Whistlestop Express December 2019

whistlestop.org December 2019 Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: Social Connection: The Key to Aging Well Pg 9: Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams Pg 10: Free Holiday Events in Marin

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WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

From the darkness comes the light

By Scott Quinn Executive Director, Marin Interfaith Council

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WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS D E C E M B E R 2 019

ecember takes us through the longest night of the year toward the return of the light. In many of the world’s faith traditions, the light shining amidst the darkness is a recurring theme.

In Judaism, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over their oppressors and the rededication of the temple.

A single day’s supply of lamp oil lasted eight days.

We can all ponder our essential inner light that continues to shine and renew while we seek justice for the most vulnerable.

Our pagan friends observe Yule, the Winter Solstice,

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which marks the rebirth of the life-sustaining sun as daylight hours begin to increase again. This is an opportunity to reflect on what can be released from the past year, what can be regenerated during the deep mid-winter, and what is wanting to be born in the coming year.

Christianity chose to celebrate Jesus’ birth around the Winter Solstice, incorporating traditions from Yule. Jesus, whom Christians call the “Light of the World”, was born to immigrant peasants in Bethlehem and later was visited by Magi, who were possibly Zoroastrian “wise men” from Persia. For Christians, his birth makes concrete and universal a divine love that knows no limits or borders.

ACTIVE AGING CENTER 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CA 94901 Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM Website: whistlestop.org | Email: info@whistlestop.org Guest Services Reception | 415-456-9062 ext. 100 Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 Resource Office | 415-459-6700 Covia Home Match & Social Call | 415-456-9068

JACKSON CAFÉ Monday-Friday | 11:30AM to 2:00PM

LIKE US on Facebook! facebook.com/WhistlestopMarin

As a child, I participated in the children’s Christmas Eve service at my church and then went to my grandparents’ house for dinner and presents. The next morning, my mother and I would share hot chocolate and open our stockings before dad joined us for a reading of the Christmas story, breakfast, and more presents.

While I loved giving and receiving gifts, what I treasured most was the connection I had with my loved ones and with the whole world, which seemed to slow down once we finally got to Christmas.

Something mystical and warm was hidden within every experience, calling my attention to a Loving Reality greater than myself.

Scott Quinn, Executive Director, Marin Interfaith Council

Back then I didn’t have words for my experience, but I felt it deeply. I felt like Ebenezer Scrooge when, realizing he had not missed Christmas, committed himself to compassionate joy and generous service every day.

Whether or not we resonate with a particular faith tradition, we can pause in the midst of the literal and political darkness of this time, reconnect with our own sense of Light, and recommit ourselves to be sources of joy, compassion, justice, love and light in the year to come.

MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS

Whistlestop Nourish | 415-456-9062 ext. 176 Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) | 415-457-4636

Kelly Krueger Thomas, Whistlestop Express Editor 415-235-5031 | kelly@kruegerpr.com

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Director jgolbus@whistlestop.org

CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 Cancel a Paratransit Ride | 415-457-4630

OUR MISSION Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

Want to receive the Express at home? Send $10 to Whistlestop for an annual delivered print subscription, or sign up at whistlestop.org for a free email version.

PACIFIC SUN STAFF Rosemary Olson, Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com

TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle McCoy, Advertising | dmccoy@pacificsun.com Marianne Misz, Advertising | mmisz@pacificsun.com

Cover by Missy Reynolds

The Power of Human Connection

By Joe, O’Hehir

We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.

Chief Executive Officer Whistlestop

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Thursday Jackson Café volunteer crew

Internationally renowned authority Deepak Chopra was recently quoted in the Marin IJ saying, “Our true identity is that we are connected to each other, we are social beings and that is how it is meant to be.” Yet, according to studies, almost half of adults age 65 and older report feeling lonely on a regular basis.

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect or build new social networks.

Think about giving yourself the gift of time with others.

An easy place to start is to become more involved in the many activities that Whistlestop, and other local community centers and places of worship offer.

If you don’t know your neighbors yet, consider introducing yourself this holiday season.

A 2018 study by the AARP Foundation showed getting to know our neighbors can impact our happiness!

Other things we can do to increase social networks include continuing education, exercise, and becoming a pet guardian.

