Whistlestop Express April 2016

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

VOLUNTEERS LEND A HAND

Why Volunteer?

Page 2 whistlestop.org

Across Generations Page 4

Satisfied Customers Page 9

Healthy Aging Symposium Page 9 APRIL 2016

WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office: Open 8:30am-5pm M-F 415-456-9062 Transportation – 415-454-0902 Meals on Wheels – 415-457-4636 Help Desk – 415-459-6700 resource@whistlestop.org To have the Express emailed 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 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 Advertising: Rozan Donals rdonals@pacificsun.com Danielle McCoy dmccoy@pacificsun.com Phaedra Strecher, Art Director pstrecher@pacificsun.com Rosemary Olson, Publisher Our Mission Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

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Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

By LAURIE VERMONT WHISTLESTOP VOLUNTEER MANAGER

Why Volunteer? Here’s Why Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.

—Marian Wright Edelman

T

hroughout my life, I have been living this quote without even thinking about it. As a child, I organized the other kids in my neighborhood for informal day camps to keep them occupied in the summer. I saw a need and filled it. In my adult life, working for nonprofits allows me to share my love of volunteering with all my friends. (Admittedly, sometimes I twist their arms to encourage them to help me.)

My family of origin, my stepchildren and my son have always volunteered, sometimes for the organizations I am involved with and more recently for others. They continue to “pay rent” by supporting local and international organizations with both paid and unpaid work.

As I manage about 140 Whistlestop volunteers in my role as Volunteer Program Manager, I see how volunteers are an essential part of the many services

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

the agency provides to the older adult community in Marin. Consider what would be missing if there were no volunteers.

• Half of the 280 Meals on Wheels and Meals of Marin clients would not receive their daily meals; • Delicious lunches cooked by the Homeward Bound culinary program students would not be served in the Jackson Café; • Workshops, presentations, social and multicultural groups would not be hosted in the Active Aging Center; • We’d need to cancel games, movies and exercise classes; and • An average of 120 seniors would not receive fresh meat, vegetables, canned goods and fruit at the weekly Brown Bag Pantry.

Whistlestop has about 140 volunteers at any given time, who donate a total of 1,700 hours each month. While the hours themselves are impressive, the volunteers’ dedication and commitment is even more so. These community members donate their time because they are invested in their community and find immense satisfaction in serving it. They also find friends and fun as they get to know others who are volunteering, as well as Active Aging Center members.

If you are interested in learning more about sharing your talents and time at Whistlestop, please stop by our Volunteer Fair, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, on Thursday, April 21, from 3:30-5:00 pm or contact Laurie at volunteer@ whistlestop.org.

Thank you, Whistlestop Volunteers We’d like to recognize and thank the 226 volunteers who have given 17,150 hours of their time, expertise and service to Whistlestop’s programs and activities during this past year. These valuable hours equate to $429,000 of staff time. Even members of our Board of Directors are volunteers. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Celebrate Community We’ve been doing that since 1972 A Rare Opportunity to Join Us This Season!

Jackson Café volunteers work hard and also know how to have fun.

From left: Monique Pearl-Turner, Terry McKinney, Cecilia Kudlick, Jean Harrison, Sandy Haevernick, Marlene Bonham and Whistlestop Volunteer Manager Laurie Vermont.

Making Friends is Part of Café Volunteering

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“I

adore the other volunteers. They are such amazing and caring people.”

That was Sandy Haevernick’s reply to the question, “What do you like best about volunteering at the Jackson Café?” Sandy added, “If someone is ill or loses someone in their family, everyone is so thoughtful and helpful. They have gotten me through some things. I’ve made good friends there.”

Sandy has been volunteering at the café for about a year as a waitress, a job she never had before this.

She worked on Thursdays for several months. “I enjoyed it so much that now I am there Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Sandy also enjoys meeting the customers who come in.

