WinterSpring 20102017

Foundation Loses a Great Friend The life of George W. Cleveland was celebrated at a memorial service at the Campbell United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 2nd. Those attending were treated to lovely music played on the impressive church pipe organ. Several friends at his service shared that George played a key role in selecting the organ and ensured an endowment was secured for its care. Many speakers were present to share their experiences with George—as a Swim Meet official, former General Electric employee and caring family man. To highlight George’s involvement with the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, the current Board President, Joe Campbell, shared a few words on George’s contribution and longevity to affordable housing. “The mission of the Foundation is to provide innovative, affordable housing and services to low George W. Cleveland. income seniors in Santa Clara County so people in this community can live their entire lives with safety, dignity and respect. One person who has had a very, very, very long tenure on the Board of Directors was George; George has been a part of that mission for many, many, many years. If you ask how many years as President, Vice President, member of committees…how many years he was helping the Foundation when he was not on the Board and just being George and helping…more years than I have fingers and toes to count on!”

Joe Campbell also shared that as a Board Member, George championed the Foundation’s efforts to expand affordable housing for seniors. It was one of his passions, and he led our efforts for many years to acquire land and partners, as he worked tirelessly to grow our services to seniors.

Joe Campbell shared a quote that summed up George’s gift George attending the Annual Golf of giving. “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it Tournament; George served on this Foundation fundraising would have been if it had never shone.” – John Steinbeck event for ten years. Physical Plant Activities Physical plant projects were in full swing beginning in 2017. Energy upgrades to Wesley Manor and Liberty Tower residential apartments were implemented in the first three months of the year. Water conservation toilets and shower heads were installed as well as energy efficient light fixtures. Another upgrade that was initiated in March was the replacement of the 38-year-old ground floor heating and air conditioning system at Wesley Manor. The updated system will include modern split heat pump units and interior lighting. The focus on energy efficiency is in line with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s goal to reduce energy consumption in all subsidized housing properties.

Residents at Liberty Tower appreciated the smooth transition to the access-improved mailroom. Larger ACCO Technicians install new waste line mailboxes were welcomed along with key-controlled at Liberty Tower. parcel boxes. The upgraded resident cubby system was also designed to serve as an integral part of the mailroom. Liberty Tower’s waste line project was completed in January, continuing the process of replacing the building’s aging plumbing system.

Interior design refurbishing at both communities continues in the common areas, and plans are being finalized for the new pedestrian walkway on the building side of the Wesley Manor driveway. This walkway will improve the safe access between the rear parking lots and the community’s front entrance. New Team Member and Accomplishments Staff members eagerly welcomed Michelle Martello to the Foundation in February. Michelle is providing support in the front offices of both communities, and has been a friendly and helpful addition to the team. A lifelong Bay Area resident, Michelle has prior experience in reception and caregiving roles and enjoys spending her free time outside hiking and gardening.

Congratulations to Accounting Michelle Martello. Manager Christina Piexoto for graduating from the EMERGE Leadership Program. in March. This year-long leadership development program is held by LeadingAge California and offers many opportunities for growth, development, networking and mentorship Linda Evans, CEO of Sodexo, Christina Piexoto in the aging services field. and Jeannee Parker Martin, President and CEO of LeadingAge California. From the Desk of the Executive Director With the rains easing and the days warming, spirits are lighter and there is a sense of hope and renewal in the air. Spring is a welcome season after the long, cold days of winter. Individuals tend to go outdoors more often and benefit from the blossoming of life in their environment. The sounds and smells of the season are abundant and people display a friendlier, happier demeanor. The sun’s warming rays contribute to the spring in our steps and the desire to be a part of something.

This positive mood can also thrive in individuals wishing to be a part of some worthwhile volunteer activity. Many studies have found that helping others promotes happiness and a sense of well being. According to UC San Diego’s Community Service page, there are ten top reasons to volunteer.

They are

It’s good for you It saves resources Volunteers gain professional experience It brings people together It promotes personal growth and self-esteem Volunteering strengthens your community You learn a lot You get a chance to give back Volunteering encourages civic responsibility You make a difference

Whether you serve on a volunteer board, provide meals at a food kitchen, or assist in local neighborhood events, volunteering can foster empathy and helps you connect with and understand community needs. It is also a wonderful way to meet new people and boost your social skills. The best volunteer experiences are ones that make you feel good. So, spring into action by exploring the vast volunteer world.

Priscilla J. Haynes, Executive Director Residents Participate in Great Activities and Trips Many regular resident activities continued indoors throughout the wet winter. In addition, the Santa Clara Fire Department brought middle school student participants of their “Better Together” program to Liberty Tower on Valentine’s Day to celebrate with residents and pass out hand-made valentines. Residents at both communities had the opportunity to sample Laughter Yoga, generously led by Carole Holcomb of Laughter Yoga Fun in March. A new group of Furry Friends Better Together at Liberty Tower. volunteers began making monthly visits to Liberty Tower, and Wesley Manor residents continue to enjoy their regular four-legged visitors as well. Dining Services Director Leslie Thompson and Head Chef Robert Godoy held cooking demonstrations each month at both buildings, which included helpful senior health and diet education.

