APRIL 2014
Volunteers Thrive By Giving Back
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olunteerism has always been important, and as the Marin County community ages, Whistlestop is fi nding that more and more people want to give back. Also, older adults fi nd they receive many benefits by volunteering. A recent survey reveals that 70% of volunteers said they believed that their work helped them overcome isolation and depression. Older adults who volunteer believe they are healthier and happier than those who don’t, according to a nationwide survey, conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care Network. The survey also found that 95% of older adult volunteers felt that volunteer work has physical as well as emotional benefits. Three-fourths of those interviewed said that volunteering helps them control or manage chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure. Another
AgeSong Marin Coming to Whistlestop 3
The Brown Bag Pantry crew works every Friday morning unloading the truck from the Marin Food Bank, setting up, dispensing pantry items and cleaning up. They have fun, are reliable and they love the job. fi nding: Older adults with chronic conditions devote slightly more time to volunteering than those without such conditions. Whistlestop’s volunteers agree. One volunteer said, “Getting a chance to ‘give back’ to others and meeting new friends each week has
been so good for me. Volunteering gives me time to focus on others and others’ needs instead of my own.”✦
Longevity Theme of Symposium 5
Volunteer Tutors Help Meet Need 12
‘ At Whistlestop volunteering is a lifestyle’
Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE
Marin Senior Coordinating Council is Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org – to sign up to get this newsletter via email. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop. The Mission of Whistlestop: Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence.
Whistlestop Contact Information Main office: 415-456-9062 Marin Access/Travel Navigators 415-454-0902 Meals on Wheels 415-457-4636 Help Desk 415-459-6700, resource@whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Staff CEO, Joe O’Hehir Development and Marketing Director, Yvonne Roberts, info@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editors, John and Val Bowman 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Program Manager, Vicky Voicehowsky 415-457-0586 Volunteer Manager, Laurie Vermont volunteer@whistlestop.org Marketing & Communications Specialist, Amanda Denny adenny@whistlestop.org Board of Directors President, Michael Hingson Vice President, Lori Peterson Treasurer, Dennis Ryan Secretary, Robert Sonnenberg Etta Allen • Karen Arnold • Sharon Jackson Nancy Rhine • Terry Scussel • Lenice Smith Cynthia Wuthmann Pacific Sun Staff Advertising John Harper • 415-485-6700 jharper@pacificsun.com Art Director Jim Anderson • janderson@pacificsun.com Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper
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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
BY LAURIE VERMONT V O LU N T E E R S E R V I C E S M A N AG E R
Volunteers Show Great Team Spirit
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s the new Volunteer Services Manager at Whistlestop, I am amazed by the dedication and team spirit of our volunteers. I am particularly impressed with how smoothly they work together to make programs like the Brown Bag Pantry, operated in concert with the Food Bank, such a success. Another example of teamwork and cohesiveness is evident every weekday as volunteers come together to make things run smoothly in the Jackson Café. The volunteers work hard but they also have fun. And they tell me they get much more in return than they give. One volunteer said, “I get my exercise working in the Jackson Café.” She said she loves meeting and interacting with others. Another said that the majority of her friends are here at Whistlestop. I came to my position at Whistlestop after years of overseeing as many as 500 volunteers a year at the Youth in Arts Italian Street Festival and eight years working with lots of volunteers for events at the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. When I started at Whistlestop, beginning with a transition period with my predecessor, Millie Makarewicz, I asked her, “Where will I get volunteers?” She replied in jest, “Just pray in the morning and they will come.” During my first week managing the pro-
gram completely on my own, Meals on Wheels asked for two new drivers, so we listed the positions in the Marinscope newspapers. Later that day, a couple walked in and the man said he wanted to be a Meals on Wheels Driver. Two hours later another man came in and signed up. It’s a miracle. It helps that Whistlestop is such a popular place to volunteer. Some time later, our Program Manager, Vicky Voicehowsky, mentioned she would love to have a bridge teacher. I remembered a friend of mine telling me that he knew how to play bridge and had taught his kids. I called him and said, “We’re having pot roast and mashed potatoes at the Jackson Café today. Come on over and I’ll buy you lunch.” He is now teaching a class in bridge at Whistlestop. I thoroughly enjoy my job. It is inspiring to see these volunteers at work, knowing how much they are receiving in return. I went on a Meals on Wheels ride-along recently and I saw that for so many recipients, this is their only contact with the outside world. The services our volunteers provide are vital to the health and quality of life for our older adults in Marin. ✦ For information about volunteering contact Laurie: 456-9062, ext. 117, lvermont@whistlestop.org.
