Whistlestop JULY 2012
Whistlestop.org
E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
Whistlestop Citizenship Class Helps Norma Barrientos Fulfill Two Dreams By JOHN BOWMAN
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he American Dream has different scenarios for different people. For Norma Barrientos of San Rafael, her dream had two scenes: Scene One was being able to vote; Scene Two was bringing her mother here from Guatemala. Scene One was played “I really out on appreciate June 5th when Norwhat voted Whistlestop ma in her first election has done in the US. for me.” Scene Two will take place later this summer. Norma, 42, came from the little town of El Lobo, Guatemala in 1990. She was one of seven children, the middle child. “It took sixteen years to get my permanent residency, my green card,” she said. That allowed her to go back and forth between here and her
Lupita Piembert Uses Media Status to Help Others page 5
native country. Her father was able to get permanent residency in the US, but twice the INS has denied her mother a visitor visa, with no reason given. Norma knew that if she attained US Citizenship, she could bring her mother here. She joined Sandra Jimenez's Whistlestop Citizenship Class late last year. “I knew she would become a citizen quickly,” recalls Sandra. “She was so diligent about her studies.” Norma became a US citizen on May 9th when she was sworn in with 1,200 others in a memorable ceremony in Oakland. She came back to Whistlestop that afternoon and spoke to Sandra’s class about the experience. “Everyone was clapping and saying congratulations,” she remembers. “Whistlestop is wonderful. I am very happy that I found out about this place and about Sandra’s class. I really appreciate what Whistlestop has done
Whistlestop Class Helps People Gain Independence page 7
Norma Barrientos, with her US Citizenship Certificate. for me because it has allowed me to become a citizen, and now I can make my longtime dream come true and bring my mother here.” Norma is married to Jose Manual Ruiz, who became a citizen two years ago. They have two daughters, Leslie, 15, and Celeste, 6, both born in the US. Norma currently works as a nurse’s aide at a retirement home. Her next dream: to become a lab tech at a clinic or hospital. She hopes to take classes at College of Marin, where she learned English shortly after arriving here.✦
Liza Cozad New Whistlestop Board Member page 13
Table of
CONTENTS 3 4 5 6 7 8/9 10 11 12 14 15
PERSPECTIVE by JOE O' HEHIR Back to the Future: Whistlestop Resumes Meals on Wheels
Readers Write In Bill Leeman From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard Helping US Newcomers Faces of Whistlestop Vicky Voicehowsky Citizenship Class Whistlestop Classes Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Whistlestop Board Column Liza Cozad GrandMom Column Audrey Mettel Fixmer Sudoku Puzzle
Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Treasurer, Michael Rice Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor Delaney Venessa Dixon • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • Bob Sonnenberg Whistlestop Express is a publication of the Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. The Mission of Whistlestop: Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence. Whistlestop Contact Information Main Number 415-456-9062 Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858 www.whistlestop.org Information & Referral Office 415-459-6700 • resource@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editorial, Art Direction & Sales John & Val Bowman Editors 916-751-9189 • john.bowman58@gmail.com Missy Reynolds Art Director mreynolds@pacificsun.com Advertising Linda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306 Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to INFO@whistlestop.org. Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
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or 14 years, 1992-2006, Whistlestop operated the very successful Meals on Wheels program for Marin County. Housebound older adults, their families and neighbors were accustomed to seeing Whistlestop Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers drop off the muchneeded meals. In fact, many people still think that Whistlestop operates the program because we touched thousands of families during that time. Due to a funding gap shortfall, Whistlestop had to opt out of the program for the past five years. The county of Marin tried several other meal delivery operators; however, those providers also experienced financial difficulty in trying to sustain the program. We began working with the County Health and Human Services division staff in January 2012, to find an equitable solution for the home meal delivery program. As a result of this work the County encouraged separate component bidding for the segments of operation: intake, assessment, and reporting; meal preparation and production; and meal delivery. For this coming year, July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013, the County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services will handle intake, assessment and reporting. A new whole food vendor, Revolution Foods, based in Oakland, will prepare and produce fresh packaged meals. And, Whistlestop will deliver those fresh meals to more than 260 housebound older adults
three times per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Whistlestop will make more than 71,000 deliveries during the next 12 months. The County of Marin receives federal funding through the Older Americans Act Title IIIC-2, but not enough to cover the entire cost. Therefore, the County and the providers such as Whistlestop must make up the funding gap. The home-delivered meal recipients and their families are asked to make a per meal financial contribution to help cover the costs of delivery. Whistlestop must raise additional donations to help cover the meal delivery costs. In addition to financial support, Whistlestop needs to recruit an active core of volunteers to help deliver meals to housebound older adults. If interested, perspective Meals on Wheels volunteers should contact Lynne Bender at 415-4569062, extension 125, or email MOWjobs@whistlestop.org. The Meals on Wheels program fits nicely into our mission to ensure that Marin County’s older adults age with independence, dignity, and grace within their own homes. Good nutrition is a vital component for successful aging. If an older adult is not able to enjoy the delicious affordable meals at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café, we now have a way to bring nutritious meals into their homes. Your continued generosity and support will help make this happen. ✦ Joe O’Hehir is Whistlestop’s CEO.
