Whistlestop JULY 2011
Whistlestop.org
E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
Sustainable Marin: Working for a Future We Can Live In by JOHN BOWMAN
S
ustainability is a way of life for residents of San Rafael, Fairfax, San Anselmo, Novato, Mill Valley and West Marin. This is embodied in the work of Sustainable Marin, a nonprofit organization working since 1999 to advance environmental and economic sustainability and social well-being through grassroots efforts by residents. Members collectively call themselves the “Sustainables.” Perhaps the most successful and best-known project undertaken by Sustainable Marin was the plastic bag ban in Fairfax. The issue was placed on the ballot in 2008, drew 79% support of the voters and was implemented in 2009. Pam Hartwell-Herrero, Executive Director, recalls that, “Before we even got the ban on the ballot, 90% of businesses in the town complied." The effort to get the measure on the ballot was done in collaboration with the environmental group Green Sangha. What’s coming up for Sustainable Fairfax? “We are
Rocky Packard page 4
currently spearheading the effort to launch a Local Currency called the FairBuck in an effort to keep our money local,” says Hartwell-Herrero. The project was launched at the Fairfax Festival on June 11th. “We have discovered that the solution to all of the issues we take action on, like Climate Change, ZeroWaste, Water Conservation, Food Security and Toxins, can all benefit greatly from a more localized community. In deep respect of the Three E’s of Sustainabilty—Environment, Equity and Economy—we try to find solutions in our own backyard that build a strong local economy, a diverse environment, and a connected community. Sustainable San Rafael initiated installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations
Photo Contest page 7
throughout Marin. Eight cities in Marin County participating in Marin Clean Energy are to receive free electric charging stations from Coulomb Technologies as a part of Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America program. The announcement was made jointly last October by Sustainable San Rafael, which initiated the request, San Rafael Community Development director Bob Brown, and Coulomb Technologies. The ChargePoint stations have universal hookups that can be used by most plug-in electric vehicles. The first two charging stations were launched with a special ceremony in April at the C Street and Third St. public parking garage. Sustainable Novato: A Zap Alias, Mitsubishi MiEV, converted VW, two Chevy Volts and four Nissan Leafs were among the many electric-powered cars, trucks and two-wheeled vehicles on display at Sustainable Novato’s first 2011 Community Forum, held May 21 at Fireman’s Fund in Novato. For more information, go to www.sustainablemarin.org. ✦
The Bird's Side of Marin page 11
Table of
Whistlestop
CONTENTS 3 4 5 6 7 8/9 10 11 13 14 15
My Broker Donates From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard New Board Members Sustainability Resources Annual Photo Contest At Whistlestop Whistlestop Activities The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Financial Nuggets Jeff Stoffer, CFA, CFP® Grand Mom Audrey Fixmer Sudoku Puzzle
Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Stoffer Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Claudia Fromm • Jane Lott Debbie Mills • Michael Rice • Bill Saul Whistlestop Express is a publication of the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization The Mission of Whistlestop: To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Whistlestop Contact Information Main Number 415-456-9062 Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858 www.whistlestop.org Information & Referral Office 415-459-6700 • resource@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & Sales John & Val Bowman Editors 916-751-9189 • john.bowman58@gmail.com Missy Reynolds Art Director mreynolds@pacificsun.com Advertising Linda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306 Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062, ext. 141. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org. Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
2
Whistlestop Express July 2011
PERSPECTIVE
By JOE O’HEHIR
Help End Loneliness for Older Adults
N
els Johnson’s recent contributes to poorer health for front-page story in the older adults. The study conMarin IJ, “Growing cludes that social disconnectedOld Fast” could not have been ness is associated with worse timelier. The Federal Adminisphysical health, regardless of tration on Aging declared May whether it prompts feelings of as Older Americans Month, loneliness or a perceived lack of and the theme was, Older social support. Americans: Connecting with the Our mission at Whistlestop Community. This theme has is to end loneliness for Marin’s never been more important for older adults. You have likely the more than 61,000 older seen our Whistlestop buses adults living in Marin. traveling around the county, Johnson’s article helping individuals pointed out that with disabilities get Marin’s popula- Loneliness out of their homes. We tion is aging more contributes also offer a warm and than 1 1/2 times friendly atmosphere to poorer faster than the at the Whistlestop rest of California. health for Active Aging Center Just look around. older adults. in central San Rafael, One of my colleagues where older adults recently went to the come to relax, enjoy Moody Blues concert at the Civic a delicious lunch, take a class, Center and nearly everyone in make new friends, and stay the audience was over 60! I per- socially connected. Our Whissonally experienced a majority tlestop Help Desk is a one-stop older adult audience while see- shop for older adults and their ing the new Woody Allen movie, families to find the resources Midnight in Paris at a San Ra- they need to live a fulfilled life. For more than 57 years, Whisfael theater. tlestop has collaborated with Marin now has more than dozens of nonprofits that help 13,000 older adults living keep Marin’s older adults active alone, and this number will in body, mind, and spirit. only get larger as our populaWe cannot fight loneliness tion ages. These older adults alone. We need your help. You could be your parents, neighcan do something good for an bors, siblings, or friends. When older adult by donating, volunpeople are unable to get out of teering, or leaving a legacy gift their homes or are unable to to Whistlestop. Now is the time drive, they can lose their indeto give locally, where you can pendence and that may lead see the difference. ✦ to a lonely, isolated existence. A recent University of Chicago Joe O’Hehir is CEO of study suggests that loneliness Whistlestop.
