Whistlestop Express January 2016

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Now is the Time to Plan Ahead Page 2 whistlestop.org

Red Cross Emphasizes Preparation Page 4

Don’t Forget Precious Pets Page 9 JANUARY 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 Marty Orgel, Marketing and Communications Specialist John and Val Bowman,Whistlestop Express Editors, 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Susan Stratman, Mobility Services Manager Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org Diana Gruhl, Program Manager 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 Adam McLaughlin amclaughlin@pacificsun.com Danielle McCoy dmccoy@pacificsun.com Phaedra Strecher, Art Director pstrecher@pacificsun.com Our Mission Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

LIKE US on Facebook

2

Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

By YVONNE ROBERTS

Now is the Time to Plan Ahead

I

t is all about perspective.

Growing up in south Florida, we used to have hurricane parties.

As a child, I remember hurricanes as fun, stay at home days. We would submerge the lawn furniture in the swimming pool and lower the storm awnings and stock up on water and food. We would run outside when the eye was passing overhead to see the blue, calm sky and survey for any damage. This was before Andrew, Wilma, or Katrina. Hurricanes were just thought of as a big storm, not a disaster in the making. Times have changed. These huge hurricanes have changed the Floridian perspective and really all of us.

When I arrived in California in 1998, I was hyper aware of any earth movement. East Coasters like me tend to be wary of earthquakes and wonder how West Coast residents cope with their unpredictability. I found that many Californians would ask me about the terror of hurricanes, but found earthquakes blasé. I was perplexed, but came to realize that it is all about your perspective and what

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

you get used to. I have a three-day earthquake kit I bought at the Earthquake Supply Center in San Rafael in the trunk of my car. I buy earthquake kits for friends as gifts. (See pages 4 and 5.)

I have taken the Get Ready Marin Disaster Preparedness course in San Anselmo and I have a plan. This is a useful twohour course that I highly recommend. The toughest part for me seems to be keeping my emergency plan up-to-date and my kit current. In addition to having enough food and water, some other key tips are: • Create a 10-minute evacuation list of important documents, computer, phone and cords, pet carrier, and cherished photos • Have a pet carrier and some pet food in an accessible place for quick retrieval • Place a crowbar, pair of eyeglasses, and a pair of old sneakers and a flashlight under the bed for easy access in the middle of the night • Never let your car’s gas tank go below onequarter full

• Attach an adjustable wrench to your gas meter, adjusted to fit the meter’s valve • Strap the water heater to the wall • Add Velcro straps from the wall to the top of the china hutch • Buy plastic art hangers that hold heavy art pieces securely to the wall • Keep some hidden cash on hand • Keep a land phone line • Get an emergency radio with a cell phone charging port and tune it to 1610 AM Making these efforts in planning ahead gives me peace of mind. I also hope I might be able to help my more vulnerable neighbors.

I hope you, too, will make the effort to create a custom plan for yourself and your family so we can all help each other if a disaster strikes in our neighborhood.

Please sign up for the Community Disaster Education workshop (p.4), or visit readymarin.org for more information.

Yvonne Roberts is the Development and Marketing Director at Whistlestop.

Eliminate Mortgage Payments Forever with the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage

Senior Fire Safety

By MARTY ORGEL

S

eniors need to be extra cautious when it comes to fire safety at home.

A little preparation can go a long way in fire prevention.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) says one of the best things you can do, if you have not already, is to install and maintain smoke alarms.

Once installed, test all of the alarms once a month, and replace batteries at least once a year.

Having smoke alarms in our homes almost doubles the chance of surviving a home fire. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and inside and outside of all sleeping areas.

Statistics for seniors injured or killed in a fire at home are staggering.

The USFA and the Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA) say fires caused by cooking are the leading cause of fire-related injuries for seniors. More than 1,200 Americans over the age of 65 die as a result of a fire each year.

I share the following statistics here, not to scare you, but to help motivate everyone into taking action.

• Older adults are 2.7 times more likely to die in a fire than the general population • Older adult males are

62 percent more likely to die in a fire than older adult females • People ages 85 and older are 4.6 times more likely to die in a fire San Rafael Fire Department firefighters shared these tips with Whistlestop at a recent fire safety talk: • Put smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside and outside of all sleeping areas • Test your smoke alarms each month • Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old • Never smoke in a home where medical oxygen is used • Make sure you can hear every smoke alarm from any room • Create a fire escape plan that shows two ways out of every room • Practice your fire escape plan at least two times a year Local fire departments across Marin will come to your house free of charge if you want to have your fire extinguisher checked, and they can offer free advice on other home safety matters.

Call your local department and ask for a fire safety visit.

Call Today for a FREE Information Kit and No Obligation Consultation

Dominique Stevens

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

ownership Retain Home ü red su In D FHA/HU ü Program ly Receive Month p Sum ü m Payments or Lu y in Your bl rta fo m Live Co ü Own Home Available Many Options ü

This is not a guarantee to lend. Conditions apply. These materials are not from and were not approved by HUD or FHA. Advantage Home Loans - 4040 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA NMLS #332121 CABRE #01857295 - dba Sean Daugherty NMLS #90603. 43221 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA 94629.

A Senior Services Agency

offering Geriatric Care Management RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families Home Care Aide Services Full-Service Agency: Agency is Employer; Insured, Bonded

Dignity • Respect • Personal Care • Safety All Services Managed by Owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

(415) 457-2256 • HealthCareConnectionLLC.com WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

3

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

415.457.1664 admin@norcoastmobility.com

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

The American Red Cross provides health volunteers – certified nurses, doctors and EMTs -- who assess the status of a client’s medical condition if needed during a disaster. Here, a volunteer checks a woman’s blood pressure during her stay at a Red Cross shelter.

Preparation and Planning Keys to Red Cross Success

By JOHN BOWMAN

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Thursday, Jan. 7 10am – 12:30pm Where: Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, Novato Topic: Update on Needs Assessment Survey Speakers: Planning Committee

4

W

hen the American Red Cross responded to an apartment fire in San Rafael on Nov. 25 by providing food, clothes, and temporary housing to seven families, it was typical of services provided by the organization. Pooja Trivedi, regional Marketing Program Manager, said, “We are currently assisting those families through the recovery process, providing referrals and other services as needed.”

She said the Red Cross also provides Home Fire Preparedness Campaign events and one is scheduled for March 19 in Fairfax.

This is a nationwide Red Cross initiative to reduce the number of fire-related

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

deaths and injuries in the U.S. by 25% by 2020.

Trivedi said, “During the event, we target vulnerable communities to install free smoke alarms, create a fire escape plan from their homes, and also provide information about

disasters that they are prone to in the area they live in – we particularly focus on providing them earthquake and flood safety information.”

Also, a Community Disaster Education presentation is scheduled at Whistlestop on Jan. 26.

Trivedi added that the Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several individuals who will check in on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance if needed.

