Programs - 2023
Aging Well - A CAN Town Hall Jan 13, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
We had a very engaged discussion about aging well. We began with the question, "What has surprised you about getting older?" I have been able to capture a few of the remarks members made. Alicia noted that during the years when she was working, she had to maintain a very strong professional persona, but after she retired, she was able to let go of that persona, feeling relieved to just be herself and get to know herself as she truly is. She loves being retired and meeting life on her own terms. Leontine remarked that she did not think about aging until she became 90. She realized that she can still do those things she wants to do, but she does at a slower pace. For her, the slower pace is an advantage because she can take her time and not feel rushed. And being older gives her the freedom to decide what she wants to do, and to feel no obligation to do things that don't interest her.
Nora said, "I cannot understand how "old" became so negative. We value old books, old manuscripts, old artwork and antiques. In other cultures, older people are revered, but not in our youth-centered society. Idolatry of the young is ridiculous!
Aging, as they say, is not for sissies. Some worry whether their memory problems are normal or are the start of dementia. Others are concerned about what inflation is doing to their fixed income.
We also talked about wanting to continue to move forward and look ahead, while also enjoying sharing stories of our younger days through memoir writing. Mimi Hoffman told us about a program called Storyworth that can provide you with prompts for telling your stories. Here is a link to their website if you want to explore a bit: https://welcome.storyworth.com/.
I also asked the question, "Did your own parents age well, or not? How has their experience affected how you approach this time of your life?" I know that in my case, my dad lived a vigorous life to the end, continuing to exercise and be an avid walker, as well as being engaged with his community as a problem solver. My mother never walked nor did pay attention to what she ate. She lived to be 98, but for the last eight years she lived in a nursing home, slumped in a wheel chair. My choice was clear!!
For me, one of the most helpful comments from our November meeting on Aging Well had been, "It is helpful to stay present and have gratitude for aging instead of looking at it as if it is a curse." That same idea was reiterated here by Jan Cohen who urged us to focus on the present moment, exercise, eat well, and practice self-care. Good advice!
Harry Vetter sent me the following thoughts about aging well. I know you enjoy reading what he has to say.
My Thoughts on Aging Well
Harry Vetter
What does aging well mean to you?
Society sometimes attaches a negative connotation to aging, implying something ‘handicappy’, restrictive, old-fashioned, not with it. The best metaphor for aging well is a a good bottle of wine, if stored properly. Take care of yourself, if you can, show interests, learn new things and appreciations, appreciate more depth, less rush-rush — that is what aging well means to me.
What has surprised you about getting older?
That certain things don’t matter quite as much. Having lost my hair that I was protecting for decades, has turned into a non-event and in a way, is a convenience now. I find that I move slower and that is ok.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off base? Please explain:
The expectation seems to be that one is stuck in one’s old way. I try to remain open for new things and thrive when exploring “stuff” or being immersed in a hobby or two. When sharing about my life experience with a younger generation I am aware that it sounds like ‘Oh gee, there he goes again with his (same) old stories”. I try to convey a relevance to the new as well.
What advice about how to grow old well or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
Only because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t take part in things you used to get a kick out of. Case in point: I still go to Indie rock concerts in all sorts of City clubs about a dozen times a year. I have no qualms about that whatsoever. Few people pay much attention to having a geezer in their midst, hopping and singing along. There’s a fair amount of aging boomers still feeling and acting the same way. Besides, if you have Mick Jagger (79) hopping and prancing and going crazy on stage — people go nuts and pay big money. Do what feels right, pay attention to what stirs your heart, be good to yourself and others, and enjoy.
Nora said, "I cannot understand how "old" became so negative. We value old books, old manuscripts, old artwork and antiques. In other cultures, older people are revered, but not in our youth-centered society. Idolatry of the young is ridiculous!
Aging, as they say, is not for sissies. Some worry whether their memory problems are normal or are the start of dementia. Others are concerned about what inflation is doing to their fixed income.
We also talked about wanting to continue to move forward and look ahead, while also enjoying sharing stories of our younger days through memoir writing. Mimi Hoffman told us about a program called Storyworth that can provide you with prompts for telling your stories. Here is a link to their website if you want to explore a bit: https://welcome.storyworth.com/.
I also asked the question, "Did your own parents age well, or not? How has their experience affected how you approach this time of your life?" I know that in my case, my dad lived a vigorous life to the end, continuing to exercise and be an avid walker, as well as being engaged with his community as a problem solver. My mother never walked nor did pay attention to what she ate. She lived to be 98, but for the last eight years she lived in a nursing home, slumped in a wheel chair. My choice was clear!!
