VMA Presents: A Planned Death: Another Option
Jim Van Buskirk
Final Exit Network
If you have seen someone you love endure a lengthy, painful period prior to death, you may have wondered if there was a way to end the suffering. In some cases, there is. Jim Van Buskirk volunteers with Final Exit Network (FEN) and will present on this topic on May 6, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Cribari Conference Room. FEN is a national organization that grew out of the Hemlock Society which informs and supports those who wish to hasten their own deaths. Only fourteen jurisdictions currently have Death with Dignity Acts — often referred to as Medical Aid in Dying — and many people desiring a planned death don’t meet states’ strict criteria. Learn about what FEN does and how it addresses the needs of potential clients who are not necessarily terminally ill. Various methods of of termination will be discussed, such as voluntary stopping eat and drink, voluntary assisted death (available in Switzerland), and inert gas.
Jim Van Buskirk volunteers with Final Exit Network as a regional coordinator counseling callers on end-of-life options, and reviewing relevant books and films. The co-author of two books and the co-editor of two anthologies, Jim is a retired librarian working as a book group facilitator, writer, editor, public speaker, exhibition curator, and collections manager.
Please register online or by phone at 408-238-4029.
VMA Presents: Update Your Driving Skills with AARP Driver Safety Class
Irv Kaplan
Sonata Resident and AARP Safe Driving Renewal Instructor
Join AARP volunteer Irv Kaplan on Tuesday, May 5th – in Sequoia from 9:30-1:30 for the AARP Driver Safety Renewal Class. This four-hour class is intended for those who have previously attended an AARP Driver Safety Class. Instructor Irv Kaplan, an AARP instructor for over eight years, former college instructor, and Sonata resident, says, “This class is ideal for you to brush up on your driving knowledge – especially if you fear missing test questions about rules of the road.
Irv teaches his classes in a clear, thorough, and concise manner. He will cover three major points:
- Understand the technical changes in automobile design and how that may affect your driving.
- Gain knowledge about roadway systems, including roundabouts, bicycle lanes, and safe merging
- Update your knowledge of new driving laws
As an added benefit, by completing the AARP Driver Safety Class, you may reduce your car insurance premium.
The cost for the class is $20 for AARP members & $25 for non-AARP members. You will need to show proof of AARP membership. You may pay with cash or checks. Checks are made out to AARP. Credit cards are NOT accepted. Cash and checks will be collected at the door on May 5th. YES—you may bring food and drink to the class. Limited to 25 Participants. AARP Driving Safety.
Please register online or by phone at 408-238-4029.
VMA Presents: Simplifying Healthier Eating
Jan Liband
Nutrition & Sustainability Expert
Many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s are not inevitable parts of aging. They are typically caused by decades of unhealthy eating habits and other lifestyle choices. The good news is that we can prevent, treat and even reverse these diseases and eliminate many medications with healthier choices. Join Jan Liband, a nutrition and sustainability expert, on Monday, May 18, 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Montgomery Center, to hear how you can eat to help manage these diseases. Shifting to healthier eating habits, even at this stage, can help. Come learn about food basics and disease-free living, making healthy choices, shifting to healthier lifestyles and receive practical tips for healthier meals and snacking.
Jan Liband is a nutrition and sustainability expert. Jan serves as Chief Researcher and Speaker for Plant-Based Advocates, a Bay Area-based 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on accelerating the global shift to more sustainable, healthier, plant-based living. food and drink to the class.
Please register online or by phone at 408-238-4029.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Grief Support Group: The support group begins again with Pastor Bill Hayden on Monday, March 16th in the Sequoia room at 10:30am – noon. Booklets are required for the group and are available in the Chapel office.
Parkinson’s Support Group: This group is for anyone interested in Parkinson’s and all are welcome. Starting in 2026 it will be meeting from 10:00 –11:00 in the Patio room on the 4th Thursday of every month. The group is led by Alice Pratte.
Caregiver Support Group: Judith London Ph.D. conducts this monthly group where caregivers meet to share, listen, and learn. Thursday December 18th at 10:30 – Noon in the PATIO room and via Zoom. Please contact Judy for all meeting specifics @ judithlondon@sbcglobal.net or call 408-784-3325.
Alcoholics Anonymous – will have a weekly meeting in the Sequoia Room every Friday from 5:00 – 6:00 PM beginning May 8th. This is a CLOSED meeting only open to Village residents.
Villages Medical Auxiliary – Since 1976