Vivalon Connections January 2022

JANUARY 2022

vivalon.org

NEW YEAR NEW OPPORTUNITIES

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New Year, New Connections

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What Drives our Drivers

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More Than Just a Meal

Laurence Suter-Gunn

VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

BY

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

Jennifer Golbus

Let 2022 Be The Year of You! 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 JANUARY 202 2

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 yea to welcome many of you back you’re looking to eatEditors more January. Attending a class or 916.751.9189 to the Healthy Aging Center nutritious meals, our low-cost, workshop is also a great way home, long an john.bowman58@gmail.com last summer to experience the healthy lunches served daily to meet new people who have sense of love and belonging in the Jackson Café are made similar interests. since Take a look ourat youn WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE Laurie Vermont , Volunteer Manager Vivalon offers.

But we realize from scratch with wholesome some of the offerings and ideas 930 Tamalpais Avenue volunteer@whistlestop.org away, is simply San Rafael, CA 94901 need affordable housing, and a bittersweet goodbye that many people remained ingredients and you can take on the pages in this issue. www.whistlestop.org journey, leavingan theextra housemeal home that there is a shortfall of Many members find that isolated. for dinner.

Main office open M-F 9am-5pm for two people. we called home the past hundreds of assisted living Front Desk – 415.456.9062 As we begin a new year, Every Friday, ourDIRECTORS Brown Bag giving back is the most rewardBOARD OF 28 years. It’s also been and memory care units to Transportation – 415.454.0902 I invite you to inquiregreat within Pantry freethe or 2030 low- demand. ing thing they dorooms to enrich we didn fun to explore ourprovidesmeet Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 President Dennis Ryan, and set a gentle, loving cost fresh groceries, produce consider new neighborhood near One small part of thetheir lives. This year, Help Desk – 415.459.6700 of the yard tha Bethprotein Reizman, VicetoPresident resource@whistlestop.org goal for yourself thatdowntown might San Rafael. and sources help in Marin giving back to your community housing solution To receive the Express by email I can’t help but wonder Tom Bonomi, Treasurer is to support, fund, andby volunteering at open possibilities for more you keep healthy foods in your Vivalon. saw, and decad sign up at whistlestop.org. For how much harder it would streamline the process Fabia Butler, Secretary connection and happiness in pantry.

Whatever your interests, skills annual subscription mailed to your be to do this if we were to create more accessory home, send $10 to Whistlestop. seemed to repr 2022. I hope you’ll join us at I find Jackson one of the best or schedule, we know we have Sharon in our 70s or 80s? What dwelling units. The new units the Healthy Aging Center ways to stay connected is to a volunteer opportunity that WHISTLESTOP STAFF Robert Sonnenberg optionsto are there for older we weren’t wat can be for a caregiver, a family Anne Grey try a new class, meetpeople a friend challenge myself by learning will be perfect for you.

Just call Joe O’Hehir in Marin as their member or the homeowner, Cynthia Wuthmann Yvonne Roberts ofask all, for lunch, or learn a lifestyles new skill.change? something new.who Vivalon offers the front desk and for we our had a Will can then rent out the there be enough resources With vaccine requirements and a variety of classes, wonderful Volunteer Services main workshops house. In San Rafael, s I reflect on my hopes

By Linda Jackson, Program deserved to be forin people who want to PACIFIC SUN STAFF Laurence Suter-Gunn the number of new accessory strict Action safety protocols place, and events.

In 2022, you could Manager Liz Capurro, or email Aging for the new year, IDirector, find grow older in their home dwellingtake units doubledvolunteer@Vivalon.org. last learn a new language, Initiative you can feel confident we are myself turning inward, new, happy fam Advertising and community?Danielle For those McCoy, year, and the city is on track Jennifer Golbus doing all we can to put your Ukulele, perfect your ping Let’s make 2022 a year of inquiring what changes I facing dementiaup or declining to double that again. We need dmccoy@pacificsun.com e decided to safety first while The challeng health and strategy might like to make this year to health, will theypong have game, what testtoyour do this across Marin!connection and renewal! downsize this John and Val Bowman providing ample opportunities with Mahjongg orThe tackle Marianne Misz, Advertising they need for safety, care make 2022 a year of renewal.

