Visiting Angels - June 2020

Visiting Angels - June 2020

June 2020

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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Howls of Hope I t was Wednesday at 8 p.m. when the howling started outside of my house. It wasn’t the local dogs or a coyote — it was my neighbor. Usually, having your neighbor howling at night would be a cause for concern, but during the pandemic, hearing the howling was a source of comfort. I was already outside, ready to howl back.

Finding Good in a World of Uncertainty

and people adopting or fostering pets at higher rates than ever, leaving some shelters with empty kennels. Our Visiting Angels caregivers are so appreciative of the hundreds of masks that have been made and donated by local volunteers.

The 8 p.m. howl started as a way for people in Santa Cruz County to stand in solidarity with health care workers and first responders and let them know their sacrifices were appreciated. Soon, it became a way for our communities to stay connected during social distancing. It sounds silly, but if you’re participating in these howls yourself, you’ll know what I’m talking about. After going weeks without seeing your neighbors, to howl at the moon and hear your neighbor several houses over howling back is a strange, wonderful feeling. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an immense series of challenges. We are taking many precautions to protect ourselves and each other from the virus. The social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have created long periods of loneliness and uncertainty. But through it all, some truly wonderful things have come into the world. During this time of global hardships, many people are stepping up and looking for ways to help each other. There is a college student in Nevada who founded a free grocery delivery service so high-risk individuals in her community wouldn’t have to go to the grocery store during the pandemic. That service, Shopping Angels, quickly turned into a worldwide movement. I’ve also heard of people buying meals from local restaurants and having them delivered to health care workers, folks dressing up as superheroes and princesses to film uplifting videos for children stuck at home,

At Visiting Angels, we are taking every precaution to protect our seniors by following the healthy practices of frequent hand-washing, wearing masks and gloves, disinfecting surfaces, limiting our exposure to the public, and sheltering in place at home. We also have reached out to our seniors and their families and asked about what kind of hobbies or skills they have always wanted to learn. We have seniors using this time to garden, learn how to play chess, write, and even brush up on their technology skills. Zoom video chats and FaceTime have become a huge part of so many people’s lives. It’s nice to know that more seniors have this resource for staying in touch with family members during the pandemic. And will also be able to see their loved ones more often over video chat on a daily basis when they can’t see one another in person. Things have been really hard, and we’re not out of the woods yet, but it’s important that we look past the dire headlines and see that there is still good in the world. We don’t know what the future will bring, but we have each other. Let’s keep washing our hands, howling at the moon, and remembering that we’re all in this together.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Feeling Renewed at Any Age

2 Ways to Revive Your Life This Summer

Pay attention to mental health.

If the mercurial spring weather has prevented you from getting out as much as you would have liked these past few months, you might be feeling a bit of cabin fever about now. Luckily, you can still introduce positive changes to your life that help you feel healthier and younger. Here are two ways to awaken your body and mind.

Although more years provide more experience and knowledge, sometimes they also come with heavy baggage. The loss of a loved one,

Adopt a new activity.

trauma, and other struggles can impact your life in later years. This is why it’s good to practice mindfulness.

As you get older, it’s not uncommon to drift further from the lifestyle you had in your 20s and 30s. Things have settled down, and you know a bit more about who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re capable of. With this better understanding, you can make choices more aligned with your true interests and personality. Think about getting involved with a new activity you may have always wanted to try but never had the chance, like yoga or even a video game. Trying out new things keeps your brain active. You may even discover a new favorite activity along the way!

Take some time to focus on the present. Go for a walk and listen to the world around you, feel the fresh air against your skin, fill your lungs, and take in everything you can see. Meditation is also a good way to spend a few minutes to focus on your body in the moment and the things in life that make you happy. Practices like these can help you feel lighter, both physically and emotionally.

Growing older doesn’t mean you can’t feel renewed and positive. This isn’t just an impossible idea — it’s a reality.

ABOUT TO RETIRE?

