Whistlestop Express - February 2017

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

The Joy of Grandchildren Andy Treats His Grandkids To Vegas Surprise Page 2 whistlestop.org

A Family Enriched By Its Diversity Page 4

Whistlestop’s Employees Of The Year Page 10 FEBRUARY 2017

WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org

Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

By JOHN BOWMAN

Main office open M-F 8:30am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Tom Roberts, Chief Operating Officer Yvonne Roberts,

Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Anita Renzetti,

Director of Program Innovation

Melissa Groos,

Active Aging Center Program Manager

John and Val Bowman,

Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com

Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com

Lorin Baeta, Production lbaeta@metronews.com Rosemary Olson, Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

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

LIKE US on Facebook

2

A Cirque du Soleil Surprise for the Grandkids

A

trip to Las Vegas to see Cirque du Soleil is not your normal outing for the grandkids.

But that is just one example of how Andy Guralas of Larkspur treats his granddaughter Olivia, 9, and grandson, Jett, 11.

“I decided to surprise them with something a little different,” Andy said, “So I took them to Vegas for Jett’s 11th birthday to see the show, and we stayed at the Bellagio. We all had a great time. It is an amazing show and I turned into a kid myself watching it.”

That doesn’t mean Andy doesn’t do the usual stuff with his grandchildren – playing at the park or attending their soccer games.

In fact, when Whistlestop interviewed Andy, he was getting ready to head up to Hidden Valley in Lake County, where Olivia and Jett live, to attend Olivia’s 9th birthday party. “We have fun at the parks. I love watching them skateboarding and now they’re into roller blading.”

Andy, 86, says the grandchildren (he has six, including a 19-year-old) keep him young. He walks at least two and a half miles a day and sees his grandkids as often as he can.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

Andy Guralas with grandkids Olivia and Jett “Besides, eighty-six is just a number,” he added.

Also helping him stay vital is Whistlestop. “I never imagined Whistlestop would become such an important part of my life. The staff there are like my extended family.”

A Korean War veteran and member of the American Legion, Andy enjoys going to the Jackson Café and visiting with other veterans.

“And I take the grandkids there for lunch every time they come to visit me. They love it and the people there love them.”

Andy met only one of his grandparents as a kid. “Our

family is all from Greece. The one grandparent I remember is my grandmother, who came from Greece sometime between 1937 and 1940 and lived with us for a while in San Francisco. She was a very beautiful and kind lady.”

‘The Whistlestop staff are like my extended family.’

“I’m blessed to still be around,” Andy said, “And spending time with my grandchildren is the best part of it.”

Georgia with granddaughter Jennifer

Trio of Women Finds Ways to Support Each Other

By VAL BOWMAN

G

eorgia Anker’s mother was one of 12 children, but she is an only child, her daughter,

Debi, was an only child and her granddaughter, Jennifer, is an only child. The three are very close and Georgia

loves it that way. Georgia and Debi live in a duplex in Fairfax on property Georgia and her husband purchased when they were real estate brokers in Marin County for 40 years. Georgia only retired five years ago when she was 80.

Debi’s daughter, Jennifer, lives very nearby and the three women have dinner together at least once a week. “Jennifer bakes cookies for us.” Georgia and her husband often took care of their granddaughter when her mom was at work and they had great fun together. The time they spent paid off, she said, because they have a nice relationship. What are the secrets to their closeness? “I keep my mouth shut. I don’t give advice; I’m more of an observer,” Georgia says.

Georgia’s own grandmother lived with her family and she came from “a tough bunch in the pioneer wilds of South Dakota. I often think of her when I’m making my coffee because she had to roast the beans and hand grind the beans and then make the coffee. They worked so hard back then.” She said everyone kept busy, making quilts and tatting doilies and tablecloths. She still has a quilt her mother made when she was seven. She even remembers a dog in a yoke, who walked in a circle to power their washing machine.

After retirement, Georgia became a volunteer, working at Whistlestop beginning in 2009 in the Resource office on Fridays and at the Humane Society Thrift Store in San Anselmo.

Better Care Starts With The Best Of Gloria.

Lean on Gloria. No matter what level of home care you need, Gloria is part of our highly trained caregiving team and stands Gloria, Seniors At Home Caregiver

ready to help your loved one have a safer, healthier, and more independent life.

See why we’re the Bay Area’s leading expert in senior care.

