Monday Morning Memo - 12.15.2025
Wider Horizons Events and Information
Naomi Shiff (photo attached) died peacefully on the day of her choosing, Monday, December 8. Her daughter Aviva and granddaughter, Karen, were with her. Her son Jonathan would have been there, save for breaking his shoulder in the Detroit airport as he was on his way. Aviva said of her mother: She lived a long and fulfilling life, and in the end made the deliberate choice to use medical assistance in dying—a decision that reflected her lifelong independence and determination to remain in control of her own story. We are deeply grateful that she is no longer suffering. Here is a link to Naomi’s obituary: Obituary - Naomi Shiff.pdf.
Thursday morning’s All-Member Zoom is happening as usual this Thursday, December 18 at 9:30 am. Sue Lerner will send out the link and questions on Wednesday.
Storytelling, led by Debbie Ward, is this Thursday, December 18, at 4 pm. Tune in to Zoom at this address: https://tinyurl.com/yktvw399 and hear the following storytellers: Carla McLean: Toxic Fumes; Fletch Waller: What I Carve, How I Carve, Why I Carve; Hadiyah Carlyle: Torch in the Dark; and Katarina Kleinmann: A Most Cherished Holiday Memory and Memories of a Czech Christmas
This Friday, December 19, Debbie Ward is hosting an open potluck lunch from 11 am – 1 pm, followed by Scrabble. Come for either or both and let Debbie know if you plan to come: debbieward222@gmail.com or call or text to 415-686-0941. And if you do decide to come, please don’t wear fragrance in respect of member Victoria Bestock who has a virulent allergic reaction to any artificial fragrance (in lotion, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, etc.).
Join the Arboretum Walk, Sunday, December 21, led by Richard Zerbe. Meet at 9 am at the Arboretum’s Graham Visitors Center.
Only one or two spots are still available for an exciting opportunity that begins January 8th: Join a small group of people who are seeking to explore “Next Steps” for themselves. In this four-session workshop, facilitated by Debbie Ward, you’ll assess your current health, housing, finances, legal documents, social network, and meaningful contributions. Each person will create action plans in their chosen areas with the support of their peers. Starting Thursday, January 8th from 1-3 pm you will meet every other week. With so few spots available, please be in touch directly with Debbie debbieward222@gmail.com for more information.
Sharing
From Lynda Betts and Denise Lishner: January 22, 6 pm Town Hall, Your Legacy of Love: Planning with Intention | Town Hall Seattle – Many of us are facing end-of-life planning challenges. This presentation should help.
Shared by Micki Lippe, an article on the benefits of exercise: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/optimizing-health-through-exercise/
Judging by our members’ experiences, we can’t have too much information about falls. Here is a link to a good Power Point on the subject: Falls DOH_Steps Toward a Healthy and Independent Life1.pptx