For me, one of the most helpful comments from our November meeting on Aging Well had been, "It is helpful to stay present and have gratitude for aging instead of looking at it as if it is a curse." That same idea was reiterated here by Jan Cohen who urged us to focus on the present moment, exercise, eat well, and practice self-care. Good advice!
Harry Vetter sent me the following thoughts about aging well. I know you enjoy reading what he has to say.
My Thoughts on Aging Well
Harry Vetter
What does aging well mean to you?
Society sometimes attaches a negative connotation to aging, implying something ‘handicappy’, restrictive, old-fashioned, not with it. The best metaphor for aging well is a a good bottle of wine, if stored properly. Take care of yourself, if you can, show interests, learn new things and appreciations, appreciate more depth, less rush-rush — that is what aging well means to me.
What has surprised you about getting older?
That certain things don’t matter quite as much. Having lost my hair that I was protecting for decades, has turned into a non-event and in a way, is a convenience now. I find that I move slower and that is ok.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off base? Please explain:
The expectation seems to be that one is stuck in one’s old way. I try to remain open for new things and thrive when exploring “stuff” or being immersed in a hobby or two. When sharing about my life experience with a younger generation I am aware that it sounds like ‘Oh gee, there he goes again with his (same) old stories”. I try to convey a relevance to the new as well.
What advice about how to grow old well or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
Only because you’re older doesn’t mean you can’t take part in things you used to get a kick out of. Case in point: I still go to Indie rock concerts in all sorts of City clubs about a dozen times a year. I have no qualms about that whatsoever. Few people pay much attention to having a geezer in their midst, hopping and singing along. There’s a fair amount of aging boomers still feeling and acting the same way. Besides, if you have Mick Jagger (79) hopping and prancing and going crazy on stage — people go nuts and pay big money. Do what feels right, pay attention to what stirs your heart, be good to yourself and others, and enjoy.
ASK - Allow Someone's Kindness - Susan Travis Jan 27, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
The goal of the workshop that Susan led today was to have us brainstorm together to find ways to reframe how we look at "asking" so that we can make asking more possible to do and help us feel more comfortable in the process.
What are some of the reasons why people – even you – are uncomfortable about asking for help? These were some of our responses:
1. We need to feel independent. We feel we should be able to do it ourselves.
2. We feel that asking is a sign of weakness.
3. We feel the person we ask will judge us. We fear that we would be turned down and rejected.
4. We feel that if we ask for help, we will be a burden. We don't want to inconvenience anyone.
5. We don't want to give up our own sense of power by leaning on someone else.
6. We are in denial that we need help.
7. We don't want to feel obligated to someone else.
Think of something – or things – you could use help with. Write them down:
Ask yourself, "If I wasn't uncomfortable asking for help, who would I ask?" List the person or people.
If you are actually uncomfortable asking these people, write the reason(s) next to each person on your list.
How can we reframe the way we think about and emotionally experience "asking" for help? How can we transform something uncomfortable into something comfortable, do-able and even joyful?
Here are some examples.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” (Francis of Assisi). Could it also be true that “in receiving we give?”
Think of ASK in a new way – Allow Someone's Kindness
What are some of the reasons why people – even you – are uncomfortable about asking for help? These were some of our responses:
1. We need to feel independent. We feel we should be able to do it ourselves.
2. We feel that asking is a sign of weakness.
3. We feel the person we ask will judge us. We fear that we would be turned down and rejected.
4. We feel that if we ask for help, we will be a burden. We don't want to inconvenience anyone.
5. We don't want to give up our own sense of power by leaning on someone else.
6. We are in denial that we need help.
7. We don't want to feel obligated to someone else.
Think of something – or things – you could use help with. Write them down:
Ask yourself, "If I wasn't uncomfortable asking for help, who would I ask?" List the person or people.
If you are actually uncomfortable asking these people, write the reason(s) next to each person on your list.
How can we reframe the way we think about and emotionally experience "asking" for help? How can we transform something uncomfortable into something comfortable, do-able and even joyful?
Here are some examples.
- If you knew the person you asked felt good about helping.
- If you knew that your asking gave others the courage to ask.
- If you knew your asking allowed others to use their gifts and talents. Your asking is simultaneously giving.
- If you knew that it’s okay to ask because it shows someone you trust them. You trust they will say yes if they can help, and will say no if they can’t help, or don’t want to. If you can trust people to be honest you don’t have to worry about imposing. This is a joyful gift of an honest relationship!!!
- If you knew that everybody deserves to be helped. Everybody has a right to ask for what they need. “You are important enough to ask. You are blessed enough to receive back.” Wayne Dyer.
- If you knew there was the joy of self-awareness in asking.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” (Francis of Assisi). Could it also be true that “in receiving we give?”