AgeSong Marin Helps Navigate Journey of Losing & Finding
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geSong Marin is a small discussion and support group of Family Service Agency where older adults meet to talk about what’s really important at this stage of life. A new eight-week group will be forming at Whistlestop in May. Most of us have faced some loss by this age: retirement, the death of a close friend or spouse, physical disability, or simply a loss of power or a place in the world. By talking about it with others who have experienced similar issues, we feel more understood and can strategize about new connections and possibilities. AgeSong Marin, which is an all-volunteer organization, was co-founded eight years ago by Elizabeth Bugental and Ann Coffey, both retired psychologists. When Elizabeth died four years ago in her 80s, Ann became program director. Excerpts from Elizabeth’s book, Agesong: Meditations for Our Later Years, are often a springboard for discussion in the groups, helping people become more aware in making conscious, informed choices. Each group of six to eight people (plus two facilitators) meets during the day for 90 minutes once weekly for eight weeks. At the first meeting, they might consider, “What surprises you about being this age?â€? All 17 facilitators are volunteers, mostly retired or semi-retired counseling and education professionals experienced in leading groups. Ranging in age from late 60s to mid-80s, these leaders participate as an AgeSong Marin group member before becoming a facilitator. If you are interested in being part of the group, call 491-5726 or email info@agesongmarin.org to arrange for a short interview. In the group, you can be as quiet as you like; active listening is what’s important. âœŚ
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northcoast mobility Facilitating Movement through Technology 1281 Anderson Dr, Suite F • San Rafael 457.1664 • www.norcoastmobility.com
AgeSong volunteer facilitators bring years of experience to the job. FR seminaEE Not to rs missedbe !
Blue Door Seminar Schedule 1003 Third Street, San Rafael
LUNCHEON SERIES
Salad Lunch and Beverage Provided. Seating Limited. RSVP. Tough Senior Health Decisions Series
APRIL 16 t o Transitioning to Senior Living MAY 14 t o Pushing Up Daisies - Your Funerary Options Financing Long Term Care Series
APRIL 9 t o VA Pensions 101
MAY 7 t o
Long Term Care Insurance Options Not Your Everyday Trust for the Everyday Person Series
APRIL 23 t o
Trusts that Save Income Tax - Having Your Cake and ‌
MAY 21t o Pet Trusts
JUNE 11t o
Life Insurance and Estate Planning with a focus on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
For more estate planning information visit: jrhastingslaw.com and estateplanning.com Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website
www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php or Telephone 415-459-6635
whistlestop.org 3
New Bookstore Caters to Older Adults
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opperfield’s Books recently opened two blocks from Whistlestop at 850 Fourth Street at Cijos. The bookstore is open daily and the Taylor Maid Cafe will join their new space soon, offering organic coffees and light fare. This Copperfield’s store is the seventh in the Sonoma County-based independent bookstore chain, and the first in Marin. Copperfield’s San Rafael is a complete bookstore, with a full range of book genres, from mystery and cookbooks to crossword puzzle and current affairs titles. They also offer a wide variety of cards and gifts. The store has comfy chairs placed throughout the store to encourage lingering. Older adults will enjoy a 10% senior discount on everything except periodicals every Wednesday. Current top ten fiction and non-fiction hardcovers are always 20% off and there are special large print and audio book sections. Copperfield’s hopes to become a warm and welcoming destination for the Whistlestop community. ✦
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Celebrating Volunteers
N
ational Volunteer Week, April 6-12, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change – discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference. Established in 1974, this year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, demonstrating the enduring importance of recognizing our country’s volunteers for their vital contributions. In conjunction with Whistlestop’s 60th anniversary this year, we have a lot to celebrate and many devoted volunteers to be grateful for. For volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, call Laurie Vermont, 456-9062 x117. ✦
