Whistlestop APRIL 2011
Whistlestop.org
E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
A Pet Can Be Perfect Cure For Loneliness; San Rafael Man Finds New Best Friend b y VA L E R I E B O W M A N
Rocky Packard page 4
NEW COLUMN!
© Photo by Terry Scussel
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arry Thorstenberg hadn’t had a dog since he was a child, but he was lonely and he decided having a dog would give him the companionship he was wanting. Larry retired after a career of playing English horn and oboe in the Boston Symphony and moved to Marin County about 13 years ago. With the help of a friend, Larry, now in his 80s, found a five-year-old black Lab mix through a rescue organization called Hound Haven Hope Rescue (lauriewhoof@ yahoo.com), which fosters and places dogs who are at risk of being euthanized. It didn’t take Chipper and Larry long to bond and Larry says, “I value his steady companionship. If I had a roommate, he wouldn’t be here all the time, but Chipper is.” He adds that he enjoys taking care of him and he knows Chipper needs him and appreciates him. “It’s a love relationship of sorts.” He recommends that anyone who is living alone
Larry Thorstenberg and his faithful companion Chipper and wants company consider adopting a dog. They are also a good reason to get out of the house and get some exercise. Larry says there are expenses involved with having a dog, but it’s well worth it to him. He also highly recommends that new owners arrange a trial period to see if they are a
The Bird's Side of Marin page 11
good fit with the pet. And while this friendly black Lab has turned out to be perfect for Larry, cats and other pets can also provide comfort and mutual caring. ✦
Humane Society, Whistlestop Team Up — See Page 12 Grand Mom Princess is Just That page 14
Table of
Whistlestop
CONTENTS 3 4 6 7 8/9 10 11 13 14 15
Golf Tournament News From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard How to Stay Limber Kathrina Peterson Alzheimer's Warning Signs At Whistlestop Whistlestop Activities The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Financial Nuggets Jeff Stoffer Grand Mom Audrey Mettel Fixmer Sudoku Puzzle
Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Stoffer Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Eva Brown • Jane Lott Debbie Mills • Michael Rice • Bill Saul Whistlestop Express is a publication of the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization The Mission of Whistlestop: To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Whistlestop Contact Information Main Number 415-456-9062 Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858 www.whistlestop.org Information & Referral Office 415-459-6700 • resource@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & Sales John & Val Bowman Editors 916-751-9189 • john.bowman58@gmail.com Missy Reynolds Art Director mreynolds@pacificsun.com Advertising Linda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306 Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062, ext. 141. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org. Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
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Whistlestop Express April 2011
PERSPECTIVE by JOE O'HEHIR Whistlestop Must Find New Home
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orty years ago, in February 1971, the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, better known as Whistlestop, began operation in the Northwestern Railroad Depot located at 930 Tamalpais Avenue. That October, Whistlestop’s Senior Center opened to the public as one of the first of its kind in Marin County. Thousands of Marin’s older adults have come through the center’s doors and enjoyed a good meal, engaged in activities and classes, and have socialized in a comfortable setting. Whistlestop soon will not be able to continue to operate its Active Aging Center at the current location due to the future placement of the SMART downtown San Rafael station platform to be located directly in front of our building. The time frame, according to SMART, is to begin rail service in the fall of 2014, with new construction beginning in the summer of 2012. As an organization, Whistlestop supports the future SMART train service as another viable transportation option for Marin’s older adults to utilize. During the past three years, we have spent a considerable amount of time, money and effort to address the planned downtown station’s potential effect on our property and on our nonprofit organization. We have participated in every SMART meeting relating to the station. We have hired experts to try to help us deal with the loss of
parking, and the loss of the use of the front entrance to our building. The city of San Rafael’s Economic Development staff has been very helpful during our discussions with the SMART staff. Unfortunately, the location of the SMART downtown station, in its current planned design, will render our building unusable as an Active Aging Center. The design places the station directly in front of the Center and locates the station platform within 3-8 feet from the main entrance to our property. We regret that no viable solutions have been identified that would allow us to continue to operate at the current location. The situation leaves us with no choice other than to seek a new location within San Rafael to continue serving 5,000-plus older adult clients annually. We have recommended to SMART that they purchase the Whistlestop property so that we can use the sale proceeds for needed working capital for Whistlestop’s relocation to a new site. For 57 years, Whistlestop’s mission has been to end isolation and loneliness for older adults and individuals with disabilities living in Marin County by providing access for people in need of transportation, social services, educational programs, nutritious, affordable meals, and other services. We are committed to continue our mission and to find a new location. ✦ Joe O’Hehir is Whistlestop’s CEO.
