continued on page 12

Jan Buscho of San Rafael with one of her oil paintings of a Marin scene.

Marin Landscapes Provide Artist With a Wide Canvas

E PRESSThe Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging MovementJUNE 2011 Whistlestop.org

Whistlestop

News Cameraman from Marinpage 5

RockyPackardpage 4

The Bird's Side of Marin page 11

Jan Buscho of San Rafael is grateful to have Marin as a canvas for her evoca-

tive oil paintings. “This area where I live – Marin County – has captured my imagination and has in-spired me to paint a lot,” she says. “I will always keep at it until I get bored and I’m not even close to being bored. This is an ever-changing landscape – the lighting and seasons. Most of what I paint is along the Marin coast.” Jan has a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology and Marketing, and is a trained graphic designer, but has never been far from painting. Cur-rently she is Director of Mar-keting and Communications at Holy Names High School in Oakland. Her job is to market the school to girls interested in receiving a strong private sec-ondary education. Her graphic design skills come in handy as she designs posters, brochures and other material used in that effort. Jan also is on the board of the Squaw Valley Writers. She has worked in ceram-ics and painted pastels in the past, but in 2001 began

oil painting. A favorite piece of hers, “Beyond the Farm,” was on exhibit during the month of May at the Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael. It was part of a juried show featuring Bay Area artists. “The inspiration for ‘Beyond the Farm’ was a workshop at Tomales Bay. We were invited to walk on beautiful farm property there and the result

(White House Photograph by

David Hume Kennerly)

for me was this painting.” Jan also has exhibited her work at the Novato YMCA and at Tulley’s Coffee Shop at Town Center in Corte Madera. In mid-May, she and her husband, Bob, who is an avid gardener, hosted one of the Marin Open Studios, calling their exhibit “Art and the Garden.” When not working at her day

Whistlestop Express June 20112

WhistlestopPERSPECTIVE b y J O H N B O W M A N

Table ofCONTENTS

Claudia's Students Write

From Rocky's PantryRocky Packard

Filming the News

Kay Ryan Wins Pulitzer

Vicky's Crafty Class

At Whistlestop

Whistlestop Activities

The Bird's Side of MarinRichard Pavek

Randall Golf TournamentScussel PhotographyBrain TeasersDr. Gary Gruber

34

567

8/91011

121315

Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc.930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901Chief Executive Offi cer, Joe O’HehirBoard of DirectorsPresident, Dennis ThompsonVice President, Terry ScusselChief Financial Offi cer, Jeff StofferSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Claudia Fromm • Jane LottDebbie Mills • Michael Rice • Bill SaulWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profi t organizationThe Mission of Whistlestop:To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.Whistlestop Contact InformationMain Number 415-456-9062Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858www.whistlestop.orgInformation & Referral Offi ce415-459-6700 • resource@whistlestop.orgWhistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & SalesJohn & Val Bowman Editors916-751-9189 • john.bowman58@gmail.comMissy Reynolds Art Directormreynolds@pacifi csun.comAdvertisingLinda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306

Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper

To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062, ext. 141. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org.

Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.

‘I Believe in Whistlestop’ Says Popular Art Teacher

Hilda Hensley enjoys shar-ing her gifts

and talents with others to help en-rich their lives. One way she does that is with the painting class she teaches at Whistlestop, one of the active aging center’s most popu-lar attractions. “I believe in Whis-tlestop,” Hilda says. She believes it is a great organization and she is delighted to volunteer by teach-ing art every Thurs-day morning. She emphasizes watercolor, but also teaches pencil drawing and acrylic painting. “I’ve taught it all,” she says, “But I encourage the students to do watercolor. I also encourage them to bring their own paints.” Her students are all women, “Nice ladies,” Hilda calls them. Most of the time they learn to paint greeting cards and usually they fi nish their painting projects in class. Most of her students come to class every week. How long has she been paint-ing? “Oh, years and years,” she says, laughing, “Almost for-ever.” She also taught painting at the Aldersley Retirement Community in San Rafael. Hilda lived in Phoenix in the early years and taught painting there as well. She

worked for 27 years at the Goldwater Department Store there, in the beauty salon. She moved when her parents needed care. She quit her job and sold her house in Phoenix and moved to Texas to care for her parents. “It was a good de-cision,” she said, “Because I re-ally loved my parents.” Now she cares for her 90-year-old sister, who lives with her in Marin. Several of Hilda’s own wa-tercolors hang on the walls at Whistlestop. “Some of them are for sale,” says Hilda, “And I told them at the front desk that if anyone buys those paintings, I want to just do-nate all of the money to Whis-tlestop. And if that happens, I will replace those paintings with new ones.” As Hilda says, “I believe in Whistlestop,” and this is just one more way she contributes to the center. ✦

