Luau was a Lu-WOW! at Little House

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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....