Friendly Visitor Reflections

 Brighten a Senior’s Day

Consider a rewarding experience for the New Year! Become a volunteer for the J-Sei Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller Programs for seniors who are homebound or simply need social contact. Spread the word to all of your family and friends. Anyone at least 21 years of age is eligible to join our program. Our seniors benefit so much from our program and so will YOU! Our veteran volunteers have said the rewards are many. They have made lifelong friendships and learned so much from the seniors’ wealth of knowledge and history. Happy smiles of our seniors will leave an indelible mark in your hearts. Hear from our volunteers yourselves.

If this sparks an interest in you, please contact Sunnie at sunnie@j-sei.org.

Beyond the Fence, a reading by Mieko Walton

Beyond the Fence, a reading by Mieko Walton

Beyond the Fence, a reading by Mieko Anne Walden

Friday, October 21, 2022, 2:00pm

J-Sei, 1285 66th Street, Emeryville (near Hollis St)

For many years, Mieko has been writing about her experiences of being adopted from an Okinawan orphanage by an American family who eventually brought her  to the U.S.  Her writings include nostalgic memories of Okinawa of the 1960s, sad memories of parting with a grandmother, confused memories of being adopted by an American family that provided material comfort but forced her to give up all of her connections to Okinawa, and unspeakable memories of abuse by the people she should have trusted the most.

Using writing as a tool to share her personal story, Mieko has discovered courage, healing, and support. We invite you to join us as she shares her deeply personal and moving story.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are required to show Proof of COVID vaccination and booster, and wear masks indoors.

Co-sponsored by J-Sei, Northern California Okinawa Kenjin Kai, and Beyond the Fence Collective. Please RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Memoir 10/21” in the subject line.

Discovering the Deep with George Matsumoto at Monterey Bay

Discovering the Deep with George Matsumoto at Monterey Bay

 

Discovering the Deep Ocean with Monterey Bay Aquarium (Virtual)

Thursday, July 14, 6:30 pm

How deep and vast is the ocean with a great expanse to explore.  Join us for this special opportunity to hear about the deep sea from Dr. George Matsumoto, senior education and research specialist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Bringing together science and technology, MBARI is helping to transform the field of oceanography, making it possible to explore and understand our ocean–which covers more than 70 percent of our planet.

MBARI is working toward a future where the breathtaking majesty of our ocean is fully visible, a future where our home-grown technology is scaled globally to monitor and predict ecosystem changes, and a future where the most important frontier we have left is healthy and resilient. With engaging and informative short video clips, MBARI brings the deep ocean to us.

Please RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “deep ocean” in the subject to receive the ZOOM link. Enjoy this program with the family, adults, kids, grandparents –  a multigenerational exploration!

 

Main photo: Scientists of Monterey Bay Aquarium, University of Hawaii, and Cal State Long Beach tag a young white shark as part of Project White Shark, a multi-institutional research collaboration. 2010 Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 1,100 volunteers help support its mission of inspiring ocean conservation. 2010 MBARI

Staff and volunteers engage with visitors at the Open House event.  2010 Monterey Bay Aquarium

The deep-sea crown jelly Atolla typically has one tentacle much longer than the rest. This trailing tentacle may help the jelly snag prey. 2019 Monterey Bay Aquarium

Fall Prevention: Introduction to Balance

Fall Prevention: Introduction to Balance (11 am – 12 noon)

Do you fear falling? Do you feel less than confident as you walk? This class is designed to strengthen your legs, hips & upper body. We use gait exercises to increase confidence during direction changes & standing. We do simple eye exercises to help with special awareness. The class is gentle and is a combination of sitting, standing & walking.

Susan Sullivan works as a fitness coach, Pilates & yoga instructor and has stayed limber dancing for over 50 years. Full session of 8 weeks (Sept 21 – Nov 9) is recommended. Suggested donation: $40-50.  Priority is given to first-time participants.

 

All individuals who are interested in participating are required to pre-register online and show a Proof of Vaccination and Booster.  We require masks to be worn indoors at J-Sei and for participants to sign a daily COVID-19 health waiver upon entering the building. Thank you for helping us keep our J-Sei community safe.  To register.

Welcome Back . . . Again!

Welcome Back . . . Again!

Welcome Back … Again!

Everyone has been so patient with the fluctuations in face-to-face gatherings during the pandemic. As J-Sei has re-opened, we are so happy to welcome you back into the Emeryville building and to see each other once again.

While Zoom and other on-line offerings allowed us to avoid putting on ‘real clothes’ and driving, we all know that seeing, talking and laughing in-person with others lifts the mind and spirits. We continue our safety precautions but hope you will return to on-site programming. Social connection in our wonderful J-Sei community continues to be vital to our health and well being.

Come and rejoin your friends soon!

Consumer Fraud: Scams Targeting Seniors

Consumer Fraud: Scams Targeting Seniors

Consumer Fraud: Scams Targeting Seniors and Tips for Protection and Prevention (Hybrid)

Wed, May 4, 1 pm

Seniors lose nearly $3 billion annually due to scams. Many prey upon seniors who are well educated and who they believe have assets. Yet, no one is exempt. Scammers use sophisticated sales pitches and clever tactics to convince seniors to trust them. What are the most common scams and forms of fraud targeting seniors? How can we recognize scams and protect ourselves? Where can we report fraud and get help? 

This workshop is presented by the Legal Assistance for Seniors in Alameda County. The mission of Legal Assistance for Seniors is to ensure the independence and dignity of seniors by protecting their legal rights through education, counseling, and advocacy. Their vision is for all seniors to live in dignity with the greatest possible independence, regardless of social or economic circumstances.

RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Consumer Fraud” in the subject line. The hybrid presentation will be both in-person and online. Please let us know if you would like to attend in person or online.