This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you regularly spend time, for example at work, home, school or volunteer site.

“We have requests for community disaster education programs, requests for attendances at fairs and farmers markets, as well as shelter trainings for community partners.”

Presentation at Whistlestop:

Community Disaster Education Tuesday, Jan. 26, 3-4pm Free/Donations Appreciated

Instructor: Josh Weil, Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Volunteer To prepare individuals and communities for a disaster by covering the basics of individual disaster preparedness, including building a preparedness kit, making a plan and staying informed. Sign up at Whistlestop in advance.

An earthquake earthquake isAn a sudden, earthquake is arapid sudden, is a sudden, rapid Arerapid you at Are increased you Are at you increased risk at from increased risk earthquakes? from riskearthquakes? from earthquakes?

Be RedofAn Cross Ready shaking shaking the earth shaking of the caused earth of the bycaused the earth caused by the by the • Contact your • Contact local emergency •your Contact localyour management emergency local emergency management office, local management American office, local office, Red American Cross local American Red CrossRed Cross

Earthquake Checklist Be Red Cross Safety Ready

breaking breaking and shifting breaking andofshifting rock and shifting of rockof rock chapter, state chapter, geological state chapter, survey geological state or department geological survey orsurvey department of natural or department resources. of naturalofresources. natural resources.

• Mobile homes • Mobile and homes homes • Mobile not and homes attached homes and not to homes their attached foundations not attached to their foundations are to their at particular foundations are atrisk particular are at particular risk risk beneath the beneath earth’s beneath the surface. earth’s the earth’s surface.surface. during anfrom earthquake. during anduring earthquake. an earthquake. strike Earthquakes suddenly, strikeAre suddenly, strike AnEarthquakes earthquake Earthquakes is a sudden, rapid you atsuddenly, increased risk earthquakes?

• Buildings with • Buildings foundations • Buildings with foundations resting with foundations landfill restingand onresting landfill other on unstable and landfill other soils and unstable are other at unstable soils are at soils are at shaking of thewarning, earth caused by the • Contact your local emergency office, local American Redon Cross without without without warning, and they warning, can and they and can they canmanagement breaking and shifting of rock chapter, state geological survey or department of natural resources. increased risk increased of damage. increased risk of damage. risk of damage. occur any occur time at occur of any the time atyear, any of time day the homes year, or of the day year, or orto their foundations are at particular risk • Mobile and homes notday attached beneath theat earth’s surface. duringand an earthquake.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, night. Forty-five night.

Forty-five night. states Forty-five andstates states and • Buildings with foundations resting on landfill and other unstable soilsbreaking are at Did you know?

Did you Did know? you know?

An earthquake is territories a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s without warning, andthe they can An earthquake is ainsudden, rapid territories territories in United the States United inincreased the are United States are States are Are you at increased risk from earthquakes? risk of damage. occur at any time of the year, day or Doorways are Doorways no stronger Doorways are than no stronger any are no other than stronger part anyof than other the structure. any partother ofofthe During part structure. of the an earthquake, structure.

During During earthquake, an earthquake, surface.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur at any time the year, day orannight.

Forty-five at moderate atstates moderate to and very at moderate high to very riskto high ofvery high of risk of shaking of the earth caused byrisk the • Contact your local emergency management office, local American Red Cross night.

Forty-five get under a sturdy get under piece get a sturdy of under furniture piece a sturdy of and furniture piece hold of on. furniture and This hold will and on. provide This hold will some on.

This provide protection will some provide protection some protection Did you know? are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in states and in are the United States every territories in territories the United States earthquakes, earthquakes, and earthquakes, they are and located they and are they in located are located in in breaking and shifting of rock chapter, geological survey or department of natural resources. from falling from objects that from objects can falling injure that objects you can during injure that can an you earthquake. injure during you anduring earthquake. an earthquake.

Doorways are no stronger than any other partfalling ofstate the structure.

During an earthquake, at moderate to very high riskcountry. of region region of the country. every region every of region the every of the country. of the country. get under a sturdy piece of furniture and holdhomes on. This will provide some protection • Mobile and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk beneath the earth’s surface.

Earthquake Safety Checklist

earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country.

from falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake.

during an earthquake.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, • Buildings with foundations resting and other unstable soils at How canHow I prepare? can How Ithey prepare? cancan I prepare?

What should WhatI should do What during should I doan during I do during an on an without warning, and What dolandfill IWhat do after do What Ian doearthquake? do after I do anafter earthquake? an are earthquake?

How can I prepare?

What should I do during an Whatrisk do I do after an earthquake? increased of damage. earthquake? earthquake? earthquake? occur at any time of the year, earthquake? day or night. Forty-five states and Did you know? territories in the United States are Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure. During an earthquake, at moderate to very high risk of get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. This will provide some protection earthquakes, and they are located in from falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake.

If you are inside when the shaking ❐ Become aware of fire evacuation and ❐ After an earthquake, the disaster may every region the country. starts … continue. Expect and prepare for earthquake plans for all of of the buildings

aftershocks, landslides or even a an earthquake, you occupy regularly.

If you are inside If are you are when Ifpotential you inside the are shaking when inside the when shaking the shaking ❐ Become aware ❐ Become of fire ❐ aware Become evacuation of fire aware and evacuation ofcover fireand evacuation and and ❐starts After an ❐ earthquake, After the an earthquake, the maydisaster may disaster may ❐and Drop, hold on. Move as little as inside If you when theare shaking … ❐ After ❒ Become aware of fire evacuation ❒ After andisaster earthquake, thethe disaster may tsunami.

Tsunamis often generated starts … starts …starts … possible. continue. Expect continue. andcontinue. prepare Expect and for Expect prepare and for prepare for ❐ Pick safe places inplans each room of your earthquake plans earthquake earthquake allofplans ofthe thebuildings for buildings plans all of the for all buildings of the buildings by earthquakes. earthquake forfor all you continue.

Expect and prepare for potential ❒ Drop, cover and hold on.Move as little as home, workplace and/or A safe potential aftershocks, potential potential aftershocks, landslides aftershocks, orlandslides even aorlandslides or even aor even a you occupy regularly. youschool. occupy you regularly. occupy regularly. occupy regularly. ❐ If you are in bed, stay there, curl What up and aftershocks, landslides even a tsunami.

How prepare? should Iasfeel do during an ❐ timecover you anMove aftershock, drop, What do I do after an earthquake? place could be under can a piece ofIfurniture ❐ Drop, cover ❐ and Drop, hold cover ❐Each on.

Drop, and Move hold and on. little hold as on. as little Move asas little as possible. hold on. Protect your head with a pillow. tsunami.

Tsunamis tsunami. are tsunami.

Tsunamis often generated Tsunamis are often are generated often generated Tsunamis are often generated by earthquakes. cover and hold on.

