Best COFFEE in the Bay Area: Daily from 8 AM to 3 PM in the Cafe.

NEW CLASS at LITTLE HOUSE – BOOT CAMP

Do you want to get fit, stay fit, and make friends along the way? Our new boot camp classes offer a new way to get into the best shape of your life, and have fun while doing it!

BOOT CAMP FITNESS BENEFITS:

Quick and Lasting Weight Loss! A Tone, Fit and Firm Body!

Shed Pounds of Body Fat! Flatten Your Abs!

Increase Your Energy! Incredible Self-Confidence!

Improved Strength & Posture! Better Relaxation & Peace of Mind!

All boot camp classes are taught by Certified Personal Trainer and Powerhouse Gym Director of Fitness, Brett Cesarin.

All ages and all level welcome!

Date: 12 weeks, begins July 12, 2011 and ends September 29, 2011

Time: Tuesdays or Thursdays, 8:00 – 8:50 AM or 9:00 – 9:50 AM

Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center

Cost: $180.00 – just $15.00 per class!

Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 231

CERAMICS FOR FUN

July 7 – 28, 2011

Monday, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

$75 per month

“Session fee includes, one class and one lab”

Open Lab

Thursday, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

An additional open lab can be added for $25 per month

Our instructor, Margie Starr Calabretta, has been working with clay for over 40 years. She has taught classes up and down the Peninsula and is well known within the community.

Please call Little House at (650) 326-2025 for more information on this incredible opportunity to use your hands and bring the images in your mind to life.

Registration is required.

PENINSULA VOLUNTEERS LITTLE HOUSE and the ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA bring you

ARTHRITIS EXERCISE CLASSES - JOINTS IN MOTION

Are you ready to start moving more? Does arthritis pain keep you from living the life you desire? Come to Little House and join our “Joints in Motion” class.

Doctors and therapists agree that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints.

Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:45 to 10:45 AM

Next session begins 7/6/11 and ends 7/29/11

Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center

Cost: $60.00 members/$64.00 non-members
For more information, call (650) 326-2025 ext. 231.

The unmistakable aroma of fresh brewed coffee brings back fond memories of casual mornings, good talks, and great friends.

Come join us at Peninsula Volunteers Little House and start your day off right with a fresh cup of coffee brewed in our own Little House Café.

Our coffee is roasted by Main Street Coffee Company in Redwood City — the best coffee in the Bay Area!

Each cup only costs $1.00. Service is from 8 AM to 3 PM Mon. - Fri.

Enjoy a taste of the good life. Come sit in our café around bistro tables, out in our sun drenched courtyard, or on our new park patio and hang out. Share your stories with the friends you have made here at Little House.

What are you waiting for????? Get in here!

Looking Good at Crane Place - The Eyes Have It!

2011-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Brings Her Bright Outlook To Crane Place

Deirdre MacMahon, Optician, A.B.O., N.C.L.E., brings her enthusiasm, 35 + years of experience and tools of the trade to Crane Place. She cleaned and fitted glasses, while answering residents’ questions about eyewear. Deirdre is excited to share the latest ways to see your best and keep a bright outlook on life!

We're excited to have Deirdre and volunteers just like her at all our Peninsula Volunteers programs. Thanks to all of them!

Horsin’ Around – Great Fun, Great People, No Kidding!

2011-06-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., has been known throughout the years for its extraordinary Gala events. This year is no exception!

Horsin' Around - a Western Bonanza was held at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy on Runnymede Road in Woodside on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

Kimber Sturm of San Carlos and Terri Carville of Los Altos were the Chairs of this hoedown, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with "thirstquenchers" and "trailtizers", including Don Pilar’s famed tequila. (“Don Pilar” owns Amigos Grill in Portola Valley.)

Horse drawn carriage rides and a parade of miniature farm animals, all dressed for the occasion by Riley’s Place, led the list of attractions.

A fun-filled evening followed with music by the Dick Green Band, gaming by Full House Casino Events, performances by the San Mateo County Horsemen's Association Senior Color Guard, the Pacific Coast Vaulting Club. Cheryle Bacon, "The Cowgirl”, whipped ‘em up (yes, she uses a bullwhip), shot ‘em up (yes, she uses six-shooters and a shotgun), and roped ‘em up (you get the picture.)

A “Clint Eastwood look-alike” made the rounds for pictures. You can’t guess how many people fed him a line to which he would reply, “Make my day!”