One study showed that pet owners were 36% less likely to feel lonely. I hope you’ll join us on Nov. 26 for the Pet Education and Adoption event with Marin Humane (see p. 11 for details)!

The holidays are the perfect time to start some new traditions and connect with like-minded neighbors here in Marin and at Whistlestop. Connecting with another person is one of the most joyful and lasting gifts we can give one another.

DATE: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 TIME:

3pm-4pm (drop-in) LOCATION:

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 VOLUNTEER POSITIONS INCLUDE:

• CarePool Volunteer Drivers • Meals on Wheels Delivery Drivers • Jackson Café Lunch Servers & Cashiers • Arts and Crafts Teachers • General Office help and Parking Services • Home Delivered Grocery Shoppers (in partnership with Covia) For more information contact: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager Phone: 415-456-9067 Email: volunteer@ whistlestop.org

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ocial interactions are a main focus of holiday activities, gathering with friends and family to celebrate good tidings and the coming of a new year. But staying connected is not just a seasonal activity.

In fact, everything we do at Whistlestop is powered by human connection. Whether it’s a home delivered meal, a medical ride, a volunteer opportunity, or any of our various workshops or classes, we know that social connection and meaningful engagement with others is the key to a happy and healthy life.

It was once widely accepted that good health was mostly dependent on medical care. We now understand that access to medical care only accounts for about 40% of our overall health and wellbeing. The other 60% is affected by social factors, such as good nutrition, access to transportation, having a safe and secure place to live, and our habits such as smoking and drinking. But science has now proven that the single most important factor contributing to a long life is enjoying social connections and a true sense of meaning and belonging.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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How do you celebrate the holidays?

My husband is from Mexico City so we enjoy traditional foods on Christmas Christale Eve – tamales, Carracso – Mexican/American rice, beans and nopales.

His family opens presents on Christmas Eve and his grandmother gives her grandchildren and greatchildren a different puzzle each year as their gift. One year it was a small ball made of twine with money in the middle. The kids had to figure out how to get the money out without breaking the ball.

On Christmas Day we have a White Elephant gift exchange for the adults as the kids open their presents.

Christmas Eve dinner consists of traditional fish entrees and many families prepare cioppino for the meal. Italians also celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings on Jan. 6, which marks the official end of the Christmas season. The night before, children put out a sock or shoe in preparation for a visit from La Befana, a kindly magical witch who brings gifts to all the Karen children in remembrance Raccanello – Italian/American of the gifts the Three Kings gave to the Christ Child. The kids also receive cookies, candies, nuts and mandarin oranges.

Christmas on the islands is similar to that on the mainland.

Except the food. A lot Charlotte of families Kobayashi – Hawaiian/American still serve traditional Hawaiian foods for the holidays. Santa comes in by surfboard or canoe instead of a sleigh. Otherwise, we decorate Christmas trees, hang lights, exchange gifts and attend church. Our big celebration is on New Years, it’s almost always traditional island food -- we pound mochi (sweet rice cakes), eat ozoni soup in the morning (a Japanese tradition) soba noodles at night and mochi dumplings with vegetables.

As a Jewish woman, I grew up in a family that celebrates Hanukkah, a festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt.

The tradition is to light one candle a night of the menorah for eight nights. Gifts are exchanged after each candle is lit. As for food, potato pancakes (latkes) are always a Penny Markrack – highlight.

Jewish/American Topped with applesauce and sour cream they are messy but well worth the trouble. Many traditional songs are sung during Hanukkah.

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HOME WELL 1/6.

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Luncheon Thursday, December 12 11:30am-2:00pm Bread & Roses presents their holiday chorus in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café from 12:00pm-1:00pm. This annual holiday traditional sing a long is always a hit!

$6/$10, No Reservations Necessary

Fresh. Affordable. Delicious.

Jackson Café Located in Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center

Entrées from $ 6- $10 Open to the public for LUNCH every weekday!