Aftershocks frequently or against an places interior wall away ❒ Pick safe in in each room of your home, possible. possible. ❐ Pick safe places ❐ Pick safe each ❐ from Pick places room safe inof places each yourroom in each of your room of❒your earthquake?

If youpossible. are in bed, stay there, curland upeven and occur minutes, days, weeks byhold earthquakes. by ❒ earthquakes. bytime earthquakes. windows, bookcases or tall furnitureAthat ❐ Stay away from windows to avoid being workplace and/or school. safe place could Each you feel an aftershock, drop, cover months following home, workplace home, and/or workplace home, school. workplace and/or A safe school. and/or A school. safe A safe on.

Protect your head withanaearthquake. pillow. could fall on you. injured by shattered glass. be under a piece of furniture or against an and hold on. Aftershocks frequently occur ❐ If you are ❐ in If bed, youstay are ❐ If there, inyou bed, are curl stay inup bed, there, andstay curlthere, up and curl up and ❐ Each time ❐ you Each feel time ❐ an Each aftershock, you time feel an you drop, aftershock, feel an aftershock, drop, drop, place could be place could ainpiece be under could of furniture be a piece underofafurniture piece of ❒ furniture ❐ Check yourself forto injuries andbeing get first Stay away from windows avoid ❐ Practice drop, cover andunder hold onplace each interior wall away from windows, bookcases or thehold ❐ Stay indoors until shaking stops and minutes, days, weeks and even months on.

Protect hold your on.

Protect hold head on. with your Protect a pillow. head your withhead ainjured pillow. with a and pillow. cover hold cover on. and Aftershocks cover hold and on.

Aftershocks hold frequently on.

Aftershocks frequently frequently aid, if necessary, before helping or or against an or interior against or wall an against interior away an from wall interior away wall from away from safe If you dothat not have sturdy you are sure it is safe to exit. Ifinjured you must by shattered glass. tallplace. furniture could fall on you. following an earthquake. trapped persons. furniture to hold on to, sit on theor floor occur minutes, occur days, minutes, occur weeksminutes, days, and even weeks days, and weeks evenand even leave the building after the shaking stops, windows, bookcases windows, windows, bookcases tall furniture bookcases or tall that furniture or tall furniture that that ❐ Stay away ❐ from Stay windows away ❐ Stay from to away avoid windows from being windows to avoid being to avoid being ❒ Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you ❒ Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe ❒ Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if next to an interior wall and cover your use stairs rather than an elevator in case ❐ Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, months following months anfollowing months earthquake. following an earthquake. an earthquake. could fall could fall could fall on you. on you. on you. injured by shattered injured by glass. injured shattered by shattered glass. glass. are sure it is safe to exit.

If you must leave the head andIf neck with there are aftershocks, power outages or place. you doyour notarms. have sturdy furniture to necessary, before helping injured or trapped sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect building afteragainst the shaking stops,objects. use ❐ stairs other damage. injury from broken to, sit theshoes floor to Check yourself ❐ Check forpersons. yourself ❐ injuries Checkand for yourself injuries get first forand injuries get first and get first ❐ hold Keep a on flashlight and sturdy bynext each ❐ Practice drop, ❐ on Practice cover ❐ and drop, Practice hold cover drop, onan and in interior each cover hold and on in hold each onindoors in each ❐ Stay ❐ Stay until indoors the ❐an Stay shaking until indoors the stops shaking until andthe stops shaking andstops and rather than elevator in case there are wall and with your person’s bed.cover your head and neck aid, if necessary, aid, if before necessary, aid, helping if necessary, before injured helping before or injured helping or injured or ❐ Look quickly for damage in and around ❐ Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler ❒ Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy safe place. Ifsafe youplace. do not safe Ifhave you place. do sturdy If not you have do not sturdy have yousturdy areaftershocks, sureyou it isare safesure you to exit. itare is If safe sure you to iteveryone must is exit. safe Ifout to you exit. must If you must power outages or other damage. your home and get if your systems frequently go off in buildings arms. trapped persons. trapped persons. trapped persons. shoes and work gloves to protect against ❐ Make sure your home is securely furniture to furniture hold on to, furniture tosit hold on on the toto, hold floor sit on to, the sit floor on the floor leave building after leave building theis shaking the after building stops, the after thestops, shaking stops, home unsafe. during an earthquake, even❒the there isleave that aware fire alarms and sprinkler Ifif Be you are the inside when theshaking shaking anchored its foundation.

Become aware of fire evacuation and ❐ After anfrom earthquake, the disaster may ❒❐ Keep a to flashlight sturdy by each injury broken objects. noyour fire. next to an interior nextand towall an next interior and toshoes cover anwall interior and cover wall and your cover your use stairs rather use stairs than use an rather elevator stairs than rather in an case elevator than an❐ in elevator case case Put long pants, along long-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, ❐ Put on ❐ Putpants, on long a long-sleeved pants, shirt, ❐ Listen to ago portable, battery-operated or on in systems frequently off in buildings during person’s bed. starts … ❐ Bolt and brace heaters and gasall continue.

Expect and prepare earthquake plans for of the buildings ❒ Look quickly for damage in andfor around your head andwater neck head with and your head neck arms. and with neck your with arms. your arms. hand-crank radio for updated emergency If you are outside when the shaking there are aftershocks, there are there aftershocks, power are outages aftershocks, power or outages power or outages or sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect and work gloves to protect sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect sturdy shoes an earthquake, even if there is no fire. appliances to wall studs. information and instructions. ❒ Make your home is securelystarts anchored to other damage. home and get everyone out if your home is a … potential aftershocks, landslides or even you sure occupy regularly. other damage. other damage. against injury from injury broken objects. against injury fromobjects. broken objects. from broken ❐ Keep a flashlight ❐ Keep and a❐ flashlight Keep sturdy flashlight and sturdy by each and shoes sturdy by each shoes by each ❐ Drop, cover and hold on. as little as … against its foundation. ❐ Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and othera shoes unsafe. Tsunamis are often generated Ifthe you are outside when theMove shaking ❐ Check the telephones in your home starts or tsunami. ❐ Find a clear spot and drop to ground. tall furniture to wall studs. person’s bed. person’s bed. person’s bed. tosprinkler see if you can get a dial tone.sprinkler ❐and Look quickly for damage around ❐ Look quickly forin damage in and around ❐ Look quickly for damage and around ❐shaking Be aware ❐ that Befire aware ❐workplace Be that aware that alarms and fire alarms fireand alarms sprinkler possible.

Stay until the (away Pick safe places each room of there your ❒❐ Bolt and brace waterinheaters and gas ❒ toin aand portable, battery-operated or byListen earthquakes. ❒stops Find a clear spot andcalls drop to the ground. Stay Make brief to report life-threatening from buildings, power lines, trees, ❐ Hang heavy items, such asstuds. pictures and home and everyone out if your your and getupdated everyone out if your yourget home andhome get everyone out if your systems frequently systems go frequently systems off in buildings frequently go off in buildings go offfrom inyour buildings appliances to wall hand-crank radio for emergency home, workplace and/or school.