And speaking of pictures, the line was long and laughing for the famous “Texas Butt Sketcher”, Krandel Lee Newton, flown in just for the event. The Butt Sketcher has captured the likes (or the butts) of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.

"People loved it. They came decked out in their Western best and had a boot-kicking good time," Kimber Sturm said.

Event proceeds support Peninsula Volunteers programs for seniors -- Meals on Wheels; Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and Peninsula Volunteers Properties (affordable senior housing at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments in Menlo Park).

“Sheriffs” Jean and Brian Cole were part of the Community Volunteer Posse who volunteered at a Western Bonanza benefit for Peninsula Volunteer, Inc. The event was held at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy in Woodside and included a Clint Eastwood look-alike, horse riding performers, BBQ, line dancing, cowboy games, auction, and buying goodies at the country store. When not Horsin’ Around, Jean also volunteers at the Little House front desk.

Too Late - CARS 2 Premier Sold Out!

2011-06-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Peninsula Volunteers and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are jointly going to be the beneficiaries of an exclusive Bay Area premier of the upcoming movie, CARS 2.

Advance Release Private Screening

CARS 2 in 3D

Advance Release Private Screening and Wine Reception

See it before the general opening on June 24 in a state-of-the-art theater

Sunday, June 12 at the Dolby Theater in San Francisco

100 Potrero Ave

(between 15th St & Alameda St)

San Francisco, CA 94103

2:00 wine reception followed by the 3D screening at 3:00

Only 50 tickets will be available for a donation of $200 each

Donations will benefit equally Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.

Sorry, but we are now sold out! Thanks.

Artist & Author Dr. Eric Shapira - Reception

2011-06-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recognize Dr. Eric Shapira - artist and author - from our Vital Aging Conference last month. Eric was our keynote speaker.

His fun artwork, both paintings and sculpture, have been featured in our Little House Galleries.

We're hosting an artist reception for Dr. Shapira on Wednesday, June 15th, from 5 to 7 PM. Refreshments will be served, and you can be sure to be entertained by him!

Come join us.Publish Post

Gold Party at Little House - Turns Gold into Blankets

2011-06-06T09:25:00.001-07:00

Cash for Gold

Benefits Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels

JEWLERY = CASH = BLANKETS

Thursday, June 2^nd

Thanks to all who came to make the Gold for Blankets event a smashing success!

While our target was $1700, we actually garnered over twice that. A lot of seniors in our Meals on Wheels program are going to enjoy those warm blankets this winter (and maybe this summer if we don't get some warmer weather....)

Eat your heart out, Rumpelstiltskin; PVs really know how to spin gold.

Little House Thanks Rebuilding Together, Master Gardeners & Junior League

2011-05-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! Wait till you see what Rebuilding Together, the Master Gardeners, and the Junior League put together for Peninsula Volunteers Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center.

Over the weekend a crew of over 40 volunteers from all 3 organizations tackled our projects. The idea was to refresh and expand the use and facilities at Little House.

The did all of the following:

Enclosed a new patio area with gorgeous redwood planters for outdoor activities.

Replanted the entire inner courtyard.
Opened up the kitchen gardens and re-soiled them completely.
Added a wheelchair accessible garden for our new adapted gardening class.
Started what will become our Butterfly & Bird Garden adjacent to the park.
Built a large drying shed for our ceramics program.
Built a large table garage for our equipment.

I can't begin to tell you how much work was involved. Whole trees were uprooted, stumps ground down, compost made of of them. Enough great planting soil was added to fill a room! This was all hard labor and a lot of love went into it.

Take a look at some of the before and after pictures on Jay Chesavage's website for the project: http://www.chesavage.com/rt_2011/index.html

Peninsula Volunteers thanks Jay & Pam Chesavage for their hard work and planning. Jay volunteers with Rebuilding Together Peninsula, and Pam is a Master Gardener for Santa Clara County. Jay worked with a team organized by Amy Truel mostly from the Junior League of Palo Alto, with some help from a local carpentry contractor.

Betsy Kehoe, PV Provisional, is the planner and crew chief for our San Mateo Master Gardeners on this project. She and Leslie Parent, another Master Gardener, have been helping us organize the Little House Gardening program that is now very successful and growing (no pun intended). Our own PV Little House gardeners replanted the fountain area too.

Our special thanks to Bohannon Foundation, who funded the materials, and to Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

What a team!

At Rosener House the Fun Never Stops!