Donate to Whistlestop Just by Buying or Selling a Home
W
histlestop is partnering with My Broker Donates to help you generate a big donation for our programs— at zero cost to you—the next time you move. My Broker Donates introduces our supporters to best-in-market real estate professionals who agree to donate 15% of their referral fee to help promote the independence, well-being and better quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities in Marin County. You choose the agent you like. It costs Whistlestop and our supporters nothing. And it could mean all the difference in our effort to ensure that we maintain our specialized educational, cultural and transportation programs. Donations generated by My Broker Donates can be significant: A $500,000 sale or purchase would create a gift of more than $2,000. The donation is guaranteed by My Broker Donates, costs you nothing, and it’s made in your name by your broker. Even for those with an existing relationship with an agent or broker, My Broker Donates can help create a donation. If you are thinking about selling or buying real estate, please contact My Broker Donates for more information, or go to www.mybrokerdonates.com to see how easy it is. ✦
SOOTHE, HEAL, REVERSE AND RESTORE AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS Heal beautifully, diminish or avoid the need for reconstructive surgeries.
We are the ONLY Medical-grade and Industry-regulated Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facility in Marin CONDITIONS PAID BY INSURANCE U Post-Radiation Damage U Non-Healing Wounds U Non-Healing Bones U Chronic Infections U Crush Injuries/Trauma U Diabetic Ulcers
U Burns U Skin Graft Issues U And More!
ALSO BENEFITIED s Stroke s Head Injuries s Chronic Lyme Disease s MS / CFS s Brain Function
415.785.8652 ImproveHealing.com
,!2+3052 ,!.$).' #)2#,% s ,!2+3052
The Away Station: Marketplace of Reuse
T
he Away Station is a building materials depot, a non-profit whose mission is to create a world without waste. It is located at Fairfax Lumber in Fairfax. The Away Station is creating an opportunity for consumers to become less of consumers, to begin to shift their consciousness to see “junk” as a resource, garbage as a treasure and to think about reducing waste. It will redistribute goods and merchandise to people who need them, turning problems into solutions and serving the comcontinued on page 14
• We deliver full-service, non-medical caregiving • Our caregivers are our employees—each is insured and bonded, and has gone through rigorous screening, orientation and training • We handle all employer responsibilities— wages, taxes, Workers’ Comp • Family-owned and operated since 1994
415-884-4343 • www.HiredHandsHomecare.com Call today for a complimentary Needs Assessment and Home Safety Evaluation
whistlestop.org 3
From Rocky's PANTRY B Y R O C K Y PA C K A R D
Jackson Café Pistachio Pesto
P
istachios are an ancient delicacy and were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who insisted that she and her court get the entire crop each season. While this tasty nut is a delightful snack by itself, it also adds a unique taste to this special pesto. This pesto is great for pastas and is exceptional as a crust for chicken breasts. Servings: 1
1 cup 1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1 tsp 2 tsps
pistachios olive oil Panko breadcrumbs chopped garlic grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper Blend everything together in the food processor to a pesto (paste-like) consistency. Smear one side of the skinless, boneless chicken breast with the prepared pesto and then bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 1004 Calories; 97.8% calories from fat; 4g Protein; 19 Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 187mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 22 Fat. ✦
Zero Waste Home in Mill Valley Shows Another Way
B
ea Johnson and her family soft white and the color comes live in the Zero Waste Home from a bowl of oranges and an in Mill Valley. In an interorange pillow in the living room. view at www.thewomenseye.com, There is little furniture. When Bea explained how she got started. Bea goes to the store, she has the “Basically we were living in a butcher put meat into her glass large home and then we moved to jars. Her goal, she says, is to keep a much smaller house in Marin alunnecessary things from coming most five years ago. Downsizing into the house in the first place. got us thinking, as we were becomBea’s anti-garbage, zero-waste ing more aware of environmental Bea Johnson at home in Mill Valley. blog can be found at www.Zeissues. We reduced our waste with rowastehome.blogspot.com. On reusables, but wanted to do more. Then I start- her website she says, “We now not only feel ed shopping in bulk and saw the opportunity happier and eat healthier, but we also lead to push it further.” more meaningful lives, based on experiences Bea’s motto is “Refuse, refuse, refuse, then instead of stuff, and action instead of inacreduce, reuse, recycle.” She and her husband tion." have two sons, 10 and 8 and a white ChiShe offers home consulting services on dehuahua that matches the color scheme of her cluttering, living simply and waste reduction home. Her walls and floors are all painted a through her website: www.besimpler.com. ✦
WELCOME HOME TO TAM HOUSE! Comfortable, Community Living for Independent Seniors 63+ from $850/month (Including utilities and most food!)
