THE VIEW - March 2021 Our Beautiful Billiards Room in the Montecito Clubhouse photo by Ralph Olson story on page 32 - Sun City Shadow Hills
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THE VIEW March 2021 Our Beautiful Billiards Room in the Montecito Clubhouse photo by Ralph Olson story on page 32
THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
HOURS OF OPERATION
CONTACT INFORMATION Please check www.scshca.com/coronavirus
for updated information.
Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association
ASSOCIATION OFFICE
80-814 Sun City Boulevard, Indio, CA 92203
Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 – 4 PM
www.scshca.com | 760-345-4349
By Appointment Only
Homeowner Association (HOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1 First Saturday of the Month | Closed
Montecito Clubhouse Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760-772-9891
LIFESTYLE DESK | Monday – Saturday | 8 AM – 5 PM
Montecito Clubhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2120 Business Center Only
Montecito Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2111
Santa Rosa Clubhouse Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760-342-5976
MONTECITO CLUBHOUSE | Closed
Santa Rosa Clubhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2201 FITNESS CENTERS | Closed
Shadow Hills Golf Club South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2305
Shadow Hills Golf Club North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2211 SHADOWS RESTAURANT
Shadows Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2311 Patio Seating Only
Jefferson Front Gate (Phases 1 & 2) . . . . . . . 760-345-4458 Monday – Friday | 10 AM – 7 PM
Avenue 40 Front Gate (Phase 3) . . . . . . . . . . 760-342-4725 Saturday – Sunday | 8 AM – 7 PM
Tyler Ingle, General Manager GOLF SNACK BAR | Daily | 7 AM – 3 PM
tyler.ingle@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2102
SANTA ROSA BISTRO | Daily | 6 AM – 3 PM
Vanessa Ayon, Assistant General Manager
vanessa.ayon@associa.us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2106 MONTECITO CAFÉ | Closed
TBD, Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2203 All hours are subject to change.
Bob Pantanella, Community Safety Director Visit www.scshca.com for the latest hours.
robert.pantanella@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2202
Jesse Barragan, Facilities Maintenance Director
jesse.barragan@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2403
Connie King, Lifestyle Director
connie.king@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2124
THE VIEW
Desiree Porras, Fitness Director THE VIEW is published monthly by the
Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association.
desiree.porras@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2112
This publication is copyrighted and may not be reproduced
Liz Gutierrez, Lifestyle Coordinator or reprinted without the written permission of SCSHCA.
elizabeth.gutierrez@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2123
MISSION STATEMENT
Veronica Moya, Lifestyle Coordinator
To promote the community and recognize the individuals
veronica.perez@associa.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2122 who contribute to the identity of the community, and to impart
Gus Ramirez, Communications Manager information relevant to the community as a whole.
gus.ramirez@associa.us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2204
THE VIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Rolland Vaughn, GM of Shadow Hills Golf Club
Dennis Sheehan, Chair; Beth Bolduc; Arnold Choy;
rmvaughn@troon.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2301 George Erhart; Robert Firring; Julie Harris; Diane Nagy;
SCSH Community Association Board of Directors Art Nemiroff; Ralph Olson; Gina Pollack; Lee Powell;
Vicki Prince; Judi Sorensen; Steve Talbot
Kim Fuller, President . . . . . . . . . . . . kim.fuller@scshca.com
Fera Mostow, VP. . . . . . . . . . . . . fera.mostow@scshca.com STAFF
Carey Thompson, Treasurer. . carey.thompson@scshca.com Editor-in-Chief | Tyler Ingle, General Manager
Linda Aasen, Secretary . . . . . . . . . linda.aasen@scshca.com Production Manager | Gus Ramirez, Communications Manager
Johnny Goodrum, Member . johnny.goodrum@scshca.com To inquire about articles, content, and advertising
For warranty or customer service needs concerning – or to submit stories for publication –
please email view@scshca.com or contact
your home, please email: socalservice@delwebb.com
Gus Ramirez, Communications Manager,
at 760-345-4349, ext. 2204.
2 | March 2021
NEWS FROM THE BOARD |
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
KIM FULLER | PRESIDENT
PLEASE VOTE! The annual meeting for the HOA will limit so the HOA can still request ballots from those
be on April 6, 2021. The Board election, along with who have not voted after 90 days. The goal is to
one CC&R change and one Bylaw change, will also be encourage more residents to participate and vote by
on the ballot. All ballots must be in before April 6. giving the HOA more time to collect ballots. This
Please fill out your ballot and send it in right away. change does not affect how many affirmative votes it
All ballots have been mailed, and you should have takes to change the CC&Rs or Bylaws. It will still take
received yours by now. If your ballot has not arrived, 51% of all residents to make any change. This just allows
please contact the HOA office for a replacement. the HOA additional time to collect more ballots.
The CC&R change that will be on the ballot is in It has been difficult in the past to change a CC&R or
response to a new State law, California AB3182, that a Bylaw because of this 90-day time limit. In one case,
went into effect on January 1, 2021. Last month I 88% of the residents voted in favor of a change. But
described this new law, which changes the minimum we ran out of time to collect ballots, so we did not
rental period to less than 90 days. Our CC&Rs currently reach the needed 1,760 affirmative votes. Changing
state that the minimum rental period is 90 days. Our this Bylaw will allow the HOA to contact residents who
HOA is required to follow the new State law even have not yet voted and ask them to submit their
though the CC&Rs say something different, so effective ballots. Our HOA attorneys tell us that we are the only
January 1, 2021, our HOA must allow rentals for 31 HOA they serve that has this 90-day limit on collecting
days or more, not 90. ballots. Your vote in favor of this action will not only
The new law requires us to change our CC&Rs to save our HOA in election costs but will also help us to
conform to the new State provisions. Hopefully, we can move forward with needed, and sometimes required,
get enough ballots in favor of the change but, even if amendments to our governing documents.
we do not, we will still be required to enforce the new There are four candidates running for two positions
law no matter what our CC&Rs state. Unfortunately, on the Board this April. Linda Aasen and Kim Fuller are
we are not allowed simply to change the wording in running for re-election, while two new candidates—
our CC&Rs; our residents must vote in the change. John MacDonnell and Moira MacLeod-Foster—are
To amend a CC&R or a Bylaw, we need 51% of all also running. Please be sure to get your ballots in as
homes to vote in favor, which is 1,760 homes. If we do soon as possible.
not get 1,760 affirmative votes, we will have to leave We are slowly beginning the process of reopening
the language in our CC&Rs the same, even though it all activities in our community. As soon as the State
will not apply and will conflict with the new State law. and County revise their guidelines, the Board will
When your ballot arrives, vote for this provision so we contact you about those changes. It has been a most
can align our CC&Rs with the new State law. If we difficult time for everyone, and hopefully we can all
don’t pass this in April, we may need to hold a special remain focused on helping each other to remain safe
election in the fall at a cost of $10,000 to try again. and healthy as we slowly return to normal.
