Ronald Barker, a 73-year-old widower, enrolled in the PACE program after declining health led his family to encourage a move closer to them in California. At PACE, Ronald received medical care, therapy, and social support. He met Maria Chavarria there and they began a relationship. With help from PACE staff, they married, finding new life and love in their senior years. The PACE program aims to help seniors healthily age in place through comprehensive coordinated care.

1. When Ronald Barker, 73, showed up at St. Paul’s
PACE day center in Chula Vista for the first time,
falling in love was the last thing on his mind. “Devastated”
by the death of his wife a couple of years before, he could
barely eat and had become very frail. “I thought, ‘I am
no longer of any importance, there’s
nothing left for me.’”
Concerned about the decline of
Ronald’s physical and mental health,
his sister and daughter explored op-
tions to help him. After discovering
St. Paul’s PACE, the two encouraged
Ronald to move from South Carolina
back to California to be closer to his
sister and so that he could enroll. He
agreed, attracted to the concept of a
coordinated system of care.
St. Paul’s PACE, a comprehensive
program for low-income adults ages
55 and older who have chronic medi-
cal conditions, addresses medical
care, home care, nutrition, and social needs. Mental
health treatment, physical therapy, dental, vision, and
hearing services are also provided. PACE helps seniors
to continue living safely at home so that they do not have
to relocate to a skilled nursing facility. The program has
two day centers that provide social and recreational op-
portunities and serve as the central hub for many medical
and support services. For participants receiving Medi-
Cal or a combination of Medicare and Medi-Cal with no
February 2016
On PACE for a New Life
(Continued on next page)
share of cost, all PACE services are free.
Upon arriving at PACE, Ronald was so weak he could
barely walk with a cane. While checking in during his
first visit, he lost his balance and fell backward. A staff
member caught him just in time. Ronald spent the next
eight months in a wheelchair
while he completed physical
therapy and regained his strength.
During this time he also worked
to address the depression he was
experiencing. He found that trips
to the day center were enjoyable.
While waiting for appointments,
he could chat with others in the
recreation room. Little did he
know, someone had her eye on
him and was eager to meet up.
Maria Chavarria, 65, was born
in Mexico but moved to San
Diego in her 20’s. She spent her
career in childcare and working
with immigrant children and families in an elementary
school. After losing her mother to cancer, Maria found
herself lonely and in need of support in managing her
medical concerns. She too landed at PACE and quickly
began making friends.
Ronald and Maria began getting to know one another
and soon became a couple. As the months went by,
Ronald found himself more and more in love. He saved
By Ellen Schmeding
Director, Aging & Independence Services
The Barkers at their Wedding

2. (Continued from page one) ‘Don’t Get Hooked’ Scam Event
Supervisor Dianne Jacob will lead a free “Don’t Get
Hooked” scam-prevention seminar from 9-11 a.m.,
Thursday, Feb. 11, at the CollegeAvenue Baptist Church,
4747 College Ave., San Diego 92115. There will be pre-
sentationsbyexperts,includinglawenforcementandfraud
watchdogs, as well as scam victims. Breakfast included.
To register, call (844) 899-1597 and leave your name
and phone number or go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/
DontGtHooked. The deadline to register is Feb. 7.
Driver’s License Written Test Help
Drivers over the age of 70 are required to take the writ-
ten test to renew their license. Join the San Diego
County Library System for help in preparing for the exam.
Workshops aimed at both first-time drivers and those
looking to renew their license will be held at the Lakeside
and Fletcher Hills libraries in English, and the San Marcos
branch in Spanish. Videos and practice sample tests will
be included. Registration is not required. For class dates
and times, visit: http://www.countynewscenter.com/news/
libraries-license-drive or call: (858) 694-2415.
Free Smoke Alarms
Didyouknowthatadultsage65andolderaretwotimes
more likely to die in a home fire than any other seg-
ment of the population? Smoke alarms are a critical part of
a home fire escape plan. Having a working smoke alarm
in your home cuts your chances of dying in a house fire by
50%. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each
separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
Installation of free smoke alarms is available for seniors
62 and older and low-income families. To make an ap-
pointment, call the Burn Institute at 858-541-2277, ext.
18, or smokealarm@burninstitute.org.