Think of ASK in a new way – Allow Someone's Kindness
Yoga – Paula Heitzner Feb 10, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
Paula Heitzner, who is a wonderful yoga instructor as well as a CAN member, led us in gentle chair yoga. She began by explaining a bit about what yoga is:
And with that, Paula began leading us in gentle stretches and movements to help us feel the connections and interplay between various parts of our bodies, from the tip of our head to our toes. We felt taller and more limber by the end of the session. It was a lovely afternoon.
- Yoga is a process of confronting, embracing and owning your own limitations, thus making change possible.
- Yoga is a way of transforming the quality of your energy so that you can generate more energy to enhance your body’s condition and your quality of life.
- Yoga is teachings that introduce us to “balance” – being able to balance physically, as well as helping us find the emotional balance between control and surrender – between pushing and relaxing. Paula noted that in our society “surrender” is seen as retreat, giving up. But in yoga, surrender means letting go, fully relaxing.
- Yoga shows us the art of living with grace, and maturing and developing with consciousness, richness and joy, instead of closing down and aging.
- Yoga is a philosophy regarding “appropriateness and paradox.” And it is a tool to greater depths of understanding and sensitivity.
And with that, Paula began leading us in gentle stretches and movements to help us feel the connections and interplay between various parts of our bodies, from the tip of our head to our toes. We felt taller and more limber by the end of the session. It was a lovely afternoon.
CAN Members on The Secrets of Longevity Feb 24, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
Leontine Temsky, Irene Sopher, Mary Borkovitz, and Don Monaco
Irene Sopher
What does it feel like to be 90 years old? It feels terrific! I couldn't wait to reach 90. I attribute my longevity to good genes, good health, good luck, exercise of mind and body, socialization, staying busy, tenacity, and vanity.
I was a fat little kid from a dirt poor immigrant family. Fortunately, Mom believed in education, so I went to college and became a teacher. Then marriage, three kids, a house and a job kept me too busy for anything else. I joined a gym at 50 when one opened up three minutes from my house – no more excuses. Doing 8 leg lifts was tough, but I'm compulsive so I kept at it.
When I retired at 65 I worried about how I would fill my time. I learned to play canasta and mah jong, joined a discussion group, a movie club, an opera group and anything else I could find. Now I could exercise in earnest and started going every morning taking classes and learning to weight life. The gym became my new job. At 70 I learned to spin in my latest gym. After 5 minutes I thought I might throw up or die, but I kept at it and can now ride for 1 ½ hours. I became friends with several co-gym enthusiasts. We formed a book club, a movie club, celebrated holidays together, went to the theatre, dinner, and so on.
With our children grown, my husband and I enjoyed a very full life with more travel time. Unfortunately my luck ran out when my husband developed Alzheimer's and many of my friends moved or died. But my Nyack bridge friends kept teling me to move to Nyack. I was resistant until they told me about a new place being built. I looked at the apartment plans, especially the plans for apartment 305, and I was hooked. I moved to Pavion April 2, 2020 at the start of the pandemic when we were quarantined. I had to get out and get moving! I went out walking everyday for ten miles. I got to know the streets, the friendly dogs, and some friendly people. I was lucky enough to meet Denise Hogan and through her, Dorothy Whitton. They saved me because they picked me up and took me to a different restaurant every other week, and they encouraged me to join CAN.
And now I have the Pavion ladies. They have become my friends and family. We meet daily in the afternoon, celebrate birthdays and holidays, attend CAN activities together, have a book club, and frequently go to dinner together. So now I have a whole new life. We go dancing when there's a DJ at a restaurant. Life is not over at 90. It's a whole new beginning. Lucky me to be so blessed.
Don Monaco
Don Monaco had some excellent advice for us: Look back at the decisions you have made in your life. Don noted that at each point in his life when challenges arose, he moved on. That is the lesson we all need to keep learning: Move on. Don't stop growing. Don't become passive, waiting for what might happen. It is in your hands.
Don said, "At one point my wife and I went to a retirement home on Oak Tree Road for a short time. A woman there who seemed to be waiting for something in the commons room said, 'Why doesn't he take me?' She had given up her choices."
When faced with a difficult time, each of us has said, "What am I going to do?" We have made choices. None of us has stood still. Honor yourself. It is in your hands. Decide to do something. We shouldn't be frightened to age. As John Donne wrote, "Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee." The choice belongs to you, not to anyone else.
Mary Borkovitz
Mary said, "I spent the first half of my life finding out who I was." She lived outside Philadelphia, married, and raised three children. She had taught music, but that was not for her. In her 40s she decided she wanted to be a presenter. She started a concert series for the hundreds of gifted musicians who are seldom heard – people from the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, from Juilliard in New York and from local colleges came and played in these concerts. And so Mary became the impresario that she is.