2011-04-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, Virginia, there is an Easter Bunny, and he is busy entertaining the members at Rosener House.

Can't beat the cookin' and the company!

Oh, and the golf is pretty good too....

Little House Hosts Silicon Valley Open Studios

2011-04-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

On May 21 and 22, Little House will host a 13 artist group site during Silicon Valley Open Studios weekend. For a preview of the artists on display, try the link: http://www.svos.org/searchSite.php

On Sunday only, May 22, there will be a fixed price luncheon available, open to visitors to the Open Studios and to our Vital Aging Conference.

Come in early for the studios and enjoy the best coffee on the Peninsula in our Little House Cafe. Doors open at 9:30 AM and close at 4 PM.

Little House galleries will also be open for free viewing.

Little House has a wide range of art and craft classes to fit every taste and budget. Check out the class schedule and our re-opened ceramics program while you're here.

There's always more going on at Little House!

"In the Galleries" Section Launched on our Website

2011-04-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

People have been asking us how to find out who is exhibiting in the Little House art galleries. So we've added a new section on our main Website (www.penvol.org) on the homepage toward the bottom, and a separate page entitled, "In the Galleries" (http://penvol.org/in-the-galleries.html).

Take a look each week and come by and visit. We think you're going to like this picture....

20th Annual Authors Salon was a Smash!

2011-04-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

We laughed, we were enlightened and we were amazed.

Keith Raffel did a bang up job as Master of Ceremonies. All 5 of our authors were utterly fascinating. (You should have heard Barry Eisler on "Contingency Cannibalism".) With 250 in attendance, the Summit Center was bright and cheerfully decorated to usher in the season. A terrific lunch (no, Barry was not talking about the cuisine!) and lots of good company.

Best of all, people who had never attended our Authors Salon before were really excited. Our regulars said it was our "best ever".

Now that's a very tall order, considering that so many of our authors go on to become best-sellers and to win top awards in every genre of literature.

Start looking forward to the 21st Annual Authors Salon next year.

Our Volunteers Are a World Themselves

2011-04-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Menlo Park Volunteer at Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.

Rei Fujita of Japan and Mary Hyodo McCracken of

Canada

connect while volunteering at Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center. Rei, a student at Language Pacifica ESL Language School in Menlo Park, wanted to incorporate volunteer work into her schedule while studying English. Mary, a second generation Japanese Canadian, is an active volunteer at home and even when she visits friends on the Peninsula. Both women enjoyed helping out the Community Volunteer Program office while practicing their second languages. Thank you Rei and Mary for volunteering!

Feeding Hungry Seniors Is Like Stone Soup

2011-04-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

It does take a village, if you remember the old folk tale about "Stone Soup". It's the same at Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels and our Nutrition Services overall.

"If I only had a carrot...," the soldier cried beside his cauldron of water and a stone in the village courtyard. Then one villager ventured forward cautiously with his carrot and added it to the Stone Soup. "If I only had an onion....," cried the soldier, and so forth until all the ingredients to the soup were bubbling away in the cauldron, and all the villagers were happily gathered around awaiting their soup.

We'd like to thank especially the Second Harvest Food Bank (serving San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties) for their immense contribution to our Nutrition Services and Meals on Wheels. Every week they donate over 1200 pounds of food to us, so that we can send out 1300 meals to homebound seniors and disabled adults, plus 6 congregate food sites. We couldn't do it without their help!

We'd also like to thank two other food partners in ending senior hunger: Safeway on El Camino and Middle Avenue in Menlo Park, and the Menlo Park Farmers Market. Both donate food every week that we can give away free at Little House: Safeway donates bread and baked goods (very very tasty!), and the Farmers Market donates surplus fresh fruit and vegetables in season. We have a free food table at Little House for seniors who are financially struggling. No one is asked anything; they just quietly come and smile as they leave with a loaf and something to cook.

And that makes us smile at Peninsula Volunteers.

