Marin's Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Whistlestop
E PRESS
DECEMBER 2012
Whistlestop.org
Nourish Your Neighbors with a Gift from the Heart By SUSAN SHARPE
M
cial Security.” Without Whistlestop Meals on Wheels, Sharon said she would not be able to afford to buy her own food. Paul Fillow, 75, is a childless widower and the last living member of his family. A retired electronic technician, he is a cancer survivor who lives with a debilitating illness that has left him bedridden and unable to use his legs. “Before I got sick, my wife did the cooking,” he said. “But she died six years ago.” Now, Paul depends on the meals Whistlestop delivers to his doorstep three times a week. “The Meals on Wheels drivers take me for who I am, and they’ve become my friends,” he said. Your giving
‘People Should Not Go Hungry’ page 2
Valentine’s Ball Needs You On Host Committee page 6
ROB ROEHRICK
ost of us take our independence for granted. But for people who are housebound due to age or disability, providing for life’s basic needs can become an enormous burden. They have shelter, but many lack the resources and capacity to purchase food and prepare meals. There is a crucial lifeline that many of these adults in Marin County have come to depend upon: Whistlestop Meals on Wheels. Each week, Whistlestop delivers fresh, nutritious meals to more than 250 of our housebound neighbors – meals that sustain their lives, delivered by drivers who lift their spirits. When the unexpected occurs, a life can change forever. Consider Sharon Blair, 70, a San Rafael resident and mother of two who survived three heart attacks and had to relearn how to walk and talk. Now she can’t stand without experiencing severe pain. “I have my mind back, but my body is still a wreck,” she said. “My savings are gone and I’m living on So-
heart enables us to extend a helping hand. For people like Sharon and Paul, Meals on Wheels is more than a community service; it is a lifesaver. Whistlestop is asking you to find it in your own heart to make a generous gift to support Whistlestop Meals on Wheels this holiday season. The services we provide are so vital to so many. With one generous gift today, you can help to nourish those who depend on us for lifesaving sustenance throughout the year. ✦
A grateful meal recipient with her delivery driver.
Cooper’s Hawk Visits Sausalito page 11
Table of
CONTENTS 2 5 6 7/8/9 10 11 12 13 14
Whistlestop Perspective H.C. Jackson Table Tennis Starts Valentine's Ball Whistlestop Classes, Events Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Multicultural News Vicky Voicehowsky & Sandra Jimenez Board Column Lenice Smith Grand Mom Audrey Mettel Fixmer
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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 Treasurer, Michael Rice Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor Delaney Venessa Dixon • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • Lenice Smith • Bob Sonnenberg Whistlestop Express is a publication of the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. The Mission of Whistlestop: Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence. Whistlestop Contact Information Main 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. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org. Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
2
Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE
by JOHN BOWMA N
Jackson Café Namesake Did Something About Hunger
“I
don’t think people should go hungry in this great country of ours. I just don’t think that’s right,” says H.C. Jackson, after whom the Jackson Café was H.C. Jackson named. Jackson, 82, of Santa Rosa, said he first heard of Whistlestop years ago. “I read in the paper that they had a waiting list for people who needed food. I called them and asked, ‘How much money would it take to eliminate your list?’ They told me the amount and I gave it.” He said that he resisted having the café named after him. “I refused the first ten or fifteen times they asked me,” he said. “I finally succumbed. I don’t regret it now. I am very proud of it. Usually when I do something for the community, I do it anonymously. I guess I’m embarrassed by notoriety.” Jackson is former owner of Jackson’s Hardware store in San Rafael. In 1968, he started a profit-sharing plan
for his associates, and in 1989 he created an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Why did Jackson give the employees so much control? He replied, “The more I gave them, the more they made for me. Pretty soon they were just dragging me along.” The associates purchased 100 percent of the company in 1998, and in 2008, Jackson’s Hardware was named one of the “Top 15 Best Small Business Workplaces” by the Wall Street Journal. When H.C. opened his hardware store in 1964, it consisted of 5,000 square feet and had five employees. Today it is a 50,000square-foot employee-owned operation with 63 associates. The Jackson Café is located in the Whistlestop building at 930 Tamalpais Ave. in downtown San Rafael. It provides nutritious and affordable meals for Marin residents. Most of the café’s customers are 60 or older, but everyone is welcome. ✦
Brown Bag Pantry Coming
T
he Brown Bag Pantries are open to older adults (60+) who live in Marin County. Currently there are Brown Bag Pantries at 6 Senior Housing Facilities and at Margaret Todd Senior Center. After the holidays, the program is expanding to Whistlestop. The Brown Bag Pantry will open in the Caboose at Whis-
tlestop on Friday, Jan. 11 at 11:30am and will be open every Friday. The pantry is a supplemental food program that allows older adults to choose from a vast array of seasonal fruits and veggies; protein items, such as meat, eggs, or beans; grains —pasta, bread, or rice, and canned goods for those with limited mobility. ✦
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Jackson Café Chef Rocky Packard (left) with Intern Maurice Lewis.