Financial Wellness Seminars
San Diego County Library is partnering with San Diego
County Credit Union to offer free weekly instruction
and counseling in personal finance. Financial Wellness
Wednesdays classes will be held at participating library
branches on Wednesdays from January to March. Topics
include Building a Better Budget, Rebuilding After a
Financial Crisis, Understanding Credit Reports. For the
list of classes and locations, visit: http://www.sdcl.org/
financial-wellness.html.
his money and purchased an engagement ring from a
local WalMart, with which he proposed to Maria. “I
told her, ‘I’ll be good to you and love you for the rest
of our lives.’”
Maria, who had never been married before, was
shocked, but ecstatic. “My mother always told me that
sooner or later I would find somebody. I didn’t believe
her. I had been sent an angel at 64 years old.”
Knowing that Ronald and Maria had few resources to
put toward a wedding, the staff at St. Paul’s stepped in
to create a special day. They gave Maria a wedding dress
and provided flowers for the ceremony held at St. Paul’s.
Ronald and Maria were overwhelmed by the kindness of
staff. “It is an incredible place. The hospitality is awe-
some,” Ronald says. “The wedding is something we’ll
never forget.” Ronald continues, “I would have died if
I didn’t go back to California.” The happy couple is ex-
cited to celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together as
husband and wife and now, with the help of PACE and
Maria, Ronald feels very much alive.
To qualify for PACE services, individuals must be 55
or older, reside in the service area of San Diego Central,
East, or South Counties, and be able to live at home
safely with the help of the PACE program. In addition,
prospective participants must complete a phone assess-
ment with a St. Paul’s PACE registered nurse who will
verify that they require a nursing home level of care.
Participants must use PACE physicians, all of whom are
geriatric specialists. For more information on PACE,
visit www.stpaulspace.org or call (619) 271-7100.
Study Seeks Spousal Caregivers
The UCSD Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for
a study focusing on older adults who are caring for
a spouse with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia.
Participants must be 55 or older and caring for a spouse
or long-term partner in their home. Researchers have
established that caregivers often face a heavy psycho-
logical and health burden.
This study investigates a counseling intervention to see
if it assists caregivers in coping with the challenges of
their role. Study visits are all conducted in the home.
Participants receive free counseling and lab results from
health evaluations. If you are interested in participating,
or have questions, call the study coordinator at: (858)
534-9479.

3. Honoring
ers (those who work primarily for financial reasons); Life
Balancers (those who work to maintain social connec-
tions in addition to earning income); Driven Achievers
(those who are very satisfied with work and may own
a business); and Caring Contributors (those retirees, in-
cluding volunteers, who give back to their communities
or worthwhile causes and are highly satisfied with their
work). RSVP and SVA volunteers know how satisfying
and meaningful serving the community can be. Whether
you have an hour a week to spare or 20, if you are look-
ing for a way to feel “highly satisfied,” call the volunteer
office (858) 505-6399 to find a volunteer activity that’s
right for you.
Reflections from 2015
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln
As assistant program manager for the SVA/RSVP
programs for the past year, I have had the pleasure of
meeting volunteers who bring so much life and passion
to their roles. The past year has changed my view on
aging as I have witnessed the benefits firsthand of vol-
unteering. RSVPhas over 70 volunteer sites throughout
the county, serving law enforcement, health services,
the natural environment, and more. I have particularly
enjoyed celebrating volunteers at recognition events and
volunteer-of-the-month presentations. Our volunteers
range in age from 50 to 98, and each one brings his or
her own unique set of strengths to the organizations they
serve. They are active, engaged, and happy individu-
als. Many have formed strong bonds with their fellow
volunteers and have developed a “second family.” They
support the research findings that people who volunteer
learn new skills, increase their social network, experience
less depression, enjoy a longer life span, and practice
successful aging. Volunteers feed their passions and
enrich their lives all while providing invaluable sevice
to their communities. I look forward to continuing to
serve you in 2016
-Armida Martinez, Assistant Program Manager
RSVP: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Volunteer of the Month
The RSVP volunteer of
the month, Faith Green,
was nominated by Chequita
Falls, Manager of Meals-on-
Wheels, Greater San Diego,
Inc., South County Service
Center. Faith is involved
in meal delivery, customer
service, special events and
health fairs. Meeting new
people is one of her strengths
and she puts it to good use by
volunteering for the Meals-
on-Wheels membership program, an eat-in or take-out
meal service offered by the Norman Park Senior Center.
Faith also delivers meals once a month and is an active
member of the South County Volunteer Advisory Com-
mittee. In addition, Faith is responsible for recruiting
new volunteers and donors. She is a classy lady with an
infectious smile and a personality to match. The CEO
of Meals-On-Wheels enjoys Faith’s energetic personal-
ity and invites her to volunteer for fundraising events
in the community, such as the Meals-on-Wheels Gala.
