Know Your Ballot

“The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” ~ Dwight D.Eisenhower


So…Be Sure to Know Your Ballot

As President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The future of the republic is in the hands of the American voter.” With the November local elections approaching the future of California and our cities lies in our hands. Understanding your local ballot initiatives will help you have a voice in your community’s change. Voting is especially pertinent to senior citizens because the local and national laws greatly affect senior benefits. Even if ballot initiatives do not directly relate to senior topics they can affect our political climate and shape the way all groups are treated.

Some tips to help you become a well-informed voter:

1) Do your research – Local newspapers and TV are great ways to get information on the issues being discussed on the ballot. Some senior living communities also hold forums where residents can voice their opinion about the issues. Educating yourself about these initiatives can help you form an opinion on a wide range of topics.

2) Attend events where you can see local candidates up for election. Putting a face to the name makes it much easier for voters to select local candidates when it comes time to vote. Having a chance to speak with candidates directly can go a long way in helping you make the right decisions. Asking an incumbent important questions will help you understand what actions your community needs to become better in the future.

3) Make sure your voting information is updated! You can go to your local city hall, library, or civic center to update your voting information. The voting process is not only about selecting the issues and candidates you support, but also providing the government the appropriate demographic information needed to serve our country better.

4) Last step – Get out there and vote!

Valencia Terrace wants you to get your vote heard! We will provide buses to the polls next Tuesday, November 2nd. Sign-up sheets for transportation are located in the main mail room. For more information on Corona’s ballot initiatives, view: http://www.coronaadvocacy.biz/ for a quick overview.

Going International: Without Ever Leaving Home

Feel like experiencing someplace new? Believe it or not, you don’t have to take a trip around the world to discover the culture and cuisine of the nations abroad. Valencia Terrace offers its residents the opportunity on a monthly basis…right here at home! Tasting and appreciating food and culture from exotic and faraway places all from the comfort of your own home is another way to get the experience of traveling.

At Valencia Terrace, we host monthly International Nights with movies, food, and drink. This month we’re off to Germany. Come join us for Oktoberfest on Thursday October 28th and enjoy delicious German food and beer to taste!

While traveling needs energy and funding, you can “visit” new places from home in other ways as well - by reading guidebooks on destinations you would like to see, or hosting culinary parties with foreign food. You and your guests can learn the culture and traditions behind the food. Broadening your mental horizons is a great way to keep the mind active and sharp.

To RSVP for this month’s “trip” to Germany’s Oktoberfest call 951-273-1300.

Growing Together: Community Gardening

Planting seeds and watching them sprout into fruitful plants is spiritually and mentally rewarding for those who garden. Tending to a shared piece of land with neighbors, family, and friends transforms the garden into a place for bonding and a center for the community. A senior community garden is not only beneficial for stimulating social action but also provides a budget-friendly source of produce for fresh, healthy meals.

Caring for a garden is great physical activity for seniors. Weeding, planting, and maintaining the garden provides low impact exercise.. Seniors can work at their individual pace and take periodic breaks to admire the beauty of their work. Garden events centered around planting and harvesting give gardeners goals to work towards. In addition, community gardens contribute to neighborhood sustainability - providing a natural haven in the midst of urban development.

Valencia Terrace is proud to participate in the Corona Community Garden at Peace ground breaking from 9:00 to 10:00 am this Saturday, October 16th. In honor of our one-year anniversary, we invite you to join us for a champagne brunch afterwards.
RSVP by calling us at (951) 273-1300 or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/valenciaterrace

Engaging Your Brain – Let the Games Begin!

Everyone knows how great exercising is for the body, but did you know it’s just as important to exercise our brains? Keeping our brains active is essential to our overall development through all stages of life. Our brains function as a network; as we age this network begins to slowly shrink.

Engaging in new activities and challenges helps the brain to expand and strengthen its existing connections and even create some new ones along the way! That’s why playing games is an excellent way to keep our minds sharp and focused. Games with multiple players like poker and mahjong promote deep thinking due to player interaction and the use of imagery. Brain games are versatile, ranging from single player Sudoku to multiplayer Bingo. Many participants are pleasantly surprised by how their memory capabilities increase after playing a game multiple times. Players experience a boost in confidence and a sense of accomplishment once they master a new game.

Twists on traditional games such as Bingo are great ways to challenge the brain to do simultaneous thinking. Jingo is a great example – it mixes American history trivia questions in a Bingo-style format. Each player’s card has a collage of historical figures. A trivia question is asked about each figure. The first player to match five in a row wins. Players feel refreshed on American history and enjoy the competitive side to the game as well.

Want to join us for Jingo at Valencia Terrace? For more information give us a call at 951-273-1300.