Homeward Bound Has Positive Influence on Jackson Café
415. 755.5026 MaryAlice.Cardenas@Genworth.com Priority Code: FAC-MC0612
By MAURA THURMAN
G
uests arriving for a delicious lunch at Jackson Café may not realize that they’re part of an innovative project combining job training with Whistlestop’s goal of serving nutritious food to Whistlestop clients. The project began in 2010 when Homeward Bound of Marin took over operation of the café as a “social enterprise” that offers internships to students at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. “What’s gotten better since I’ve been here is my speed,” says Dylan, an intern who prepares hot dishes from hamburgers to braised tilapia with Asian greens. “I’ve learned to keep various orders in motion and not panic when it gets busy.” Dylan graduated in June from Fresh Starts, which offers training in food preparation and service for homeless adults living in Homeward Bound’s programs, as well as the general public. Though not a resident at Homeward Bound, Dylan had the opportunity to work in the agency’s kitchen at the New Beginnings Center shelter, as well as Jackson Café. “Every chef has a little something different to offer each student,” he says. continued on page 4
Truly Personal Care
Take a warm environment. Add a time-honored tradition of care. Blend with just the right level of support. These are the ingredients that make up AlmaVia of San Rafael, a loving senior community devoted to meeting the needs of older adults, with respect and compassion.
Schedule a tour and have lunch on us! 415.233.6095
515 Northgate Drive San Rafael, CA 94903
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whistlestop.org 3
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Autodesk is proudly supporting healthy eating at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café (a partnership with Homeward Bound)
All are welcome for a fresh, affordable, delicious lunch! Monday - Friday • 11:00am-1:30pm 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael 4
Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
continued from page 3 Chef Rocky Packard, who supervises culinary projects for Homeward Bound, joins the kitchen crew each day during the lunch hour to make sure things are going smoothly. “Consistency is the key to success,” says Rocky, who has seen business triple at Jackson Café since Homeward Bound became involved. “We make simple food, but with a lot of flavor.” Because the interns want to practice their skills, almost everything is made from scratch: vegetables are chopped, chicken is cut and roasted, stock for soup comes from a big pot on the stove rather than from a can. “This is a very valuable opportunity for students because they have to learn the daily routine of being prepared,” Rocky says. “It’s a challenge thinking far enough ahead day to day and in a longer-term sense.” The café supervisor, Barbara, agrees planning is key to success with a lunch menu that changes daily, as well as breakfast meetings scheduled three days a week for local organizations. “I’m the first in and the last out. About half my job can be training, depending on who will be the staff,” she says. “We’re always focused on making good food.” The training program has a strong record of preparing students for employment in the food industry. Of 30 students graduating in June 2012, 22 were employed at the time of graduation and two returned for another session of training. Maurice, a Fresh Starts graduate who works as the Jackson Café prep cook, says Rocky has balanced a demanding attitude of training with camaraderie. “If you don’t learn things right the first time, he’ll check you on it,” says Maurice, who names Chinese chicken salad and rolled stuffed pork loin as his favorite menu items. “But we all work together here. I think people like what we do.” For more information about Fresh Starts Culinary Academy and Homeward Bound of Marin, please visit www.hbofm.org or call 382-3363. Jackson Café serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 1:30pm. It’s open to the public as well as Whistlestop clients. Find the weekly menu online at www.whistlestop.org/ jackson-cafe/menus. ✦
