Whistlestop Express November 2019

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

Pg 3: A Pioneer in Affordable Housing Development Pg 4: Hosting a Budget Thanksgiving Pg 11: Thanksgiving Traditions

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WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

Grateful to have lived Grateful to have loved Rochelle Teising

Wife of longtime Meals on Wheels Driver, Orville Teising

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rville and I were together for 40 years. It was the second marriage for both of us, yet, we always felt as if we were still high school sweethearts. I am so grateful we had those years together and I miss him so much every day. Our life together and our love for each other was nothing short of amazing.

Whistlestop was an important part of his life.

For more than 10 years he volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He looked forward to contributing to the wellbeing of others. He truly enjoyed working with his fellow volunteers and helping the people whose

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lives he touched over the years. It meant as much to him as the people he worked with and served. He wanted to give, and he found his place to do it.

Even though he had cancer for the past seven years or so, he felt he had a wonderful life. I am grateful for the opportunities Whistlestop provided to him – it gave him a sense of purpose and filled what could have been a tough part of his life with meaning and happiness.

Now that he is gone, I find myself grateful for the long life we had together.

As a marriage and family therapist, I am able to encourage others to be grateful for the fact that someone else in this world

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

loves them. Too many people dwell on the little things in life that can overshadow what’s far more important – having someone to love and being loved by someone.

The magic of Orville’s and my love for one another continues to see me through. We Rochelle Teising with husband Orville have five kids and eight grandchildren of us as we grow older. I and their love continues to am fortunate to be able see me through the days as to share my own journey well. Orville and I used to in the discussion groups joke that we were as crazy I facilitate for Age Song as the kids. which deal with navigating It’s a blessing that I can the changes we experience continue to share our love physically and emotionally story with others. Losing a as we age. loved one and dealing with It is a story I never tire of the loss is a part of life. It sharing. is part of the story of each

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

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

A Pioneer in Housing

By Kelly Krueger Thomas

TREASURES l6th ANNUAL BENEFIT SALE

Whistlestop Express Editor

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WHOLESALE PRICEES NOVEMBER 2-17, 2019 WHEN: 10AM -6 PM

Warner Creek Senior Housing. Photo courtesy of Eden Housing

of living here. It’s a very modern facility.”

Richard volunteers at the food pantry, helping residents save money on food. He enjoys being active as it gives him a chance to meet people and help them.

“It’s a nice complex. I have a lot of friends here and we keep in touch and see each other daily. We go to the symphony or out for a hamburger together.

Eden Housing also has classes and other activities where residents can learn new skills.” Eden partners with Homeward Bound of Marin to provide a variety of services programs, available to all residents, free of charge.

Eden Housing is excited to share they were recently selected to develop more affordable housing at the site of the Point Reyes Coast Guard station facility. The project is made possible through the purchase of the site by the Marin County Board of Supervisors and

WHERE: TOWN CENTER – CORTE MADERA (space #325 near Crate & Barrel Inside Mall) You are invited to meet celebrated designer, Sudha Pennathur, at the sale of her rare collection of jewelry, scarves and holiday gifts created by Master Craftsmen of India, all for the benefit of local nonprofits.

Richard Ferrerro has been volunteering at Warner Creek since 2014

working with the Marin County Community Development Agency.

Eden Housing’s vision is for everyone to have access to safe, decent, affordable housing. Their homes are a launching pad for children to go to college and families to get ahead, and a landing place for seniors to age in place with dignity, courtesy and respect. Eden Housing currently provides housing to more than 22,000 residents across California.

Sudha's unique designs are featured in Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, Saks Fifth Ave, The Smithsonian and the Sundance Catalog.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Whistlestop, Marin Villages, and the Marin Symphony.

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ver 50 years ago, six community activists who grew concerned about the lack of affordable housing in Alameda County founded Eden Housing. The mission was to build and maintain high quality, well managed, service-enhanced affordable housing for lower income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

In 2013, Eden Housing was carefully selected by Whistlestop as its partner for the housing portion of its new Healthy Aging Campus. A new building at the corner of Third and Brooks in downtown San Rafael will house an expanded and modernized Healthy Aging Center on the first and second floors and 66 units of affordable homes for older adults on the upper four floors. The 66 one bedroom and studio apartments will provide residents 62 and up with quality housing options that are modern and affordable.