Stone Soup indeed!
Second Harvest Food Bank
Menlo Park Farmers Market

GROWING URBAN EDIBLES with the UCCE MASTER GARDENERS

2011-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

CLASSES AT LITTLE HOUSE

Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center ▪ 800 Middle Ave. ▪ Menlo Park, CA 94025

GROWING URBAN EDIBLES

with the

UCCE MASTER GARDENERS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY

Each month, UCCE Master Gardeners will teach a workshop to help beginning and intermediate gardeners learn how to grow edibles and garden sustainably. Each workshop will be offered on Saturday mornings.
You can sign up for one session, or more - learn the joys of eating a meal fresh from the garden. For more information on the workshops listed below go to: http://ucanr.org/sites/MGsSMSF/classes/Edibles_Workshops/

Dates and Time: Saturdays, 10 AM to 12 PM
• April 16, Water and Compost
• April 30, Growing Tomatoes and Peppers
• May 21, Integrated Pest Management and Succession Planting
• June 25, Low Water Gardening, Native Plants and Wildlife habitats: Pollinators
• July 30, When and How to Harvest, Food Preservation
• August 27, Starting Fall Gardens
• September 24, Seed Saving, Crop Rotation, Selecting and Planting Fall Bulbs
• October 29, Renewing the Soil, Dividing Plants
• November 19, Fruit Trees and Berries, Tool Care and Frost Protection

Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $30.00 per workshop
Registration: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 231

www.peninsulavolunteers.org

Rosener House Has Talent!

2011-03-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Think you've got what it takes to compete with Rosener House members? Come on by and take your best shot!

It's never a dull moment at Rosener. The activity level is high, as are the spirits. (Food and music are great too.)

Here are a few pictures to show you just how much fun we have every day. Talent show, cooking class, exercise, music and dancing - it's all here.

Rosener House is all about health retention - keeping all the faculties you have as long as you can. It's a gift to become a member. We can't guarantee you'll live as long as our oldest participant - he's 103 and counting - but we can all but promise that you'll have a quality of life for as long as you come to us.

Take a peek, then call Rosener House Director, Barbara Kalt, to find out what we can do for you and your family: 650-322-0126. Read all about Rosener House on the PV website.

Our Mayors Deliver!!!

2011-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, 3/23, Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels program held our annual “Mayors for Meals” event. The event is actually coordinated nationally with our sister agencies in the Meals on Wheels Association of America, with thousands of public officials participating to show their support for senior nutrition services.

Officials from 6 of our South San Mateo County cities, along with officials of the Sequoia Health Care District and San Mateo County (which support our MOW program), participated in packing and delivering Meals on Wheels to their constituents. Participating were:

Jim Dobbie, Mayor of Atherton

Jerry Carlson, Council Member Atherton

Carlos Romero, Mayor of East Palo Alto

Richard Cline, Mayor of Menlo Park

Ted Driscoll, Mayor of Portola Valley

Alicia Aguirre, Vice Mayor of Redwood City

Omar Ahmad, Mayor of San Carlos

Ron Romines, Mayor of Woodside

Anne Kasten, Council Member Woodside

Don Horsley, San Mateo County Supervisor District 3

Lee Michelson, CEO Sequoia Healthcare District, and District Board Members: Jerry Shefren, Kim Griffin, and Kathleen Kane.

Marsha Fong, Manager San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services and Fel Amistad, San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities

This is great fun for our diners! They get the honchos from their communities coming right to their doors and handing out the delicious meals. How often can you say that?

We can, every year.

The beauty of Mayors for Meals is that it’s the most direct way that you can get a feeling for the real value of the most basic public service of all: food. It’s a reminder to our officials, as one of our speakers so beautifully put it, about the people they almost never see in public meetings: the shut-ins who are among the most vulnerable people in our towns.

We are so pleased to host this effort each year and we’re grateful to the mayors and officials who did their part – they really delivered!

Here are some great story links for you from our friends at Patch.com and InMenlo.com:

http://redwoodcity.patch.com/articles/video-mayors-deliver-meals-on-wheels#video-5373160

http://inmenlo.com/2011/03/23/its-mayors-for-meals-day-in-menlo-park-atherton/

http://menlopark.patch.com/articles/mayor-cline-delivers-hot-meals-to-local-homebound-seniors

Stanford Medical News Features Fitness at Little House

2011-03-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Seniors bond over benefits of exercise

BY SARA WYKES

Norbert von der Groeben

Strong for Life classes help Sylvia Wildmann maintain her independence.

Victorine Raugi is brave and bright of spirit although disabled in body. She can’t walk independently. Yet there she is at Little House, a senior center in Menlo Park, hands grasping the ends of a yellow rubber fitness band, stretching its resistance with all her might. “I talked to my doctor about this and she said, ‘Keep it up.’ At 92, I’m failing but this is keeping me strong.”