You Can Help Whistlestop Win $1,000 in Marin’s Deep Green Energy Campaign
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planhistlestop is ansion ning an exp icipate project to antT train wn SM AR the downto plan will transstation. The istlestop into a form the Whlding with 50 five-floor bui ble housing for rda units of affo older adults. ance p’s Renaiss Whistlesto sidreceived con Project has y, including a erable publicit the Pacific Sun p footprint. in t level of new Whistlesto y cover stor t is the ren Concept drawing the Marin in cle $1,040. Tha the 50 onearti and an for ne p CEO, Joe envisioned rtments on the Can you defi ? Do folks IJ. Whistlestowers some quesroom apa le” bed ans r, dab . ehi for ma “af O’H p site from Marin the transfor ldWhistlesto ? have to be tions about p bui kson Café be eligible Whistlesto Is the Jac on the Fourth County to tion of the serve Marin’s wer to this going to be If so, what ing to better The short ans t the aparte? n is tha Street sid efits be to the older adults. stio ble rda que be affo will be sing units will the ben whose ment rents Will the hou rent? And y? lt residents for communit the to older adu within 30% to for sale or to relocate s group? Our plan is to the north end ily income fall fam what age room ian é -bed med d 50 one Jackson Caf ty that borders 50% of the nty. Cou The planne will be offered rin per Ma s of our pro income for rdable if rent This new loca apartment eet. this Str At affo is is. verbas Fourth exA unit ts on a rental increase the eral costs do not will be no uni tion would and utility a family’s total café for sev time there le for sale. As satility of theAs many know, ceed 30% of monthly rent made availab senior housing ions. The opt me. in new ble one ma inco an afforda the planned age ities for a eet is thenued on page 2 , Fourth Str including utilrtment is proconti . The community will be 60+ bedroom apage from $624 to Whisof residents rage age of jected to ran New current ave nts is 70. Whistlestop tlestop’s clie Housing Volunteer Workshop Send in Leader 9 Personalized 13 Valentines 3
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Contact the Pacific Sun at 485-6700 for rates and deadlines 4
WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
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histlestop needs your help to win a $1,000 prize in the Marin Clean Energy’s Deep Green Energy campaign. Here’s all you have to do: Sign up online at mceCleanEnergy.com/dg-enroll or by calling 888-632-3674 to enter the campaign and then check off Whistlestop as your favorite organization. The goal of this campaign is to promote participation in MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy program as well as raise money for Whistlestop. Deadline for signing up and voting is April 22 (Earth Day). ✦
Old I am an old lady walking to church I see fuzzy seed pods in a thicket of dying brambles, berries around them already ripe I stop to pick, purpling my fingers and lips and tongue and I weep
By True Heitz of Fairfax
I am an old lady I don’t want chocolate mousse from a gourmet recipe that has seven layers and is slathered with whipped cream that my granddaughter has lovingly prepared for me I want a tangerine I am an old lady I love to do improvs with the children It is midnight, and they are still playing I do not want to freeze one more person or act out one more scene I want to go to bed I am an old lady a child I am tutoring asks why the veins in my arms look like brown earthworms It’s because I’m old, I tell him They have carried a lot of blood I am an old lady and weep as I watch my granddaughter playing the part of Juliet in her high school play So young, so beautiful she believes in love and dies for it I remember all the lines I am an old lady learning to receive My grandson plays the piano for me even though he hates to My son takes my arm when I cross the creek The girls hug me when I visit My daughter shares her pain My house welcomes me when I come home The things I call mine have been waiting There is a wild bird, a dove I think, who visits me every morning when I have tea on the patio I have named him Peter I think he is an old bird
10 Annual Healthy 10th Aging Symposium Ag Th Thursday, May 8, 2014 9:0 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Em Embassy Suites Hotel 10 101 McInnis Parkway, Sa San Rafael
Educating & Advocating
The Marin County Health & Human Se Services Office of Aging & Adult Services a and the Commission on Aging present
““Longevity: L Imagining the Potential and Promise” P