Roomsow! Open N
TamHouse.org Call: 457-5633 4
Whistlestop Express July 2011
Serving Marin, Sonoma and Napa Counties
FAMILIES - YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREGIVER Free In-Home Assessment
Medication reminders / Personal Care Assistance Errands / Shopping / Meal preparation Regularly supervised visits and re-evaluations Continuity of Caregiver Over 15 years experience
Part-time / Full-time, Short-term / Long-Term Nationwide background check and drug testing required for all caregivers Bonded and Insured Long Term Care Insurance accepted
CALL TODAY & RECEIVE A FREE HOUR OF CARE 415-895-5185 t 855-219-7118 www.InYourHomeCareForLife.com
THE HELP YOU NEED, AT THE TIME YOU NEED IT— IN YOUR HOME
WE BILL INSURANCE ON YOUR BEHALF
Bill Saul, Claudia Fromm Join Whistlestop Board of Directors
W
histlestop welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors, announced Joe O’Hehir, CEO. They are Bill Saul, San Anselmo lawyer, and Claudia Fromm, an MFT from Kentfield. Bill Saul is an attorney with the Saul Law Firm in San Rafael, specializing in tax planning and litigation, estate planning and small business formation and advice. Prior to establishing his firm in San Rafael, he was with the Clausen Law Group in Point Richmond. He began his law practice as a trial attorney with the Internal Revenue Service. He left the IRS to join the law department of Southern Pacific Transportation Company and was subsequently appointed head of its tax department. After Southern Pacific was acquired by Union Pacific, Saul joined the tax practice of Deloitte & Touche. Bill is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Marin County Law Library and is a Rotarian. He holds a BA from Purdue University, a JD from the University of Cincinnati, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an LLM in Taxation from Golden Gate University. He is also a Colonel, US Army Reserve, JA, (retired). He and his wife have been residents of San Anselmo for the last 30 years. They have three children and two grandchildren. Claudia Fromm is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Kentfield. In addition to helping her clients deal with career/life transition issues, Claudia assists individuals and families who are experiencing chronic health challenges and/or aging parents/ elder care issues. She has over 25 years’ experience working with Heidrick & Struggles, a leading international executive search firm. Claudia holds a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University and a BA degree from the University of California, Davis. She is a member of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce where she serves on the Health and Wellness Committee. She resides in San Rafael with her husband. ✦
Available: Independent and Residential Living UÊNo Buy-In FeesÊ UÊ Ì ÊÌ Ê Ì Ê,i Ì> Ã UÊ }>} }Ê VÌ ÛiÊ viÃÌÞ i
UÊ Õ ÌÞÊ"À}> VÊ >À`i UÊ ÝÌi à ÛiÊ >V Ì iÃÊEÊ-iÀÛ Vià UÊ «Ài i à ÛiÊ >ÀiÊ- ÕÌ Ã
www.TheRedwoods.org {äÊ > Ê Ì Ê Ê6> iÞ]Ê Ê { {£Ê {£x®ÊÎnÎ ÓÇ{£ - Êä£ääääÎ äÊÊÊ, ÊÓ£ä£äÓnÈÈ
MARIN NOTARY & LOAN SIGNING SPECIAL! Senior Citizen’s Discount! $
2OFF 1 Notary Signature Fee
One coupon per Signer per Notary Visit. Expires 12/1/11.
Fees: Commute Fee + $10/Signature Call to Schedule an Appointment
415.827.4201 notarydlmarin@att.net
180° DIFFERENT SENIOR LIVING FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW.
At Kisco Senior Living we’re about nurturing the mind, body and spirit, continuing the process of personal growth and having a newfound sense of connection to others. We call it SM The Art of Living Well.
(415) 491-1935 Lic # 216801028 275 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903 WWW.KISCOSENIORLIVING.COM FOLLOW US ONLINE
whistlestop.org 5
A Handy Sustainability Resources Guide
M
arin County has a goal of diverting 80% of waste from the Redwood Landfill in North Novato by 2012 and achieving zero-waste by 2025. You can help in this endeavor by learning about and participating in various recycling programs. Following are just a few to get you started: The Away Station: Fairfax. www.theawaystation.org. The mission of The Away Station is to productively and creatively serve the community and the planet by the organized collection and redistribution of the by-products of consumption. This is done by providing a way for people to effortlessly get rid of unwanted items knowing that these items will go to good use and not into the landfill. Call 415-453-4221 or email carrie@ theawaystation.org. Home Cares: www.homecares.org. The ReCARES Network’s Home CARES Equipment Recycler’s Program lessens needless environmental waste and at the same time provides older adults and those with disabilities dignity, safety and mobility. They accept donations of clean, gently used durable medical equipment and unused
HEALTH CARE CONNECTION
home health care supplies, which are provided free of charge to those in need. Call 415-3888198. Ampleharvest.org: Helps you find local food pantries eager for your garden produce donations. Email: info@ampleharvest.org. Renew Computers: www.renewcomputers.com. Computers are properly recycled and diverted from landfills. The largest independent electronics recycling company in Marin. Environmental Forum of Marin: www.marinefm. org. Learn in-depth how to leave a lighter footprint on the planet by taking classes in Marin County. A great opportunity for older adults who want to deepen their understanding of environmental issues or to be informed advocates for sustainability. Earth911.com: Find recycling centers near you. An easy way to check out places where you can put your unwanted stuff to good use. ✦
