Whistlestop Express March 2020

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MARCH 2020 whistlestop.org MARCH 2020 whistlestop.org whistlestop.org October 2018 Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: 3: Coming Take ourBack Reader Survey!

Pg from the Fire Pg 5: 4: Whistlestop/Eden Whistlestop Food and Nutrition Assistance Pg Housing Campus UpdatePrograms Pg 9: 9: Helping The Importance of Eating Rainbow Pg Older Adults Findthe Home & Community

FOOD

A Place Called Home

for

See page 10.

THOUGHT M A RC H 2 0 2 0 WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS

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WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

You really are what you eat Barbara Sobel MS, CNS, LDN

Y

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ou’d think that as a clinical nutritionist I would have found the magic formula for a healthy diet by now. I’ve seen all the science, lived through the Atkins, Keto and Paleo diets.

Yet, what I’ve come to find is that maintaining a healthy diet isn’t that magical at all. It’s deceptively simple. Focus on eating real foods (plants, animals, organic, from nature), enjoy the things you love in moderation and stay away from processed foods.

I always tell my clients to remember that their body is the best judge of what is good for them. We’re all unique, as are our dietary needs. What works for me might not work for you. One

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person can eat probiotic yogurt or red meat to their heart’s delight, but for somebody else, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Our bodies are indeed complex. Fats are important to brain health, proteins build muscle, which is important because we lose it as we age, and carbs – think veggies, whole grains, brown rice, quinoa and millet and fruit – provide short-term energy, nutrients, and fiber.

The biggest problem?

Sugar. Or should I say, hidden sugar.

Manufacturers are pretty savvy when it comes to listing sugar as something else in the list of ingredients in prepared and packaged foods. Get rid of all the hidden, unwanted sugar you can and save your sugar intake for

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

something occasionally that you really enjoy.

I also recommend communal eating. Whether it’s a potluck with friends or dining at the Jackson Café, eating with others is not only socially and emotionally healthy, but it’s very joyful because it reconnects us to the bounty of nature and the fellowship of others.

Cooking your own meals is another great way to stay healthy. Locally sourced foods that are in season are far more delicious than anything you can buy in the freezer or in the prepared foods section. Plus you can buy at the peak of the season when prices are lower and freeze some of it for use later.

Above all, be creative.

There’s no rule that says

Barbara Sobel, MS, CNS, LDN, Clinical Nutritionist

you can’t have soup for breakfast or eggs for dinner.

It’s easy to get into a rut when mealtime comes.

Plan ahead as best you can, shake things up now and then and most importantly, have a little fun with food.

Barbara Sobel is a local nutritionist who practices functional medicine.

To learn more about her services or book an appointment, visit barbarasobel.com.

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 photo by Brian Dettor

GETTING AROUND

Reader Survey Please take a few moments to fill out this brief reader survey. This Express newsletter is for YOU and we’d love to hear from you about what you love and also about how we can make it better. You can turn this in at the font desk or mail it to 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: a. Male/female b. Age bracket: Under 60 | 60 - 69 | 70 - 79 | 80 - 85 | over 85 c. Live alone Y/N d. Rent/Own 2. I look forward to receiving the Whistlestop Express each month.

Yes/No 3. I find the articles to be useful and informative.

Yes/No

W

histlestop believes that transportation to healthy food should be easy. Here are a few ways to help you get to grocery stores, local farmer’s markets, Whistlestop’s Brown Bag Pantry, and lunches at the Jackson Café:

CAREPOOL is Whistlestop’s volunteer driver program that takes older adults who cannot drive to the grocery store (and also to medical appointments and social engagements). Many CarePool riders set up a regular, weekly appointment to go grocery shopping with a CarePool driver. If you are ambulatory and 65+ OR if you are Paratransit eligible you can request a FREE ride.

Call 415-456-0927 or email carepool@whistlestop.org to learn more.

5. I have attended a special event, class or workshop after reading about it in the Express. Yes/No 6. I like having the list of regular, weekly activities in each issue.

Yes/No 7. I find the class listings to be easy to read, useful and informative.

Yes/No - If you answered No, how would you prefer this information be listed or organized?