David Lindeman, Ph. D. Director, Center for Technology and Aging COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW & MAIL WITH CHECK One form per person. Download additional forms at www.marinhs.org/boards/commission-aging Name (Print clearly): ____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Please mark (✓) your salad lunch selection:
❏ Asian Chicken ❏ California Cobb ❏ Vegetarian Check box (✓) for special accommodations:
❏ Hearing ❏ Wheel Chair/Walker ❏ Other: ___________________________________ Fee: $20 (includes lunch) Registration Deadline: April 30, 2014 Make Check Payable to: Marin County Aging & Adult Services Mail Registration Form to: Marin County Aging & Adult Services Attn: Symposium 10 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 whistlestop.org 5
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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS HEALTH FAIR Thurs, Apr 3 • 10:30am-1:30pm No cost, drop-in Whistlestop is holding a health fair in collaboration with Marin County’s Department of Health and Human Services, Lift! Levantate and San Rafael Harbor Mission Rotary. We will offer free diabetes screenings, anemia screenings, blood pressure checks, BMI (Body Mass Index) measurements and self-breast exam education. Spring Fling Luncheon Thurs, Apr 10 • 11:30am-2pm Music show times: Noon-12:30pm and 12:45-1:15pm No registration or tickets required Please join us for a light and delicious lunch at the Jackson Café to welcome spring and the warm weather. Kurt Huget and Peter Penhallow will be performing classic 60’s rock, pop and folk songs, including songs by the Beatles. Entertainment provided by Bread & Roses. Stressed Out? Thurs, Apr 10 • 10:30-11:30am No cost Registration preferred April is Stress Awareness Month. Everyone deals with stress; it affects us in many ways. Come learn how to relax, manage your stress, and let go. Nursing students from Dominican University will talk about how stress affects the body and how to cope with it. Meet the Mayor Luncheon Tues, Apr 15 • Noon-1pm Regular menu and pricing No tickets necessary, space is limited Whistlestop would like to invite you to come and meet San Rafael’s mayor, Gary Phillips. Enjoy a nutritious lunch at the Jackson Café and bring all of your concerns, questions and opinions about your local city to your mayor. This is a great opportunity to find out the latest news of what’s happening in your own community. Questions submitted in advance are much appreciated. Please drop them off in Front Office.
Take Control Of Your Driving Future Wed, Apr 16 • 10:30-11:30am No cost Registration preferred: 456-9062 Rosemary Robles from DMV’s Senior Driver Ombudsman Program will present a workshop about all aspects of driving. The presentation covers: myths about older drivers, license renewal options, compensating for agerelated changes, tune-up your driving skills, safe driving tips, transportation alternatives, and appropriate individual options. Don’t miss out! Brain Fitness Thurs, Apr 17 • 10:15-11:15am No cost To register: 456-9062 Maintaining a healthy mind is important at every stage in life. Bob Nations, brain fitness expert, and Senior Access will offer a workshop on how to exercise your brain. Bob Nations will show how, such as using your non-dominant hand for tasks, changing up routines and playing games.
CLASSES ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Jewelry Class − Basic Stringing With Knots Thurs, Apr 17 • 1:30-2:45pm Cost: $8 per class/includes materials Registration and payment required before class: 456-9062 Maria Barsesat, local bead artist, will demonstrate knotting technique for bracelets or necklaces. Class limited to 10 people. HEALTH & WELLNESS Hand and Foot Reflexology Massage Thurs • 11am-12:30pm Cost: $1 a minute Drop-ins welcome Gena Galenski, certified massage therapist since 1997, will offer hand and foot reflexology massage. Reflexology promotes relaxation, improves circulation and encourages the body to heal.
whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
Free Blood Pressure Clinic, Meds and Blood Sugar Checks Tues, Apr 1 • 11:30am-1pm No cost/Drop-in Facilitators: Student nurses from Dominican University Bring all of your medications and supplements to find out how & when to take them, how to store them, side effects, or interactions with other drugs. Don’t miss an opportunity to prevent health problems by keeping blood pressure, meds and sugar in check. Ping Pong Fri, Apr 4 & 18 • 2-4pm No cost/Drop-in Join the Whistlestop Racketeers for Ping Pong. Good for your mind, spirit and body. We have two tables and a wonderful group who enjoy the benefits of the game. All levels welcome.
