By ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ | arodriguez@marinij.com | Marin Independent Journal.

John Young and wife Kathleen Moran first experienced the Redwoods retirement community in Mill Valley when visiting a friend 12 years ago.

“We were very impressed,” Young said. The most appealing aspect was the vibrant community, he said.

Today, Young and Moran, both 79, have been residents for 16 months. They’ve been active community members, taking tai chi classes twice a week, contributing to the community garden — including donating a new greenhouse — performing piano concerts for new friends and walking and biking around town.

The couple is among thousands who have made their home at the Redwoods, a nonprofit affordable-living retirement community that is celebrating 50 years. A gala was held in November to mark the occasion. A cake ceremony for the residents is planned Friday afternoon.

Reflecting on the history of the Redwoods, Hunter Moore, chief executive officer of the nonprofit, was reminded of the famous quote by Robert F. Kennedy: “Some men see things as they are and ask, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’”

“The Redwoods was really founded by some fabulous dreamers,” Moore said. “They created an affordable senior living community for Mill Valley so people in their retirement can stay here.”

“The Redwoods today has become more than anything the founders dreamt was possible,” Moore said.

The Redwoods was founded by the Community Church of Mill Valley. It opened its doors to the first nine residents on Dec. 3, 1972.

The Rev. Bill Eichhorn said the church board voted to call him as the congregation’s pastor on Jan. 10, 1971, and the following week voted to establish the nonprofit retirement community.

After receiving a major donation, the group financed the purchase of the 10-acre lot at 40 Camino Alto, across the street from Tamalpais High School and a short walk from Mill Valley Middle School.

“By the end of the 1960s, it was pretty clear that the housing prices in southern Marin were going way beyond the means of the people who lived and worked there,” Eichhorn said. “The church had the vision for this moderate- to low-income living to provide a retirement facility for the people who were being priced out.”

The site started with more than 90 residences. It was expanded in 1974 with another 150 apartments, an auditorium and arts and crafts rooms. It was then that the Redwoods received approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to subsidize rent for up to 60 low-income residents.

The community grew rapidly as younger Mill Valley residents moved their parents and senior family members from the East Coast and Midwest into the Redwoods, Eichhorn said.

Over the years, the property has seen several upgrades, including a major renovation completed in 2017 that included updating independent living suites, and common areas such as the kitchen, auditorium and library. The project included the addition of a health center with exercise equipment, a therapy pool and hot tub.

In 2019, one wing of the skilled nursing center was converted into “the Grove,” which is Marin’s first and only in-patient hospice care facility.

Today, the Redwoods operates with 120 full-time and 60 part-time staffers and more than 50 regular volunteers on an annual budget of $22 million. More than 340 seniors call the center their home.

“The Redwoods has been an obviously much-loved institution in Mill Valley, very much embedded in the community fabric of the community,” said Stephanie Moulton-Peters, a Mill Valley resident and member of the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

Moulton-Peters said she’s had a long relationship with the Redwoods, which started when she was a Cub Scout “den mother” who helped organize the group of scouts to go caroling for the community’s residents. Her husband is a former board member, and her mother-in-law lived at the Redwoods for five years until she died recently.

The Redwoods is also known for its liberal activism, which Moulton-Peters said “is needed and much appreciated.”

An activist group called the Seniors for Peace organized in the early 2000s. The group consists mostly of Redwoods residents and hosts weekly rallies at the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino Alto to take on social issues.

Mill Valley Mayor Jim Wickham said his father was on the City Council that approved the Redwoods project in the 1970s. He said his grandmother and great aunt both lived at the Redwoods.

“It’s a great facility, and integral part of the community,” Wickham said.

The local officials also praised the staff and nonprofit leadership for adapting over the years and jumping hurdles to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking to the future, Moore said the reality is, the nonprofit will eventually need to relocate due to the risk of flooding from rising seas. The property is up against the the Bothin Marsh Preserve on Richardson Bay.

He said recent studies have shown that there’s a possibility of the sea-level rise impact being realized in 20 years, a probability in 40 years and inevitability in 60 years.

The board has started looking at options such as partnering with other organizations and scouting potential moves, Moore said.

“I think we will be here for several more decades,” Moore said. “But we will likely, eventually, not be able to effectively operate from here. I would love to stay in Mill Valley, but our concept is to continue serving the seniors in or in close proximity to southern Marin.”

by mvchamber | Dec 7, 2022 |

Some of Mill Valley’s biggest movers and shakers stepped out on the town in their finest threads last month to celebrate the 50th anniversary gala of The Redwoods, the nonprofit treasure that has provided nondenominational residence and multi-faceted support for seniors for five decades.