The other provision the Board will present is to change Better days are coming, and I look forward to those
Bylaw Section 4.6.4, Balloting Time Requirements. Our special days again knowing “it doesn’t get any better
current provision limits the time we can request ballots than this.”
to 90 days. We are proposing to remove the 90-day Contact the author at kim.fuller@scshca.com.
March 2021 | 3
THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
TREASURER’S REPORT
CAREY THOMPSON | TREASURER
Contact the author at carey.thompson@scshca.com
4 | March 2021
NEWS FROM THE BOARD |
March 2021 | 5
THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
2021 HOA ELECTION
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Disclaimer: Neither the Association nor the management company made any revisions, alterations, and/or corrections
to the information submitted by the candidates. The information was transferred exactly as submitted, per Civil Code.
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.
When I ran for the Board four
years ago, I thought I had a
respectable understanding of how
our HOA Board operates. I was so
wrong! There was so much to learn
about our Governing Documents,
community operations, and our
SCSH budget and financials. I feel
Linda Aasen that after two years accumulating
Kim Fuller
My husband, Steve, and I have this knowledge, I must use it to do I have enjoyed my service on
lived in Sun City Shadow Hills since an even better job as a member of your SCSH HOA Board these past
2010. I have been a member of the our Board in the next two years. 3.5 years, as your President, and I
Information Advisory Committee I am detail oriented, an thank you for that opportunity. Your
(IAC), the Communications outstanding communicator, and a current Board has accomplished a
Advisory Committee (CAC), the team player. If re-elected to our great deal along the way, with
Ad-Hoc Facilities Advisory Board, I will bring these skills, continued fiscal responsibility,
Committee, as well as president of along with my Board experience to maintaining our facilities at the
the Tennis Club. I Chaired The work for all members of our highest level, keeping our Dues in
View Advisory Committee and community. I will focus on line with inflation, and our Reserve
have written many articles for the improved communication, levels amongst the highest in the
magazine. Steve and I participate continued fiscal responsibility, and Coachella Valley. The Board has
in countless activities and utilize maintenance of our facilities at the been a pleasure to work with as we
the wonderful facilities in our highest of level to help insure dealt with the Covid-19 crises,
beautiful community. stability in home values. I will work Frontier Cable Contracts, and
My professional career at 3M closely with the other members of other normal duties of everyday
for 22 years was centered in the Board in the best interest of all management. I take personal pride
marketing, sales, product residents of Sun City Shadow Hills. in the Board’s transparency, our
development, and project I believe, I will make an excellent open communications on the
management. Later I was owner of member of your HOA Board of many issues facing our community,
a consulting company focused on Directors and I would appreciate and in dealing with the many
staff training, developing and your vote. homeowner issues we encounter
implementing security plans, risk For more information, please every day.
assessment, and identity theft risk contact me at I would like to continue to serve
management. laasen3730@aol.com our community as a member of
6 | March 2021
NEWS FROM THE BOARD |
your Board and hope you will give My qualifications are: • Appointed Senior Client Manager
me that opportunity once again. • Leadership 4/2007-9-2009
When not tending to Board • 30 years of managerial experience JFFD, CPAS, LLP - Pacific Palisades.
duties, my wife Karla, and I enjoy in the financial services industry CA 90272
golf, hiking, the Fitness Center, • 10 years of experience as a senior Senior Staff Accountant/Senior
the great sunsets and movies. Client Liasion 11/2009-8/2015
liaison and senior accountant
Thank you.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
Education:
• Excellent communication skills
• Western Illinois University
(written and verbal)
Macomb, IL 9/1973-5/1975
• Excellent team building skills
• Pepperdine University, Malibu,
• Effective listening skills
CA 1984-1986/ BS Business
• Broad experience in team
Management
building skills • UCLA Landscape Horticulture
• Ability to make prudent decisions
Program L.A., CA 9/2013-
following a set of guidelines for 6/2015
the best possible outcomes.
“Big” John S. Experience:
Interests/Hobbies:
• Hiking, Golf, Pickleball, Travel,
MacDonnell Bank of America 8/1976-6/2007 Gardening, Birdwatching, Music,
• Retail Division - started as a teller. Entertaining
I want to be a Board member for
• Selected for Retail Management
the people of this community not Reasons to be a Board
Training Program
for myself. Plain and simple. Member:
• Selected for Consumer & Business
Thank You, I have chosen to run for the
Lending Programs
John S. MacDonnell Board as it is my way of giving back
• Appointed Manager- Villa Marina
to our wonderful community. This
Banking Centre, Marina Del Rey,
is one of the best places that I
CA 1/1987-9/1998
have ever lived. I believe that with
• Appointed Manager- Beverly
my skill set, education and a desire
San Vicente Banking Centre, W.
to make a difference in our
Hollywood, CA 9/98-3/99
community drives me to run.
• Appointed V.P. & Manager-West
I have a lot to offer and I believe
Brentwood, Banking Centre
wholeheartedly that I would be an
Brentwood, CA 3/99-5/2001
excellent addition to our board.
• Appointed V.P. & Manager-Pacific
I realize that it will be a large
Moira MacLeod- Palisades Banking Centre, Pacific
commitment of my time. I believe
Palisades, CA that I have the right temperament
Foster • 5/2001- 4/2007
and vision to do the best for our
I am running for one of the open Bank of America homeowners and our community.
positions on the Sun City Shadow • Wealth and Investment These are the reasons that I have
Hills HOA Board of Directors. Management made the decision to run.
March 2021 | 7
THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
This advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association.
8 | March 2021
NEWS FROM THE BOARD |
This advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association.
March 2021 | 9
THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
This advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association.
10 | March 2021NEWS FROM THE BOARD |
This advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association.
