December 2019 Newsletter

• Events Calendar
• Season's Greetings
• Edison Theater Event
• Helping Hands Team
• Special Interest Groups
• Needlework Group Visit to Alzheimer's Services East Bay

Season's Greetings From GNV

When I retired in 2016 I had many ideas about how I was going to spend my time. I had only one specific goal, find out about Villages and could one of these Villages happen in Niles? Now, almost 3 years later, thanks to the work of a group of dedicated volunteers, GNV is open. It would not exist without all of you sharing your skills, talents, energy, thoughtfulness, creativity and laughter.I think our first GNV party, in November at the Edison Theater, was a perfect example of a key component of Villages—building social connections. By each of us inviting our friends and GNV providing the place, food and a purpose, people talked, renewed old friendships and made new acquaintances. Together we in GNV are building those social connections that are so important to our physical and mental health. In this spirit of togetherness, let us continue to grow and rely on each other as we face the challenges and opportunities of aging.

GNV at the Edison Theater

• you are an older adult in Fremont, seeking community, programs, and expertise to continue living a life of purpose and promise; or
• you are an adult child of a Fremont senior, looking for resources and partners to enhance daily life for your aging parent(s) and for assistance as a caregiver; or
• you are a potential volunteer, at any age, wishing to contribute your expertise towards a purposeful and powerful space for learning, laughter, and courage.

Join the Helping Hands Team

Villages operate on the concept of reciprocity—neighbors helping neighbors—members and community volunteers sharing expertise and skills. Add your “helping hands” as a volunteer to provide Villagers with practical support. See GreaterNilesVillage.org or call 510-936-0214 to learn about opportunities that match your expertise and availability.

Upcoming Special Interest Groups

• Needlework: Beginner or experienced, come for fellowship and assistance with your project.
• Book Club: Classic literature or latest best seller, fiction or non-fiction, participate in lively discussion whether or not you have read the book
• Walking: Explore Niles on foot (and maybe learn some interesting historical tidbits)--all fitness levels welcome.
• Take Charge of Your Tech: Master your devices with help from the Cybergeezers of SIRS (Sons in Retirement).

GNV at Alaheimer's Services East Bay

”Twiddlemuff" may be a new word in your vocabulary, but not for members of the GNV Needlework Interest Group. Twiddlemuffs are knitted arm coverings with tactile bobs, beads, and buttons attached. They provide warmth that many Alzheimer and dementia patients find comforting. They are also therapeutic as they help encourage movement and brain stimulation. Recently, GNV members--Claire Baldini, Andrea Cameron, Vickey Kean, and Barbara King--met with the Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay (ASEB) Life Enrichment class. Participants, beginner and experienced, knitted and swapped stories, many of which related to earlier days with memories of needle and yarn in hand. In addition, 24 completed Twiddlemuffs were donated.

GNV Needlework Interest Group chair, Barbara King commented, "We especially want to thank Charlotte Perez of San Jose, who heard about the GNV project through her Niles resident sister, Lisa Heston. Charlotte contributed a dozen Twiddlemuffs. The discussion during the ride back to Niles led me to believe that we will not soon forget our visit, these lovely ladies or the dynamic staff we met."