5th Annual Jerry Randall Golf Tourney to Benefit Whistlestop
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he fifth annual Jerry Randall Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 11 at Stone Tree Golf Club in Novato. Profits from the fund-raising tournament will go to support Whistlestop services. The tournament is named after Jerry Randall, a former Whistlestop bus driver. Jerry retired from Sears as a repairman, and worked at Whistlestop for four years. “He used to say they were the best years of his lifeâ€? Jerry’s son Dan remembers. Jerry passed away in 2005 and Dan and his wife, Stacey, conceived of the idea for the tournament in 2006 to honor Jerry and all Whistlestop drivers, past and present. The tournament is always held over the Father’s Day weekend. It raised more than $5,000 last year for Whistlestop. The tournament will tee off at 9 am with a shotgun start. A 2 pm 19th hole reception is planned as well. âœŚ For more information call 415-686-2311 or go to www.jerryrandallmemorial.com.
Give the gift of health‌
Healthy Aging Symposium Set for May 12 in San Rafael
Therapeutic Yoga For Older Adults
YOGa TO YOuŠ
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histlestop will once again be one of the sponsors of the 2011 Healthy Aging Symposium to be held on May 12 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael. This year’s theme is “Pathways to Successful Agingâ€? with Ysabel Duron, award-winning journalist and KRON 4 TV Anchor, delivering the keynote address. Other speakers will share on the theme from their own experiences of aging. Under the auspices of the County of Marin, Health & Human Services Department, Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Commission on Aging, the Symposium invites older adults and their families, Aging Services professionals and others to attend this popular informative event. âœŚ Registration is $15 for the program and lunch. Call 473-2980 to obtain registration form or download from www.co.marin.ca.us/aging.
YOGa TO YOu seeks to share the ancient wisdom found in yoga, now widely embraced by integrated medicine that underscore the health benefits of yoga. We take Yoga to individuals and groups in their private homes, or in assisted living centers, nursing homes, independent living sites, and other residential care facilities for older adults. Call for a Free demonstration today!
Dr. Melanie Hahn )NFO YOGA TO YOU COM s HTTP YOGA TO YOU COM
s Whistlestop.org 3
A place to celebrate each moment.
From Rocky's
PANTRY
“Residents are the heart of our community.”
B Y R O C K Y PA C K A R D
Edamame Succotash
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his is a variation of good, old-fashioned succotash but with very healthy edamame beans. A very colorful side dish for fried chicken or seafood. If everything is cut and ready to go it only takes a couple of minutes to sauté and you are set to go. Assisted Living | Memory Care
515 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
415.233.6199
www.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.
180° DIFFERENT SENIOR LIVING FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW.
At Kisco Senior Living we’re about nurturing the mind, body and spirit, continuing the process of personal growth and having a newfound sense of connection to others. We call it SM The Art of Living Well.
(415) 491-1935 Lic # 216801028 275 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903 WWW.KISCOSENIORLIVING.COM FOLLOW US ONLINE
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Whistlestop Express April 2011
4 Ears 2 Tablespoons 1/4 Each 1/4 Each 1/3 pound 1/4 pint 1/8 bunch 1 Teaspoon
Fresh corn, cut off the cob Olive oil Medium diced yellow onion Medium diced red bell pepper Frozen edamame, soybeans Cherry tomatoes Fresh chopped parsley Fresh chopped thyme Salt and pepper to taste
Place the edamame in a steamer pan and steam for 5 minutes, rinse with cold water. Heat the olive oil until hot, add the onions, sauté until soft with a little bit of color; and then add bell peppers. Sauté a few minutes until soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté a few additional minutes just to heat through. Add the fresh corn and edamame and sauté until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve. ✦ Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 251 Calories; 27g Fat (94.9% calories from fat); Trace Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 19 Dietary Fiber; Omg Cholesterol; 5mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetable; 5 1/2 Fat.