A safe emergencies. there until the shaking stops (away ❐ Make sure ❐your Make home sure ❐ Make is your securely sure home your is securely home is securely streetlights). mirrors, away from beds, couches and ❐ If are power in bed, stay there, curl up is and home is unsafe. home unsafe. is unsafe. information and instructions. during anyou earthquake, during anduring earthquake, even ifanthere earthquake, even isstreetlights). if there even if there is home ❒ Bolt bookcases, china and other tall ❐ Each time is you feel an aftershock, drop, buildings, lines, trees, anywhere people sleep orfoundation. sit. cabinets place could be under piece furniture anchored toanchored its anchored toaits foundation. toofits foundation. ❐ Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire ❐ If you are in a vehicle,no pullfire. overhold to a clear no fire. no fire. on.

Protect your head with a pillow. furniture to wall studs. ❒ Check the telephones your home or or hazard after an is the most common cover hold on. Aftershocks ❐ Listen to a❐portable, orinbattery-operated ❐ Listen to a portable, Listen tobattery-operated aand portable, battery-operated orfrequently ❒ If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, or against an interior wall away from ❐ Brace overhead light fixtures. earthquake. workplace tofor see if you can get a emergency dial tone. ❐ Boltheavy and brace ❐ Boltwater and ❐ brace Bolt heaters and water and brace heaters gas waterand and heaters gas lines andif gas overpasses power possible. ❒ Hang items, such as pictures and location and stop.

Avoid bridges, overpasses hand-crank radio for updated emergency hand-crank radio for updated hand-crank radio updated emergency weeks and even If you❐ are outside If you are when If you outside the areshaking outside whento the when shaking the shaking occur windows, bookcases or tall studs. furniture that ❐ Install strong latches orwall boltsstuds. on appliances cabinets.

Makeminutes, brief callsdays, to report life-threatening Stay away from windows avoid being Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened appliances appliances to wall to wall studs. ❐ Cleanifup spilled medications, bleach, mirrors, awayto from beds, couches and power possible.

Stay inside with information and instructions. information and instructions. information and instructions.

Large or heavy items should be closest to …and starts …lines starts … months following an earthquake. until the shaking starts stops. Then, drive emergencies. gasoline or other flammable liquids could fall on you. anywhere people sleep or sit. injured by shattered glass.the shaking stops. your that seatbelt fastened until the carefully, avoiding bridges immediately. ❐ floor.

Bolt bookcases, ❐ Boltchina bookcases, ❐ Bolt cabinets bookcases, china and cabinets other china and cabinets otherand andramps other ❐to Check the❐telephones in your home ❐ Check the telephones in your home or Check the telephones inor your home orfires. ❒ Look for and extinguish small Fire Then, drive avoiding and ❐ Find a clear ❐ Find spot and a clear ❐carefully, drop Find spot atoclear the and ground. drop spot and tobridges the drop ground. the ground. may have been damaged. ❒❐ Brace overhead light fixtures. ❐see Check yourself for injuries and get firstis the Learn how to shut off the gas valves in tall furniture tall to furniture wall studs. tall furniture to hold wall studs. to wall studs. ❐may Open closet and cabinet doorsstops carefully as ❐your Practice drop, cover and on in each most common hazard after anget earthquake. workplace toworkplace if you can get dial tone. workplace to see ifget you a dial tone. to see if ayou can a can dial tone. ❐ Stay indoors until the shaking and ramps that have been damaged.

Stay there until Stay the there shaking Stay until there the stops shaking until (away the stops shaking (away stops (away home and keep a wrench handy for If a power line falls on your vehicle, do contents may have shifted. ❒ Install strong latches or bolts on❐cabinets. injured or aid,brief ifMake necessary, before helping brief calls report brief calls to report life-threatening Make calls to report life-threatening place. youheavy do not have sturdy that purpose. ❒ to Clean uplife-threatening spilled medications, bleach, gasoline you are sure itfalls is buildings, safe to lines, exit.

If you must from frompower buildings, from lines, power trees, power trees, lines, trees, not get Wait as forand assistance. ❒buildings, If a power line on your vehicle, do Make not get ❐safe Hang heavy ❐ If Hang items, ❐ such Hang as items, pictures heavy such items, asout. pictures such pictures and and Large or heavy items should be closest to the ❐ Help people who require special trapped persons. emergencies. emergencies. emergencies. or other flammable liquids immediately. out.Wait assistance. furniture to hold on to,couches sit on floor streetlights). streetlights). streetlights). ❐ floor.

Learn about your area’s seismic building mirrors, away mirrors, from beds, away mirrors, from away and from couches and couches and leave thefor building after the shaking assistance, such as infants, children stops, and ❐beds, Ifthe you are inbeds, a mountainous area or near standards and land use codes before you the elderly or disabled. unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for ❒ Open closet and doors carefully as anywhere people anywhere sleep anywhere people or sit. sleep people or sit. sleep or sit. ❒ If you are in a mountainous area or near next to an wall and cover ❐ Look and small fires.cabinet Fire Fire ❐on Look forpants, and extinguish small fires.

Fire ❐ Look for and extinguish small fires. ❒ Learn to interior shut off the gas valves in your your ❐ Ifdebris. use rather than elevator case ❐extinguish Put long a long-sleeved shirt, begin newhow construction. you are ❐ instairs If a vehicle, youslopes are ❐ Ifin pull you a vehicle, over are in toan apull vehicle, clear over pull tofalling ain clear over tofor a clear falling rocks and other Landslides contents may have shifted. unstable or cliffs, be alert for ❐ Watch out for fallen power lines or broken home and keep a wrench handy for that is the most common hazard after an after an is the most common hazard after an is the most common hazard and neck with youroverhead arms. are often triggered by earthquakes. there are other aftershocks, power outages or sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect location andlocation stop.

Avoid and location bridges, stop.

Avoid stop. bridges, Avoid bridges, ❐ Keep and maintain an emergency supplies ❐head Brace overhead ❐ Brace light overhead ❐ Brace fixtures. light fixtures. light fixtures. gas lines andand stay out of damaged areas. rocks and debris.

Landslides are often purpose. ❒ Helpearthquake. people who require special assistance, earthquake. earthquake. kit in an easy-to-access location. overpasses and overpasses power overpasses lines and power if possible. and lines power if possible. lines if possible. other damage. against from broken triggered by❐ Keep earthquakes. animals under your direct control. such asinjury infants, children andobjects. the elderly or a strong flashlight and sturdy shoes byon each ❒❐ Learn about area’s seismic building ❐Keep Install ❐your Install latches ❐ strong Install or bolts latches strong on cabinets. orlatches bolts orcabinets. bolts on cabinets.

