All residents can benefit from the Health Fair next Wednesday

Last year, a Rossmoor couple - we'll call them Joe and Mary Clark - wandered into the Health and Information Fair at Gateway, mainly out of curiosity. The Clarks happened to stop at the Rossmoor Bone Health Club exhibit and picked up some literature.

“May I help you?” asked the representative behind the table.

“No, not really. But thanks,” said Mary Clark, who then added, “It's just that Joe gets occasional backaches . . .”

The Bone Club representative convinced the couple to go for an osteoporosis screening. The result: Joe was diagnosed with osteoporosis and put on medication to help stem the disease.

The Clarks represent just one example of how Rossmoor residents have received information and assistance from the annual fair, sponsored by Rossmoor Counseling Services since 2001.

“We have so many agencies in the community and within Rossmoor that provide information and assistance for a myriad of needs,” said Priscilla Tudor, coordinator of Counseling Services. “We want to get the word out to people about all the sources of help and information available.

“We invite only nonprofit groups to participate, and we often hear the comment from residents that they're overwhelmed at the extent of the resources available,” added Tudor.

Not surprising, considering that this year's fair, to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gateway's Fireside Room and Peacock Hall, will house 45 exhibitors ranging from the American Cancer Society to the Lions Blind Center with the newest exhibit being the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) who will have pets ready for adoption.

“Most people know the benefits of having an animal as a pet,” said Tudor. “It lowers blood pressure and it stems loneliness.”

She also mentioned the exhibit from the Office of Emergency Services from which residents can get a list of what they should have - food, water, and the like - in case of an emergency when it could be a long time until outside help arrives. And once again, Supervisor Gayle Uilkema's office will distribute Evac Pacs, an emergency self-help medication kit.

“The California Telethon Access Program has also been helpful,” mentioned Tudor. “They have telephone assistance devices for people with low-hearing loss.”

Two special presentations are scheduled for this year's fair. At 10:30 a.m., Dr. Thomas Bowman, an internist at Rossmoor's John Muir will speak on men's health issues, and at 11:30 a.m., Evon Shipley, nurse coordinator of the women's heart program at John Muir Health, will discuss women's health concerns.

Admittance to the health fair is complimentary as are continental breakfast, drinks and snacks. Sandwiches can be purchased.

For information, call Counseling Services at 988-7750.

All residents can benefit from the Health Fair next Wednesday

Last year, a Rossmoor couple - we'll call them Joe and Mary Clark - wandered into the Health and Information Fair at Gateway, mainly out of curiosity. The Clarks happened to stop at the Rossmoor Bone Health Club exhibit and picked up some literature.

Activities Council to hear from GRF president

The Rossmoor Activities Council will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Delta Room at Del Valle Clubhouse. Coffee and gathering time starts at 9 a.m. and the meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

Arrest made in resident's kidnapping case

According to Walnut Creek Police, kidnapping and robbery charges were filed on Sept. 30 against Charles Donovan Taylor, a 23-year-old resident of Bay Point by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. He is charged with kidnapping and robbing an 80-year-old Rossmoor woman on Aug. 7.

Blood Donation Awards Committee asking for donations

The Blood Donation Awards Committee is looking for financial donations to provide as cash incentives for this year's high school blood drive competition.

Building rehab completed in Third Mutual's Project 19

Members of Third Walnut Creek Mutual's (TWCM) Project 19 were brought up to date at a recent meeting on the three-year program to rehabilitate all of the project's buildings and carports.

Candidates sought for Mutual 61 board

The Tenth Annual Membership Meeting and Social of Walnut Creek Mutual Sixty-One (Heritage Oaks) will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 p.m. in the Vista Room at Hillside Clubhouse.

Community Club will hear about HIV care in Africa

Oakland's Dr. Robert Scott, an indefatigable provider of HIV care who travels to Africa on a regular basis, will be the Community Club's guest speaker on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. in the Fireside Room. A social hour will follow his talk.

CORG to hear about Rossmoor finances

The Committee for Open and Responsive Government (CORG) will meet Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Democrats of Rossmoor to hear from author, activist

Democrats of Rossmoor's meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, will feature local author and democratic activist Ayelet Waldman. The meeting will be held in the Diablo Room at Hillside and will begin at 7:30 p.m. The social portion begins at 7.

