Whistlestop Express October 2019

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

Pg 3: Sneak Peek of New Healthy Aging Campus Pg 4: Affordable Housing Options in Marin Pg 10: Marin Senior Fair

Finding Home

WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

Finding Home

By Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO

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hen I reflect on what Home means to me, it brings fond memories. Home conjures up images of my childhood home, along with happy memories of the smells, laughter and family there. Now, Home is San Rafael for the past 30 years where I live with my wife, raising our children, and enjoying the natural beauty of Marin County.

But Home is not just a place. It’s also a feeling of comfort, contentment, security and belonging.

For me, Home is spending time with my neighbors.

It’s the familiarity of my surroundings – like that

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warming feeling you get when you turn onto the street where you live.

Home is knowing I belong when I come to work every day, because my work at Whistlestop brings me feelings of gratitude. My parents taught me at an early age that home is where the heart is.

At Whistlestop, we’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a place Home, and specifically, how folks moving into elderhood can continue to call Marin their home. We’re passionate about doing our part to make Marin a vibrant, connected, accessible and supportive community for those of us living our third stage of life here.

So we asked, and we

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

listened. What we heard is that Home is love. We heard that Home is feeling safe and being taken care of. We heard that while we all need shelter, food, the ability to get around and access to medical care, once those basic needs are met, the single most important ingredient for a happy life and a feeling of Home is a feeling of connection. As one Whistlestop member put it, “You can have all of the ‘things’ you need (housing, transportation, food, etc.) but there is no happiness without a social network.”

We also heard that for many, Whistlestop has become a second home. It’s a place where you are greeted by name, where you see familiar faces, and where

Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO

you can feel safe, happy, and a sense of belonging.

I’m thrilled to be able to share the exciting progress we’ve made with Whistlestop’s future Home, the new Healthy Aging Campus, which you can read about on page 3. We will be partnering with community organizations and healthcare payers and providers to create a place where all of Marin’s older adults can feel a true sense of connection, of being taken care of, and of belonging – a place called Home.

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 Van Meter Williams Pollack Architecture + Urban Design.

Whistlestop’s Healthy Aging Campus A Modern Hub for Older Adults Powered by Human Connection

By Jennifer Golbus, Whistlestop Marketing & Communications Director

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Healthy Aging Services There is growing recognition that non-medical services are as important for health and longevity as medical care.

Housing, food, transportation and social connection must be part of a comprehensive health plan for older adults.

Our new Campus will combine affordable housing with wraparound healthcare services, nutrition, accessible transportation and vibrant

Rendering of the new courtyard at the Healthy Aging Campus by Van Meter Williams Pollack Architecture + Urban Design.

programs designed to foster social connection.

Integrated Care An integrated care clinic will coordinate Whistlestop services with healthcare that is currently available in our community, such as chronic disease management, podiatry, ophthalmology, medication management, vaccination and support services that enhance independent living at home.

Connection & Companionship Whistlestop will continue to be a welcoming hub for Marin’s older adults and their families – a place to connect, share a meal, attend classes and activities, volunteer and experience meaningful engagement.

Affordable Homes Eden Housing was carefully selected as our housing partner to build Marin’s first 100% affordable housing community specifically for older residents. One-bedroom and studio apartments will provide homes to older adults aged 62+ at affordable rents. Eden’s 50year history of building high quality, service-enhanced affordable homes for lowerincome families, older adults and people with disabilities is a perfect fit with Whistlestop’s mission.

Whistlestop will continue to offer its host of programs and services, including transportation, home delivered meals, classes, and resource referrals.

PROJECT MILESTONES • Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) review – Sept. 24 • Public hearing in November (date TBD) – all are welcome to attend • Approval by San Rafael City Council anticipated by end of 2019 • Anticipated opening mid-2022

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t Whistlestop, we believe that aging is a community responsibility where every adult should have the opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace. The Healthy Aging Campus is our solution to what our older adult community needs most: affordable homes, accessible healthcare, nutritious food and social engagement.

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 Healthy Aging Center will be open to all of Marin’s older adults – not only those who live onsite – and will be Marin’s first car-free community. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:

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Affordable options in a costly housing market

By Kelly Krueger Thomas

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ike many areas along the West Coast, the Bay Area is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. The average onebedroom apartment in Marin County is $2,605, which is impossible for older adults receiving a monthly Social Security check that’s half that to even contemplate.

