Vivalon Connections December 2020

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Enjoying the Holidays Safely

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Vivalon’s Holiday Card Program

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CarePool’s Local Heroes

By Linda Jacks Director, Agin Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org WHISTLESTOP Initiative WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

BY NANCY GEISSE, VIVALON COO info@whistlestop.org

Laurence Suter-Gunn

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org

Jennifer Golbus

The Light of the Season

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Enjoying the Holidays Safely

BY KELLY KRUEGER THOMAS, VIVALON CONNECTIONS EDITOR

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raditional holiday celebrations will look very different this year, as families and friends try to figure out how to navigate the pandemic and public health guidelines. Some are foregoing holiday dinners and gatherings altogether; others are going virtual.

The CDC has classified family gatherings as high risk.

The concern is that there could be additional spikes in coronavirus cases in the winter as people tire of the pandemic and try to return to some semblance of normalcy through traditional holiday celebrations.

The safest option, of course, is to celebrate virtually.

Whether it’s by FaceTime or a Zoom get together, families can enjoy at least some of the togetherness that is the hallmark of the holidays, whether it’s opening gifts, sharing a meal, offering a toast or playing games.

An old-fashioned phone call can work wonders too, especially with friends and family you haven’t spoken to in a while. Isolation and loneliness are a huge problem and a call can greatly lift someone’s spirits. It can be the greatest gift you can give this holiday season.

If you are planning in-person gatherings, you want to give it some serious thought. You will want to create

ground rules, including wearing masks outside of meal time, maintaining social distancing and avoiding hugs and handshakes, using touchless trash containers, having a single person touch and serve all the food and having guests bring their own utensils and plates. Limit the size of the gathering and if the weather is nice, think about holding your activities outdoors to reduce the risk.

Family and friends will need to be transparent about any exposure they’ve had to others with symptoms or COVID. You need to remember, however, that people can be asymptomatic and still transmit the virus. COVID tests will tell you that you don’t have the disease at the moment, but not whether you’ll have it the next day. A test is just a snapshot of a specific period of time, not a prediction of the future.

Planning, communication, and transparency are the key, especially when it involves older adults. Even with proper precautions, older adults may feel uncomfortable exposing themselves to additional risk. Be understanding if they turn down an invitation, even at the last minute.

What Does Holiday Spirit Mean to You?

Britt Rodriguez

“Giving back to those less fortunate during the holidays is always a great way to spread holiday cheer. To get into the holiday spirit this year, I am having my kitchen fixed up so that my boyfriend can cook more easily.”

—Britt Rodriguez

Linda Weyrick

“The holidays are all about sharing, gathering with people who may be alone, as well as close family and friends.

While I cherish the warmth of human company, this year I am reaching out to loved ones by phone or via the Internet.”

—Linda Weyrick

Jason Faurot

“To me, the holidays are all about being inclusive of others in celebration of community. I look forward to the holidays to spend much needed time with friends. This year, I plan to spend time with neighbors and spoil my spouse.”

—Jason Faurot

VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

Although COVID-19 may cancel some holiday festivities, it will never cancel holiday cheer! Here’s what some of our members are doing to celebrate the spirit of the season.

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The Card’s in the Mail!

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VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

ven in an age of instant everything, email and video chats, getting a personal card still brings an oldfashioned smile to the recipient, especially during the holidays.

This holiday season, the elves at Vivalon’s Holiday Card Program are working extra hard, making sure that Meals on Wheels and Nourish meal recipients receive handmade cards with their deliveries.

Donna Cohen, 81, is one of the program’s helpers. She is an artist who is making 50 handmade cards of her own design, featuring a vintage Father Christmas. “I’ve never made cards for any organization before,” says Donna.

“Ordinarily I work at the Marin Museum for Contemporary Art, and over the years have made cards for friends and family. I was cleaning out some files and discovered duplicates of the cards I had made and called Vivalon to see if they could use them. This year I decided to do 40 or 50 using some of my own designs. Everyone loves the cards and can’t wait to get one every year.”

