Vivalon Connection September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 vivalon.org

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

No matter what happens, we want to help you prepare!

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3 Big Reasons People Don’t Prepare

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Disaster Preparedness Resources

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Caregiver Emergency Planning Support

Laurence Suter-Gunn

VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

BY

Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org ANNE GREY, VIVALON

Jennifer Golbus

Emergency Preparedness

Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

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Development Director info@whistlestop.org

Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org

Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com Production kara@metroactive.com

Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

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WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018

Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018

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e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 Whistlestop Express Editors yea Members of Vivalon At the beginning of this an update on the fun we 916.751.9189 staff serve on the year, Vivalon participated are having at our current home, long an john.bowman58@gmail.com committee coordinating in a pilot project with location on page 9. If you the disaster response effort County of Marin, Health haven’t joined since us yet, we’d our youn WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE Laurie Vermont Volunteer Manager in Marin County as a and Human Services and love to see you!

Safety 930 Tamalpais Avenue volunteer@whistlestop.org away, is simply San Rafael, CA 94901 need affordable and a bittersweet goodbye participating partner in Dominican University of housing, protocols apply. www.whistlestop.org journey, leavingCalifornia. the house Nursing that there is a shortfall of Marin Voluntary Organizastudent Main office open M-F 9am-5pm for two people. we called home the past hundreds of assisted living I encourage each of Front Desk – 415.456.9062 tions Active in Disaster volunteers called older BOARD OF DIRECTORS 28 years. It’s also been and memory care units to Transportation – 415.454.0902 you to use the rooms resource we didn (VOAD). This effortgreat involves adults fun to explore our in our Vivalon meet the 2030 demand.

Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 President Dennis Ryan, information in this issue on many of Marin’s nonprofit Meals new neighborhood near on Wheels Oneand small part of the Help Desk – 415.459.6700 of the yard tha Beth Reizman, Vice President Emergency Preparedness resource@whistlestop.org and community-based downtown San Rafael.

Nourish programs housingand solution in Marin To receive the Express by email own plan.

I can’tand help but wonder Tom Bonomi, Treasurer is to support, fund, andto develop your organizations and local conducted a survey about saw, and decad sign up at whistlestop.org. For how much harder it would streamline the process Fabia Butler, Secretary County government emergency planning and annual subscription mailed to your be to do this if we were toThe create more accessory home, send $10 to Whistlestop. seemed to repr agencies. Vivalon staff preparedness. results Sharon Jackson Yours in good health, in our 70s or 80s? What dwelling units. The new units members also serve on the were used to can inform future WHISTLESTOP STAFF Robert Sonnenberg options are there for older we weren’t wat be for a caregiver, a family Anne Grey Marin County Food County plans for reaching Joe O’Hehir people in Marin as their member or the homeowner, Cynthia Wuthmann Yvonne Roberts of all, we had a Distribution Committee, this vulnerable population. lifestyles change?

Will who can then rent out the there be enough resources overseen by the head of I am proud tomain be part house.of In San Rafael, s we enter fire By Linda Jackson, Program deserved to be people who want to PACIFIC SUN STAFF Laurence Suter-Gunn the that number of new accessory Anne Grey, CEO social services andforthe an organization takes Director, Aging Action season and start grow older in their home units doubled last its role in the dwelling planning new, happy fam thinking once Initiative head of VOAD. This Advertising and community?Danielle For those McCoy, year, and the city is on track Jennifer Golbus participation facilitated seriously. again about potential facing dementiaprocess or declining to double that again. We need dmccoy@pacificsun.com e decided to involvement in The challeng Vivalon’s Speaking of planning, health, will they have what evacuations and planned to do this across Marin! downsize this John and Val Bowman Marianne Misz, Great Plates meal they delivery you’ll be happy toAdvertising knowAction Initiative need for safety, care blackouts, Vivalon is a The Aging would we mov year. Our family and companionship? and County grocery that the planning for our about San mmisz@pacificsun.com is enthusiastic proponent of thoughtful home, long an empty nest The question for Marin AgingRafael We wanted a s City Council’s recent delivery programs during Healthy Campus is planning in addressingsince theour youngest ones flew Laurie Vermont Kara Production is: what percentage of Brown, support of assisted living in the shelter-in-place continuing. You’ll find an away, is simply too large concerns of Marin’s older residents is going to choose in a neighborh kara@metroactive.com downtown.