Free consultation 415.449.3777 SeniorsAtHome.org

A Division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services San Francisco • Peninsula • Marin • Sonoma County HHA License 220000378

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

3

Your Journey Our Commitment •

NCPHS

Health Services

A Family Enriched

By Its Diversity

By JOHN BOWMAN

L Short-Term Rehabilitation Services & Skilled Nursing

Assisted Living

Assistance with daily For patients who need living activities including medical care following illness, bathing, dressing, eating, injury, surgery, hospitalization medication and or long-term care. mobility.

Memory Care

Our team takes a highly personalized approach to help residents with all forms of memory care needs.

NCPHS is accredited by CARF-CCAC for meeting the highest national standards for quality care.

Contact: Janey Dobson, MPH

Director of Health Services, Marketing GREENBRAE A Life Care Community 501 Via Casitas Greenbrae, CA 94904

thetam.org

PORTOLA VALLEY A Life Care Community 501 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028

sequoias-pv.org

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SAN FRANCISCO A Life Care Community 1400 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94109

PRESBYTERIAN HOMES & SERVICES

1525 Post Street • San Francisco, CA 94109

Tel Fax Email Website

sequoias-sf.org

These not-for-profit communities are part of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services I License #210102761 COA #099 License #410500567 COA #075 I License # 380500593 COA #097

(415) 351-7956 (415) 351-7963 JDobson@ncphs.org www.ncphs.org

Assisted Living at its Best!

“Get Moving again with NCM” Sales, Service, Repairs & Rentals on all Disability & Mobility Equipment Mention this ad and we will give you a discount.

415.457.1664

♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo Juanita says

“WE CARE” The most famous duck in San Anselmo!

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

admin@norcoastmobility.com

1281 Anderson Dr. Suite F San Rafael, CA 94901 www.norcoastmobility.com

4

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

aurie Peterson says that when she is out and about with her granddaughter JJ, she often gets double-takes. “They see this Mexican woman and her Chinese granddaughter and I can see their minds working. And that’s okay.”

Laurie lives with her daughter Jackie and granddaughter JJ in San Rafael. “Her parents went to China and adopted her when she was 10 months old,” she said. “Now she’s 12 and she is such a darling, our sweet JJ.” She said JJ enjoys reading and is home-schooled.

Laurie has two other daughters – Kim in Nashville, TN, and Nicole in Manteca and a total of eight grandchildren, five boys and three girls, ranging in age from 12 to 23. Laurie is proud that hers is a very diverse family. Nicole married a Filipino man so her three children are part Filipino, including JJ’s cousin, Gracie.

“JJ and I go all over the place,” Laurie said. “She loves going to Whistlestop and everyone there loves her.” Laurie is a Brown Bag Pantry volunteer. “But I go to Whistlestop nearly every day. It’s the best.”

Laurie was born in the U.S. but her parents were both born in Mexico. She never met any of her grandparents, who never

Laurie with granddaughters JJ (left) and Gracie moved or visited here.

Laurie lived in Marin County years ago but moved to Idaho after marrying her husband. After he died, she moved back to San Rafael.

She said she thoroughly enjoys being a grandmother

‘I go to Whistlestop nearly every day.

It’s the best.’ and advises her grandkids they should not get married before age 25. “I tell them to get out and see the world first.” She also is a very social person. “I have many friends and they invite me to church and other places.

As for me, my door is open to everyone. I wouldn’t close my door to any human being.”

Volunteer Inspires Recipient to Help Whistlestop

Trusted providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

By PETE SLAUSON EDITOR’S NOTE: This excerpt is from a letter that Pete Slauson wrote to Alyce Mars, widow of Whistlestop Home Delivered Groceries driver Marvin Mars, who died Nov. 7. Pete Slauson knew everyone in the Marin rock ‘n’ roll scene. He once owned the legendary Heliport in Sausalito, where the great ‘60s bands rehearsed, including the Grateful Dead. In the ‘70s, he opened a 24-track recording studio-video production facility on Second Street in San Rafael.

M

arvin Mars was the first person I met from Whistlestop in San Rafael. At age 70, I became handicapped so that I was unable to shop for groceries. A friend mentioned that Whistlestop provided that service. I called, signed up and sent in my order; Marvin was my first delivery person. I was amazed that a man in his 80s was helping me by picking up and delivering food to my home. I was also impressed by the inexpensive lunches served to seniors in Whistlestop’s Jackson Cafe, its Meals on Wheels program, the transportation and other services it provides for older people and the disabled.