Add in a five-year average wait for affordable housing throughout North California and you can readily see why we’re not only facing an affordable housing shortage, but a crisis.

Some innovative organizations hope to tackle the issue head on.

Home Match Marin, a program of Covia Community Services, helps homeowners with extra rooms connect with home seekers who need

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an affordable place to live, creating a win-win situation.

Home Match connects people based on lifestyle and interests to ensure compatibility. Their staff screens applicants through interviews, background checks, and home visits.

Staff also helps design a comprehensive Living Together Agreement and continues to work with both parties, even after the match is made, offering on-going support. For more information regarding this program, please contact Lita Acosta, Program Director, at 415-456-9068 or by email at Lacosta@covia.org. For more information regarding Covia programs, please visit their website www.covia.org.

A “Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit” is another answer to the affordable housing problem. It is a small

HOME WELL 1/6.

unit that is contained within your existing single-family structure. A JADU can be up to 500 square feet and allows you to house a companion, caregiver or family member.

You can also use it as your own small home, allowing you to rent out the main house to generate more income. Be sure to stop by the JADU Expo booth at the Oct. 23 Senior Fair at the Marin Civic Center and meet builders, architects and others to learn more about

how you can convert part of your home into a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. The booth is co-sponsored by the Aging Action Initiative and the Marin Commission on Aging. Email support@agingactioninitiative.org with any questions.

For additional housing information, resources and tips, please attend the monthly housing workshop provided in partnership with Covia every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. Please remember to register at Whistlestop at 415-456-9062.

WHISTLESTOCK RAISES $195,440!

On September 7, the community came together for Whistlestop’s annual benefit concert, Whistlestock. This year’s event included a gourmet BBQ feast, rockin’ blues music by Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, a spirited live auction and fund-a-need. Money raised will help to deliver fresh, prepared meals to individuals suffering from chronic illnesses through Whistlestop Nourish, as well as expanding and supporting other vital programs for those in need.

HAPPENINGS@WHISTLESTOP OCTOBER

WEEKLYACTIVITIES

FRIDAYS

COMPUTER

EXERCISE

LANGUAGE

INFO

MISC

TIME

CLASS

FEE

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

Intermediate Tai Chi Drop-in $8/10 Beginners Tai Chi Drop-in $8/10 Computer Lab Drop-in Free German Social Group Drop-in Free Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Movement & Music Fall 2 Starts 10/21 415-485-9318 $15/$45 Russian Social Group Drop-in Free CalFresh Drop-in Free ESL 100, 150, 250 Drop-in $30/$35 Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Manicures Register Mah-Jongg Drop-in Free French (All Levels) Drop-in $3/5 Spanish 2 Drop-in $3/5 French Social Group Drop-in Free Beginning Spanish Drop-in $3/5 Monthly Food Box for Seniors 10/16 Register Free Computer Lab Drop-in Free Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Beginner Ukulele Register $40/45 Inter. Ukulele Register $40/45 Citizenship Ind./Small Grp. Tutoring Register $5/session ESL 100, 150, 250 Drop-in $40/$45 Rollin’ Root Farmers’ Market Italian 1 Register $30/35 Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Italian 3 Register $30/35 Italian Study Group Drop-in $2/4 Adv.Write Your Life Stories Prerequisite required $20/30 Italian 2 Register $30/35 Writing Your Life Story, 10/10,10/17,10/24,10/31 Register $50/$60 Line Dancing 10/10,10/17,10/24,10/31 Drop-in $5/$7 CalFresh 10/4 & 10/18 415-697-7411 Free Brown Bag Pantry Register at 11:30 am Free Spanish Social Group Drop-in Free Ping-Pong Drop-in $2/4 Yoga with Kelly Drop-in $3/5

EVENTS

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

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

Rollin’ Root Mobile Farmers’ Market Truck

Thursdays rain or shine; 9:00am-10:00am 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, October 9 ; 11:00am-12:00pm; 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; 11:00am-12:00pm; Fee $15 yearly Emeritus Students College of Marin (ESCOM) membership, plus $63 for ESCOM members $82 for Nonmembers (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.