Stay inside with Stay your inside Stay seatbelt with inside your fastened with seatbelt yourfastened seatbelt fastened ❐ Clean up spilled medications, bleach, ❐ Clean up spilled medications, bleach, ❐ Clean up spilled medications, bleach, disabled. ❐ Stay out of damaged buildings. standards and land use codes before you begin Large or heavy Large items or heavy Large shoulditems orbeheavy closest should items tobeshould closest be to❐ closest to the person’s bed. ❐ Look quickly for damage in and around Beshaking aware that fire alarms and sprinkler until the until stops. shaking until the stops. shaking stops.

Then, drive Then, drive Then, drive or other gasoline flammable liquids gasoline or other flammable liquids gasoline or other flammable liquids new construction. ❒ Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas ❐ If you were away from home, return only the floor. the floor.the floor. carefully, avoiding carefully, bridges carefully, avoiding and ramps bridges avoiding that and bridges ramps and that ramps that your home and get everyone out if your systems frequently go off in buildings immediately. immediately. immediately. when authorities say it is safe to do so. lines and stay out of damaged areas.

Make your home is securely ❒❐ Keep andsure maintain an emergency supplies kit may have been mayan damaged. have may been have damaged. been damaged.

Use extreme caution and examine walls, home is unsafe. during earthquake, even if there is ❐ Learn how ❐ to Learn shut how off ❐ Learn the to gas shut how valves off to the shut in gas off valves the gas in valves in inanchored anYour easy-to-access location. ❒ cabinet Keep animals under your direct ❐ Open closet and doors carefully as carefully ❐ Open closet anddoors cabinet doorscontrol. carefully as ❐ Open closet and cabinet as Let Family Know You’re Safe to its foundation. floors, doors, staircases and windows to your homeexperiences and yourkeep home your wrench andhome keep handy and a wrench keep for register ahandy wrench for for no❐fire.

If your community ana earthquake, or any disaster, American Red check forfalls damage. ❐onIfthe a handy power line If afalls power ❐on Ifline your a power vehicle, on lineyour falls do vehicle, on yourcontents do vehicle, may do contents have shifted. contents may have shifted. may have shifted. ❒ Stay out of damaged buildings. ❐ Listen to a portable, battery-operated or Crossthat Safe and Well Web available RedCross.org to let your family and friends purpose. thatsitewater purpose. thatthrough purpose. not get out. Wait not get for assistance. not Wait get when out. for driving assistance.

Wait after for assistance. ❐know Bolt and brace ❐out.

Be careful an earthquake about your welfare.

If you don’t heaters have Internetand access,gas call 1-866-GET-INFO to register ❒ Ifpeople you were away from home,special return only when hand-crank radio for updated emergency ❐ Help people who require special ❐ Help people who require ❐ Help who require special If you are outside when the shaking and anticipate traffic light outages. yourself and your family. wall authorities say it is safe to do so.

Use extreme ❐appliances Learn about ❐ to Learn your area’s about ❐studs.

Learn seismic your about area’s building your seismic area’sbuilding seismic building assistance, such as infants, children and assistance, such as infants, children and assistance, such asand infants, children and ❐ If you are ❐ inIf… a you mountainous are ❐ Ifinyou a mountainous are area inor a mountainous neararea or near area or near information instructions. starts caution and examine walls, floors, doors, standards and standards land use standards and codes land before and use codes land you use before codes you beforeslopes you elderly disabled. theorelderly or disabled. the elderly disabled. unstable unstable or cliffs, unstable slopes be alert or slopes cliffs, for be or alert cliffs,for bethe alert for or staircases and windows check for damage. ❐ Bolt bookcases, cabinets and other begin new construction. beginchina newbegin construction. new construction. ❐ Check the telephones intoyour home or falling and other rocks falling debris. and rocks other Landslides and debris. other Landslides debris.

Landslides ❐ rocks Findfalling a clear spot and drop to the ground. ❐ Watch out❐for fallen power lines ordriving broken ❐ Watch out for fallen power lines or broken Watch out for fallen power lines or broken ❒ Be careful when after an earthquake tall furniture to wall studs.

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, visit RedCross.org. are often triggered are often by are triggered earthquakes. often triggered by earthquakes. by earthquakes. workplace to see if you can get a dial tone.

Stay there until the shaking stops (away ❐ Keep and ❐ maintain Keep and ❐anKeep maintain emergency and maintain ansupplies emergency an emergency supplies supplies gas lines andgas stay outgas of damaged areas. lines andtraffic stay out of damaged lines and stay out of damaged areas. areas. and anticipate light outages.

Copyright © 2009 by the American National Red Cross | Stock No. 658515 Make brief calls to report life-threatening kit in an easy-to-access kit in an easy-to-access kit location. in an easy-to-access location. location. from buildings, power lines, trees, ❐ Hang heavy items, such as pictures and ❐ Keep animals under control. ❐ your Keepdirect animals under your direct control. ❐ Keep animals under your direct control. emergencies.

mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.

❐ Brace overhead light fixtures.

streetlights).

❐ of Stay out of damaged Stay out damaged buildings.buildings. ❐ Stay out of❐damaged buildings.

❐ Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire ❐ If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016 ❐ Ifmost you were away from home, return ❐ If you were from home, return only ❐ away If you were away from home, return only is the common hazard after an only location and stop. Avoid bridges, when authorities say it is safe to do so.safe when authorities when authorities say it is say to it is dosafe so. to do so. earthquake. overpasses and power lines if possible.

5

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 Whistlestar for the 2016 year to enjoy valuable Whistlestop 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. Kick off the New Year with fabulous events, programs and classes to keep you engaged, fit, and prepared! Please note that Whistlestop will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day and January 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

SPECIAL EVENTS “Sweet 16” 1950’s Lunch Party Thurs, Jan 14, 11:30-1 pm, Entertainment 12-1 pm $8/10 Celebrate 2016 with a 1950’s Lunch Party at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

Enjoy the sounds of Jonny Darlin singing your 50’s favorites with guitar, and enjoy an entree of Chicken a la King (or vegetarian option), mixed vegetables, potatoes, and pineapple upside down cake. Dress up in your poodle skirt or 50s duds if you want to whirl to the tunes!

Purchase your ticket by Jan 11.

Effective Communication Strategies for Caregivers Tues, Jan 19, 3-4:30 pm Donations Appreciated

Instructor: Shannon Speaker, MSW, Alzheimer’s Association Teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication by someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Participants leave with strategies for meaningful connection with people in early, middle and late stage dementia. Sign up in advance.

Community Disaster Education Tues, Jan 26, 3-4 pm Donations Appreciated

Instructor: Josh Weil, Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Volunteer. This presentation is designed to prepare individuals and communities for a disaster by covering the basics of individual disaster preparedness, including building a preparedness kit, making a plan, and staying informed. Sign up in advance.

HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES AND PROGRAMS Beg. and Intermediate Ukulele Wednesdays, starting Jan 6 for six weeks, 12:30-1:30pm $35/40 Maximum 25 participants; sign up soon • Instructor: Fred Riley. Come and learn to play the ukulele or continue learning if you are already playing. Bring your own ukulele or the teacher will lend you one to try.

You can also buy one at a discount.

6

Brain Fitness Workshop Thurs, Jan 7, 1:30-2:30pm

Instructors: Bob Nations and Ruby Beallo of Senior Access Donations Appreciated. Seriously, it’s all fun and games. The top four things to promote good brain health as we age: move your body; eat right; find a challenge and socialize. This Senior Access Brain Fitness class offers all four. Move your body to the workshop, where we’ll talk about eating right and challenge you with fun activities in a room full of people socializing.

Beginning Bridge Thursdays, starting Jan 14 for 6 weeks, 3-4:30pm $20/25 Instructor: Allan Nichol. Learn basic bridge from an experienced teacher.

No experience required. Sign up in advance, as space is limited to 12; others will be wait-listed.

Beginning Italian Thursdays, starting Jan 14 for 10 weeks, from 2:30-3:30pm $20/25

Instructor: Karen Raccanello. Registration required. Enjoy an introduction to basic Italian conversation with popular teacher Karen Raccanello. Sign up soon.

US Citizenship Classes Wednesdays, starting Jan 20 for five months, 3:30-5pm Fee: $30/35 per semester

Instructor: Marta Villela, Hispanic Multi-Cultural Program Coordinator This five-month class is a regular citizenship program that prepares students to take their naturalization test. Contact Marta at 415-456-9062, ext. 131 for more information or to sign up.

Zentangle Thurs, Jan 21, 1:30-3pm Fee: $3/$5

Instructor Raula Egan. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Paula Egan, a certified Zentangle teacher, will show you basic techniques of this increasingly popular art form.

English as a Second Language Classes Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Jan 25, 2-3:30pm $20/25

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

Instructors: Canal Alliance ESL trained teachers. Whistlestop will offer the following ESL courses: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Registration required; deadline Feb 29. Fee covers class and material costs. To register and for information in English or Spanish, call 415-454-0998. For information in Vietnamese or Russian, call 415-456-9062.

Movement & Music (Registration and fees thru College of Marin, 415-485-9305) Mondays, starting Jan 25, 11am-12pm

Instructor: Diane Hain. This class is for older persons who have not been exercising regularly or who have arthritis-related problems. The moderate, comfortable pace meets individual needs. Chair exercises tone both upper- and lower-body muscles. Includes: joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balance, breathing coordination, and modified Tai Chi movements.

Knitting/Crocheting Group Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am Free/Donations Appreciated

Bring your knitting and crocheting projects to Whistlestop to enjoy with fellow crafters.

Free Introduction to Life Reflection Stories Thurs, January 7, 2:30-3:30pm Free/Donations Appreciated

Instructor: Melanie Vetter, Certified Legacy Coach. Stories are how we transmit the wisdom, lessons, and compassion gained through our experiences. They are a gift to our children and family members, essential to maintaining traditions. At this FREE introduction to the Life Reflection Stories series (beginning in February), you will learn about creating and sharing your personal stories, as well as what to expect in those classes.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, & Medication Reviews Dates & Times TBA. Check calendar or

call 415-456-9062. Donations Appreciated Free weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings provided by Bright Star Care. Bring medications and medication list. Drop in.

Monthly Blood Pressure Screening & Medication Review Tues, Jan 12, 11am-1pm Donations Appreciated Free monthly blood pressure screenings provided by Dominican University nursing students. Bring your over-the-counter and prescription medications for review.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance? Multi-Cultural Consultants Can Help By appointment: 415-456-9062 Spanish/English: Marta Villela, ext.

131; Russian/English: Anna Ladyzhenskaya, ext. 138; Vietnamese/ English: Dina Duong, ext. 129 No fee for consultations; small fee may apply for translations. Whistlestop offers assistance to English and non-English speakers in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. We assist with applications for healthcare management, citizenship, housing, employment, and federal assistance.

Free Legal Consultation for Older Adults

At Whistlestop, San Rafael and Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: Call 415-459-6700 for appointments at both locations.

Legal Aid of Marin provides a free 30-minute consultation for Marin County residents 60 and older.

Marin lawyers offer general advice and options, explain rights and may refer to attorneys who have expertise in specific areas of law.

Resources, Outreach, and Assistance for Victims and Witnesses of Crime

2nd & 4th Thursdays, from 9am12pm 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.

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 TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

INFO

FEE

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 Starts 1/25 Y

12:30–1:30PM Russian Social Group 415-456-9062 x138 N

2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic Starts 1/25 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 150 Basic Starts 1/25 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced Starts 1/25 Y

9:30–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 10AM–NOON Mah Jongg Drop-in N 10:45–11:45AM Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Y 11AM–2PM Manicurist Appt. Req. N

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 9:30–10:30AM Crocheting and Knitting Group Drop-in Y

10–11:30AM Seniors’ Circle Drop-in N

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

* 11AM–1PM Corazón Latino 415-456-9062 x131 N

2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic Starts 1/25 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 150 Basic Starts 1/25 Y

2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced Starts 1/25 Y

3:30–5PM Citizenship Class Starts 1/20 Y

*9:30–10:30AM Zumba Drop-in Y

10AM–1PM Chair 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 Ends 2/18 Y

2:30–3:30PM Beginning Italian Starts 1/14 Y

2:45–3:45PM Balance Class Drop-in Y 8:30AM Community Breakfast Drop-in Y 11AM–NOON Brown Bag Pantry 456-9062 x117 N 1–3PM ACASA Drop-in N 1–3PM Spanish Club Drop-in N 2–3:30PM Movie Time 1/15 & 1/29 Y 2–4PM Ping-Pong 1/8 & 1/22 Y 3–4PM Yoga Drop-in Y

FRIDAYS

CLASS

*9:30–10:30AM

TECHNOLOGY

Pre-registration and payment required. To register, Call 415-456-9062. See details of classes online.

January and February 2016 iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications Tuesdays, Jan 12 & 19 (2 classes) 10am-12pm

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two week course, we will find helpful, fun and interesting applications to download. Discover how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, travel, and much more.

Learn how to rearrange and organize apps – and how to get rid of unwanted apps. This is a perfect sequel to the “How to Use Your iPad/iPhone” and “Essential Built-in Applications” class. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

Intro to Computers (Windows) Tuesdays, Feb 2, 9, 16 & 23 (4 classes), 10am-12pm

Fee: $65 Maximum 8 people Designed for first-time computer users, you will learn how to start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, use Windows components to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account. device.

ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm

No Fee • Use our PCs for your own purposes, such as accessing the internet.

Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your electronic devices, laptops, tablets, and software applications.