This new housing for two people.

There were directive. update 10 and adults. to stay in San Rafael as on page BOARD OF DIRECTORS approval portends well rooms we didn’t go into, parts Publisher they grow older?Rosemary According Olson, we can walk a Dennis Ryan, for Whistlestop’s proposed of the yard that we never Beth Reizman, to a national survey by rolson@pacificsun.com affordable older adult Tom Bonomi, saw, and decades of stuff that to restaurants AARP in 2012, about 90% of Fabia Butler, housing project in downtown seemed to reproduce when Sharon Jackson older adults intend to stay San Rafael. We are excited Robert Sonnenberg we weren’t watching. Most the movies. Af in their own homes for the OUR MISSION to see new housing options Cynthia Wuthmann of all, we had a home that next 5 to 10 years. for older people in Marin, searching, we deserved to be full with a PACIFIC SUN STAFF People working with Whistlestop believes share a KEY CONTACT INFORMATION especially we in places where new, happy family.

Danielle McCoy, older adults are aware of can VIVALON walkall to services may be the ve responsibility they to ensure Marin The challenge was: Where HEALTHY AGING CENTER TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIONS the issuesSERVICES facing people as and shops and be part of the Marianne Misz, we move to in Marin?

930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael,would CA 94901 Kate Fitzsimmons, Vivalon Connections Editor CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. community.

Monday–Friday 9:00am-5:00pm 415-472-1499 | kf@fitz-com.com We wanted a smaller place Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 be housing for others who Kara Brown, with dignity, independence and grace.

Aging Action Initiative is Website: Vivalon.org | Email: info@Vivalon.org Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 in a neighborhood where want to downsize?

Will there No doubt ab a networkjgolbus@vivalon.org of more than 130 Cancel a Paratransit Ridehousing | 415-457-4630 Rosemary we can walk about, close GuestOlson, Services Reception | 415-456-9062 x100 be enough for the organizations, including to restaurants, shops, and MEMBERSHIP Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 people who work in Marin process of dow PACIFIC STAFF Whistlestop, that SUN addresses Discounts on lunch in the Jackson Café and on all the movies.

After months of Resource Office | 415-459-6700 – those who are caregivers, OUR MISSION Rosemary Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com community issues Olson, through classes, programs, eventsmanagers, and room rentals. searching, we found what healthcare and daunting. It to Whistlestop believes we share a Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com JACKSON CAFÉ the lens of aging.

It focuses may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin LIKE US Membership is $20/year.

Call 415-456-9062 for details. homecare experts?

What Monday–Friday | 11:30AM to 2 :00PM on findingTO ways to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age unit in Marin.

ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: of sorting, a m about low-incomeon people who Facebook with dignity, independence and grace. community, and MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES No doubt about it, theOUR MISSION Daniellehaving McCoy, Advertising | danielle@pacificsun.com need affordable housing, economic security, a place to Vivalon Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176process of downsizing isVivalon believes of millennials, we share a responsibility or people who need extra to ensure all call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) Marin residents have anassisted opportunity to age with dignity, daunting. It took months care, like living or LIKE US 415-473-4636 for older adults. boxes to give a independence and grace. of sorting, a moving crew memory care? The recent on Facebook of millennials, and many report, Older Adult Housing For information, check out donate things LIKE US on Facebook! boxes to give away andWant to receive Connections at home? in Marin: Planning for Send $10 to Vivalon for an annual delivered print subscription, www.agingactioninitiative.org facebook.com/VivalonMarin donate things we don’t or sign up at2030, that 7,000 at support@ Cover Art By: Missy Reynolds need anymore Vivalon.org for a free email version. or contact Sami 2 2estimated of today’s older residents agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been , CEO

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CEO

By Linda Jack Director, Agin Initiative

3 Big Reasons People Don’t Prepare for Disasters BY KATE FITZSIMMONS #1 Everything Will Be Okay In psychology, this concept is referred to as the normalcy bias and is very common. Of course, we don’t want to think the worst will happen when considering the possibility of wildfires, earthquakes and massive power outages. But thinking everything will be okay is like closing our eyes, sticking our fingers in our ears, and singing La, La, La at the top of our lungs. Ignoring or diminishing the threat in our minds won’t make it go away.

