Fellow SAMM Members,

I have decided to communicate directly through our email group.

I have checked with Pamela Matthews, who has checked with the
management at Trilogy, of Shea Homes (http://www.sheahomes.com/) , who
is hosting the four inline skating events we have talked about. The
Sacramento Amateur Movie Makers will be welcome to film these events
and others.

Pamela Matthews has conceived and largely organized these events, with
considerable help from Joel Reger, Director of Resort Operations. She
is 61 years old and an avid inline skater.

I explained to her the SAMM might want to interview people before,
during, and after these events to provide a longitudinal study with
great human interest. She did some research and came up with this
name and phone number, which she recommends:
Kathy Nelson 707-374-6226.

After I asked, she also volunteered her name and phone number:
Pam Matthews 707-374-3275.

For the bigger picture, she gave me:
Mary Peinado 707-374-1065.

Mary is in charge of communications, and she works near Joel Reger,
Director of Resort Operations.

Shea Homes has helped pioneer and finance these events, not the home
owners. Trilogy, a division of Shea homes would appreciate due
recognition for its efforts.

Below are some materials form Pam:

To All,

First let me thank you again for your willingness to participate in
our Inline Skating event at Trilogy Rio Vista. At this point we are
confident of at least 60 attendees, with more folks telling us every
day that they will be coming. Each of you has had an opportunity to
communicate with Joel Reger, Director of Resort Operations. All
agreements are handled by him. SheaHomes has been extremely
supportive of this effort.

Please find attached the program and information that I have prepared
for those who are attending. Please send me your feedback ASAP
especially on the benefits and tips. This is based on the information
that Dave sent me revised to address the needs and interests of
skaters between the ages of 55 and 75, and the questions that I have
received. I have also included what Liz Miller says in her Q&A about
"too old to skate" on her website. I am sending this also to Liz for
her permission. Recall she was my instructor.

We have skaters already in the community who will be attending. We
also have those excited about learning and then there are those who
are tentative because of age related concerns and fear. Some are
coming to see Phil and Bernie and watch the rest of us who dare! Joel
and I skate regularly in the community promoting the event.

After introductions (I will use Bernie and Phil's bio shared or on
their websites) the program begins with a presentation from Bernie and
Phil. Bernie and Phil; just let me know what equipment you will need
if you will be using a powerpoint presentation, videos or other
visuals. Then we will have a Q&A that will include Dave from
Rollerblade and the rep from Black Diamond Sports. All four of you
will be seated up front to take questions. Timing is flexible but our
goal is get folks outside so they watch Bernie and Phil and give it a
try themselves. All I ask is that you all are consistent in what you say!

We are arranging for two lesson demonstrations; beginners with Bernie
and experienced skaters with Phil. Of course there is flexibility here
because we are not sure at this time how many will participate and how
many will watch. Phil and Bernie, feel free to advise and plan
instruction accordingly. We don't expect to give full lessons as they
have been scheduled (see handout). This is just to give folks a real
taste of what to expect, important starter and safety tips and
instruction, then time to purchase what they need to get started.
Black Diamond and Rollerblade agreed to provide loaners and I have
right now about 10 who have sent in their shoe sizes. We are still
getting the word out about the availability of loaners. This was an
afterthought. Keep in mind others already have skates.

It is critical that we are prepared to gear up folks who now want to
get started. Some may want to upgrade what they have. The number of
sales is dependent on the excitement and motivation you four generate!
We'll bring out the folks but you are the experts! Keep in mind this
is an active adult community and we are promoting fitness and fun.

Needless to say there will be those who should not try inline skating
because of health reasons. I have stressed safety and careful
consideration without discouraging anyone. I feel after they hear from
you, the experts, they can decide. Bernie and Phil have been asked
not only because of recommendations and their success, but also
because of their ages. After attending fitness meetings here,
community members made it clear they wanted presenters and instructors
their age!

I had a 70 year old call me irate asking me if the article was
serious! "We are too old for this!" he said. I calmly responded that
we are serious and that there are 55-65 year olds here too and may
want to give it a try. He ended the conversation saying, "Fine, I
will pull my skates off the shelf, practice in my garage, and come on
the 19th." I can't really tell you what all to expect other than to
say Trilogy Rio Vista is a friendly community with a wide range of
activities and a diverse population as you can see from the Trilogy
Tribune that I sent you.