Today, Raugi is surrounded by more than 30 other seniors, as they twist, bend and lift their aging bodies with youthful enthusiasm. They are just some of the 300 people now taking advantage of this twice-weekly free exercise program, called Strong for Life, which is supported by Stanford Hospital & Clinics.

For the full story, visit the Stanford Medical School website: Stanford Medical School News

That Extra Mile (and a bowl of soup)

2011-03-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

We love to tell the story of our Meals on Wheels drivers saving the lives of our diners, when they find them alone and incapacitated at home. It happens every month somewhere in our system, and we're glad to be there to help.

This story is a little different, though.

One of our Little House Cafe volunteers, who's been with us for 25 years, recently had a health problem that has pretty much confined him to his home. He needs a special diet to boot. Larry Wong, our Executive Chef, and his staff have been taking a specially prepared soup meal to him every day since he returned from the hospital. It's a more personal service than even our Meals on Wheels!

You can guess why they did this: They really care for those who care for our seniors.

Sometimes, "what goes around comes around" is a good thing! (And it comes with delicious soup.)

Thanks to all our volunteers and to Larry and our Peninsula Volunteers kitchen staff.

Castles in Spain

2011-03-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

GALE FULLERTON: A PICTORIAL LOOK AT PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

Gale Fullerton, an active Little House member for 15 years, will share few of his 1200 photographs taken on a Little House sponsored trip to Portugal and Spain. Locations in Portugal include Lisbon, beautiful coastal towns, and several other scenic areas. In Spain you will experience the beauty of Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona. Although you may not have been on this trip last fall, do not miss this colorful summary.

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 2 to 3 PM
Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members
Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 241

The Music of Life

2011-03-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Teas at Little House feature some of the most interesting speakers anywhere. You enjoy them in our intimate Little House Theater, then participate directly in a dialog if you are inspired. Oh, and did I mention the refreshments and the company?
Here are two outstanding upcoming Tuesday Tea programs this month for you to consider:

DR. LISA CHU - LIFE AFTER THE APPLAUSE: FINDING THE MUSIC WITHIN YOU

Dr. Lisa Chu will share her personal story of recovery from work addiction, and how she discovered the healing power of music for herself after a lifetime of performing for others onstage. She will also lead a creative musical experience with the audience as part of the presentation. No prior music experience required!
Lisa is a classically trained violinist and pianist, having studied both instruments since the age of 3. She performed at Carnegie Hall at age 8, for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican at age 11, at the Kennedy Center at age 13, and for President Boris Yeltsin in Moscow at age 14.
She was also the founder of her own violin school, teaching children in Silicon Valley starting as young as age two and a half. Lisa has an A.B. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard College, and an M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School, and grew up in Libertyville, Illinois.

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 2 to 3 PM

Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members
Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 241

NANCY AIRD IN CONCERT

Join us for a fun-filled, fabulous hour of song and music with Nancy Aird, musician extraordinaire, from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC). Nancy is an accomplished vocalist and pianist, who loves to entertain and share her talents with others. She believes passionately in the power of Christ-centered music to bring healing and restoration.
She currently serves on the MPPC staff as Small Groups Operations Manager and leads worship for a variety of Care and Recovery Ministries. She has also participated in worship events at other Bay area churches, including Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, 1st Presbyterian Burlingame, Peninsula Bible Church and West Valley Presbyterian.
Nancy lives in Mountain View with her husband Cecil. They enjoy exploring the backroads of Northern California and watching classic movies.

Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 2 to 3 PM
Location: Little House, The Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center
Cost: $2 members/$3 non-members
Info: Julie Scales, (650) 326-2025 ext. 241

Little House Book Club Birthdays

2011-03-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

What if your reading group had the wisdom of the ages to share? Ours does!

Yesterday the Little House Book Club met for their usual chat, plus a group photo of the members' birthday of the month picture. Featured here are Mary Lou Collyer, Florence Detlorf, and Ina Frymire. We're not sure they want their ages known...but among the three there's 282 years of life!

It was a fun day with a great turnout. Come by and join the discussion yourself.

The Little House Book Club meets once a month for lively discussions about selected books. Since not everyone likes the same books, the fun begins as individuals share their critiques and rave about the good and act as editors to try a rewrite of the less favorable themes of author.

Save the Date: Vital Aging Conference

2011-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

The key to vitality is staying emotionally, cognitively, and physically active.