#2 If I Make a Plan, I’ll Be Putting Energy into it Happening

#3 I’ll Be Saved by Government Preparations

Putting on a raincoat won’t make it rain. Refusing to plan is a form of procrastination based on the fear of facing a harsh reality. Procrastination won’t put off the inevitable or diminish the probable. Making a plan can save lives and reduce risk.

While it is true that federal, state, county and Marin’s 11 municipalities are all working on disaster preparedness plans, we can’t expect them to do everything. Think of the terrible examples nationwide, and in this state, of how people perished in disasters because government actions failed as an adequate response to natural disasters and manmade emergencies.

Get started on creating a plan. Jody Timms, Ph.D., offers practical advice as a longtime proponent of planning and preparation.

Her work for the County of Marin included contributing to the establishment of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and conducting trainings.

She also serves on the Commission on Aging.

“Neighborhood Response Groups (NRGs) are one very effective way to connect with your neighbors and prepare for an emergency,” Timms said. “Neighborhoods are divided into areas with block captains. They gather information from residents who want to opt in. This is a step beyond FireWise, in that they are not only gathering emails.”

The NRGs program provides plan guidelines.

Information is gathered on things like, how many people live in a home, do any have mobility needs, what is the contact phone, email, transportation options, special medical needs? The preparation is especially designed for shelter in place situations, as in earthquakes and power outages.

Timms added, “The model of the NRG network is coordinating all over Marin. But, no one has a master list of who needs help, or all the people with disabilities. We want to encourage older adults to prepare a plan. Long before the first responders arrive, neighbor to neighbor will be the lifeline for emergency help.”

You’ll find disaster preparedness resources, including on NRGs, in this issue on page 4.

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VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

So, what is the answer?

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Disaster Preparedness Resources

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nowing where to turn to develop an emergency plan is a great place to start. You may want to choose a friend or relative as an accountability partner, so the two of you can go through the planning steps together.

Ready Marin

www.readymarin.org info@readymarin.org Everything you do to get ready today puts you one step closer to readiness.

American Red Cross

www.redcross.org COVID-19 continues to pose a serious public health risk, but hazards like wildfires and hurricanes still happen.

Knowing what hazards can affect your community and learning what to do before, during, and after each one will help you stay safe, and strengthen your ability to adapt, so that you can recover quickly.

FIRESafe Marin

www.firesafemarin.org/prepare-yourself 415-570-4376 ​​info@ firesafemarin.org (email is preferred) Dedicated to reducing fire hazards, promoting fire safety awareness, and helping residents prepare for wildfires.

Nixle www.nixle.com

This is a notification service that can send text alerts to your cell phone, keeping you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments & schools. Text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in, or fill out the form at local.nixle.com/register.

Pacific Gas and Electric www.pge.com/en_US/

safety/safety.page 24-hour Power Outage Information Center-1-800-743-5002 Explore the sections to learn about gas and electricity safety, what PG&E is doing to keep different energy systems safe and more. PG&E promises to help residents stay informed and thereby increase their ability to plan for rolling blackouts if they are going to happen. Their Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) enables customers greater access to battery storage through a financial rebate. If you smell natural gas, see downed power lines, or suspect another emergency situation, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Then, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

HOSPICE BY THE BAY IS NOW

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

Marin Center for Independent Living

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www.marincil.org/powered-prepared 415-459-6245 is a dedicated program by Marin Center for Independent Living uniting a coalition of community service providers to ensure the readiness and safety of older adults and people with disabilities in the event of emergencies. Vivalon is a Powered & Prepared Partner and as such, Vivalon staff are trained to help Vivalon members create Personal Preparedness Plans and access P&P resources. Vivalon staff can also help create an emergency go-bag for members. Through this partnership, Vivalon also helps to identify and support eligible individuals to apply for the Medical Baseline Program for people who depend on power for medical and independent living needs.