So that readers can get a feel for what the new housing will be like, we recently spoke with Richard Ferrero, a resident and volunteer at Warner Creek Senior Housing, an Eden Housing project.

“I’ve lived here for seven years,” Richard told us. “It’s a great building with many amenities. Eden provides some perks and programs that add to the enjoyment

SUDHA'S

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Hosting a Budget Friendly Thanksgiving

By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor

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hanksgiving is a special meal, it’s a time for family and friends to gather, and the beginning of the holiday season. Is it really possible to plan a lavish dinner sure to impress while keeping it affordable?

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the cost to create a Thanksgiving feast for 10 people has hovered around $50 per person for the past few years. A tally of the cost of 12 popular Thanksgiving dinner items including stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, green peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie

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mix and pie shells, whipped cream, milk and turkey, showed that prices varied slightly each year. In 2018, the meal cost $48.90 slightly less than the $49.12 cost for the meal in 2017.

The informal survey did not include alcohol, appetizers, other seasonal favorites like green bean casserole, or cultural additions that many enjoy at their Thanksgiving table.

With this and your budget in mind we pulled together some tips to help you host a Thanksgiving gathering that leaves your guests satisfied and your finances intact.

Go Potluck

Don’t try to be the holiday hero and do all the work

VALLEY MEMORIAL 1/4 SQ

yourself, get help. After all this is the original potluck dinner, remember the pilgrims?

Go for What's in Season

Buy produce in season and you will get more for your money. Brussels sprouts are at their peak in late November. Serving them sliced rather than whole makes them more tantalizing and helps them go further.

Split the Groceries

If you have a small family and a friend in the same situation, split the list.

You’ll both save money and avoid a ton of leftovers.

Stick to your List

Write out a menu and budget and stick to them.

Take your Thanksgiving list along on your regular shopping trips for the month of November and try to pick up non-perishable items during store sales.

Make Items from Scratch

Make your own stuffing with leftover sliced bread, onion, celery (cheap, seasonal produce), seasoning, and broth. You’re paying extra for packaging and may end up with a lower-quality product buying pre-made stuffing.

Go Alcohol Free

There’s so much good food on Thanksgiving, maybe no one will miss it! If you must have wine with your turkey ask someone else to bring a bottle or two.

Luncheon Thursday November 28 11:30am-2:00pm Advance ticket purchase suggested Tickets sold at Whistlestop front desk, $10 Entertainment by pianist, Nancy Fox

HAPPENINGS@WHISTLESTOP NOVEMBER

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-3:30PM 9:30–10:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM–NOON 11:00AM-12:00PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 9:30AM-12:30PM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 9:00AM-10:00AM 9:30AM-11:00AM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 3:45PM-4:45PM 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 Fall 2 Starts 10/21 Russian Social Group CalFresh ESL 100, 150, 250 Whistlesizers Manicures Mah-Jongg French (All Levels) Spanish 2 French Social Group Beginning Spanish Monthly Food Box for Seniors Computer Lab Persian Social Group Beginner Ukulele Inter. Ukulele ESL 100, 150, 250 Rollin’ Root Farmers’ Market Italian 1 Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Italian 2 Line Dancing 11/7 & TBD CalFresh 11/1 & 11/15 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 Register Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Register Drop-in Register Drop-in Register Drop-in 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 $30/$35 $4/5 Free $3/5 $3/5 Free $3/5 Free Free Free $40/45 $40/45 $40/$45 $30/35 $4/5 $30/35 $2/4 $30/35 $5/$7 Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5

EVENTS

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

Community Breakfast

Friday, November 1; $4/$8; 9:00 am – 10:00 am Stop by and enjoy our tasty, hot breakfast

Rollin’ Root Mobile Farmers’ Market Truck

Thursdays rain or shine; 9:00 am – 10:00 am The Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Mobile Farmers’ Market visits Whistlestop every Thursday, rain or shine. Purchase local seasonal fruits and vegetables with ease right here at Whistlestop.

Older Adult Housing Information Session

Wednesday, November 13; 11:00 am – Noon; No fee; Registration suggested Staff members from Covia’s Home Match Marin, will discuss older adult housing options in Marin. Information about Covia’s free, Home Match Marin’s comprehensive home sharing services to older adults and the Marin Housing Authority’s subsidized and low-cost housing will be shared.