Recently, Faith attended theAARPFraudWatch Network
training in Pasadena. She will now be able to teach oth-
ers about fraud prevention. This dedicated woman also
serves on the AARP Action Network.
Faith admits that she is hardly ever home because when
she is not volunteering, she attends yoga classes, exer-
cises, or swims. Her warm spirit, huge smile, and energy
are a gift to the community. She has a deep passion for
Meals-on-Wheels which is evident in her many roles.
Congratulations Faith, and thank you for your service!
Are You a ‘Caring Contributor’?
Arecent study by Merrill Lynch andAge Wave, “Work
in Retirement, Myths and Motivations,” identified four
types of working retirees (including volunteers serving
20 or more hours per week).These include: Earnest Earn-
SVA: Senior Volunteers in Action
Faith Green

4. Community Feedback Forums
Do you want to help shape the future of older adult
services? What does an age-friendly community
look like to you? Join Aging & Independence Services
for interactive public feedback and discussion forums.
Light refreshments will be served.
Monday, Feb. 22, 1-2:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Adult
Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 91942.
Friday, Feb. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Senior
Center, 111 Richmar Ave., San Marcos 92069.
Monday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the 4th
District Senior Resource Center, 570 S. 65th St., San
Diego 92114.
For more information, contact Sarah “Sally” Jackson:
sarah.jackson@sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 495-5525.
Love Your Heart Screenings Feb. 11
Do you know your numbers? On February 11, the
County of San Diego and its partners will be offering
free blood pressure screenings at sites throughout the
County. For locations, visit: loveyourheartsd.org.
Sign Up for ‘Healthier Living’ Classes
The County coordinates interactive and goal-oriented
“Healthier Living” workshops to help people with
chronic conditions better manage their health.Workshops
are held once a week for six weeks.
Feb. 10 – March 16 (Wednesdays) from 12-2:30 p.m.
at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps
Lake Dr., San Diego 92131
Feb. 22 – March 28 (Mondays) from 12:30-3 p.m. at
the College Avenue Senior Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San
Diego 92120.
To register, call (858) 495-5500 ext. 3. Leave a mes-
sage, your call will be returned.
Join the Feeling Fit Club
The AIS Health Promotion Unit coordinates programs
that have been shown to improve health and wellbe-
ing. One of the most popular is Feeling Fit. These free
classes are held in nearly three dozen locations across
the county. Each class includes four core components:
strength (upper body, lower body, and core), balance,
aerobic endurance, and flexibility. All moves can be
performed from a seated or standing position.
A new Feeling Fit class site is up and running in the
South Bay: Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main Street in
Chula Vista, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m.
Starting February 4, Feeling Fit classes will also be
held at the César E. Chávez Campus, 1901 Main Street,
San Diego, CA 92113, Tuesdays and Thursdays from
1-2:30 p.m.
Visit our website for class schedules: www.Healthier-
LivingSD.org, or call: (858) 495-5500, ext. 3.
‘Lunch & Learn’ Caregiver Webinars
Aseries of live streaming seminars about caring for
loved ones is offered free by the San Diego Caregiver
Coalition at noon on selected Fridays. Each interactive
seminar lasts half an hour. All you need to participate is
Internet access and email:
Feb. 5: “Care for the Caregiver: Practical Tools to
Manage Work/Life Balance” with Lydia Lombardi,
LCSW. Easy tools for coping and stress management.
Feb. 12: “Healing Through the Arts” with Colleen
Moss, Ph.D., CSU San Marcos. How art heals.
Feb. 19: “Three Centenarians-The Last Nuns Stand-
ing” with Caroline Boaz, MSN, RN, Sharp Chula Vista
Medical Center. Find out what the landmark ‘Nun Study’
has to teach about Alzheimer’s disease. Includes inter-
views with the surviving School Sisters of Notre Dame.
To register, visit www.caregivercoalitionsd.org, or for
questions, email martin.dare@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Resource Event for Kinship Families
Are you raising a grandchild or young relative? Join
us from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19 at
Meridian Baptist Church, 660 S. 3rd St., El Cajon 92019,
for a resource fair tailored to your needs. Connect with
legalexperts,publicbenefitsprograms,supportgroupsand
build a strong network with neighboring families. Lunch
and childcare are included with pre-registration.