HAPPENINGS@WHISTLESTOP DECEMBER

WEEKLYACTIVITIES

FRIDAYS

COMPUTER

EXERCISE

LANGUAGE

TIME

CLASS

INFO

9:00AM-10:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 9:30–10:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM–NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 9:30AM-12:30PM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 9:30AM-11:00AM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM–NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

Tai Chi Computer Lab German Social Group Persian Social Group Movement & Music Russian Social Group CalFresh Line Dancing Whistlesizers Manicures Mah-Jongg French (All Levels) Spanish 2 French Social Group Too Much Stuff Beginning Spanish Monthly Food Box for Seniors Computer Lab Persian Social Group Beginner Ukulele Inter. Ukulele Italian 1 Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Italian 2 CalFresh 12/6 & 12/20 Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-485-9318 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Register Drop-in Register Drop-in Register 415-697-7411 Register at 11:30 am Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in

MISC

FEE $8/10 Free Free Free $15/$45 Free Free $5/$7 $4/5 Free $3/5 $3/5 Free Free $3/5 Free Free Free $40/45 $40/45 $20/25 $4/5 $20/25 $2/4 $20/25 Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5

Community Breakfast

Friday, December 6; $4; 9:00am-10:00am Stop by and enjoy our tasty, hot breakfast buffet.

Therapeutic Medical Massage by Rabel

By Appointment Only. Tuesdays 3:30pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays 9:00am-3:00pm, Thursdays 12:00pm-3:00pm To schedule please call 415-419-4608 Rabel is a soft tissue specialist, certified by the American Medical Massage Association. Massages are located in the alcove by Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

Holistic Health by Pam Arnott

By Appointment Only. Mondays and Fridays.

To schedule please call 415-456-9062 Pam Arnott is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. She also holds Certifications in several other modalities in the Healing Arts. Pam addresses each client’s individual needs such as Stress, Pain, and various ailments. She utilizes an advanced form of Energy Healing, Nutrition and Lifestyle, Breath-work, Whole Body Intelligence™, and Hypnosis. Pam’s favorite part of her work is receiving an unexpected phone call from a client the day after a Healing Session excitedly sharing their positive results! Call to schedule a FREE 10 minute Consultation to discuss the best way Pam can help you to reduce pain, lower stress levels, feel more energized and more.

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THURSDAYS WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

FOOD

For a full list of classes, visit whistlestop.org/classes/ ONGOING calendar or call EVENTS 415-456-9062, ext. 100

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SPECIAL EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Positive Aging Series Pet Education and Adoption Information Event with Marin Humane

Tuesday, November 26; 1:00pm-2:30pm; No registration required November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Join the Marin Humane Animal Ambassador Team for a free educational event about why pet guardianship might be a great option for you. In celebration of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, the adoption fee for anyone who wishes to adopt a senior pet through December 6 will be waived.

Tuesday, December 17; 6:00pm-7:30pm; Registration Required Join us in a discussion on eating healthy during the holidays along with some helpful tips!

SELECTED

CLASSES

Holiday Card Making

Tuesday, December 3; 1:00pm-2:30pm; No fee; Registration suggested What better way to spend time by creating cards that bring great joy to our Meals on Wheels recipients over the holidays!

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Tuesday, December 3; 11:00am-12:30pm; No fee: Registration suggested

Memory Screening

Wednesday, December 4; 9:00am-12:00pm; Registration required

Holiday Tree Decorating & Singers Marin

Wednesday, December 4; 11:00am-12:00pm; No fee; Drop-in Come deck the trees holiday-style at our community tree-trimming party with live music provided by Singers Marin led by Jan Pedersen Schiff.

Listening to Singers Marin perform is magically. The performance is a great way to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Hawaiian Luncheon

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Thursday, December 5; 11:30am-2:00pm; $6/$10 Enjoy lunch and see Hula teacher, Charlotte demonstrate the Art of Hula accompanied by Sandy Baily, our Ukulele instructor.

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ESL September 9-December 4

Monday and Wednesdays, 2:00pm-3:30pm; $40/45; Registration Required We will be offering levels 100, 150 and 250

Tai Chi

Tai Chi: Mondays, 9:00am-10:30am; $8/10; Drop-in Beginning Tai Chi: Mondays, 9:00am9:30am -The first 30 minutes of the class will focus on the introduction to Tai Chi. 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.