Please let me know how I can improve the attached so I can get it to
the printer. Thanks again! Sorry if this email was long!

Pam

Attachment from Pam:

Inline Skating for Fitness and Fun
Sponsored by Shea
August 19, 2006  4 PM  Vista Ballroom

I. Welcome – Joel Reger, Director of Resort Operations
II. Introduction of Presenters – Pamela Matthews, Community Member

Bernie Scoville
IISA Certified Level I Instructor
Phil Lenihan
IISA Certified Level III Instructor

III. Presentation and Q &A
IV. Announcements – Joel Reger
V. Lesson Demonstrations by Phil and Bernie in Vista Parking Lot

FUTURE EVENTS
TWO SEQUENTIAL 2-HOUR LESSONS FOR beginners: The first will be held
on September 9th at 2 PM in front of the Vista Clubhouse. The second
will be announced. You must sign up for each lesson and bring your own
skates and protective gear. See page 3 about purchasing skates and
gear at a discount.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SKATE FOR ALL LEVELS (Beginning 8/23) - Meet in
front of the Vista Clubhouse at 6 PM.
SATURDAY MORNING SKATING FOR ALL LEVELS (Beginning 8/26) - Meet in
front of the Vista Clubhouse at 9:30 AM.
Helmets, wrist guards, knees and elbow pads are required for all
events. The lessons for beginners are strongly recommended for those
new to skating before you join the Wednesday and Saturday skate. You
must be able to stop.

THINGS TO CONSIDER TO DECIDE IF INLINE SKATING IS FOR YOU
Liz Miller, author and IISA Certified Inline Skating Level II
Instructor, offers the following.
(For more information go to http://www.getrolling.com )
You will have more chance for success if:
You have past balance experience. Ice or roller skating translate
wonderfully to inline skating (many other activities help too, and it
doesn't matter how long ago or how well you did them).
You are steady on your feet and have decent balance standing on just
one foot.
You can get up off the floor by yourself without help from furniture
or another person.
If you do have brittle bones or have not been exercising regularly
for a few years, the impact of a fall is more likely to lead to injury."
SKATING TIPS TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE
Always wear a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads when inline
skating. Wearing protective gear will greatly decrease the chances of
injury and will give you more confidence.
The best way to start inline skating is to take a lesson with an
instructor.
Learn a few important skating skills on grass or carpet to get used
to the feel of your inline skates before you step onto the pavement.
Walk around with both toes pointed slightly outward -- that is how
you'll push off once you're rolling on the pavement.
Practice balancing on one foot at a time. The better your balance
becomes, the easier stopping and striding will be for you.
Bend your knees as much as possible. Keeping a low stance increases
overall balance and the length of your stride, thereby improving the
efficiency of your skating technique and your control. Your weight
should be balanced on the balls of your feet. Avoid standing up
straight with your knees locked or balancing your weight on their heels.
Avoid hills and declines when you're starting out. You can build up
speed on even a slight decline. Find a flat surface that's free of
debris or cracks, such as an empty parking lot, tennis court or
basketball court to hone braking skills. When you're ready to try
inclines, start on a gentle grade.
Stick to dry pavement. Skating in water is dangerous! Sand can
damage bearings and hurt skate performance.
Always skate on your right and pass on your left. When passing
walkers, runners, bikers or other skaters, announce your intentions by
saying, "passing on your left." Always yield to pedestrians and obey
traffic laws.

Wrapping up:

First event:
Time: August 19, Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Place: Trilogy at Rio Vista, Vista Ballroom

With over 60 attendees, this promises to be a significant inline
skating event. Although participation in this event is restricted to
Trilogy residents, I expect it will pave the way for active senior
living centers all over the world.

Please help promote and cover this great health and skating event.

Bernie – 916-447-8288
Bernard E. Scoville
http://www.samm.netfirms.com/


Mission Statement:
I enjoy myself. I pursue health, wealth, organization, and happiness.
I improve things. I honestly communicate.
Main Websites:
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http://www.samm.netfirms.com/