Hilda (far left) at one of her classes with Shirley Young of Novato, Pam Reddy, CNA, from San Anselmo, and Virginia West, San Anselmo.

whistlestop.org 3

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Teaching Remembrance Writing 101 at Whistlestop for Active Aging Cen-ter, I’ve come to feel that creativity is

not limited to the arts, but rather is look-ing at your life and life around you through the magic lens of courage. Recently, I asked workshoppers to share their visions of cre-ativity. Following are their brief but eloquent comments: Creativity is my escape into a special private time where only my thoughts are allowed en-trance. ~ Martha BartlettBeing creative is when you don’t let anyone or any-thing distract you from creating something very special. ~ Christina van de Ples-Nau Creativity is reading inside yourself and allow-ing an idea, an image, a word, to pop up to the surface, then exploring it freely, joyfully in a form you love: writing, painting, dancing, singing.

~ Eloise Rivera Being creative is being alive a little longer than the ordinary. ~ Murray Creativity is an instinct born into every hu-man being … just as important as the instinct for survival. ~ Chuck Kent Being creative means consciously absorbing the internals and externals that life brings and expressing what comes to you in your wholly unique style. ~ Molly Light Creativity does not require an exotic locale or life. Being creative in writing means writing from your heart with love and honesty. ~ Orietta Hardy-Sayles. Being creative means expressing one’s inner voice, emanating from the heart & soul of one’s being, through writing, playing an instrument, composing, painting… whatever moves you. ~ Barbara Brenhan Creativity brings out the essence of the soul. Cre-ativity is the essence of the soul. ~ Susan Leonard Creativity is the limitless possibilities of per-sonal expression through art, music, writing, dance & anything that conveys

Courage: a Vision of Creativity – Quotes from Whistlestop Classb y C L A U D I A C A R R O L L

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Whistlestop Express June 20114

From Rocky'sPANTRYB Y R O C K Y P A C K A R D

Jackson Café Spinach Pesto

This recipe features a twist on the classic basil pesto, but is a lot more economical. This pesto is great with pastas both hot

and cold. My favorite is orzo pasta with spinach pesto, sun dried tomatoes and chopped olives and Parmesan served cold as a side dish for any occa-sion. Note nutritional details below.Servings: 1

1/4 pound Fresh spinach 1/3 cup Olive oil 2 cloves Ground garlic 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan 1 Zest of lemon Salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth; check fl avor for salt.Yield: 1/2 pound Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 664 Calories; 72g Fat (95.3% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; OmgCholesterol; 100mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Veg-etable; 141/2 Fat. ✦

Volunteer Drivers Needed; Come to Networking PartyCan you spare a few hours a week to drive an older adult to their appointments or grocery shop-ping? Whistlestop is hosting a Volunteer Driver/Rider Networking Party for anyone over 18 who would like to be a volunteer driver for older adults. The party will be Thursday, June 23 from 4 to 5 pm at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. Potential drivers will meet older adults who have not been able fi nd a volunteer driver. As a volunteer driver, not only will you be helping people in your community, you will also receive reimbursement to cover gas costs. To sign up to attend the Networking Party, or for more information about the program, please call 454-0969. Or look up “Volunteer Driver Pro-gram” at www.marinaccess.org. ✦

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Editor’s Note: In a 37-year newspaper career as a reporter, columnist and

editor, I had the opportunity to interview countless interest-ing personalities, including a few famous ones. But two of the most interesting people I've ever encountered live right here in Marin County. They are Skip Brown and Harris Cohen, whose love of their work and long careers fi lming newsmakers and events make for compelling reading. The two men partnered at one time on several indepen-dent video projects. Their stories follow, in the form of two inter-views. I hope our readers enjoy their stories as much as I have.

