Saturday, January 14, 2012

Happy New Year Everyone!

As most of you may know, Further Shore takes a rest in the deep winter months to reflect on the past year and envision plans for the new one. Reflections of last year include an amazing and successful Bone Dance! Please check out photos on our blog! A big "Thank You" to Jim Torson for service as our event photographer. While you are browsing, visit the home page to watch a short video introducing you to our TLC Client Support Program and Wayne's House. With your generous support we continue to fulfill our mission for these and other TLC Clients.

We are excited to be planning the "Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers Series" from April - November at the Joe Montoya Senior Center. We will kick off the Series on April 18th. We will also add a monthly Support and Discussion Group with a focus on helpful navigational strategies for families in transition. Watch for details about both these programs in February!

We are most grateful to welcome Meg Leander to our team as my co-Koala Bear! "Koala Bear" is our playful name for someone who serves others as a "Quality of Life Advocate". Meg will assist me with Care Planning and Advocacy for our TLC clients. She is also be available to offer Llumination Quest facilitation in the comfort of YOUR home. You may contact her directly to schedule a Llumination session at 928-221-1600. you can learn more about Llumination at http://www.furthershore.org/About/Llumination.aspx. Sessions are offered on a sliding scale and are guaranteed to bring illumined insights and grace to your personal journey. Thank You and Blessings in the wonderful New Year of 2012,

Aleia

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Bone Dance 2011 - Pictures!

Thanks to everyone for making or latest fund raiser, "That's Life -- A Bone Dance" our very best.

Below is the first round of pictures. Thanks to Jim Torson for being on hand to take them.

We'll have more soon.












Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Further Shore Mid Summer News

Thank you, Taverna Greek Grill for generously hosting a fund raiser last week! Thank you, to all who came out to dine and enjoy the fun and food. We raised $200 that will help us to support our TLC Clients, programs at Wayne's House and our Free workshops for Care Givers! OPA!

FREE Senior & Caregiver Discussion Series: On Friday, Aug. 12th, Aleia O’Reilly will be presenting a meaningful and interactive workshop on stress reduction entitled “Nip It in the Bud.” The workshop begins at 9:30 and is FREE and is held at the Joe Montoya Senior Center (formerly the Thorpe Senior Center).

On Wednesday, August 17th join us for Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers Workshop #5 "Create Your Own Fabulous Fast Food." Learn time and energy saving tips so you can create delicious healthy, nutritious, and inexpensive "grab and go" meals! Enjoy sampling the food prepared by Michele Lytle, Personal Chef.The workshop is from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Joe Montoya Senior in the arts and crafts room. FREE to the public.

We are still looking for 8 more Table Captains for the Bone Dance! If you plan to help, please let us know so you can join us for a "Thank You Reception" at a private residence in Flagstaff on Sunday, August 28th from 2-5 p.m. (RSVP's by the 24th please). View the online flyer to find out more.

Friday, July 15, 2011

More Summer News

Join us for Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers Workshop #4 "Identifying Family Based Strength and Healing for Challenges". Your presenter is Meg Leander, Patient Care Specialist for Flagstaff Community Hospice. The program is held on Wednesday, July 20th from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe Montoya Senior & Community Center (formerly the Thorpe Senior Center) 245 Thorpe Road. This workshop is FREE to the public and funded in part by the Arizona & Flagstaff Community Foundations, Flagstaff Medical Center and the Forest Highlands Foundation.

Summer Fund Raiser at Taverna! If you like Greek food and a great atmosphere, come on out to Taverna Greek Grill 2420 S. Woodlands Blvd. (213-9994) any time on Wednesday, August 3rd (Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner until last call). On that day only, Taverna will donate 15% of their total sales to Further Shore! All you have to do is present the Taverna flier (you can download it here) or tell your server that you are there to support Further Shore Programs.

We are on the lookout for 20 Table Captains to help us fill the ballroom at the Radisson Woodlands hotel for "That's Life - A Bone Dance"! This, our 6th Annual Gala will be held from 6-11 p.m. on October 29th. Russell Mann will serve as our Master of Ceremonies with a Live Auction and dance music by Jimmy DeBlois and SPOKES! Table Captains responsibilities include purchasing a ticket and inviting 7 friends to do the same. Table Captains will enjoy a late Summer Garden Party Reception and be honored in the event program. View the online flyer to find out more. Please contact us by August 1st if you want to serve.