To register for this free event, call 2-1-1 or visit
www.211sandiego.org/GRG-RegistrationER2016
Aging Summit 2016: Save the Date
Our next Aging Summit conference will be held
Wednesday, June 15. This year’s theme is “Build-
ing an Age-Friendly Community.” The free event will
be held at two locations: the Town & Country Conven-
tion Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego 92108;
and at the California Center for theArts, Escondido, 340
N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 92025.
More details about Aging Summit 2016 will be
shared in future Aging & Independence bulletins.

5. Feb. 4, Thursday
1 to 3 p.m.
Anew volunteer training for the OA-
SIS CATCH Healthy Habits program
will be held at the Escondido Senior
Center, 210 Park Ave., Escondido
92025. Teach kids the importance
of exericse and proper nutrition. To
register, contact Becky at bhofseth@
oasisnet.org or (760) 877-7588.
Feb. 9, Tuesday
1 to 2 p.m.
A “Risk Factors and Warning Signs
of Heart Failure” class will be held at
the Peninsula Family YMCA, 4390
Valeta St., San Diego 92107. Learn
how to manage heart difficulties at
home. Registration required. Call
(800) 827-4277 or register online at
www.sharp.com.
Feb. 11, Thursday
9 to 11 a.m.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob will lead
a “Don’t Get Hooked” scam semi-
nar at the College Avenue Baptist
Church, 4747 College Ave., San
Diego 92115. Includes speakers and
breakfast. RSVP at (844) 899-1597
and leave name, phone number or
go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/
DontGtHooked.
Send In Your Items
Thismonthlycalendarwelcomesyour
contributions. Just send items by the
10th of each month preceding the is-
suedateto:DeniseG.Nelesen,editor,
Aging & Independence Services, PO
Box 23217, San Diego, CA 92193-
3217. Or you can e-mail to: denise.
nelesen@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Feb. 16, Tuesday
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“Don’t Get Scammed” event will be
held at the Park Avenue Community
Center (Escondido Senior Center),
210 Park Ave., Escondido 92025.
Speakers will share tips to help care-
givers promote the financial and legal
safety of loved ones. Light refresh-
ments. RSVP to Southern Caregiver
Resource Center (858) 268-4432 or
www.caregivercenter.org.
Feb. 17, Wednesday
12 to 1 p.m.
Chair yoga for individuals with lim-
ited mobility will be held at Scripps
Encinitas Rehabilitation Center, 354
Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas. To register
or for additional information, call:
(760) 633-6709.
Feb. 24, Wednesday
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Receive free assistance with advance
health care planning to make your
medical care wishes known. Spon-
sored by the San Diego Coalition for
End of Life Care at the Pacific Beach-
Taylor Public Library, 4275 Cass St.,
San Diego 92109. Register by Feb.
22 at sdcoalition@yahoo.com or by
calling (858) 635-1224.
Feb. 25, Thursday
12:45 p.m.
“Fascinating Facts About Our Presi-
dents” seminar will be hosted by
Richard Lederer, wordsmith, author,
and radio personality at the College
Ave. Center, 6299 Capri Dr., San
Diego 92120. For more information,
call: (858) 637-3270.
Feb. 25, Thursday
1:30 to 3 p.m.
“Google: It’s More than a Search
Bar” class will be held at the Law-
rence Family Jewish Community
Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla
92037. Price: $10. To RSVP, call:
(858) 362-1141 by Feb 18.
Feb. 27, Saturday
12 to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month at
the free 3rd Annual Spring Valley
Library Karamu. Live entertainment,
speakers, art, children’s activities,
and more. Located at 836 Kempton
St., Spring Valley, 91977. For more
information, call Charlotte King-
Mills: (619) 436-3006.
March 11, Friday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Operation Family Caregiver,” a free
educational conference for military
& veteran family caregivers, will be
held at the North Inland Live Well
Center, 649 West Mission Ave., Es-
condido, 92025. Lunch provided. To
RSVP, call Southern Caregiver Re-
source Center at (858) 268-4432.
Advisory Council
The AIS Advisory Council will
meet at noon Monday, Feb. 8, at
AIS, 5560 Overland Ave., Third
Floor, San Diego 92123. These
meetings are open to the public.
CA Senior Legislature
The San Diego CSL meets at 10
a.m. on the second Monday of the
month at AIS.

6. WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW
WHERE TO TURN,
TURN TO US.
Ellen Schmeding
Helen Robbins-Meyer
Dave Roberts, District 3