LANGUAGE Basic English & Citizenship Class for Farsi Speakers Mon & Wed No Cost • Contact: Mrs. Esmaili, 472-6020 Mrs. Esmaili has volunteered at Whistlestop for over 16 years. She offers Basic English instruction and preparation for the U.S. Citizenship test to Farsi speakers in Marin. Imparare ltaliano! (Learn Italian!) Beginning Italian Class Thurs • 1:30-3pm Cost: $25/month Learn Italian with our teacher Elizabeth Guagenti, who has a Bachelor’s degree in Italian Language and Literature from UCLA. The class focuses on Italian language skills and culture.
of marin
• • • •
Specialized treatment for a variety of problems Balance and Fall Prevention Programs Visits are up to 60 minutes of personalized therapy Seniors are eligible to receive outpatient therapy in their homes under Medicare Part B
800-931-5769 8
SPECIALISTS IN GERIATRIC IN-HOME THERAPY AND WELLNESS
Jennifer Holland, PT Licensed Physical Therapist CA Lic #10957
WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
SOCIAL GROUPS German Group (Deutsche Gesellschaft) Mon • 12:15-1:45pm Contact: Vicky, 457-0586 Discussion group led by volunteer German Coordinators meets weekly for social purposes and support. Fuer unsere deutsch sprechenden Freunde: unser neuer Treffpunkt fuer die Deutsche Gesellschaftsgruppeist Montags, 12:15-1:45pm, in der Whistlestop Caboose 2. Herzlich willkommen! Russian Social Group Mon • 12:30-1:30pm Contact: Anna Ladyzhenskaya, 336-8430 Whistlestop has a new Russian social group. This is a great opportunity for Russian speakers to have a support group and meet new people in the community. Vietnamese Social Group Thurs • 12:15-1:45pm Contact: Lieu Phan, 456-9062, ext. 129 The Vietnamese Social Group meets weekly for fun games like bingo, educational and health presentations, support and much more. Conversation Group for 90-Year-Olds & Older 3rd Thurs every month • 1:30-3pm No cost • Contact: Virginia Dziomba, 456-6647 Join our friendly conversation group!
SERVICES Multicultural Consultation Services By appointment: 456-9062 No cost for consultations; small cost may apply for translation. Whistlestop offers assistance and services to English and non-English speakers in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. We assist with applications for many social services (healthcare management, citizenship, housing, employment, and federal assistance), translations and referrals. Contacts: Spanish - Marta Villela Russian - Anna Ladyzhenskaya Vietnamese - Lieu Phan
Immigration Assistance Clinics Last Fri. every month, 9-11:30am General consultation fee: $30 By appointment only: call Marta, 454-0998 Whistlestop and Brazil Alliance offer Immigration assistance consultations regarding Immigration Law and Reform, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and citizenship and naturalization. Telephone Reassurance Program No Cost • Register: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132 Live alone? Would you like someone to care about how you are doing? If you live by yourself and often feel isolated or are looking for connection and peace of mind, this program is for you. Trained volunteers will call you three mornings a week to check on how you are doing. We now also offer this service in Spanish. Homeshare Program No Cost • Info: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132 The Homeshare Program is a free referral service for older adults providing an affordable and alternative way of meeting housing needs with benefits to renters and homeowners. Do you have a room to share or do you need a place to live? Call us.
GOING PLACES Marin YMCA and Whistlestop invites you to join Adventures in Culture. Register: Lauren Clapperton, MARIN YMCA, 4462114, or Vicky Voicehowsky, Whistlestop, 457-0586 Fri, Apr 11, 9:30am-3:30pm, $45-$55 Walt Disney Museum and Walk in the Presidio Register with YMCA by Mon, Apr 7; lunch not provided. Fri, Apr 25, 9:30am-4pm, $45-$55 Napa Outlets & Yountville Shopping and Lunch Register with YMCA by Mon, Apr 21; lunch not provided.