Snapshots at Whistlestop Noah Griffin of Bread & Roses sings with Sammie Burke, a former singer, at Whistlestop’s festive 2011 Valentine’s Luncheon, held in the Jackson Café. The next holiday event will be the Cinco de Mayo Luncheon on May 5th, noon to 1:30 pm.
Mayor Al Boro, Dr. Tom Peters, Joe O’Hehir, Rocky Packard, and Mary Kay Sweeney at the March 8 reception for the Jackson Café.
Estate Planning Seminar at Whistlestop
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histlestop will host an Estate Planning Seminar on Thursday, April 21 from 2 to 3:30pm in the Jackson Café. The workshop panel will be comprised of an estate planning attorney, a fiduciary, a CPA, and an estate transition expert. In addition, Whistlestop will provide its special Estate Planning Organizer free to those in attendance.
Bolinas Museum Announces Expanded Wednesday Hours
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he Bolinas Museum has expanded its Wednesday evening hours and several compelling exhibitions await art and history lovers who visit the Marin coastal museum. Wednesday hours are now from 4:30 to 7 pm, except for Wednesdays in the week preceding each new exhibition. The museum will continue to be open from 1 to 5 pm Fridays and from noon to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Current exhibitions include: Sacred Walls, Deities and Marriages in Mithila Painting; the work of Sue Gonzales in the Coastal Marin Artists Gallery, and photographs from the Helene Stardivant Mayne Permanent Collection, all through April 17. The museum reflects regional interests and the remarkably rich talent pool of artists from the area. Marin’s premier fine arts museum is located at 48 Wharf Road, Bolinas. Phone: 415-868-0330. ✦
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Whistlestop.org 5
Feldenkrais Could be Answer to Stamina, Strength for Older Adults By Kathrina Peterson
H • We deliver full-service, non-medical caregiving • Our caregivers are our employees—each is insured and bonded, and has gone through rigorous screening, orientation and training • We handle all employer responsibilities— wages, taxes, Workers’ Comp • Family-owned and operated since 1994
415-884-4343 • www.HiredHandsHomecare.com Call today for a complimentary Needs Assessment and Home Safety Evaluation
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On average, one of every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home. Lifeline with AutoAlert is the ONLY pendant-style Help Button that automatically places a call for help if a fall is detected. The Lifeline Service is remarkably affordable with no long term commitment. L Lifeline also offers tthe Philips Medication D Dispensing Service. C Call for details.
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Whistlestop Express April 2011
1-800-949-2434 (707) 778-7883
ow is your strength, stamina, or energy level compared to five years ago? For some older adults, something as simple as getting up from a chair has become an effort. Feldenkrais is about bringing awareness to specific movements in the body in order to improve and maintain the vitality that leads to an independent life. People who have difficulty sitting, either because of chronic pain, injury, Parkinson’s, MS or stroke can benefit from Feldenkrais and the Anat Baniel Method. After a few lessons, many people have reported experiencing powerful outcomes including: increased flexibility, pain reduction, better balance, relaxation and ease of movement. Our bodies are always changing and each part influences all other parts. Movement with awareness is a proven method to train the brain to reorganize itself from functioning with pain to experiencing more ease. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living defined the basic activities of daily living as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence and feeding. All these activities require getting up from a chair. Although done with ease in our early years, getting up from a chair for many older adults becomes effortful and a clear strain on the neck, shoulders and abdomen. These methods teach individuals to be aware of where they are straining, where the movement stops and how all parts of one’s self may be brought into moving as one. The key is to know how to function more intelligently when one’s strength and stamina are reduced because of the natural ageing process. As a result of experiencing these movement lessons, habitual patterns are replaced with healthier ones. By using different variations of sitting up slowly and gently, the individual learns how to better organize movement with less effort. One then gains the confidence to move and live life more fully. ✦ To learn more about healthy body movement, visit kathrinapeterson@yahoo.com
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
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n her book, Elder Rage, author Jacqueline Marcell lists these Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
(Reprinted with permission of the Alzheimer’s Association)
1. Memory loss 2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks 3. Problems with language 4. Disorientation of time and place 5. Poor or decreased judgment 6. Problems with abstract thinking 7. Misplacing things 8. Changes in mood or behavior 9. Changes in personality 10. Loss of initiative www.ElderRage.com/Alzheimers.asp. ✦ Jacqueline Marcell is author of Elder Rage and host of the Coping with Caregiving radio show, and an international speaker.