NEW WHISTLESTAR MEMBERSHIPS: JOIN NOW for $10-$20 (sliding scale) and your membership is good through Dec. 31, 2016.

Jackson Café NEW LUNCH PRICES

Monday-Friday • 11:30am-2:00pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Open to the Public •

Whistlestop and Jackson Café are closed Friday 1/1.

WHISTLESTAR MEMBER (LOWEST PRICE) /NON-MEMBER. PRICES INCLUDE TAX Main Entrée $6/$8 (includes coffee or hot tea) Burger and Fries $6/$7 Sandwiches $6/$7

* Please note that Zumba is cancelled Mondays 1/4 & 1/11 and Thursday 1/7.

Soup du Jour (bowl) $4/$5

* Except for Corazón Latino Group, held weekly at Pickleweed Community Center, all classes are held at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.

Garden/Caesar Salads $5/$6

OTHER ITEMS Beverages $2 Fruit $3 Desserts $3 Add Cheese $1

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

7

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

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

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

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

Nutritious Cooking Class for Older Adults!

Date: Thursday, January 21 from 9:15 AM to 2:15 PM Where: Homeward Bound in Novato. Accessible buses depart from and return to Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais.

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

Trusted providers of compassionate Whistlestop 4.3438 w x 4.8438 hin-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

6-22-15

Expore Creative 707-938-9960

• • • • • • • •

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

Cost: Free to participants 60+. A $5 (cash) refundable deposit will hold your place. Register today at Whistlestop.

Funding provided by the Aging Action Initiative.

Menu Stuffed portobello mushrooms with turkey sausage and spinach • Chicken and sausage jambalaya • Lemon ricotta cake with fresh berry sauce • Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

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

8

Activities: Tour a vegetable garden, participate in cooking under chef supervision, and enjoy a delicious lunch you prepare!

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

Seeking Valentine’s Day Cards

Remember Pets in Event of Disaster

Y

our animals are an important part of your family, so make sure you include them in your emergency plan. In the event of a disaster, if possible, do not leave them behind. If you must, put a note in the window for firstresponders telling them your pet is inside and leave five days of water and food.

The Marin Humane Society has an emergency plan in coordination with the Marin County Office of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross. If you are directed to a Red Cross shelter, there will most likely be a Marin Humane Society representative there. However you are not allowed to keep an animal with you in the dormitory part of the shelter.

Marin Humane Society suggests the following preparations: Pet Identification: Make sure your pet’s license is current and a collar and

identification tag are worn at all times. The best ID is a microchip which is permanently embedded in your pet. If they lose their collar, they can still be identified.

Crate Train Your Pet: If your pet must be left with MHS due to evacuation, it is best if they have been crate trained. Keep cat and dog carriers in an easily accessible place in case you have to evacuate quickly.

You can purchase soft carriers that fold flat and can be stored in your car trunk.

Secure Birdcages and Fish Tanks: To prevent cages or tanks from falling over during an earthquake, keep them on low tables and secure if possible. Make sure the latch on a birdcage is tight so it doesn’t open in the event of a fall.

Develop a Neighborhood Plan: Get to know your neighbors and their pets. Form a

W

histlestop invites everyone to make homemade Valentine’s Day cards for Meals on Wheels participants. Their eyes light up when they receive these cards!

Be creative, let your inner artist come out, and invite children you know to create the cards with you! Mail or deliver your cards to Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, 94901. Must arrive by Friday, Feb. 5. Call 415-456-9062 for more details.

neighborhood group and share information such as home, work and mobile phone numbers, names of pets, and location of pet food. Ask one of your neighbors to care for your pet in the event you can’t get home.

Build a Kit for Your Pets Too If you have to evacuate, you will need a kit for your pets as well as your family.

Keep the kit in a safe and easily accessible place. A pet on a leash or in a crate will be more welcome wherever you go.

Items to include: • Sturdy crate and/or carrier • Identification tag, collar and micro-chip for both dogs and cats

• Leashes • Food/water (7-day supply for each pet) • Soft, collapsible bowls • Litter/litterbox and plastic bags for disposal • Plastic bags for dog waste disposal • Any medication your pets need • Recent photo of your pet in case they are lost For more information, download the Marin Humane Society Disaster Preparedness for Pets fact sheet in English or in Spanish from the Red Cross, Preparate con la Cruz Roja.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

9

Retirement iving Living is a Family amily A Affair ffair

Build a Kit

Build a Kit

In the event of a major disaster, you might need to Shelter in Place and survive on your own resources for a minimum In the event of a major disaster, you might need to may Shelter in Placeoutdoors. and survive onon your own 5-7 days.

You be sleeping Plan what you resources for a minimum 5-7 days.

You may be sleeping outdoors.

Plan on what you will need to Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent will need to eat, sleep, cook, with or without the shelter and eat, sleep, cook, with or without the shelter and comfort of your home.

No Lease, No Lease, Buy-ins Buy-ins or orAdd-ons Add-ons comfort of your home.

Valley Orchards Retirement Valley RetirementCommunity Community

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

Three ThreeNutritious NutritiousMeals MealsEvery EveryDay Day ❑ Cat littler and plastic Delicious, Food & Water Delicious,Fresh FreshSalad SaladBar Bar Health & Safety garbage bags Health & Wellness Program Health & WellnessMeals Program ❑ Water (minimum of 1 Three Nutritious &&Excursions  First Aid kit and manual  Water Activities (minimum of 1 gallon per person per Activities Excursions ❑ Twist ties gallon per person per Every Day Housekeeping Housekeeping day for 5 Transportation days), chlorine bleach, and eye  Dust masks day for 5 days), chlorine Transportation Delicious, FreshSalon Salad Bar dropper Beauty Health & Safety Beauty Salon bleach, and dropper eye Soap, detergent, shampoo Guest Rooms Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Guest Rooms Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent stew, meat  Health Canned fruits, vegetables, ❑ First Aid kit and manual & Wellness Program And Much More... ❑ Canned fruits, vegetables, toothpaste  Toothbrush, 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  Dried fruits& Excursions Activities e, Buy-ins or Add-ons Three Nutritious Meals Every Day

ation

❑ Dust masks stew, meat  Medications Three Nutritious Meals Every Day  Dry cereal ❑ Soap, detergent, shampoo ❑ Dried fruits Housekeeping Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Bar  Heavy work gloves Delicious, Fresh Salad ❑ Toothbrush, toothpaste Health & Wellness Program  Day Crackers (low sodium) ❑ Dry cereal Three Nutritious Meals Every Health & Wellness Program  Sturdy shoes Transportation Activities & Excursions Activities & Excursions Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Family Owned Since 1983 ❑ Medications ❑ Crackers (low sodium)  Canned tuna Housekeeping Housekeeping Family Owned Since 1983  Space blanket or sleeping bag Health & Wellness Program Beauty Salon Transportation 2100 Transportation E. Washington Street ❑ Heavy work gloves ❑ Canned tuna  Nutritional bars 2100 E. Washington Street Beauty Salon Beauty Salon Activities & Excursions Petaluma, CA 94954  Tent or other camping equipment Guest Rooms ❑ Sturdy shoes Guest Rooms ❑ Nutritional bars Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms  Canned nuts (unsalted) (707) 778-6030 Housekeeping AndAnd Much More...  Hearing aid batteries Much More...