—John Bowman, co-editor, Whistlestop Express

Photo credit: The photo on page one of President Gerald Ford and Skip Brown in the Oval Offi ce, is an offi cial White House photograph by David Hume Kennerly.Skip Brown, age 66, San Rafael:Whistlestop: How long have you been a videographer with CBS? Brown: I started in 1964, and I’m still at it, so that is 46 years. I’m actually a news cameraman and that covers fi lm, then video, and now cards, such as Sony Ex-1. There is no fi lm or video-tape. WS: What changes have you seen in the business over the years?Brown: The business has changed drastically. I still can cover stories (e.g. if the Big One hits) but there isn’t the demand for us because the fi nancial pic-ture has changed so greatly for

the networks. Right now there doesn’t appear to be any money for our work on the Internet. WS: What drew you to this work?Brown: I started in television while I was in col-lege — the early years when color fi lm and small portable cameras were being used. Those were the golden years for network TV news. Everything we did was new; then, the technology changed completely in 1980 — live coverage from trucks and videotape replaced fi lm. Since 2000 it’s changed again — cell phone coverage, Skype inter-views, palmcorders and citizen journalists.WS: What were some of your favorite projects? Where did you work? Brown: Believe it or not, cover-ing Vietnam was perhaps the best part of my long career. Many stories come to mind. Producing and shooting sto-ries for Charles Kuralt and his Sunday Morning broad-cast were the most satisfying. Working for 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Ed Bradley and Dan Rather, doing docs for CBS Reports with Bill Moyers and Howard Stringer, working worldwide

with Bill Kurtis — they all rank right at the top. WS: How is your life now in San Rafael?Brown: I’m writing a memoir about the changes in network news, producing some specifi c projects, and hoping to train and raise Labrador retrievers. At some point, I’d love to teach the principles of journalism that this country cannot afford to lose, no matter what.

Harris Cohen, age 74, Fairfax:WS: Are you still working as a videographer?Cohen: What I have been doing since my retirement in 2000 is making a variety of video pro-ductions ranging from a concert DVD for Zydeco bandleader Tom Rigney to a short rap video about my hometown, Fairfax. The majority of my work has been the pro bono production of fundrais- continued on page 15

Two Marin Men Recall Exciting Days of Film-making, News Coverage

Morning aftermath from North Vietnamese assault on US Army Firebase III in Tay Ninh province 1969-American 1st Air Cavalry troops treating NVA soldiers wounded during overnight human wave assault. CBS Cameraman is Skip Brown of Marin. Soundman is Mai Van Duc. Correspondent was Tony Sargent (not shown).

Whistlestop Express June 20116

When Kay Ryan won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in April it marked the second time in two years that a Fairfax resident

had won a Pulitzer. In 2010 Mark Fiore, cartoon-ist for sfgate.com, the Chronicle’s website, won the prize for cartooning. Kay Ryan became the 16th poet laureate of the United States in 2008 and served in that role through 2010. She has lived in Marin County since 1971 and has taught English part-time at College of Marin for many years. She won the Pulitzer for her collection, The Best of It: New and Selected Poems. Ryan, 65, has pub-lished 16 volumes of poet-ry. The Poetry Foundation said of her: “Like Emily Dickinson and Marianne Moore before her, Ryan delights in quirks of logic and language and teases poetry out of the most unlikely places. She re-gards the ‘rehabilitation of clichés,’ for instance, as part of the poet’s mission. Characterized by subtle, surprising rhymes and nimble rhythms, her compact poems are charged with sly wit and off-beat wisdom.” Which Marin resident might win the next Pu-litzer? Anne Lamott? ✦

The Best of Itb y K a y R y a n

However carved up or pared down we get we keep on making the best of it as thoughit doesn’t matter that our acre’s down to a square foot. As though our garden could be one beanand we’d rejoice ifit fl ourishes, asthough one beancould nourish us.

Poet Kay Ryan Wins Pulitzer:Another Proud Day for Fairfax

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whistlestop.org 7

Vicky Voicehowsky thinks a little tango music brings out the creativity in the people who show up for her Multicultural

Arts and Crafts Class every other Friday at Whistlestop. The group meets from 2 to 4pm and for a $2 to $3 fee, people receive most of the materials they need to complete an interesting project. It might be making felt hearts for Val-entine’s Day or decorating Easter eggs, and whatever the project, it’s always accompanied by some lively music and Vicky’s light touch. Vicky gives instruc-tions in both Spanish and English and everyone is welcome to join the group. She encourages men to try

their hand at making cards or participating in the projects. Vicky is Center Services Reception Coordinator and Multicultural Coordi-nator at Whistlestop and because she got her art degree at San Francisco State, she is very happy to see the arts program growing

at Whistlestop’s active aging center. She is con-tributing to the mission of ending loneliness if the happy faces in her classes are any indication. She also leads a weekly discussion group on Monday mornings from 10 to 11am. The group talks about current affairs as well as top-ics such as forgiveness, gratitude and anger. When the topic was family life, people brought in photos to share. ✦

Vicky (in background) with class at Whistlestop

Paula Necochea holds up artistic heart created in class.