Margaret Farny, 63, is a card-making machine. She has made 80 cards so far this year and has been volunteering to make holiday and Valentine cards for the last three years. “I would guess I’ve made 500 cards just for Vivalon,” she says. “All non-profits combined, about 1,000. I like doing arts and crafts daily. I like more nostalgic or vintage images but really enjoy coloring pictures by hand, using colored pencils to give them a personal touch.”

Vivalon loves cards made by kids, school or church groups, scouts and families. More than 430 meal recipients receive several cards year each so there’s a sizable need. The cards need to be received by Vivalon no later than Dec. 7 so they can be sorted and delivered in time.

Each card should be in an unsealed envelope, non-denominational and with a handwritten message that is addressed to Dear Neighbor or Dear Friend and signed with your first name only.

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Donna Cohen is donating 50 of her uniquely designed cards this year.

Margaret Farney, who has been making Vivalon holiday cards for three years, really enjoys coloring pictures by hand to give them a personal touch.

Vivalon loves cards made by kids, school or church groups, scouts and families.

Cards should be delivered to Vivalon (930 Tamalpais, San Rafael, Ca 94901). They can be dropped off Monday-Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., during our lunch hours when the door is open (if you’re unable to make it then, knock on the door and someone will answer). Contact 415-456-9062 if you have any questions about delivery.

ACTIVITIES

Bingo Tuesdays 10:00 am via phone or Zoom, Free, Registration Required Please call 415-456-9062 by Thursday to play Bingo the following Tuesday. Play Bingo with Penny and Diego! Prizes will be won at each game!

Healthy @ Home Workshops: Free Online Seminars for Better Living For details and a more complete schedule, visit www.

AyaPlaces.com/workshops Vivalon is proud to partner with AyaPlaces to present Healthy @ Home Workshops, a series of online classes featuring leading home design and “living in place” experts to help you transform your home into a safer, more comfortable, and more joyful place.

Wednesday, December 2, 11:00 am–12:00 pm The Lifelong Gardner Tips & Recommendations for setting up and tending your garden at any age. Join Master Gardener, Toni Gattone, for this introductory workshop on tools and strategies for gardening more comfortably and joyfully—regardless of physical challenges.

Wednesday, December 9, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Holistic Healing with CBD An introduction to cannabis and the potential health benefits of CBD. Join industry pioneer, Ali Stoddard, for an overview of CBD—what it’s good for, how it works, how it differs from THC, how to consume it, and more!

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Vivalon has partnered with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer additional classes to Vivalon members at no additional cost!

Highway61 Vivalon has partnered with Highway61 to offer you real-time conversation groups, including Aging Alone Support Group, Trivia, French Culture, Entrepreneurs Circle, Opera, Classic Movies, and more. Older adults from all over the US are on Highway61 and it is a great way to stay connected. To attend one of the virtual discussion groups, send an email to info@highway61.com and let them know you are with Vivalon. They will send you a code which will allow you to join the group.

Caring Connections Vivalon is proud to partner with LITA (Love Is The Answer) to offer Caring 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 join Caring Connections as a participant or volunteer, contact Erika Vaughn at 415-456-9062 x176.

Tai Chi - Mondays 9:00–10:00 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Join David MacLam on a Tai Chi journey. This non-competitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and health benefits combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.

Ukulele Beginner - Wednesdays 11:00–12:00 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Ukulele, Intermediate - Wednesdays 12:30–1:30 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free Welcome back to Vivalon’’s Ukulele class! Practice songs in group form, tune your Ukulele, and rock out with Sandy via Zoom.

Whistlesizers Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 am–2:00 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free Activate your muscles with tips and exercise routines specifically created for the aging body. Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker for Elizabeth Lynn’s Whistlesizers class.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >

Jackson Cafe Closures

Jackson Cafe will be closed Friday, November 27 and Monday, December 21- Friday, January 1

VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

Please visit vivalon.org/classes for details including the call-in number VIVALON and optional Zoom link for the below VIRTUAL classes or call the front desk at CLASSES & 415-456-9062.

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Please visit vivalon.org/classes for details including the call-in number VIVALON and optional Zoom link for the below VIRTUAL classes or call the front desk at CLASSES & 415-456-9062.

