Installment No. 4 - Survey
of Seniors' Needs in Angwin
In the last installment, we discussed the needs of the most
elderly in Angwin - those who are living on limited income, are
having trouble caring for their spouse, and are in poor health.
The sad fact is that there is no formal organization in the
community to identify and help these people. The Angwin Community
Council was not organized for that purpose. There is no fraternal
organization here, like the Elks. The Adventist church has a corps
of deacons and deaconesses, and they respond when someone learns
of a distress situation and brings it to their attention. But
there is no advance identification of the most needy and their
problems.
The Neighborhood Table prepares a hearty meal once a week, but
many needy do not seem to know about it. And some are probably
unable to get themselves to this event. There is no "Meals on
Wheels" in Angwin. The Dorcas Society does a wonderful job
collecting clothes and making them available on a formal schedule.
This well-organized on-going program, staffed by volunteers, is
probably the most efficient Angwin effort to reach its poorest
minority including seniors.
Many elderly cannot keep up their property or pay for repairs
necessary to bring top dollar when it becomes necessary to sell
it. A volunteer handymen could work eight hours a day making
repairs for the most elderly who cannot afford professional help.
Some of the retired men in the community do indeed provide that
service.
Perhaps what is needed is a Volunteer Center which could call
volunteers to provide vital household repairs, drive people to
doctor appointments, bus them to Neighborhood Table, and provide
companionship to the lonely.
Every year, Angwin residents spend thousands of dollars of
their own money and weeks of sacrifice to build a school or a
church in some foreign land. These are the sensitive people who
could, if organized and dedicated, identify crisis situations and
recruit help. They could change the lives of many.
What can we expect from the government? Should we seek
governmental funding? Definitely. Particularly for the most
pressing senior problem, the need for caretakers for spouses who
are physically disabled.
Ken Smith, chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Area
Agency on Aging, would like to see funds coming to Angwin for this
problem. This is an on-going problem that requires continuous
trained help. Volunteers cannot do this job.
As of now, there is no formal organization in Angwin to apply
for such aid or administer it. Ken is to be commended for
crusading. And he is hopeful.
In conclusion, Angwin does indeed have a small body of
residents who are elderly, who are unable to care for themselves
or a spouse adequately, who are financially strapped, and who are
lonely. Responses to the survey reveal that, and we all know it
from personal observation.
Does anybody out there know a Good Samaritan?
McHenrys back from
cross-country mission of
mercy
Milton and Muriel McHenry are back home in Angwin after weeks
on the road, pursuing their personal mission project of selling
hand-crafted objects by talented rejected Bangladeshi women.
McHenrys have lived and worked in Bangladesh, where the
culture teaches that women have no value and no say in their
lives.
Muriel explains, "Hundreds of women are destitute, with no way
to feed themselves or their children. They can earn enough each
day making these beautiful things to buy food and clothes for
themselves and their babies. And it gives them self respect, and
hope for the future, even though they are women."
An American organization (ADRA) undertook to teach some of
these desperate women to do counted cross-stitch as a way to
survive. And Americans enjoy and appreciate the artistry of these
women.
The McHenrys drive a van to carry these handicrafts from place
to place, or church to church, where they give a short program on
Bangladesh culture and people, and show off their wares.
This summer McHenrys travelled to Texas, Oklahoma, Southern
University in Tennessee, Takoma Park in Maryland, and Andrews
University in Michigan. Back in California, they then spent 10
days at Redwood Campmeeting, 7 days at Soquel Campmeeting and 5
days at the ASI convention in Sacramento.
Muriel wants Angwin people to know about the special Christmas
project the ladies are doing this year--lovely Christmas-tree
stocking ornaments. These sell in sets - 13 cross stitched small
stockings for $15, or 24 small Christmas ornaments, round, oval,
and tiny stockings which sell for $35 a packet. These are perfect
for fund raisers because they can be resold for $2-$4 each.
Call Muriel 965-1810 for further information.
Click HERE to visit
her website.
(Publisher's note: We are carrying this story about the
McHenry's work for the Bangladesh women because this is such a
good cause. The McHenrys are working for nothing. All the money
goes directly to the Bangladesh project. Wouldn't it be wonderful
if some younger person, perhaps someone recently retired, would
step in to help the McHenrys in some way or other?
