State Licensed RCFE 191500496 COA #078

Mt. San Antonio Gardens is a nationally accredited Life Care senior communityin Claremont and Pomona,California.

The New Leaf is a newsletter for friends and family of residents, board and staff, as well as individuals whohave inquired about life atthe Gardens.

(909) 624-5061 info@msagardens.orgwww.msagardens.org

• Tracey Stoll, Vice President of Marketing, Editor

• Penny Maines, Writer

• Sioux Bally-Maloof, Art Direction and Photography

For frequent updates, “Like” Mt. San Antonio Gardens on Facebook.

Please join us…for a look at the future and the routes we might take

The Road Ahead

The Leaf

hen a group of Gardens residents gatheredin March for a series of four classes on how touse their own iPads, the experience was asenlightening as the practical tips theyacquired. Taught by James Atkinson, directorof technology at neighboring Foothill Country

Day School, his accomplished tutors were sixth to eighth gradestudents, each assigned to guide a resident through the intricaciesof the iPad. Some students, he acknowledges, can be apprehen-sive about working with older people because they don't knowwhat to expect. “Once they give it a try,” he says, “they really enjoyit. It's a great learning experience for all of us.”

“There was this awe inspiring generational symbiosis,” marvelsLisa Durow Czapla, Gardens wellness program coordinator, whoorganizes the classes and attends each one. “The wonderfulexchanges between two generations that come out of the programare priceless, and I love the mutual respect that is cultivatedbetween student and resident.”

“I had the most amazing tutor,” says Marianna Ekelund, “Shewas good about explaining but not doing things for me. It was funwith the students because they are comfortable with technology,and are articulate and polite. I feel very good about the future!”

Marianna had taken aprevious class at theschool, but still feltlike a novice. “Iwanted to be able touse every possiblefeature of the iPad.”

“All the kids aregreat,” agrees CathyHenley-Erickson,“and it’s anotheropportunity foryounger people toget to know peopleat the Gardens andmake moreconnections withthem.” Inspiredby her husband'sexperience in the class the year before, Cathy was eager to becomeas proficient with the iPad as she is with her iPhone. “It's one moredevice, and the bigger picture is so much better when we FaceTime

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GM T. S A N A N TO N IOThe Road Ahead

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Foothill Country Day School Technology DirectorJames Atkinson guides the class but allows thestudents to do the hands-on instruction.

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f you love finding the perfect, reasonablypriced accessory, gift, novelty or greetingcard, or enjoy rooting out treasures at thriftstores, you can find it all at the Gardens.The best part is that all proceeds generatedby the resident-managed Sales Room and

San Antonio Shop (gift shop) go directly to the Gardens Club'sSpecial NeedsFund that has beenused for projectslike purchasingindividualtelevision sets forHealth Center(skilled nursing)residents, andinstalling a newsound system inthe Gardens'auditorium.

Revenue from the Sales Room last year topped $19,000,according to resident Warren Wright, who handles furnituresales. Warren, who moved to the Gardens with his wife in2010, began working in the Sales Room within days of hisarrival. “I was volunteering at the Cancer Society DiscoveryStore in Northridge after I retired,” says Warren, “so it was anatural fit.” The Sales Room accepts donations from residentsof furnishings, housewares and jewelry that they no longerneed. Items are priced to sell so that the inventory iscontinually refreshed. The furniture room is well stocked withcouches, armchairs, lamps, pictures and frames, dining tablesets, bedroom sets and patio tables of various styles, vintageand quality. The housewares department is chock full ofglassware, plates, silverware, kitchen utensils, knickknacksand seasonal decorative items.

“The furniture room and housewares section are open twomornings a month, with some exceptions,” says Warren.Another resident,Sharon Dannels, hasmanaged thehousewares section forthe past two years.“Sharon generates alot of sales,” saysBetsy Grindle, whounderstands thechallenges and rigorsof the role afterhaving managedhousewares herselffor eight years.

Today, Betsyfocuses her attentionon the jewelrysection of the SalesRoom. “We alwaysreceive a lot ofjewelry donations,and we generated about $2,000 in sales last year by

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Learn how “90-something” Ralph Riffenburghmade choices for his future 17 years ago.

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Thurs., July 17, 2014,

or Tues., Sept. 9, 2014

11 a.m. through lunch hour at Mt. San Antonio Gardens

Buffet lunch included

Reservations are required; please call (909) 399-1279

Please give names of attendees, your phone number,

and mailing address.

Confirmation will be mailed

within a week of your response.

The LeafStudents Teach iPad Tech to Residents

June 2014

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DClaremont, CAPermit No. 382

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Dorothy McCullough

Dorothy McCullough“When I turned 90, I began to do more relaxing and take more time formyself,” says Dorothy McCullough. Time well earned after rolesincluding two years as president of the Gardens Club (residentassociation), four years on the Gardens Board of Directors, three on aBoard Committee, and managing the resident-run gift shop. Thatdoesn't mean she's slowed down. She loves taking off with her bridgeclub for fun retreats, and the nifty red “scooter” her kids gave hermeans she can get to activities around campus in record time.