(707) ❑ Space blanket or sleeping www.ValleyOrchards.com ❑ Canned nuts (unsalted) and Much778-6030 More...

Transportation  Peanut butter www.ValleyOrchards.com  Goggles or safety glasses bag Beauty Salon  Fruit or vegetable juices ❑ Peanut butter  Scissors Guest Rooms ❑ Tent or other camping ❑ Fruit or vegetable juices Also visit our Napa County Location  www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 Powdered milk And Much More... equipment Also visit our Napa County Location www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 ❑ Powdered milk Tools  Bottled soft drinks FamilyFamily Owned Since 1983 Owned Since 1983 ❑ Hearing aid batteries ❑ Bottled softdrinks Shovel 21002100 E. Washington Street  Baby food and food for others on special E. Washington Street ❑ Goggles or safety glasses ❑ Baby food and food for (shut-off valves) Petaluma, CA 94954  Wrench Petaluma, CA 94954 diets ❑ Scissors (707) 778-6030 others on special diets (707) 778-6030  1/2" rope (20 ft.) www.ValleyOrchards.com

Eating & Cooking www.ValleyOrchards.com

Tools

Eating & Cooking  Duct tape Family Owned Since 1983  Paper/plastic plates, cups, utensils ❑ Shovel ❑ Paper/plastic  plates, Broomcups,  Paper towels AlsoAlso visit visit our Napa County Location 963-3688 our Napa County Locationwww.SilveradoOrchards.com www.SilveradoOrchards.com(707)(707) 963-3688 ❑ Wrench (shut-off valves) utensils  Axe 2100 E. Washington Street  Manual can opener ❑ 1/2” rope (20 ft.) ❑ Paper towels Petaluma, CA 94954  Flashlight and extra batteries  Alternate cooking source and fuel ❑ Duct tape (707) 778-6030 ❑ Manual can opener  Portable radio and extra batteries ❑ Broom www.ValleyOrchards.com Sanitation ❑ Alternate cooking source  Fire extinguisher PHYSICAL and fuel ❑ Axe  Portable toilet or bucket with lid, toilet THERAPY Pets paper ❑ Flashlight and extra Sanitation FOR SENIORS batteries  Leashes, crate, food Diapers www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707)  963-3688 ❑ Portable toilet or bucket ❑ Portable  Cat litter and plastic garbageradio bagsand extra Disinfectant with lid, toilet paper • Specialized treatment for a varietyof problems batteries  Feminine hygiene supplies ❑ Diapers • Balance and Fall Prevention Programs ❑ Fire extinguisher  Cat therapy littler and plastic garbage bags❑ Disinfectant • Visits are up to 60 minutes of personalized  Twist ties • Seniors are eligible to receive outpatient therapy in their homes under Medicare Part B

Licensed Physical Therapists

415-444-0910

Jennifer Holland, PT ReadyMarin Checklists

10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

CA Lic #10957

❑ Feminine hygiene supplies

Pets

❑ Leashes, crate, food For more information, visit www.ready.gov❑ Cat litter and plastic garbage bags

FOR MORE INFORMATION, www.ReadyMarin.org VISIT WWW.READYMARIN.ORG

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Calvin Ahlgren Calvin Ahlgren, Tai Chi/ Qi Gong Instructor is a Memphis, Tennessee native.

He came to San Francisco to attend graduate school in English literature and poetry.

Eventually he migrated to Lagunitas with some friends.

He now lives in San Rafael where he gardens, growing kale, avocados and other vegetables. Calvin is an avid cook and specializes in Chinese food. He still writes and loves poetry and is a member of the Marin Poetry Center in San Rafael.

Calvin’s journey to Tai Chi began in 1986 when he took a sabbatical to work on a book. Some friends suggested he try a Tai Chi class at College of Marin. Once he started he never looked back. He studied under several teachers in the Bay Area and has visited China several times for months, primarily in the Shanghai area. These trips were eye opening and he learned first-hand how different China is from Marin, but also from how it is portrayed in the media. He found the Chinese people he met very welcoming, although he always felt like a stranger and out of his element.

What is Tai Chi and how can it help you? Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. Though originally conceived as a martial art, it is also typically practiced for a variety of other reasons. It is not a quick fix, but within a month or two you can begin feeling some results such as: improved heart and blood circulation, improved balance and core energy, as well as increased relaxation.

All of the results from attending a Tai Chi class are beneficial to older adults. The practices are gentle and stress free. Calvin’s Tai Chi class is held at Whistlestop from 9 to 10am on Wednesday mornings. It is a wonderful way to begin the day. Get energized and centered with Calvin.

Calvin enjoys volunteering at Whistlestop because the people are so compassionate and full of good spirit. Diana Gruhl, Program Manager, says of Calvin, “We love having his calming energy in our center every week.”

To learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop: call Laurie at 415-456-9062, ext. 117, or email volunteer@whistlestop.org.

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

info@SeniorsAtHome.org • www.SeniorsAtHome.org

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

Best Senior Living Facility

Residential Living Apartments Available Now

Best Senior Living Facility

40 Camino Alto Mill Valley 94941 SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

Schedule a Visit

Contact: Pam Bill 415.383.2741

theredwoods.org

Four Living Options: Independent Residential Personal Care Skilled Nursing

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

11

Whistlestop

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

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

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program

Provide round trip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. Drivers can accept or decline the calls, and drive on their own schedule. Ride lengths are about two to four hours for each round trip. Volunteers must have access to reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License and a clear background check and DMV report.

Jackson Café Lunch Servers, Cashiers & Friday Community Breakfast Servers

Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and social interaction. Café volunteers receive a free breakfast or lunch.

Lunch hour shifts are: Monday to Friday, 10:45am-2pm. The Café is open from 11:30am-2pm. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. The Friday morning breakfast shift is from 8:30am-10:30am.

Breakfast is served from 9am-10am on Friday only.

Brown Bag Pantry Volunteers Needed

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

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed

$20,000 Gift from Marin Foundation

Patty Cerf, President of the Marin Foundation, Driftwood Unit, presents Joe O’Hehir, CEO of Whistlestop with a $20,000 gift from her group.

The generous women of the Driftwood Unit have been raising funds to support Whistlestop, for many years and have donated more than $500,000.

12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS JANUARY 2016

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate. A minimum of one 3-hour weekday shift is required.

To learn more about these opportunities or others contact: volunteer@whistlestop.org Phone: 415-456-9062 Ext. 117 www.whistlestop.org