Think about it.)
Two New Pastors to Local
Church
Two new pastors have joined the staff at the PUC Adventist
Church. Their arrival brings the total pastoral staff to seven
full-time ministers.
Norma Osborn, the wife of the new PUC president, is a
highly regarded professional in her own right. She will be the
pastor of children's and family ministries, filling the seat held
by Marit Balk. She served in that capacity for 13 years in the
Sligo SDA church in Takoma Park, MD.
Richard and Norma Osborn have two children.
Heather, who just graduated from PUC, and Trevan, a student at
Columbia Union College. Norma spent her childhood in Beirut,
Lebanon, and then five teen-age years at boarding school in
England. Great background for Angwin's cultural diversity.
The other pastoral position has been filled by Robson
DeOliveira. Robson will be in charge of worship services, with
particular bias toward the spiritual needs of PUC students. His
personal credo is that worship should be more than a once a week
service, but an every day experience. He became experienced in
work with young adults at Andrews University, but also served
mixed congregations in Toronto and Dayton.
Robson is looking forward to his work with PUC students, who
face problems different from any other generation, and need their
own spiritual guidelines. He was born and raised in Brazil, the
son of a minister. His initial impression of Angwin was typical,
how could a village so secluded be so dynamic?
Welcome, Norma and Robson. Angwin will benefit much from your
service to children and families and PUC students.
Local Author's Story Becomes a
Best Seller
"Some had heard rumors that a secret underground passage led
from the Brown House to the city's Gestapo headquarters, and that
undesirables were taken there and then transported to the dreaded
concentration camps. Others knew of people who had been tortured
in the Brown House and forced to confess. And now Helene had to go
to this place!"
Susi Mundy's new book,"A Thousand Shall Fall" is the story of
how her family survived the Nazi regime in Germany during World
War II. The good news is that it is into its third printing,
selling around the U.S. in fine style. Numerous Angwinites have
bought their copies at the College Bookstore.
Susi was born during the war. Her father was shipped to the
Russian front, where he survived numerous threats to his life. Her
mother, caring for four small children, endured great hardships at
home. The threats to their lives came from not only the hardships
of war but also the government, which did not tolerate
conscientious objectors.
This is a story of great courage, faith, and endurance. Good
reading.
Bill Mundy
Angwin's
Weatherman
Professor William Mundy knows more about Angwin's
climate than anyone else. He has been recording the temperatures
and rainfalls here for 25 years.
In fact, PUC has been reporting local weather to the National
Weather Service for 51 years. The federal agency awarded a plaque
to the College a short time ago in appreciation of its 50 years of
service.
Bill Mundy, a professor of physics at the College, takes
readings at 5 pm every day of our high and low temperatures, and
our rainfall. His gauges are located on campus. There is another
rainfall gauge out at the airport which records rainfall every 15
minutes and records it on a large tape. Once a month, Bill removes
the tape and sends it to the weather bureau.
Are we seeing any significant trends of cycles in Angwin
weather? Nope. Bill has done some intensive studies and finds
nothing is changing much. We have a lot of above-average and
below-average rainy seasons, but they average out to about 42
inches a year.
As for temperatures. May and June were hotter than usual. We
knew that, didn't we.
Thanks, Bill, for your daily duties on our behalf.
Installment 3: Senior Survey
Some of Angwin's
Seniors
Enduring Serious
Problems
There are more than 700 citizens in Angwin over the age of 55.
Most of them - particularly the working category 55-65 (and even
in the 65-75 category) - are financially secure, well-educated,
living in their own home, enjoying the support of a spouse, able
to drive wherever they want to. Some are able to take an
occasional tour to Europe or Africa.
In fact, the survey probably covers too wide a range of ages,
30 years between age 55 and age 85. Those in the 55 to 65 category
are still working and enjoying good health and control over their
lives. I surmise that not many of this age group even returned the
questionnaire. Many of those 65-75 probably have few problems,
also. It is my guess that the people struggling with the most
problems are those in the 75-85 year old category. The percentages
drawn from the survey do not reflect the needs of these people.