“We are flying around there so fast most of the time that you don’t get a chance to

get to know them at a deep level, but it’s fun when I remember a name and they remember mine. And we all know, for example, that for Richie, you always get him an extra side of dressing and an extra napkin.”

She said that many people get the entree of the day and she notices that very few people order sodas – more of them ask for ice tea.

She said many people opt for healthy meals. “People like the special salads and some of our salads are pretty extravagant. There’s also a soup of the day.”

Sandy looks forward to her days at the café. “I never did waitressing before but I love it. I was a hairdresser for 25 years and decided one day, that was enough.” She and her husband, Tim, own Tamalpais Pet Hospital in Mill Valley.

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The 2016 Whistlestop Annual Directory of Older Adults Services is Available!

RVICES

ULT SE OLDER AD COUNTY TORY OF N – MARIN 2016 DIREC 28TH EDITIO I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE AN S. I NEED A ART CLAS SUPPORT GROUP.

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WHO CAN ME IN-HO PROVIDE VICES? HEALTH SER

WHERE CAN I R? VOLUNTEE

I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO USE MY COMPUTER!

HELP WHO CAN ME HO WITH MY REPAIRS? CAN SOMEONE TRANSLATE FOR ME?

I NEED A RIDE!

I NEED ION INFORMAT .

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WHERE CAN I GET HEALTHY FOOD?

WHERE CAN TAL I GET DEN CARE? I HOW CAN L FIND LEGA HELP?

WHERE CAN WE GO ?

DANCING

RG E S T O P. O W H I S T L by the Pacific Sun published

This resource directory covers services that older adults and their families might need to live healthy, active lives in Marin County.

The printed and online versions of the Directory are FREE to the public and available at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, and at www.whistlestop. org, under the Services tab.

Kylee Lin

Volunteerism Runs in the Family

By JOHN BOWMAN

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Thurs April 7 10am – 12:30pm Where: San Rafael Community Center, Club Rooms Topic: Public Hearing Speakers: Commission on Aging & Adult Services

4

W

hen she isn’t preparing and sending out applications for dentistry school, Kylee Lin, 25, of San Rafael, finds time to volunteer at Whistlestop. She might have been inspired by her grandmother, who volunteered here a few years ago.

“I have volunteered other places before, but this is a unique experience,” she said. She works one day a week at the Jackson Café. “This gives me an opportunity to interact with people I wouldn’t normally be with in my life. My main duty is beverage patrol. I get excited when I recognize someone and remember their favorite drink order.”

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

Kylee, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, has been volunteering at the café for about two months. She said her grandmother, Jill Soldaviani, of San Rafael, also volunteered at Whistlestop a few years ago. Jill died in 2009. In her working life, she was a secretary at a dental office.

“I guess she influenced me even more than I realized,” said Kylee.

Kylee said she really appreciates the spirit of other volunteers. And, “I get a lot of pearls of wisdom from many of the customers, some of whom are in their 80s and 90s. I have learned a lot from some very generous people.”

Helping Seniors Love their Computers

H

oward Schwartz, left, and Mickey Rack are two of the volunteers who help older adults get more comfortable with computers in the Whistlestop Computer lab. Mickey, who is 26 and volunteers twice a week, was asked how it is to teach people who might be 40 or 50 years older than he.

“One older woman came in and already had some experience. She jumped right in and picked things up faster than I did when I first started with computers.

It’s interesting and fun,” he said. “They have a variety of interests. Some people like learning about Facebook because they can keep up with younger members of their family. Others like family history, or want to know more about using email.” Mickey often eats lunch in the Jackson Café with his students.

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T

he Whistlestop pantry is one of the most attractive pantries I’ve visited. All of the staff and volunteers deserve a big round of applause. The space was clean and bright, and the food was displayed with obvious care and thought. Those seemingly small decisions make the shopping experience so much more pleasant for participants.