When her husband's health became fragile when he was 85, they moved to Rockland to live near their daughter. Here she found CAN. "It was the best thing that happened to me." She found lots of new friends and extraordinary people here.
"I think what each of us here who is 90 has in common is that our basic lives have not changed and our desire is to keep doing what we love to do. I try to wake up with goals for the day." She loves to attend a play or a good concert or movie, take a class, or have lunch with friends.
"And even though the world is complicated and scary, I still want to keep up with what's happening."
She finds that she does get tired, and it surprises her, but she reminds herself that she's not 80 anymore. Because of her husband's needs they now live in a retirement facility. She notes, "Every day you realize that good health is so important to aging well."
Recently her son did a search on Ancestry, and submitted his DNA, only to find out that he has a half-sibling. Mary's husband had had a brief relationship with a woman when we was in the service out west. He never knew that there had been a baby. She was born in 1956, before Pete and Mary met. Adopted at birth, Nancy had a wonderful childhood. She is now 66 years old and has been married for 42 years. They have 3 grown kids and multiple grandchildren. Peter is delighted to find that he has another daughter! She is planning to come east in March to meet her dad. The families are pleased and excited to be united!
Very recently, Mary's great-granddaughter Olivia was born. What joy! Mary will see her in just a few days. There is still so much of life ahead!
Leontine Temsky
Leontine is Brooklyn born and bred. She graduated from college at 19, and married at 20. For a couple of years they lived in The Bronx, which Leontine said is just something a Brooklynite does not do. In 1968 she and her husband bought a house in Nyack, and Nyack has been her home ever since, even as she divorced and remarried.
When the Claremont apartments were built, Leontine soon moved there and loves her peaceful home where she can look out over the Hudson River. An art historian by training, she taught until she was 75. Whenever she has had free time, she has explored all of the organizations and opportunities available in Nyack. She became involved with literacy volunteers, befriended Florence Katzenstein who started the Historical Society of the Nyacks. When the Hopper House was in danger of being torn down, a group came together to turn it into the art center it is today. Leontine was involved with that work from the beginning. In the 1980s she joined women's groups at the start of the Women's Movement. She also joined the Friends of the Nyacks, the Shakespeare Group, and did 30 years of yoga with Paula Heitzner.
Leontine never thought about aging – she was too active. But once she turned 90, she decided, "I don't have to do anything I don't want to do." But of course, she still does so much! In addition to the activities that she continues because she is so interested in them, she enjoys reading, being quiet, and seeing the water in all sorts of ways.
What does it feel like to be 90 years old? It feels terrific! I couldn't wait to reach 90. I attribute my longevity to good genes, good health, good luck, exercise of mind and body, socialization, staying busy, tenacity, and vanity.
I was a fat little kid from a dirt poor immigrant family. Fortunately, Mom believed in education, so I went to college and became a teacher. Then marriage, three kids, a house and a job kept me too busy for anything else. I joined a gym at 50 when one opened up three minutes from my house – no more excuses. Doing 8 leg lifts was tough, but I'm compulsive so I kept at it.
When I retired at 65 I worried about how I would fill my time. I learned to play canasta and mah jong, joined a discussion group, a movie club, an opera group and anything else I could find. Now I could exercise in earnest and started going every morning taking classes and learning to weight life. The gym became my new job. At 70 I learned to spin in my latest gym. After 5 minutes I thought I might throw up or die, but I kept at it and can now ride for 1 ½ hours. I became friends with several co-gym enthusiasts. We formed a book club, a movie club, celebrated holidays together, went to the theatre, dinner, and so on.
With our children grown, my husband and I enjoyed a very full life with more travel time. Unfortunately my luck ran out when my husband developed Alzheimer's and many of my friends moved or died. But my Nyack bridge friends kept teling me to move to Nyack. I was resistant until they told me about a new place being built. I looked at the apartment plans, especially the plans for apartment 305, and I was hooked. I moved to Pavion April 2, 2020 at the start of the pandemic when we were quarantined. I had to get out and get moving! I went out walking everyday for ten miles. I got to know the streets, the friendly dogs, and some friendly people. I was lucky enough to meet Denise Hogan and through her, Dorothy Whitton. They saved me because they picked me up and took me to a different restaurant every other week, and they encouraged me to join CAN.
And now I have the Pavion ladies. They have become my friends and family. We meet daily in the afternoon, celebrate birthdays and holidays, attend CAN activities together, have a book club, and frequently go to dinner together. So now I have a whole new life. We go dancing when there's a DJ at a restaurant. Life is not over at 90. It's a whole new beginning. Lucky me to be so blessed.