Consider These Low-Risk, High-Return Investments

Real Estate Investment Trusts When you invest in real estate investment trusts (REIT), you’re investing in mortgages or direct equity positions in various properties. When the stock market is in decline, REITs are a good investment because they’re not corrected with stock exchanges. Plus, their yield is usually higher than the dividends investors get from stocks. Fixed Indexed Annuities When it comes to low-risk, high-return investments, fixed indexed annuities (FIA) are the most attractive option for retirees. In 2018, renowned economist professor Roger Ibbotson conducted research into the return history of inflation, U.S. Treasury bills, government bonds, FIAs, and stocks. Unsurprisingly, stocks offered the highest returns historically, but Ibbotson was surprised to find FIAs came in second, beating out bonds and conventional wisdom. Historically, these investments have produced great returns for individuals who are in retirement or who are about to retire. However, remember that everyone’s circumstances are different. Before making any changes to your portfolio, talk to your financial planner about your options.

As you age, it’s wise to make some changes in order to stay healthy, like your diet or your workout routine. Likewise, your portfolio should be adjusted to reduce risk and protect your financial health. After a bad turn in the market, it can take up to a decade to make your money back. If you want to retire in the next five years, then can you really afford that risk? Reducing your risk doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on high-return investments, though. Here are some low- risk, high-return investments to consider adding to your portfolio as you approach retirement.

Peer-to-Peer Lending Otherwise known as P2P lending, this investment takes place online. Borrowers are matched with investors for loans that benefit both parties — lending without the bank. Your risk and potential returns depend entirely on which loans you choose to invest in. The two most popular P2P lending platforms are Lending Club and Prosper, and you can start investing in either platform with as little as $25.

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Celebrate Even When You’re Apart Tips for a Great Long- Distance Father’s Day

Visit CanvasPop.com to get your dad’s favorite picture printed on canvas and shipped directly to his door.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many holiday traditions have had to be adjusted with social distancing in mind. Even as we enter recovery mode, there are a lot of reasons why you might not be able to celebrate Father’s Day with Dad in person. But that doesn’t mean you have to let the holiday go unacknowledged. It’s possible to make even a long-distance Father’s Day something special. Have Dinner Over Video Chat Video chat apps aren’t just for work meetings. Schedule a time with Dad to share a meal together over video chat. You can even start the video early and cook dinner together. Catch up while making your dad’s favorite meal. Send Dad a Memory So many great family photos exist only on our smartphones or social media. Services like CanvasPop take your pictures and print them on a beautiful canvas that can be hung on the wall.

Give Him a Gift That Keeps Giving Your dad is one of a kind. Give him a gift that celebrates what makes him special with a unique subscription box. Is your dad a grill master? A tech genius? A dedicated fisherman? There are countless subscription boxes with fun themes to match your dad’s interests and surprise him with something new every month. Check out a few popular subscription boxes at Cratejoy.com/box-insider/best-subscription-boxes-for-dad . We might not be able to celebrate together this year, but Father’s Day should still be celebrated. For everything your dad does, make sure he knows that you’re thinking of him even when you’re apart.

Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads out there!

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

SUDOKU

You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken and tomatoes on a warm summer’s evening. It’s a simple recipe that packs a flavor punch.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 clove garlic • 1/2 tsp salt

• 8 Roma tomatoes • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)

Directions 1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling. 2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade.

3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade. 4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

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

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Inside

Were You Part of the Howl?

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How to Feel Renewed at Any Age

Best Investments for Retirees

3 Tips for a Great Long-Distance Father’s Day

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Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Best Virtual Tours

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A New Kind of Adventure CHECK OUT THESE FUN VIRTUAL TOURS!

Street Art Around the World Website: StreetArt.WithGoogle.com/en

Though many local events have been canceled or postponed, modern technology has opened the

door to amazing virtual events around the world. Treat yourself to an adventure with these virtual tours.

Take a virtual walking tour from New York City to Buenos Aires and see some of the most amazing pieces of street art around the world. Google Arts & Culture showcases the world’s greatest graffiti with interactive features that bring the art to life. Learn about the incredible artists who use the world as their canvas.

Virtual Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Website:

San Diego Zoo Website: Kids.SanDiegoZoo.org/videos

SantaCruzMuseum.org/ category/virtual-museum

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has gone virtual! Enjoy videos of art lectures, go behind the scenes of your favorite exhibits, and find plenty of crafts and activities to help keep you busy. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is dedicated to helping you stay connected to nature and our community.

Have you ever asked yourself, “I wonder what the penguins at the San Diego Zoo are doing?” Now you can find out thanks to the San Diego Zoo’s free live cams! You can check in on the penguins, elephants, tigers, and many more of your favorite animals anytime, day or night. The zoo also offers videos and crafts featuring fun, animal-themed activities you can enjoy with your family.

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