Whistlesizers

Tuesdays, 9:30am-10:30am; $4/5; Drop-in Thursday; 11:00am-12:00pm; $4/5; Drop-in Join Elizabeth Lynn, instructor for gentle chair exercises and light cardio to improve your strength, flexibility and motion.

Beginning Ukulele

Wednesdays, 11:15am-12:15pm; $40/$50 Strum your way to happiness with instructor Sandy Bailey! Please bring your own ukulele. Each session runs for 6 weeks.

Bladder Health Presentation

Tuesday, December 10; 11:00am-12:00pm Join Dr. Robert Chan of MarinHealth Urology on a discussion about bladder health.

Holiday Luncheon

Thursday, December 12; 11:30am-2:00pm; $6/$10 Bread & Roses’ presents their holiday chorus in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café from 12:00pm-1:00pm. This annual holiday traditional sing a long is always a hit!

Rummage Sale

Thursday, December 12; 11:00am-2:30pm Looking to start your Holiday shopping? Come by Whistlestop to see all the neat items we will be selling!

JACK’S MEDICAL 1/6

HIGHLIGHTED

Victim-Witness Assistance

SUPPORT Thursdays, December 12 & December 24; SERVICES 9:00am-12:00pm; No Fee Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to resources. For more information, please call 415-473-6450.

CalFresh (eligibility & application assistance)

Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Fridays, December 6 & 20; 10:00am-1:00pm; Free; Drop-in The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, CalFresh, provides qualified applicants with an EBT card to use at participating grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

COMPUTER CLASSES Dec., 2019 & Jan., Feb., 2020

PRE-REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT REQUIRED: 415-456-9062

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications

Tuesdays, December 3 & 10, 10:00 am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review basics and learn about built-in apps including photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and more!

Please bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class.

(For Apple devices only.)

ANDROID Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

Tuesdays, Jan 14 & 21, 10:00am – 12 noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two week course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world Android products, you'll learn how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the internet, download music and add applications. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts so you can practice at home! (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG) CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >

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Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥

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Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

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NORTH COAST MOBILITY 1/8V

Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo

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Covia

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10:00am-12:00pm; Free; Drop-in Covia will be at Whistlestop to answer your questions and provide information on housing and other services.

SF-Marin Food Bank’s Monthly Food Box for older adults

Wednesday, December 18; 9:30am-12:30pm; Free; Drop-in The SF-Marin Food Bank operates the Supplemental Food Program, providing a monthly box of quality U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food to low income older adults. To register, bring an ID, proof of income, and proof of residency and one of the Food Bank specialists will determine your eligibility.

Free Legal Consultation

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Thursday, by appointment only, call 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Volunteer trusts and estates lawyers give limited scope consultations on trust and estates; wills; trust administration; Health Care Directives; Powers of Attorney; and some related real estate matters.

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Tuesdays, Feb 18 & 25, 10:00 am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Learn how to take and edit photos on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device (Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc.). We'll also show you how to store your photos, transfer them all into one place, organize them into folders and how to get them printed. Bring photos on your digital camera, smartphone, iPad or tablet (and all charging cords), to class, and if you have a laptop bring that too!

ONGOING Open Lab

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am – Noon, No Fee Use our Apple and PC computers to access the Internet. Volunteers are available to help and give advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications.

1/4 SQ

1/4 SQ Residen�al Apartments Available Now Voted Best Senior Living! Thank You Marin!

All of your service needs in one location. Respectful, Traditional, Contemporary, Simple Pre-arrangement counseling and insurance funding of future expenses.

Marin’s most unique, locally-owned cemetery, funeral home with a reception center and on-site crematory.

Schedule a Tour

415.383.2741 x265

Managing Your Photos

VALLEY MEMORIAL

THE REDWOODS

Admissions@theredwoods.org

Tuesdays, Jan 28 & Feb 4, 10am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world, you'll learn how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA

Beware of Holiday Scams

By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor

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he holiday season is a time of giving, charitability, and allaround goodwill, but that also leaves us vulnerable to holiday scammers. Older adults are no exception, losing an estimated $2.9 billion each year to financial scams, according to a Senate committee report released earlier this year.

Much of that takes place around Thanksgiving and Christmas and virtually none of it is recoverable.