Neighborhood Response Groups (NRGs)

www.readymarin.org/ready-neighborhoods coordinator@nrgmarin.org In the event of a major disaster, it may be your neighbors who are your first responders. Learn how to organize and share information now.

SKILLED HOME HEALTH | PALLIATIVE CARE | HOSPICE

Our care teams can help you safely: • Recover from surgery • Manage chronic illness • Cope with end-of-life transitions

Stay home. Let us bring quality medical care to you.

Call us today.

(415) 927.2273 | www.bythebayhealth.org

Pull out this section as your monthly reference guide to classes, workshops & activities

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES ● Vivalon Classes & Activities ● Partner Classes & Activities

MONDAYS

10:00AM–11:00AM BINGO ● (Vivalon)

10:30AM–1:00PM Manicures with Christy (By appointment only) ● (Vivalon) 11:00AM–12:00PM Tea & Trivia ● (Vivalon) 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) 11:00AM–12:00PM Chair Yoga with Rayner ● (Age-Friendly Center) 1:00PM–4:00PM Mahjongg with Assistance with Leslie ● (Age-Friendly) 9:00AM–10:00AM Yoga with Weights with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) 10:00AM–10:45AM Zumba ● (Vivalon)

10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) 11:00AM-12:00PM Ukulele – Beginner ● (Vivalon)

12:30PM–1:30PM Ukulele – Intermediate ● (Vivalon)

1:00PM–2:00PM Chair Exercises with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) 9:30AM–12:30PM 10:00AM-12:00PM 10:30AM–12:30PM 11:00AM–12:00PM 11:30AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–12:00PM 12:00PM–2:00PM 1:00PM–2:00PM

FRIDAYS

9:30AM–11:30AM 12:00PM–2:00PM 1:00PM–2:00PM 1:30PM–2:30PM

TUESDAYS

CLASS

WEDNESDAYS

TIME

THURSDAYS

Mahjongg with Gillian ● (Vivalon) Massage by Rabel ● (Vivalon) Stretching with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) Senior Zumba Gold ● (YMCA)

Picnic at Paradise Beach (September 29) ● (Vivalon) Vitality@Vivalon ● (Vivalon) Acrylics ● (Age-Friendly Center) Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) Oktoberfest Celebration (September 30) ● (Vivalon) Hula ● (Vivalon) Massage by Rabel ● (Vivalon) Chair Yoga with Weights with Jane ● (Vivalon & Age-Friendly Center)

10:00AM–10:45AM Zumba ● (Vivalon) 2:00PM–4:00PM Ping Pong ● (Vivalon) 3:00PM–4:00PM Yoga ● (Vivalon)

INFO

FEE

In Person FREE $ In Person 1/min Zoom / Phone FREE Zoom FREE Zoom / Phone/ FREE In Person In Person FREE In Person FREE Zoom / Phone FREE Zoom / Phone FREE In Person FREE

SEPT

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For more information In the SPOTLIGHT regarding the following announcements, please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

New! Tea & Trivia Tuesdays at 11:00am Join us for Tea & Trivia on Tuesdays. Trivia is a fun and excellent exercise to test your brain and learn interesting facts and information. Afterwards, join us for lunch at the Jackson Café!

Cognitive Screenings at Vivalon September 16 & 23 Zoom / Phone FREE Book an appointment today!

Zoom / Phone/ FREE Early detection is key! Book In Person an appointment with our Zoom / Phone FREE Occupational Intern Specialist Zoom / Phone/ FREE (MoCA certified) who will In Person walk you through a Cognitive Zoom / Phone/ FREE Screening tool to use as an In Person example baseline assessment Zoom / Phone FREE when speaking with your primary care physician.

In Person FREE

In Person Zoom / Phone Zoom / Phone In Person Zoom / Phone In Person Zoom / Phone / In Person

FREE FREE FREE $ 10 FREE $ 1/min FREE

Zoom / Phone In Person Zoom / Phone

FREE FREE FREE

In-person classes held at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901 For more information regarding the classes and activities above, please see descriptions on pages 6-8.