I talked with Marvin about Whistlestop and learned about their services for seniors and how valuable they are. That was when I was hooked. Marvin was a great example of giving back or paying it forward. I miss him and I do think about people like him who care enough to give to people in need. Because of Marvin, I have helped raise over $500,000 in funds to help make sure that Whistlestop goes on and on.

• • • • • • • •

Light Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation & Clean Up Medication Reminders Personal Care • Respite Care Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance Help with Daily Grooming Bathing & Toileting Assistance Help with Ambulation

• Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com

Marvin Mars (Pete helped organize Whistlestock, the organization’s major fundraising event.)

I realized that these Whistlestop people really

RMF REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC

‘I talked with Marvin about Whistlestop, learned about their services and how valuable they are.’ care. I thought, ‘Maybe I could throw a little help their way.’ The best thing I could do was round up my people.

I’m still on a first-name basis with all those bands.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

5

Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP

For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center (930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael).

Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call 415.456.9062 with questions or to sign up.

Please note that the Active Aging Center will be closed Monday, February 20 for Presidents Day.

Trilingual Dark Chocolate Tasting Workshop Thurs, Feb 23; 2-3:30pm; Fee: $3/$5 Facilitators: Caroline Remer and Anna Ladyzhenskaya

ing in a caring environment. The group encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom.

Learn the health benefits of dark chocolate and enjoy a free facilitated tasting of different types of dark chocolate with translation in Spanish, Russian and English.

Collage & Mixed Media Wednesdays, starting Feb 15, 10:30am-12pm; Fee: $40/$45 for 4 weeks

Experiment with different textures, papers, mixed-media applications and techniques in this 4-week series to create your own story in a collage.

Sign up at the Front Desk or call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138.

SPECIAL EVENTS Valentine Luncheon Tues, Feb 14, 11:30am-1:30pm, Lunch; Service until 1:50pm; Entertainment 12-1pm; Fee: $10/$12; Jackson Café

With The Tina Carella Duo performing the standards, bring a Valentine who is 60+ and your friend pays the member price! Advance ticket purchase by Feb 13 until 5pm at the Front Desk to get the discounted membership price; $12 day of event.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Multicultural Handmade Valentine Cards Wed, Feb 1; 11am-12pm; No Fee; Facilitator: Caroline Remer; Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed) Design handmade Valentine cards for your sweetheart or donate to our 2nd Friday Art Walk exhibition items to be sold. All proceeds benefit Whistlestop.

Materials provided. Call Caroline at 415-454-0998 for info.

6

Year of the Rooster Social Thurs, Feb 2; 1-2pm; No Fee Leader: Caroline Remer

Experience the tastes and traditions of the Chinese New Year. Lucky foods and stories exchanged to increase good luck in the New Year. Call Caroline at 415-454-0998 for info.

Heartfelt Cookie Decorating Workshop Thurs, Feb 16; 2-3pm; No Fee Facilitator: Sophie Remer

Show your Valentines how much you love them by giving them sweet Valentine’s Day cookies! Decorate yummy cookies using sanding sugars, cookie icing and colorful sprinkles; fill a bag to take home. All ages welcome.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

Fridays, 2-4pm; Fee: $2/$4 Instructor: Vivian Malcy

Ping pong is a lively game that offers a great weekly social outlet for anyone 60+. Stimulate the brain, improve agility and flexibility, and make new friends.

Movie Times at Whistlestop Select Fridays, Feb 10 & 24; 2-4pm; No Fee; Bring a friend and view together.

2nd Friday Art Walk Fri, Feb 10; 5-7pm; No Fee Facilitator: Anna Ladyzhenskaya

Whistlestop joins the creativity event in San Rafael during the 2nd Friday Art Walk. Featuring jewelry made by Whistlestop members, mixed media, handmade Valentine cards, assorted arts & crafts, and watercolors. Call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138 for info.

Ping Pong

February Theme: Drama/Cult Film: Harold & Maude (2/10); Fantasy/Comedy-Drama: Disney/Pixar’s Up (2/24).

Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café

Drop in for the best deal in town. Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, which includes a beverage, fruits and juices. Call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129 for info.

Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for independent men and women (55+), who give each other the gift of listen-

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Brain Fitness Tues, Feb 21, 9:30-10:30am (open to the public); 10:30-11:30am; No Fee Instructor: Bob Nations, President, Senior Access Board of Directors Are you interested in learning different ways to exercise your brain? This Senior Access workshop is designed to stimulate the areas of the brain that promote good brain health. Sign up in advance to reserve a space.

See LEARNING on page 8

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

Tuesdays, Feb 14 & 21 (2 classes) 10am-12pm

Tuesdays, March 7 & 14 (2 classes) 10am-12pm

Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only) Thursdays, Feb 16 & 23 (2 classes) 10am-12pm Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Review some of the basics of using your device and discover a few of your built-in apps, including Photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, Calendar, email, Texting, Maps/GPS, and more. Learn how to find and install new apps, and how to update, delete and organize them for easy access. A perfect sequel to the Using Android Smart Phone & Tablets Basics 1 course. (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course, you’ll be guided through how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. This is for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world.

Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

ONGOING Open Lab

10:30AM–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM-12:00PM

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

No Fee

We are looking for people who already know how to play bridge and are interested in learning how to play Online Bridge. Please call Whistlestop, 415-456-9062, and add your name to the list. When there are enough people for a class, we will contact you with more information on time and date.

10:00AM–NOON

2:00PM–3:30PM

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm Use our PCs to access the Internet.

Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets; they can help you with software applications. Apple assistance is available on Wednesday from 11am -12pm.

10:00AM–1:00PM

12:30PM–1:45PM

WEDNESDAYS

iPad and iPhone users, come discover the incredible world of applications. Find apps to help you manage your daily activities and feed your passions. In this two-week course, we will focus on finding helpful and fun applications to download. Learn how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, travel, and more. Don’t forget to bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

9:30AM-10:30AM

10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM–1:00PM 10:30AM–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM–1:00PM 12:00PM-1:00PM 2:00PM–3:30PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM

THURSDAYS

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

TIME CLASS

MONDAYS

iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications

Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/ classes/calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.

10:00AM–1:00PM 11:00AM–NOON 1:00PM–2:20PM 2:30PM–3:30PM 2:45PM–3:45PM 3:50PM-4:50PM

FREE PARKING

Jackson Café

Fresh. Affordable.

Delicious.

Entrees from $6-$8

Open to the public for lunch every weekday!

9:30AM–11:00AM 11:00AM–NOON

FRIDAYS

Lot at corner of 3rd St. & Tamalpais Ave • 8:30AM-5:00 PM for Whistlestop & Jackson Café guests.

1:00PM-1:30PM 1:30PM–3:00PM 1:30PM–3:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Movement & Music Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg Manicures French Class French Social Group Spanish Class Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Collage & Mixed Media Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program Beg./Intermediate Ukulele ESL Classes Knitting/Crocheting Group Citizenship Weekly Tutoring Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian 2 Balance Class Drumming Circle Weekly B.P./Cholesterol Checks Brown Bag Pantry Hispanic Social Group ACASA Spanish Club Movie Time: Drama/Romance Theme Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 415-485-9318 Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 2/15-3/8 415-472-6020 415-454-0998 Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 1/5-2/23 1/5-2/23 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9067 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in; 2/11 & 2/25 Drop-in Drop-in

FEE Y Y N N N Y N Y Y N N Y N Y N N Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N N N Y Y

Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

7

PA CI FI C S U N | JA NU A RY 1 8 - 2 4 , 2 0 1 7 | PACI FI CSUN.CO M

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

19

Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES

TUESDAYS

TECHNOLOGY FEB – MAR 2017

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING

MONTHLY MEETING

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication.

This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care.

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

Whistlestop 4.3438 w x 4.8438 h 6-22-15

Celebrate Community We’ve been doing that since 1972

Thurs, Feb. 2 | 10am – 12:30pm Where: Tiburon Town Hall Topic: Fall Prevention Speaker: Carol Zellar, Marin County Commission on Aging

LEARNING continued from page 6 Relaxation & Movement Fri, Feb 24; 4-5pm; Fee: $5 Featuring: Juan and Janine of Sevamantra and their friend Rob

(bilingual Spanish), 415-454-0998; Anna Ladyzhenskaya (bilingual Russian), 415-456-9062, ext. 138; Mrs. Esmaili (Farsi), 415-472-6020.

Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings Fri, 9:30-11am; No Fee

Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays of each month at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-459-6700

Invite a greater sense of joy, peace, and connectedness into the New Year. They will sing songs and guide you through gentle movements. Sign up at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 for info.

Weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and prevention advice is offered by Bright Star Care, a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin, 415-332-3300.

Medicare 101 & SCAN: Can a Medicare Advantage Plan Save you Money?

Wed, Feb 8 (Medicare 101); Feb 22 (SCAN Presentation); 10-11:30am; No Fee; Call Whistlestop to sign up: 415-456-9062 Instructor: Rozan Donals of SCAN Health Plan

Voted Best Senior Living in Marin!

Expore Creative 707-938-9960

Don’t miss out on health care savings for 2017! Get clear, straightforward answers to your Medicare questions and information about 2017 Medicare.

Best Senior Living Facility

Schedule a Visit!

Contact: Pam Bill 415.383.2741

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

www.theredwoods.org 8

Four Living Options: Independent Residential Personal Care Skilled Nursing

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance?

Multicultural Consultants Can Help By appointment only: Caroline Remer

Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations; small fee for translation services.

Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.

Victim Witness Assistance 2nd & 4th Thurs, 9am-12pm; No Fee

Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to resources. More information? Call 415-473-6450.

Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: Leslie Klor, 415-456-9068; No Fee

Homeshare is a free referral service for older adults seeking or offering housing. Telephone Reassurance is trained volunteers calling isolated older adults who need connections.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH | By LAURIE VERMONT

Mary Ann Muirhead

M

ary Ann Muirhead, a volunteer with the Whistlestop Meals on Wheels program for over three years, looks forward to driving her route every week. “There is something so satisfying about helping people in your community who don’t ask for much, but appreciate every little bit of assistance you can give them. Most of the people really need the healthy, nutritious, microwavable meals they receive each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”

This fall, Mary Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. She underwent two surgeries and then a month of radiation treatment. The radiation treatment was in Sonoma County, where she had to travel five days a week for four weeks. She insisted on rearranging her cancer treatment so it would not interfere with her Meals on Wheels route. She only missed one day of delivery throughout the ordeal. She had her last treatment Dec. 5 and is now cancer free!

When she looks at the struggles she has gone through this year, combined with a forced retirement at age 54, as well as the years of rehabilitation her husband endured after a stroke, she still feels thankful for all that she has.

Her daughter is a veterinarian at the Denver Zoo and lives closer than she has since she graduated.

Mary Ann went to Connecticut College and Brown University, graduating with a Masters in Literature.

With no teaching jobs available, she took a job as a secretary in a law office. She eventually went to law school, graduated from DePaul University and worked in Chicago and in Washington DC at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She met her husband there; he was also an attorney.

Mary Ann retired early when the couple relocated to Marin. She was on the Board of the Friends of Hospice

By The Bay Auxiliary. She has volunteered at the Hospice thrift store, Hodgepodge, for over 25 years.

To learn more about Meals on Wheels or other volunteer opportunities, contact Laurie at: volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.

A Licensed Homecare Agency o ering

Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state

Geriatric Care Management: RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families

Dignity • Respect Personal Care • Safety All services managed by owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

(415) 457 2256 • www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com

Teresa Pilian, a Whistlestar member originally from El Salvador, knitted the cap Caroline Remer (a multicultural coordinator for Whistlestop) is wearing in this picture. It happened to match the sweater of Sophie Remer (guest services coordinator); she calls the sisters “My Whistlestop Angels.”

Arnold Luber, Whistlestop volunteer nominee, with his wife and daughter at the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Heart of Marin Awards lunch. Three cheers for Arnold! We are so grateful for our amazing volunteers.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

9

Whistlestop Honors Employees of the Year

W

histlestop’s CEO Joe O’Hehir has announced the five 2016 Employees of the Year. The honored employees were each presented with a Visa gift card and an Employee of the Year certificate at the annual Whistlestop Holiday Party in the Jackson Café.

They are also named on a plaque on the Whistlestop Employee of the Year Wall of Fame. Honored were: Althea Boxley, Quality Assurance Specialist; Stephanie Carneiro, Travel Navigator; Ty Logwood, Driver, Marin Paratransit; Yank Francies, Driver, Marin Contracts; and KC Tse, Driver, San Francisco.