Adopt an Older Pet at Marin Humane Society
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he Marin Humane Society has introduced the Senior Partners Program where mature cats (10 years and older) and dogs (8-10 years and older) are available for adoption at a special reduced adoption fee of $65. The reduced adoption fee includes: • A full blood panel to rule out any underlying medical conditions • Behavior and medical evaluation • Pre-adoption medical treatments, including spay/neuter surgery as needed • All vaccinations and de-worming • Microchipping Free post-adoption behavior consultation we mention The Humane Society adds, “Did we that cats these days can live well into their twenties? That means our “senior” cats are actually middle-aged! And many dogs can live to be 18 years or more.” For more information on the Senior Partners Adoption Program, call Adoptions at 415-506-6225. ✦
7th Annual Healthy Aging Symposium Thursday, May 13 9:00am-1:00pm Embassy Suites Hotel 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael
The Marin County Division of Aging & Adult Services and The Marin County Commission on Aging Present
Pathways to Successful Aging Keynote Speaker:
Ysabel Duron Award-winneg journalist and founder of Latinas Contra Cancer
Major Sponsor Marin Community Foundation Partners Kaiser San Rafael Medical Center Marin General Hospital 4VUUFS )FBMUI t 8IJTUMFTUPQ
Fee: (Includes Lunch) Registration Deadline: May st Pre-Registration Required No Admisstion at the Door. No Refunds. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
415.473.2980 Whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at
WHISTLESTOP BEGINNING COMPUTER/ PICTURE CLASS m 1st & 2nd Fridays • 2 to 4pm Computer Room | Fee: $15 Instructor: Gene Dyer Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills Registration Required: call 415-459-6700 al Learn to transfer your digital photos from a camera, CD or flash drive onto your d computer and how to send and receive them with your friends and family by attaching them to emails. Bring camera and cable. ADVANCED COMPUTER/ PICTURE CLASS 3rd Friday • 2 to 4pm Computer Room | Fee: $15 Instructor: Gene Dyer Prerequisite: Beginning Pictures Class Registration required: call 415-459-6700 Learn how to tell a Picture Story on computer monitors and TVs in slide shows, using Word, PDF, Power Point Presentations and movie formats. GMAIL FOR OLDER ADULTS Friday, April 8 & 15 • 10 to Noon Computer Room | Instructor: Susan Wilkins Fee: $56 | Registration required: call 415-459-6700 It’s easy to stay in touch with old friends and family using the internet. We will be setting up a Google account, which includes the free email program, Gmail. We will explore Google calendar, Google Reader, blogs and search the internet using Advanced Search. We will also explore social networking… what is it? Do I need it? We want you to succeed in this course and recommend that you be familiar with the mouse and keyboard before enrolling. Instruction in this class is not textbook-based. This class is in partnership with the College of Marin.