TV Raffle - Chuck and VTara Ruscher have organized a Raffle to help raise money for the TLC Client Support Program. The prize is a Sony KDL-46EX720 46" BRAVIA EX720 Series 3D LED Backlit LCD TV that retails for $1750! (Special Thanks to Sears for supporting the cause). Tickets are $20 each; $50 for 3; and $100 for 7. Only 350 tickets will be sold! The Prize Winner will be pulled at the Bone Dance on October 29th and you don't need to be present to win. Contact 928-525-2910 if you would like to purchase tickets or help to sell them. They are going like hotcakes! Thank you, Chuck and VTara! Check out the flyer for more information.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

In Loving Memory


On behalf of the Further Shore board and practitioners, I would like to offer sincere sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Steve Stubenrauch, OMD who passed away on June 10, 2011. His memorial service was held yesterday at Unity of Flagstaff and was attended by so many of his patients, friends, family and colleagues. I want to take time to share with you, who may have known Steve, but not heard the news and for those who knew, but could not attend the service.

Dr. Steve was widely known in our community for his "living out loud" ways, his brilliant mind and wacky sense of humor. He had a stroke 18 months ago and came back to life with rehab, herbs, acupuncture and the loving support of many healers. He liked to say he "got his second chance" to live a little and was grateful to be able to walk, talk, bike, drive, and treat patients again after the stroke. His children, Amy and Tara were flower girls at our wedding in August of 1993. They are now beautiful young ladies. Amy, is 28 and the mother of a 3 year old Scarlett; she is also carrying a baby boy due on July 15th. Both girls were the apples of Steve's eye. Wayne Methios (one of Steve's "two best friends named Wayne") read letters written by Amy and Tara to their dad at the service yesterday. It was clear by their words that they held him in the highest regard as well. Both expressed a wish that he would have remained with us longer than his 54 years. His 55th birthday would be today, Summer Solstice.

Steve loved all kinds of music and especially the Moody Blues. He was known for doing karaoke whenever the opportunity arose and I personally witnessed his bursting into spontaneous songs like "Brown Eyed Girl" (for his daughter, Tara) or "Tuesday Afternoon" (if it happened to be a Friday). He was a world class chess player and often would do benefit chess matches to raise money for nonprofits locally, successfully playing (and winning) as many as 100 boards at a time. He was always laughing, joking and talking a mile a minute. He loved Star Trek and all things science fiction. Just a few weeks ago Steve got to go to the Sci-Fi convention in Phoenix where he heard one of his heroes, Leonard Nimoy, speak.

First and foremost Dr. Steve was a healer. Many of his colleagues were present at the memorial and we were reminded of his tireless effort to bring education, healing and joy to the community through Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and herbal therapies. When Rev. Konrad Kaserer asked how many present had been on the receiving end of Steve's needles almost everyone in the room of well over 100 raised their hands. He was one of the many healers who attended to Wayne Marinelli during his cancer journey, gently providing relief from chemo symptoms and then some very spiritual sessions during Wayne's hospice time. I think he may have called on Wayne recently to do his annual rim to rim Grand Canyon hike. Yes, Steve was determined to do the hike despite his stroke history and when his hiking partner was unable to make it, he made the rim to rim walk on his own.

There is a delicate line between life and death. Steve knew it well and he was not afraid to cross that line. Having survived out of body experiences and the stroke, he talked openly about passing into the next frontier. Music chosen by his family and played yesterday at the service included "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan, "Graceland" by Paul Simon, "Wildest Dreams" by the Moody Blues, "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton and a beautiful Italian version of "Time to Say Goodbye." Last week as he was helping his room mate and friend, Rev. Konrad to carry a very light, but awkward futon frame upstairs in their apartment. He collapsed and left his body in the arms of Konrad (a former Catholic Priest and current Unity Minister). The metaphor of carrying the 'light, but awkward frame upstairs" and "dying in the arms of the angels" was not lost in the deluge of tears and laughter shared during the service. Steve was a one of a kind man with a heart of gold. He will be missed and remembered always.

Happy Birthday, Steve!
With Love and Spaghetti, Aleia and all at Further Shore

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Summer News Briefs from Further Shore

Naturally Caring - TLC for
Care Givers Workshop #3
"Tuning In To Healing Vibrations" features Jennifer Williams, Sound Healer! Wednesday, June 15th from 3-5 p.m. at the Thorpe Senior & Community Center. The workshop is FREE and open to the public. If you are caring for a loved one, or need a little TLC for YOU, please join Jennifer as she teaches how sound, light, scent and love can shift your energy and uplift your being.

Save the Date
That's Life - A Bone Dance 2011 will be held on October 29th from 6-11 p.m. at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff. We are looking for 20 "Table Captains" to help us sail our Fund Raising Ship into success! Russell Mann has agreed to be our Master of Ceremonies for this wonderful seasonal gala. If you are inspired to lead a merry crew of 8 on October 29th. please contact our office by July 1st for details.