March 2021 | 11THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
CITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE
citydevelopment@scshca.com
Chair: Jim Basham
COVENANTS COMMITTEE
covenants@scshca.com
Co-Chairs: Jerry Conrad & Deborah Gmeiner
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
designreview@scshca.com
Chair: Ted Shettler
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SUBCOMMITTEE
epsc@scshca.com
Chair: Jeff Kirkpatrick
PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER FACILITIES & SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
facilities.services@scshca.com
Ruben Servin Chair: John Petersen
ASSOCIA EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
finance@scshca.com
It is our great pleasure to recognize Ruben Chair: Bill Wethe
Servin as the Employee of Month. Ruben is the FOOD & BEVERAGE COMMITTEE
Common Area Coordinator and has been with foodbeverage@scshca.com
the Facilities Department since July 2019. Chair: Jurgen Gross
As the Common Area Coordinator, Ruben GOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE
assists with administering the numerous golf@scshca.com
Chair: Dennis Hooper
common area maintenance contracts, most
significantly the common area landscape HEALTH & FITNESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
healthfitness@scshca.com
maintenance contract. Ruben has an excellent
Chair: Rick Halla
ability to manage landscapes for large-scale
INFORMATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
projects, and he works hand in hand with the information@scshca.com
Landscape Maintenance Contractor and the Chair: Stacia Armstrong
Landscape Advisory Committee. LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ruben is detailed-oriented and has played an landscape@scshca.com
instrumental role in developing landscape Chair: Chris Stevens
specification plans for the main gates and LIFESTYLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
clubhouses landscape improvement projects. lifestyles@scshca.com
Aside from his technical skills and over 20-plus Chair: Pamela Castro-Lee
years of experience in landscape management, SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
safety@scshca.com
Ruben has a great personality and is always
Chair: Ed Chavez
willing to go above and beyond to get the job
THE VIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE
done.
viewcommittee@scshca.com
Thank you, Ruben, and we commend you for Chair: Dennis Sheehan
a job well done.
Interested in joining a Committee? Stop by the HOA
office and fill out an Advisory Committee Interest Form.
12 | March 2021ASSOCIATION NEWS |
Design Review Committee (DRC)
BY TED SHETTLER | CHAIR
In this issue of The View, I will discuss two items. Submitting homeowners are encouraged to secure
Item one is the concept of precedent, the idea that an the permission of the homeowner whose modification
approval action by the Design Review Committee is the example before submitting the photograph.
(DRC) is a constraint on the DRC when considering a Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their
subsequent proposal to implement the same (or property-line walls; and homeowners with a property-
essentially the same) modification. Item two is the line wall abutting common areas, streets, or the golf
homeowner’s maintenance responsibility associated course are responsible for maintaining both sides
with property-line walls. of such walls, including knee walls. I want to make
In short, the DRC is not constrained by a prior homeowners with knee walls aware that the paint on
approval when considering a subsequent Home the outside of many knee walls has fallen into disrepair
Improvement Application (HIA) for the same or a and become unsightly. This situation has begun to
similar modification.* There are many factors that generate complaints, to which the HOA will be
indicate a prior approval may not be appropriate for a obliged to respond.
subsequent proposal. Among these factors are the For those homeowners who have erected a fence
location of the lot and its orientation – relative to the on their knee wall, it may not be easy even to see the
golf course, common areas, and neighbors – and side of the wall on the outside of their knee wall. It
drainage issues. Another factor is the Design Rules certainly is easy to overlook it when surveying your
themselves. Over time, the Board of Directors approve property. However, it is still your property and your
modifications to the Design Rules. Prior approvals by responsibility. I encourage you to look at the condition
the DRC are unaffected by such modifications, but that of your knee wall and, if needed, have it repainted.
same modification may no longer be permitted.
* The CC&Rs in §5.6 speak directly to the issue of
The DRC is mindful of previous approvals and precedent related to the DRC: The approval by the
generally is inclined to use those prior decisions to Design Review Committee of any plans, drawings or
guide its actions. However, such guidance does not specifications for any work of Improvement done or
ensure approval as different circumstances may call for proposed, or for any other matter requiring the
a different decision. approval of the Design Review Committee under this
With an HIA, a homeowner will often submit a Declaration, or any waiver thereof, shall not be
photograph of an existing modification made to deemed to constitute a waiver of any right to withhold
another property as an example of the proposed approval of any similar plan, drawing, specification or
matter subsequently submitted for approval by the
modification. The DRC is interested in and grateful
same or some other Owner.
for these examples because they make the proposed
modification easier to visualize. Contact the author at designreview@scshca.com.
March 2021 | 13THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
SUN CITY SHADOW HILLS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency Preparedness Sub-Committee (EPSC)
BY JEFF KIRKPATRICK | CHAIR
Mask Maintenance 101 your nose shape. Another trick: Clean glasses with
Masks are, for the time being, a part of everyday life soap and water to help prevent fogging.
for most of us, even after vaccines are deployed. Here
Mask Slipping Down
are a few tips from experts at Johns Hopkins, the
Faces come in all shapes and sizes, and some men’s
Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University School of
facial hair makes getting a good fit difficult.
Medicine, and the Yale School of Medicine
But once you are out and about, a fitted
to minimize some common problems
mask is crucial so that you don’t touch
associated with mask maintenance.
your mask and risk contaminating it
Dealing with “Maskne” or your hands. To make sure a mask
If you develop skin irritation or fits you correctly, put it on and cup
blemishes: Use a gentle cleanser your washed hands around the
when you wash your face in the edges. Pull the mask up towards
morning. Use fragrance-free your cheeks, then down towards
detergents to wash your mask. your chin. Adjust the ear loops so
An over-the-counter hydrocortisone that the mask does not gap at the
cream once or twice a day can help. sides or top. It should feel a little harder
Make sure your makeup is labeled to breathe in and move in and out as you
“noncomedogenic.” If the problem persists for breathe. If it doesn’t you need to tighten it
more than a week or two, make an appointment with
a dermatologist.