Movement & Music

Mondays, October 21- December 2; 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 arthritis-related problems, this class is for you. Join instructor, Diane Haine in the comfortably paced class that meets individual needs. Chair exercises tone both upper and lower body muscles. Includes: joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balancing, breathing coordination and modified Tai-chi movements.

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THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

FOOD

ONGOING

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Therapeutic Medical Massage by Rabel

SPECIAL

By Appointment Only. Tuesdays 3:30pm-5:00pm, Wednesdays 9:00am-3:00pm, Thursdays 12:00 pm-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.

EVENTS &

Veteran’s Day Luncheon

Thursday, November 7; 11:30 am – 2:00 pm; $6/10 Their back! Bread & Roses presents the Lovin’ Harmony Trio singing jazz and pop standards from the Swing Era thru the 1960’s to honor our veterans.

WORKSHOPS

Holistic Health by Pam Arnott

By Appointment Only.

Mondays and Fridays. To schedule please call 415456-9062. 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.

Thanksgiving Luncheon

Thursday, November 28; 11:30am-2:00pm, Tickets $10, sold at front desk Enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving Feast in the Jackson Café. Pianist, Nancy Fox will perform during this celebration.

Life Story Writing, Gratitude and Holiday Stories

Thursday, November 7; 12:30-3:30 pm; $5, Registration required This Life Story Writing is a workshop and uses the Dr. James Birren approach, universal themes and sensitizing questions, to help you rediscover memories and continue your life story writing.

HICAP

Wednesday, November 13; 10:00 am – 11:30 am Facilitator TBD; Medicare Annual Choices and Changes. HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) provides free and unbiased, objective information and counseling about Medicare. Learn about the options and changes in Medicare, to make informed decisions during the Medicare Annual Enrolment period.

Assisted Living at its Best!

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♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥

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Home Organizing

Tuesday, November 11; 11:00am-12:00pm; Registration Required Join organizer Diane Woodall as she gives tricks and tips on how to organize your home and make it clutter free!

Positive Aging Series

Tuesday, November 19; 6:00pm-7:30pm; Registration Required/No Fee. Join us in a discussion on the housing crisis along with resources on housing and organization. Sue zee Poinset from “Too Much Stuff”, Mille Anderson from “Mom’s New Pad”, and Lita Acosta from Covia.

Holiday Card Making

Tuesday, November 19; 11am-1:00pm; No fee; Registration suggested Tuesday, Dec 3; 1:00pm-2:30pm; No fee; Registration suggested What better way to spend time by creating cards that bring great joy to our home delivered meal recipients over the holidays!

Holiday Tree Decorating & Singers Marin

Wednesday, December 4; 11am-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.

Rummage Sale

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

SELECTED

CLASSES

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

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

What's New on your iPhone: Newest changes in iOS

Tuesdays, November 5 & 12, 10am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Find out what has changed and how to use the new features on your iPhone.

Learn how to safely backup and upgrade your device. This class is a great refresher for those who have used the phone or tablet for a little while and a good overview for those new to the iPhone/iPad world. Bring your device to class.

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

Tuesdays, November 19 & 26, 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-onone help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

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ESL Starting Week of September 9 – December 4

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

Tai Chi

Whistlesizers

Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 10:30 am; $4/5; Drop-in 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 Strum your way to happiness with instructor Sandy Bailey! Please bring your own ukulele. Each session runs for 6 weeks.

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HIRED HANDS 1/4 SQ

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Tai Chi: Mondays, 9:00 am – 10:30 am; $8/10; Drop-in *Beginning Tai Chi: Mondays, 9:00am-9:30am-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.

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HIGHLIGHTED

SUPPORT SERVICES

Victim-Witness Assistance

Thursdays, November 14 & November 28; 9:00 am – Noon; 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, November 4, 11, 18, 25 Fridays, November 1 & 15 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Free; Drop-in The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, CalFresh, provides qualified applicants with an EBT card to use at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

Covia

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, November 20; 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

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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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HOME WELL 1/6.