In short, we all know that there is an Angwin minority which
does not enjoy the lifestyle of those 55-65 or even 65-75.
Some are financially poor. The rise in utility costs is
hitting these residents the hardest. The majority of respondents
said that high utility costs are creating hardships. One spoke of
heating just one room in the winter. Another said that the cold
made her suffer the pain of arthritis.
Some live by themselves and are lonely. A goodly number have
problems walking. Some are not able to keep up their homes and
grounds. A plumbing breakdown creates a real financial hardship.
There are no close relatives. Driving becomes increasingly
difficult and dangerous.
Caring for an elderly spouse is a major problem with the truly
elderly. Twenty-four respondents listed this as their major
problem.
Some are struggling with management of their limited funds.
They need a financial consultant.
Can the life of these people be improved? We will tackle that
question in Installment No. 4.
Burgess Honored by
Kiwanis
33 years ago, Robert Burgess organized the first
Kiwanis Club in Taiwan. He recruited 36 original members.
A few days ago, Kiwanis International held its convention in
Taiwan, and the world-wide organization flew Bob and Treva to the
event for long-overdue recognition of his pioneering work.
Bob was given a wall plaque which said: "As a result of your
extraordinary initial commitment to Taiwan, today Kiwanis is
alive, well, and proud of its more than 13,000 members."
The Burgess have spent most of their professional lives in the
Far East, serving the Adventist organization in China, Korea,
Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Bob organized the first Kiwanis Club in
Korea, also.
Installment 2: Senior Survey
Majority of Angwin Seniors
are Well-Off
The majority of Angwin seniors over age 55 are relatively
independent, according to the survey recently completed by the
Area Agency on Aging for Napa County.
However, I believe that the survey is seriously flawed by its
coverage of a 30-year span, 55 to 85. That span includes residents
age 55 to 65. But these people are still employed, and in fact,
most of them are at the height of their earning power. Also, they
are in good health, so do not have the medical problems and costs
which older citizens face. It makes no sense to include them with
people in the Age 75-85 category, particularly those over 80 whose
lifestyles and problems are entirely different.
Nevertheless, the survey does convey some valuable
information.
Most Angwin seniors live in their own homes.
The survey did not show this, but we know that many are
enjoying rental income from an apartment in their house. Many have
children who are professionals with significant incomes. Many
receive financial retirement checks from organizations they
formerly worked for, as well as social security. In all of these
respects, Angwin seniors are better off than their counterparts in
many other communities.
The survey did show that the monthly income for 91% is more
than $1781. But that was the top choice available to be checked.
In fact, it includes those in the 55-65 year old category who are
still working. It is probable, considering the incomes mentioned
in the previous paragraph, that many enjoy a monthly income of
$4000 or more. In short, there is an affluent segment of seniors
here who can afford to travel as they wish, some in their own
motor homes, and take occasional cruises.
Other than financial independence, many in the survey indicate
they enjoy a lifestyle independence which may be unusual.
1. Only 16% live alone. 84% enjoy the company and help of a
spouse.
2. Only 1/2 of 1% depend on public transportation. 93% drive
their own cars.
3. Only 5% experience minor difficulty in eating, only 4% have
difficulty in bathing, and 7% difficulty in dressing. Many more,
20% experience some difficulty in walking.
4. Only 4% have serious difficulty in managing their financial
affairs.
5. Less than 5% see crime as a problem in their lives. Only 2%
have trouble with legal problems.
6. Only 14% are lonely.
Again, it must be noted that these low percentages are
probably heavily influenced by the inclusion of the Age 55 to 65
people. If these questions were asked of just the residents at the
75-80 category, they would undoubtedly be much higher.
Although the large majority seems to enjoy financial security
and good health, they reported some common problems:
1. Many fear the prospect of their spouse becoming disabled,
and not being able to care for him or her.
2. Many are being hard hit with dramatically higher utility
bills.
3. Many are finding it difficult to find someone to do yard
work and household repairs which they can no longer do themselves.
In our next installment, we will cover the problems faced by
the minority - Angwinites in the Age 75-85 category who live
alone, do not drive, are lonely, and struggling on limited
incomes.
And we will ask: "Does the Angwin community have the resources
and will power to help the minority in these circumstances?"