Don Monaco
Don Monaco had some excellent advice for us: Look back at the decisions you have made in your life. Don noted that at each point in his life when challenges arose, he moved on. That is the lesson we all need to keep learning: Move on. Don't stop growing. Don't become passive, waiting for what might happen. It is in your hands.
Don said, "At one point my wife and I went to a retirement home on Oak Tree Road for a short time. A woman there who seemed to be waiting for something in the commons room said, 'Why doesn't he take me?' She had given up her choices."
When faced with a difficult time, each of us has said, "What am I going to do?" We have made choices. None of us has stood still. Honor yourself. It is in your hands. Decide to do something. We shouldn't be frightened to age. As John Donne wrote, "Ask not for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee." The choice belongs to you, not to anyone else.
Mary Borkovitz
Mary said, "I spent the first half of my life finding out who I was." She lived outside Philadelphia, married, and raised three children. She had taught music, but that was not for her. In her 40s she decided she wanted to be a presenter. She started a concert series for the hundreds of gifted musicians who are seldom heard – people from the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, from Juilliard in New York and from local colleges came and played in these concerts. And so Mary became the impresario that she is.
When her husband's health became fragile when he was 85, they moved to Rockland to live near their daughter. Here she found CAN. "It was the best thing that happened to me." She found lots of new friends and extraordinary people here.
"I think what each of us here who is 90 has in common is that our basic lives have not changed and our desire is to keep doing what we love to do. I try to wake up with goals for the day." She loves to attend a play or a good concert or movie, take a class, or have lunch with friends.
"And even though the world is complicated and scary, I still want to keep up with what's happening."
She finds that she does get tired, and it surprises her, but she reminds herself that she's not 80 anymore. Because of her husband's needs they now live in a retirement facility. She notes, "Every day you realize that good health is so important to aging well."
Recently her son did a search on Ancestry, and submitted his DNA, only to find out that he has a half-sibling. Mary's husband had had a brief relationship with a woman when we was in the service out west. He never knew that there had been a baby. She was born in 1956, before Pete and Mary met. Adopted at birth, Nancy had a wonderful childhood. She is now 66 years old and has been married for 42 years. They have 3 grown kids and multiple grandchildren. Peter is delighted to find that he has another daughter! She is planning to come east in March to meet her dad. The families are pleased and excited to be united!
Very recently, Mary's great-granddaughter Olivia was born. What joy! Mary will see her in just a few days. There is still so much of life ahead!
Leontine Temsky
Leontine is Brooklyn born and bred. She graduated from college at 19, and married at 20. For a couple of years they lived in The Bronx, which Leontine said is just something a Brooklynite does not do. In 1968 she and her husband bought a house in Nyack, and Nyack has been her home ever since, even as she divorced and remarried.
When the Claremont apartments were built, Leontine soon moved there and loves her peaceful home where she can look out over the Hudson River. An art historian by training, she taught until she was 75. Whenever she has had free time, she has explored all of the organizations and opportunities available in Nyack. She became involved with literacy volunteers, befriended Florence Katzenstein who started the Historical Society of the Nyacks. When the Hopper House was in danger of being torn down, a group came together to turn it into the art center it is today. Leontine was involved with that work from the beginning. In the 1980s she joined women's groups at the start of the Women's Movement. She also joined the Friends of the Nyacks, the Shakespeare Group, and did 30 years of yoga with Paula Heitzner.
Leontine never thought about aging – she was too active. But once she turned 90, she decided, "I don't have to do anything I don't want to do." But of course, she still does so much! In addition to the activities that she continues because she is so interested in them, she enjoys reading, being quiet, and seeing the water in all sorts of ways.