Multiple studies have shown that the brain remains capable of adapting to stimuli as you age. Little House is the perfect place to increase your vitality. The myriad of classes and programming provide all sorts of opportunities to remain active.

Come join us for our Vital Aging Conference on Sunday, May 22, 2011. You’ll hear from
community experts in older adult issues such as memory, relationships, housing, nutrition, exercise, and more. Keynote speaker, author and longevity expert Dr. Eric Shapira will talk about his new book, “A New Wrinkle.”

Jane West - Our Golden Girl is Always with Us!

2011-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

PV President Jill Jerrehian

On March 1st Peninsula Volunteers threw a great reception to dedicate Jane West's portrait alcove in our "Jane West Room" at Little House. PVs, Community Advisory Council members, staff and friends all gathered to honor our dear friend Jane once more.

Jane's daughter, Jill McCalister, was thrilled with the portrait and thanked us all for continuing to honor her mother. She read the dedication plaque on the portrait frame: "Our Golden Girl is Always with Us!" You could feel Jane's spirit and presence in all her friends who were there to celebrate her gift of herself to Peninsula Volunteers.

Bart Charlow & Jill McCalister

There were two surprises for Jill McCalister as well. Jill was inducted as an "Honorary PV"; and we had also framed the lovely heartfelt letter that Jane sent to us on her mother's passing. Jill installed the framed letter immediately across from her mother's portrait in the Jane West Room alcove. A fitting tribute and something we can all view for inspiration any time we're at Little House.

The real testimony to Jane's legacy was all around us: the fire in the fireplace, the flowers, and Little House members in droves coming for the evening's exercise classes. Yes, we're getting quite full and that hubbub of people of 3 generations coming to use Little House is the result of all Jane's hard work for us.

Jill McCalister & Jane West's portrait

We hope she would be pleased.

Jill McCalister thanking all

Jill's delight

If You Missed the Valentines Day Dinner Dance You Really Missed Something!

2011-02-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Oh what a party it was!

Read the story in the March Little House Newsletter.
http://www.penvol.org/littlehouse/pdf/march-2011-lh-newsletter.pdf
View the video on YouTube!
http://www.youtube.com/user/penvols#p/u/6/VpULn9Kd3D4

Lifetime Fitness

2011-02-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Once the process of aging starts, everything seems to get tougher to do! Walking, lifting things, playing with grandchildren - all of these become challenges. So, how do you keep up with things you love to do? Remaining physically active is the key.

At Little House, we encourage you to do just that. Mary Furuta conducts Lifetime Fitness classes twice a week at Little House.

Lifetime Fitness exercises train your body in a way that will enable you to perform your daily tasks with ease. It aims at providing the following benefits to your body:

1. Flexibility

2. Muscle Strengthening

3. Balance

4. Improved blood circulation

5. Maintaining posture

6. Resistance building

7. Increased endurance and stamina

8. Improved range of motion

The class begins with warm-ups, followed by a round of exercises, which are designed to provide the all those benefits to your feet, knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows. The instructor gives personalized attention to every participant and there are constant instructions.

But, what if you have never set foot in a fitness center? Would you be able to fit in?

Well, Lifetime Fitness is not a typical fitness class. The exercises are tailored to your body type and you can go at your own speed. The best part: classes end with some dancing, like the hustle or mambo. The classes are light, yet highly effective. They are serious workouts with a tinge of fun.

Aging is not under your control but aging gracefully is! Don't give in to the challenges of aging. Take the first step to enjoying your golden years. And remember, once you start working out; make sure that you keep going, since regular exercises will reap maximum benefits.

Wait no more. Give yourself the gift of Lifetime Fitness!

To learn more about Lifetime Fitness, contact Peninsula Volunteers at 650-326-2025 at ext. 241.

Joints in Motion

2011-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Arthritis can be painful and very expensive, both monetarily and emotionally. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 million adults in the United States reported being told by a doctor that they have arthritis. That means, one if every five adults suffer from some or the other form of arthritis. Are you one of them? Do you constantly fight the battle of remaining independent?

How do you escape from the clutches of Arthritis? The answer is regular physical activity, since doing so will help reduce pain and improve body functions. Don’t give in to the pain otherwise it will take over your entire body before you realize it. Of course, getting out of the house will be painful. There will be days when you will not feel like getting up and going for a walk. Will it help if you had someone to go with? Some people have reported, “When I know there is someone waiting for me, it motivates me further to get up and go.”