“The Gardens is a treasure,” she says. Avoiding home repairs wasthe impetus for her move in 1997. “Once here, though, those things areinsignificant compared to the friendships, the genuine care we receive,and the lack of stress.” Also unexpected was the chance to find loveagain at the Gardens. “It was absolutely, completely unanticipated,”Dorothy says of her five-year marriage to her late husband, BobMcCullough. “I had so many young people say, 'You've given us hope.It is never too late.'”

Students are the teachers, providing one-on-oneinstruction to Gardens residents who want to learnmore about using their iPads. Here MariannaEkelund is learning about a new iPad app from RiyaMehta at Foothill Country Day School, across thestreet from the Gardens

Betsy Grindle “focuses”on thejewelry section of the Sales Room.

The well-stocked Gardens Sales Room

Resident Warren Wright handles the furnituredepartment in the Sales Room at the Gardens.

Raising Dollars for Donations

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Students Teach iPad Tech to Residents

June 2014NewThe Leaf

Mt. San Antonio GardensPO Box 728Claremont, CA 91711

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“and if there isn't, all you have to do is start your own committee!There are new opportunities here all the time. I never sang in achorus before, and now I do. Last year, I took an oil painting classthat worked out very well.” He's renewing former interests, too.Recently Gus hit the links after a three-year hiatus. “I can still swingit!” he reports with some delight.

When he turned 90 earlier this year, his family, artists andmusicians all, gathered from around the country to perform acelebratory concert in Gus's honor at the Gardens. “We had awonderful time.”

Dorothy JenkinsWhen Dorothy Jenkins' bridge group asked her to play twice aweek, she said she didn't have time to sit still that long. Once aweek was all she could manage. And no wonder. Even in her 90s,Dorothy keeps a rigorous schedule of commitments. “Some peoplethink you come here to retire, but that's not the culture of theGardens.”

She serves on the Interfacility Ethics Committee with

Gus DiesslinIt's billiards each morning. Horseshoes or putting on alternateSaturdays. Line dancing and ballroom dancing in the WellnessCenter. For 90-year-old Gus Diesslin, an accomplished pianist whoentertains residents with his lively ragtime repertoire, the pace oflife at the Gardens is still mighty brisk.

He volunteers on the Gardens' audio visual committee, restoreslamps in the wood shop, and calligraphs memorialannouncements. “There's something for everybody here,” he says,

Ralph RiffenburghAfter 60 years in practice, 91-year-old Ralph Riffenburgh finallycelebrated retirement from his ophthalmology practice with a not-so-secret surprise party this spring. That means more time for hisdaily bike rides, including 6-mile jaunts on the local ThompsonCreek Trail. And for his literary interests. An accomplished author,Ralph's works include several military-based historical novels, asuspenseful mystery, and a two volume set of World War IIremembrances he compiled from Gardens residents. Now he'sback to work on a Civil War-era novel, with a sequel already inmind.

While Ralph recently sold his Cessna 182 airplane, he still looksfor any opportunity to take flight or for a little hangar talk withsome of the other aviators at the Gardens. While he “outgrew” theOctogenarian's group at nearby Brackett Field, the group graciously“grandfathered” him in after his 90th birthday.

Ralph Riffenburgh

selling pieces from $3 to $10,” she says. If she receives a piecethat looks especially valuable, she will take it to an appraiserto make sure the Gardens Club receives the maximum valuefor the donation.

“Most of our customers are residents and staff,” explainsWarren. And more than afew grandchildren ofresidents have furnishedtheir first apartmentswith the great finds theydiscover in the SalesRoom.

Across campus in theSan Antonio Shoplocated in the Gardens’Social Center, residentNancy Norris is puttingher mark as volunteermanager on the gift shop that has been part of the Gardenssince its inception. “I have been doing this for two years, andit's a really great, wonderfully fun challenge!” says Nancy, whobrought a retail and interior design background to her role.The store has a unique purpose, ensuring that residents haveaccess to the necessities and sundries they need, but alsooffering an appealing shopping experience for those lookingfor special greeting cards, candies, gifts, attractive – and well-priced – accessories, and even books by resident authors.

It's a unique marketthat requires carefulpurchasing, inventorymanagement andmerchandising. Whenthe Social Center wasrefurbished recently, itwas the perfectopportunity for Nancyto rearrange the storeto add flair to thedisplays, and therebyboost sales. “I love todo this. It's mygreatest pleasure andtherapy to movethings around,” shelaughs. “Achieving anappealing sense of

balance and composition is what I love to do.” The layout nowinvites customers to wander among the display cases to findthe perfect purchase.