ANNOUNCEMENTS IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED Mah Jongg sets, Chess set, Dominos, books, yarn, movies on DVDs. If you have items to donate, call 456-9062.
TECHNOLOGY
Pre-registration and payment required. To register, 456-9062. See details of classes online. iPad/iPhone Applications Fridays, Apr 18 & 25, 10am-Noon You’ve learned the basics and now want to find out the apps the cool kids are using. There are apps for everything. In this workshop, we’ll highlight the most popular, fun and useful apps to get the most out of your i-device. (For Apple devices only) Maximum 8 people/ Minimum 4 people • COST: $48 Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Use our desktops for your own purposes, access internet, etc. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your electronic devices: laptops, tablets, etc, and to provide help with software applications. Practice what you learn in our classes. • NO COST Computer Tutor Wednesdays, Noon-1pm; By advance appointment We offer personalized computer assistance and instruction for the PC user specializing in assisting older adults and novices from computer basics to learning how to use the software on your computer. We can also troubleshoot software, hardware, and configuration problems. • COST: $20/hour Teen Tech Support Every Tuesday, 3:30pm-5pm Have a Kindle, tablet, iPad, smart phone, laptop, or computer but no one to answer your specific questions? Bring your device and your questions to our lab and our high school whiz kids will turn your technology fear into tech savvy. Open every Tuesday but sign up a few days in advance as space is limited. COST: $15/session
Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, April 10 • 10 am – 12:30 pm Where: San Rafael Community Center (Club Rooms) Topic: Public Hearing Speaker: Amy Dietz of Aging and Adult Services whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME
MONDAYS
9–NOON 9:30–10:30AM 10–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00–12:10PM 12:15–1:45PM 12:30–1:30PM 2–3:30PM
CLASS INFO Relax Chair Massage Open Exercise Zumba Open Learn Computer Lab Open Language Persian Social Group 472-6020 Exercise Movement & Music 456-9062 Language German Social Group Open Language Russian Social Group 336-8430 Language ESL 456-9062
Exercise Whistlesizers 10:00–NOON Relax Mah Jongg 10:45–11:45AM Exercise Cardio Exercise Class 11:30AM–12:30PM Language French Class NOON–3PM Relax Manicurist 1–2PM Language French Social Group 1–3PM Language Learn Spanish 1:30–3:30PM Support Mastery of Aging Class 2–3:15PM Language English Conversation 3–4PM Learn Acting Class 3:30–4:30PM Learn Korean Drumming
Open Open Open 457-0586 Appt. Needed 457-0586 Open 453-9808 456-9062 456-9062 456-9062
WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
9:30–10:30 AM
9–10:15AM 10–11:30AM 10–12PM 10:30AM–1:30PM 10:30–11:30AM 2–3:30PM
THURSDAYS
9:30–10:30AM 1–4PM 11–NOON 11–12:30PM 12:15–1:45PM 1:30–2:30PM 2:45–3:45PM
FRIDAYS
3:45–4:45PM 11:00–NOON 1–3PM 1:30–3:30PM 2–4PM 2–4PM 3–4PM
Exercise Tai Chi Qigong Support Seniors' Circle Learn Computer Lab Language Persian Social Group Support Corazón Latino Language ESL
Sugg. Donation Open Open 472-6020 Open 456-9062
Exercise Whistlesizers Relax Chair Massage Exercise Zumba Relax Reflexology Massage Language Vietnamese Social Group Language Learn Italian Exercise Balance Class Learn Korean Drumming Support Brown Bag Pantry Support ACASA Language Practice Spanish Learn Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Exercise Ping-Pong Exercise Yoga
COST $4/8min. $6/$8 Non Members Free Free Free Free Free $15 $2 Free Free Free Free Free Free Free $15 Free Free
Reg. Required
$10 or less Free Free Free Free $15 Non Members
Open $2 Open $4/8 mins. Open $6/$8 Non Members 456-9062 $1/minute 456-9062 Free 456-9062 $25/mo Sugg. Donation $10 Reg. 456-9062 Free Required
456-9062 Free Peer Counseling Free Open Free April 11 & 25 $3 April 4 & 18 Free Open $3/$5 Non Members
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. 10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
Jackson Café
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Open to the Public •
LUNCH MENU WHISTLESTAR MEMBER (LOWEST PRICE)/ NON-MEMBER OVER 60 / UNDER 60
Main Entrée $4.95/$5.95/$6.95 Sandwiches $4.25/$5.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.95/$2.95/$2.95 bowl (yes two prices are the same)