8. I usually get my Whistlestop class information from: a. The Express b. The website c. Combination of Express and website d. I find out about classes when I’m at the Active Aging Center 9. If there were an app for a smartphone to sign up for Whistlestop classes, I would use it. Yes/ No 10. Is there anything you’d like to see added or changed in the Whistlestop Express?

11. Are there any other comments you would like to share with us?

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MARIN ACCESS PARATRANSIT (WHISTLESTOP) is a pre-scheduled, door-to-door bus transportation service in Marin County available for only $2 per ride to those eligible. If you are already a paratransit rider, call 415-454-1098 to schedule your ride. To find out if you qualify for paratransit, call Marin Access Travel Navigators. Travel Navigators help older adults and people with disabilities understand the various transit options available to them and walk them through the process of becoming eligible. This is a one-stop shop to help you get the most out of Marin Access. Call: (415) 454-0902 or email: travelnavigator@marintransit.org.

4. My favorite part about the Express is: a. The list of Whistlestop classes and activities b. Learning about events and programs happening in the community c. The articles d. Other _______________________________________

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Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs

HOME WELL 1/6.

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arch is National Nutrition Month! At Whistlestop, we understand how important good nutrition is for staying in good health. That’s why we provide a wide variety of ways for Marin’s older adults to get the nourishment they need.

BROWN BAG PANTRY – Every Friday 11:00 am - noon in the Caboose at Whistlestop.

Free, fresh produce, meats and staple food items provided from the Marin/SF Food Bank.

Marin residents must be 60+ and low-income.

For questions, call 415-456-9062.

CALFRESH ASSISTANCE (SNAP) – 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 10:00 am - noon located in the Whistlestop Active Aging Center. Get assistance with the application process for the CalFresh Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. Please bring ID, proof of income and unearned income, bank statements, and proof of residency. For information, call 415-767-5220.

CAREPOOL – By appointment. FREE door-to-door rides to the grocery store for Marin residents 65 or older and people with disabilities with extra support to riders, such as unloading groceries. Rides: 415-454-0927 or email carepool@whistlestop. org. Want to volunteer to drive? Call 415-456-9062 ext.103.

ALDERSLY

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MEALS ON WHEELS – In partnership with the County of Marin, Whistlestop's friendly, reliable paid and volunteer drivers deliver fresh meals to homebound older adults 60+.

Call 415-457-4636 to sign up.

JACKSON CAFÉ – Monday thru Friday 11:30 am - 2 pm . Located in the Whistlestop Active Canter. The menu, which changes daily, includes a hot main entrée, vegetarian entrée, soup du jour, and a variety of other favorite lunch dishes and is only $6 for Whistlestop members.

Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™ Our holistic approach to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual needs—ensuring a better quality of life, comfortably at home.

Call HomeWell of the North Bay for a free assessment at 415-599-4333 to learn more. ųƚŸƋåÚ ±ųåţ 8VYI (SQTEWWMSR | homewellcares.com a

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

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COMMUNITY BREAKFAST – 1st Friday 9-10 am. Join us for a delicious, healthy community-style breakfast at the Jackson Café. Cost is only $4 for members and $8 for non-members, which includes your meal, coffee or juice.

License Number 214700009

MONTHLY FOOD BOX – 3rd Wed of the month, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Receive food boxes that include a variety of quality foods. Eligible recipients must be Marin residents, 60+, with income less than $1,265/month. For more information, call 415-282-1900 x370.

NUTRITION CONSULTATIONS – By appointment. Schedule a 30-minute session with our in-house Nutritionist, Christale Carrasco. $35 for members, $50 for non-members. Call 415-456-9062.

WHISTLESTOP NOURISH – By appointment. Delivers food to those suffering from chronic illnesses three days a week, with the help of dedicated volunteer drivers. Call 415 456-9062 x176.