“It feels so good to help the Special Needs Fund, whichbenefits everyone here,” says Nancy. The store maintains afixed operating account and everything above that amount isimmediately given to the fund. Over the past two years, shehas managed to increase the amount donated by about 50percent. “Every penny is a plus!”

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Resident Nancy Norris is volunteer manager of the Gardens’ gift shop.

Raising Dollars for Donations

Gus Diesslin

Dorothy Jenkins

It’s all about lifestyleEditor’s note: This issue of “The New Leaf” is a reflection of the wayresidents at Mt. San Antonio Gardens live in their “retirement.” As youwill see, the word retirement is a misnomer in this community.

You may remember parents or grandparents looking and acting “old”when they reached “retirement age” – which, back in the day, was 65.Today, when I compare how my 80-something mother looks and actsto how her mother looked and acted at the same age, the contrast isstark. I loved my gram dearly, but I never saw her wear a pair of Nikes. Today’s “older adults” are, well, “younger.”

Here you’ll meet an ophthalmologist who stayed in his practice untilhe turned 91, but still enjoys flying airplanes. A woman who found newlove in her 80s. People in their 70s and 80s who retired from careersand have transferred their skills, working as volunteers running retailand resale operations at the Gardens. And even more who are keepingup with the grandkids as they master iPad technology.

We hope you appreciate these outstanding people who exemplifythe Gardens community. When they chose to move to the Gardens, itwasn’t just for their new residence, or the wonderful cuisine, or theservices and care that are offered; it was for the lifestyle.

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The San Antonio Shop evencarries a range of sundriesfor residents or their guests.

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iPad Class…

Virginia Waggoner

representatives from four retirement communities in the area. Sheinitiated the Gardens residents’ Diversity Committee and servedon the residents' Gardens Club Council, its Computer RoomCommittee and the Board of Directors Marketing Committee.Today, the former public health professional is a health care agentand advocate for a resident in the Oak Tree Lodge (assisted livingcenter).

“Being active is really the key to aging well, and keeping mentallyfit.” She does both, staying sharp on her computer and, while herdriver's license was just renewed, she'd rather walk and protect theenvironment. She is a member of the Gardens walking group andwalks whenever she can.

Virginia WaggonerWhen Virginia Waggoner turned 90 four years ago, her daughterthrew a birthday bash in the Gardens' Gallery with 60 guests andan Elvis impersonator. It was the perfect celebration for a womanwho clearly loves life, and loves to dance. “I think that is what haskept me in shape,” she says, describing the senior dances that sheregularly attended. Now, she exercises three times a week at theGardens’ fitness center and keeps busy volunteering in the SalesRoom and the gift shop. “There's not enough time in the day to geteverything done,” she says. “I'm always running a little behind.”

Virginia, who worked as a nurse until she was 75, spent 20 yearsof her career at the Gardens, caring for residents in the HealthCenter (the Gardens' skilled nursing facility). Impressed with thequality of the Gardens, she chose to move in a few years afterretiring. “I feel secure here and I don't have any worries.

“I always have a goal and something to look forward to. Mydaughter said she wanted to plan another party when I'm 95, butmaybe we'll wait until I'm 100!”

Residents Joe and Cathy Erickson comparenotes on what they learned in the class.

with the kids.” And, there'salways something new to learn.“I didn't know, for instance, whatthe”bcc” in emails meant, or howyou can turn apps on and off.”

“Most of the guys my age aredoing what I'm doing – trying tokeep up with technology,” laughs90-year-old Joe Erickson, Cathy's

husband. “The class was a great help. When I went to college, weused slide rules!” Joe uses his iPad for reading books, email, andconnecting with the grandkids and great grandkids on FaceTime.“They're all so familiar with this technology.”

Jane O'Donnell took the class last year as well. “I didn't knowanything about the iPad except how to turn it on” she laughs. Hertutor was patient. “When I couldn't remember how to do a certainprocess we learned in the prior class, she calmly suggested that Itake out a piece of paper and pencil and write down theinstructions. I told her she would make a wonderful teacher.” One ofthe biggest breakthroughs for Jane was overcoming her fear ofdamaging the device by doing something wrong. She lovedwatching the kids do all sorts of things with their iPads, and ifsomething didn't work, they'd just undo it and start over. “I feel so

much braver now.” “This is the twelfth year we've partnered with the Gardens to

offer some kind of class,” says James. “The iPad course has beenthe most popular by far. The iPad bridges the generations, andbecause it is so intuitive and easy to use, it is not intimidating. Itis great to see the residents using this technology to stayconnected to family and friends.”

Lisa Durow Czapla, left, Gardens’ wellness program coordinator, who organized the classes,

sits in on an iPad photo session with resident Ardys Hunter and student Morgan Lui.

One of Nancy’s thoughtful

jewelry displays.

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