Recycling Begins at Home with MarinCountyFreecycle.org B Y N I C O L E P R I C E , M O D E R AT O R
C
hances are you know someone who has used MarinCountyFreecycle.org to clean out their cupboards, closets, and garages. Since 2004, our group has served the community by connecting members with each other, and helped ease the burden of our local landfill. Don’t throw it away, freecycle it! The basic rules are simple in this fully moderated online group. You must become a member to access the website to read or post your items. Everything posted must be free with no strings attached. Honesty is continued on page 12 the best policy when post-
Sudoku
ANSWERS
415 4572256 www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com 6
Whistlestop Express July 2011
Enter Your Best Photos in Our 3rd Annual Photography Contest
T
he Whistlestop Express invites its readers to enter our third annual Older Adults Photography Contest. Prizes will go to the top winners in this contest, open to all Marin County residents ages 60 and older. Winners will be announced in the Fall, and the winning photographs will be published. Here are rules and guidelines for the contest: • All photographers who enter must be amateurs (no professional photographers or photo studio owners may enter). • No Whistlestop employees, board members or regular Whistlestop Express writers or editors will be eligible for prizes. • Participants must be 60 years of age or older. • Participants must reside in Marin County. • Deadline for submitting entries is August 12, 2011. No late entries will be accepted. • Only digital entries will be accepted. They must be high resolution, and at least 400 dpi. Please email your entries to john.bowman58@ gmail.com. • Entries must ARRIVE in John Bowman’s email inbox no later than midnight on Friday, August 12. • Please be sure to include your name, phone number, email address and mailing address with your emailed entry, along with the category you are entering and the title of your entry. A suggested donation of $5 per photographer is welcome, but not required. • Whistlestop staff will mount the winning photos and will host a winners reception in November – date and time to be announced later. Contest Categories: • Nature • Pictorial • Travel • Marin County Only Photographers may enter no more than two photos, and they must be entered in two separate categories. The “Pictorial” category can be anything, including snapshots. We are looking for a bit of Americana here. Winners to be recognized will include one Best of Show winner, plus the top three entries in each of the four categories. Please direct questions to John Bowman, coeditor, john.bowman58@gmail.com. ✦
St. Hilary's Church, Tiburon, photo by Marilyn Bagshaw
Helping You Maintain Your Independence
As everyday life becomes more challenging, a little help can go a long way. A sample of our services:
x x x x x
Grocery Shopping Prepare Meals Light Housekeeping Drive to Appointment Run Errands
x x x x x
Alzheimer’s Care Med Reminders Bathing/Dressing Laundry And Much More!
Call Today and Get $25 off!
415-451-0100 whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at
WHISTLESTOP COMPUTER BASICS Thursdays • July 14-28, 10 to Noon Computer Room | Fee: $30 Instructor: Letitia Sanders | Register: 459-6700 Learn basic elements on how to operate a computer keyboard and mouse, how to surf the Internet to look up movie times, weather, and driving directions, follow the Giants and search the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. No experience required! BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL I Thursdays, August 4-September 8 • 10 to Noon Computer Room | Fee: $60/ 6 classes -6700 Instructor: Ed Essick | Register: 459-6700 ed computer Requirement: have a Windows-based computer. Learn the basic skills of Windows. Designed for firsttime computer users. You will learn how to: start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform tasks, create and print documents, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, and search the Internet. Laptop users: bring computer to class. BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL II Thursdays, September 15-October 20 • 10 to Noon Computer Room | Fee: $60 for 6 classes Instructor: Ed Essick | Register: 459-6700 Build on the skills learned in Beginning Computers for Adults Level I. You will learn how to: work with the programs and features of Windows, create and save documents using word processing, search the Internet, save and organize info, such as pictures and documents, work with email and attachments, secure your computer from intrusion, and download info and programs from the Internet. WORD MADE EASY Friday, July 22 & 29 • 10 to Noon Computer Room | Fee: $30 for 2 classes Instructor: Karl Hoppe | Register: 459-6700 Keyboarding skills and PC experience Get comfortable with Word! Learn to create, print, email, and save documents. Start by opening Word and ease into adding and moving around text, store, organize, retrieve, edit and format documents. Also, inserting pictures, WordArt, and ClipArt, using Microsoft Office 7. 8
Whistlestop Express July 2011