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Whistlestop Express April 2011
HOW WILL YOU LIVE? PRESENTATION FINDING YOUR WAY ALONG THE STAGES OF SENIOR CARE Thursday, April 7 • 4pm Jackson Café | Facilitators: Home Instead Senior Care Free, open to the public | Register: call 415-456-9062 Are you unclear about the options for senior care? Join us for a comprehensive discussion of the many options for elder care. Including: In-home care and facility care, related costs and financing, making a plan, getting help along the way and caregiver support services. Refreshments provided. TEA DANCE Friday, April 22 • 5 to 7pm Caboose | Fee: $2 per person For information: call 415-456-9062 Join Whistlestop for music and dancing at our next Tea Dance. If you missed our last dance, you won’t want to miss this one. Snacks and drinks will be provided. FREE BLOOD PRESSURE AND MEDICATION CHECKS Tuesdays • 1 to 2:00pm Lounge | Facilitators: Dominican University student nurses Bring your prescription medications and supplements to find out hem m, how to take them, store them, if there are side effects, or n ng interactions. Be sure to bring d in all your medications and supplements. Don’t miss this opportunity to prevent health problems! ROGRAM AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM m Saturday, April 9 • 9 to 5pm Jackson Café | Fee: $12/AARP Members, $14/Non-Members Information and to register: call 415-459-6700 Sharpen your driving skills through the AARP Driver Safety program. This course was developed to help drivers 50 years or older adjust to age-related changes ime. in vision, hearing and reaction time. iving Medication and its effects on driving d of this will also be addressed. At the end n, which course a certificate of completion, surance, will be given. may save you money on auto insurance,
AARP DRIVER SAFETY RENEWAL COURSE Saturday, April 16 • 8:30 to 1pm Jackson Café | Fee: $12/AARP members and $14/non-members Register: call 415-459-6700 This course is for drivers who have taken the eighthour driver safety course within the last four years or who have taken a renewal class within the last four years to maintain your insurance discount. At the end of this course a certificate of completion will be given. RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tuesdays • 2 to 3:30pm Jackson Café | Fee: $10 per Class Instructor: Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, MBW Registration recommended: call 415-456-9062 In the Balance Class, you will learn how balance works, w you why your balance may be deteriorating, and how rain can safely implement very simple exercises to train your balance. We will learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard our risks of injury. We will also cover what to do if we fall. Drop-ins welcome, no one is turned away. FOOD BANK FOR MARIN RESIDENTS COULD YOU USE A LITTLE EXTRA FOOD EACH MONTH? 3rd Wednesday • 9:30 to 12:30pm ood Bank | Free Facilitators: San Francisco Food Information: call 415-456-9062 You may be eligible for the Supplemental Food Program. If you are over 60 years old and your income is less than $1,174 a month or have a child younger than 6 IC, and do not participate in WIC, xes you might qualify. Food boxes include a variety of quality eese, foods such as tuna, rice, cheese, ease pasta and peanut butter. Please bring: original form of ID, proof of income, and proof of residency to apply.
the Marin County Fair! This year’s theme is the Golden Gate. Last year several Whistlestop members won ribbons in various categories. One of the categories is pennant making, so we will have blank ones here for you to decorate. ART DONATIONS NEEDED! Dear Friends F of Whistlestop!! The Arts & C Crafts class on Fridays is in need donation such as decorative d of material donations, g guns and sticks, glitter, paper, glue yarrn, marker yarn, markers, paints and paintbrush and more! p paintbrushes, For more information; call Vicky 415-457-0 415-457-0586 or vickyv@ whistlesto whistlestop.org. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Whistlestop is looking for a volunteer/certified yoga instructor to teach a weekly class to older adults. • Volunteer needed to work with older adults in the Information and Referral Office. Must be able to commit to one day a week for three hours. Computer experience required. • Jackson Café volunteers needed Interested: email dbenedetti@whistlestop.org or call 415-456-9062.
Transportation Numbers Scheduling Rides: 454-0964 Cancelling Rides: 457-4630 Eligibility Coordinator, Janet Van Rijsbergen 456-9062, ext. 160
jvanrijsbergen@whistlestop.org
Sudoku
ANSWERS
WHISTLESTOP ART PROJECTS GROUP Enter the Marin County Fair Fridays, April 8 and May 6 • Noon to 1:30pm Caboose | Instructor: Celeste Parcell Register: call 415-456-9062 Join the fun and create an art project to submit to Whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop CLASS
LOCATION
MISC.