ACTIVITIES

Yoga Fridays 3:00 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free Namaste everyone! 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 10:00–9:45 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Please visit whistlestop.org/ classes for details including the call-in number and optional Zoom link.

VOTE FOR US!

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VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

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Visit marinij.com to vote Voting Nov. 1 thru Nov. 30, 2020

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

Hawaiian Hula & Music Holiday Party, December 6, 2:55 pm–4:00 pm via Zoom RSVP via email by Monday, November 23, DMadera@vivalon.org Join Charlotte Kobayashi, our very own Hula instructor for this fun and social holiday party. Donations accepted. Login to be provided upon RSVP.

VOTE FOR VIVALON IN THE MARIN IJ 2021 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS! YOU CAN VOTE FOR VIVALON IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: BITES & BREWS The Jackson Café Can Be Voted Best: • Business Lunch • Comfort Food • Soup

GENERAL SERVICES Vivalon Can Be Voted Best: • Nonprofit Organization • Social Organization

CATEGORIES WE FORGOT Feel Free to Write Vivalon In for Anything!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO GET VIVALON RECOGNIZED THIS YEAR! Cast your votes here: marinij.com/readerschoice Each voter is limited to submitting one ballot. You must enter responses in at least 10 categories for your ballot to count.

Suspected ballot stuffers will be eliminated and blocked.

Enter only one business/place/name per space.

NEW THIS YEAR: Your votes are counted as you enter them.

You do not have to hit "submit" and you can return to your ballot multiple times until you enter responses in all 220+ categories.

930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael vivalon.org | 415-456-9062

The deadline to file an online ballot is 11:00pm 11/30/20

Free Community Virtual Holiday Events

COMMUNITY This holiday season there are many RESOURCES wonderful free virtual events to get

everyone into the spirit of the season, while staying safely at home.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Virtual Holiday Celebration ber 6, Pre-Show: 4:30 pm, Program: 5:00 pm

Annual Novato Holiday Tree Lighting: Re-Imagined Saturday, December 5, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Watch live on Novato Community Television as the tree lights are flipped on!

Rob Sundberg and Pam Haessley will host a full program of pre-recorded entertainment. Don’t worry -- kids can still see Santa! He will be escorted through all the Novato neighborhoods from 6:30-8pm so you can wave from your porch or driveway! They also hope to stream the event if possible for those without cable. More information on this can be found closer to the event. Visit downtownnovato.com or the Downtown Novato Business Association for more information. Novato Community Television broadcasts exclusively on Comcast channels 26, 27, 30 in Novato and AT&T U-verse channel 99.

Glide Memorial Church Virtual Christmas Day Celebration Friday, December 25, 10:00 am GLIDE’s rousing Christmas Celebration will take place online on Christmas Day. Watch live on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, visit glide.org.

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VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

Join in for this FREE virtual event featuring inspiring stories, lots of puppies, and opportunities to fund Guide Dog for the Blind’s mission — all from the comfort of your own home! Held in tandem with its sister organization, Guide Dogs for the Blind International (GDBI), in Canada. Register now at guidedogs.com.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Free Community Virtual Holiday Events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Festival of Lights: A Community Hannukah Celebration Event TBD Please check marinjcc.org or call 415444-8002 for more information.information..

SHARE LOVE WITH OUR WARM COAT DRIVE

VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

AlmaVia of San Rafael and Vivalon are partnering this holiday season for a Warm Coat Drive to ensure everyone in our community has warm outerwear this winter. To participate, please bring new or gently used warm outerwear in a bag to Vivalon, 930 Tamalpais, San Rafael 94901 and drop in our collection bin between November 17 and December 31.

Donations are gratefully accepted in both adult and childrens’ sizes for: · Warm coats · Scarves · Mittens · Gloves For more information, please call 415-491-1900, x640.

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HAPPINESS PACKETS

VIVALON HAPPINESS PACKETS Looking for a safe way to help your community and get into the holiday spirit? Vivalon is distributing Happiness Packets to homebound older adults and we need your help! You can choose what you’d like to put in your packet.

