Visiting Angels MAY 2018

Visiting Angels MAY 2018

May 2018

5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876

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End of an Era

Celebrating the Retirement of a Special Angel

We are lucky to have many wonderful caregivers who work so hard to make our seniors’ lives better. This month, we want to celebrate one special angel who is hanging up her wings after many years in the field. Sharole Atley is a Visiting Angels caregiver who is retiring this year at the age of 90. “I will miss interacting with my clients, hearing stories about their lives, and laughing with them,” Sharole told me recently. Though she is certainly looking forward to retirement, Sharole says there will always be a place in her heart for the seniors she’s helped. “Caregiving let me feel like I was giving my clients something they really needed. I worked with one woman who struggled with Alzheimer’s, but whenever we went to Capitola and walked along the beach, she was so happy. She would smile at everyone, stopping to pet every dog and talk to all the children we met. I’ll never forget the joyful expression on her face, and I’m proud I could be part of that.”

Visiting Angels 8 1/2 years ago. The idea of going back to work after 70 sounds exhausting, but Sharole is the kind of woman who enjoys being busy.

Long before she became a caregiver, Sharole was a mother raising four children, three of whom were mentally challenged. After Sharole’s children were grown, she found herself with a lot of free time. Never one to sit around bored, Sharole volunteered in her community, played golf and bridge, and spent time with her gal pals. She even traveled to China twice with a close friend. Sharole attended the University of Oregon, and after getting her certification in alcohol addiction therapy, she hosted group therapy sessions at night for two years. Sharole leads a full, busy life, and she says that’s the key to staying mentally sharp at 90. “Read something new, take a class, start a hobby, do something that has meaning and improves the world. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Being young at heart is all you need to give back to your community.” Sharole, thank you for everything you have done for Visiting Angels. We will miss your smile and hope you have plenty of fun in your well-deserved retirement.

“ Caregiving let me feel like I was giving my clients something they really needed. ”

Sharole is a real sweetheart, and she is very kind and generous. I feel blessed to have worked with her for so long. Sharole began working as a caregiver when she was 72, after a friend mentioned it might be something she’d enjoy. She worked at another home-care agency for 10 years before joining us at

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

Traveling With the Grandkids?

Pack Necessary Documents You need to have some form of ID for your grandkids. Older kids can use a driver’s license, but if you’re traveling with lit- tle ones, find a copy of their birth certificates. You also need copies of insurance and prescription cards and a notarized letter from the parents granting you permission to authorize medical care in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a letter of permission for your grandkids to travel with you. Make sure the letter is signed by all legal guard- ians, especially if your grandchild’s parents are divorced. You don’t want to accidentally cause a custody dispute. Plan a Trip You’ll Both Love When planning your itinerary, ask yourself if your grandkids will have fun, too. You might be excited to visit an art mu- seum, but a younger child might not appreciate it as much. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit museums or historical sites! In fact, most of these places offer kid-centric activi- ties, like scavenger hunts, that can help a younger audience engage with the environment. Just be sure to think of your grandchild first when planning. There’s nothing like the adventure of travel to bring gener- ations closer together and create lasting memories. These tips will help you ensure those memories are good ones. Happy travels! home. You’ll be able to deduct the interest you pay on your loan, saving you plenty of money. Travel Seeing the world is a great way to enrich your life, but it can be tough on your bank account. However, under certain conditions, Uncle Sam may be willing to lend a hand. Most people think the only way to deduct travel expenses is by planning a business trip, but this is not the case. Write-offs also exist to help people who are traveling for knowledge or to do good in the world. If you write for a blog, need to do some regional research for a novel, or want to volunteer in a disadvantaged part of the world, your expenses incurred for these purposes can be deducted. Education For lifelong learners, continuing your education can be just as much of an adventure as sailing the open seas. Unfortunately, feeding your brain can cost an arm and a leg. Thankfully, the IRS offers a Lifetime Learning tax credit, which can take off as much as 20 percent of the first $10,000 you spend for education after high school. There is no age limit for this credit, so go learn the subjects you’ve always been passionate about!

We could all use a vacation, and if you’re looking to bond with your grandkids, a trip might be the perfect answer. It’s fun for

you, and getting away from Mom and Dad for a while is thrilling for any kid. But before you board a plane

to Italy with your granddaughter or rent an RV for a trip to Yellowstone with your grandsons, there are a few things you need to check off your to-do list. Don’t Let the Parents Worry Letting their kids go on a trip without them can be nerve-wracking for parents. Don’t view parental worries as an implication that you are an irresponsible grandparent. Instead, think about how you felt when your own children were young, and take steps to alleviate the parents’ con- cerns. If your daughter asks you not to be on your phone while in crowded public places because she’s concerned you might lose sight of her child, promise to keep the phone in your pocket. If your son-in-law wants regular updates, make time before bed for your grandchild to call home and tell her father about all the fun she’s having. A little compromise can lead to less stress and more fun for everyone.