FIRESafe Marin Presentation September 23, 11:00am Join us for an emergency preparedness presentation by FIRESafe Marin. Be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. Call 415-456-9062 for more details.

To maximize safety, all members, guests, and staff & volunteers who engage directly with guests must be fully vaccinated.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

HAPPENINGS@VIVALON

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Please visit Vivalon.org/classes or call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 for information on Vivalon how to register for the following CLASSES Classes & Activities. & ACTIVITIES Hybrid classes are classes offered both in person and through Zoom or phone.

At this time, guests attending in person must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination on first entry. Masks are also required.

Bingo (Hybrid) Tuesdays 10:00am–11:00am Join Penny Markrack every Tuesday at 10:00am for Bingo!

You can join in person or via phone or Zoom. Registration is required. There will be at least three rounds played with a gift sent to any remote winners.

Chair Yoga with Weights with Jane (Hybrid) Thursdays | 1:00pm–2:00pm Yoga while seated with the benefits of weight training.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

Guitar–Beginner (Hybrid) Mondays, 11:00am–11:30am Interested in learning how to play guitar? If so, you’ve already taken the primary step in starting your musical journey. Learning guitar can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you get started off on the right foot with the basic skills and techniques in a slow-paced and supportive learning environment.

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Hula (Remote) Thursdays 11:30am–12:00pm Practice the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula (Auana), with Charlotte Kobayashi. With its gentle rhythm and relaxing nature, Hula allows for all to participate. Occasionally, this class may extend beyond the 30 minutes as needed.

Manicures with Christy (In Person) Tuesdays | 10:30am–1:00pm Our beloved Christy has returned to provide manicures for free. By appointment only.

Mahjongg with Gillian (In Person) Mondays | 9:30am–11:30am A popular tile-based game requiring attention control, alertness and information processing.

Mahjongg with Assistance with Leslie (In Person) Tuesdays | 1:00pm–4:00pm Leslie Friedman, Mahj Maven, will assist you!

Ping Pong (In Person) Fridays 2:00–4:00pm Join us on Fridays for Ping Pong fun! We welcome back our exuberant instructor Vivian to host Ping Pong at Vivalon! Instruction is provided, and all levels are welcome. We hope to see our regulars as well as new faces who are eager to learn this fun and active sport.

Talking Tech 4 Seniors Tuesdays starting September 14 (times vary) | Check vivalon.org for dates and topics Talking Tech 4 Seniors has returned for the Fall! “I wish I knew how to work my smartphone better.” “What can I do with the photos I’ve taken with my phone?” Sound familiar? During the Talking Tech 4 Seniors classes, you’ll learn tips and tricks to use a computer and mobile device to access the internet to better connect to the world. Join all classes from the start or join just the classes you need.

Ukulele–Beginner (Hybrid) Wednesdays 11:00am–12:00pm Each student will realize that they can be a ukulele player. This course serves as an introduction to the instrument and will provide students with access to making music on the ukulele. Focus points will be strumming, rhythms and reading chords in a group setting.

Ukulele–Intermediate (Hybrid) Wednesdays 12:30pm–1:30pm This course serves as an intermediate level for students who are familiar with the ukulele beyond the beginner and will further provide students with access to making music on the ukulele.

Whistlesizers (Remote) Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am–12:00pm Activate your muscles with tips and exercise routines in this sit and be fit class, specifically created for the aging body. Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker for Elizabeth’s Whistlesizers class.

Yoga (Remote) Fridays 3:00pm–4:00pm Namaste! Time to re-center and replenish your energy with Kelly! Stretch, meditate, and join the virtual class from the comfort of your living room.

Zumba Wednesdays (Hybrid) & Fridays (Remote) 10:00am–10:45am Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Now also on Fridays! Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Funding for these programs, at least in part, is made available by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services.