FACEBOOK COMPUTER CLASS Thursdays, July 19 & 26 • 10 to Noon Computer Room | Fee: $30 for 2 classes Instructor: Karl Hoppe | Register: 459-6700 Requirements: Must be familiar with PC computers. Interested in learning about one of the most popular social networking sites? Learn how to set up an account, how to upload a profile picture, add photo albums, write on a wall, send mes messages to people, become a member of a group and more more! It’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends. COMPUTE COMPUTER LAB DROP-IN CLASS Wednesda Wednesdays • 10 to 2pm Computer Room | Free Would you like some extra help practicing your computer skills skills?Whistlestop offers free drop-in computer instruction every week in the Computer Room. A facilitator is there to answer your questions and provide one-on-one instruction. WHISTLE WHISTLESTOP KNITTERS 2nd, 3rd, 4th Fridays • 11 to 1pm Caboose 2 | Sign up: 456-9062 Come spend a couple hours to knit, talk, laugh and enjoy each others company, while we work on hats, scarves, etc. This is not a class; but you’ll enjoy sharing patterns, hints and techniques, and in no time will have made something special. RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tuesday & Thursday, July 26-Aug 18 • 2:30 to 3:30pm Jackson Café | Fee: $75 for 8 classes Instructor: Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT Registration Required: 456-9062 In the Balance Class, you will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely implement very simple exercises to train your balance. We will learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard our risks of injury. We will also cover what to do if we fall. STEPPING STRONG PROGRAM Starting August Fee: $25 for 10 week program Facilitator: Susie Van Buskirk Interested: 456-9062 or programs@whistlestop.org Sponsor: Lifelong Fitness Alliance & AARP Join your peers for weekly walks and health and wellness lessons. When you join you get a pedometer to measure
your daily steps, scheduled weekly group walks, a support system to help you succeed, nutrition and wellness information and tips. This fun program will give you fitness, camaraderie, and a sense of achievement. ELDER WISDOM LIFE TEACHINGS WORKSHOP SERIES Fridays, August 19-September 16 • 10 to 11:30am Caboose | Suggested donation: $5/class Facilitator: Pamela Anandi Nelson, life coach Interested? Call 456-9062 Explore who you are, reclaim your power and vitality, and contribute to your world. Using a curriculum developed through courses in Japanese Psychology and Integral Leadership, Anandi will lead a group through: 1) embracing the power of attention 2) taking action 3) using self-reflection and gratitude 4) finding and renewing purpose. INDEPENDENCE DAY LUNCHEON Wednesday, July 6 • Noon to 1:30pm Jackson Café Fee: $6 for older adults, $9 for under 60 Reservations required: 456-9062 Please join us to celebrate Independence Day with a delicious meal and live entertainment provided by Bread & Roses! Menu: BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, lemonade, strawberry shortcake. WHISTLESIZERS Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:15 to 10:15am Caboose | Fee: $2 | Instructor: Ruth Fleshman Whistlesizers is a popular class that uses light weights, chair and standing exercises and stretching.“It’s a class for people who make all kinds of excuses to not exercise,” said Ruth, who has taught the class for 25 years.“By coming to the class, it gets done and you feel good too.” TAI CHI QIGONG Wednesdays • 9 to 10:15am Caboose | Jackson Café Fee: $10 | Instructor: Calvin Ahlgren Tai Chi Qigong (“tie-chee chi-gong”) is a one-hour set of gentle exercises, done mostly while seated, that work to tone up the body’s energy system. Especially suitable for older adults, it is credited with developing optimal health for regular practitioners. Tai Chi Qigong is known particularly for improving stamina, stability, and balance.
CHAIR MASSAGE Wednesdays • Noon to 3pm Lounge | Fee: $4 | First come-first served Therapist: Rebel K. Managahas 8-min massage consisting of the neck, shoulder, back, arms, and hands. Besides feeling great, there are many benefits of massage for older adults including: maintaining health and well-being, increasing circulation, reducing aches and pains, and more. YOGA WITH KELLY Fridays • 3pm to 4pm Jackson Café | $3 per class | Call 456-9062 Kelly Lynch has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years, teaching since 1999 and is grateful to be able to share this wonderful practice with others. Join Kelly for a wonderful hour of yoga. Yoga enables you to ‘gain and maintain’ balance, strength and flexibility of both body and mind. Previous yoga experience is not necessary. Modifications of the postures will be taught so that all levels can be accommodated. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that you can move in. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and a small bottle of water if you would like. Come and have fun, after all, “it’s just yoga!” EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SAILING Thursdays July 21 and July 28 from 2-4pm Sausalito location | Free Call 456-9062 to reserve your seat Join a small crew as they cast off for a trip around the SF Bay on a classic wooden ship, the Polaris!
COMING SOON MAH JONGG LESSONS AND GAME PLAY COMPUTER LAB DROP IN ON MONDAYS WE NEED SUMMER VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR JACKSON CAFÉ Please call 456-9062 or visit our website for an application
Transportation Numbers Scheduling Rides: 454-0964 Cancelling Rides: 457-4630 Eligibility Coordinator, Janet Van Rijsbergen 456-9062, ext. 160
eligibility@whistlestop.org whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop CLASS
LOCATION
MISC.