In-Home Senior Care Th e Righ t Care for Every Client we Ser ve! Charles, 91, returns ball to Vivian Malcy at Whistlestop
Table Tennis Comes to Whistlestop; Play for Free
T
able tennis (ping-pong to many people) has come to Whistlestop with a flourish, thanks to volunteer Vivian Malcy. Vivian said it all started when she was talking with Whistlestop Volunteers & Activities Manager Debbie Benedetti about volunteer opportunities. Vivian considered teaching a computer class. But then she asked if Whistlestop had a pingpong table. The answer was no. “Would you like to have one?â€? she asked. Debbie said “Sure.â€? Vivian bought a tournament-grade table and donated it to Whistlestop. The table is set up in the Caboose Room on table tennis days. There was a good turnout the first two days the game was offered in November. Vivian also provides paddles and ping-pong balls. Coming up: An Exhibition between Vivian and another player, possibly her coach, Antonio Mancia, on Dec. 7, plus open games later that day (2 to 4 pm) and again, same time, on Dec. 28. Anyone interested can come and play for free. Vivian played a lot of table tennis as a kid and rediscovered the game this year while on a cruise. “When I wasn’t eating, I was playing table tennis,â€? she says. She has played in several tournaments. She loves the game and is finding a lot of like-minded folks at Whistlestop. Besides being fun to play, Vivian says, table tennis offers “incredible health benefits.â€? She said playing the game can “pick up your heart rate, improve hand-eye coordination and help with memory.â€? It also improves balance and mobility. Vivian hopes the sport will continue to grow in popularity at Whistlestop as it has all over Marin (there are busy table tennis clubs in Sausalito and Novato). For more information: contact Vivian at 515-3835 or vivianmalcy@aol.com. âœŚ
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Destination Home Hospital Discharge Program
Marin Valentine’s Ball Theme: An Evening in Old New Orleans
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Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
e are looking for members of our community to join the Host Committee of the 2013 Marin Valentine’s Ball — the premier gala in Marin. The black tie optional gala will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at the elegant transformation of the Marin Civic Center Exhibition Hall. The event annually sells out, so you can assure your attendance by joining the Host Committee! “This year’s black tie extravaganza promises to be the best yet,â€? says event Chairwoman, Gloria Brown. Hartmann Studios will magically transform the Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall. Themed “An Evening in Old New Orleans,â€? the evening begins with a hosted cocktail party starting at 5:30pm, followed by live and silent auctions, a sit-down dinner and dancing to the music of Wonderbread 5. Marin County Supervisor Hal Brown founded the Marin Valentine’s Ball in 1995 to support charitable organizations in our community. In addition to benefitting Whistlestop, proceeds will go to the Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School for Boys, the North Bay Children’s Center, and Sunny Hills Services. Table hosts are asked to lend their name and their support to this fundraising celebration by being ambassadors in promoting the healthy development of children, families, at-risk teens and older adults. Table Hosts make a $2,500 gift (partially tax-deductible), which includes 10 tickets, invitation listing, program listing, table sign, and special gifts for the host and each of their guests. To get a spot on the Host Committee, call Yvonne Roberts at Whistlestop, 456-9062. âœŚ
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Whistlestop AWARD
Assessments are Performed by a QualiďŹ ed R.N.
