NEWSLETTER
August 2024
Page 1
Members, friends and supporters of the Village showed up in force to support our July Chipotle fundraiser where diners turned burritos and guacamole into donations! Pictured: Village member dinner group sharing a meal (left) and Benicia Mayor Steve Young (right).
Issue Highlights
Meet Our Villagers: Jon Van Landschoot
Linda Chandler
Note from the Desk:
Jane Keene, Board President
Hi Everyone, Hope you all survived the sweltering embrace of July! I have been diligently tending the garden—watering those plants like a true horticultural hero. I found this month’s Speaker Series on habitat gardening very informative and has me thinking about a native garden! Kudos to Greg and Pat Plant for a well-attended potluck; a delightful mix of flavors and camaraderie. The Matter of Balance class was well attended and appreciated. This class helps with confidence, forward planning and it’s also fun and good exercise! The next fall prevention course will begin in September at the Vallejo Library. Register on the Carquinez Village events calendar. We hope to see you at our next local fundraiser at the Elvia Ritas Cantina Takeover on Wednesday, August 14th for either lunch or dinner. Hope you are all managing to stay cool and hydrated!
Welcome
Kay Moon
Kay moved to Benicia in March of this year and is enjoying getting to know the town. Previously, she and her husband lived and raised their family in Los Altos. After he retired, they relocated to Castro Valley to be closer to their son's family. Following the passing of her husband, Kay spent a year in Rossmoor but found it wasn't the right fit for her. Now, she is excited to join the Village, looking forward to receiving support from our volunteers and connecting with the local community. You may have already met Kay at the July potluck or the Reiko Tsuchido concert in Napa. We hope that the Village will be the fit Kay hopes to find in her new community!
Teddy & Bob Tuttle
Teddy and Bob’s relationship is a true romantic tale. They first met in the 7th grade at school in Hanford, CA, becoming high school sweethearts. After high school, they went to different colleges, married other people, and raised their families. In 1989, their paths crossed again in Nevada City, and they married within a year. In 2022, they moved to Benicia to escape the wildfires. Teddy discovered the coffee group at Raley’s, and they both decided to join. Since then, they have attended the Over 80s group and the Mare Island walking group, and they are also interested in volunteering. We’re so glad the Tuttles happened upon our Tuesday Cafe group. Welcome, Tuttles!
Remembering Garry “Jim” Scoggin
Carquinez Village member, Jim Scoggin, sadly passed away on the 9th of July. Jim was born in 1936 in Julesburg, Colorado. During WWII, his family moved frequently before settling in Richland, Washington. There, Jim adopted his lifelong nickname and thrived under the mentorship of art teacher James McGrath. He became editor of his nationally recognized high school yearbook. Encouraged by McGrath, Jim attended Harvard, earning degrees in Art History and Architecture. He then moved to San Francisco to work with Howard Friedman before joining UC Berkeley’s architecture faculty, where he met his future wife, Cynthia. Jim taught at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London, traveling extensively across Europe and Asia. Returning to the U.S., he joined SERA Architects in Portland, later moving back to San Francisco to work at Esherick, Homsey, Dodge, and Davis (EHDD). He led major projects like modernizing Stanford's historic buildings. Jim and Cynthia founded Ripley Scoggin Partners, completing projects like the Redwood City Library and Hart Hall at UC Davis. They raised twin boys in San Francisco. Retiring to Napa in 2000, Jim served on the planning commission and Napa County Landmarks. He is survived by Cynthia, sons Brendan and Gabriel, and grandchildren Maverick and Camille. Jim’s legacy as an architect, educator, and loving family man will be cherished forever.
Meet Our Villagers: Jon Van Landschoot
Carquinez Village member Jon Van Landschoot has had quite the journey, and he's eager to share it with you — along with a tour of Benicia’s State Capitol. Jon spends his weekends as a State Park aide at the Capitol building on West G Street. Born in Montreal, Canada, with a rich French and Indigenous Canadian (Chippewa) heritage, Jon earned a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1968. His life took an adventurous turn when he hitchhiked to California, feeling a spark upon arriving in San Francisco. After starting at a law firm near Union Square, Jon grew disenchanted with trivial legal disputes and volunteered as a Chinatown Legal Aide, finding fulfillment in helping those in need. A turning point came when he volunteered to teach about government with a friend
I loved it!” he recalls. Inspired, he left law to pursue teaching, earning a credential and a position in Fairfield. Jon fell in love with teaching middle school students, imparting knowledge of government, United States, and California history for 32 years. Along the way he married Donelle, like him a former attorney who also wanted to teach. She taught at Benicia High and passed away 6 years ago. Their daughter, Anastasia, is a TV and film screenwriter who bought the old Camellia Tea Room and turned it into a gift shop. In retirement, Jon enjoys his part-time role as a Park Aide, especially guiding school visits. He cherishes Carquinez Village and its events. He is always happy to recommend his favorite State Park destinations. “My favorite parks are the Jack London Park in Glen Ellen, Sugarloaf Ridge in Kenwood, and General Vallejo's house off the Sonoma Square in Sonoma.” Jon's enthusiasm for history, teaching, and community shines brightly!
Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Chandler
Our August Spotlight is on Carquinez Village Board Member and Outreach Coordinator, Linda Chandler. Linda has been a dedicated member and volunteer of Carquinez Village for over 7 years. Her motivation for volunteering is simple yet profound: to meet the unmet needs around her. "I can still drive; I can still get out and meet people; I can offer friendship; I can find resources that might be needed," Linda shares. She embodies the spirit of paying it forward, believing that small acts of kindness, like opening a door or offering a smile, can bring joy and purpose to both giver and receiver.