COST
MONDAYS
10:00–11:00 AM 11:00–12:30 PM 4:00–5:30 PM
AM Monday German Group Citizenship
Caboose 2 TBD Caboose
457-0586 for info Open 454-0998 for info
Free Free Free
TUESDAYS
TIME
This Month at Whistlestop
9:15–10:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:45–11:45 AM 11:00–12:30 PM 1:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:30 PM
Whistlesizers Asian Group Cardio Exercise German Group Spanish Class ESL Vietnamese English Conversation
Caboose Caboose Caboose TBD Caboose Caboose Board Room
Open 454-1552 for info Open Open Open 454-1552 for info 454-0998 for info
$2 Free Free Free Free Free Free
FRIDAYS THURSDAYS WEDNESDAYS
ACTIVITIES
9:00–10:30 AM 10:00–11:30 AM 10:00–NOON 11:00–NOON 3:00–4:00 PM
Tai Chi Qigong Seniors' Circle Computer Lab Corazón Latino Basic English
Caboose Board Room Computer Lab Caboose Caboose
Suggested Donation Open Open Open 457-0586 for info
$10 Free Free Free Free
9:15–10:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:30–NOON 2:00-3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
Whistlesizers Asian Group Watercolors with Hilda English Conversation Remembrance Writing Basic English
Caboose Caboose Lounge Caboose Board Room Caboose
Open 454-1552 for info Open 454-0998 for info Open 457-0586 for info
$2 Free Free Free $5 Free
11:00–1:00 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM
WS Knitters ACASA Spanish Club Friday Movie Arts & Crafts w/Vicky
Caboose Board Room Caboose Caboose Caboose
1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Peer Counseling Open 2nd & 4th Fridays 457-0586 for info
Free Free Free $2 $2-$3
The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.
LUNCH MENU
Jackson Café
10
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES Main Entrée $4.00/$6.75 $3.75/$5.00 Sandwiches Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25 Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25 Salads $2.50/$4.00
Whistlestop Express July 2011
OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side Fresh Fruit Beverages Desserts
$1.25 $1.50 $1.00 $1.50
The Bird's Side
OF MARIN b y R I C H A R D The Lonely Bachelor
PAV E K
O
n April 4, I watched a Great Blue Heron standing tall on a nest at Stowe Lake performing a “Stretch Display” – hoping to attract a mate. I was a bit concerned about his chances; it was already long into the nesting season. The small colony was populated with young birds tik-tik-tiking, squawking, and pushing to be first in the feeding line. No matter, every few minutes he would rise up, extend his neck in a graceful arc, raise his bill to the sky and erect his neck plumes. But alas, no females were about. I had my doubts. When I returned exactly one month later, he was still on his nest, still displaying. The small colony was fast disappearing; the family on the nest just below his had already left. It seemed to me that he should give it up; at some point, persistence is futile and that point had clearly passed. But loneliness is a great compeller. Between displays, he flew to the abandoned nest below and stole an especially fine stick that he carefully positioned on the nest he was building to attract a mate. It was hard to shake the image of that lonely bird displaying to a sky empty of females. On May 22, I returned to find the Great Blue had flown. Only the stoutly-built empty nest remained to mark his vigil. Every weekend I email a bird photo to Express readers. Free. If you’d like something nice to look at in your Inbox, email me at: SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦ ‘Till next time, Richard whistlestop.org 11
A Healthy GREEN way to Heal
to healing damaged tissue and nerve endings. With improved circulation, the body naturally ounds that won’t heal, serious infections, offloads toxins and metabolic wastes, helping radiation injury, and brain injury, are the patient achieve advanced healing.” She adds just a few conditions that cause suffering that it is very important that the patient seek and disability. Fortunately, for Bay Area residents medical grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a regulated facility, using hard, medithis is changing. Research has cal grade chambers able to achieve confirmed the effectiveness of a With this proven patient depths and national scientifically proven, cutting-edge protocols for insurance payment or medical treatment, Hyperbaric therapy we Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), that are saving life reimbursement. “With this therapy we are saving can effect remarkable recoveries life and limb, and have the ability to in these conditions. It dramatically and limb. help Bay Area residents improve or enhances the body’s capacity for resolve many of their chronic pain symptoms,” healing, while being eco-friendly. HBOT can save says hyperbaric technician Lorenzo Alviso, lives, relieve suffering, and restore independence. EMT, CHT. Not only was the center set up ecoAdvanced Hyperbaric Recovery, has been healthy with no-voc paint, sustainable flooring, established and certified as the first and only and furniture, but also ongoing business operaGreen Hyperbaric facility in the U.S, by the Bay tions include using less energy in daily proceArea Green Business Program here in Marin. dures as well as the use of recycled materials. According to the American Cancer Society, Studies prove that HBOT helps with detoxifiresearch has shown HBOT is effective when cation and augments the delivery effects of many used in addition to conventional treatment for the antibiotics and medicines. With greater circulaprevention and treatment of osteoradionecrosis, tion, medicine gets where it needs to go. HBOT a term for delayed bone damage caused by radiais used in partnership with traditional medical tion therapy. There is also evidence suggesting HBOT may be helpful as an additional treatment care, therapy, and rehabilitation. For more information: www.ImproveHealing.com. ✦ for soft tissue injuries caused by radiation. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves a patient resting in a special hyperbaric chamber where continued from page 6 they breathe pure oxygen that is slightly pressurized; it is painless and enjoyable.” explains ing an Offer item. (If it’s not in working order, Janine Thill, CHT, EMT, and Program Director say so. We have tinkerers who may still want of Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery. it!) No fees can be charged for any item or its Physician and Medical Director, Roberta Ekdelivery. If someone wants your free item, he holm, adds, “Oxygen dissolves into fluids when or she must travel to your designated place to pressurized, and this extra oxygen tension will pick it up. Hand-offs in public places are sugbegin a cascade of benefits, including reducing gested, as personal safety is encouraged at all inflammation, inhibiting bacterial infections and times. Once you get to know a fellow member, stimulating growth new blood vessels, critical your comfort level might allow for curbside
W
STOCKSTILL HOUSE Assisted living in our beautiful, spacious home in Pt. Reyes Station with 24 hour care for up to 8 seniors. Now accepting resident applications. 415-663-8148 12
Whistlestop Express July 2011
www.wmss.org
pickup – it’s all up to you. Members can also ask for items they are looking for. Wanted posts help members know there is another person who could really use that item, however big or small, you’ve stored away and may not use again. Instant de-clutter! If you’d like to find out more about our local freecycling community, go to marincountyfreecycle.org. You can sign-up via the email link (fastest), or use the link to our Yahoo Groups site to become a member via Yahoo. MarinCountyFreecycle.org. ✦
Financial NUGGETS by JEFF STOFFER, CFA, CFPÂŽ
Sonoma Serenity Home
Should You Write Your Own Will?