HAPPENINGS@WHISTLESTOP

WEEKLYACTIVITIES CLASS

INFO

FEE

9:00AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 2:00PM-3:30PM

Tai Chi Computer Lab German Social Group Persian Social Group Russian Social Group ESL 100, 150 & 200

Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register

$8/10 Free Free Free Free $40/$45

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

Manicures Mah-Jongg French (All Levels) Spanish 2 French Social Group Too Much Stuff Beginning Spanish

Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in

$40/$45 Free $3/5 $3/5 Free Free $3/5

9:00AM-9:50AM 9:30AM-12:30PM 10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-10:50AM 10:30AM-NOON 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:30PM

Zumba Monthly Food Box Computer Lab Stretch & Breath Persian Social Group Beginner Ukulele Inter. Ukulele ESL 100, 150 & 200

Drop-in Register Drop-in Register Drop-in Register Register Register

$3/$5 Free Free $5/$7 Free $40/45 $40/45 $40

9:30AM-11:00AM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 12:30PM-3:00PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 2:00PM-3:00PM

Italian 1 Whistlesizers Italian 3 Write Your Life Stories Italian Study Group Italian 2

Register $40/45 Drop-in $4/5 Register $40/45 Prerequisite required $10 Drop-in $2/4 Register $40/45

10:00AM-10:45AM 11:00AM-NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

Walk and Roll Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

Register Register at 11:30 am Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in

Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5

ONGOING

EVENTS

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

Community Breakfast

Friday, March 6; 9:00 am - 10:00 am; $4/$8 Stop by and enjoy our tasty, hot breakfast buffet.

Movement & Music

Mondays, 11:00 am - Noon; Fee $15 yearly Emeritus Students College of Marin (ESCOM) membership, plus $63 for ESCOM members $82 for Non-members (6 week class) paid to the College of Marin registrar.

Call 415-485-9318 to register.

If you have not been exercising regularly or have arthritisrelated problems join instructor, Diane Haine in both chair and standing exercises. Includes: joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balancing, breathing coordination and modified Tai-chi movements. Scholarships Available.

SPECIAL EVENTS &

Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Thursday, March 12; 11:30 am - 2:00 pm; $6/$10 Join us in celebration of Saint Paddy’s Day! Be sure to wear all your lucky gear. Green is a must!

Bring your friends, family and loved ones! Event will feature live entertainment by Bread and Roses, Erica & Friends.

WORKSHOPS

Affordable Housing Workshop

Wednesday, March 11; 11:00 am - Noon; No Fee, Drop In Learn about how and when to apply for affordable housing, how to organize your search and paperwork, and manage expectations. Learn about local organizations, affordable housing communities, and programs that may be able to assist you on your housing journey! Event will be hosted by Jen Arent.

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TIME MONDAYS

MISC

TUESDAYS

LANGUAGE

WEDNESDAYS

EXERCISE

THURSDAYS

COMPUTER

FRIDAYS

FOOD

MARCH

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Explaining Care at Home; Medical, Non-Medical, Hospice, Palliative, & durable Medical Equipment.

Wednesday, March 11; 10:00 am - 11:00 am; No Fee, Registration Required Educate yourself and your family on vital resources post discharge so they continue the healing process.

Census 2020 - You Deserve to be Counted

Thursday, March 12; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm; No Fee, Drop In Nearly every household in the United States will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census from either a postal worker or a census worker the week on March 12, 2020. From March 12 through April 30, 2020 there are three ways to complete your census questionnaire: online, by phone or by mail. If you have not completed the census questionnaire by the end of April a census taker will visit your home and assist you with completing it. The information you provide is confidential and protected by law and will not be shared with any agency or person.

Census 2020 Celebration Lunch

Wednesday, April 1; 11:30 am - 2:00 pm; $6/$10 An accurate 2020 Census count of Marin County residents ages 65 and older is vital to the allocation of federal funding for programs such as Medical, Medicare Part B, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs that support our aging population. This data is also key in ensuring we have housing, care facilities and a healthcare workforce available in next ten years to provide for Marin County’s older adults. California is also at risk of losing a seat in the House of Representatives if we have an undercount of our state population.

The Marin Census 2020 website at marincensus2020.org has information to help you know when to expect census information in the mail, where to get help and how the county is ensuring that everyone is counted in Marin.

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Join us in making sure we have an accurate census count in Marin County to benefit from the federally funded programs that support older adults and their families.

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Protecting Yourself Financially: Credit Issue and Identity Theft Third Wednesday of each month; 9:30 am - 11:00 am; No Fee, Registration Required Call 415-456-9062 x100 to register.