Earthquake predictor at RRA's Tuesday meeting

The speaker at the Rossmoor Residents Association's Tuesday, Oct. 14, meeting will be geologist Jim Berkland who predicted the Loma Prieta earthquake four days prior to its happening on Oct. 13, 1989. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. in Peacock Hall at Gateway.

First Mutual discusses fire alarms and the budget

First Mutual held a board meeting Sept. 26, with 26 residents and all directors present.

Gas siphoned from RV

It may be a sign of the times.

GRF Board Agenda

Following are the Board agenda items for the GRF Board mid-month meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14:

Kaiser will give flu shots at Hillside

Kaiser will be giving flu shots to its members on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Diablo Room of Hillside Clubhouse.

Lakeshire holds annual meeting

The annual meeting of members of Walnut Creek Mutual 56 (Lakeshire) will be Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 9:30 a.m. in the Vista Room at Hillside Clubhouse.

League of Women Voters debates the ballot initiatives

The League of Women Voters will debate the ballot initiatives on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Vista Room at Hillside Clubhouse.

Lions Club's annual pancake breakfast returns in October

All Rossmoor residents are requested to reserve Saturday morning, Oct. 4, to attend the annual Lions Club pancake breakfast.

Make plans now for Rossmoor's Fall Bazaar

The Fall Bazaar, which is co-sponsored by the Activities Council and the Recreation Department, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Fireside Room, Oak Room and arts and crafts studios from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Measure E would fund renovation, modernization of Acalanes Adult Center

Rossmoor residents are asked to help pay for renovations and improvements that will modernize the Acalanes Adult Center as well as four Acalanes district high schools.

Meeting dates

All Golden Rain Foundation, Mutual and committee meetings listed here are open to Rossmoor residents. Meeting times and locations are subject to change. For information in GRF Board meetings, call Senior Manager of Executive Services Paulette Jones at 988-7711; for information on Third Mutual meetings, call Mary Burr at 988-7718; and for information on all other Mutual meetings, call Dyann Paradise at 988-7775.

Mutual 48 will hold a budget presentation meeting

Mutual 48 members are encouraged to attend this year's budget presentation meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m. at Dollar Clubhouse. This is an opportunity to find out about the Mutual's current finances and plans for next year and to ask questions regarding the proposed budget.

Research group awarded prize for study with Rossmoor residents regarding public transportation

Innovative Mobility Research (IMR) has been named the 2008 winner of the Transportation Research Board's Communication With John and Jane Competition, for their research on public transportation barriers and Rossmoor residents.

RREPO's CB radio operators to meet

CB radio operators who are members of the Rossmoor Residents Emergency Preparedness Organization (RREPO) will meet Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in the Vista Room at Hillside.

Security Report

The following incidents were reported to Securitas, Rossmoor's security service provider. They appear here as they were initially reported to Securitas. After investigation, details of a case may indicate a lesser or different incident description. If the case warrants it, the News will follow up with more details.

Sign up now to be in Rossmoor's 2009 phone directory

It's time to sign up to be listed in the 2009 Rossmoor private telephone directory. The United Yellow Pages yellow card was inserted in the Sept. 17 News.

Tax-Aide counselors, computer techies and greeters needed

Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to help low to moderate-income tax-payers of all ages, focusing on those over age 60.

Third Mutual board goes with California code on barbecuing

The Third Walnut Creek Mutual board discussed policies at its Sept. 8 meeting, which was chaired by Rosemary Furlong in Charles Sanderson's absence. The board rescinded Policy 78 Outdoor Barbecues. For regulations on barbecuing, Mutual members will now refer to Section 308 of the 2007 California Fire Code (copy available in the Board Office at Gateway).

Third Mutual calls special meeting to discuss budget

The Third Walnut Creek Mutual Board of Directors will hold a special meeting of members Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 9:30 a.m. in the Sierra Room at Del Valle Clubhouse.

Three residents find camaraderie in Walnut Creakers' senior softball team

For Rossmoor residents Murray Berg, Gil Krueger and Allen Ranick, playing softball isn't just something for them to do. For them, it's a way of life.

Veterans History Project extended

The Veterans History Project of Rossmoor has been extended due to the many veterans who said they want to be interviewed before the program is shut down.