COST
MONDAYS
10:00–11:00 AM 10:30–NOON 11:00–NOON 11:00–12:30 PM 11:10–NOON 2:00–4:00 PM 4:00–5:30 PM
AM Monday Persian Group Computer Literacy German Group Movement & Music ESL Citizenship
Caboose 2 Lounge Computer Lab TBD Caboose Caboose/Café Caboose
457-0586 for info 472-6020 for info Open Open March 28-May 16 Jan 24th-May 18th 454-0998 for info
Free Free Free Free Free Free Free
TUESDAYS
TIME
This Month at Whistlestop
9:15–10:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:45–11:45 AM 11:00–12:30 1:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:30 PM
Whistlesizers Asian Group Cardio Exercise German Group Spanish Class English Conversation
Caboose Caboose Caboose TBD Caboose Board Room
Open 454-1552 for info Open Open Open 454-0998 for info
$2 Free Free Free Free Free
FRIDAYS THURSDAYS WEDNESDAYS
ACTIVITIES
9:00–10:30 AM 10:00–11:30 AM 10:00–NOON 10:30–NOON 11:00–NOON 2:00–4:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM
Tai Chi Qigong Seniors' Circle Computer Lab Persian Group Corazón Latino ESL Remembrance Writing
Caboose Board Room Computer Lab Lounge Caboose Caboose/Café Board Room
Suggested Donation Open Open 472-6020 for info Open Jan 24th-May 18th Open
$10 Free Free Free Free Free $5
9:15–10:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:30–NOON 2:00-3:30 PM 2:00–3:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM
Whistlesizers Asian Group Watercolors with Hilda English Conversation Vietn.Citizenship Remembrance Writing
Caboose Caboose Lounge Caboose Caboose Board Room
Open 454-1552 for info Open 454-0998 for info 454-1552 for info Open
$2 Free Free Free Free $5
11:00–1:00 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM
Loom Knitting ACASA Spanish Club Friday Movie
Caboose Board Room Caboose Jackson Café
1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Peer Counseling Open Free Snacks/Drinks
Free Free Free Free
The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.
LUNCH MENU
Jackson Café
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Monday-Friday 11:30am-1:30pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES Main Entrée $4.00/$6.75 Turkey Sandwich $3.00/$4.00 Soup $1.75/$2.00 Hamburger $4.25/$5.25 Pizza $4.00/$5.00 Salads $2.50/$4.00
Whistlestop Express April 2011
OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side Fresh Fruit Cup Desserts Beverages
$1.25 $1.00 $1.50 $1.00
The Bird's Side
OF MARIN
b y R I C H A R D PAV E K
A mated pair of House Finches.
Top: A rather forlorn yellow male. Bottom: A breeding male.
House Finches
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veryone in Marin has seen the little redheaded House Finches. These happy little male Finches non-obtrusively cheep, cheep, cheep their way around every tree, bush and bird feeder in the county, I think. Female House Finches (the rather drab, brownish Finches) go for males that are the most red, which is why the males (see the one in flight) turn almost scarlet when it is mating season. And that is a problem for the poor male House Finch,
who is yellow or orange. You are what you eat. Well, that is certainly true of male House Finches, whose coloration comes from eating carotenoids. Presumably not carrots, but other veggies, seeds, and flowers containing carotenoids. I have never understood why males are the colorful gender in the animal kingdom when females are the more colorful among humans. (Except Rock Stars, of course. Among Rock Stars the males seem to be putting on ever more outlandishly colorful clothes while the females seem to be shedding theirs. Go figure.) The Finches in the red Bottle
Brush tree outside my floating home are all red ones, so I cannot experiment, but if you have lonely yellow Finches, you might try adding bits of carrot to your bird feeder. (Disclaimer: I am NOT a licensed bird nutritionist; if you end up with a twopound Finch that demands to be fed, call Wild Care, not me!) Every weekend I email an interesting bird photo to Whistlestop Express readers. If you’d like something nice to look at amidst the junk in your Inbox, email me at: SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦ ‘Till next time, Richard Whistlestop.org 11
HEALTH CARE CONNECTION
Canine Companions in Marin: Cold Nose and Warm Heart
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415 4572256 www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com
Lighten Up … A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother,“Guess what, Grandma? We learned how to make babies today.”The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool.“That’s interesting,” she said,“How p , replied p do you make babies?”“It’s simple,” the girl.“You just change ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es.’”