Positive Aging - Series Marijuana and CBD

Thursday, March 19; 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm; No Fee, Drop In What are the side effects? Pain relief? What dosage is appropriate?

Join us in a discussion on marijuana, CBD and other cannabis related questions.

SELECTED

Memory Screenings

Monday, March 9; 9:00 am - 12:30 pm; CLASSES No Fee, Registration Required Worried about memory loss or just want to have a reference detection test? Call today to schedule a free appointment. Memory assessment is not diagnostic, but it is an opportunity to speak privately and confidentially with a professional evaluator.

Walk and Roll

Fridays, 1:30 pm; No Fee, Drop In Tired of walking alone? Looking for a new way to motivate yourself and others to get moving? Walking with others can keep you motivated, improve your accountability – and helps many people improve their heart health.

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Tuesday, March 24; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm; No Fee, Registration Required

Sarah Holmsen from the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer's and the latest research initiatives regarding treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.

Citizenship Prep Tutoring

Appointment only, $5; Please call for more information If you are currently studying for your Citizenship Exam and need additional support, join us in your preparation.

Chiropractic Care and Pain Management

HOME MATCH/ COVIA 1/6

Tuesday, March 10; 11:00 am - Noon; No Fee, Registration Required Join Dr. Paul Podwojski on a discussion about the various chiropractic care treatments; how it can help you manage your pain.

Lifestyle Options and Later Retirement

Tuesday, March 17; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm; No Fee, Registration Required Residential options for people when their home is no longer safe, social, and healthy.

Millie Anderson, of Moms New Pad, will lead the conversation, along with other speaker guests.

Zumba

Wednesdays, 9:00 am - 9:50 am; $3/$5; Drop In It is time to get up and dance with Jimna Calmell! The more you enjoy your exercise routine, the more likely you are to stick with it. Helps you de-stress! Improves coordination.

COMPUTER CLASSES

ESL

Monday and Wednesdays, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm; $40/45; Registration Required We will be offering levels 100, 150 and 250. Please make sure to call in advance for registration and for class payment.

Tai Chi

Mondays, 9:00 am - 10:30 am; $8/10; Drop In

The first 30 minutes of the class will focus on the introduction to Tai Chi. This non-competitive martial art known for its health and balance improvement benefits and combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.

Whistlesizers

Thursday, 11:00 am - Noon; $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; 11:15 am - 12:15 pm; $40/$50; Registration Required Strum your way to happiness with instructor Sandy Bailey! Please bring your own ukulele. Each session runs for 6 weeks.

Italian I

Stretch and Breath

Every Wednesday; 10:00 am - 10:50 am; $3/$5; Drop In This class will help to strengthen, loosen and balance your body for better health and quality of life. You will need a stretching mat, blankets or pillows. This class will be taught by Kathy Burch, aka KaRasheba.

Drop-In Writers

First Thursday of every month, with the exception of July; 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Sessions are $10; Registration required Beginners welcome! This writers group is facilitated by Lakin Khan.

Class is limited to 8 people.

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Tech Tips for Transportation

Thursdays, March 12 & March 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (2 classes) Fee: $10 Want to get around without driving? Your Smart Phone, tablet and computer are great tools for getting rides! In partnership with Marin Transit, this is a discounted class to learn about transportation options in Marin. We will show you how to get online and use web sites and apps for determining the fastest, cheapest and most timely ways for getting where you want to go. Learn how to take the bus, SMART train, ferry or maybe get a ride from a volunteer, use shared ride services (Lyft), subsidized taxi’s and more! Bring your Smart Phone, tablet or laptop to class. Computers will be available as well. We will help you set up a Clipper card with a built in senior discount. This course is especially geared to seniors and disabled riders as well as caregivers who may be interested in transportation options.

Intro to Computers – Windows or Apple

Tuesdays, March 24, 31 and April 7, 10am - Noon (3 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people Designed for first-time computer user, you will learn how to start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, how to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account.

iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications

Tuesdays, April 21 & 28, 10am - Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course we will focus on how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, and travel (Lyft/Uber). Learn how to organize apps and how to get rid of unwanted apps. This is a perfect sequel to "How to Use Your iPad/iPhone" and "Essential Built-in Applications" classes. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only.)