Hamburger w/Fries $4.50/$5.25/$6.25 Garden/Caesar Salads $3.50-$4.50 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Beverages $1.00 Desserts/Fruit $2.00 Cheese $0.50 Avocado $1.00
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
by R I C H A R D PAV E K
Catching Up with the Egrets and Herons
R
ecently Audubon Canyon Ranch announced that it wouldn’t open on schedule this year because the Egrets have not returned. The Egrets abandoned their nests mid-season last year leaving unhatched eggs. No one knows why or where they went or if they’ll be back. Since some of you asked about the Ninth Street Rookery, I decided to survey that site and some of the other nesting spots around. I will update those of you who receive my weekly bird photos with pertinent changes. Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park had two, possibly three, Great Blue Herons on February 22. One is an old graybeard with a broken branch through his/her lower mandible, who has been nesting at Stow for several years. Da Silva Island on Richardson Bay had one active Great Blue Heron nest last week. No sign of Egrets at the Marin Islands off San Rafael this morning. The Ninth Street Rookery in Santa Rosa is off to a good start. About 20 industrious Blackcrowned Night Heron pairs are nest building in their favorite tree, and there is one recently hatched juvenile. I saw a single pair there about two weeks ago; they must have been busy. There are six Great Egrets in
mating colors – bright green lores – in the second of three nesting trees. No birds yet in the third nesting tree. I expect the Snowy Egrets and Cattle Egrets will be along soon. I have a PDF map of the Rookery available for downloading. It’s free; just email me and ask. I may do a map for Stowe Lake, if there is interest. Email me if you want to be on my weekly bird photo list. It’s free at: SHENmaker@MSN.com Till next month,
Richard
whistlestop.org 11
Multicultural NEWS by VICKY VOICEHOWSKY
Tutors Meet a Need
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Recognized experience and excellence. Family owned-and operated since 1994. These honors are a source of pride for us, security and peace of mind for you.
Jerry Schofield tutors Nadjmeh at Whistlestop. dor and five-year veteran at Whistlestop, had to work from the age of seven and was not able to go to school and learn how to read or write properly. Feeling discouraged with English classes, he sought out help. He said, “Señora Roberta has been so patient and kind with me, I’m so grateful.” Jerry Schofield had been tutoring kids from Venetia Valley School and Marin Literacy Program when he saw our “Tutors Wanted” ad in the newsletter and joined the tutoring gang. Although Nadjmeh’s English level was good, she was very shy about her pronunciation and afraid she wouldn’t pass her citizenship test. “Nadjmeh had the opportunity to speak only English with me. At home she spoke Farsi,” said Jerry. Nadjmeh studied with Jerry every week and passed her test. “I feel I can speak better with people in stores and on the street. I was shy before, but I am comfortable now,” she said. What is most rewarding about this program is how volunteer tutors change the lives of their students. Thank you Rachel, Lisa, Olivia, Roberta, Gillian, Jerry, and Pat. ✦
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12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
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wo years ago, we saw a need for more English education at Whistlestop. We had a thriving English Language Program in collaboration with Canal Alliance, but many students needed the extra attention of a tutor. We saw this as an opportunity to enhance peoples’ lives, both students and prospective volunteers. Today we have seven volunteer tutors and nine students receiving one-on-one help. Roberta Cohen came on board as a volunteer tutor over a year ago. Roberta’s background is in Bilingual Education; her focus has been to help students learn to read. “I worked with many students over the years who knew how to pronounce and read the words, but had no idea what they were reading. I wanted to give them the best possible chance to learn English by helping out,” said Roberta. Wenceslao Bojorquez, originally from El Salva-
Voted the Best Senior Living Community in Marin.