Readers WRITE IN B y B I L L L E E M A N , S A N R A FA E L
Our Blanchie Died Today I walk around our house and yard. I don’t know where I’m going. Inside, outside, then back in — I’m merely to and fro-ing. It is so hard to concentrate, or figure what to say; Because our darling doggie, our Blanchie, died today. We took her for her walk today, just like every other; We do this for her always, ‘cause we’re her dad and mother. Carol’s done this all her life, to keep her young and hale, Every single day a walk; never did get stale. Today when it was over, she was breathing way too hard; She wouldn’t eat, she wouldn’t drink, she fell down in the yard. Carol went to call the vet, to find out what to do; By then our Blanchie was all limp; her gums had turned to blue. That dog was with us every day for almost fifteen years. You’d think there’d be a trace of joy behind our wall of tears. We got her as an eight-week pup, right straight from the litter; She was a feisty little thing; really quite the critter. Eight weeks old, a yellow lab, we took her home to stay; She seemed the little diva, even on that day. Somehow we knew she’d come to be the queen of this here ranch; We thought about that for awhile, and then we named her Blanche. We raced her to the vet in town, I knew it was in vain; But I was hoping maybe we could keep her out of pain. By the time we got there, she was hanging by a thread; And not five minutes later we knew that she was dead. We called our daughters and our sons, we both called them to say; We don’t know how to tell you this, our Blanchie died today. We didn’t want to leave her in the vet’s dark, cold, cold room; Back home is where we took continued on page 6 her, to bid a fond adieu.
Talk On The Block… came to Drake Terrace after a stroke and could have subsided into sleepy, querulous aging, but did not. Liza Fronczak {Drake Terrace Wellness Director} helped make a difference! Stan Winston – Drake Terrace Resident
“I
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Whistlestop Express
JULY 2012
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his is a great salsa for numerous applications. It can be served over grilled poultry or salmon and is very good when spooned over soft polenta. It also works very well as a topping for crostini. Servings: 8 2 each
Roasted red bell peppers, peeled, de-seeded and diced 1/2 Red onion, finely diced 4 Tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley 1 Tsp. Finely chopped garlic 1/4 Cup Capers, drained 1/4 Cup Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Combine all of the ingredients and allow to marinate at least 1 hour before serving. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 60 Calories; 7g Fat (98.9% calories from fat); trace Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0 mg Cholesterol; 1mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Vegetable; 11/2 Fat. ✦
Did You Know? Whistlestop serves more than 17,000 low-cost meals a year to Marin County residents at our one., site Jackson Café, 930 Tamalpais Ave., d, but the café has San Rafael. Not only is the food good, become a popular place to socialize during noontime.
Helping Newcomers to US Comes Naturally to Lupita Editor’s Note: The Express interviewed popular media personality Lupita Piembert about her work with immigrants. Her responses follow. Q. How have you been connected to Whistlestop? I moved to Marin from the East Bay in 2011 and first came to Whistlestop this year, invited by Joseph Cillo to speak in front of a Spanish class. The participants are English speakers – older adults. Since I decided to move to the United States in 1990 when I was 22, I have been volunteering while adapting to a new country. For most of my life, I have worked in Spanish-language media and have been fortunate enough to work for the most important Latino newspapers, radio and television news programs. Therefore, I have been able to learn, understand and follow the main issues concerning immigrant communities – particularly the Spanish-speaking immigrant community, but also any other immigrant populations such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Indian. Q. What have you found is the primary reason people want to move to the United States? The obvious reason is economics. Most people who move here, whether from Latin America, Asia or elsewhere, still see our country as the world’s moving force – a place for entrepreneurship, innovation, and a system, where if one works hard, economic opportunities come. Another reason, perhaps less verbalized, is that the US is still seen as a society that allows freedom of thought and action, that controls you less and allows one’s individuality to show up. Q. What are the people you work with most anxious about? It’s economics. I honestly do not know how a family of four survives when one or two parents earn $8 per hour. How do they pay rent, buy food and clothes, as well as take care of bills, pay taxes, and meet their most basic needs?