Barry Benda (right), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lifehouse, presents the Open Arms Award to Lori Peterson, Whistlestop Board Member,and Joe O’Hehir,Whistlestop CEO.The award recognized Whistlestop for â€œâ€Ś extraordinary caring toward Lifehouse clients.â€?
Lifehouse Mission
S
ince 1954, Lifehouse has opened the doors of opportunity and independence to individuals with developmental disabilities through community integration, life-skill training, advocacy, referral and information. Their mission is to improve their clients’ quality of life by providing a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration and purpose. âœŚ (In the November issue, Whistlestop Express incorrectly identified Lifehouse.)
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Hear life’s special moments... clearly
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
Kim Zeller Hoppin,
DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays • 10–Noon Wednesdays • 10–Noon r? We Need help using a computer? utors have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-onone, if needed.
M.A., FAAA Director of Audiology
COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS 4pm Beginning: 1st Friday • 2–4pm 4pm Advanced: 2nd Friday •2–4pm Fee: $15 | Instructor: Gene Dyer Registration required: 459-6700 Call for more information and class descriptions.
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Kaiser Patients Welcome 319 Miller Ave., Suite 3 | Mill Valley 94941 381.1567 | www.MarinHearingCenter.com whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact: Debbie at 456-9062 or programs@ whistlestop.org • Board/Card Game Leaders • Chiropractor • Russian Social Group Leader • Bi-lingual Computer Teacher • Jackson Café Volunteers needed to work in the Jackson Cafe at least one day a week from 10:30am to 1:45pm. • Center Service volunteer needed to answer phones and do various office duties. Computer experience a plus, but not required. Volunteers are needed from 11am to 1pm, with some flexibility. • Tax Preparer volunteers needed to help older adults and low-income families with their Federal and State Income Tax returns. To assist requires use of a Computer-based Tax Wise Software (provided by IRS). Volunteers will complete a training course in January and become IRS certified to prepare taxes. Tax season is February to April, 2013. • Volunteer Drivers for Meals on Wheels Program. Contact Raphael Krantz at 454-0969. IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED Mah Jongg sets, Chess set, Dominos, books, yarn, movies on DVD, exercise mats and brown paper grocery bags. If you have items to donate, please call Debbie at 456-9062. MAH JONGG – NEW PLAYERS NEEDED! Tuesdays • 11am–Noon Instructor: Shirley Etemadfar | Drop-in American Mah Jongg is a game that originally came from China. If you’ve played gin rummy, you have a headstart in learning how to play this game. Play with tiles that are stamped with symbols and characters. Mix up the tiles tiles, stack them into “walls” and get 13 to start a hand. After much passing, picking and discarding, the first
person to assemble combinations of these tiles into specific patterns wins the game. We play with a card that shows all the possible hands you can make. We’ll have Mah Jongg sets available for you to use as you learn. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. WHISTLESTOP HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Monday, Dec. 3 • 10am-1pm Please join us for a little holiday shopping. Artsy and crafty Whistlestop clients will be selling their handmade items (jewelry, cards, cookies, and more!) at very affordable prices. For more information, please call 456-9062. NAVIGATING TRANSIT USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN MARIN Tuesday, Dec. 11 • 2:30–4pm Presenter: Jon Gaffney from Marin Transit This presentation will include an in-depth discussion of Marin’s public transit system, including trip planning and navigation of the system. It will also include information on the many other programs available to older adults in Marin, including the new Catch-A-Ride program, the Marin Access Para-Transit program and volunteer driver programs. You will have the option to sign up for Catch-A-Ride and/or a Senior Clipper card at the conclusion of the presentation. CHRISTMAS CAROLS Wednesday, Dec. 12 • 11:30am-Noon Please join us in welcoming the holidays with the sound of music. Boys and girls, ages 9 to 12, from St. Mark’s Singers, String Ensemble and Republic of Voice will be singing Christmas carols and more while you enjoy a delicious lunch at the Jackson Café. For more information, please call 457-0586.
Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, Dec. 13 • 10am-12:30 pm Where:The Redwoods, Mill Valley Topic: Sleep Issues for Older Adults Speaker: Kathryn Lee, R.N., Ph.D., CMSM, UCSF 8
Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND COMING TO PLAY! Thursday, Dec. 13 • Noon–1pm Lunch & Concert $10 per person Includes full course meal and entertainment. No reservations needed, pay at the door. Entertainment provided by Bread & Roses.
BEADING CLASS Thursday, Dec. 13 • 1:30-2:45pm Fee: $8 per class Maria Barsesat, local bead artist, will show you how to make beautiful, simple and easy jewelry items for yourself or as gifts. Registration and payment are required prior to the class. Maximum space available: 10-12 people. Fee includes materials.. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CEDARS OF MARIN HOLIDAY ART SHOW! Friday, Dec. 14 • 11:30am–12:30pm Featuring original artwork by individuals with disabilities who attend Cedars of Marin Victory Center. Some works include: Painting, Jewelry, Cards, “Out of sight” knitting and more. Great gift items! WHISTLESTOP IS HAPPY TO INTRODUCE A NEW SERVICE: THE WHISTLESTOP HOME-DELIVERED GROCERY PROGRAM This program is available for home-bound San Rafael older adults (60+) who need shopping assistance. Delivery is free. Older adults pay only for the groceries. Participants can use the program on a weekly, monthly, or shorter basis, for example, while recovering from an illness. For eligibility or if you would like to volunteer, contact the Program Coordinator at 456-9062 x124. ZUMBA GOLD Thursdays • 11am–Noon Fee: $6 each time | Instructor: Angela Jakab-Miller Zumba is a great way to stay fit and active. Fun, motivating combination of Latin-inspired music and dance steps are guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba movements are easy-to-follow and for all activity levels. Bring water and a small towel. FRIDAY FLICKS Movies start at 1:30pm in the Lounge g Fee: Free 12/7 – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 12/14 – Oliver! 12/21 – Surviving Christmas 12/28 – The Time Traveler’s Wife
FUN FOLK ART WITH ARTIST CELESTE PARCELL JEWELRY & HOLIDAY PROJECTS Friday, Dec. 7 • 11am–Noon Fee: Free Join this fun crafting group! All levels welcome! BRIGHTEN A HOMEBOUND PERSON’S HOLIDAY SEASON Whistlestop is asking for people to donate holiday cards for homebound older adults with a personal message inside. Drop off cards in unsealed envelopes at the front desk by Dec. 19. Blank cards are available at Whistlestop as well. Please stop in for lunch at the Jackson Café and write encouraging messages for people who can’t get out. We want to end loneliness for our neighbors. CONVERSATION GROUP FOR 90-YEAR-OLDS & OLDER We are considering starting a 90+ conversation group at Whistlestop with only one rule: no discussing ailments! Contact Virginia Dziomba if you are interested. Call 456-6647. NEW! FRENCH SOCIAL GROUP Tuesdays • 1-2pm Whistlestop has a new French Social group and needs French speakers to attend. Please call Vicky Voicehowsky for more information at 457-0586. WATERCOLOR WITH MARITA Fridays, Jan. 4–25 (4 classes), 10am–Noon Fee: $20 | (Maximum 8 people) Pre-registration required: Call 456-9062 Join us for this fun art program. Learn to make beautiful art using watercolor paints. Come explore your world from a whole new vantage point. You may even reacquaint yourself with your inner child. All levels welcome, and no experience necessary.