Deducting Adventure: Ways to Write Off Your Fun

Whether you are preparing for or are currently in retirement, managing your spending can be difficult. On one hand, you’re supposed to save money to ensure that your nest egg lasts. At the same time, you should make the most of life by enjoying the activities and adventures you never had time for in your working years. For those willing to put in the effort, there are ways of making your dreams

more affordable. Boats and RVs

Whether you love taking a trip out on the water or into the wilderness, doing it in comfort is always a plus. While boats and RVs can have a high sticker price, there are tax deductions you can use to make the dream of ownership a reality. If the vehicle is equipped with sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities, a boat or RV qualifies as a second

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SHAKE IT UP & HAVE SOME FUN!

great endeavors, they aren’t going to give you the spice your life needs. Think about it — what skills have you always wanted to learn but never tried? Perhaps it’s pottery or maybe it’s something more novel like trying video games. Whatever the case may be, the more you branch out of your comfort zone, the more of the world you’ll find waiting for you! Meet New People It’s extremely common that as people age, they tend to travel within increasingly smaller social circles. Maybe you interact with the same group of people you play cards with every week, or you see familiar faces at your usual grocery store. By breaking the routine and trying new places, you can find not only more areas to check out, but also whole new groups of people to spend time with. Buy tickets to a sporting event or visit a new restaurant that looks interesting, especially one with communal seating. These places are always brimming with new people who are open to conversation and a little bit of fun.

New Ways to Break the Monotony

The older we grow, the easier it is to fall into a monotonous routine. We find some simple tasks we vaguely enjoy and learn to pass the time doing them. Heck, reading this article could very well be one of those pastimes. But what if your life didn’t have to be that way? What if you could find some excellent activities to get you out and experience the joys of life? Well, that’s precisely why we’re providing you with two great ideas to break the cycle of your daily routine and have some fun! Find A New Hobby No, we’re not talking about another task to pass the time. While crocheting and simple board games are sometimes

SUDOKU

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

Zucchini and summer squash are arriving on grocery store shelves. Here is a great way to take these humble, delicious vegetables to the next level. This easy dish is perfect for early summer.

Ingredients • 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Directions 1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste

squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta. Inspired by thekitchn.com.

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Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 24/7 831-430-0616

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Scotts Valley Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday

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Inside

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Sharole Hangs Up Her Wings

Secrets to a Great Family Vacation

Should You Buy That Boat?

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Are You Bored?

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

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Local Events

May’s Lasting Memories

Do Something Fun This Month

SANTA CRUZ ROTARY ROUNDUP WHERE: Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz WHEN: Friday, May 18 from 5–11 p.m. ADMISSION: $15 WEBSITE: santacruzrotary.com/rotary- round-up

differences, the couples will soon come to realize they have more in common than just their last names. “The Realistic Joneses” was named The Best Play on Broadway by USA Today when it premiered in 2014, and it continues to be celebrated for its comedic, tragic, and surreal commentary on the ordinariness of life. Get your tickets now for the show Edge Media calls “… a play of such extraordinary wit and insight, so carefully constructed, it resonates for days.”

The Santa Cruz Rotary Club is hosting the best western- themed party of the year, and you’re invited. Come out and enjoy a buffet dinner, hosted bar, auctions, live music from Urban Outlaws, and more fun events that will make you say “yee-haw!” Proceeds from this evening of fun will go to the Rotary Club’s philanthropic efforts to support the local Santa Cruz community. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets now. THE REALISTIC JONESES WHERE: Santa Cruz County Actor’s Theater WHEN: May 18 to June 3 ADMISSION: : $26 for general admission; $23 for seniors WEBSITE: sccat.org/realisticjoneses Bob and Jennifer Jones are about to meet their new neighbors, John and Pony Jones. Despite their apparent

2018 REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE WHERE: Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton WHEN: Saturday, June 2 at 11 a.m. to Sunday, June 3 at 7 p.m. ADMISSION: See website for pricing WEBSITE: redwoodmountainfaire.com

Your whole family will love to come out for this incredible music festival that shows off local artists, celebrates Santa Cruz culture, and supports amazing local organizations. This family-friendly festival has activities for all ages, including kids’ stages, arts and crafts, locally crafted wines, train rides, and more. Make plans now, because summer starts at the Redwood Mountain Faire.

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