Nona Knows Best by MARY ANN MAGGIORE
Feeding the Soul
W
e count calories. We watch our sugar. We weigh good fats and bad. We go vegetarian or vegan. We do everything we can to satisfy our bodies. Rarely do we do much for our Souls. Many cultures believe our Soul is in our stomach. When we say, “I’ve got a gut feeling about this,� we are fulfilling this belief. Working as a Chaplain, I have seen many people suffering because their stomachs are “tied up in knots.� You want to just make them a pot of chicken soup and feed it to them saying, “Try this, you’ll feel better.� And they very likely would. When we suffer in our minds, or our outer bodies, the deep recesses of the Soul suffer, too. The Soul may be hungry for Truth or Silence or Peace. The Soul may be hungry for Companionship. It may want to call us to Wonder or Joy or even Grief. When we do not give the Soul what it asks for, the Soul is hungry. Where do we go to end this Soul hunger? Perhaps we should begin with the way we eat. No matter what your faith, you must have noticed the wondrousness of an apple, the sublime artistry of a peach. You may have sighed when you smelled the nutty aroma of rice simmering or smiled at the way milk commands a cookie. When you look at a plate of delicious food, your stomach exclaims, “Isn’t the world Divine!� In seminary, we learned, “The first prayer is gratitude.� Perhaps we could stop and say a grateful prayer each time we eat. Before we dig in, let us put away the cell phone and the magazine and shut off the TV and let us say, “Thank you� to Whoever or Whatever laid this wonder before us. As we eat, let us say “Thank you� as we savor each incredible bite. From the prayer of gratitude we may become more expansive. We might plan to light a candle before a meal. In preparation, we might walk
instead of drive to the store, looking at the world around us. When we arrive, we might pick up each loaf of bread, bunch of grapes, or lump of cheese and feel the gratitude bubbling up inside us. And in this happy moment, perhaps we will feel suddenly that our Soul is blessing us, saying, “Grace.â€? âœŚ Mary Ann Maggiore consults with teens, young people & their families on building a successful life. Contact her at: maryannmaggiore@gmail.com, 577-6627.
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Marin Civil Grand Jurors Sought
S
uperior Court Judges in Marin County will soon nominate persons to the 2014-2015 Grand Jury, and residents have until April 2 to apply. Application forms are available at the Marin County Grand Jury, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 275, San Rafael, or at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave. Law requires that the court prepare a list of no fewer than 25 or greater than 30 potential Civil Grand Jurors. The court expects 60-75 applications. Those applying will be interviewed twice, in April and again in May. After the interviews with judges, 30 potential jurors will be selected to advance to the June 5 drawing of new Grand Jurors. For more information, contact Patti Church Baseheart, aide to the Grand Jury, at pbaseheart@marincounty.org or 473-6132. âœŚ
When She Needs You Are You Ready?
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Let us help. Our expert staff can answer your questions. Call today to schedule your visit.
415.233.6095 almaviaofsanrafael.org AlmaVia of San Rafael, an Elder Care Alliance community is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 216801868.
14 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2014
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whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
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High Quality, Affordable Live-In Care Having trouble finding compassionate around-the-clock home care that fits your family’s needs and budget? Call Home Care Assistance! We are Marin’s live-in care specialists! That’s because we offer: Consistent Dependable Care. We typically assign a primary caregiver 4 days a week and a secondary caregiver who covers the remaining days. (Some agencies alternate up to 4 different caregivers in one day!) Total Peace of Mind. Rest easy knowing your loved one’s needs are attended to at all times. Live-in care ensures optimal safety and is personalized to each client’s individual needs. Professional Oversight. Live-in caregivers are managed by a team of client care managers to make sure our clients’ experiences are always positive. You don’t just hire a caregiver, you hire our full team of seasoned care professionals. Reasonable Rates. Home Care Assistance hires and trains only the most qualified caregivers, but our live-in rates are the most competitive in the industry. Call to learn more!
Meet Francie. Francie Bedinger is the Home Care Assistance Kentfield client care manager and works directly with clients and their families throughout Marin County. With a masters in Gerontology, Francie is an expert in health and wellness for older adults and works hard to ensure her clients are happy and healthy at all times.
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