I was greeted warmly and all of the staff and volunteers were exceedingly helpful. There was a positive energy in the waiting room, hallway, and pantry, and the colored numbering system works so well. Some pantries have trouble finding enough volunteers for distribution, but that clearly isn’t the case at Whistlestop. On behalf of everyone here at

I was greeted ‘ warmly and all of the

staff and volunteers were exceedingly helpful.

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP

For a full list of classes and services, check out the monthly calendar online at whistlestop.org/

classes/calendar or pick one up at the Active Aging Center. Fees listed for classes show the member fee, followed by the non-member fee. Join Whistlestop for the 2016 year to enjoy valuable discounts and benefits! Remember to sign up for all classes and events in advance by visiting or calling the front desk at 415-456-9062.

CELEBRATIONS/EVENTS Poetry Discussion with Tea & Cookies Tues, Apr 5, 3-4:30 pm

Free (Donations Appreciated) Facilitator: Helen Bruner • Enjoy a special exploration of poetry with local poet Helen Bruner, in honor of National Poetry Month. Tea and cookies provided.

Spring Swing Lunch Thurs, Apr 14, 11:30am-2 pm; Entertainment 12-1 pm

Regular Menu Pricing • Bring in spring with the swinging sounds of local musician Jonny Darlin playing guitar and singing your favorite oldies while you dine and dance! Order what you love from our delicious menu at affordable prices.

Raccanello • Improve your Italian speaking and conversation skills and have fun with this exciting Italian class.

Pre-requisite: Basic Italian instruction

Crafts with Kids: Celebrating the Earth Tues, Apr 12, 3:30-5 pm

Free (Donations Appreciated) Instructor: Marta Villela • Come and make colorful collages to honor Earth Day with students from San Rafael High School. We will show you how; supplies will be provided.

Seniors’ Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am; Free (Donations Appreciated)

Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing • This is an open support group for independent older adults (men and women 55+) who give each other the gift of listening. This is done in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom. Drop-in.

How to Pay for Care as You Age Tues, Apr 12, 3-4 pm Volunteer Fair Thurs, Apr 21, 3:30-5 pm

Learn about the many ways to serve the older adults who come to Whistlestop. We need friendly, reliable volunteers as Meals on Wheels drivers, Jackson Café lunch servers and cashiers, Brown Bag Pantry helpers, ESL tutors, and Home Delivered Grocery Program drivers. For more information: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager, 415-4569067, or volunteer@whistlestop.org.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Ping Pong Fridays, Apr 1, 15, & 29, 2-4 pm

$2 per class/Drop-in Instructor: Vivian Malcy • Join the Whistlestop “Racketeers” for Ping Pong. It’s good for your mind, spirit and body. We have a wonderful group of regulars who enjoy the benefits of the game.

All levels are encouraged to come.

Beginning Italian/2 Nine Thursdays, starting April 7, from 2:30-3:30 pm $20/25 – Instructor: Karen 6

$5/7 – Presenter: Eldercare expert Laurel Etheridge • Are you concerned about how to pay for elder care if you or a family member should need it? Learn about the many options available to pay for care, how to qualify and how to get free help to apply. Do Medicare, Medi-Cal or supplemental insurance pay for any care? Learn more.

Safety Behind the Wheel & Driving Alternatives Mon, Apr 18, 3-4 pm

Free (Donations Appreciated) Presenter: Shad St. Louis, MS, Dominican University • There are over 36 million licensed drivers over age 65 in the US. Seniors do not have a higher rate of accidents than younger Americans, but for age-related reasons, they are more likely to die or be injured when crashes occur. Learn the common factors related to aging that may impact driving performance and resources for continued safe community mobility.

Bills, Bills, Bills! Get the Legislative Report Tues, April 19, 3-4:30 pm;

Free (Donations Appreciated) • Presenter: YWCA & Commission on Aging This 90-minute workshop will address

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

the basics of bills, healthcare, housing, and benefits bills, and steps to get involved to make a difference. Q&A session follows with a Commission on Aging Legislative Committee representative.

