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Sebastappeal by Sarah Glade Gurney - May 2018

OUR YOUNGERS

Congratulations to our teachers, students, and families who are completing the school year this month. Three West County teachers received the top honor of

Jeff Stucker, a 30-year veteran currently teaching 6th grade English and World History at Brook Haven, integrates activities and projects into his program. For example, his students adopted a section of Bodega Highway [Hwy. 12] to keep it clean. Mr. Stucker’s responsibilities don’t stop at his classroom door: he’s volunteered as a club advisor and coach and served on various committees.

Karen McKenna teaches 6th grade English and History at Twin Hills. She found teaching so difficult in her first year that she thought about quitting, but she challenged herself to apply the “growth mindset,” improved her skills, and loves her career. She instructs her students similarly: to believe in themselves as learners. Described as a “consummate educator with endless energy,” she balances high performance standards with fun.

Jolene Johnson started her career by teaching kindergarten through second grade, then dance drew her in. Now at El Molino High School, she teaches “dance as a way of life,” meaning much more than dance techniques. She includes education on nutrition and assigns research and writing on dance-related topics.

OUR ELDERS

Shifting to another age group in our community, our Senior Center has changed its appearance, upped its offerings, and made significant strides to financial sustainability. These improvements are the work of Linda Civitello, Executive Director for the last fifteen months, and her Board of Directors.

The Staff welcome people into a re-furnished front room, with a new wood floor (thanks to DSB Flooring) extending all the way to the freshly painted dining room (credit to our Friday-noon Rotary). The place is bright and airy.

Classes are often fully registered and field trips sell out: yoga, tai chi, Pilates, mediation, Feldenkrais, ukulele, balance, driver safety, art, writing, book discussion, movie night, whale watching, LGBTQI dances, TED Talks, and more. Program Director Katie Davis continues to enrich the Center’s offerings.

Individual help is available, too: foot care; counseling on health insurance and legal aid; assistance on housing from the Sebastopol branch of SHARE Sonoma County, led by Amy Appleton. An Analy High School student tutors seniors in how to optimize use of their cell phones. Dean Brittingham coordinates an award-winning ride program taking folks to medical and dental appointments as well as on shopping errands.

Participants and walk-ins can enjoy lunch Monday through Thursday and Brunch on Fridays, from 11 AM to 1 PM, for $4 age 60 and over, $6.50 if under. The “boutique” food is prepared fresh on site and served by wait staff. The menu offers four choices and changes every two weeks. Everyone says try the Eggs Benedict.

“We’re a lot more than a place to play bingo. Come and see what we have to offer,” invites Linda.

The new offerings result, in part, from increasing membership and donor generosity. All together, these sources account for 26% of the revenue. The Legacy Store provides another 27% and will likely increase it share, due to expanded hours 7 days/week. Once a destination store, it now enjoys foot traffic from its neighbors in Southpoint Shopping Center and greets a waiting crowd when it opens on half-off days.

Two big fundraising events happen this Spring.

The Classic Car Show takes over the O’Reilly parking lot at the north end of town on Saturday, May 26. Aged to Perfection honors Gus St. Marie with a gala dinner on Saturday, June 16.

Linda summarizes, “A newer Board Member had the goal that, someday, the Center would become a place he wanted to go. Now he’s enrolling in an art history class about Frida and Diego.” Don’t know who they are? Then maybe you need to take the class, too.

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