12 Angwinites Return
from
Costa Rica Mission
Trip
12 Angwinites have returned from a week in Quepos, Costa Rica,
where they participated in the building of a church.
The list includes Dr. Carl and Aileen Bauer,
Paul Volf, Claude and Doris Sterling, Al
and Karen Jensen, Ed Segura, Lena
Escandon, Richard Dena, and Ron Stretter.
Elisa Stevens recruited an additional contingent of seven
relatives from Oregon and Colorado, including Sophia
Stevens and her children, Armand and Adrian, and
Nick and DebbieLeidig and their children,
Brittany and Lacey.
Quepos is located in rain forest terrain, not far from the
ocean. It was hot and humid, but a gorgeous green, Lena
Escandon said. Groups of tiny fist-sized monkeys amused the
Angwinites.
Some of the group mixed concrete and laid block; others sifted
sand, moved block,prepared food and did housekeeping chores.
Everyone worked hard. Claude Sterling did the electrical
work. Ed Segura did the plumbing.
Mrs. Stevens gave health lectures at evening meetings.
Also, she was invited to give a lecture on modern obstetric
practices to nurses at the local hospital and to review and advise
improvements to local practices. The group also donated a variety
of medical supplies to the hospital, a gift which was much
appreciated.
The project was organized by Ron Stretter, who was
chairman of the Board of the national Maranatha organization for
13 years.
Congratulations to Doug
Colton
We just got word that Doug Colton won three blue
ribbons at the Napa County Fair for his artwork. Doug's awards
were for a painting on glass, using a special formula, an acrylic
painting, and the painting of a ceramic statue.
Doug graduated from PUC in 1953, and has lived here for the
past 26 years.
Dirksen Completes New
Ultralight Plane
Mike Dirksen has completed assembling an ultralight kit
and is looking forward to his first flight.
The project took three months and 630 hours in his home shop
on Manzanita Avenue.
Mike's ultralight weighs only 254 pounds. It is powered by a
46 hp. engine, and can stay aloft about 3 hours. In a still
atmosphere, it may travel up to 60 mph.
Mike has been flying ultralights for 6 years. His last craft
was one owned formerly by Sam West, who trained pilots in World
War II. Sam flew the ultralight out of the Angwin, but Mike moved
it a few years ago to Middletown, so that he could see different
terrain from the air.
A big brush fire through that area last year swept over the
airstrip and destroyed Mike's craft.
Years ago, when a teacher at the Howell Mountain Elementary
School, Mike created a model airplane club and kept several Angwin
boys out of trouble with its activities. He loves flying. Several
years ago,
Mike developed a web site for ultralight craft owners, which
became immediately popular.
Congratulations, Mike, on the successful completion of your
new plane! We hope it carries you aloft to many happy journeys.
Angwin Seniors Respond to
Survey
Several hundred Angwin seniors have responded to a
questionnaire about their unique personal needs in this community.
The data has now been compiled. We will report the findings in
two installments on this web site during the next week.
In summary, the survey revealed that most of the seniors in
this community are far more independent, better educated, and more
financially secure than in many other communities. But there is a
minority which is suffering real hardships, and not getting the
help it needs.
The survey findings could benefit these residents by directing
some new government money into Angwin for one purpose or another.
The survey was undertaken by the Napa County Area Agency for
the Aging, a federally created agency to coordinate the funding
and programs of the various national and state groups working on
behalf of the senior population.
Ken Smith is chairman of the Advisory Council. He has
been involved in the group for seven years.
The survey was a total community effort. The Angwin Community
Council sent out a letter urging recipients to report their
various needs. Pacific Union College professor Bruce Bainum
computerized the raw data.
The findings will guide the Napa County group in setting up
programs for Angwin seniors and funding them. This may turn out to
be a wonderful contribution to the well-being of a large segment
of our community. Stay tuned.
Nine Angwinites in Russia
Orphan Trip
Nine Angwinites will fly to Russia next Thursday, part of a
Napa Valley group to be sponsoring a 2-week summer camp for 150
Russian orphans.