Linda loves being around people and treasures the opportunities Carquinez Village provides to share in the joys and challenges of the community. Having lived in Benicia for 48 years, since her children were
in preschool and elementary school, Linda has seen the town grow and change. "This was a safe and welcoming nest for raising my family and now my grandchildren. It is still my nest," she says. Linda enjoys gardening, writing, traveling, and creating connections among people and organizations. One memorable potluck showcased the unique experiences of Village members, with stories ranging from escaping North Korea to surviving Hitler’s planes in London. "Where else could one spend such an afternoon with such fascinating people?" Linda marvels. Linda Chandler's dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm enrich Carquinez Village, making our community a brighter place.
July Speaker Series: Habitat Gardening with Twila Newey
The July monthly Speaker Series welcomed Ms. Twila Newey, an advocate of habitat gardening utilizing California native plants. Her presentation and guide offer best practices, resources and recommendations.
View and download Twila’s slide presentation by clicking: Habitat Gardening in Benicia Presentation
View and download Twila’s guide and plant recommendations here: Habitat Gardening Guide & Links
Special Speaker Series: Preventing Cyber Crimes with Josh Dean
Carquinez Village member tech support volunteer and cyber security expert, Josh Dean, held a free and public updated version of his presentation ‘Cybersecurity in Everyday Life’. Keep an eye out for an upcoming member only virtual event where Josh will answer all of your cybersecurity and tech related questions!
View and download Josh’s slide presentation by clicking: Preventing Cyber Crimes Presentation
Carquinez Village hosts a Speaker Series on the third Thursday of every month, 10:30am-11:30am
at the Benicia Public Library, 150 E L St. These informative events are FREE and open to the public.
Check our event calendar for details. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for announcements.
FUNDRAISER!
FUNDRAISER!
Fundraiser for Carquinez Village
Dine at Elvia Ritas for lunch or dinner, tell your server you are supporting our fundraiser, and 20% of your purchase will be donated to Carquinez Village!
DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
TIME: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm or Dinner 5pm-8pm
WHERE: Elvia Ritas Cantina (725 First Street, Benicia)
CLICK HERE for all the details!
Join us in wishing
Village members
Pat & Greg Plant
a very happy
Anniversary
August Happenings
August Happenings
8/1 - Village Gardeners Group, 12pm
8/6 - Member Grief Support Group, 10am
8/6 - Trader Joe’s Shopping Group, 12pm
8/7 - Carquinez Village Board Meeting, 1pm
8/9 - Walking Group: SF Ferry Trip, 10:45am
8/14 - Elvia Ritas Cantina Fundraiser, Lunch & Dinner
8/14 - Monthly Member Picnic, 12pm
8/14 - Board Game Night, 6:30pm
8/15 - Speaker: Nutrition for Healthy Aging, 10:30am
8/20 - Village Singers Group, 4pm
8/21 - WEBINAR: Avoid Unnecessary Conservatorships
8/22 - Fieldtrip: Sharpsteen Museum, 11:30am
8/24 - Monthly Member Potluck, 5:30pm
8/28 - Men’s Group, 12pm (time may change!)
9/3 - REGISTER NOW: Fall Prevention, Vallejo Library
For a full list of events, check our EVENT CALENDAR.
Knitting Group
Knitting Group
Several Villagers have expressed an interest in starting a Knitting Group. All skill levels would be welcome! The day and time has yet to be decided, however, if you are interested in participating, please contact CV member Christine Dunn,
(707) 372-1436 or cdunn1949@yahoo.com
news & links
news & links
General Information
(707) 297-2472
Service Request
(707) 741-1656
What number do I call?
Healthy Aging with Villages Report
Help Wanted!
Help Wanted!
Would you like to help support older adults in our community? Visit our volunteer page for details.
We are currently seeking volunteers for:
Volunteer Drivers needed!
Provide a safe ride for an older adult to a medical appointment or trip to the grocery store.
Email volunteer@carquinezvillage.org or call the general information line (707) 297-2472
FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Unused tub transfer bench and sealed packages of soft cloth surgical tape. Photos available. Contact CV member Lea Stone
by phone (510) 684-4309 or email leastone.mail@gmail.com
HELP WANTED: P/T CAREGIVER
Seeking a certified IHSS (In Home Support Services) caregiver for senior gentleman (CV member) in Vallejo. Approx 16 hrs p/wk. Call Charlene for more info (707) 631-8808 or email cmgping8@sbcglobal.net
HELP WANTED: HANDYMAN
Looking for occasional help with small household tasks around CV member’s Vallejo condo. Contact Jennifer Austin,
text message is preferred (415) 819-1474, email jenniferaustin3@gmail.com
Want to place an ad in the classifieds?
CLASSIFIEDS
meet the village
Tuesday Café
Every Tuesday @ 10am
Raley’s Café, Benicia
Southampton Shopping Center
*Open to the public*
Join us for a casual chat over coffee and learn all about Carquinez Village. Click here for details!
View 2023 Annual Report
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For an archive of our newsletters, click here.
For news related questions: editor@carquinezvillage.org
Carquinez Village is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization made possible by our generous donors and partners. Our mission is to build a community that provides social connection, personal support services and lifelong learning opportunities to older adults living in Benicia and Vallejo.
We are proud and active members of
Village Movement California and Village to Village Network.
For more information, call (707) 297-2472 or
email info@carquinezvillage.org.