Arts and Crafts and the Sound of Music B y V a l B o w m a n

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Whistlestop Express June 20118

Keep Learning atWHISTLESTOPBEGINNING COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS2nd Friday • 2 to 4pmComputer Room | Instructor: Gene Dyer | Fee: $15Registration Required: call 459-6700Prerequisite: Basic Computer SkillsHere’s your opportunity to learn how to share your digital photos with friends and family. Learn how to set up your computer to receive photos and how to transfer them from your camera, CD or fl ash drive onto your computer’s hard drive. Once on the computer, learn how to send and receive them with your friends by attaching them to your e-mail program. Bring camera and cable.

ADVANCED COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS3rd Friday • 2 to 4pmComputer Room | Instructor: Gene DyerFee: $15 | Registration Required: call 459-6700Prerequisite: Beginners Class or experience

transferring pictures from camera to computer & using as attachments to e-mails.View various ways to display your pictures, on your computer, on your TV, and on other people’s computers using slide shows,

Word or PDF documents, Power Point

presentation with text and sound and movie format

including text, fades and sound.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM Saturday, June 11 & June 18 • 9 to 1pmFee: $12/AARP members/$14 non-members. Cash or checks payable to AARP accepted.Pre-registration and Prepayment Required: call 456-6700 Sharpen your driving skills through the AARP Driver Safety program. This course was developed to help drivers 50 years or older adjust to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Medication and its effects on driving will also be addressed. At the end of this course a certifi cate of completion, which may save you money on auto

insurance, will be given. You must attend both sessions in order to get credit for completing the course.

USING POLES FOR WALKING, BALANCE & MOBILITYWednesday, June 15, 2011, 1:30 to 4 pmCaboose | Instructor: Jayah Faye Paley, Personal Trainer, Mobility CoachFee: $35.00, payable at time of registration (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back)Registration Required: call 456-9062Join us to learn techniques that help you navigate everyday obstacles and more fully enjoy life! Discover which type of poles fi t you best & can help you achieve your goals.

Easy-to-Learn skills designed to help you • Preserve your JointsImprove Posture, Balance, Gait & • Confi denceImprove Endurance & Upper Body • StrengthReduce Stress on knees, hips and spine•

MEDICARE PRESENTATION FOR BABY BOOMERSThursday, June 16 • 10:30 to NoonBoard Room | Facilitator: Julie Bennett, HICAPFee: Free | Register: call 456-9062If you are turning age 65 this year, you are one of approximately 8,000 people per day newly eligible for Medicare. Do you know if you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare, or will you need to apply? What are the different parts of Medicare? And where do you go to fi nd other insurance to fi ll in the “gaps” as well as prescription drug coverage? To fi nd out the answers to these questions, join HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program). The HICAP program will give you up-to-date information on what’s new with

ring pictcomputer & usto e-mails.View various pictures, on yyour TV, andcomputers u

Word or PP

incl

bility

Guaranteed or

attendt for

dd

ity

whistlestop.org 9

Medicare and help narrow down your options in order to make good decisions. HICAP does not sell or represent any insurance companies.

MARIN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S VICTIM-WITNESS PROGRAM1st & 4th Thursday • 9 to NoonLoungeIf you or someone you know have either been a victim of a crime or have witnessed a crime, Yolanda Johnson, Advocate from the District Attorney’s offi ce will be available to meet with you to answer questions, provide information and connect you to resources.

EVENTS & SERVICES AT WHISTLESTOPTHE FAMILY ALBUM PROJECTMonday, June 20 • 10 to 3pmCaboose | Facilitators: Virginia Becker and the Family Album Project Fee: FreePre-registration Required: call 456-9062The Family Album Project is a team of seasoned photographers who donate their services to nonprofi ts and communities. Having noticed a loss of family portraiture in our digital age, they mourn the loss of heirloom photographs to be passed down through generations. As a way to be of service in their area of expertise, this group takes portraits of older adults who could not otherwise afford or have access to a sitting and prints, and immediately provides free prints to the subjects. Within minutes of having your portrait taken, you’ll walk away with one 5x7 and four wallet-sized prints. If you’d prefer a group portrait, you may bring in your family members to join you for the sitting; limit is one sitting per individual.