Ideas include items such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, and adult coloring books. No food items, please. Please drop packets off at Vivalon, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael M–F 9:00 am–5:00 pm,

by Wednesday, December 9.

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

CREATE SOCIAL CONNECTION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON We are all yearning for the human connection that brings us meaning and lights us up. Do you, a neighbor, friend or family member want to connect with a new friend? Let Vivalon be your resource for social connection during the pandemic and the holiday season. We have been creating connections for over 65 years and we are here for you now. Just call our friendly Guest Services staff at 415-456-9062 and they will walk you through your options including classes and events, in person physically distanced visits and weekly phone calls with a friend. We can’t wait to connect with you!

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

Call (415) 927.2273 • www.hbtb.org Skilled Home Health Care • Palliative (Comfort) Care • Hospice

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Honoring CarePool’s Local Heroes

BY LAURIE VERMONT, VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER

VIVALON VOLUNTEERS CONNECT

In October, an organized group of volunteers 65 and older gathered for a social distance meet-up, seeing each other for the first time in person since March. “What a pleasure to have contributed to the legend of Vivalon,” said volunteer Ted Kreines. “We are all from different parts of Marin, but we all have the same goal in mind: help those who are aging gracefully because we know just what that feels like.”

couldn’t accept the assignment because of their age and increased health risk.

During these challenging times, Vivalon’s CarePool volunteers have been right there, volunteering hundreds of hours to help our residents. Our Local Heroes are: Tinille Crichfield, June Detjen, Jill Hutchinson, Nancy Malcolm, Monica Norcia, Minette Norman, Rich Petovello, Bob Rigler, Shelly Sharp, Martin Sleath, and Bill and Linda Tichy.

Shelly Sharp

Nancy Malcolm

Bob Rigler

BE A LOCAL HERO!

Vivalon is looking for Volunteer drivers under the age of 65 to help our local older adults.

Low to no contact.

To sign up, email: volunteer@vivalon.org or call: 415-456-9067 WHISTLESTOP IS NOW

930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael

VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

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elebrating our local heroes is something we like to do year-round, but during the holiday season, these heroes deserve special recognition for going way above the call of duty.

Since our CarePool program began in 2015, Nancy Malcolm has been the most steady and reliable volunteer driver in the program. This year, she is Vivalon’s nominee for Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership’s (CVNL) “Volunteer of the Year” Heart of Marin Award.

These awards recognize outstanding residents who have given back to the community each year.

Until the pandemic, Nancy was consistently logging 25 to 40 hours of volunteer driving each month, often taking the long-distance trips that are hard to fill. Volunteering for CarePool gives Nancy the satisfaction of knowing she is providing a much-needed service to people who have limited transportation options in Marin. Even with the shutdown, there were still riders who needed to get to their medical appointments and many volunteers

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Family Dinners to Brighten the Holidays

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ith the holiday season upon us, Vivalon Family Dinners is at the ready, ensuring that local families have healthy, nutritious meals to look forward to. More than 100 at-risk families are benefiting from the service right now, which provides delicious, precooked meals for families of four. The meals are prepared and ready for distribution every Tuesday morning at the Canal Alliance Food Pantry.

Food access is an important community-wide issue, particularly with the pandemic and economic slowdown.

Vivalon’s program helps fill a much-needed gap, serving low-income and at-risk families, especially those in San Rafael’s Canal Area. Many of these families are multigenerational with limited or no access to governmentsponsored programs.

Menus for the Family Dinners program are planned and prepared by Stacy Scott, culinary director at Vivalon’s Jackson Café and a well-respected caterer in Marin County. Stacy’s team prepares and packs the dinners and coordinates distribution.

The program, which has been operating since June, has been a work in progress, ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ changing to meet the needs Family Environment of recipients, including 2 blocks from coming up with some Downtown San Anselmo innovative solutions. At first, 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo some families were reluctant to accept the family dinners, Juanita says largely because it was difficult to transport them “WE CARE” The most all the way home on foot. famous duck in To address this challenge, San Anselmo!