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whistlestop.org 5
Faces of Whistlestop By VICKY VOICEHOWKSY
M
arin photographer Stephanie Mohan took photos of a number of Whistlestop clients and from time to time we will publish short profiles on them in a series called Faces of Whistlestop. Here is one of them. Paula Ross — Paula has been a Whistlestop rider for 10 years. She also loves coming to the center where she started a German Social Club that has touched the lives of more than 60 people. This summer the club is celebrating its third anniversary, “I am so proud!” Paula says with excitement. Paula Ross is one the many famous faces of Whistlestop and an avid supporter. “It is very important to support Whistlestop because we are all hoping to reach a ripe old age and be able to do things. Whistlestop allows for my independence. I know where to go when I’m feeling lonely.” ✦
Sudoku ANSWERS
READERS WRITE IN from page 3 I gently kissed her on her cheek to bid my dog goodbye; I kissed her for my daughter Dani, and softly closed her eyes.
I dug a hole out in the back beneath our big palm tree, And when I went to put her in, I really couldn’t see; Because my tears were running down, the tears for my Blanchie. It breaks my heart to have to say: Our darling Blanchie died today.
Write Us a Letter If you have a poem or essay or a very short story you would like to share with us, please send it to Readers Write In, care of John Bowman: john.bowman58@gmail.com, or mail or drop it off at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901. We will consider it for publication. LUPITA PIEMBERT from page 5
this work of helping immigrants adapt to life in the US and become citizens? Helping others and contributing to a community has been a priority in my life, and one of my most important values. I believe that my experience as a young woman, when I spent four years doing social work, definitely influenced me for life. I was inspired by Catholic priest Padre Rogelio Lopez, who dedicated his life to helping youth. As a journalist/news reporter, being out there every day in the streets and houses of California immigrants for many years, seeing up close the suffering, pain and sorrow, as well as success, achievement and generosity of immigrant families, touched me deeply. I saw that the life that immigrants experience is not different than the human experiences of the rest of Californians, whether Caucasian, mixed or of any other descent, with one exception: immigrants are often treated as less than, and their condition is unfavorable by default. Helping others also is a Mexican/Latino/Hispanic value, perhaps from our Christian religious background. ✦ Lupita Piembert is an accomplished journalist with 20 years of experience in Spanish-language television, radio, and newspapers. She has worked for La Opinion, Telemundo, Univision, and has free-lanced for CNN Español.
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Whistlestop Express
JULY 2012
Sandra Jimenez Helps People Gain Independence with Whistlestop Citizenship Class
C
an you name the current chief justice of the US Supreme Court? Do you know how many amendments there are to the US Constitution? These are just two of the 100 questions that a person from another country needs to answer in order to become a US citizen. You can learn the answers in Sandra Jimenez’s Citizenship Class at Whistlestop. Sandra, who was born and raised in Costa Rica, has been teaching the class for about two years. She has 25 students and there is a waiting list. Students pay just $25 a year to be in the class and many of them are ready to take the test within six months. Sandra really enjoys her job. “It is very fulfilling, what we do here,� she said. Sandra, who has permanent residence in the US, lives in San Rafael. She came to the US about six years ago. She explained that her brother, Gustavo, called her to help him and his wife with their new baby, who was about to be born. They lived in San Francisco. “I just packed a bag and left in a hurry,� she said. “I left behind my place, my belongings, even my car. I never went back.� Her visit to San Francisco lasted about four months. Her then boyfriend, a Costa Rican who was living in Georgia, had booked a flight to visit Sandra in Costa Rica. “I told him he