Aging Action Initiative would we mov year. Our family and companionship? to re-engage. technology.

A great way to about San mmisz@pacificsun.com Yours in Healthy Aging, is enthusiastic 2021 was a pivotal year for home, long an empty nest The question for Marin We wanted a s Rafaelhealth City Council’s recent If you want in those of us who were socially since our youngest ones flew to improve your take charge of your Laurie Vermont Kara Production is: what percentage of Brown, support of assisted living in fitness the new year would be to join toothis largeyear, Vivalon offers isolated. Slowly, the worldaway, is simply residents is going to choose in a neighborh kara@metroactive.com downtown. This new housing for two people.

Thereof were a variety fitness classes for our popular Vitality@Vivalon cautiously re-opened, as did to stay in San Rafael as BOARD OF DIRECTORS approval portends well rooms we didn’t go into, parts all levels, including Zumba, Aging workshop which Anne Grey, CEOwe can walk a Rosemary Olson, Publisher Vivalon.

We were overjoyed they grow older?Healthy According Dennis Ryan, for Whistlestop’s proposed of the yardYoga that we never Beth Reizman, and Whistlesizers. will begin a new series in to a If 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 SERVICES CONNECTIONS the issues facing people as and shops and be part ofVivalon the Connections Editor Marianne Misz, 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CA would 94901 we move to in Marin?

Kate Fitzsimmons, 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 We wanted a smaller place 415-472-1499 | kf@fitz-com.com Travel Navigators/Marin Access | 415-454-0902 be housing forEligibility 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 Ride | 415-457-4630 Rosemary wex100 can walk about, close Guest Olson, Services Reception | 415-456-9062 be enough housing for the organizations, including MEMBERSHIP Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067to restaurants, shops, and people who work in Marin process of dow PACIFIC STAFF Whistlestop, thatSUN addresses Discounts on lunch in the Jackson Café and on all classes, the movies.

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

It focuses TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin LIKEforUS Membershiphomecare is $20/year. experts?

Call 415-456-9062 details.

What Monday–Friday | 11:30AM to 2 :00PM on findingDanielle ways McCoy, to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age Advertising | danielle@pacificsun.com unit in Marin. of sorting, a m about low-incomeon people who Facebook with dignity, independence and grace. community, and having MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES No doubt about it, theOUR MISSION need affordable housing, economic security, a place to Vivalon Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176 process of downsizing isVivalon believes of millennials, share awho responsibility to ensure all Marin or we people need extra call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) residents havecare, an opportunity to age with dignity, independence daunting. It took months like assisted living or LIKE US 415-473-4636 for older adults. and grace. memory care? The recent boxes to give a of sorting, a moving crew 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?

Send $10 to Vivalon for in Marin: Planning for www.agingactioninitiative.org an annual delivered print subscription, facebook.com/VivalonMarin donate things we don’t or sign up at Vivalon.org 2030, estimated that version.

7,000 or contact Sami at Art support@ Cover By: Missy Reynolds 2 2 for a free email need anymore of today’s older residents agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been , CEO

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CEO

By Linda Jack Director, Agin Initiative

Looking for a new car this winter?

VIVALON’S HEALTHY AGING PROGRAM

AGE WELL, LIVE LONG Join Our Eight-Week Healthy Aging Program

THE NEXT SESSION STARTS IN

JANUARY

Call 415-456-9062 for more info!

For the fifth year in a row, Marin Subaru has selected Vivalon as its Hometown Charity for the 2021 Share the Love Event. Between November 18, 2021 and January 3, 2022, Subaru will donate $250 to Vivalon for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased when you select Vivalon as your Hometown Charity. You can also select Meals on Wheels America as your charity of choice and Vivalon will receive a portion of the donated $250.

Thank You, Marin Subaru!

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

Vitality@Vivalon

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GETTING AROUND

BY KATE FITZSIMMONS

What Drives our Drivers?