Food & Water ◻

Water (minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for 5 days), chlorine bleach, and eye dropper

◻ Canned fruits, vegetables, stew, meat ◻ Dried fruits ◻ Dry cereal

Health & Safety

Pets

◻ First Aid kit and manual

◻ Leashes, crate, food

bucket with lid, toilet paper

◻ Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above)

◻ Cat litter and plastic garbage bags

◻ Diapers ◻ Disinfectant

Eating & Cooking

◻ Feminine hygiene supplies

◻ Hand Sanitizer, disinfecting wipes ◻ Soap, detergent, shampoo

◻ Manual can opener

◻ Medications ◻ Heavy work gloves

◻ Alternate cooking source and fuel

◻ Sturdy shoes

Sanitation

◻ Space blanket or sleeping bag

◻ Portable toilet or

◻ Goggles or safety glasses ◻ Scissors

◻ Shovel

◻ Nutritional bars

◻ Wrench (shut-off valves)

◻ Powdered milk ◻ Bottled soft drinks ◻ Baby food and food for others on special diets

For more information, and for an evacuation backpack checklist, visit www.readymarin.org and ready.gov/kit

◻ Hearing aid batteries

◻ Canned tuna

◻ Fruit or vegetable juices

◻ Twist ties

◻ Tent or other camping equipment

Tools

◻ Peanut butter

◻ Paper towels

◻ Toothbrush, toothpaste

◻ Crackers (low sodium)

◻ Canned nuts (unsalted)

◻ Paper/plastic plates, cups, utensils

BEST SENIOR SERVICES

◻ 1/2” rope (20 ft.) ◻ Duct tape ◻ Broom ◻ Axe ◻ Flashlight and extra batteries ◻ Portable radio and extra batteries

FOR VOTING FOR US! MARIN’S HUB FOR HEALTHY AGING

◻ Fire extinguisher

415-456-9062 | vivalon.org

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

Being prepared means having your own survival supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of having to shelter in place during an emergency.

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

✁

Be Prepared. Build A Kit.

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Caring Connections Vivalon is proud to partner with LITA (Love Is the Answer) to offer Caring SOCIAL PROGRAMS Connections, matching volunteers with homebound older adults for weekly social visits. Meetings normally take place in the home, but during the pandemic, the visits are taking place by phone or through doors and windows with proper physical distancing and face coverings. If you would like to participate in Caring Connections, contact Erika Vaughn at 415-456-9062 x176.

Vivalon

Social Call

Now more than ever, we know the importance of having meaningful relationships in our lives. Social Call thoughtfully matches volunteers and older adult participants based on shared interests or values, for weekly phone or video visits. Social Call in Marin County is a partnership between Covia and Vivalon. To join Social Call please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

A Time for Renewal A Time for Renewal Come Join Us Come Join Us

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Save The Date!

Picnic at Paradise Beach Sept 22 9:20am–12:30 Cost: Free Let’s picnic! Come enjoy the beautiful sunshine (where there is lots of shade) and picnic at the park at Paradise Beach! A naturalist will give a small presentation on the local beauty that nature has to offer. The cost is free and transportation from Vivalon and lunch are provided. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, please contact Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Jackson Café is Open!

Come by the Jackson Café Monday through Friday 11:30am – 2:00pm for a delicious meal made by local favorite Chef Stacy Scott. Made-to-order meals are available, too. $6 for Vivalon members, $ 10 for guests.

Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™ Independent & Assisted Independent & Assisted LivingLiving Apts. Available Skilled Nursing Hospice & Rehab Skilled Nursingwith with Hospice & Rehab Independent & Assisted Living Apts. Available For More Information: Skilled Nursing with Hospice & Rehab 415.383.1600 x293 2 020 For More Information: SNF# 010000390 Best Senior Community 415.383.1600 x293CA RCFE# 210102866 40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, Thank You Marin EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2 020

Best Senior Community Thank You Marin

Home care is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our holistic approach to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual needs—ensuring a better quality of life, wherever you call home.

Call HomeWell of the North Bay for a free assessment at 415-599-4333 to learn more.