Between storms, residents ventured out to enjoy trips on the van to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Residents enjoy food Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, demonstration at Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, NASA Ames Wesley Manor. Research and Visitor Center at Moffett Field in Mountain View, Cantor Art Museum at Stanford University, San Jose Mechanical Museum, and a performance of Disney on Ice at SAP Center in San Jose. The Foundation’s participation in the Community Access Ticket Service (CATS) program continues to provide One small step for seniors, one giant leap for wonderful excursion opportunities for our residents by offering Wesley Manor astronauts. complimentary passes to many of these enjoyable destinations. Volunteers Honored Resident volunteers from both communities were honored at a luncheon in February catered by Buca di Beppo. Each was presented with a certificate and pin commemorating staff members’ deep appreciation for their generous service contributions. Wesley Manor residents Resdent Volunteers gather at Wesley Manor. honored included Eileen Barnes, Tjen Chandra, Eldine Eger, Carol Farmer, Lynn Hildebrand, Val Krasin, Rachel Lyons, Kathy Oei, Mary Omnes, Ruth Porspakka, Shahla Rashidi, Betty Teng, Sampurnam Thyagarajan, Pen Lan Tsou, Jeanine Webster, and Araya Yohannes. Although not all were present, the Liberty Tower resident honorees recognized were Ellagene Mayfield, Anthony Breitbart, Susan Uehara, Margaret Donovan, Rita Wallis, Toni Walker, Christine Taylor and Robert Howard. Heart of the Valley Celebrates 30 Years Our 30th Anniversary event was a huge success and we thank the Santa Clara Senior Center for hosting it on February 25, 2017 as well as each of you who have contributed to keeping our doors open over the past thirty years. This organizational milestone was celebrated with State Senator Jim Beall, who served as the key note speaker and presented a resolution to Heart of the Valley out-going President DeAnna Barnett. Santa Clara City Councilmember, Teresa O’Neill also presented a DeAnna Barnett and Senator Beall. Commendation from the City. Heart of the Valley is the brain child of the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation. Thirty years ago, their Board of Directors came up with the idea of volunteer services for seniors and five of their Board members created Heart of the Valley! So congratulations to the Foundation as well!

Heart of the Valley has provided many services over the past thirty years and is always looking for volunteers! Client requests are placed on a secure "Jobs Board" where volunteers can select the services that are convenient for them. Just call our office at (408) 241-1571 and speak to Kirby.

Whether you need transportation or an assistive device, these are provided free of charge by calling HOV. We especially want to thank Campbell United Methodist Church for donating wheelchairs and walkers to our Assistive Device Closet in March. Glenda Cresap, Director Health and Wellness Corner Brought to you by Katie Williams, MSW, Service Coordinator It’s spring all around us, which means it’s time to spring back into health! According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one of the eight dimensions of health and wellness is environmental health. Environmental health can take many shapes and forms. However, SAMSHA defines it as, “Occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being." Following these three steps can assist you in achieving environmental health: 1) Clear your clutter: Start by tackling categories such as books or clothing, not rooms in your home. Begin with clothing, and ask yourself about each item: Did I wear this last year, and does it spark joy? Books come next. Ask yourself: Have I read this, will I ever read this again, does it spark joy having it around, or would someone else gain joy from reading this? Then, tackle items of sentimental value. 2) Clean your space: Clean the windows, counters, and blinds. Safely dispose of all expired medications. Dispose of all expired or rotting foods from the fridge and on your shelves. 3) Do what you can to “make your place new”: Invest in buying a new color of hand towel to put in the kitchen or bathroom. Or, bring out the dishes you haven’t used for years. Small changes make a huge difference. If you take some of these steps, you will find it makes an incredible difference when it comes to your health and contribute to an overall peace of mind. Happy Spring. Santa Clara Methodist NON-PROFIT ORG. Retirement Foundation, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 890 Main Street PERMIT NO. 627 Santa Clara, CA 95050 SANTA CLARA, CA www.scmrf.org CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Priscilla J. Haynes, Executive Director Kathleen Betts, Director of Operations Shannon Penick, Assistant Administrator Tessa Hunter, Office Manager/ESL Instructor Carefree Living is published by the Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, Inc. Liberty Tower in Santa Clara and Wesley Manor Campbell are housing facilities for low income elderly and persons with disabilities.

Friends of the Foundation PatronsPatronsPatrons 4/15/174/15/174/15/17 George W. Cleveland (D) Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Craig Liliya Aronskaya The Family of Cecil Keller Mr. and Mrs. Norm Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Buckwon Kim Mr. & Mrs. Roger Millette Yefim Belenky Eva Lee Mr. & Mrs. Larry Tan Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Betts Don H. McCreary Glen Wilson Liudmila Bykova Rev. Kathleen McShane Meng Cai Mr. & Mrs. Roger Millette BenefactorBenefactorBenefactor Mr. & Mrs. Joe Campbell Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Olson Olivia Carloto Mr. & Mrs. John Rhoades City of Santa Clara Mrs. Alvin Chung Mr. & Mrs. R.D. Sargent George W. Cleveland (D) Above is a list of “Friends, Patrons and Benefactors of the Foundation.” We Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schenaker welcome each and every person into this distinguished group. The names Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Craig Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Schwartz of contributors to the Foundation are published during their year of donation. Mr. & Mrs. Larry Dike Mr. & Mrs. Larry Tan The Santa Clara Methodist Retirement Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Kathleen Donaldson Susan Uehara nonprofit organization making all contributions tax deductible. Margaret Donovan Kathleen Weimer Bettymarie J. Drew Donna West Recognition is given to the following contributors to the Trust Fund since Sara Dumov Mr. Glen Wilson the last issue. Priscilla J. Haynes Tomeo Yoshizawa Mr. & Mrs. Donald Holmes Trust Fund Contributors Susan Uehara Tomeo Yoshizawa