Android Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only)

Tuesdays, May 5 & 12, 10:00am - 12 noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people This course will review some of the basics of using your device and also show you some of the apps that come built in that you might have missed or be afraid to try. Get the most out of your built-in apps including Photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, Calendar, E-mail, Texting, Maps/GPS, and more! Learn the steps to find and install new apps, and how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access.

(For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

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.

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Thursdays; Italian I; 9:30 am 11:00 am, Italian III; 12:30 - 1:30 pm, Italian II; 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm; Sessions $40/$45: Registration Required Ciao! Italian is an incredibly beautiful and intricate language and studies show that learning a new language increases analytical thinking skills. Come learn Italian with Karen Raccanello! All levels welcomed.

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

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Life Story Writing

Thursday, March 19; Free introductory workshop; 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, $10; Registration Required

HIGHLIGHTED

SUPPORT SERVICES

Victim-Witness Assistance

Thursdays, March 12 and 26; 9:00 am - Noon; No Fee, Drop In 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.

Financial Consulting

Wednesdays, March 11 & 25; 10:00 am - Noon; No fee, Appointment only Peter Tabet, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MBA, brings a wide-ranging portfolio of education, experience, skills & interests from his career in insurance and financial services.

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VALLEY MEMORIAL

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1/4 SQ 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.

SF-Marin Food Bank’s Monthly Food Box for Older Adults

Wednesday, March 18; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; 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

Thursdays, by appointment only, call 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Volunteer trust 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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40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA

Picasso on a Plate Whistlestop Nutritionist

Assisted Living at its Best!

& Stacy Scott

♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥

By Christale Carrasco

Whistlestop Culinary Director

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

B

RED

Red fruits and vegetables are colored by a natural plant pigment called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of cancer and keep our hearts healthy.

PURPLE/BLUE

The plant pigment anthocyanin is what gives

BELLO GARDENS Juanita says “WE CARE” 1/8V The most famous duck in San Anselmo!

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

Eating a wide palate of colorful foods, especially fruits and vegetables, is an easy way to boost nutrition by providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals

blue/purple fruits and vegetables their distinctive color. Anthocyanin can help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

ORANGE/YELLOW

Carotenoids give this group their vibrant color. A wellknown carotenoid called Beta-carotene is found in sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots. It is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy eyes.

Another carotenoid called lutein is stored in the eye and has been found to prevent cataracts.

GREEN

Green vegetables contain a

range of phytochemicals, all of which have anti-cancer properties. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are also excellent sources of folate.

White fruits and vegetables contain a range of healthpromoting phytochemicals (found in garlic) which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potatoes, are also a good source of potassium.

If you want to eat for maximum nutrition, try eating with a variety of colors and create a Picasso on your plate.

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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rowse through the pages of any cooking magazine or website and you will notice artistic creations of gorgeous, colorful food, good enough to eat. Art aside, a beautifully designed plate of food, brimming with color, is not only eye-catching but also healthy.

Experts are now saying that healthy eating is not only about how many servings of fruits and vegetables you eat, but it is also about the variety you pick. Every one of your meals does not have to be multicolored (though it would not hurt to add a salad with different-colored veggies to the menu), but you should get a range of fruits and vegetables in varying hues over the course of a week.

Here are some nutritional benefits that come from eating the colors of the rainbow:

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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

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

DATE: Thursday, March 12, 2020 TIME: 3pm-4pm (drop-in) LOCATION: 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS INCLUDE:

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

Building a Fulfilling Life

By Laurie Vermont Volunteer Services Program Manager

B

orn and bred in Marin, John Kampmeyer feels he is extremely fortunate in his life as he was able to choose a career that he loved, serving as a carpenter for almost 40 years before hanging up his tool belt.

The long days left John with little time to volunteer, but now that he’s retired, he volunteers regularly. For the last three years, John has been on two volunteer teams at Whistlestop. He shows up every Friday morning to unload the truck of food bound for the Whistlestop Brown Bag Pantry. Then he assists in the distribution of food to the 100 Marin older adults who are registered for the Brown Bag Pantry program.

If that weren’t enough, John is part of the Meals on Wheels team of volunteers who deliver pre-made meals to homebound older adults, ensuring that they have a nutritious hot meal each day.