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Devices for Saavy Seniors March 24, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
This event focuses on gadgets that are intended to make tasks of our day-to-day life simpler and easier, enhancing our mission of aging in place. Our focus is not on devices for medical conditions nor on those assistive devices aimed at cognitive decline. Today, Rosemary Amabile, Lee Temsky, and I introduced each of these 21 gadgets that are on display and Gail Monaco demonstrated as needed. We were glad to see that several members brought favorite devices and shared them with us. – Marti
Leontine
1. EZ PIK Reaching and Grabbing – https://www.ezpik.com/
2. Kitchen Mama – https://shopkitchenmama.com/
3. Alazco Ring Pull Opener – https://www.alazco.com/search?type=product&q=Ring+pull+opener
4. EZ Door Grips – https://ablelifesolutions.com/product/ez-doorknob-grips/
5. EZ Prescription Bottle Opener – https://www.maxiaids.com/the-ez-prescription-bottle-opener
6. Slice Manual Box Cutter w/ Ceramic Blade – https://www.sliceproducts.com/
7. Slice Auto-retractable Slim Pen Cutter – www.sliceproducts.com/products/auto-retractable-pen-cutter
Rosemary
1. Curve Talking Alarm Clock – https://www.maxiaids.com/curve-talking-clock
2. Dual Handle Mug – www.easycomforts.com/buy-double-grip-mug-347050
3. Hoan Original Bagel Guillotine Universal Slicer – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hoan-Dishwasher-Safe-Bagel-Biter-Guillotine-in-White/22230527
4. Fanwer – Button hook/ Zipper pull – https://www.fanwer.com/products/zipper-hook-puller-by-fanwer
5. Vin Fresco Wine Opener with Charging Base & Foil Cutter – https://www.walmart.com/ip/VinFresco-Electric-Wine-Opener-with-Foil-Cutter
6. FDK-Talking non-contact Infrared Thermometer (English and Spanish) – https://www.maxiaids.com/search?q=talking+thermometer
7.Nail Illuminating Magnifying Clippers – https://www.hammacher.com/product/nail-illuminating-magnifying-clipper
Marti
1. Anywear Neck Light – www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Red-NK10-ANYWEAR-Neck-Light/366918203
2. Zeba Hand Free Sneakers (you can put them on without bending) – https://zebashoes.com/
3. Ispuoocti walking stick/cane – www.amazon.com/ispuoocti-Walking-Telescopic-Adjustable-Purposes
4. Byojia Portable Automotive Door Assist Handle – Walmart Byojia Automotive Door Assist Handle
5. LuisLadders Safety Step Ladder – https://www.vingli.com/collections/step-ladders
6. EZ-Riser – https://www.easyrisertools.com
7. Techamior Yzol Portable Combustible Detector (Gail will demonstrate) – https://yeezou.com/product/gas-y201/
Thank you, Gail, for your many demonstrations!
Some Gadgets from CAN Members
Arlene Leventhal showed us magnifying glasses that clip onto your regular glasses to help with close-up needle work, beadwork, etc. Note that these come in various strengths. The link shows classes at a high 5.00 power https://www.amazon.com/Magna-flip-Magnifiers-Converts-Distance-Computer/
Jody Richards showed a sock aid that helps you easily pull on socks without bending over to your foot. These are also available through Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS – https://www.myrmsstore.com/collections/sock-aids
Mary Mathews demonstrated a gadget for grabbing a hot oven rack and putting it forward: the Ironwood Oven Rack Push/Pull – https://seasonandstir.com/products/season-and-stir%E2%84%A2-ironwood-gourmet-oven-rack-push-pull
Dorothy Whitton showed us that she uses non-adhesive shelf liner to help open jars. You probably have some of this material at home as shelf liner or rug pad. It keeps things from slipping. Dorothy cuts a circle and uses it to help open jars. I am including a link just so you can see what the shelf liner looks like –https://www.amazon.com/Tonws-Non-Adhesive-Cabinets-Kitchenware-Tableware/
Ann Morgan suggested that the black spaghetti server you have in the kitchen also make a wonderful back scratcher, so get another one for the bathroom – https://www.oxo.com/oxo-gg-nylon-spaghetti-server.html
Leontine
1. EZ PIK Reaching and Grabbing – https://www.ezpik.com/
2. Kitchen Mama – https://shopkitchenmama.com/
3. Alazco Ring Pull Opener – https://www.alazco.com/search?type=product&q=Ring+pull+opener
4. EZ Door Grips – https://ablelifesolutions.com/product/ez-doorknob-grips/
5. EZ Prescription Bottle Opener – https://www.maxiaids.com/the-ez-prescription-bottle-opener
6. Slice Manual Box Cutter w/ Ceramic Blade – https://www.sliceproducts.com/
7. Slice Auto-retractable Slim Pen Cutter – www.sliceproducts.com/products/auto-retractable-pen-cutter
Rosemary
1. Curve Talking Alarm Clock – https://www.maxiaids.com/curve-talking-clock
2. Dual Handle Mug – www.easycomforts.com/buy-double-grip-mug-347050
3. Hoan Original Bagel Guillotine Universal Slicer – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hoan-Dishwasher-Safe-Bagel-Biter-Guillotine-in-White/22230527
4. Fanwer – Button hook/ Zipper pull – https://www.fanwer.com/products/zipper-hook-puller-by-fanwer
5. Vin Fresco Wine Opener with Charging Base & Foil Cutter – https://www.walmart.com/ip/VinFresco-Electric-Wine-Opener-with-Foil-Cutter
6. FDK-Talking non-contact Infrared Thermometer (English and Spanish) – https://www.maxiaids.com/search?q=talking+thermometer
7.Nail Illuminating Magnifying Clippers – https://www.hammacher.com/product/nail-illuminating-magnifying-clipper
Marti
1. Anywear Neck Light – www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Red-NK10-ANYWEAR-Neck-Light/366918203
2. Zeba Hand Free Sneakers (you can put them on without bending) – https://zebashoes.com/
3. Ispuoocti walking stick/cane – www.amazon.com/ispuoocti-Walking-Telescopic-Adjustable-Purposes
4. Byojia Portable Automotive Door Assist Handle – Walmart Byojia Automotive Door Assist Handle
5. LuisLadders Safety Step Ladder – https://www.vingli.com/collections/step-ladders
6. EZ-Riser – https://www.easyrisertools.com
7. Techamior Yzol Portable Combustible Detector (Gail will demonstrate) – https://yeezou.com/product/gas-y201/
Thank you, Gail, for your many demonstrations!