Vivalon raised the funds necessary to purchase 100 Visit us today for a tour! rolling carts. The carts have Call 415.755.0087 been such a hit that Vivalon www.bellogardens.com is currently looking to raise additional funds to purchase more carts.

More than 100 at-risk families are benefiting from the Vivalon Family Dinners program.

Vivalon staff and volunteers feel that it’s important to remove as many barriers as possible to improve access to healthy food. To date, the program has provided families with more than 8,300 meals.

The organization is seeking more funding to help even more Canal Area families during this historic time of need. For more information on Vivalon Family Dinners or to donate, please visit: www.vivalon.org/nutrition/family.

VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Programs to Help Homeless, Inequity During Pandemic

Canal Alliance serves more than 4,000 clients a year by helping to address their unique needs.

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anal Alliance has been serving the Marin community for 38 years. Its mission is to help Latino immigrants and their families to break the generational cycle of poverty by lifting the barriers to their success.The organization serves more than 4,000 clients a year by helping to address their unique needs, whether it’s putting food on the table, seeking citizenship, learning English or graduating from college.

“Even before the pandemic, our work was challenging,” says Omar Carrera, Chief Executive Officer. “Marin County has one of the highest disparities in wealth when comparing factors such as home ownership, rent and digital access.”

Canal Alliance provides education programs for youth and adults, workforce development, social services, immigration services, advocacy, affordable housing and more.

“We’re fortunate that we have a solid financial footing, so we have also been able to launch new programs quickly to respond to the crisis presented by the coronavirus,” says Omar.

A good example is an emergency fund launched to help families who lost jobs and wages during the pandemic to purchase medicine, groceries and other essentials. Canal Alliance also partnered with public health officials to hire and train contact tracers to understand how COVID was affecting specific communities and stop the spread of the virus.They also hired care investigators to assist those who tested positive.

Housing continues to be a concern. “Right now, all the pressure/pain is on the most vulnerable, those who are low income, people of color and older adults. We have forged partnerships with Legal Aid of Marin and Community Action Marin to lead advocacy efforts to

Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™ 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.

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VIVALON EXPRESS DECEMBER 2020

PHOTO CREDIT: SUSAN ADLER

PHOTO CREDIT: SUSAN ADLER

adopt local policies that address the housing crisis in Marin.”

Staying at the leading edge of community needs helps Omar and Canal Alliance rapidly adapt to changing conditions. He has been on the front lines of the pandemic since it hit and has a small team to help him understand other problems as they arise so he can serve as a perOmar Carrera sonal advocate. Latinos across CEO Canal Alliance California are suffering disproportionately from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, at alarming rates, including high rates of co-morbidity and mortality. In the current coronavirus pandemic, Marin County has the largest disparity by race in the Bay Area among COVID-19 positive individuals. While Latinos are just 16% of the population, they account for almost 70% of coronavirus cases.

“In early November, we presented a new resolution to the Board of Supervisors and the San Rafael City Council, which was rapidly approved by both the city and the county,” says Omar. “We not only support the community, but low-income tenants, and essential workers who are also experiencing tremendous need right now.”

For more information on Canal Alliance, visit their website at: canalalliance.org.

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WAYS TO MAKE A

Vivalon

DIFFERENCE

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

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

Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

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ife rarely unfolds with manners. While some of us naturally ride the roller coaster of life more gracefully than others, I have observed that people who live into their 80s, 90s and beyond often have gained perspective and insight that inspires me.

At Vivalon, I learn life’s lessons every day from our cherished members.

Paula was a holocaust survivor with fierce determination, yet she was always laughing.

David’s stroke challenges his speech, but he

Yvonne Roberts

still communicates his warmth and humor.

Virginia never grumbled despite losing her vision, and Orville was a ray of light for each person he encountered, even as he battled cancer.

These are ordinary people with extraordinary lessons. They teach me to celebrate and appreciate each day and each moment for the gift that it is; to not be too hard on myself when I make mistakes; to be a little bit kinder than necessary; and to cherish all the dear little things which add up to the perfect reason for grateful celebration.

To support our work at Vivalon, please visit vivalon.org/donate.

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 844-WSMARIN or 844-976-2746 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