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)

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

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-onone help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Managing Your Photos

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.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Grateful for Their Service

Bonnie Page and Ray DeLeon

By Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Services Program Manager

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, contact Laurie at volunteer@whistlestop.org or call, 415-456-9067.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.

DATE: Thursday, Nov. 14, 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

• Zumba Gold, 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

AGE FRIENDLY SAN ANSELMO San Anselmo has become one of Marin’s most recent communities to be designated as Age Friendly.

Age-friendly San Anselmo aims to shed light on the issues, wants and needs of residents 60+ and their families and caretakers.

They will provide a central source of information on programs, social events (play), and local and county-wide resources for older residents. Their Age Friendly survey will be in the mail soon!

Contact kmacleod@townofsananselmo.org for more information

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heir dedication to serving others not only led them to Whistlestop, but a chance encounter years ago that, as Ray likes to say, was the start of a “beautiful friendship.”

After serving as a cryptographer for the Strategic Air Command – having been stationed in Alaska, Newfoundland, French Morocco, Florida and other places – Ray settled in Marin County as the Korean War came to a close.

He joined the Twin Cities Police Department, which is now Central Marin, and worked there for 30 years.

One day, a young officer who had injured her knee came into the Detective Division where Ray was working. Assigned to desk duty while she healed, she was looking for something to do and Bonnie and Ray ended up doing lunch.

For her part, Bonnie has been in public service since she was 16 and signed on to be an Explorer Scout with the Mill Valley Police Department. She

became a cadet, then a reserve police officer in San Rafael, a meter maid for the Sausalito Police Department, then an officer for Twin Cities. She continues to serve as a parttime dispatcher in Fairfax.

In addition to their shared history in law enforcement, Bonnie and Ray love to volunteer. They have raised thousands of dollars for local charities and are proud members of the Lions Club. They are both familiar faces at the Community Breakfast and Thanksgiving Lunch at Whistlestop.

Ray is also a long time Ombudsman with the County of Marin and Bonnie is co-block captain for her neighborhood Emergency Response Team.

They have lived their lives in service to others and are so grateful to have the opportunity to help people who are in need.

They are also grateful that they are able to share their other passion, travel.

They’ve gone to many of the San Francisco Giants’ away games and vacationed around the world in places like China, Norway and Italy.

Please join us at 9 a.m. at our first Friday of every month Community Breakfast in the Whistlestop Jackson Café and say hello to Bonnie and Ray.

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Wholesome Health for the Holidays JOIN US FOR GIVING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019!

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t Whistlestop, we understand that health is more than just our physical wellbeing. Our health is also influenced by education, social interaction, and community engagement. Through the Active Aging Center, community members, who might otherwise be isolated, access comprehensive programs and resources that address these social determinants of health and aim to provide each individual the opportunity to age actively with better health.

This holiday season, you

can support older adults and individuals living with disabilities by joining us on Giving Tuesday. Your gifts will bolster educational classes, social groups, and community events through the Active Aging Center as well as other vital programs.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, inspired by social media and

collaborative fundraising, and set on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. This day celebrates the work that organizations around the world are doing to strengthen and uplift their communities.

Join Whistlestop for Giving Tuesday at Whistlestop.org/ Giving-Tuesday or join our Facebook Campaign @WhistlestopMarin.

You can also call us at 415-456-9062 x4800 or email donations@whistlestop.org.

THANKSGIVING

TRADITIONS

AROUND THE WORLD

In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. But did you know that seven other nations also celebrate an official Thanksgiving Day? Those nations are Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, and Switzerland.

Let’s kick this Holiday season off with a bang! #givingtuesday

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Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal

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Avatar’s Restaurant Thanksgiving Dinner |

San Rafael’s St. Vincent De Paul Dinner |

Nov 27, 3:30-9:30 pm 2656 Bridgeway Blvd – Sausalito Phone: 415-332-8083 enjoyavatars.com

Nov 28, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm 820 B St, San Rafael vinnies.org

For more than 30 years, the restaurant that specializes in “healthy California Indian fusion food” is serving a free Thanksgiving eve spread.

The event will run until the food runs out or when people stop showing up.

Lotus Family of Restaurants Dinner | Nov 27, 5:00-9:00 pm Lotus Cuisine of India at 704 Fourth St. – San Rafael Phone: 415-456-5808 Café Lotus at 1912 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. – Fairfax Phone: 415-457-7836 Lotus SF at 2434 Mission St. – San Francisco Phone: 415-872-9130.

“Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks and this is how we thank our customers, friends and community,” says owner Surinder Sroa.

The event is a no-reservations/no-charge Indian buffet.

Come to the annual free Thanksgiving Day holiday dinner at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Dining Room in San Rafael.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY Big God Ministries | Nov 25 & 26 3:00 pm Phone: 415-797-2567 biggodministries.org Come to Pickleweed Park in San Rafael (Mon 11/25) and 200 Dale Ave in Marin City (Tue 11/26) for Big God Ministries’ annual giveaway of 10- to 12-pound frozen turkeys, along with Bibles, teddy bears and coloring books.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE

THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS?

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ifferent families have different traditions to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Some might go around the table saying what they are thankful for. Others might slip into a food coma watching football.

Still others start decorating for Christmas. Here are some traditions shared by our Whistlestop friends:

“We’ve always invited anyone who we’ve thought would be alone. Our kids now do it. We made it a point to instill this in them.

We also try to recreate Thanksgiving in costume.

It’s really fun.

We’ve done it for years.”

– Susan Garcia

“A special dinner without the turkey.

Special desserts.

Everything is special for Thanksgiving.”

– Nina Hermosilla “Makahiki season is the Hawaiian Thanksgiving term. Locals usually feast on poke (raw fish), Kahlua pork and lau lau which is pork wrapped in taro or luau leaf. Yum!” – Mari Anoran

HOLIDAY CARD CREATING WORKSHOPS WHEN: Tuesday, Nov 19; 11am-1:00pm; No fee; Registration suggested

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!

THE TRADITION OF GIVING THANKS

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aturally, one of the most common traditions of Thanksgiving Day celebrations is the giving of thanks. Here a few Whistlestop clients share their gratitude:

“Sometimes the only contact I have with other people is when my meals are delivered. I’m just so grateful for the program. I totally rely on it.”

– Whistlestop Nourish client

REQUEST FOR HOLIDAY CARDS Sharing is caring! Gather friends and family to create personalized holiday cards for a homebound person who receives Whistlestop Nourish or Meals on Wheels.”

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

Please drop off or mail cards by Monday, November 18; Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901.

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

N OV E M B E R 2 019 WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS

“I don’t know what I would do without your help. Between all my appointments all over Marin and San Francisco, you ALL have been a true lifesaver. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your help! I don’t know many people up here, and my family can’t help as much getting me around to all my appointments. You have saved my life in every way. Thank you and bless all of you!”

– Christina

“The volunteer drivers and staff at CarePool were my Guardian Angels in helping me get to visit my husband when he was in the hospital.

Since he passed, CarePool continues to be my lifeline, helping me get to my other important appointments.”

– Joan L

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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

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

Getting Involved in Your End of Life Planning life planning, and will offer guidance on how to begin Chief Donor Relations Officer this liberating process. or many older They will also share their adults, end of life insight into how to create planning can feel open dialogue—and make like a daunting process. choices—with your family However, understanding members and loved ones. the kinds of decisions that Join Mark and George for will be involved in your an informative presentation death and the various Yvonne Roberts on the process of end of life options available to you planning. can be a reassuring and empowering This presentation is Wednesday, experience. When it comes to making October 30, 10-11:15 am. Kindly these arrangements, we want to have a register by calling 415-456-9062 x100. comprehensive plan for ourselves and Free estate planning binders will be our families, but complicated details available for attendees. like insurance policies and cost of end This presentation is sponsored by of life services can create confusion and Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and upset.

Funeral Home in Novato.

Mark Mulholland—Funeral Need help with your estate Director—and George Estes— documents?

Older adults may schedule Cemetery Manager—from Valley free half hour appointments at Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin by Home, will explore various available calling Whistlestop’s Resource Office: burial and cremation options and 415-459-6700. offer guidance on how to make these complex decisions. Both Mark and To learn more about making charitable gifts to George have extensive personal and Whistlestop, please contact Yvonne Roberts at yroberts@whistlestop.org or 415-295-0578. professional experience with end of

By Yvonne Roberts

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS N OV E M B E R 2 019

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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 or Arts and Crafts

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