Here are some of the most common holiday scams to watch out for:

Illegitimate Charity

Gift Card Scams

The scammer in this scenario usually visits a gift card rack, records card numbers, and tracks them via 800 numbers to find out when they’ve been activated. As soon as the

WHEN: December 13th 1pm - 2pm WHERE: Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

Research unfamiliar businesses before making purchases

card is active, they drain the funds.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: purchase gift cards from the issuing store itself, and check for any signs of tampering, like an exposed PIN. Keep your receipts to track your actual balance until the card is empty.

Sites that Take Your Orders – Then Never Ship Them

Watch out for online shopping sites that are selling items that they don’t have in stock. Several of the suspect sites, all of which are based in China, even have quite a few favorable reviews.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Avoid placing orders on

sites that are not wellestablished and that you are not familiar with.

Be particularly leery of overseas vendors, which can largely get away with charging you for something they don't intend to deliver.

As a general rule, try to use major credit cards with fraud protection, research unfamiliar businesses before making purchases, and carefully check credit card and bank statements for suspicious charges. If you feel that you, or an older adult you know, may have been a victim of fraud, contact the US Senate Committee on Aging’s Fraud Hotline (aging. senate.gov/fraud-hotline) to learn your legal rights.

Vote for Whistlestop in The Marin IJ’s Reader’s Choice Awards!

Just click on the Reader’s Choice badge on marinij.com to get started!

Each voter is limited to one ballot online. You must enter responses in at least 10 categories for your ballot to count.

The deadline to file an online ballot is

DEC. 1, 2019, 11:59 P.M.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

“Building Your Social Strength: Family, Friends, Community” A strong social life is paramount to happiness and it’s common as we age to need someone there for us, temporarily or ongoing. We also may want to offer our support and friendship to others.

Bring your experiences, concerns and successes as we explore and strengthen our networks of social support.

CORRECTION We stated in the November 2019 Express that Eden housing had been selected to develop affordable housing at the site of the Point Reyes Coast Guard station facility. In fact, Eden Housing has been selected by the Community Land Trust of West Marin (CLAM) to partner in their bid to the County of Marin to repurpose the former Coast Guard officer housing and facilities as affordable housing at this site.

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Scammers often use the name of a real charity (or make up their own), so fraudulent calls can be tricky to assess. Look out for hot-button causes claiming to benefit police and firefighters, military veterans, sick or needy children, or victims of natural disasters.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Research any unfamiliar organization through sites like chairitynavigator.org, give. org and guidestar.org. If you choose to donate, do so through the organization’s own website or mailing address. Never give anyone your payment information over the phone.

AGE FRIENDLY FAIRFAX

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REQUEST FOR PERSONALIZED HOLIDAY CARDS Gather friends and family to create personalized holiday cards for a homebound person over 60 who receives Whistlestop Nourish or Meals on Wheels. We need hundreds of cards!

All holiday cards should be non-denominational, in unsealed envelopes addressed to: Dear Neighbor or Friend and signed with first name only.

Please drop off cards

by Monday, December 9 (deadline extended!); Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901.

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HOLIDAY CARD CREATING WORKSHOP

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We have all of the supplies; you supply the creativity.

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec 3; 1:00pm-2:30pm; No fee; Registration suggested Create a card and bring great joy to our home delivered meal recipients over the holidays!

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Five Free Holiday Events in Marin T

his holiday season there are many wonderful free local events to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland —

November 29 and 30, events begin at noon both days with the parade and tree lighting beginning at 5:30 pm on November 29 Downtown San Rafael

The 40th annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland officially kicks-off to the holiday season in San Rafael. Live entertainment, crafts, children’s activities, free snow sledding and one of the largest holiday parades in the Bay Area, lead up to the official holiday tree lighting and visits from Ms. Claus and other costumed characters.

Grand Chalk Menorah Lighting —

December 22, 5:00 pm Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, Novato Come "Chalk Kindness" at the Grand Chalk Menorah Lighting at Novato City Hall. This free community event also features music and entertainment, a raffle, refreshments like hot latkes and donuts. More info at jewishnovato.com.