Commission on Aging Meeting When: Thursday, April 14 10 to 12:30pm Where: Marin Health & Wellness Campus 3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael Topic: Public Hearing 12
Whistlestop Express April 2011
anine Companions for Independence® in Santa Rosa provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. The most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart! Each candidate must successfully complete a two-week educational course at the regional center designed to match the person and dog and to prepare them to work together successfully. Each candidate is also responsible for the proper care, feeding, housing, and medical needs of the canine. The dog must be used in the working capacity for which it was intended. The organization is always on the lookout for volunteers to help with breeding and puppy raising proRichard Boak and his popular grams. CCI relies on dog, MayMay, are a familiar their enthusiastic par- sight at Whistlestop. ticipation in countless other ways, including fundraising, special events, campus tours, washing dogs and administrative assistance. CCI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Visit www.cci.org for information. ✦
Best of Marin Results on Website
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esults of the 2011 Best of Marin for Older Adults poll can be found on Whistlestop’s website: www.whistlestop.org. Please be sure to check it out and then try out these favorite places to eat, shop, play.
Financial
NUGGETS by JEFF STOFFER, CFA, CFPÂŽ
Key Changes to the Estate Planning Laws
T
he only constant in estate planning law is that it is constantly changing. In an unusual turn of events, for most of 2010, there was no estate tax. “By signing the tax bill in December of last year, President Obama reinstated the estate tax and created a situation where people who inherited property in 2010 will probably be better off,� says Georgia Rogers of Proactive Tax Solutions in Greenbrae. How could you be better off than with no estate tax? Let me try to explain. When someone dies, his estate may owe taxes to the federal government. The heirs are not liable for taxes on the inheritance. To be clear, if you inherit property and sell it there may be taxes to pay. It all depends on something called basis. However, during most of 2010 (with no estate tax in place) the burden of taxes shifted completely to the person receiving the inheritance and this was done by changing how basis was handled in the transfer of the assets. For example, perhaps your parents bought a home years ago for $200,000. They leave it to you when they die. It has appreciated to $1,000,000. You inherit your parents’ basis, or original purchase price, which is $200,000. If you sell the home at its current market value of $1,000,000, a taxable gain is created, in this case $800,000. You, the heir, would owe the tax on this amount. Ouch! The reinstatement of the estate tax law on December 17, 2010, represents a return to what is called a step-up in basis. When the house, stocks or other property are transferred to you, your basis becomes the current market value. Referring back to our example of the home purchased for $200,000, the new basis is “stepped-up� and becomes the current market value of $1,000,000. Assuming you sell the home shortly after inheriting, you would only pay taxes if you sold the home for more than your basis of $1,000,000. Thus, the step up in basis is generally preferred by benefi-
ciaries because it lowers the tax bill. According to Ms. Rogers, “Due to the new regulations, those who inherited property need to contact the executor and/or trustee of the estate to see how the basis was handled in the transfer.â€? It could make a huge difference in the taxes you eventually pay on the property you inherited. âœŚ Jeff Stoffer is a Whistlestop Board member. Special thanks to Georgia Rogers, EA of Proactive Tax Solutions.