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any of our drivers say driving for Vivalon Rides is the best driving job they have ever had, with excellent training, good routes and a positive work environment. But for most, there’s something more at play. Providing safe, reliable rides to those who are no longer able to drive themselves is a vital service that keeps riders connected, engaged and fosters a sense of independence. Our drivers say they feel grateful for the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way. Here, several drivers shared their thoughts about why they drive.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

Ty Logwell, 11 years

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“My buddy had a friend who drove for Vivalon and he mentioned they were hiring, so I applied and I’m still here 11 years later! It is a good, fulfilling job. I like it because it changes every day. Some days I am taking people places, other days I might be delivering food. I also like getting to know the riders, and we are getting new riders all the time. They always tell me how much they appreciate what we do. When I deliver their meals, we talk and they tell me that I may be the only person they see. It’s gratifying to know I am making a difference in someone’s life just by coming to work.”

“I’d retired and had a friend who knew Vivalon’s former CEO. He told me they needed drivers, so I applied with the thought of giving back. It really has struck a chord in me and I’m enjoying the hell out of it.

It’s very rewarding. I like the riders. I try to bring a little bit of sunshine into their lives every day.”

Burr Wilson, 20 months November’s Employee of the Month

“When I worked for SMART, one of my fellow SMART ambassadors joined Vivalon Rides. We’d see each other passing through and she’d say, ‘Burr. Driving for Vivalon is the best ever.’ When COVID hit, SMART furloughed all of us in a customer service role. I wanted to keep working and with her strong endorsement, I applied. I am very, very happy with the culture and the professionalism of Vivalon.

I like it because it benefits people. It isn’t about making shareholders happy or hitting your numbers. I go home every evening knowing that I’ve done something good for the community.”

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.

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

Cliff Crowder, 10 years

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

License Number 214700009

JANUARY 2022

HAPPENINGS@VIVALON

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

WEEKLY CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

In-person classes held at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901. For more information regarding the classes and activities below, please see descriptions on pages 6-8. Questions? Call Vivalon Guest Services at: 415-456-9062 or visit vivalon.org

● Age Friendly Center Classes & Activities To register for all Age Friendly Center classes, please visit agefriendlycenter.org/classes

TIME CLASS

9:30AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-12:00PM 12:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-2:00PM

INFO

FEE

Mahjongg with Gillian In Person Free English as a Second Language (ESL) Zoom Free $ Massage by Rabel In Person 1/Min Stretching with Pam ● In Person/Zoom Free

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

Free Free Free Free Free Free

10:30AM-12:30PM 11:30AM–1:30PM 12:00PM–2:00PM 3:00PM–4:00PM

Acrylics ● Hula Massage by Rabel Community Drum Circle with Ethan

Zoom/Phone Free Zoom/Phone Free $ In Person 1/Min In Person Free

11:00AM–12:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM–4:00PM

Whistlesizers Ping Pong Yoga

Zoom/Phone In Person Zoom/Phone

Free Free Free

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

10:00AM–10:45AM Zumba Zoom/In Person/Phone Free 10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● Zoom/Phone Free 11:00AM-12:00PM Ukulele – Beginner Zoom/In Person/Phone Free 12:30PM-1:30PM Ukulele – Intermediate Zoom/In Person/Phone Free 1:00PM–2:00PM Chair Exercises with Pam ● Zoom/Phone Free 2:00AM–3:00PM Chair Yoga with Weights with Jane ● Zoom/Phone Free

FRIDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

10:00AM–11:00AM BINGO 10:30AM–1:00PM Manicures with Christy 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers 11:30AM-12:00PM Beginning Guitar 12:00PM–1:00PM Ukulele Basics 12:00PM–4:00PM Mahjongg with Assistance with Leslie ●

THURSDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

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Please visit Vivalon.org/ classes or call Vivalon CLASSES & Guest Services at ACTIVITIES 415-456-9062 for information on how to register.

Hybrid classes are classes offered both in person and through Zoom or phone.

Until further notice, all guests attending in person must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination on first entry.