NETWORKING LEADS TO VOLUNTEERINGThursday, June 23 • 4 to 5pmRegister or more information: call 454-0969 or marinaccess.orgHave you got a few hours a week to drive an older adult to their appointments or grocery shopping? Whistlestop is hosting a Volunteer Driver/Rider Networking Party for anyone over 18 wishing to be a volunteer driver for older adults who need rides. Potential drivers have an opportunity to meet older adults who have not been able find a volunteer driver. As a volunteer driver, not only will you be helping older adults in your community, you will also receive reimbursement to cover your gas costs.

Scheduling Rides: 454-0964Cancelling Rides: 457-4630Eligibility Coordinator, Janet Van Rijsbergen 456-9062, ext. 160jvanrijsbergen@whistlestop.org

Transportation Numbers

VOLUNTEERING FOR WHISTLESTOPARTS AND CRAFTS NEEDS YOUR HELP!!This super fun class with music, good company and great fun needs your help. We are asking for your kind donations of art materials such as decorative papers, glue guns and glue sticks, glitter, fun scissors, markers, craft paints and brushes, etc. We sincerely appreciate your support. For information: Vicky 456-9062 or VickyV@whistlestop.org.

A SINCERE THANKS TO ALL OUR TAX PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS!Whistlestop would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to our Volunteers who worked so hard on the tax program. We truly could not help as many people and achieve as much as we do without your commitment. We are extremely grateful for all you do and the difference you make. A special thanks to our Tax Preparers: Steve Johnson and Anne Johnson – Margaret Todd Senior Center, Carol Golden, Denise Bertucelli, Kirk Beales - Whistlestop Tax Greeters: Scott Marcum – Whistlestop/Margaret Todd Senior Center, Vicky Voicehowsky and Cindy Thai – Whistlestop

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESInterested: Debbie at 456-9062 or DBenedetti@whistlestop.org

Active Ageing Center Greeter• Information & Referral Offi ce – • Computer exp.erience RequiredJackson Café• Fitness Ambassador for Stepping Strong -Lead • a walking group in your community for a10-week walking and wellness program

COMMISSION ON AGING MEETINGDownsizing without a Breakdown”Thursday, June 9 • 10 to 12:30pmSan Rafael Community Center (Club Rooms), 618 B Street, San RafaelPresenter: Public Information Committee, Donna Robbins“

yng

ls guns

cissors, rushes,

Whistlestop Express June 201110

WhistlestopACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop

TIME CLASS LOCATION MISC. COST

10:00–11:00 AM AM Monday Caboose 2 457-0586 for info Free10:30–NOON Persian Group Lounge 472-6020 for info Free11:00–NOON Multicultural Comp. Lab Computer Lab 456-9062 for info Free11:00–12:30 PM German Group TBD Open Free4:00–5:30 PM Citizenship Caboose 454-0998 for info Free

9:15–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Caboose Open $210:00–2:00 PM Asian Group Caboose 454-1552 for info Free10:45–11:45 AM Cardio Exercise Caboose Open Free11:00–12:30 PM German Group TBD Open Free1:00–3:00 PM Spanish Class Caboose Open Free2:00–3:30 PM English Conversation Board Room 454-0998 for info Free

9:15–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Caboose Open $210:00–2:00 PM Asian Group Caboose 454-1552 for info Free10:30–NOON Watercolors with Hilda Lounge Open Free2:00-3:30 PM English Conversation Caboose 454-0998 for info Free 2:00–4:00 PM Remembrance Writing Board Room Open $5

9:00–10:30 AM Tai Chi Qigong Caboose Suggested Donation $1010:00–11:30 AM Seniors' Circle Board Room Open Free10:00–NOON Computer Lab Computer Lab Open Free10:30–NOON Persian Group Lounge 472-6020 for info Free11:00–NOON Corazón Latino Caboose Open Free

11:00–1:00 PM Loom Knitting Caboose 1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Free1:30–3:30 PM ACASA Board Room Peer Counseling Free1:30–3:30 PM Spanish Club Caboose Open Free2:00–4:00 PM Friday Movie Jackson Café Free Snacks/Drinks Free2:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Caboose 457-0586 for info $2-$3

MO

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AYS

TUES

DAY

STH

URS

DAY

SW

EDNE

SDAY

SFR

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The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.