Joe O’Hehir with Althea Boxley (left) and Stephanie Carneiro

Ty Logwood 10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

Yank Francies

KC Tse

2017 You Can Vote for Whistlestop!

T

he Pacific Sun’s annual Best of Marin survey is underway and it will help us if you can vote for Whistlestop as the Best Nonprofit in the county.

Whistlestop won the honor in last year’s survey.

This time you can vote for Whistlestop as Best Nonprofit in the Everyday category. You can also vote for the Jackson Café as Best Cafe/Coffee House under Food & Drink. Vote for Whistlestock as Best Charity Event under Arts & Culture.

Visit the Website to vote.

To go directly to the ballot, use this url: www.bohemian.

com/northbay/survey.

If you need help with the online survey, you may go to the Whistlestop Computer Lab on either Monday or Wednesday at 10am.

You must vote for at least 20 things in order to have your votes count. You may vote only once. You will be asked for your name but it will not be made public.

Voting will end at 5pm on Feb. 28. Winners will be announced in the Pac Sun on April 26. So, if you agree that Whistlestop offers the best services and nutrition for older adults in Marin, go vote now!

SUN DAY if you have lost joy don’t try to get her back don’t clutch at the hem of her silken skirt don’t chase after her or call out in the night no weeping or wailing feeling sorry for yourself go out into the garden lay yourself down and sink into the earth as water sinks into sand be drenched by light feel it pressing into you almost too heavy to bear

www.pacificsun.com

You Can Help Grand Jury You can help the Marin County Civil Grand jury by nominating a Marin resident to serve on the 2017-2018 Grand Jury by March 22 (completed applications are due by April 22). If selected from the pool of applicants, your nominee would serve for a year (with 18 other jurors) dedicated to making Marin County a better place to live and prosper. Please submit their contact information to Jay Hamilton-Roth, Foreperson by calling 415-473-6132 or emailing us at grandjury@marincounty.org.

dissolve into honey into pollen into ripe fruit then rise up laughing and catch your reflection in the eyes of another

By TRUE HEITZ WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

11

Whistlestop

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Giving Through Your Estate

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS

By SERENA D’ARCY-FISHER

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program

T

he beginning of a new year is a good time to review, and possibly revise, your financial goals and estate plans. If you have had changes in your family or in the value of your assets, update your plans. Clear, legally valid estate plans will ensure that your wishes for your family and loved ones are met, as well as your philanthropic goals. You can often make a gift by adding a bequest through a simple codicil or amendment to your existing will.

There are a number of ways you can remember your favorite charities, like Whistlestop, in your estate planning after providing for your family and loved ones. For example, you can leave a gift of a specific dollar amount from checking or savings accounts—such gifts are probate free and not subject to estate taxes. You can also make a gift of an asset, such as a home, a car, a painting or an art collection. You also have the option to give the remainder or a percentage of your estate to charity.

Did you know that you could also name a charity as a beneficiary of your insurance benefits or retirement 12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017

plans? If you are over 70-1/2 you can now make a charitable gift of up to $100,000 per person a year from your traditional or Roth IRA completely free of federal tax. Heirs would likely be subject to large income taxes on this type of inheritance. You may also have insurance policies that are no longer needed for their original purpose; these can also fund your charitable gifts.

Many homemade wills are confusing and may be declared invalid by the courts. It is always a good idea to seek legal advice or consult with a professional financial advisor when drawing up or revising your will. Ask for a quote upfront when seeking professional help with your estate planning.

Whistlestop, in partnership with Legal Aid of Marin, offers free half hour in-person appointments for Marin seniors on Thursdays. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, contact Whistlestop’s Information and Referral office: 415-459-6700.

Call Serena, 415-456-9062, ext. 114; information is provided in confidence and with no obligation.

Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. Drivers can accept or decline the calls, and drive on their own schedule. Volunteers must have access to reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver License and a clear background check and DMV report.

The next CarePool Orientation and Training is on Thursday, Feb 16, from 3-4pm. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients.

A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate. A minimum of one 2-3 hour weekday shift is required.

Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and support social interaction. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required.

Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45 am-2 pm. (The Café is open from 11:30am-2pm.)

To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop. org or 415-456-9067.