Whistlestop creates a sense of community, says John, pointing to the Brown Bag Pantry where people show up weekly in a friendly environment to pick up fresh produce and staples, saving their hardearned money for housing and other essentials.

“Healthy food and the company of others will go a long way towards ensuring all around better health.”

Volunteer of the Month John Kampmeyer

In addition, John is always at the ready to volunteer at Whistlestop’s fundraising events, helping with set up and tear down.

According to Judith, who works with him at the pantry, “John is always friendly and in a good mood.

He does whatever needs to be done. He is a true righthand man.”

John’s mother, who was on Whistlestop’s board of

directors, is the one who suggested that he volunteer.

In addition to volunteering, John supports all the local sports teams – the Niners, Warriors and Giants. He’s also an avid fan of disc golf.

You’ll find him on two local courses: Stafford Lake in Novato and in SF Golden Gate Park.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities contact: volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Agricultural Institute AIMs to Provide Access to Healthy Locally Grown Food

By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor

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gricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is a local champion of healthy living and sustainably grown local food, representing over 350 family farms, specialty food purveyors, and artisans through the eight Certified Farmers Markets it manages.

The institute also shares the nutritional and economic benefits of buying directly from farmers through a number of food and farming education programs.

When a fruit or vegetable spends more time maturing before being picked it can develop more nutrients than when picked early to be shipped long distances and sit in warehouses before reaching the grocery store. Since local produce is picked and sold around or at its peak, it can have more nutrients and

provide added health benefits.

With locally produced products like cheese, there’s no need to add preservatives for shelf-life and storage. Delivered to the Farmers Market straight from the producer is purer than what’s available at a brandname grocer.

According to AIM, food grown or produced and handled by someone who is part of your local community is the foundation for a community’s economic security. When locals buy from each other they strengthen their local economy which promotes economic diversity. Plus eating what’s grown in your own area comes with the pride of knowing that your food comes with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than what’s available at most supermarkets.

Marin County residents should watch for “The Rollin’ Root” truck in town, a Farmers Market on wheels offering a unique opportunity for neighbors to meet and socialize.

Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, The Rollin’ Root brings farm fresh produce straight to the public so no one is left out from enjoying the nutritional benefits and delicious taste of locally grown food.

To find a local farmers market near you visit: agriculturalinstitute.org/ourmarkets and to learn more about AIM visit agriculturalinstitute.org or find the Root’s Route: agriculturalinstitute.org/ rollin-root

COMMISSION ON AGING MEETING WHEN: March 5, 2020

10 am to 12:30 pm

WHERE: San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Geronimo TOPIC: Marin Transit

Program & Service Updates

SPEAKER: Robert Betts, Director of Planning & Operations, Marin Transit

1/4 SQ

The Rollin’ Root brings farm fresh produce to Marin residents every Monday, Thursday and Friday

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Whistlestop

WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 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

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION

We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE

Protecting Yourself Financially: Credit Issues and Identity Theft

By Yvonne Roberts Whistlestop Chief Donor Relations Officer

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Office, heading a group of mediators n today’s complicated, technologycentered world, it can be who help resolve consumer complaints, challenging to know who and what as well as performing intake for to trust. That confusion consumer complaints within is exacerbated when it the county. Kristina is a comes to managing your licensed attorney and was assets, making investment formerly a supervising decisions, and receiving deputy district attorney in tech support. As technology Santa Clara County. continues to challenge This presentation is privacy protections and Wednesday, March 18, 9:30automated services 10:45am in Whistlestop’s become more common, it Yvonne Roberts Jackson Café. Kindly is important to know how register at our front desk or by to detect scams, identity theft, and calling 415-456-9062 x100. finance-related fraud.

Join us on the third Wednesday of This month, join Kristina Warcholski each month and hear from experts on for a presentation on how to avoid a wide range of Estate Planning and credit and identity issues and protect aging-related topics. Whistlestop’s 2020 yourself financially, on- and offEstate Planning Series is sponsored by line. Kristina is the Consumer and Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Community Mediation Coordinator for the Marin County District Attorney’s Funeral Home in Novato.

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 • Teach a class

MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing address: Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Whistlestop.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800