Transportation Numbers Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902 Get Qualified to Ride: 456-9062, x106 eligibility@whistlestop.org Cancel a Ride: 457-4630 STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969 whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME
CLASS
MONDAYS
9–2 PM 10–11 AM 10–NOON 11–12:30 PM 11–NOON 2–4 PM
FRIDAYS
THURSDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
4–5:30 PM
9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON 10:45–11:45 AM Noon–3 PM 1–3 PM 2–3:30 PM
9–10:15 AM 9–2 PM 10–11:30 AM 10–2 PM 10:30–11:45 AM 1–2 PM 2–4 PM 3–4 PM
9:15–10:15 AM 10–NOON 11–NOON 2–3:30 PM 3–4 PM
1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 2–4 PM 2–4 PM 2:30–3:30 PM
INFO
COST
Relax Chair Massage Open Language AM Monday 457-0586 Learn Computer Lab Open Language German Social Group Open Exercise Movement & Music-9/1 456-9062 Language English as a 456-9062 Second Language (ESL) Language Citizenship Class 454-0998
$4/8min. Free Free Free Free Free
Exercise Whistlesizers Relax Mah Jongg Exercise Cardio Exercise Class Relax Manicurist Language Learn Spanish Language English Conversation
$2 Free Free Free Free Free
Open Open Open Appt. Needed Open 454-0998
$25
Exercise Tai Chi Qigong Relax Chair Massage Support Seniors' Circle Learn Computer Lab Support Corazón Latino Language Adv. English Conver. Language (ESL) Language Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Sugg. Donation Open Open Open Open 457-0586 456-9062 457-0586
$10 or less $4/8min. Free Free Free Free Free Free
Exercise Whistlesizers Relax Knit!!! Exercise Zumba Language English Conversation Language Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Open 457-0586 Open 454-0998 457-0586
$2 Free $2 $6 Free
Relax Friday Flicks Support ACASA Language Practice Spanish Learn Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Exercise Ping Pong Exercise Yoga
456-9062 Peer Counseling Open Dec. 14 & 21 Dec. 7 & 28 Open
Free Free Free $3 Free $3
Jackson Café Monday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
LUNCH MENU 60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES
Main Entrée $4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées) Sandwiches $4.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25 Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25 Salads $2.50/$4.00 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Fresh Fruit $1.50 Beverages $1.00 Desserts $2.00
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. 10
Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
b y R I C H A R D PAV E K PHOTOS © RICHARD PAVEK
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
The Hawk On My Deck
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magine my delight when an off-course migrating Cooper’s Hawk landed on the Jasmine vine-covered arbor above my deck in Sausalito! I live on a floating home and have for more than 30 years, and no one around the harbor has ever heard of a Hawk anywhere around the Sausalito waterfront, ever. A great occasion for me, but not for the 25 or 30 small birds that hang out around my bird feeders; they didn’t like the Hawk one bit and took off like little rockets! Well, Cooper’s Hawks do look pretty scary and they do eat little birds, so I wasn’t surprised. The Cooper’s poked around the foliage for about a half hour looking for a snack before it gave up and took off, presumably to resume its southward
migration. Thankfully, it stayed long enough for me to catch a few photographs. It has taken eight weeks for about half of the LBBs (that’s birder speak for “Little Brown Birds”) to return. But they’re skittish; usually they eat and then fly to the nearby tree-lined shore to hang out. At first I hoped the Hawk would return next year, but now I don’t; little birds have it tough enough. Half of my small “tenants” will die over the coming year from “natural” causes as it is. I would rather they felt secure here, as they used to. It was nice having them chattering about on my arbor and roof. Every weekend I email a special bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like something nice amidst the junk in your inbox, just ask me at SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦ ‘Til next month, Richard whistlestop.org 11
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El tamale: Family Tradition
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S