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Whistlestop.org 13
Grand
MOM by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
I Am Not Alone
I
will never forget the day that Princess came into our lives. A tiny black and white ShihTzu, a ball of fur my husband held in the palm of his hand as I drove the car home from the breeders. Bob couldn’t wipe the smile off his face even when the warm pee ran down his arm. That was July 2000, and we were in our early 70’s then. We had only been in our new home for five years, but I was prepared to keep Princess out of the carpeted area with a gate at the door leading to the living room and a bell hanging on the door leading outside. I trained her in a few weeks by holding her paw to the bell and ringing it before we went out, then taking her outside and waiting until she peed. Bob was another story. My scheme was to have Bob walk the dog so he would exercise more. While he was happy to smother Princess with love, he found our new neighborhood was
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Whistlestop Express April 2011
not conducive to dog-walking. We lived on a hill and had no sidewalks. Since it was a corner lot we had light traffic on both sides. So we had an underground electric fence installed paired with a battery operated collar that would send her a small shock when she got to the edge. Eight years later we arrived at the stage we dreaded. Bob had to go into assisted living and I needed ankle surgery. We had to sell our big home and buy a condo with many restrictions. No underground fence! I worried more about Princess adapting to a leash than all the possessions I had to sacrifice. My worries were in vain; she adapted more quickly than I. My dog and I are growing old together. Sometimes she struggles to jump into the car or onto the bed; we share arthritis. She reminds me at 3:30 that it’s time to go get the mail and paper, and at 5 pm it’s meatball time. She gets a meatball each night with her dog food and a half strip of turkey bacon at breakfast. Her groomer comes to the house each month and Princess emerges from her van smelling delightful and looking glamorous. Is she a pampered pet? Of course. She’s a Princess! ✦
Muttville Places Older Dogs In Homes of Older Adults
A
ARP California encourages members in the San Francisco Bay Area to consider adopting a pet from Muttville, a non-profit senior dog rescue group. According to its website, Muttville’s mission is “to n nks change the way the world thinks "Jazzy" nd d about and treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice.” Compared with puppies, older dogs are often calmer, quieter, housebroken and accustomed to being pets. Besides, older humans can reap health benefits from living with pets, such as increased physical activity, lower blood pressure, fewer trips to the doctor, less depression and a greater sense of security. To learn more, go to www.muttville.org. (From bulletin.aarp. org/states/) ✦
Easy Ways to Give to
WHISTLESTOP (And to Do Something Good for an Older Adult) Get involved. Volunteer your time to help us serve meals, prepare a mailing, or set up for an event. Come hang out at the Active Aging Center, by showing up you are helping to make the Center full of more energy. Tell people about Whistlestop's Active Aging programs and services — being an advocate really helps to spread the word.
Decluttering By the Numbers By Va l e r i e B ow m a n
I
’ve found that I feel more peaceful when I have less stuff. I make regular trips to the Goodwill store when I get too bothered by my excess clutter. Research shows that we secrete the stress hormone cortisol when surrounded by disarray. Sometimes I play the “Toss 10” game. I go through the house, the closets, the kitchen cabinets, my office, and find 10 things I am to pass along. Sometimes I ready It helps to declutter play the ‘Toss in manageable chunks Ten’ game. of time. Start with one room, one corner, one drawer or one cupboard. Set a timer for 20 minutes and reward yourself when you’re finished. Consider letting go of business cards of people you don’t remember, warranty books to appliances you no longer own and video tapes – VCRs are not coming back. Want to whittle down big piles of paper that have been accumulating for a long time? Make a date with yourself on your calendar. Choose six items to recycle, six items to throw away, six items that can be filed, six items that need action. For your action items, decide on the very next action you need to take to move it forward. Put that in your day planner. One of my organizing gurus is Peter Walsh who has written It’s All Too Much and Does
Involve your Community Service Organization to do a project or raise money on behalf of Whistlestop. In-kind donations — for income tax credit.All County and State government employees may designate Whistlestop through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) – look for us under the Local Independent Charities heading.
This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? He says it’s never about the stuff. Get a vision for how you want your space to look and then it becomes clear what belongs there. One of his rules: Keep flat surfaces clear. Setting limits is one of the best ways to keep your space uncluttered. Get a friend to help and just start. You might find yourself with less stress. ✦ For more information on how to declutter, contact Valerie at valjohnbowman@aol.com or www. spaceforgrace.net.
SUDOKU To solve the Sudoku, each square in the grid must contain a number between one and nine, with the following conditions: • Each row of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. • Each column of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. • Each of the nine 3 by 3 boxes of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Answers on page 9. Whistlestop.org 15
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