had to cancel it because I was flying to San Francisco,â€? she recalled. “So he flew to San Francisco and eventually, we were married. My dad came to the wedding with a suitcase full of my stuff, including my favorite frame from my nightstand and all of my shoes.â€? Sandra earned her BA in Advertising and studied graphic arts at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She then went on to get her MA in Bilingual Education at NAU. For awhile, Sandra taught Spanish at Ross Elementary School. She enjoyed that work and loves her job at Whistlestop even more. She fi nds it rewarding to help people from other countries gain their US citizenship. Her students are mostly Spanish speaking, coming from Mexico, Central America, and South America. But she also has had students from Russia, Armenia, and one from Korea. “They require a lot of assistance,â€? she said. “They want to get their citizenship as soon as possible.â€? Oh, by the way, John Roberts is Chief Justice and there are 27 amendments. âœŚ
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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays • 10 to Noon & Wednesdays • 10–2pm Need help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-on-one, if needed. ADVANCED ENGLISH CONVERSATION ATION Mondays June 4th-July 30th • 2–3:30pm Fee: Free | Register: Vicky Voicehowsky at 457-0586 This class is for non-native English speakers who desire to improve their language skills. The class will focus on advanced listening and conversation skills, English slang and humor, as well as common idioms. LATIN RHYTHM CLASS Thursdays • 11-12pm | Fee: $2 Information: Sandra or Vicky 456-9062 This class is for anyone who enjoys dancing. Come learn all the steps to El Danzon, a Cuban inspired dance, every Thursday. Great teacher, great friends! Walk-ins welcome! Let’s Dance! AM MONDAY Mondays • 10-11am | Fee: Free Information: Vicky Voicehowsky 457-0586 Share your opinions on current events and interesting topics. This is a perfect activity for those who wish to practice Spanish conversation. Enjoy coffee, pastries and great company. LAMAS QI GONG: Ancient Chinese Self-Healing Art Mondays • 9:30–10:30am Single class drop-in fee: $3 Debra Zibitt, Certified Sifu Lamas Qi Gong cultivates and manipulates one's inner vital life force by using skill of breath, combined with gentle soft movements, visualizations and intentions. Lamas Qi Gong heals and strengthens the body. Benefits to you: on-going development of personal growth, helps to eliminate stress, helps reduce anxiety and fear, promotes inner balance and regulation, improves immune system.
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ZUMBA Mondays • 11am–Noon Fee: $6 each time | Instructor: Angela Jakab-Miller Zumba is a great way to stay fit and active. Fun, motivating combination of Latin-inspired music and dance steps guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba movements are easy-to-follow and for all activity levels. Bring water and a small towel. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact: Debbie at 456-9062 or programs@whistlestop.org • Board/Card Game Leaders • Chiropractor • Italian Social Group Leader • Portuguese Social Group Leader • Bi-lingual Computer Teacher • Jackson Café Volunteers needed to work in the Jackson Cafe at least one day a week from 11am to 2:15pm. Whistlestop’s Jackson Café, located at the Active Aging Center, serves delicious and affordable lunchtime meals, Monday through Friday to diners of all ages. The Café features daily specials, deli sandwiches, soups, desserts, and fresh salads. The Jackson Café offers a comfortable setting where older adults and their family and friends can eat well and stay socially active. • Center Service volunteer needed to answer phones and do various office duties. Computer experience a plus, but not required. Volunteer is needed from 10 to 1pm with some flexibility. • Whistlestop would like to start a sewing group–we are in need of a volunteer to instruct, participants, sewing machines, fabric and thread. IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED Mah Jongg sets, books, yarn, movies on DVD and exercise mats. If you have items to donate, please call Debbie at 456-9062. RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tuesdays & Thursdays in July • 2:30 – 3:30 pm Suggested donation: $10 per class/drop-ins welcome Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT, has been working in the health and healing rehabilitation field since 1992, primarily with those that are physically challenged with sustained disabilities, impairments or limitations in their overall physical well-being. 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. Better balance and believing in oneself will enable one to maintain as much independence as possible. Bring a water bottle and 1lb. or 2 lb. weights to class. STOPPING & PREVENTING ARTHRITIS Tuesday, July 24 • 3:30pm | Suggested donation: $2 Dr. Paul Podwojski, Chiropractor will talk about you and arthritis. Learn how to slow down, stop or reverse the effects of arthritis and keep you moving!