Difficulty Communicating
Even people with perfect hearing can struggle to
Glasses Getting Fogged Up understand others who are wearing a mask. The mask
Hot air from your breath escapes from the top of is a physical barrier that blocks sound and can cause
your mask and lands on the cooler surface of your lens. speech to be mumbled. It also blocks visual cues, like
Look for a mask with a metal wire sewn in that goes whether a person is smiling or not. People assume
over the bridge of your nose and pinch it until it fits they just need to speak louder, but that’s not it – slow
14 | March 2021ASSOCIATION NEWS |
down and speak as deliberately as possible.
You can buy masks with a clear window to allow
for lip-reading or learn to make a DIY version
at the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center’s site,
www.hsdc.org.
Mask Cleaning
Reusable masks can be washed in your regular
laundry using hot water. Air dry them to avoid
shrinkage.
Proper Mask Disposal
Disposable masks should be thrown away
when visibly soiled or damaged. Cut the elastic
ear straps from disposable masks before
discarding as hundreds of tangled animals have
had to be rescued. Throw them away properly
without littering.
From The Library
BY CINDY DEGRAF
As this article goes to print, the Montecito library has
just reopened! You can visit the library, but please keep
a few items in mind.
• The library hours are 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through
Saturday – closed Sunday.
• Only one person at a time should be in the library.
• Please limit yourself to 15 minutes maximum if others
Face Shields are waiting.
Clean the plastic face shield surfaces, inside • Returned library books will go into a bin to be sanitized
and out, with a mild detergent and a microfiber before being placed back on the shelf.
cloth. Dry the shield with a microfiber cloth. Because of current logistics and volunteer availability,
Paper towels, tissues, and stiff fabrics will scratch we are not taking new donations at this time – returns
the shield and uncomfortably refract light. only, please!
Attributions: We will make adjustments as the situation improves
Consumer Reports Magazine, November 2020, Page 15.
Costco Connection, December 2020, Page 19.
or declines. Please pay attention to the current rules,
and be sure to socially distance while coming and
going. Masks are required.
Please join us and become prepared! Please contact Barbara Perler at 760-772-4484 or
It really is quite easy! baramp@verizon.net if you have any questions or
comments about the library. As always, thank you to all
Contact the author at epsc@scshca.com. who support us. Keep reading, and stay safe.
March 2021 | 15THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)
BY BILL WETHE | CHAIR
Work Completed
During the month of February 2021, the FAC and
FAC Subcommittee continued its work with the Board
as well as with DRM and Troon management on behalf
of the Association including:
• Review and recommend Board approval of the
• Association Procurement Policy –
unaudited January 2021 Association financial
FAC BAF 2021 #3.
statements including the:
• Special meeting of FAC held on February 3, 2021,
• financial statements and supplementary schedules
via audio and video conference call.
prepared by DRM/Associa, Troon, and the • Regular meeting of FAC held on February 19, 2021,
Controller. via audio and video conference call.
• combining and combined financial statements
• For the Board meeting on February 22, 2021:
included in the Treasurer’s report prepared by the • Preparation of the FAC monthly written report to
Controller. the Board.
• summary financial information on financial position • Review of the General Manager’s monthly written
and results of operations included in the General report to the Board.
Manager’s report to the Board.
• condensed Association financial information to be
Work in Process
published in The View magazine. Review and recommendation to the Board on the:
• Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared • 2020 audited financial statements.
by the Controller on the: • 2020 Federal and California tax returns.
• 2021 Operating Fund revenues and expenses.
Upcoming Work
• 2021 Replacement Fund expenses for the purchase
Insurance renewal in April 2021.
and replacement of common area real property
components and inter-fund transfers to the FAC Members
Operating Fund for the purchase and replacement FAC has seven members, and we have Board
of common area personal property and equipment approval for a total of nine members. So, we have two
components. openings, and we would love to hear from you.
• Review and recommend Board approval of the We are looking for owners who have a background
January 2021 bank statements, bank reconciliations, including accounting and financial reporting and an
and investment account statements. interest in serving on the FAC or on the FAC
• Review and recommend Board approval of a written Subcommittee. Please contact the author if you would
agreement to engage a firm to provide non-judicial like to discuss completing an Advisory Committee
foreclosure services approved by Board on January Interest Form.
25, 2021. Further Information
• Board approved proposed revisions to the following Additional FAC Members: Larry Anderson, Bob Jester, Bob
items on January 25, 2021: Giovannettone, Jerry Cavoretto, Mike Whelan, and Bruce
• FAC Charter and Mission – Marley. FAC Subcommittee Members on the Replacement
FAC BAF 2021 # 1. Fund and Reserve Study: Chris Stevens, Don Salvatore,
Bruce Marley, and Bill Wethe, Chair.
• FAC Subcommittee Charter and Mission –
FAC BAF 2021 #2. Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.
16 | March 2021ASSOCIATION NEWS |
Health & Fitness Advisory Committee
BY HEIDI WORCESTER
Taking It to the Mat
A Conversation with Angel Vanderveer AV: The residents are really nice, and they want to stay
On a beautiful sunny winter morning with birds healthy. Some people never exercised before they
singing in the trees, Angel Vanderveer prepared to retired but, now that they’re not working and have
teach her outdoor Mat Pilates class in front of the more time, they’re thinking about getting healthier
Santa Rosa Clubhouse. After class was over, Angel and keeping their brains active. I also like to make
chatted about her background in fitness and fondness class participants feel good about themselves by
for Mat Pilates. offering encouragement and making them laugh.
HW: How long have you been Now it’s time for you to give it a try: sign up for a class
teaching fitness classes? in March and find out how much fun it can be!
AV: I’ve been a fitness instructor
for over 30 years and have
taught at SCSH over 13 years.
I’ve taught all kinds of classes
including Mat Pilates, yoga,
Zumba, cardio, HIT (High-
Intensity Training), and others.
HW: Why were you attracted to
Mat Pilates?
AV: I really got interested in it
after attending seminars and
workshops. I felt it was challenging, and I noticed an
improvement in my strength and posture.
HW: What advice would you give to those that may
not be able to keep up with the pace of a class? “You have brains in your head.