Beginner Guitar (Hybrid) Tuesdays | 11:30am-12:00pm 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.

Community Drum Circle with Ethan Thursdays | 3:00pm–4:00pm Choose from a wide assortment of hand drums, or bring your own, to explore rhythms and harmonies while playing in unison. No experience required. Ethan Hay, MA, specializes in finding creative solutions to move people forward through arts, education and events.

English as a Second Language (Remote) Mondays | 10:00am-12:00pm This course covers the basics of ESL. The instructor will facilitate remotely, but you can take the course in our Computer Lab (space is limited) or from the comfort of your own home.

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.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

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

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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 (Hybrid) Wednesdays | 2:00pm-3:00pm Yoga while seated with the benefits of weight training.

Massage by Rabel Mondays and Thursdays 12:00pm-2:00pm

HAVE A QUESTION?

VIVALON’S RESOURCE OFFICE Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am-12:00pm Drop in or by appointment Do you have questions about community resources for older adults?

Do you have questions about legal, housing or financial resources in Marin?

The Resource Office can help!

415-459-6700

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 and walk you through the rules of the game!

Ping Pong Fridays | 2:00pm-4:00pm Join us on Fridays for Ping Pong fun! We hope to see our regulars as well as new faces who are eager to learn this fun and active sport.

Whistlesizers (Remote) Tuesdays & Fridays | 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.

Zumba (Hybrid) Mondays | 9:10am-9:55am Wednesdays | 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!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 >

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 >

Ukulele - Basics Workshop (In Person) Tuesdays | 12:00pm-1:00pm Join Sandy in this workshop where we learn the fundamentals of 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.

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 26, 2022 | 6:00PM

VIVA LAS VIVALON!

Special Events

New Years Luncheon January 6 | 11:30am–1:30pm Join us in the Jackson Café as we ring in the new year! Come celebrate the beginning of 2022 with good friends, good food and good times! Entertainment provided by Bread & Roses.

Tickets are $10 (members)/$15 (non-members) and reservations are required.

Call 415-456-9062 to make your reservation by January 3.

Save the dates!

Valentine’s Day Luncheon Thursday, February 10 | 11:30am–1:30pm Yoga Workshop coming in January Talking Tech coming in January

A casino night fundraiser to benefit Vivalon’s critical safety net services for Marin’s older adults.

MILL VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER

HOSPICE BY THE BAY IS NOW

Call the front desk 415-456-9062 or visit vivalon.org for updated information.

SKILLED HOME HEALTH | PALLIATIVE CARE | HOSPICE

Our care teams can help you safely: • Recover from surgery • Manage chronic illness

NEED A RIDE? VIVALON OFFERS Shuttles • CarePool Medical Rides • Charters

Call us today 415-454-1098

• 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

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

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 Aging Program.

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Tech4Health a Huge Sucess

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VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

ivalon launched a pilot program in September 2021 called Tech4Health, aimed at improving health outcomes and bridging the digital divide. We partnered with Technology4Life to build the lesson plans and Dominican University of California Nursing Department to provide compassionate instructors who provided in-home technology training and support over a nine-week period. Each participant was given a tablet to use throughout the program. While the primary goal of the program was to engage older adults in telehealth, secondary goals included helping older adults learn new skills, form meaningful relationships with young people, and decrease social isolation. Before the program, only two of the participants had used online health tools but by the end, 70% were regularly using technology to communicate with their doctors. All ten participants said Tech4Health had a positive impact on their life. Tech4Health was a pilot program funded by Meals on Wheels America and the County of Marin.

If you are interested in learning more or supporting the continuation of this project, please contact Yvonne Roberts at 415-456-9062 x4800 or donations@vivalon.org.

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Vivalon recently completed its inaugural Tech4Health program in partnership with Technology4Life and Dominican University of California.