Fire Danger
Here in Arizona it is fire season. Be alert and aware; watch for smoke and report it. Have an evacuation plan for yourself and your family members, including companion animals. Place legal documents, medication, cell phone/charger, computer, photographs, and other items you might need where you can quickly collect them, if you are instructed to evacuate. For information about wildfires and control burns visit http://www.azfireinfo.az.gov/

Friday, May 13, 2011

The Spring Further Shore Newsletter

Greetings Further Shore Friends,

Grief is a funny thing. It ebbs and flows. It is complicated. Grieving the loss of a family member takes patience and time. Like everyone else, our family is learning about grief. The winter was hard on our elder canine, Jake. We thought we were going to lose him in March. Well-meaning friends suggested getting a new dog to keep Jake company and we were firm in saying, "no more dogs." Then last week I was driving in Kachina Village and spied a raggedy little black dog dodging cars. She was stinky dirty, scared, starving, with thickly matted ears and underbelly. I stopped the car and got out; she crouched low and came whimpering toward me. I picked her up, anxiously wondering what I would do with this lost little girl. She could certainly NOT come live with us.

Long story short: Her name is Madison, a beloved family member after just one week. Jake is getting a new lease on life and seems more happy, healthy, and calm than he has been since Emerson left us last August. Robert and I are doting new parents. We all know she is not Em; but she is a blessing and a gift to help us mend our grieving hearts. We know that our happiness doesn't rely on what is outside of us, but little Maddy has contributed greatly already to an inner peace; a softer place for grief to teach us. ~ Warmly, Aleia

We thank the Wildflower Bread Company and all of you who participated by coming out for dinner on April 12th! Special Thanks to Meg Leander and Judith Waidelich for planning this great event. Volunteers Rich Garcia, Michele Lytle, John Mead, Grace Marks, Nikki Baldwin, Rick Miller, David Grandon, Frances Riemer, and Penny Cook did a fine job running food and bussing tables that night. Funds Raised support the TLC Client Support Program, proving natural therapies for persons with end of life concerns.

Wednesday, May 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the McGee Auditorium (Flagstaff Medical Center) Further Shore will have presence at "Cancer 101 - Serving Your Clients With Cancer". This is a FREE crash course for the non-medical professional, sponsored by the Arizona Cancer Coalition. Meg Leander will be presenting "Creating Your Wholistic Cancer Team and Understanding Wholistic Modalities". For information Call Gina Harris at 773-2008.

Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers is a FREE Workshop ~ "Bowenwork Self-Care and Music as Medicine" will be offered on Wednesday, May 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Thorpe Senior and Community Center 245 N. Thorpe Road. In this two part workshop you will relax with Bowenwork® and learn useful self-help "moves" for your survival tool box. Then enjoy music practices to promote wellness in yourself and others. The Series is funded in part by the Arizona and Flagstaff Community Foundation, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Questions? Call 928-525-2910. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.Find out more about Further Shore at www.furthershore.org

Wednesday May 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. we will be tabling at the National Senior Health & Fitness Day at the Flagstaff Aquaplex. This annual FREE event features information, activities, tours, and workshops for seniors. This year the event will utilize the full scale gym, indoor walking and running tracks, climbing wall, weight room and swim area. Don't miss it!

Wayne's House is Open for the season. Welcome to Erika Kessenich, Pam Hopkins, David Grandon and Rich Garcia as new Quality of Life Advocate (Koala Bear) volunteers. They were the inaugural group for Bridging the Gap this year. The next open training is June 3rd and 4th.

Like everywhere across the country, Spring is blossoming here in Flagstaff; beautiful flowering trees, daffodils and tulips are bending in the gusty winds. While it is exciting to be a part of the world awakening from its winter sleep, pollen can make Spring really tough for those with allergies. A few natural tips for coping with those itchy eyes and sneezy days:

  • Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water. You might try Recharge, Gatorade or coconut water to replace electrolytes.
  • Avoid wheat and dairy products; they are mucus producing and can increase that stuffy head feeling.

  • A few drops of peppermint and lavender essential oils mixed with water and sprayed on your pillow can help your relax and clear your head.

  • White Tiger Balm can be rubbed onto the back of your neck, under ears and on throat to ease tension and help you to sleep with an easier breath.
Personal note: Aleia will be traveling from Mother's Day until May 17th. Please hold calls and email until her return. If you need information about Further Shore programs, please call Meg Leander at 221-1600.