Beginning and Intermediate Ukulele Wednesdays, starting April 20 for six weeks, 12:30-1:30 pm

$35/40; Maximum 25 participants/ Instructor: Fred Riley • Come and learn to play the ukulele from teacher Fred Riley or improve your skills. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one. Ukuleles are available to buy at a discount.

Hearing Screenings Fri, Apr 29, 12-3 pm;

Free (Donations Appreciated) • Receive certification for hearing difficulties and pick up your equipment the same day. The California Telephone Access Program offers a range of free, specialized California Phones to make it easier to hear, easier to dial, and easier to make calls.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Blood Pressure, Cholesterol & Medication Checks Fridays, 9:30-11 am

Free (Donations Appreciated) • Free weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews provided by Bright Star Care, 415-3323300.

Medicare 101 Seminar: Learn the Nuts and Bolts Wed, April 13, 10 am-12 pm

Free (Donations Appreciated) Instructor: Cara Suminski of SCAN Health Plan • If you are turning 65 or are losing coverage with an employer, attend this seminar. Your options will be presented and coverage explained.

This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared. Contact Cara at 415-720-2133 to sign-up today.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Multicultural Consultants Can Help

By appointment: 415-456-9062 Spanish: Marta, 415-454-0998; Russian: Anna, ext. 138; Vietnamese: Dina, ext. 129; Farsi: Mrs. Esmaili, 415-472-6020. No fee for consultations; small fee may apply for translations.

Homeshare Program

For appointments call Leslie Klor: 415-456-9068; Free (Donations Appreciated) Free referral service for older adults providing an affordable and alternative way of meeting housing needs with numerous benefits to renters and homeowners.

Telephone Reassurance Program

For information and to register call Leslie Klor: 415-456-9068 Free (Donations Appreciated) Do you live alone? Would you like someone to care about how you are doing? If you often feel isolated, trained volunteers can call you three mornings a week to check in on you.

Victim Witness Assistance: Resources & Outreach 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9 am-12 pm

Free (Donations Appreciated) Yolanda Johnson, Advocate from the District Attorney’s office, will meet with you to answer questions, provide information, and connect you to resources, or call 415-473-6450.

Free Legal Consultation 1st four Thursdays of each month at Whistlestop; 1st and 3rd Thursdays at the Mill Valley Community Center

By appointment only: Call 415459-6700 for appointments at both locations Legal Aid of Marin provides a free 30-minute legal consultation for Marin residents, 60 and older. Marin lawyers volunteer general advice, offer options, explain rights and if appropriate, refer people to attorneys with expertise in certain areas of law.

When interacting with older adults, learn how to detect behaviors that might reflect mental health or dementia issues, and how to compassionately respond and connect them to resources. This free workshop focuses first on Detection, including normal aging vs. abnormal aging behavior.

Gain insight to identify symptoms and observable behaviors. Next is Connection, including responding in the moment to the observable behavior with empathy and compassion, effective communication techniques,

Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES

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

TIME

MONDAYS

Thur, Apr 28, 2-5 pm (1:30 registration) at Whistlestop • Register: 415-4560962 by Apr 25

and how best to connect the person to appropriate support services.

Open to all community members who regularly support the needs of older adults. There will be a Train the Trainer workshop in June; to be notified about it, contact support@agingactioninitiative.org. This workshop was created by members of the Marin Aging Action Initiative Mental Health and Dementia Workgroup, and is a collective effort of over 65 different agencies, grassroots organizations, commissions and neighborhood groups, funded by the County of Marin, and coordinated by MarinSpace. For more information visit www.agingactioninitiative.org or email support@agingactioninitiative.org.

Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/ detectAPRIL28

Maximum 8 people • This course is the equivalent of the “How to Use Your iPad/iPhone” class but designed for Android products. You will learn how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. One-onone help comes with handouts so you can practice at home. (For Android devices only, incl. Samsung and LG)

Managing Your Photos Tuesdays, May 17 and May 24, 10

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, May 19 and May 26, (2 classes), 10 am-12 pm • Fee: $48 Maxi-

mum 8 people • In this personalized, two-week course, learn how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications.

A course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world, each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts so you can practice at home. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10 am-12 pm • No Fee • Use our PCs.

Volunteer staff is available for advice on problems with your electronic devices; they can help with software applications.

Jackson Café Entrees from $6-$8

Open for lunch every weekday to the public.

Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center.

WEDNESDAYS

ANDROID Basics: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, April 21 and April 28, (2 classes), 10 am-12 pm • Fee: $48

them. Bring your digital cameras and flash drives to class and we’ll show you how to work with them, use software to make the process easy and fun, and start getting them organized.

Fresh. Affordable.

Delicious.

FRIDAYS

imum 8 people • Review the basics and learn about your built-in apps: Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, Maps/GPS, and more. Practice and learn the steps to install new apps. If you know the basics and want to know more, bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class.

(For Apple devices only)

THURSDAYS

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062. am-12 pm (2 classes) • Fee: $48 MaxiPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential imum 8 people • Learn how to preBuilt-in Applications serve your photos, organize them into Tuesdays, April 19 and April 26, 10 am-12 pm (2 classes) • Fee: $48 Max- folders, edit them, back up and print

TUESDAYS

TECHNOLOGY APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2016

CLASS

INFO

FEE

9:30–10:30AM Zumba Drop-in Y 10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y

10AM–NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N 10:30AM–NOON German Social Group Drop-in N

10:30AM–1:30PM Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N

11AM–12PM Music and Movement 415-485-9318 Y

12:30–1:30PM Russian Social Group 415-454-0998 N

2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 100 Basic 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 150 Intermediate 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced 415-454-0998 Y

9:30–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 10AM–NOON Mah Jongg Drop-in N 10AM–NOON iPad/iPhone Basics 2 4/19 & 4/26 Y 10:30AM–1:30PM Manicures Drop-in N 10:45–11:45AM Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Y 11:30AM–12:30PM French Class Drop-in Y 1–2PM French Social Group Drop-in N 1–3PM Beg./Int. Conversational Spanish Drop-in Y

9–10:15AM Tai Chi Drop-in Y

10–11:30AM Seniors’ Circle Drop-in N

10–NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N

10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y

10:30AM–1:30PM Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N

* 11AM–1PM Corazón Latino 415-454-0998 N

12:30–1:30PM Beginning Ukulele Ends 4/13 Y

12:30–1:30PM Beginning /Intermediate Ukulele Starts 4/20 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 100 Basic 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 150 Intermediate 415-454-0998 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced 415-454-0998 Y

2–4PM Knitting Group Drop-in N

3:30–5PM Citizenship Class 415-454-0998 Y

9:30–10:30AM Zumba Drop-in Y

10AM–NOON Android Basics 4/21 & 4/28 Y

10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y

11AM–NOON Whistlesizers Drop-in Y

12:15–2:15PM Vietnamese Social Group 415-456-9062 x129 N

1–2:30PM Intermediate Italian 3/10-5/12 Y

2:30–3:30PM Beginning Italian Y

2:45–3:45PM Balance Class Drop-in Y 8:30AM Community Breakfast Drop-in Y 9:30–11AM Weekly Blood Press./Cholesterol Checks Drop-in N 11AM–NOON Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 N 1:30–3PM ACASA Drop-in N 1:30–3PM Spanish Club Drop-in N 2–3:30PM Movie Time 4/8 & 4/22 Y 2–4PM Ping-Pong 4/1, 4/15 & 4/29 Y 3–4PM Yoga Drop-in Y WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

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We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes.You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of If you trademark have more of than 30 minutes of usage, per minute charge ofElectronics 35 cents will be deducted from your refund Inc. for each minute over 30 for minutes.