Winter Wonderland in San Rafael

Lighted Boat Parade —

December 9, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm San Rafael Canal The San Rafael Canal lights up with nearly 100 boats and yachts illuminating the water with flashing, dancing lights in the shapes of dolphins, buildings and more. The parade features a grand entrance by Santa and his reindeer and the San Rafael Police. Viewing locations include the back of the Montecito Plaza, Beach Park, the San Rafael Yacht Club, Pickleweed Park, and plenty of other good spots along the Canal.

The annual lighted boat parade in the San Rafael Canal brings together Marin Yacht Club, San Rafael Yacht Club, Loch Lomond Yacht Club and Classic Yacht Association to

benefit Community Action Marin, Marin County’s oldest and largest provider of family support services.

Community Menorah Lighting — December 29, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Downtown Tiburon

Hosted by Osher Marin JCC and Brandeis Marin.

Novato Tree Lighting Festival —

December 7, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, Novato Kick of the joy of the season at this local tradition. Tree lighting, crafts, special treats, live music and more. Fun for the whole family.

Subaru Shares the Love

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ooking for a new car this winter? For the third year in a row, Marin Subaru has selected Whistlestop as its Hometown Charity for the 2019 Share the Love Event. Between November 14, 2019 and January 2, 2020, Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to Whistlestop when you select Whistlestop as your Hometown Charity. You can also select Meals on Wheels America as your charity of choice and Whistlestop will receive a portion of the donated $250.

Pet Education and Adoption Event Information with Marin Humane Tuesday November 26 1:00 – 2:30pm No registration required

TURKEY GIVEAWAY

Big God Ministries | Nov 25 & 26 3:30 pm

415.797.2567 biggodministries.org Come to parking lot at 200 Drake Avenue in Marin City (Mon 11/25) and Pickleweed Park in San Rafael (Tue 11/26) for Big God Ministries’ annual giveaway of 10- to 12-pound frozen turkeys, along with Bibles, teddy bears and coloring books.

Are you ready for a Transition?

1/8 FOR MIRJANA VILLERE/ MCQUIRE REAL ESTATE

Let’s cheers together! Change can be overwhelming, but as a Senior Real Estate Specialist I am here to help you make the move. From finding the adult community that matches your lifestyle to helping you get into a smaller more manageable home, I can assist you. Contact me today!

Misha Villere

Senior Real Estate Specialist MishaVillere@ZephyrRE.com 415.505.3851 • Lic# 02052811

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ovember is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Join the Marin Humane Animal Ambassador Team for a free educational event about why pet guadianship might be a great option for you. If you are already a pet owner, Marin Humane’s Pet Care Assistance program can help you give your pet the best care. There will be information on pet care, photos of adoption animals ready to come to your home, and of course, plenty of animals to pet!

In celebration of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, the adoption fee for anyone who wishes to adopt a senior pet through Dec. 6 will be waived.

DATE CORRECTION

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WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Whistlestop

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council

SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415.456.9062 X4800

Gratitude for You Yvonne Roberts

65-year-old organization.

Chief Donor Relations Officer Some folks have relatives who use our meal delivery upporters like you services, while others have are the heart of Whistlestop’s mission. neighbors who are given You bring connection, the freedom to continue belonging, independence, living in their own homes nourishment, and peace thanks to the Whistlestop of mind to thousands of buses and volunteer drivers.

Marin’s older adults and Yvonne Roberts Still others are “paying their families. Thank you! it forward” to ensure these Generous people are everywhere services will be here when they need in Marin. We get notes from people them. If I have the good fortune to apologizing for a small donation and have a long life, like my 95 year old saying they wish it was more. Please grandma, it is a relief to know that know that every contribution helps.

Whistlestop will be here for me.

Donated contributions add up to over Thank you again for your trust in $1.1 million in support every year. and support of Whistlestop—this vital It’s always inspiring to hear about why people feel connected to our work would not happen without you.

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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 Whistlestop 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 • Serve or Cashier in the Jackson Café • Shop and Deliver Groceries (in partnership with Covia) • Teach Zumba Gold! (Monday and Thursday mornings)

MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card)

Linda Tichy and Janis Stone donating with joy at Whistlestock 2019!

Tommy Castro, Elizabeth and Martin Sleath, Yvonne Roberts at Whistlestock 2019 Fundraiser.

Mailing address: Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Whistlestop.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800