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So Much More Than a Meal

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NEED A MEAL? VIVALON OFFERS Jackson Café Vivalon Nourish Meals On Wheels Brown Bag Pantry

Call us today 415-456-9062

Vivalon staff and volunteers prepare meals on Thanksgiving Day for Meals on Wheels clients

Floral Design creates monthly bouquets for recipients,” says Erika. “Bringing a little bit of beauty and the comfort of knowing that someone out there cares about them is what makes this program so special.”

To sign up for meal delivery or learn more, please call 415-456-9062 x176. To make a donation to support Meals on Wheels, please email donations@vivalon.org or call 415-456-9062.

Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus will address the three needs most in-demand by older adults in Marin County: connection, affordable homes and healthy aging.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

rika Vaughn knew before she ever joined Vivalon the importance of Meals on Wheels. “My grandmother received meals when her health was declining,” she recalls. “Later, she also used Vivalon’s transportation services. She was suffering from Alzheimer’s and would sometimes blurt things out, and the drivers were so very kind and patient with her. When I saw the job opening with Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels, I was inspired to apply.”

As she learned more about the work, she fell in love with Vivalon’s mission.

“We provide so much more than food. We are truly connected to those we serve, and we treat them with the same love and care we would give to our own families. Clients want to stay in the comfort of their own homes. It gives me goosebumps, just being a part of making that happen. That is what drives me.

When I was going through my stage 3 cancer treatment, I never missed a day at work because I felt I was needed. Getting up out of bed, and doing what I love gave me the strength to keep going.”

During the course of a week, Meal on Wheels drivers may be the only people a client sees. In addition to providing a friendly visit, drivers are trained to look for signs that extra help might be needed. Meals on Wheels is an integral part of the safety net that connects our community. “That means we are always thinking of ways, big and small, to make our client’s lives better,” says Erika.

In August, Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels rolled out a new pet food delivery program through a partnership with Marin Humane.

25 participants, many of whom are older adults who would rather ensure their animals are fed than feed themselves, now receive a month’s supply of quality pet food each month.

“We also partner with local schools whose students make greeting cards for clients, and our wonderful partner 7 Petals

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Grateful for Our Volunteers

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ivalon was overflowing with helpful volunteers who wanted to give back and make a difference on Thanksgiving Day. We honor and thank all who made Thanksgiving such a memorable, warm and wonderful day. We truly could not do what we do without you!

Jackson Café Thanksgiving Luncheon – 75 Meals, 18 Volunteers and Countless Smiles We are grateful to our amazing Jackson Café volunteers who helped make our Thanksgiving Luncheon especially meaningful for so many in our community. We served 75 meals! A big thank you to Elsa Castellani, Roberta Dillon, Barbara Singleton, Dovey Schneider, Carol Wolfe, Colene Mace, Lorry Azevedo, Janice Fong, Betty and Kim Schaffer, Arlene Heitner, Hudson Gong, Victor and Mo Mejia, Frederick Leroy, and Diana and Bob Freundt. Special thanks to Stacy Scott Catering for the delicious food and Nancy Fox who accompanied the celebration on piano.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

Operation Thanksgiving – 147 meals, 35 volunteers and Endless Love

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Vivalon’s 3rd annual Vivalon Operation Thanksgiving was a huge success thanks to our team of staff, donors, and dedicated volunteers who delivered 147 traditional holiday meals to homebound older adults and chronically ill Marin County residents on Thanksgiving morning.

Our very own Stacy Scott, culinary director at Vivalon’s Jackson Café and owner of award-winning Stacy Scott Catering, prepared home-made, traditional Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings, which were delivered along with home-made cards and a friendly visit.

This year’s meal delivery was especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic is still heavily impacting those who suffer from isolation and chronic illness in Marin County – many of whom would not have a traditional Thanksgiving meal if it were not for our volunteers.

With so many people expressing a desire to give back at Thanksgiving, and so many in Marin in need of a holiday connection, Vivalon gratefully plays a role by facilitating this uplifting opportunity.

What an amazing set of events helping to celebrate the holiday! Thank you so much to everyone who made this wonderful day of gratitude possible. With 147 meals delivered to homebound individuals and 75 meals in the café, 222 people felt the love and companionship that radiated out from us to them, our extended family, and back again.