You will charged GreatCall, Inc. Samsung of is ausage. registered Samsung Electronics Co.,a Ltd. ©2016 Samsung America, LLC. ©2016 GreatCall, ©2016 firstSTREET Boomers and be Beyond, Inc.a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2016 Samsung Electronics America, LLC. ©2016 GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

8

1-877-651-6963 www.jitterbugdirect.com

We proudly accept the following credit cards.

‘I love to come to Whistlestop because it picks up my whole day’

W

histlestop is grateful for the feedback we received in our annual Participant Satisfaction Survey.

We are especially pleased that so many people mentioned our caring staff and volunteers.

Here’s a sampling of comments: “I am very satisfied, you are very kind and thanks for taking care of us.”

“My heart to all Whistlestop employees. With love!”

“Thank you, Whistlestop.

I am coming for ten years now.”

“Whistlestop fills a critical need for seniors. It allows us to remain independent in our homes and to connect socially.”

“This is a fine community with excellent services and friendly people.”

“I am so grateful for the yoga and Brown Bag programs.”

“I love my teacher – Katherine Brinnier.”

“Transportation is wonderful.”

“My German discussion group is exciting and enriching. It raises my morale and energy in this more limited period of my life.”

“Whistlestop offers a variety of classes, affordable prices and people from many walks of life to help us integrate into the community.”

“Marta [Villela Morales] is excellent in her position.

Especially fabulous and helpful.”

“I take classes, use the services and enjoy lunches … I have never been disappointed.”

“Whistlestop is a wonderful asset for Marin seniors. All the staff are friendly and helpful.”

Healthy Aging Symposium May 5 in San Rafael

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histlestop again will be a sponsor of the Healthy Aging Symposium in San Rafael on Thursday, May 5. The 12th annual symposium will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway.

This year’s theme is “Trailblazers in a Changing World.”

The keynote speaker is Spencer Michels. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased on Eventbrite.

Getting Older Shouldn’t Mean Leaving Your Comfort Zone 90% of seniors prefer to remain at home as they age.

Seniors At Home is the leading provider of senior care in the Bay Area. We help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes.

Call 415-449-3777

Seniors At Home B E T T E R C A R E S TA R T S AT H O M E

A DIVISION OF JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE PENINSULA, MARIN AND SONOMA COUNTIES

info@SeniorsAtHome.org • www.SeniorsAtHome.org

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Call Today for a FREE Information Kit and No Obligation Consultation

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Senior Mortgage Advisor (415) 250-8908 ds@dominiquestevens.com reversehomeloanscalifornia.com

ownership Retain Home ü red su FHA/HUD In ü m ra og Pr ly Receive Month p Sum ü m Lu or ts en ym Pa y in Your bl rta Live Comfo ü e m Ho wn O Available Many Options ü

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

9

Retirement Living iving is a Family amily A Affair ffair

Valley Orchards Retirement Valley RetirementCommunity Community

ent Living RRetirement etirementLiving Living is a Family Affair is isa aFamily ffair FamilyAA ffair

Affordable, All-Inclusive Affordable, All-InclusiveMonthly MonthlyRent Rent No Lease, No Lease, Buy-ins Buy-ins or orAdd-ons Add-ons

Three ThreeNutritious NutritiousMeals MealsEvery EveryDay Day Delicious, Delicious,Fresh FreshSalad SaladBar Bar Health &&Wellness Program Health WellnessMeals Program Three Nutritious Activities &&Excursions Activities Excursions Every Day Housekeeping Housekeeping Transportation Transportation Delicious, Beauty FreshSalon Salad Bar Beauty Salon Guest Rooms Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Guest Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Health & Wellness Program And MuchRooms More...

And Much More...