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.

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THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

FOOD

ONGOING

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Thrive Alive with Kat Downey!

SPECIAL EVENTS &

Halloween Luncheon

Thursday, October 31; Entertainment from 12:00pm-1:00pm Trick or treat! The Spooky Halloween Celebration returns to Whistlestop! Don your best costume for a chance to win a prize for best costume and prepare for fun! Costume Contest at 11:45am.

WORKSHOPS

Veteran’s Day Luncheon

Thursday, November 7; Entertainment from 12:00-1:00pm Help us honor our Veterans with a patriotic themed luncheon!

Basic Life Story Writing 4-week series Part 2

Thursday, Oct 10, 17, 24, 31; 3-4:45pm; $50/60, plus $10 text book fee payable to facilitator first day of class This Basic Life Story Writing 4-week workshop is a Part 2 and uses the Dr. James Birren approach, universal themes and sensitizing questions, to help you rediscover memories and continue your life story writing. Weekly writing assignments to be done at home. You must attend the Introduction first before being admitted to this series.

Thursday, October 10; 9:45am-11:00am; Cost $8/$10; Registration Required Thrive Alive is a science based program that improves brain health and increases longevity with music, movement and relaxation. Thrive Alive is a multi-interventional experience. Kat Downey, Brain Therapist from Boston has been developing therapeutic programs for 25 years. She will inspire you to live your life with passion and purpose.

Hospital Stay! What are my rights? CARA

Tuesday, October 15; 11:00am- 12:30pm; No fee: Registration Required Come learn how many people taken to the hospital become victims of the system and how you and your caregiver can avoid serious pitfalls. Then, get started on your action plan. CARA Vice President Kris Organ will be leading the orientation.

BioDanza

Tuesday, October 22; 10:30-12:00pm; $8/$10: Registration Required Julie Neustadter is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who is passionate about the benefits of finding peace and inspiration through BioDanza. Join Julie in this “somatic system of personal transformation that uses movement, inspirational music, personal, paired and group connection to nurture physical and emotional health as well as authentic self-expression.”

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no gas... all electric no noise... quiet power no license, insurance, maintenance

NORTH COAST MOBILITY 1/8V

THE REDWOODS 1/4 SQ

Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals

Schedule a Tour!

Contact: Cheri Drees 415.383.2741 x223

415.457.1664 EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

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Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo

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

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Positive Aging Series

Wednesday, October 16; 6:00pm-7:30pm; No Fee. Registration Required Stephanie O’Dell, Personal Stylist/Celebrate the Gray and Julia Lucia Raina, Transformational Coach/Live Aligned will be presenting “The Authentic You: From the Inside Out.” As we age, we experience many transitions (menopause, children leaving the nest, job changes, divorce, etc.) in our lives. This workshop will help you begin to tune into who you are what you want and how you want the world to see you. Join us for this interactive workshop as we explore simple and fun ways to initiate personal change in your life and wardrobe.

Getting Involved in Your End of Life Planning

Wednesday, October 30, 10am-11:15 End of life planning can feel daunting. However, understanding the decisions that will be involved in your death and the options available to you can be a reassuring and empowering experience. Join Mark Mulholland and George Estes from Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home at Whistlestop for an informative presentation on end of life plans.

Kindly register by calling 415-456-9062 x100. Free estate planning binders will be available for attendees.

SELECTED

CLASSES

ESL Starting Week of 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

COMPUTER CLASSES Oct., Nov., Dec., 2019

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

Android 2: Understanding Apps on Your Smartphone

Thursdays, October 17 & 24, 10am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review basics and learn about built-in apps including photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, calendar, email, texting, maps/GPS, and more! (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

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

Tuesdays, November 5 & 12, 10am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Does it seem like Apple is constantly changing things on your iPhone or iPad? Want to see what is changing with the release of the newest iOS update? Come and find out what has changed and how to use the new features. 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.

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You Can Make a Difference Join the Whistlestop Family by making a gift I want to become a monthly supporter with a gift of: $10

$15

$20

$50 ________ /month

Or make a single donation in the amount of: $500

$250

$125

Billing Info

Whistlesizers

___________________

___________________ Name

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

Address

Beginning Ukulele

Email

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.