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

ųƚŸƋåÚ ±ųåţ 8VYI (SQTEWWMSR | homewellcares.com a

©2020 HomeWell Senior Care, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev0220

License Number 214700009

Our Reopening Means We Have More Volunteer Opportunities

Bingo

Chair Yoga

Join Us and Become a Volunteer Jackson Café Hosts and Servers Serve our guests at the Jackson Café in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Computer Lab Techs Provide basic technical assistance to Vivalon members who may need assistance with their devices, PCs or Macs.

Meals on Wheels and Nourish Drivers Deliver meals to homebound older adults or people of any age with chronic health challenges.

CarePool Drivers Give rides to older adults for essential medical appointments, pharmacy trips and to grocery stores.

Become a Vivalon Member today!

For an annual fee of $20, Vivalon members receive $4 off the regular meal price at the Jackson Café, plus discounts on classes, activities, trips and more. Call Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to become a member today!

approved our carefully planned strategy to maximize the safety of all. Join us at the Center for classes, activities, social connections and to volunteer. As you can see from the photos, our members are glad to be back!

Mahjong

All members, guests, and staff & volunteers who engage directly with guests must be fully vaccinated (2 weeks after second dose in a 2-dose series like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 2 weeks after a single dose vaccine, like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Other safety protocols are in place.

Join us for an Emergency Preparedness presentation by

FIRESafe Marin

on September 23, at 11:00am at Vivalon.

Call 415-456-9062 for more details

Save The Date!

Oktoberfest Celebration September 30 Cost: $10 Members

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

W

e’re thrilled that we’ve reopened the doors to our Healthy Aging Center and welcomed you back! We are working very closely with the Marin County Department of Public Health, that has

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Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo

Juanita says

“WE CARE” The most famous duck in San Anselmo!

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

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415.358.6613

Fernwood is a truly unique 32-acre memorial landscape, where natural burial and cremation rituals are interwoven with land restoration and preservation.

Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus — “We Are the Model”

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ivalon’s new Healthy Aging Campus combines affordable housing for older adults with wrap-around healthcare services, vibrant programs, accessible transportation, and a myriad of programs designed to improve our connectedness to one another. It’s a model that does not currently exist here in Marin and we hope it can serve as a model for others to emulate.

The Dennis and Susan Gilardi Center for Healthy Aging, located on the first two floors of the 6-story building, will be open to the community, with an integrated care clinic on the ground floor and a modern Healthy Aging Center above it. The center will feature community rooms, a computer center, library, classes, resource center, and an array of programming enabling older adults to engage in creative, fun activities and learning opportunities.

San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin said “This is unique to California, and I want to brag about this! San Rafael has a lot of amazing things going on, and this is adding to the list, that we can be a role model for communities all over.”

The top four floors of the Campus will host 66 affordable apartment homes for older adults, all eligible for Section 8 vouchers, as well as one for an onsite property manager, operated by Vivalon’s partner, Eden Housing. One-bedroom

and studio units will provide homes to low-income older adults, aged 62 and older, who earn less than 60% of the area median income, at affordable rents.

According to Supervisor Katie Rice, “I think it’s worth emphasizing, there is such a need for affordable housing, especially affordable senior housing, and the fact that this [project] is 100% affordable is absolutely magic.” Names may be added to the interest list for an apartment home by calling (510) 582-1460.

Projects like this will keep our older adults safer. According to a 2018 Harvard report, older adults are much more at risk from extreme weather events and natural disasters than younger age groups, and many older adults experience severe health setbacks in the days following an event because their care is disrupted by power outages, inability to obtain medications, hospital closures, and other infrastructure problems. High on the list of priorities for older adults in Marin is disaster preparedness and Vivalon will continue to be involved in planning efforts countywide.

The Healthy Aging Campus is projected to break ground in 2022. Stay tuned for more details about what to look forward to with our new Campus in upcoming issues of Vivalon Connections!

Cognitive Screenings at Vivalon September 16 & 23 | Book an appointment today!

Fer nwo od

FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY | CEMETERY

301 Tennessee Valley Road Mill Valley, CA 94941 FD#1281

Early detection is key! Book an appointment with our Occupational Intern Specialist (MoCA certified) who will walk you through a Cognitive Screening tool to use as an example baseline assessment when speaking with your primary care physician.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

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n Marin County it’s estimated that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition that impacts their mobility or makes them more vulnerable by impacting their activities of daily living. Many of these individuals, who are reliant on others for everything from transportation to the basics may want the peace of mind that emergency planning can bring them and those individuals who care for them.