The event, held at The Seminary in Strawberry, was a “joyous celebration honoring the founders, community leaders, supporters, residents, families, friends and team members who did so much over the last 50+ years to make The Redwoods the gem it is today,” says The Redwoods CEO and and Mill Valley Chamber President Hunter Moore. “This year’s fundraising focus will be on completing the final portions of the revitalization of the campus, which will modernize the Redwoods to meet the needs of residents for many years to come.”

The gala was preceded by the free “Senior Prom” for the residents of The Redwoods – featuring the crowning of the prom queens – and supported by local students and members of the Mill Valley Rotary. The event, which has been a longstanding tradition at the Redwoods, was put on hold for several years because of the pandemic. But its return brought joy to all, with local high school students joining dozens of seniors for a night of dancing, laughter and fun.

The gala and “Senior Prom” served as the main events, but the celebration continued this month as the Redwoods marked its exact anniversary on Dec. 3. “We had a really fun 50^th Gala to celebrate and it included many Mill Valley Chamber members and local officials,” Moore says.

While the Redwoods’ gala offered a great opportunity to support a critically important Mill Valley institution, it also provides a great chance for some local luminaries to share their fondness for the organization.

“The Redwoods is a huge part of our community.  My grandmother lived there for six years and love The Redwoods.” – Jim Wickham, Mayor of Mill Valley

“The Redwoods is the largest affordable housing development in Mill Valley, so it is a treasure for all of us and an incredibly important resource for our town.” – Urban Carmel, Vice Mayor

“It is a very vital place and extends beyond it’s doors here into the Mill Valley Community.” – Bob Canepa

“What I learned when I joined The Redwoods’ Board is that a considerable amount of the housing is for moderate and low income people.  I think that is a factor that not a lot of people in our community know about.” – Claire McAuliffe, Former Board Chair

“The Redwoods is designed to serve a moderate and low income population in a very high income area and that is hard to do, but they have been doing it well for 50 years.” – Hunter Moore, Chief Executive Officer

For more photos click here.

We all wish for the holiday season to be a time we can relax and celebrate with our family and friends.  For many of us it often, unfortunately, becomes a period of stress and concern.  So we turned to our seniors for some words of wisdom on how to make it a little more enjoyable.  They had the following to offer.

First, take moments out of your days to realize just how fortunate you are to be here in Mill Valley where you are pretty safe and secure.  There is a lot of turmoil in the world today.  For those of us able to be living here, our problems and concerns usually seem minor as compared with people most anywhere else.

Next, try to make the holidays a little easier in regards to gift giving.  Most of us have a lot, and want for little.  So consider getting experiences for those special people in your life.  Businesses in our area are still hurting, so a meal at a new or favorite restaurant, tickets to a show or joining them for a night out, a whale watching tour or a favorite hike, sharing time with them might be the best thing you can offer.

Do not forget your local charities.  Providing a donation in someone else’s name is a great way to honor a loved one and help organization you both care about.  In fact, studies show that people often feel better about themselves when they give to a cause they support, especially if it is one they know something about and/or can see the benefits of directly.  There are innumerable great non-profits doing really good work, many here in Marin, and most now have a very easy way to give.

They suggested giving yourself a break too.  When you are having people over for a meal, visit or stay, everything doesn’t have to be perfect.  In fact, they remind us that some of the most memorable moments occur when something goes wrong – and that almost always happens anyway.

Also, they note that the amount of sunlight is getting less and less with each passing day.  So try to go outside for at least 15 minutes each day to take advantage its many proven benefits.   Second, make the night a little brighter by putting up some holiday lights.  There are very few restrictions on lighting and it’s hard to go overboard, so have some fun with it.

Here is hoping some aspects of the offered wisdom hit home and that you have a truly wonderful holiday season.  Take care until next year!

Watch the video here.

MILL VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) — From the outside looking in, it was a night decades in the making.

On Friday, the Redwoods Senior Living Community in Marin held its annual senior prom.

“I’ve got my shiny clothes on. I don’t have any prom dresses anymore. I don’t even own a skirt anymore,” said Vava Bailey.

The event, which has been a tradition at the retirement community, was put on hold for several years because of the pandemic.

But this fall, it’s back and bigger than ever — with local high school students joining dozens of seniors for a night of dancing, laughter and fun.

“I can just tell you I’m very excited. I would be delighted to dance with a boy from the high school,” said Wendy Oser.

But for many, the evening isn’t just a night to enjoy themselves. It’s also an opportunity to re-live a part of their lives in a whole new way.

Two people that might be the most true for, are Grace Dammann and her partner, Audrey Hazen.

The two met each other several years ago while living at The Redwoods.

“I love, love, love her zest for life,” Dammann said.

During our interview, the pair told ABC7 News about their lives, both as a couple and also as individuals before they knew each other.