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____________________ Phone

____________________

________

$100

Payment Info MC

Visa

___________________ CC#

___________________ Exp Date

___________________ 3 Digit Code

Mail to: 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901

Thank You!

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Intermediate Tai Chi: Mondays, 9:00am-10:00am; $8/10; Drop-in Beginning Tai Chi: Mondays, 10:00am-11:00am; $8/10; Drop-in 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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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.)

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, email, texting, facetime, and more! Please bring your fully charged device, Apple ID and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only.)

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.

HIGHLIGHTED

SUPPORT SERVICES

Victim-Witness Assistance

Thursdays, October 10 & October 24; 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, October 7, 14, 21, 28 Fridays, October 4 & 18 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.

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

Wednesday, October 16; 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 415-457-6700 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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VALLEY MEMORIAL 1/4 SQ

Covia’s Social Call Program

Are you an older adult or a homebound or disabled individual who lives alone? Register today for free, reassuring calls three mornings a week to say, “Good morning” and check in with you. Call 1-877-797-7299.

Fresh. Affordable. Delicious.

Jackson Café Located in Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center

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

WHISTLESTOP VOLUNTEERS

A perfect match, in more ways than one

By Laurie Vermont,

Whistlestop Volunteer Manager

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fter 50 years together (47 married), you’d think you’d want a little “me time”. Well, that’s certainly not the case with Whistlestop volunteers Bob and Bobbe Rigler.

The Riglers do everything together, even volunteer.

At Whistlestop, you can usually find Bobbe serving up lunch at the Jackson Café on Wednesdays. Bob, he’s a CarePool volunteer driver.

They love their volunteer stints as much as they like to be with each other. Bob gets to visit with the people

he drives to appointments, enjoying their stories and sharing some of their day.

Bobbe is busy socializing too, ensuring that diners not only get their fill of nutritious food, but delightful repartee as well.

They met after the Summer of Love. It was 1968. Bobbe was a single mother living in Mill Valley and Bob was looking for a place to live. He had heard that a woman had a room for rent in her house. He took the room and they were taken with each other. He had found his home and she had found her love.

It took a little longer to get married. He asked several times, but once he said, “I want to be the father of your children and cannot do that without getting married,” that sealed the deal. They honeymooned in Train Town in Sonoma, the kids in tow.

When they aren’t spending time volunteering at Whistlestop, Bob and Bobbe indulge in their passion: traveling. The most ambitious trip was around the world with oneway tickets, jumping from country to country. They’ve traveled to too many places to list here, but they still

have the ancient cultures of Armenia and Georgia on their bucket list.

When asked the secret to their 50 years of wedded bliss, they both said, “We always go to bed with a laugh.” Their home is more than their house; home is wherever they are and wherever they go. Home is where the heart is and for Bob and Bobbe, their hearts are forever intertwined by the passage of time and an enduring love.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, contact Laurie: volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 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, Oct. 10,, 2019 TIME: 3pm-4:00pm (drop-in) LOCATION: 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901

• 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)

Bob and Bobbe Rigler in 1969.

Bob and Bobbe Rigler in 2019

For more information contact: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager Volunteer Program Phone: 415-456-9067 or Email: volunteer@ whistlestop.org

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS INCLUDE:

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Viva Marin Seniors IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THE BIG COUNT! The Census happens every 10 years and with the arrival of 2020, it’s time once again to stand up and be counted.

This is especially important for older adults as the census helps the government determine funding for programs such as Medi-cal, Medicare Part B, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs that support our aging population.

This data is also used to ensure we have enough housing care facilities and healthcare workers over the next 10 years.

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The 2020 Census will be the first digital count. The goal is to have 80% of the population complete the survey online instead of receiving a visit from a census taker.

This presents a new challenge for older adults and several other historically undercounted communities.

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Marin County is working with local agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve the aging population to provide census awareness and participation support. 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.

Learn more about the 2020 Census at: www.census.gov/ topics/population/older-aging

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elebrating and supporting seniors in the community is what the Marin Senior Fair has done for 34 years. This year the Fair will feature Vegas-style activities, costumes, and entertainment. Over 130 vendors will share information and services of interest to retirees, older adults, their families and caregivers.