Jackson Café

LUNC

H M

ENU

Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center

60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICESMain Entrée $4.00/$6.75Sandwiches $3.00/$4.00Soup $1.75/$2.00Hamburger $4.25/$5.25Salads $2.50/$4.00

OTHER ITEMSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit Cup $1.00Beverages $1.00Desserts $1.50

Jackson Café

whistlestop.org 11

Mating be-tween

birds often looks aggressive but it is a cooperative venture. One

recent morning after her break-fast, this female White-tailed Kite fl ew to a tree within sight of the nearby male. She positioned herself tail outward, on an outer branch and called him. That done, she waited silently until, after a minute, over he came. (What looks like loud screaming in the fi rst photo, wasn’t. There was very little sound. Kites talk to each other with a variety of loud and soft chirps, krees, and gargles,

mostly with wide-open mouths.) Imagine being the female, bal-ancing on an unsteady, swaying branch when along comes your mate to sit on your back. Now you have to balance him, as well! Of course, the male has to balance on a constantly shifting female underneath him, no easy task, either. But balancing in the breeze is not the diffi cult part. The male Kite, like most male birds, does not have an external sex organ. Both genders have small, lipped openings called cloaca. Their task is to get their cloacae together in the middle of this delicate balancing act. The female raised her rump high and shifted her tail feathers

to the side out of the way, while the male moved slightly aslant and, tail raised, brought his cloaca down to connect with the hers. It took 12 seconds of maneuvering and less than a second to fi nish their cloacal ‘kiss’ (the second photo) whereupon the male fl ew off. Off to fi nd a stick, which he brought to her nest, a ritual he always performed after mating. Whew! Every weekend I email a bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like something nice to look at amidst the junk in your in-box, email me at SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦

Till next month, Richard

The Bird's SideOF MARIN b y R I C H A R D P A V E K

Mating: A Balancing Act

Whistlestop Express June 201112

E PRESSWhistlestop

Want to Advertise in the

Call: Linda Black458-6700 x306

for rates and deadlines!

job or traveling with Bob, Jan keeps busy with a weekly art workshop with Donna Raine Taylor in San Rafael. “So, I always paint on Monday evenings plus

weekends and evenings when possible.” ✦

continued from page 1 continued from page 3

Play a Round of Golf to Support WhistlestopB y D e n n i s T h o m p s o n , W h i s t l e s t o p B o a r d P r e s i d e n t

a person’s unique ideas to expand our horizons to stop, look & listen in a new way. ~ Barbara SchechnerClaudia Carroll, 74, teaches memoir classes at Whistlestop. These comments are the result of a recent assignment she gave her students. She has published a book on her work titled Remembrance Writing 101: The Easy Way to Write & Share the Stories of Your Life.

The Jerry Randall Memorial Golf Tourna-ment, benefi ting Whistlestop, will be here very shortly (June 11) and if you have not

made plans to attend, please reconsider. As much as I love the game of golf and could go on forever discussing anything and everything related to this ridiculous sport, my reason for urging you to attend this year’s tournament has nothing to do with golf. Even though this is the fi fth Jerry Randall Me-morial Tournamet, last year was my fi rst. After arriving at beautiful StoneTree Golf Course with the usual (soon to be dashed) high hopes that all golfers have before a round and checking in at the tournament organizers table, I was approached by a tall athletic guy with a genuine smile and a fi rm handshake. He introduced himself as Dan Randall and called his wife, Stacey, over to meet me. The attractive young couple thanked me for coming and for being a sponsor (actually a very small sponsor). Dan and Stacey truly made me

feel as if I were an honored guest and a welcome friend. During the play of golf and at the recep-tion following, I had the opportunity to see the entire Randall family and their close friends in action. I came to realize that the Randalls bring much more than the needed monetary support they give Whistlestop. They bring a level of enthusiasm, joy and a deep commitment to our mission that is impossible to place a value on. I couldn’t help but think that Jerry Randall must have been a great guy to have these people for his family and friends. The Randalls and their friends are one of Whistlestop’s greatest assets and we need to show them the support they deserve. So come out on June 11 to StoneTree Golf Course, lose some golf balls like me or just come to the reception and meet an unbelievably fun group of people who share our dedication to Whistlestop. Call 415-686-2311 or go to jerryrandallmemo-rial.com to register. ✦