mall and curious, tamales contain goodness inside and out. They are a staple food of the holidays all throughout Latin America. Their origin is traced back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures in 8000 to 5000 BC. They came to the United States in 1893 during a World Exposition and today are very popular in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This traditional Latin American dish is made with masa, dough made from corn. There are as many different types of tamales as there are countries in Latin America. Tamales are generally wrapped in cornhusks or plantain leaves before cooking. These curious little pouches are stuffed with seasoned meats like chicken and pork. Some of them are also made with rice, prunes, raisins, red bell pepper and potatoes, and are served with a red or green salsa or mole. During the Christmas Holidays, the whole family, from children to grandparents, gets together for the preparation of tamales. Because the preparation time is long, many hands are necessary to make this process possible. Making tamales is a valued tradition for the whole family during the holidays. They become breakfast, lunch and dinner for many. We hope that you get a chance to enjoy some tamales that are locally sold. Happy Holidays & Feliz Navidad! âœŚ
Compassion Important to New Whistlestop Board Member
“B
eing compassionate and having a heart for older adults,” was the first thing Lenice Cally Smith said when asked about her primary responsibilities as Director of Hired Hands Homecare of Marin. In an interview, Smith, new Whistlestop Board member, added that she is responsible for “Quality assurance of the agency, client relations, outside sales and marketing, community relations, networking, client assessments and formulation of client care plans.” She has headed Hired Hands since January 2011. Q: What made you say “yes” when you were invited to join the Whistlestop Board? A: Whistlestop is an invaluable resource for older adults here in Marin County. I wanted to continue my volunteer efforts on a broader scale serving seniors. Q. What are important ways that Whistlestop serves the community? A. Meals, education, transportation, multicultural gatherings, and working closely with community partners such as Marin Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Marin Foodbank, Homeward Bound, Legal Aide of Marin and various others. I am so excited for Whistlestop and how we will be serving our community in the future. Q. What are some of the main benefits that clients receive from Hired Hands Homecare? A. We are a family-owned and operated homecare agency that began in Mill Valley back in 1994. We are a full-service homecare agency, which means we handle all the employerrelated responsibilities, which includes hiring, recruiting the right caregiver, payroll requirements and insurance liabilities, 24/7
live support, long-term care insurance billing, on-going case management. We hope people will call for free home assessments. Q. Do you have paid staff or volunteers or both? A. Our caregivers are our paid employees. Our entire Hired Hands staff serves as volunteers in many organizations throughout Marin County. Q. Anything else you’d like to say? A. In the spirit of the season and hopefully throughout the year, many reading this article will pick up the phone and volunteer in some capacity. But give a greater gift to those in need: be a volunteer year-round. I gain so much when working alongside others to serve our community. I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a splendid 2013! ✦
2012/13
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DECEMBER 12 2pm-4pm TAXES AFTER THE ELECTION Part 1: Planning for Estate, Gift & Generation Skipping Taxes; and Part 2: Rethinking Individual & Corporate Income Tax Planning Speakers: J.R. Hastings, JD & J. Ryan Hastings, JD, LLM, CPA
JANUARY 29, 30, 31 5pm-7pm SPECIAL SEMINAR RECEPTION & 5TH ANNUAL FAMILY & FIDUCIARY LEGACY SYMPOSIUM Special Seminar for Clients & Guests 5-6pm Wine & Cheese 6-7pm Seminar Speaker: J.R. Hastings, JD
Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website at
www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php or Telephone 415-459-6635 whistlestop.org 13
Grand MOM by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
Feeding a Family
“O
kay, everybody, pick out your dinner for tonight,” the mother instructed her three young children, who were standing in the freezer aisle. It startled me. Was this a “sign of the times?” A working mom’s routine? How unhealthy is this? And how expensive! Apparently, my concern is shared by millions of readers and viewers. You can’t pick up a magazine or turn on the TV these days without getting a lesson in nutrition or a cooking demonstration, often with the emphasis on low cost and/or low fat. From segments of every news and talk show to the flames and drama of Hell’s Kitchen, television producers are fighting the battle of the bulge. And our First Lady is getting kids into vegetable gardening. When I got married at 19, I confessed to my husband that I knew nothing about cooking. He replied, “Cooking is either an art or a science. For you it will be a science. Get a cookbook.” I learned quickly not to trust a young smart-aleck butcher when he disgraced me in front of my first dinner guest, my brother-in-law. I had asked the butcher
