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DearGodThankYouFor
Wednesday September 9, 2009
Jeanne M. Shears
 Jeanne M. Shears, born Jeanne Marie Weber in San Francisco, on August 22, 1919, passed away in Riverside, California, on August 20, 2009, 2 days before her 90th birthday. Jeanne’s grandparents came to the USA from Darmstadt, Germany (Joseph Weber) and Luxembourg (Mary Adams), met and married in Iowa, then in 1864 moved the family of 9 children west to California in 3 covered-wagons driven by her grandfather, her 17 year old aunt, and a ranch hand, settling into a life of farming in Yuba City. Jeanne and her 5 siblings spent their early childhood on the almond farm which her father and mother took over from her grandfather. After moving to Alameda, Jeanne attended St. Joseph’s elementary school and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1937. During her high school years, Jeanne noticed a young fellow helping her older brother push a car up the driveway of their home in Alameda. Introductions were made and on Jan. 1, 1935, she went on her first date with Robert B. Shears, accompanied by her older brother and his date, to see ‘Mutiny On The Bounty’. Jeanne and Robert were married on May 18, 1938, and the couple began a happy marriage that brought them 5 children and lasted 54 years, ending when Mr. Shears passed away in 1992, 2 days before his 74th birthday. Mr. Shears established a career in banking requiring moves from San Carlos to Riverside in 1952, to Santa Barbara in 1959, back to the Bay Area in 1964, and a return to Santa Barbara in 1967. In 1979, Bob and Jeanne moved to the Santa Ynez Valley, where he retired from banking. The couple settled in Solvang. (After Robert’s death, Jeanne moved back to Santa Barbara in 2003 and Riverside in 2004.) Jeanne’s family always came first and she served as den mother, boy scout mom, brownie and girl scout leader with joy and enthusiasm. She helped create a warm, cheerful, and loving home while encouraging her children to explore the world and their own abilities by keeping a generous supply of books, records, art supplies, and a piano at home, with frequent trips to the beach, local parks, and museums. Also an animal lover, there were many family pets throughout the years. No feral cat, dog, raccoon, fox, pigeon, oriole, or hummingbird had to go hungry as long as Jeanne lived nearby. She especially enjoyed the great variety of furry and feathered visitors from along the Santa Ynez River area while living in Solvang in recent years. A self-described ‘People Person’, Mrs. Shears worked as a nurse’s aide when her children on their own and was involved in many charity and community groups such as Newcomers Club, ARC, book clubs, & ladies’ golf groups, frequently using her leadership skills while serving as a president, and when living in Solvang, Jeanne volunteered as a docent at the Elverhoj Danish Museum. Jeanne was very involved with the Braille Institutute while in Santa Barbara, making many friends and taking classes as well as enjoying the talking books in her later years. Jeanne realized early in their marriage that she would see more of her husband if she joined him on the golf course, so she took some lessons from Robert, a few private lessons, and shared his love of the game for 45 years. They were members of the Arrowhead CC, Victoria CC, La Cumbre CC, Orinda CC, and Alisal Ranch at one time or another during their active golfing years. Jeanne hit her first hole-in-1 in August 1956, managing to hit another 5 before the years gradually brought a close to her time on the course. Jeanne shared her deep love of gardening with her husband during their years together, creating quite a lovely yard wherever they lived, with many fruit trees in addition to flowering plants and rich, green lawns. The outdoor efforts were frequently brought inside with fragrant flowers and arrangements often on display, and delicious fruits and vegetables from the garden served up with meals. Mrs. Shears is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert B. Shears, and daughter, Joanne Shears. Survivors include 3 daughters, Barbara Kershaw of Rancho Palos Verdes, Roberta Horvath of Hesperia, Adryen DeLorenzi of Santa Barbara, and a son, Al Shears of Sedona, Arizona, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many treasured close friends. According to her wishes, cremation and burial at sea will take place privately, with no memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society or charities assisting the developmentally-challenged or disabled. | | | |
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Saturday August 15, 2009
I thank goodness that I have adequate health care. All Americans should have it.
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance
reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back
— even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar,
spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama
said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's
disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations
that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”
So let’s start a chain
email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of
information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform
provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8
common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform
now.
Right now, someone you
know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by
what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around
the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there.
For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our
Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:
![Health Insurance Reform Reality Check]()
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage
- Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
- Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care:
Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups
and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and
foot exams for diabetics.
- Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
- Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
- Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
- Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
- Guarantees Insurance Renewal:
Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the
policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be
allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/
8 common myths about health insurance reform
- Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it:
It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health
care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many
forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance
companies.
- We can’t afford reform:
It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust
the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay
for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,
and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big
subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such
steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long
term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a
fiscal crisis.
- Reform would encourage "euthanasia":
It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even
require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with
their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will
help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want
help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
- Vets' health care is safe and sound:
It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access
to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget
significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000
more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system
will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
- Reform will benefit small business - not burden it:
It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To
the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide
tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the
playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees
on average.
- Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform:
It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting
Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term
financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate
waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to
close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more
affordable for seniors.
- You can keep your own insurance:
It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan
or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand
your choices, not eliminate them.
- No, government will not do anything with your bank account:
It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank
accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making
it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you
choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay
by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will
be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up
to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all
other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
- Coverage Denied to Millions:
A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults
– 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly
from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in
fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the
previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became
seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
- Less Care for More Costs:
With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care
coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly
doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the
average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was
$12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job.
Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less
coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
- Roadblocks to Care for Women:
Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health
care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric
care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men
(9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes
and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely
to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back
or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and
frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
- Hard Times in the Heartland:
Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face
challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have
consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and
limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With
the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in
many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already
elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
- Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage:
Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees
of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion
of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance
fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business.
The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68%
to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such
workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through
a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
- The Tragedies are Personal:
Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of
medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly
$300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn
more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
- Diminishing Access to Care:
From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by
employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87
million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 -
were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the
uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
- The Trends are Troubling:
Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated,
putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and
federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need
for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without
health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to
about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
| | Posted by Nanci Ann at 8:51 PM - | |
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Saturday May 30, 2009
My youngest son, 14 years, is in his last year at Open Alternative School. He will graduate and move on to Santa Barbara High School. His last camping trip was to Joshua Tree National Park. The class gathered in the parking lot the morning of May 18. The cars and trucks of the drivers were packed with gear, food, campers, and they left for the desert around 9 AM. It was exciting, as always during the 'lift off' for any new camping adventure. It was a good time to get away from Santa Barbara because the drama of the Jesusita Fire was still fresh in everyone's mind. The fire was not contained yet, either, and the place was hot, dry, and covered with ash. The temperature was expected to be near 100 degrees in the desert which lies close to the San Bernardino County/Riverside County border. While the class was camping, I headed in that direction, too, to visit my elderly mother in Riverside. It certainly was hot! In fact, it was just the way I remember from the first 7 years of my life - when our family lived in Riverside. I am so grateful that the urge and opportunity to move to Santa Barbara materialized simultaneously in 1960! I heard all about the trip upon their return - the heat, the rock-climbing, the snakes, and the fact that no tents were blown over the way they were during the trip to Mono Lake. It seems that a determined rattler intruded upon the campsite more than once. Someone, no word of exactly who, suggested they kill the snake, cook, and eat it! I have never even known anyone who has eaten rattlesnake in my 50+ years of life. My son would not have been anywhere near the top of my list of people who might possibly do this. Did it taste like chicken? It was more like a cross between chicken and turkey, with a consistency of fish. An unfortunate garter snake was also consumed by this intrepid group of campers, so I may be mixing up my snake flavors, and for that I beg your forgiveness. I have heard that Joshua Tree National Park is the location of a vortex, where cosmic currents mix with the earthly gravity and atmosphere. It is reportedly a site of UFO sightings. But I have heard nothing about any sightings from the group. One of the adult chaperones brought along a very large, well-made kite, though, and I was able to see the video of the kite while it was flown. It was a fantastic camping experience for everyone. The teacher of this class, David, who is in his first year with OAS, has proved to be the type of teacher so valued at the school. I can't really think of any teachers I recall from my school years who would covet the opportunity to spend 4 days away from home in the desert with a class of young teens! But this is what makes Open Alternative School so unique and also what leads to the experience of being involved with the school such a highlight of child-rearing years, for parents and students, alike! Oh, I am going to miss that place! | | | |
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Monday November 3, 2008
I'm thankful for my friend, Kyle. He is a very kind, caring person and I've known him for 20 years. He is a veteran of Iraq. He went to great lengths to get this message out:
Vote for Obama-Biden
Bring our troops home from Iraq
This is for you, Kyle. We all love you.
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Saturday October 25, 2008
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