The free event offers allday live entertainment on the main stage and strolling entertainers throughout the fair. Interactive games and activities, delicious food and a spin around the dance floor adds to the fun. And like any favorite county fair, visitors can view dozens of beautiful and award winning quilts, both traditional and art quilts.

Sponsored by the County of Marin and run by an independent all-volunteer committee, the Marin Senior Fair connects seniors with products and services, both county-provided and private, to make their lives better. New this year is information on how to add a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) to your home at the JADU Expo, a Senior Talk Series highlighting talks of interest to seniors, and new indoor and outdoor food choices and seating.

The first 1,500 attendees will receive a free fairthemed tote bag.

The Fair is a wonderful opportunity for older adult and their families to acquaint themselves with all of the services, and opportunities available in the community, for active seniors and those in need of assistance.

The Fair takes place October 23 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 100 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Whistlestop will provide free transportation.

Parking is free for those driving.

With an annual attendance of over 2,000 active seniors and their families, the Marin Senior Fair is the largest event of its kind in Northern California providing valuable resources to seniors and those caring for them.

Don't miss this free, fun, and informative event.

For more information visit: marinseniorfair.org

FREE WHISTLESTOP SHUTTLE FOR SENIOR FAIR Are you traveling to the 34th Annual Marin Senior Fair?

Take the free roundtrip shuttle offered by Whistlestop. The shuttle will travel from Whistlestop to the Fair approximately every half hour from 9am to 3:15pm on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Board the shuttle at the parking lot at the north end of Whistlestop (930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael), at the corner of Tamalpais and Fourth Street. No reservations are required. To return to Whistlestop, wait at 10 Avenue of the Flags near Peter Behr Dr. If you plan to drive to the Fair, Whistlestop will also have a shuttle from the parking lot to main entrance.

More info at www.marinseniorfair.org

HOW IS WHISTLESTOP LIKE A SECOND HOME TO YOU? “You become part of the family. When you come here regularly, you get to know people. People are friendly.

I love taking all the classes such as yoga and ukulele.

I also volunteer.”

William Crissman

AGE FRIENDLY FAIRFAX 1-2pm ( 2ndFridays) @ Fairfax Library

Christina Fisher

“It gives me a chance to get out of the house and not have to cook and wash the dishes.

It also reduces the need to go grocery shopping. There is helpful information and it’s normally easy to park.”

“It’s the food, the classes, the company. When I walk into the door, I feel happy and cared for.

They always welcome me in. I can get books here. I can take lots of classes.”

October 11: “Medicare Made Clear” Join us to learn all about your Medicare choices with Rozan Donals. We’ll also share tools and resources to help you understand the coverage that may be right for you, including free educational guide. Whether you’re just getting started with Medicare or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

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

Edith Lonergan

TRANSIT RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES looking for members to help us better meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

To learn more, contact us at jhuitt@marintransit.org or jgaffney@goldengate.org.

HIRED HANDS 1/4 SQ

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

We want to hear from you!

The Marin Paratransit Coordinating Council and the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Advisory Committee on Accessibility are

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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

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

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

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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. decisions—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 on the process of end of life options available to you planning. can be a reassuring and This presentation is Yvonne Roberts empowering experience.

Wednesday, October 30, 10When it comes to making 11:15 am. Kindly register by calling these arrangements, we want to have a 415-456-9062 x100. Free estate comprehensive plan for ourselves and planning binders will be available for our families, but complicated details like attendees. insurance policies and cost of end of life This presentation is sponsored by services can create confusion and upset.

Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Mark Mulholland, Funeral Director, Funeral Home in Novato. and George Estes, Cemetery Manager Need help with your estate from Valley Memorial Park Cemetery documents?

Older adults may schedule & Funeral Home, will explore various a free half hour appointments at available burial and cremation options Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin by and offer guidance on how to make calling Whistlestop’s Resource Office: these complex decisions. Both Mark 415-459-6700. and George have extensive personal and professional experience with end of life planning, and will offer guidance on how to begin this liberating process.

To learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, please contact Yvonne Roberts at yroberts@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9062 X4800.

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