F
or this month’s article I have again interviewed estate planner, Jessica Garrett of Larkspur, this time, on the topic of wills. When is it appropriate to write your own will, and what does that entail? According to a 2007 survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 55% of people die without a will. Dying intestate (without a will) means the state will determine what happens to your assets. I knew a woman named Catherine who had three daughters. After she divorced, two of the daughters never spoke to her again. Later, Catherine discovered she had cancer and needed an operation. She had no will. If she did not survive, her assets would be divided equally among the three children. She definitely did not want that! So she created a handwritten will prior to the operation. She recovered nicely, but she was relieved to have a valid will. If you want to write your own will, there are two important considerations. First, a do-ityourself will is generally only appropriate if your assets have a value of less than $100,000. This might include savings accounts, a small investment account and any personal treasures. If you own a home, Jessica recommends that you get professional help writing a will. Second, you need to have what is called “legal capacity.â€? This means you know what you own and what you’d like to do with it. You are free of any mental affliction that impairs your reason or ability to make sound choices. A handwritten, or Holographic will, must be written in your own hand, not typed. It must be signed and dated. Technically, only the “material provisionsâ€? must be handwritten, but to be safe, write it out in its entirety. A Statutory will is a six-page form that walks you through the process and allows you to appoint a personal representative. This form must also be signed and dated. In addition, it requires the signatures of two witnesses. âœŚ Jeff Stoffer is a Whistlestop Board member.
$BMM GPS BO BQQPJOUNFOU Â… FMFHBOU TQBDJPVT TFUUJOH Â… QSJWBUF TFNJ QSJWBUF Â… BNCVMBUPSZ OPO BNCVMBUPSZ Â… IS NPOJUPSFE DBSF Â… HPVSNFU NFBMT
Â… BTTJTUBODF XJUI EBJMZ MJWJOH BDUJWJUJFT Â… JOEPPS PVSEPPS BDUJWJUJFT Â… XIFFMDIBJS BDDFTTJCMF
XXX 4POPNB4FSFOJUZ)PNF DPN $BSSJHFS 3PBE Â… 4POPNB #FIJOE UIF 4POPNB (PMG $PVSTF
CA. Lic#496800094
Give the gift of health‌
Therapeutic Yoga For Older Adults
YOGa TO YOuŠ
YOGa TO YOu seeks to share the ancient wisdom found in yoga, now widely embraced by integrated medicine that underscore the health benefits of yoga. We take Yoga to individuals and groups in their private homes, or in assisted living centers, nursing homes, independent living sites, and other residential care facilities for older adults. Call for a Free demonstration today!
Dr. Melanie Hahn )NFO YOGA TO YOU COM s HTTP YOGA TO YOU COM
s whistlestop.org 13
Grand MOM
o we have to be an antique before we appreciate antiques? Live through history before we love history? Two things kicked off my newest passion for genealogy. First, the TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? in which celebrities search for their ancestors, and secondly, my mother’s ancient family photo album, which came to me when my last remaining sister died. I was now the Matriarch, the only one who could identify most of the pictures, some of which were more than 100 years old. My offspring, as well as my nieces and nephews, might want to know their ancestors, and by using today’s technology I could record not only the pictures, but their stories as well. It was like the game of tag, with all the voices shouting, “You’re it!” After hearing about the website ancestry.com, I went to my computer with a question about my dad’s side of the family. I fumbled a bit, but a call to my friend Bruce, who’s been studying genealogy for years, straightened me out. I discovered that once into the program, they offer clues, such as census records, marriage and death records and even town residence records. To me, the most fun was opening up a census record, like the one from 1900. You get a listing of each person in the household and their ages.