AV: It’s not important to keep up with others, just do You have feet in your shoes.
whatever feels comfortable. It really doesn’t matter You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
how many reps you do, just try to do the moves ~ DR. SEUSS
correctly. Take a rest when you need to, and stop to Upcoming Events
drink water. • March 12 & 26, 10:30 a.m. | Online Alzheimer’s
HW: What type of music do you play during class? Support Group Meeting
AV: I try to play mellow piano or guitar jazz without • Online Eisenhower Health Lectures | Register and
any singing – vocals can be distracting. Mellow jazz view list of lectures: www.scshca.com/eisenhower
allows participants to focus on the routine and feel
more relaxed in a classroom setting. Resources & Feedback
HW: What would you like folks to know about Mat Reservations and Exercise Videos: www.scshca.com,
Pilates? login, select Fitness, then select Reservations or
AV: Just like anything else, give it a try for at least a Fitness Video Library
few times, not just once, to become familiar with it. Email comments and suggestions to:
HW: Why do you like teaching at SCSH? healthfitness@scshca.com
March 2021 | 17THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
HOW WE FINALLY GOT JABBED
BY ARNOLD CHOY
For much of the month of January 2021, my wife, So, at 3:30, we drove over to the facility and
Margaret, and I had been unsuccessful in trying to discovered lots of people waiting outside for their
make an appointment to get vaccinated against names to be called. There was no line because they
COVID-19. Certainly, we were not alone in this futile had all checked in. Everyone was masked, but there
and frustrating endeavor. No luck through Eisenhower’s was no social distancing. Eventually, we heard that
MyChart, Kaiser Permanente, Ralphs, or Albertsons. the day’s vaccine allotment had been exhausted.
Nothing even as far away as Temecula, Lake Elsinore, But the clinic workers gave us a three-page form to
or Beaumont. complete along with some eight pages of vaccine
Online, I was excited to get to the second sign-up information and told us to return the next morning at
page numerous times, but then everything just froze. 7, when they opened.
Crapolla. I also tried at least three “secret” Kaiser That night I spoke to my friend, and he said that they
Vaccine Hotlines, but they didn’t work either. I actually were in and out of there in two hours. He advised us
began to wish I was over 75 years old! to bring a picture ID like a driver’s license along with
Then on Tuesday, January 26, I got a voicemail and our completed forms. He also strongly suggested
a text from a friend at 11 in the morning. He informed bringing a folding chair.
me that Desert Urgent Care at Country Club and Cook The next morning at 6:15, we grudgingly rolled out
was accepting people for shots without an appointment of bed and had our coffee and toast in the car while
– just show up! Unfortunately, I was playing golf and driving to Desert Urgent Care. We got there just
Margaret was off playing tennis. So we didn’t pick up before 7, parked the car adjacent to the ample Ralphs
this vital information until that afternoon. grocery store lot, and quickly got in line. Margaret
18 | March 2021FEATURE STORIES |
brought her folding chair, as did others. Luckily, we Just after 9, they called our names and escorted us
were dressed for winter conditions because it was individually to curtained-off areas. After answering a
cold, in the 40s. I even put on my l-o-o-n-g socks, and few standard questions with the also standard “no, no,
I was glad I did. But you know how some folks in the and no” routine, within minutes a vaccinator gave me
Coachella Valley think it is perpetually summertime a jab of Moderna. I only felt a little sting and then it
and had dressed accordingly: shorts, T-shirts, golf was over. The worker also explained the process for
caps, and of course flip-flops! getting the second shot after four weeks and then
Even this early, there were 40 or 50 people ahead of walked me to the seating area, where everyone waits
us but, after 30 minutes, there were nearly 35 people for 15 minutes in case they have a reaction.
behind us, too. We saw two SCSH couples near the
front of the line, and they said they had arrived at 6:30
and 6:45. So they were easily done by 8. One husband
went to get warm in his car while waiting for his wife
only to remember that she had the car keys, so he had
to freeze out there with the rest of us.
When we finally reached the front of the line around
8, we presented our completed forms and driver’s
licenses, which they returned after checking us in.
Then we had to wait for about an hour until they
called our names. What a relief, it was finally going to
happen!
Clinic workers had to physically count the last group
of people in line (I heard them say 22) as they were
nearing the day’s allotment of the vaccine. I think a few
people had to leave. I also heard someone say that Margaret got there just before me. Because there
the allotment was set at 150. There must have been were no set appointments for the second shot, we
nearly 100 of us, and another 50 seemed to be agreed we would need to repeat the same process
standing in another line on the other side of the facility. we had just endured at the end of the four-week time
They looked like farm workers who were considered window. But next time, we would know to arrive earlier
essential. with a thermos of steaming hot coffee!
It was quite cold standing or even sitting in the Even though the process looked chaotic from the
shaded area just outside the entrance, and we outside, with masked people milling about the parking
basically had to move around a lot just to stay semi- lot, it was very well organized inside the small facility.
warm. After about a 45-minute wait, we decided to The staff of Desert Urgent Care were extremely
move away from the entrance and walk about 20 helpful, friendly, nice, and very patient. And I’ll bet that
paces to a spot blessed by the warming sun’s rays. they had big smiles hidden behind their masks, too.
Oh, what a feeling. Boy, we should’ve done that earlier Five stars, go check ‘em out!
because it really was nice and warm there. I guessed
people weren’t doing this, though, because it was Contact the author at choyarnold@yahoo.com.
really hard to hear a masked worker call your name
from that distance.
Oh, by the way, while waiting we asked to use the
restroom. A kind staff worker said “no problem” and
showed us the way.
March 2021 | 19THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
FALLS:
NOT A NATURAL PART OF AGING!
BY CINDY L. TATSUMI, RN
Cindy and her husband, Tat, have been SCSH residents for the past 14 years.
She is a retired nurse educator/hospice case manager and has recently
established an injury prevention chapter, ThinkFirst Coachella Valley.
Have you fallen in the past year? Falls are the leading On average, Americans take four daily medications;
cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those the more medications, the higher the risk for falling.
65 years and older, according to the CDC’s STEADI Seniors also have decreased kidney function, leading
initiative (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & to medications staying longer in the body, causing
Injuries) stronger side effects.
The four most common fall risks include vision Certain drugs can cause blood pressure to drop,
impairments, an unsafe home environment, taking make you sleepy, and/or increase fluid loss, thus
multiple medications, and a loss of physical fitness. placing you at risk for dizziness. These include blood
These factors can lead to a fear of falling, reduce your thinners, anti-depressants, pain pills, diuretics (water
movements, and potentially increase social isolation pills), anti-hypertensives, and laxatives. If you have
that can negatively affect your mental health and questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
quality of life.