No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons

ds Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community

ll-Inclusive Monthly Rent Activities & Excursions e, Buy-ins or Add-ons Three Nutritious Meals Every Day

ation

Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Housekeeping Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Bar Delicious, Fresh Salad Health & Wellness Program Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Health & Wellness Program Transportation & Excursions Activities & Excursions Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Activities Family Owned Since 1983 Housekeeping Housekeeping Family Owned Since 1983 Health & Wellness Program Beauty Salon Transportation 2100 Transportation E. Washington Street 2100 E. Washington Street Beauty Salon Beauty Salon Activities & Excursions Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms Guest Rooms Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms (707) 778-6030 Housekeeping AndAnd Much More...

Much More...

(707) www.ValleyOrchards.com and Much778-6030 More...

Transportation www.ValleyOrchards.com

Beauty Salon Guest Rooms Also visit our Napa County Location And Much More...

Also visit our Napa County Location

www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688

FamilyFamily Owned Since Since 1983 1983 Owned

21002100 E. Washington Street E. Washington Street

Petaluma, CA 94954 Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 778-6030 (707) 778-6030

www.ValleyOrchards.com www.ValleyOrchards.com

Family Owned Since 1983

Volunteer Dave Brusati and Erika Vaughn, Meals on Wheels supervsior.

A Meeting at the Dog Park Leads to Volunteer Opportunity

A

colleague he met at his neighborhood dog park introduced Dave Brusati to Whistlestop. He starting coming for lunch and eventually decided to deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program here.

When he started, there was a Dominican University student living nearby who needed community service credit for his degree in psychology but who didn’t have a reliable automobile.

They were paired together and became a team; Dave drove and Nick helped

deliver their route until the end of the school semester.

When Nick’s class schedule changed and he could no longer drive those hours, Dave continued driving the route on his own. He also takes the route on other days if one of the drivers is out sick or on vacation. He is happy to meet new people and help out in his community. He comes every Friday to the Community Breakfast and usually comes to lunch on Wednesdays after he completes his route.

AlsoAlso visit visit our Napa County Location 963-3688 our Napa County Locationwww.SilveradoOrchards.com www.SilveradoOrchards.com(707)(707) 963-3688

2100 E. Washington Street

Touching Valentine’s Story

Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 778-6030

www.ValleyOrchards.com

www.SilveradoOrchards.com

(707) 963-3688

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SENIORS

• 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 Licensed Physical Therapists

415-444-0910 10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

Jennifer Holland, PT CA Lic #10957

The 2016 Whistlestop Valentine’s project delivered happiness to countless residents throughout Marin. Erika Vaughn, Meals on Wheels Program supervisor, shared one special story.

“We have a client who has severe multiple sclerosis. She called me in tears right after receiving her Valentine’s Day cards. She said that for over 10 years, she has not received Valentine’s Day cards from anyone. She mentioned that since she has been in our program, she has discovered that not only do we care about meeting her nutritional needs, but also make sure she feels special and loved during the holidays.

“I received a lot of phone calls from clients who were overjoyed about receiving a stack of Valentine’s Day cards.

Most of them felt that we here at Whistlestop took the time to make sure that each of them had a warm heart on that special day.”

Learn How to Decode Poems

H

ave you ever heard a poem read and then realized you have no idea what it means?

If so, you might want to come to Helen Bruner’s Poetry Conversations at Whistlestop on April 5.

Whistlestop was looking for a local poet to come to the Active Aging Center to celebrate National Poetry Month and Helen, who is from Mill Valley, accepted the invitation.

“I want to emphasize that this is not a poetry reading,” said the published poet.

“When you go to a poetry reading, you sit and listen to poetry for an hour, get indigestion and then go home. I don’t mean the poetry is bad, because often it is wonderful. It’s just that you get overwhelmed.”

She explained that at her event, to be held from 3-4:30pm on Tuesday, April 5, she will read a poem and then engage the audience in a discussion about it. She will read several poems so everyone will have a chance to voice their opinions. Also, there will be tea and cookies.