Marin Center for Independent Living (MCIL) has launched an active emergency preparedness program, Powered and Prepared. Vivalon is partnering with the program to identify vulnerable individuals and help them plan. This can be a great boost for anyone caring for a relative or friend who has needs that require special planning. Caregivers often have so much to do, they might not feel they have the time to step back and ask about emergency planning options, short of their

Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home 650 Bugeia Lane Novato, CA 94945 415-897-9609 www.valleymemorialpark.com

stepping in themselves. But what if you, as a caregiver, could not get to the person you care for in a timely fashion?

Pre-planning could be the answer. A February pilot project that Vivalon participated in consisted of a survey where calls were made to vulnerable individuals to determine their preparedness for things like power shut offs and other events that might leave them isolated and without services for days. They were informed of planning options and offered assistance to create a plan. Some had plans, some wanted to create plans and with others, the seed was planted.

Sara Robinson, a gerontologist who serves as the Age Forward Coordinator for the County of Marin, Department of Health and Human Services, said, “By actively calling these families who we know have disabilities or mobility issues, or when the County gets calls to our 873 info line about emergency preparedness, they’re redirected to Marin Center for Independent Living’s new program.”

As a program partner, Vivalon staff members are trained to help Vivalon members create Personal Preparedness Plans and access resources. This includes information about PG&E’s back-up battery assistance for vulnerable individuals reliant upon power for oxygen machines, electric wheelchairs and even medicine that requires refrigeration. Vivalon staff can also help create an emergency go-bag for members.

Robinson added, “The County is asking residents, whether they are in caregiving, whether they are responsible for themselves and their families, to be adaptable to any situation. If we can build resilient individuals who are adaptable we will all be safer and better prepared depending upon the emergency.”

FD#2295 / COA#377

Natural Green Burial Full Service Cemetery, Funeral Home On-Site Crematory, Chapel, Event Center Locally Owned Traditional Burial and Mausoleums Facebook: @Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home

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Powered & Prepared | Free emergency planning and resources As a Powered & Prepared partner, part of a dedicated program by Marin Center for Independent Living, Vivalon staff members are trained to help Vivalon members create Personal Preparedness Plans and to access emergency preparedness resources. Call 415-456-9062 for more information.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

Caregiver Emergency Planning Support

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Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Planning Ahead

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

VIVALON CONNECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

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he first thing Babette showed become emergency room nurses us was a world map with and veterinarians. dozens, if not hundreds, of red Now in her 90s, she’s lived a full and green pushpins covering it. life, but everyday tasks like cooking She tells us that the and grocery shopping red pins mark all the are becoming more places she’s traveled difficult. That’s where (21 countries) and the Vivalon’s Meals on green pins mark all Wheels came in to the places that the deliver meals to her students who lived with home three times a her through the years week. were from.

Babette’s story For decades, isn’t uncommon in Babette hosted Marin. We live in one exchange students of the most rapidly from all over the world. aging counties in They lived with her California. Last year, while they went to Vivalon served over school at Dominican 800 people who Yvonne Roberts University. struggle to cook or In addition to buy groceries. hosting 160 students, she’s also Please consider making a a loving wife, mother of four, and gift for our home-delivered meal a grandmother. She worked as a programs and other critical safety telephone operator for 24 years, net services at Vivalon today. at one time getting up at 4:30 in With your help, we can reduce the morning every day to go to hunger, isolation, and loneliness work. And she raised children and for thousands in Marin. grandchildren who went on to

WAYS TO MAKE A

DIFFERENCE SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415-456-9062 X4800.

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 833-VIVALON (833-848-2566) DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time.

MAKE A PLANNED GIFT Name Vivalon in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of an annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan.

VOLUNTEER Become a CarePool Volunteer Driver Deliver Meals on Wheels Teach a Class MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing Address: Vivalon | 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Vivalon.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800