But you can plan today to stay independent
Prevention:
When changing positions (for example, from lying in
tomorrow! Get a yearly physical and eye exam.
bed to standing), be sure to pause and take deep
Perform regular activity to increase your strength,
breaths. Sit at bedside first to allow adequate blood
balance, endurance, and flexibility plus regulate your
flow to the brain.
blood pressure.
20 | March 2021FEATURE STORIES |
Stay hydrated to ensure adequate fluid is flowing • Use a step stool with a handle and rubber feet for
throughout your system (the adult body is 60% high-to-reach items.
water). Aging adults may lose their sense of thirst.
Dehydration can cause lightheadedness, fainting,
In the bathroom:
• Installnon-slip mats or tread strips in your shower/
and more.
tub and use a bathmat.
Maintain a healthy weight to manage and reduce
• Secure wall-mounted grab bars next to your toilet
the risk of chronic health issues like diabetes and heart
and within the shower/bath.
disease. Eat a balanced diet to maintain energy levels.
• Consider a comfort-height toilet that is more forgiving
Protect bone health by consuming sufficient Vitamin D,
for knees/hips.
which will increase calcium absorption and reduce risk
of osteoporosis, thus lowering the risk of hip fracture. In the bedroom:
Check with your doctor to schedule a screening. • Ifyou frequently get up at night, sleep on the
Home safety is critical: bedside closest to the bathroom. Use a nightlight
that automatically turns on when light dims.
• Always have your phone with you. Program
• Wear closed-back slippers and sturdy shoes.
emergency numbers and consider subscribing to a
response system like Life Alert. While outside:
• Beware of trip hazards (like pets, young children, • Scan ahead, be seen, and stay away from parked
extension cords, and throw rugs). cars!
• Have sufficient lighting in your home. • Use a crosswalk when possible and allow time to
negotiate an intersection.
• Stabilize yourself with a grocery cart to/from the
store.
• Use a wide base of support (feet shoulder-width
apart) on stairs and curbs.
• Avoid carrying large loads – always be sure you can
see the ground ahead.
• Wear reflective clothing and use a flashlight at night.
• Avoid steep ramps and steps or those that do not
have handrails on both sides.
• Use a gardening stool to get up and down more
easily.
• Employ a trekking pole/cane for stability.
Following these suggestions could make an
important difference in your ability to stay independent
and prevent future injuries.
Contact the author at ctatsumi@verizon.net.
In the kitchen:
• Don’t multi-task.
• Keep often-used items within reach.
• Be mindful of the stove/oven when in use. Loose
clothing is a fire and tripping hazard. Keep a fire
extinguisher available.
March 2021 | 21THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
SPREADING THE WORD
BY BOB FIRRING
I had a couple of revelations recently as a member You can establish a webpage on WordPress. Mine
of The View Advisory Committee that inspired me to is https://firring.WordPress.com. If you go to it you
write this essay. The first was listening to the joy that will see all the articles I have written for The View, a
first-time authors got in seeing their articles appear in Family History page, and my podcasts and videos.
print. The second was my own reaction when an essay There is no cost to do this, and your writings will stay
I wrote a long time ago, and which I thought had been there permanently.
forgotten, was revived and will become the basis for
a series of stories that will appear in a future issue of
the magazine.
Those of us who enjoy creating such articles are not
just blogging in our personal journals. We are writing
in hopes that what we write will be read, ideally by as
many people as possible.
We now live in a world with no gatekeepers. It wasn’t
long ago that it was difficult to get things published.
I’m sure you all know stories of famous authors who
got hundreds of rejection notices before they got their
first article or book published. Not only did these
individuals have talent, they were also very resilient.
Who knows how many Hemingways, Grishams, and
Stephen Kings wrote beautiful things we will never see
Bob’s WordPress website
because they gave up too soon?
I had a friend help me with the set-up, but you can
figure it out yourself if you take the time. If not, you
can hire someone to help you. I was more enthusiastic
about this when I started it, and I paid $30 so none of
those annoying pop-up ads would appear. I have since
gotten interested in other things and, while I don’t
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… want to take down the webpage, I don’t care as much
if people see ads. If I ever decide to return to it with
Happily, that need never happen again. There are more energy, I can easily remove the ads again.
things you can do to make your works a permanent I know several of you are writing memoirs. I know you
part of the world. Things put on the internet never go can self-publish on Amazon; but I remember it’s hard
away, which can be both positive and negative, as getting photos lined up, and edits can be difficult. On
you know. WordPress, I can edit anytime and there is no charge
If you are really interested in making your voice or stress. Photos are easily placed and replaced or
heard, there are some simple steps you can follow. enhanced. I can lengthen chapters as new ideas occur
I know because I have taken some, at least the first one to me. Unlike a book, you can always keep improving
that I’m about to tell you about. your essays on WordPress.
22 | March 2021FEATURE STORIES |
A second benefit is that you avoid all the printing if they agree with you. You will also have a direct
and distribution charges. Your writing will be there relationship with your audience, a benefit writers
permanently. If a distant cousin 20 years from now dream about but are not able to achieve when a third
hears about you and wants to read your memoirs, party gets involved with distributing their work.
he can easily access them simply by going to your If the world is not ready for your idea, you will find
website. Also, I have encouraged family members to out soon enough and can either move on to something
add their own stories to the Family History. A few have else or double down, knowing in advance that it will
complied, and it is always available in case someone be a tough slog. As of December 2019, Kickstarter
is inspired in the future. has received $4.6 billion in pledges from 17.2 million
So much for WordPress. I know some of you are backers to fund 445,000 projects – this site is for real.
writing novels. I suggest you look into medium.com. I went there one morning and saw book and
That is the place to build your reputation and get magazine projects, a piece by a publisher who helps
feedback on your work. There are thousands of writers people who interest him, and a new section for authors
around the world who started on Medium and now are who are already known so they can become much
paid handsomely for their writings. better known. I spent all of five minutes there. I
One word of warning: the criticism you get here is suggest you have a look if only to see the things other
gentle and surrounded by praise. Out in the “real people are trying. Many massively successful books,
world,” it can be brutal with no sugar-coating. Once albums, movies, and games got started on Kickstarter.
you get over the shock, though, candid criticism can See for yourself.
be helpful. If you really want your book to be read, you Publishing is just another area where technology has
are going to experience such unvarnished criticism changed everything. If you aspire to be a writer and
sooner or later. Better sooner, when you can make see your product out there, go do it. There is nothing
changes. standing in your way now.