Some Gadgets from CAN Members
Arlene Leventhal showed us magnifying glasses that clip onto your regular glasses to help with close-up needle work, beadwork, etc. Note that these come in various strengths. The link shows classes at a high 5.00 power https://www.amazon.com/Magna-flip-Magnifiers-Converts-Distance-Computer/
Jody Richards showed a sock aid that helps you easily pull on socks without bending over to your foot. These are also available through Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS – https://www.myrmsstore.com/collections/sock-aids
Mary Mathews demonstrated a gadget for grabbing a hot oven rack and putting it forward: the Ironwood Oven Rack Push/Pull – https://seasonandstir.com/products/season-and-stir%E2%84%A2-ironwood-gourmet-oven-rack-push-pull
Dorothy Whitton showed us that she uses non-adhesive shelf liner to help open jars. You probably have some of this material at home as shelf liner or rug pad. It keeps things from slipping. Dorothy cuts a circle and uses it to help open jars. I am including a link just so you can see what the shelf liner looks like –https://www.amazon.com/Tonws-Non-Adhesive-Cabinets-Kitchenware-Tableware/
Ann Morgan suggested that the black spaghetti server you have in the kitchen also make a wonderful back scratcher, so get another one for the bathroom – https://www.oxo.com/oxo-gg-nylon-spaghetti-server.html
What to Do with Your Stuff April 7, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
At this CAN Town Hall, members wanted to talk about what to do with the things that have filled our lives. This extended beyond memorabilia to furniture, records, and all the stuff that fills our homes.
Debra Banks suggested that it is important to honor things that you have an emotional attachment to. Take a photo of the hutch you cannot keep longer, the vase, the thing that has been special to you but that you don't need any more. You can keep the photos, and let go of the things. Declutter a bit at a time rather than feeling you have to go through everything at once.
Jan Cohen recommends the book Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White. White urges us to think of spaces from rooms to bookcases to drawers as containers. Put your favorites in the container first. When the container is full, let the rest go. White make a distinction between decluttering and organizing. This book is about getting control of the clutter.
Harry Vetter has lots of photos because photography has long been a particular interest of him (and he is a very fine photographer!). He has saved many of his favorite photos to photo books that he has made through Shutterfly.
Mary Mathews and others talked about having your children choose what things they like best in your home, so that you can parse them out over time.
Donna Nye told us that she and Debbie had had sixty records that they would not be able to take with them when they eventually move, but she did not want to put them out on the street. She found a record store in Westwood that was happy to buy all sixty of her records. Here is the information: Music Merchant, 157 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ. Phone: 201-666-7777. The owner's name is John.
Susanna Willingham talked about how some things that may no longer be of use to us can be transformed by someone with the imagination and skill. She had some chipped vases and other items she no longer wanted, but she knew that Susan Travis works with mosaics. She took the items to Susan, and from the pieces that Susan broke into pieces, she made a beautiful new vase for Susanna.
Alicia Edelberg does not like to buy new things, but she does appreciate things that other people have taken care of and used, so she enjoyed using the app called BuyNothing. There you can ask for what you want, or post things that you no longer need.
Debra Banks suggested that it is important to honor things that you have an emotional attachment to. Take a photo of the hutch you cannot keep longer, the vase, the thing that has been special to you but that you don't need any more. You can keep the photos, and let go of the things. Declutter a bit at a time rather than feeling you have to go through everything at once.
Jan Cohen recommends the book Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White. White urges us to think of spaces from rooms to bookcases to drawers as containers. Put your favorites in the container first. When the container is full, let the rest go. White make a distinction between decluttering and organizing. This book is about getting control of the clutter.
Harry Vetter has lots of photos because photography has long been a particular interest of him (and he is a very fine photographer!). He has saved many of his favorite photos to photo books that he has made through Shutterfly.
Mary Mathews and others talked about having your children choose what things they like best in your home, so that you can parse them out over time.