Joints in Motion hopes to do that for you. Joints in Motion is a program at Little House (in collaboration with Arthritis Foundation) which is intended to helping you in the healing process. The exercises are aimed at muscle strengthening and improving your range of motion. Slower movements, which may seem harder, will help your joints and inner thigh exercises will help you get in and out of the car. Certain knee bending exercises are good for sitting and getting up from a chair with ease, taking stairs and walking. Just when you are about to give up, your friends in the class will encourage you to keep going.

Little House is a place where you will exercise, socialize and participate in various other activities. While you get involved in these activities, your body will heal itself, since your mind will be preoccupied not with the thoughts of pain, but in enjoying every moment.

To learn more about our arthritis class, please contact Little House at 650-326-2025 ext. 221

Kids - You Gotta Love 'Em! They Love Meals On Wheels

2011-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Bev Iverson's art students from Woodside Elementary School once again donated Valentine's Cards for each and every Meals On Wheels recipients. Cards were delivered with meals this week to all our diners.

Until you're shut in at home yourself, you have no idea how touching it is to receive these little notes of love from the students. To know that someone cares about you and took the time to personally make you a card is priceless!

Thank you Mrs. Iverson's class. You're terrific.

This Joint Is Jumpin’!

2011-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

When Fats Waller sang, he must have been thinking of Little House:

This joint is jumpin', It's really jumpin', Come in cats an' check your hats, I mean this joint is jumpin'.

Oh yes, that was from the fellas who gave us “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. Well, we ain’t misbehavin’, but we are havin’ fun and we’re full of life most days of the week.

On Friday it felt like Grand Central Station in the Jane West Room at Little House. People were flowing in and out of activities and classes, playing games, watching world events on TV, holding meetings, reading the papers, chatting, struggling with puzzles, trips were gathering more adventurers – and that was just the front room.

The action started off with exercise in the Fitness Center with Mary Furuta’s Lifetime Fitness. Then followed by Feldenkreis Movement. Advanced French was was in full swing. The Peninsula Tutoring Network joined us for the first time and were amazed at how great a meeting place Little House is.

The Little House Café was full and the food was great, as always. We were serenaded by pianist Lilly Sasson, Crane Place member, who now tickles the ivories most Fridays in the Café.

David Desederi was calling Bingo, and the bridge players were calling bids across the card tables.
Linda Washington was styling Perfect Hair all day.

Our Computer Lab held classes in Absolute Beginners and Email Clinic, while the Computer Club hummed along in the next room.

Our new media volunteer, Dhruti Shah, was interviewing and filming members for the new Peninsula Volunteers blog and the PV YouTube channel.

And if you think that was a fluke, try us on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Most of all, I kept hearing snatches of conversation in which members greeted one another with, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while.” If we haven’t seen YOU in a while, come in cats an' check your hats, I mean this joint is jumpin'.

It's Always Someone Else - Until It's You!

2011-02-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Peninsula Volunteers Meals On Wheels is available to anyone who needs it from Belmont south through East Palo Alto. Most seniors qualify on the basis of age, physical challenges and need (homebound and unable to cook for themselves.) But those who don't qualify under the usual requirements can still benefit; so call to ask.

For those with disabling conditions - permanent or temporary - it can be a lifesaver, literally!

One such person, who supported our service for 27 years, found herself in temporary need of it during her recent recuperation. Here's what she had to say, now that she's well again:

"During my recuperation it was such a treat to have my meal delivered in time for lunch by a very pleasant young man....I always knew how important Meals on Wheels were. I never really thought that maybe someday I would be on the receiving end. Again, many thanks for such wonderful service."

We're happy to be there for you!

Senior services in general, from centers like our Little House through all sorts of in-home independent living support, are in serious jeopardy right now due to State and local budget cuts.

Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels provides the most basic support of all for independence: food. We hope we can always be here. With your help we will. Please continue to support this vital service, and remember that we're here for you too!

Bart Charlow

PV Meals on Wheels is supported in part with funds from the Older Americans Act through the County of San Mateo. For further information on services through the OAA, visit: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/portal/site/health/menuitem.1a7092c0977f9767a181dda7917332a0/?vgnextoid=ec2479a5a91a0210VgnVCM1000001d37230aRCRD&vgnextfmt=DivisionsLanding

Newsphotography:Exposed: #22 - Forgotten

2011-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

Newsphotography:Exposed: #22 - Forgotten
A very personal story about the value and the warmth of Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House.