Many people started by publishing free content on
Medium but now put their best stuff behind pay walls. Contact the author at rfirring@aol.com.
You can be one of them if you choose.
Finally, there’s Kickstarter. Let’s say you want to write
a hardcover book about a subject you are passionate
about. You can put your dream up on Kickstarter and
get instant feedback on whether others think your idea
has value. Strangers will help you finance the project
Kickstarter’s ten largest completed projects
March 2021 | 23THE VIEW | www.scshca.com
A LIFELONG OBSESSION: CHERRIES
BY GEORGE ERHART
Before I started school, we lived in a big wooden them next year. I figured that was the end of my
house with a variety of old fruit trees on the property. Rainier cherry adventure.
My favorite was the cherry tree. When the cherries WRONG! First, I received a reply from Corey, up in
were ripe I, would climb it; find a limb where I could Oregon, confirming how great the cherries were and
sit, pick, and eat cherries; and then spit the cherry that the picking season was over. Then, Larry up in
seeds as far as the eye could see. (Well, at least that’s Montana emailed me that they were also grown in
the way I remember it!) Flathead Valley and his wife, Susan, had just gone
Although that was 80 years ago, I still love cherries there and picked some. Ah, ha! This meant the
and enjoy teaching my grandchildren and great growing season must be a bit later in Montana, and
grandchildren how to spit cherry seeds … sometimes, perhaps I could still order some!
much to the displeasure of their parents! I Googled “where can I buy Rainier cherries.” The
Fast forward to July 2020 when a friend here in SCSH only place I found required a minimum order of 100
shared some cherries she had received as a gift. lbs.! That was just a tad out of my league but,
I was blown away! They were the best before I gave up, I noticed Walmart
cherries I had ever eaten, and that’s Neighborhood Market on Jefferson
quite a statement considering I’ve Street in Indio had them! I said
been eating those little red to myself, “You’ve got to be
things for over eight decades! kidding! Walmart? Just down
Oddly, these new-found the street?” I couldn’t believe
treasures were not red – they it, but what the heck, why not
were orange/yellow in color. give it a try? I use their pickup
This required investigation! service all the time.
I needed to find their name, Placing the order, I expected
location, availability, everything to see “Out of Stock”; but that
about them. didn’t come up. I couldn’t wait for
From my friend, Jean, I learned the Lambert Cherries
my pickup time to arrive, and then I
gift came from Harry and David’s and was off to see what condition my Rainier
that the cherries I had fallen in love with were cherries arrived in. After picking up my order,
called “Rainier” and grown in Washington State. I I could hardly wait to get home, open the bag, and
looked up the phone number and called to place my claim my prize. But when I did, I saw only a nice
order, only to learn that as of “yesterday” they were bag of RED cherries, not the orange/yellow I was
no longer taking orders because the growing season expecting. I was so disappointed! I had to admit the
was over in Washington. Darn! I just missed out! red ones were very good, but they weren’t Rainiers!
Being the good guy that I am, I decided to share Well, I had given it a college try and figured I’d have
my new great cherry find. After all, why keep this to wait for next year to taste my new-found fantastic
important information to myself? So, I fired off an cherries again. Suddenly my brain clicked in, a light
email to many of my SCSH friends, including some came on, and I remembered that my sister lives near
who had gone north for the summer, to tell them Flathead Lake in Montana. Well, what the heck, it
about these great Rainier cherries and to watch for seemed worth a worth a try, so I emailed my sister
24 | March 2021FEATURE STORIES |
Rainier Cherries
telling her about my quest for Rainier cherries. Two had sent me four different varieties of cherries, squash
days later, I got a message from her: ”CARE package from her garden, and fresh huckleberries! My wife and
is in the mail!” I love huckleberries, so it was huckleberry pancakes for
I was ecstatic until I noticed that the package was the next two mornings.
arriving by the US Postal Service. Oh, no, what would Now, back to the cherries. One Ziploc bag contained
be the chances of fresh cherries surviving both slow Rainiers, one was labeled Lamberts, and then there
mail service and the heat of our summer? Then I saw were two additional unlabeled bags of cherries. Did
there was a tracking number! Does that mean faster my sister come through? Wow, I owe her big time! The
service? Checking the number revealed the package Rainiers were wonderful, but I was surprised by the
was scheduled to arrive on Friday. Lamberts. I had never heard of them before, but guess
I could hardly wait although I was worried about what? They were as good or better than the Rainiers!
retrieving overheated, squishy, spoiled cherries from Now, if you have made it this far through my “cherry
our metal mailbox. On Thursday, the day before the story,” my advice to you is to mark “order Rainier and
scheduled delivery, for some unknown reason I went Lambert cherries!” on July 1 of your 2021 calendar.
to the mailbox around 2 pm (temperature: 112). And
my CARE package was there! A day early, kudos to the Contact the author at george.erhart@gmail.com.
Postal Service! I could hardly contain myself to see if
the contents survived.