They say while they both attended their own high school proms many years ago, they weren’t necessarily experiences they enjoyed — coming to age at a time when being a gay person simply wasn’t accepted.

“One time I was the queen of the prom, and I went by myself. So that was an interesting year, as a senior. I just didn’t want to ask a king,” Hazen said.

That makes this prom all the more special for the couple — a night made even more memorable by being crowned the two prom queens.

Audrey and Grace say they live their lives day by day, uncertain of what the future may hold.

But no matter what comes their way, they tell me they’re grateful to spend the remainder of their time together.

“We don’t have that many dances, so it’s very special,” Hazen said.

You are likely familiar with the question of whether a glass is half full or half empty.  Your opinion often reflects your state of mind and no one could be faulted for having a slightly less than enthusiastic view this year.  We are coming up on Thanksgiving though, so let’s take a clear eyed look and see if we reframe that experience and find gratitude.

There is no denying that these last few years have caused each of us some pause.  There have been serious questions about our government’s ability to resolve complex issues.  Wild weather patterns have become a norm.  We’ve had huge swings in the markets and the economy.  Diversity, equity and inclusion concerns have come to the forefront.  There has been a general uptick in violence, along with a pandemic and the staffing shortages.  So it is easy to justify looking at your glass as half empty.

We noted in last year’s article though, that learning to live with a more positive outlook helps people have healthier relationships and do better both academically and professionally.  Given the challenges noted above, how do we have a positive outlook?  Well, most experts agree that it is a matter of perspective.

That’s one of the advantages of working with seniors.  Our elders are great at seeing the bigger picture because they have lived through so much.  They point out that political leaders and movements change and are often cyclical.  They have lived through other periods of market turbulence and world wars.  They note that pandemics have been a part of our collective history and that human beings are incredibly resilient.

They also point out that science has shown that gratitude can boost both mental and physical health.  That by focusing on an uplifting moment from a recent event, a book, or even just imagining a place that brings you joy, can help you have a much more positive perspective.  They note that engaging in volunteer work, helping others, also helps us feel good about ourselves.  That caring and sharing is a way each of us can cultivate gratitude and it doesn’t cost a dime.

In his later years Mark Desvaux said, “Some people see the glass half full, others see the glass half empty, the enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass.”  We think he must have had a lot of life experience by that point.  So here’s hoping you have a very happy Thanksgiving season and wish that, rather than looking at what you want, you can celebrate all you already possess and find a way to care and share with others.

It’s only October but some people are ready for the holidays now, while most of us are just starting to think about them.  So we talked with some “seasoned” people to find out to make the holidays less stressful.

They suggest starting by filling out your calendar as information on each event rolls in.  If you will host an event, consider sending a “save the date” postcard and setting a date to drop those (or holiday cards) off at the post office, then backtrack to determine when to address them.  Better still, consider sending out e-vites and e-cards.

Get your home ready by starting with bedrooms you don’t use and confirm with guests their length of stay.  Think about what they might need and prepare a basket of toiletries, towels and other necessities.  If decorating everywhere is too much, consider displaying ornaments on the mantle, or calling a seasonal company to decorate inside and/or outside for you.

When possible, cook ahead and freeze (your best bets are side dishes and desserts). Purchase convenience foods like muffins, frozen pizzas and something fun like tacos kits. If your meals will include perishables, buy them four or more days ahead of time to make sure the store isn’t out — and save yourself some holiday panic.

Ask about gifts early and budget for them.  Start with an amount limit for each person including the cost of postage.  Keep a folder with coupons and a list for specific stores and website to simplify shopping.  Also, consider giving experiences this year.

If you plan to visit others, pack early.  If driving, make sure your car’s oil change is current, tires are inflated and you have an emergency kit. If traveling by air, make sure all flight information is shared with your host.  Also, don’t just think about your destination, but consider the places in between that might get a band of snow or ice. Plus, pack your patience, especially this year.

Plan what you will wear so you’ll have the right shoes, items back from the cleaners and, if needed, time to make a purchase to complete an outfit.  Plus, don’t forget the larger family.  Grandchildren might have end-of-season events that you may not have on your calendar.

Lastly, take care of yourself to help ensure you do not get rundown or sick.  Be sure to get plenty of sleep.  The holidays are no fun if you aren’t feeling well and up for them.  We hope this helps and wish you the best!

We are truly living in unprecedented times.  Over the last 100 years life expectancy has nearly doubled.  This is the first time in history that four, and sometimes five, generations are alive at the same time.  This had led to a lot of research about aging and there is some very good news for all of us who are 60 and over.