The team includes Pam Jones and son Ryan, Tiara Thomas,
Christi Carlton, Jamie Hodgkin, Annabel Torres, Danny Hopgood,
Anthony Escandon, and Lisa Pacini.
The project, known as Children's Hope Chest, is
inter-denominational, headed in Napa Valley by Grace Episcopal.
Funds to expense the Angwin participants have come largely from
local contributors... and some are still needed. For further
info., call Norm Manzer at State Farm in St. Helena.
The Napa Valley group will be sponsoring a variety of
activities for the Russian kids, in a camp east of Moscow. The
list includes arts, music, drama, sports, and family time.
Highlights will be two celebrations - one on a Hawaiian theme and
the other a typical American birthday party.
Willie Escandons Moving to
Tennessee
Willie and Debbie Escandon have moved their family to
Tennessee. Willie came here as a 6-year-old, went through the
schools here, married an Angwin girl, and had four children here,
. . for a residence total of 33 years.
He will be managing a chain called One-Dollar Stores in five
states, from headquarters in Chattanooga.
We will miss this family, so much a part of our community for
so long. The Escandon property on Linda Falls Terrace has been
sold, for a reported $600,000.
Willie's parents - Ralph and Lena - will continue to reside
here.
Ten New Firemen . . .
Angwin Force Grows to 43
Eight Angwin and two Pope Valley young people have been
graduated from the Angwin Volunteer Fire Department training
program and are ready to fight fires.They boost the number of
volunteer firefighters here to 43, a strong force.
The trainees underwent 25 weeks of extensive learning,
including instruction in the nature of fire, building
construction, efficient use of hoses, clothing, and safety
equipment, how to use ladders, and how to protect themselves in
fast-moving brush fires. They participated in a live training
burn, also.
The eight Angwinites are: Ryan Cochrane, Keith Eaton, and Troy
Peterson (all PUC students), Jennifer Fraga, Kelly Schram, and
Richard Webb (a PUC professor), and a brother-sister combo, Erica
and Jonathan Davis (also PUC students). The Pope Valley twosome
are: Mark Amador and Scott Ross.
Capt. Brian Atkins, PUC public safety officer, is responsible
for the Angwin Volunteer Fire Department training program. Other
veteran firemen who gave training sessions are: Lt. Bruce
Schooley, Capt. Bruce Sutterlund, Capt. Bill Cochran, and Sean
Westenrider, all of Angwin; and Capt. Roger Lutz and Chief Rodney
Sterling of the Deer Park Volunteers.
Atkins gives unqualified praise to the newcomers. "These are
top-notch people. With 25 weeks of training, they will be starting
out as good firefighters. With the addition of our continuous
training sessions
almost every week, they will be really, really good."
The Angwin Volunteer department enjoys a reputation as the
best-trained corps in Napa County. They just keep getting better
and better.
A report from the
publisher:
I am out of the krankhaus (sick house) and back at the Cronk
house!
What a joy! To be able to dig my toes into my own scraggly
front lawn, and watch the thermometer outside the window climb to
100 degrees.
My seven days after the heart operation was not a wonderful
experience, but each day was so much better that it put a damper
on the moaning and groaning. I picked up 15 pounds of fluid, but
lost it in three days. Had absolutely no appetite, but can now
face food. And raspberries and waffles was my treat for tonight.
People all say I had a great surgeon (Dr. Huse). He visited me
every morning and evening after the operation, and seemed to know
everything that was going on. Not a backslapper (thank goodness!),
but communicated a great sense of optimism. My cardiologist, Dr.
Wilson White, visited faithfully, too.
Now I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with him
for the long haul.
I can't believe I had two arteries 98% blocked and another
75%. How could I have been doing so many activities so easily and
enjoying them so much? And why no EKG indicators of the problem?
We are going through a spate of Angwin old-timers going into
and out of the St. Helena Hospital this month. Most enjoying the
joys of healing.The whole experience creating new appreciation for
our community hospital, so close and so competent.
That sense of community is reinforced day by day - from the
first arrival of our Ambulance Company guys in the middle of the
night, to the familiar Angwin faces who appear by our bedside to
serve our food, bathe us, and give us pain shots. Some we
recognize from other Angwin activities. Others remind us they went
to elementary school with our Jane or Johnny.