“I love doing these – I call them Poetry Conversations, because it is interesting to hear what people think. You get everything from ‘I don’t understand a word of that poem’ to ‘It was very moving.’”

Helen’s second book of poetry, Recollecting, Dreams and Other Altered States, came out recently. Her first book was titled Dragon Breath.

She said it is difficult to answer the question “What kind of poetry do you write?”

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

Helen Bruner

She told the Express, “I draw on my own life experience.

I write mostly short poems, often it’s activist poetry with a moral tone. Most of it is free verse, although I have one villanelle and one pantoum in my latest book. I guess you could describe my poems as short, condensed, intense.”

Helen wrote poetry as a young woman in school but got away from the practice as she raised her four children and worked as a clinical social worker. “I have written a lot more since retirement. I have written much about my travels – I’ve been to places like Syria, Israel, Palestine and Nepal. Seems like they always start having wars after I leave.”

She also said that she tries to “slip underneath or go around the edges of a subject” in her work, adding, “I think poets look at things in a way that surprises them.”

She marvels at the many outstanding poets in Marin.

Two of her favorites are Jane Hirschfield and Kay Ryan.

“I also like poets from the past. Shakespeare’s poetry is incredible – nobody can come up to that. I also enjoy Rilke.”

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

Memory Care: Whistlestop 4.3438 x 4.8438 h Our w helping 6-22-15

hand for also Expore Creative a helping707-938-9960 seniors is

hand for their

families.

Personalized care in a homelike environment. If your family is overwhelmed caring for a relative with cognitive and memory problems or dementia, the family at NCPHS can help. We offer specialized activities, supervision and compassionate care 24/7. Wellness, safety and comfort are our highest priorities, and our well-trained staff creates an atmosphere that’s just like home. We strive to make our residents happy, which may be the best medicine of all. Call or email Janey Dobson at 415.351.7956, jdobson@ncphs.org to learn more.

A Life Care Community sequoias-pv.org 501 Portola Valley Rd

A Life Care Community sequoias-sf.org 1400 Geary Boulevard

These not-for-profit communities are part of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services.

License #410500567 COA #075 I License # 380500593 COA #097

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

11

What Inspires YOU? Whistlestop

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

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.

—Amelia Earhart

W

e are looking for stories about what inspires you, what gives you hope and what keeps you going when times are challenging. This will be the theme of the June issue of the Whistlestop Express.

Send a story about yourself or someone who inspires you to John Bowman, john. bowman58@gmail. com or call 916-7519189 to share your story.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Make a difference in an older adult’s life.

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, background check and clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate. A minimum of one three-hour shift per week is required.

Jackson Café Lunch Servers, Cashiers & Friday Community Breakfast Servers

The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers greet, provide excellent customer service and support social interaction. Lunch hour shifts are Monday to Friday, 10:45am-2pm. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. Friday morning breakfast shift is from 8:30-10:30am. Breakfast is served from 9-10am on Friday only.

Brown Bag Pantry Volunteers Needed

Helpers needed Friday mornings from 9:15am-12:15pm for the Brown Bag Pantry. Unload the truck from the Food Bank, sort produce, greet and help recipients get their food. Fun group needs new members. Ability to lift 25 pounds is a plus.

To learn more about these opportunities or others contact: volunteer@whistlestop.org Phone: 415-456-9067 • www.whistlestop.org

VOLUNTEER FAIR • Thurs, Apr 21, 3:30-5 pm Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO, being interviewed on location at Whistlestop, for “Comcast Newsmakers,” which will air in April.

12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS APRIL 2016

Learn about the many ways to serve the older adults who come to Whistlestop. We need friendly, reliable volunteers as Meals on Wheels drivers, Jackson Café lunch servers and cashiers, Brown Bag Pantry helpers, ESL tutors, and Home Delivered Grocery Program drivers. For more information: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager, 415-456-9067, or volunteer@whistlestop.org.