Chief among common misperceptions is that there is nothing we can do about aging and that old people are not happy.  The truth is that recent studies have shown that there is a lot we can do, through diet and exercise, to slow the effects of aging.  They indicate that “seniors” are happier and healthier than ever before.  They also show that today’s elders are making significant contributions to society and often play an important role in the welfare of children.

There is no disputing that we are all living longer.  One study indicated that in 1940 the risk of a man dying started around age of 59, at about 2.0%, and edged up every year thereafter.  In 2022, however, that same risk is associated with a man aged 68.  For women, the risks started at 65 and are now at age 73.  So the exciting news is that, scientifically, 73 is the new 65!

In terms of one of the biggest fears, losing our memory, there is good news as well.  Incidence of dementia is going down over time.  Recent studies show this to be true, and they show a correlation to education level.  The more you have learned, and continue to learn, the less likely it is that memory loss will affect you.

Perhaps the best news is that aging is not necessarily associated with depression, anxiety, fear or loneliness – even during the pandemic.  This has been particularly true among people who plan ahead and remain an active member of their community.  Community was variously defined as including a retirement center, a neighborhood or a smaller town like ours.

So we encourage you to eat well, exercise, keep learning and find a way to stay active and engaged in our Mill Valley community!

In the fall Review, we shared our efforts to acquire a new emergency generator that will provide a long-term answer to meeting the electrical power needs of our entire campus.  We are delighted to report that the new generator, along with a refillable tank that will hold four days of fuel, has been approved, purchased and is being installed.

“This emergency generator will go a long way in providing security and safety for the moderate and low-income residents we serve, as well as provide a safe haven for residents in the surrounding community, in the event of planned outages during wildfire season and other emergencies,” explained CEO Hunter Moore.

Originally estimated at $500,000, fundraising efforts are underway to raise the balance needed to purchase and install the generator, the cost of which has increased to $1.2 million due to regulatory requirements, supply chain challenges and increased demands for emergency power in our area.  “We’ve been fortunate to have raised a significant portion of the difference to date, but the bulk of the remainder is still to be raised,” reported Christian Mills, Director of Development.  If anyone would like to donate, they should contact Christian Mills, Director of Fund Development, at cmills@theredwoods.org or (415) 383-1600 ext. 267.

Pictured left to right: Rezvan Jorshary, Project Manager, dsk Architects; Geoffrey Massa, COO, Nelson T. Lewis Construction Co.; Lynette Clark, CFO, The Redwoods; Jim Wickham, Vice Mayor of MillValley; J. Hunter Moore, CEO, The Redwoods; Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Marin County Supervisor for Southern Marin; Taylor Kelly, Director of Facilities/ EVS, The Redwoods; Christian Mills, Director of Fund Development, The Redwoods.

It’s February, so let’s dive into the topic of love.  Most of us are familiar with the Corinthians passage about love enduring all things, but you may not be as familiar with English author, playwright and 1932 Nobel Prize winner, John Galsworthy’s best known quote, “Love has no age, no limit; and no death.”  That may have been a noble thought in 1930s England, but does it have relevance for those of us living in Mill Valley today.   We believe it does and we don’t have to look far for some examples.

Last month’s edition featured The Redwoods, a place where there are examples of true, lasting and limitless love on display every day.  Sometimes it is in a couple’s shared look or their clasped hands.  It permeates through the tender touches between grandparent, parent, child and grandchild.  It is often seen between a care provider and a resident, as well as the shared smiles with school children, interactions with supportive volunteers, connections with precious pets and the gentle, nurturing efforts with flowers, fruits and vegetables in the public and private gardens.

The residents love to share their passions as well.  Whether on the street corner protesting, through sharing in a class or support group, or a quiet moment with someone who needs a little TLC.  It is particularly nice to see when love blossoms amongst and between seniors, a not infrequent occurrence.  Some residents find new and unexpected loves in their 80s and 90s, well after they thought that part of their lives was over.  A few share pictures and stories from their youth of intense and fleeting love while others find solace in memories of a love that had a slower burn but lasted decades.  No matter what the time or type they describe, they all share their stories with a sparkle that defies age and a joy that seems limitless.

As with anywhere, there is loss as well.  Seasons come and go, so do cherished ones.  The residents often talk about loved ones they have lost as if they are still very much with them.  Through their stories it is clear that the deep love shared between two individuals – regardless of age, sexual orientation, cultural or religious backgrounds and interests – their love endures.  It truly has no end, no death even if the other person is gone.  It is celebrated and sustaining.

Now, after nearly two years of a pandemic, we could all use more love.  So whether you are enjoying it with a special partner, envisioning it with a potential soul mate or reminiscing about a love long gone, here’s hoping you can learn from our senior neighbors and let yourself fall deeply into it, embrace it and enjoy that fact that love truly has no age, no limit and no death.