There’s the head of household, John, age 38 and his wife Elizabeth, also 38, and then, like magic, up come names I haven’t heard in years: Margaret, 13, (Oh! She’s the aunt whose barn we played in!) Aunt Ceil, 11, my godmother, whose daughter Mary Jane was my favorite cousin, and there’s my dad, Alois, just 5 years old, and his little brother Leonard, 3, and Pauline, 2. Aunt Therese wasn’t born yet. And at the bottom of the list was my great grandma, age 70. I picture her peeling potatoes for the family dinner. It’s touching to look at this moment in time, to see this family —my family — all together living on the land, loving, as I had never seen them before. My imagination soars. I want to bring them to life, move them about on this stage and tell their stories. It is a humbling experience to study ancestry. Realizing how they raised their huge families in the crudest households: carrying water, cooking with wood stoves, boiling water for laundry, raising the vegetables and all of the meat they ate, and clearing the land. And we complain today when the microwave is too slow? Everything we have we owe to them. “We are the midgets seated on the shoulders of giants,” as the wise man said. Now I am excitedly planning a tour to Luxembourg, the homeland of my ancestors. One of my loving, care-giving granddaughters will accompany me. Exploring our roots, finding and preserving their stories is my newest passion. They say passion keeps one young. Only my mirror disagrees. ✦
continued from page 3 munity overall. It’s a great option for people who are moving, downsizing or closing out estates. Inventory is constantly changing and generally consists of not only used, but also new building construction materials and creative “collectible stuff.” The prices will meet anyone’s budget. “Ninety percent of building materials can be recycled or reused, but are not. Buying new is inefficient,” said Carrie Bachelder, founder, “because we are using up resources faster then the planet can replenish them. If you installed a used door instead of buying a new one, you would be saving the environment from cutting down a tree, transporting it, manufacturing it, shipping it and selling it and also saving space in the landfill.” The Away Station accepts the following items:
Doors, windows, sinks, tubs, roofing, gutters, pipes, fittings, de-nailed lumber over fourfeet long, woodwork, wainscoting, mantels, good-quality frames, flooring, energy-efficient working appliances, countertops, cabinets, brick, stone, slate, garden materials, shelving, hard furniture, light fi xtures, tile, sinks, tubs and toilets. The fair market value of material contributions is tax deductible. ✦
by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
Ancestry, A Family Reunion
D
14
Whistlestop Express July 2011
Join us for Win-Win Scenarios for Making Charitable Gifts that Reflect Your Values
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR July 19 • 4-5:30pm Jackson Café, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael RSVP – info@whistlestop.org or 456-9062 Presented by George John, Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and David Clark, CPA
Carol Revel, left, enjoys a delicious lunch served by Whistlestop and City staff, right, at the annual Multicultural Picnic. This year the event was a collaboration between Whistlestop and the City of San Rafael and was held at Pickleweed Community Center. More than 130 people from cultures around the world enjoyed the meal, camaraderie, and the entertainment provided by Bread and Roses.
YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT: • Methods for covering your descendant’s needs while giving to the charities that mean the most to you • How life insurance can play an important role • Techniques for reducing the estate tax • Simple techniques that everyone should take advantage of A question and answer session will follow the presentation. This is a free event, open to the public • Refreshments served
Easy Ways to Support
SUDOKU
WHISTLESTOP
To solve the Sudoku, each square in the grid must contain a number between one and nine, with the following conditions: • Each row of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. • Each column of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. • Each of the nine 3 by 3 boxes of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Answers on page 6.
My Broker Donates can make sure your next property sale can boost the quality of life for Marin County’s older adults. My Broker Donates connects you with best-in-market realtors who will donate 15% of their referral fee to Whistlestop. You choose the agent. Buy or sell a home, generate a sizable donation. Go to www.mybrokerdonates.com for more information. eScrip. eScrip has created a system that rewards customer loyalty by contributing a percentage of purchases made at participating stores to nonprofits. Go to eScrip.com, register, and pick Whistlestop as your charity, and then shop at the many participating stores. eScrip Recycling. Simply drop off your used laser/toner and inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, GPS devices and laptops at Whistlestop’s front office, and we will recycle them and get a small donation. Vehicle Donation through: Car Donation Services 1-888-686-4483. ✦
MEDIUM
Contacting Dr. Gary Gruber If you have any questions about the Brain-Teasers puzzle, go to: www.drgarygruber.com. whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org To subscribe to Whistlestop Express, please send $10 in the enclosed envelope. Or send an email with your request, your name and address to info@whistlestop.org
LIKE US on Facebook
Visiting AngelsÂŽ Can Help Share the Care
You’re Never Alone with Lifeline Ž
Assessments are Performed by a QualiďŹ ed R.N. s s s s s s s
5P TO (OUR #ARE 0ERSONAL #ARE ,IGHT (OUSEKEEPING -EAL 0REPARATION %RRANDS 3HOPPING *OYFUL #OMPANIONSHIP $AY OR .IGHT ,IVE IN OR ,IVE OUT #ARE
#ALL TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY NO OBLIGATION VISIT FROM ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF 16
Whistlestop Express July 2011
s 4EMPORARY OR ,ONG 4ERM #ARE s 7EEKENDS (OLIDAYS s 2ESPITE FOR &AMILY #AREGIVERS s &LEXIBLE 3CHEDULES We Can Be There to Assist You!
415-499-1200 JMHOMECARE COM
Lifeline with AutoAlert allows you to live independently. ÂŽ
On average, one of every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home. Lifeline with AutoAlert is the ONLY pendant-style Help Button that automatically places a call for help if a fall is detected. The Lifeline Service is remarkably affordable with no long term commitment. Lifeline also offers the Philips Medication Dispensing Service. Call for details.
Call for more info:
visit us on the web:
www.lifelinenorthbay.com
1-800-949-2434 (707) 778-7883