Marin Human Race Team Whistlestop

Phot

o by

Terry

Scu

ssel

whistlestop.org 13

Photos on this page were taken by Terry Scussel of Marin who has been

interested in photography his entire life, but became much more passionate about the craft with the onset of digital cameras. He shoots nearly every week all around Marin and elsewhere. His subjects run the gamut from people, to large landscapes, night photography, off the beaten path and the creative which albeit may take a little soft-ware help. Terry took the photo with the yellow truck with his Canon EOS 5D Mark II SLR in Darwin, CA, an old mining town, still inhabited by about 50 very hardy residents in ramshackle buildings. Terry and his friend and photo tour leader, Gale Perry, scouted the Darwin area, about an hour west of Death Valley. Terry recalls: “When I arrived at the scene I imme-diately started to think how

the shot could be creatively displayed in a black and white format us-ing selec-tive color-ization to bring back the yellow color of the old tanker truck. I shot the image from several angles and bracketed the shot with sev-eral expo-sures. I was working the composition so I would have several possibilities when I got back to my computer for cropping and colorization. It was important to get a very sharp image so focus was critical, thus the use of the tripod. I also wanted good depth of fi eld and decided to shoot at f/22. I added some

sepia tone to the right build-ing wall and fi nally added some edge work to frame the shot to enhance the shot with an antique fi nishing. The beauty of black and white is it turns to grey all the vari-ous distracting colors — like the red warning sign — “No Trespassing” on the front of the building. Terry Scussel is an avid amateur photographer who also serves on three non-profi t boards (including Whis-tlestop), supporting people with disabilities and older adults. He and his wife, De-nise (a Whistlestop volunteer) are parents to a 27-year-old daughter who is developmen-tally disabled. Semi-retired

from the corporate world, Terry enjoys giving back to the community that had given so much to his family. He also has a consulting business and recently launched a document shredding business for one of the corporations from which he retired. Terry also is a judge for the Whistlestop’s Annual Photography Contest. ✦

Terry Scussel’s Photography: A Work of Art

“Artistic License” Bodega, CA . I was treated with a wonderful photo opportunity of several artists working the area.

Darwin,CA is an old mining town located about an hour's drive west of Death Valley -- great setting for a compelling photograph.

Whistlestop Express June 201114

KidneyCORNERb y S H A R C A R LY L E

Summer and Your Kidneys: Hydration

Are you looking forward to the beautiful Bay Area summer weather

ahead? Don your hat, sun-screen and grab your water bottle. In fact, grab a few. If you're on the water fi shing, sailing, swimming, or en-gaged in water sports there is a lot of ultraviolet light refl ected from the surface of the water. That and the salt spray increases the liklihood of dyhdration." According to the Institute of Medicine, Na-tional Academy of Sciences, the average adult male con-sumes roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. There are 3.78 liters in a gallon, so drink fresh clear water. There are exceptions. If you are a kidney transplant re-cipient, increased intake of 3-4 liters may be recommended; however, if you are on dialysis, your fl uid intake will be restricted. Your ap-propriate water intake is tempered by what medicines you take, diuretics, caffeine con-sumed, and other meds. Evaporation from the skin and respiratory tract are known as “in-sensible fl uid loss” which include respiration (water loss through the act of breathing) and perspiration (water passing through the skin itself) and from the sweat glands. If you have concerns, check with your doctor. Older adults are particu-

larly susceptible to dehydration. Insuffi cient signaling mechanisms in older adults mean that they may not feel thirsty, even though they may be dehydrated. Keep this in mind whether you are caring for an older adult or caring for yourself, as they (and you) may need prompting around fl uid intake. Some negative effects of dehydration may include mental confusion, dry skin, mi-

graines, hypertension, diges-tive complications and per-sistent constipation. Severe dehydration over time could even cause organ failure. The increased risk of dehydration is due to changes to kidney function, which declines with age; hormonal changes; not feeling thirsty; medication (for example, di-uretics and laxatives); chronic illness, which may cause you to lose more fl uids; and lim-ited mobility. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that everyone learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, which may include: thirst, lightheaded-ness, sweating, transient muscle cramps, fatigue, gen-eral discomfort, fl ushed skin, weariness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache, and decrease in performance.