Donna Nye told us that she and Debbie had had sixty records that they would not be able to take with them when they eventually move, but she did not want to put them out on the street. She found a record store in Westwood that was happy to buy all sixty of her records. Here is the information: Music Merchant, 157 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ. Phone: 201-666-7777. The owner's name is John.
Susanna Willingham talked about how some things that may no longer be of use to us can be transformed by someone with the imagination and skill. She had some chipped vases and other items she no longer wanted, but she knew that Susan Travis works with mosaics. She took the items to Susan, and from the pieces that Susan broke into pieces, she made a beautiful new vase for Susanna.
Alicia Edelberg does not like to buy new things, but she does appreciate things that other people have taken care of and used, so she enjoyed using the app called BuyNothing. There you can ask for what you want, or post things that you no longer need.
Reflexology - LuGene Be´ May 5, 2023 Click here to open, click to close
Reflexology is a science based on the belief that each area on the bottom of the foot, and also the hand, corresponds to a specific part of the body. This is a unique method of relaxation therapy that involves applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers on reflex or acupressure points on the feet as well as the hands and even ears. A single session can stimulate more than 70,000 nerves and trigger points that correspond to your glands, organs, joints and other bodily systems.
Through reflexology, stress and tension as well as pain and inflammation are reduced, and crystal deposits which block the body’s natural pathways are broken down. Reflexology also helps remove toxins from your body. The body uses the circulatory system, digestive system and lymphatic system to remove waste products, and reflexology can improve the flow and movement of these systems by decreasing the stress held within the body and allowing the body to function at its full potential. Afterward your body can respond with increased energy and an overall feeling of wholeness and wellbeing.
My interest in Reflexology began over 10 years ago and I wanted to add it as a service to my small natural health and wellness business. I was already certified as a C.N.H.P. (Certified Natural Health Practitioner) and H.C. (Health Coach) at Trinity School of Natural Health in Indianapolis. I studied and became certified at Body Wisdom School of Massage in Urbandale, IA. I learned I loved doing reflexology, and my clients also really liked it. They loved the results and relaxation of reflexology, so it became a main service I provided.
I grew up in Grinnell, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa as a music major. After getting married the first time, we lived on Long Island for about 1 ½ years and then moved back to Iowa to begin raising our children. I lived in the Des Moines, Iowa area for the past 35, and my two adult children and two grandsons still live in the Des Moines area. Last year I moved to New York with my new husband, Kenneth Bé, for his new position at the New-York Historical Society Museum. We were married last November in Nyack at the Community Center! Other Nyack connections are Kenneth’s sister, Shirley, lives in Nyack, I’ve done yoga with Paula, and have a hair stylist in Nyack!
LuGene then explained Reflexology in more depth through graphics of the hand, foot and ear zones, and through her own personal experience. If you are interested in learning more, contact her at lugenebe@gmail.com. She is offering sessions to CAN members at a reduced rate.
Through reflexology, stress and tension as well as pain and inflammation are reduced, and crystal deposits which block the body’s natural pathways are broken down. Reflexology also helps remove toxins from your body. The body uses the circulatory system, digestive system and lymphatic system to remove waste products, and reflexology can improve the flow and movement of these systems by decreasing the stress held within the body and allowing the body to function at its full potential. Afterward your body can respond with increased energy and an overall feeling of wholeness and wellbeing.
My interest in Reflexology began over 10 years ago and I wanted to add it as a service to my small natural health and wellness business. I was already certified as a C.N.H.P. (Certified Natural Health Practitioner) and H.C. (Health Coach) at Trinity School of Natural Health in Indianapolis. I studied and became certified at Body Wisdom School of Massage in Urbandale, IA. I learned I loved doing reflexology, and my clients also really liked it. They loved the results and relaxation of reflexology, so it became a main service I provided.
I grew up in Grinnell, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa as a music major. After getting married the first time, we lived on Long Island for about 1 ½ years and then moved back to Iowa to begin raising our children. I lived in the Des Moines, Iowa area for the past 35, and my two adult children and two grandsons still live in the Des Moines area. Last year I moved to New York with my new husband, Kenneth Bé, for his new position at the New-York Historical Society Museum. We were married last November in Nyack at the Community Center! Other Nyack connections are Kenneth’s sister, Shirley, lives in Nyack, I’ve done yoga with Paula, and have a hair stylist in Nyack!
LuGene then explained Reflexology in more depth through graphics of the hand, foot and ear zones, and through her own personal experience. If you are interested in learning more, contact her at lugenebe@gmail.com. She is offering sessions to CAN members at a reduced rate.
Food for Longevity - Eliza Conn, Dietitian May 19, 2023 Click here to open, click to close