how I should fix bullhead fish and he replied, “Just flip ‘em in flour and flip ‘em in the frying pan.” Well, that was easy enough, so that’s what I did. And I proudly set those golden beauties down before my guests, expecting praise. A moment later our guest jumped up from the table and screamed, “Guts!” and ran out of our apartment, down the stairs and out the front door. I cried. How did I know the store would sell them without cleaning them? Fortunately, I had much better advice from my neighbors in Holdingford, where Bob got his first teaching job. They not only helped me learn to cook, but to can and freeze and bake bread. I became a producer of food, “feeding the Lord’s masses.” Our family, which grew to 12 in no time at all, always sat down to an evening meal together, and I am happy to say they have continued the practice with their own families. Just yesterday I told one of them to put their offering in the refrigerator, “if you can find room.” Then I laughed at the oddity of a woman living alone with a bulging refrigerator. My daughter assured me that I would always be “everyone’s nurturer.” Audrey Fixmer is a longtime writer who lives in Wisconsin. ✦ Sophie, 14, granddaughter of Marcia Hagen of Fairfax, is from Atlanta, GA. Sophie's Spanish class provided the opportunity to spend a week in Peru. This is one in a series of photos that the Whistlestop Express is publishing of grandchildren of Marin residents. If you have a photo of a grandchild who is doing something interesting, please send it to Whistlestop and we will consider publishing it. Email a jpeg to Editor John Bowman at john. bowman58@gmail.com. Or drop the photo off at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.
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Whistlestop Express
DECEMBER 2012
Woman Credits Jackson Café Food with Helping Her Heal
Housing in Marin
M
want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new provider of senior services in Marin County — Episcopal Senior Communities. ESC’s Community Programs and Senior Resources improve the lives of more than 10,000 low-income and isolated older adults Leslie Klor wants older adults to "age in place. from Monterey through San Francisco, East Bay, Sonoma and now, Marin Counties. Services range from information referrals and safety net funding (for rent, food and prescription medications) to healthy meals, senior produce markets, companionship, free telephone classes and support groups for homebound older adults, transportation and wellness support. Our latest program is our HomeShare Program, which was designed to increase affordable housing options for older adults. It was spurred by the concerns of the welfare and safety of older adults who live alone and want to “age in place.” Shared housing is defined as two or more unrelated people who share a home (house, townhouse, apartment, condo, mobile home). Each resident has his or her private bedroom and shares the common areas of the home. Homesharers can pay rent only or negotiate a service exchange (housekeeping, cooking, shopping, errand running, driving, pet care, etc.) for all or part of the rent. To find out more about this new program and our other established ones, please call 456-9062, ext. 132 and ask for Leslie. ✦
aria West considers herself one of the lucky ones. “I bounced back from major surgery for colon cancer two years ago.” And she credits Whistlestop’s Jackson Café with helping her come out of it as if nothing had happened. She also gives credit to her terrific female surgeon. Maria West “When I first came home from the hospital, I shopped for groceries, but I found I couldn’t cook for myself everyday. I couldn’t lift more than five pounds.” Her solution was to get to the Jackson Café, where she ate healthy, tasty meals in the company of friendly tablemates. “I gained all my weight back — before, I was skin and bones. I can’t say how helpful it was to me.” And now she says, she’s happy to still be going to Whistlestop for excellent meals. Maria, who is proud of her Italian heritage, was a waitress for 30 years in Marin County. She worked at San Rafael Joe’s on Fourth Street and at the former Alta Mira in Sausalito, as well as a stint at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. She says people tell her she doesn’t look it, but she’s about to turn 88. She lives in Corte Madera in a home she bought 50 years ago. ✦
By LESLIE KLOR
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Independence Through Mobility In October, Whistlestop clients got a chance to become weavers. Ana Mendoza receives help from Gladys and Linda of Cedars of Marin Textile Center. Thank you Cedars!!
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Whistlestop E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
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