The key things to do to prevent dehydration and reduce your risk of heat illnesses are to drink to replace fl uids throughout the day, monitor the color of your urine (if it is getting darker than usual and there is a decrease in volume, you are likely dehydrated) and rest in a cool place between activities that require exertion. Remember your kidneys are like

fl owers — you need to water them! To contact Kidney Com-munity Education, call (415) 526-7523 or email kce@cama-rin.org, web site: www.camarin.org/kce.html. ✦

Insuffi cient signaling mechanisms in older adults mean that they may not feel thirsty

whistlestop.org 15

BrainTEASERS

ing and PR videos for Marin County nonprofi t agencies. The most recent one was made with Joe O’Hehir and Yvonne Roberts of Whis-

tlestop. It was shown to spur the bidding at the 2011 Marin Valentine Ball.WS: Please trace your ca-reer for us, starting right out of fi lm school.Cohen: I have been in fi lm and video produc-tion all my working life from my fi rst job, after UCLA fi lm school, edit-ing fi lm for the CBS Eve-ning News, to starting up the video production

facility Magnetic Image in 1983 and selling it in 2000.WS: What kind of equipment do you use?Cohen: I’m using a Panasonic HMC 150 hi-def all digital camera now after bidding a re-luctant goodbye to videotape cameras, which I had worked with since their invention.WS: Can you describe some of your pro bono projects?Cohen: My 18 or so pro bono projects have all been done for Marin nonprofi ts. The fi rst was for Spirit Rock meditation center. Others have been for ArtWorks Downtown, The Lark and 142 Throckmorton theaters and Opportunity for Independence. The best of the lot were the ones for Novato Youth Center, St. Vincent’s Free Dining Room and the piece about Fair-fax. These and other productions are on You-Tube. Search for the Norbert Anderson page.WS: When and how did this interest develop?Cohen: As a kid I was always fascinated by the media. Growing up in L.A. added to the interest. My idea of a perfect Saturday was to take the bus to Hollywood and be in the studio audience for as many radio and TV shows as possible. The enjoyment of this sort of work, in addition to doing a bit of good in the world, are the feelings of creativity and self-expression.WS: You have worked in television, too, right?Cohen: As for work on TV, I went from news

continued from page 5

Rectangular BoxesSolve this in 30 seconds or less: The following are dimensions of a fi ve rectangular boxes. Which box has a volume different from the other four? A) 5 by 8 by 12 B) 15 by 16 by 2 C) 3 by 32 by 5D) 3 by 4 by 40 E) 2 by 6 by 36

B y G a r y G r u b e r , P h D

Answer: e. Don’t multiply: all choices are divis-ible by 5 except e. Also e is the only choice that is divisible by 9.

Answer: b. The equivalent single discount is less than the sum of the discounts. You may have thought choice c was correct. But you can’t just add the discounts of 30% and 10%! Suppose the sweater originally costs $100. A discount of 30% would make the sweater $70. Then a discount of 10% would further reduce the sweater to $70 – 10% of $70 = $70 - $7 = $63. This is like getting a reduction of $100 - $63 = $37 which translates to a 37% discount.

Marin County’s Dr. Gary Gruber is recognized as a leading authority on standardized tests and the originator of the critical thinking skills used to prepare for them. With more than 35 books with more than 7 million copies sold, he has dramatically increased aptitude, intelli-gence and standardized test scores on tests like the SAT and ACT.

Clothing Store DiscountA clothing store offers successive discounts of 30% and 10% on a sweater. The equivalent single discount would beA) 34 percent B) 37 percent C) 40 percent D) 60 percent E) 63 percent

fi lm editing to cinematography, fi rst in news and then into documentaries for 60 Minutes, PBS Frontline, The Academy Awards, BBC and countless others. Short form documenta-ries called “magazine format shows,” become a specialty: Evening Hour and PM maga-zines, and for my sins, A Current Affair. For 17 years (1983 and 2000), I was lucky enough to have a successful business rent-ing professional video production equipment and providing crew services. I still practice my director/videographer skills. Partner Larry Kenworthy, who now runs Mag Image in San Rafael, made it all possible. ✦

Harris Cohen, in New York

Whistlestop Express June 201116

Marin Senior Coordinating Council

930 Tamalpais AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Whistlestop.org

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