Opening the package, I found an insulated container
to which sis had added more insulation and frozen ice
packs. The ice packs were warm, as were the contents;
but everything had survived! Now, get this, my sister
March 2021 | 25THE VIEW | www.scshca.com FREEDOM, FAMILY, AND FORTITUDE: CELEBRATING PASSOVER BY GINA STAR POLLACK I love traditions, especially in my golden years. In an In the center of the table was a family heirloom seder ever-changing and unpredictable world, the customs plate brought from Jerusalem. The delicately engraved and holiday celebrations I enjoyed while growing up plate had five spots to hold the symbolic foods that have kept me grounded and secure. My parent’s highlighted the sacrifices of Passover. A shank bone wisdom inspired me to pass on spiritual knowledge represented the ancient Passover sacrifice, an egg and cultural traditions from one generation to the next. symbolized spring and the circle of life, bitter herbs As springtime bloomed, I joyfully anticipated our recalled the bitterness of slavery, charoset (a mixture family’s Passover seder. Passover commemorates the of wine, nuts, and apples) denoted the mortar slaves biblical story of Exodus when the Jewish people were used to lay bricks for monuments, and parsley stood freed from slavery in Egypt. The holiday is celebrated for springtime. Mom added a plate that held three for eight days, and families hold a seder on the first pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) plus a small bowl and sometimes the second night. The seder is a dinner filled with vinegar and saltwater to remind us of the that blends religious rituals, special foods, storytelling, tears shed in bondage. and singing songs. My grandparents, Rachel and Abraham, made their own exodus when they emigrated from Jerusalem to New York City in the 1920s. At that time, Palestine was governed by the British, who ruled the Jewish population with strict laws. My grandparents instilled in my Mom and her two sisters both respect and love for our heritage and holiday observations. Passover was everyone’s favorite, and we all gathered at my grandparents’ home to enjoy a traditional seder. As the eldest grandchild, I had the honor of helping Grandma Rachel set the table with special china and glasses that we used only on Passover. Grandma’s blue My aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered around the eyes sparkled with pride as she watched me place a table; and our seder began with Grandpa Abe reciting Haggadah, a book that recounts the story of Passover, the blessing. The adults drank the first glass of at each setting. I added a soft blue pillow as a cushion Manischewitz wine, then washed their hands. I couldn’t on every chair because it was important to recline at wait to turn 18 so I could partake in the four symbolic the table to symbolize freedom. cups of wine. 26 | March 2021
FEATURE STORIES |
Grandpa Abe split the matzoh and wrapped one
part in a white napkin for the afikomen, which Dad hid.
It would be eaten at the end of the meal, symbolizing
redemption from suffering. There would be a treasure
hunt, and the lucky child who found the afikomen
would receive a $20 bill. Thanks to reading Nancy
Drew mysteries, I fancied myself a great detective and
usually discovered the afikomen, proudly pocketing
the money for a new sweater.
Everyone participated by reading a passage from
the Haggadah story. My cousins giggled and
squirmed, embarrassed by the attention when they
read the Four Questions. Each question—such as
“Why is this night different from all other nights?”—
was answered by their proud parents.
The Haggadah recounts the exciting tale of the
Egyptian Pharaoh who enslaved the Jewish people prepared Passover foods. Everyone eagerly devoured
and demanded that male Jewish babies be killed. To her homemade gefilte fish, steaming matzoh ball
save baby Moses, his mother sent him down the Nile soup, beef brisket, chicken breasts, and potatoes. We
River in a basket; and the Pharaoh’s daughter found passed matzoh around the table and filled glasses with
the boy and adopted him. Moses was appalled by the fragrant Manischewitz wine. For dessert, we enjoyed
harsh treatment of the Jews and killed a brutal slave coconut macaroons, orange almond cake, flourless
master who was beating a Hebrew. Moses escaped chocolate cake, salted toffee matzoh, and my sister’s
into the desert and, near death, the Lord revealed favorite, chocolate jells.
himself in the form of a burning bush and gave Moses We ended our seders by singing traditional Passover
the Ten Commandments. songs. I still remember the words to Had Gadya, a
Rejuvenated, Moses confronted the Pharaoh and sweet cumulative song – a catchy tune about goats,
demanded he free the Jews. The Pharaoh refused and, cats, dogs, fire, oxen, the Angel of Death, and the
every time he declined, God sent a plague to beset Holy One who saves the day.
the Egyptians. Grandpa Abe cried when he spilled a Sadly, with my grandparents and parents gone, our
drop of wine for each of the ten plagues: blood, frogs, family seders have become more contemporary.
vermin, beasts, cattle disease, boils, hail, locusts, Grandma Rachel’s treasured recipes stay packed in
darkness, and slaying of the first-born males. trunks; and I cook matzoh ball soup with chicken
Moses had the Israelites smear lambs’ blood over breasts and low-fat broth, but sans matzoh balls. A
their doors so the Angel of Death would pass over bland but healthy holiday dinner.
them. Grieving for his slain son, the Pharaoh freed the As I celebrate Passover this year with family and
Jewish people, who then wandered in the desert for friends in a Zoom seder, I’ll raise a goblet of sweet
40 years before settling in the Promised Land. Manischewitz wine and wish all my friends in SCSH a
Hollywood produced a fabulous adaptation of the healthy and enjoyable life, “L’chaim!”
story of Passover. The Ten Commandments is an
incredible epic film with Charlton Heston as Moses Contact the author at g-starbright99@outlook.com.
and Yul Brenner as the evil Pharaoh. I’m mesmerized
watching the movie by the powerful dialogue,
gorgeous costumes, and amazing special effects,
especially the parting of the Red Sea.
Grandma Rachel, dressed in an embroidered
flowered apron, served a scrumptious meal of specially
March 2021 | 27THE VIEW | www.scshca.com HEALING THE WORLD JEWISH MEN’S OUTREACH GROUP OF THE DESERT BY JULIE HARRIS If you have a passion to do something meaningful that a lot of members had very interesting backgrounds, for people or organizations in need but can’t find an so they were asked to speak about their experiences existing venue doing the work that you want to do, and professions at the monthly lunches. This was the here’s an idea: start your own group. It only takes a few beginning of their speaker series, and it was very well like-minded people who know a few more like-minded received. people, and pretty soon you’re off and running. Pre-pandemic, the club had at least one monthly Self-organized grassroots movements are social gathering in conjunction with a fundraising everywhere. One website devoted to the development event. Some of the events included volunteering at of grassroots charity organizations suggests that the the food bank and providing food for Jewish families top three steps to start-up are: defining advocacy in need through the Jewish Federation of the Desert. for yourself, identifying your cause, and making a The club also holds an annual holiday toy drive with commitment to stay focused. One such local group Temple Sinai. Last year their members donated over who did just that is the Jewish Men’s Outreach Group of the Desert (JMOGD). Arnie Gillman started JMOGD seven years ago with seven men. They held their first meeting at our clubhouse. Arnie’s intention was to develop a group that is both charitable and social. He was looking for Jewish men interested in doing charitable work for the Jewish community. Because Arnie is on the board of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, he decided that a good way to begin was by having the membership fee be a donation to the Federation. Because Arnie couldn’t do everything himself, a committee was formed to share the duties required to run the organization and make it grow. Their leadership became a committee of ten, with each person taking on separate responsibilities. The group started holding monthly luncheons at local restaurants where they discussed different social activities and volunteering for charitable events. Every month their membership increased. Soon they realized Arnie Gillman, JMOGD Founder. Photo by Beth Bolduc. 28 | March 2021
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