Vivalon’s festive Thanksgiving Day Luncheon at Jackson Café

Vivalon CEO Anne Grey (far left) and volunteers deliver meals on Thanksgiving morning

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Creating Community and Connections

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• 3,500 individuals volunteered virtually, fulfilling 17,500 hours of service • 28,987 volunteers supported COVID-19 relief with food distribution, vaccine support, testing and contact tracing, education, mental health, and wellness checks for older adults • Volunteers distributed 8,780 reusable cotton masks to local service agencies • In all, volunteers completed 547,505 service hours valued at $18,401,643 It’s great for volunteer recruitment and also for volunteer management. As a busy nonprofit professional, I’m grateful for systems that create more efficiency. We have been very happy with this tool. Liz Capurro, Vivalon Volunteer Services Manager, says she appreciates the trainings on how best to utilize the portal.

“It’s a great volunteer recruitment tool, but also a volunteer management tool. As a busy nonprofit professional, I’m always grateful for tools that help me create more efficiency. We have been very happy with this tool!”

♥ 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!

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

In addition to utilizing the Volunteer Matching portal, Vivalon staff participated in CVNL’s Service Enterprise Training, which explores strategies to leverage volunteers in every department of an organization. Jessica Grace-Gallagher, CVNL’s Volunteer Services Manager explained, “That can include everything up to working with your executive director and the value of using experienced volunteers to strengthen an organization throughout.”

Gallagher’s special expertise is in the AmeriCorps Infrastructure Project, which is similar to a domestic Peace Corps, where members are placed with a nonprofit to work on specific projects. This year, an AmeriCorps VIP member was placed at Vivalon to serve 1,700 hours. Projects have included the creation of a social media plan for volunteer recruitment and creation of a volunteer handbook, volunteer job descriptions and a volunteer newsletter.

We are grateful for all that CVNL does to improve lives and help us all reach to improve ourselves so that we can better serve our community. Learn more at cvnl.org

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.

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FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY | CEMETERY

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

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

ith a mission to advance nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation and empowering individuals, The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) improves the lives of thousands in our community.

CVNL’s broad range of programs include leadership and management workshops, board governance, executive search and nonprofit consulting. But CVNL is perhaps best known for its variety of volunteer programs, connecting volunteers to nonprofit organizations to support critical services in the community. During a pandemic, facilitating those connections took more than a bit of creativity. Virtual volunteering began in earnest. CVNL connected Marin nonprofits with willing volunteers:

Assisted Living at its Best!

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WAYS

Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Giving Feels Good

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 202 2

DIFFERENCE

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

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

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

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 833-VIVALON (833-848-2566)

who take the time to help someone else, during the holiday season and beyond.

If you have ever been in a situation when cooking is not possible, you know how much it means when a friend brings you a delicious meal. We’ve heard the iving a gift is a tradition as old story countless times – meal recipients as humanity. Centuries of study expressing that they don’t know what reveals that gifts are bonds that connect us with another person, tying us they would have done without help.

Delivering meals is a simple act, together in ways that we are still trying to but it is incredibly understand today. rewarding. For just a few A 2008 Harvard Busihours one day a week, ness School study found you can deliver meals that people are happier and build a connection when they spend money on with the people on your others. Another study out route. Learn more about of Johns Hopkins University becoming a volunteer at reports that people who Vivalon.org. provide social support to If delivery driving isn’t others have lower blood for you, you can also pressure, attesting to the help by donating.

Every physiological benefits of gift, no matter its size, giving. helps purchase meals, On Thanksgiving Day, train volunteers, and buy I witnessed the dozens Yvonne Roberts supplies like ice packs and of supporters who joined insulated bags. Donate us at Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels facility. today by visiting Vivalon.org/Donate.

Their joy was infectious as they headed Whether you’re delivering a meal, off to deliver meals to our homebound making a donation, or supporting our neighbors. Since then, I’ve been riding neighbors in another way, giving feels the wave of gratitude for the many good for everyone involved. thoughtful individuals in our community

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TO MAKE A

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