TAI CHI QIGONG Wednesdays • 9am–10:15am Suggested donation: $10 or less For Maximum Health, Energy and Relaxation. Based on the ancient Chinese observation that the human body is organized along energy channels, called meridians, Tai Chi Qigong (“tie-chee chi-gong”) is a one-hour set of gentle movements, to strengthen the body, calm the mind and improve posture and balance. Movements can be practiced by all ages and physical abilities. MAH JONGG Wednesdays • 10:30 am–Noon Instructor: Shirley Etemadfar American Mah Jongg is a game that originally came from China. If you've played gin rummy, you have a head start in learning how to play this game. However, instead of cards, you play with tiles that are stamped with symbols and characters. You mix up the tiles, stack them into "walls" and get 13 to start a hand. After much passing, picking and discarding, the first person to assemble combinations of these tiles into specific patterns wins the game. We play with a card that shows all the possible hands you can make. We'll have cards and Mah Jongg sets available for you to use as you learn. It's
a sociable, competitive, exciting and addictive game that's truly lots of fun! Beginners and experienced players are welcome. WATERCOLORS WITH MARITA 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month • 10am Join us for this fun art program! Learn to make beautiful art using watercolor paints. Come explore your world from a whole new vantage point. You may even reacquaint yourself with your inner child! All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. HICAP TO PRESENT INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON MEDICARE AND YOUR OPTIONS Wednesday, July 18 • 2–3pm Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Are you new to Medicare? Are you disabled? Know your rights! • Is Medicare automatic or do you need to apply? • Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and Medicare Supplement Plans • Low-Income Assistance Programs Handouts will be provided. HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS 2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 2–4pm Information: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132 Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Struggling to make ends meet? It’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the different choices. Come get some clarity on housing choices in Marin. Beginning July 11, Leslie will be available for individual housing consultations.
Transportation Numbers Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902 Get Qualified to Ride: 456-9062, x106 eligibility@whistlestop.org Cancel a Ride: 457-4630 STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969 whistlestop.org 9
MONDAYS
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME
CLASS
INFO
COST
9:00–2:00 PM 9:30–10:30 PM 10:00–11:00 AM 10:00–NOON 11:00–12:30 PM 11:00–NOON 2:00–3:30 PM
Chair Massage Lamas Qi Gong AM Monday (Discussion) Computer Lab German Social Group Zumba Adv. English Conversation (June 4-July 30, 2012) Citizenship Class
Open Open 457-0586 Open Open Open
$4/8min. $3/class Free Free Free $6
457-0586 454-0998
Free $25
Whistlesizers (Exercise) Cardio Exercise Class Manicurist Learn Spanish English Conversation Balance Class
Open Open Appt. Needed Open 454-0998 Sugg. Donation
$2 Free Free Free Free $10
FRIDAYS
THURSDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
4:00–5:30 PM
9:15–10:15 AM 10:45–11:45 AM 11:00–2:00 PM 1:00–3:00 PM 2:00–3:30 PM 2:30–3:30 PM
Tai Chi Qigong Chair Massage Seniors' Circle (Support) Computer Lab Corazón Latino Mah Jongg Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Sugg. Donation Open Open Open Open Open 457-0586
9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON 10:00–NOON 11:00–NOON 2:00–3:30 PM 2:30–3:30 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
Whistlesizers (Exercise) Knit!!! Watercolors with Marita Latin Rhythm English Conversation Balance Class Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Open 457-0586 Open 454-0998 454-0998 Sugg. Donation 457-0586
1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 2:00–3:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM
ACASA (Support/Training) Practice Spanish (Club) Yoga with Kelly Arts & Crafts w/Vicky
Peer Counseling Free Open Free 456-9062 $3 July 13 & 27 $3
9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–2:00 PM 10:00–11:30 AM 10:00–2:00 PM 10:30–11:45 AM 10:30–NOON 3:00–4:00 PM
$10 or less $4/8min. Free Free Free Free Free
$2 Free Free $2 Free $10 Free
Jackson Café Monday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
LUNCH MENU 60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES
Main Entrée $4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées) Sandwiches $4.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25 Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25 Salads $2.50/$4.00 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Fresh Fruit $1.50 Beverages $1.00 Desserts $2.00
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. 10
Whistlestop Express
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b y R I C H A R D PAV E K PHOTOS © RICHARD PAVEK
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
Leg Ornaments for Birds
Y
ou may have seen a bird or two wearing what looks like bracelets around their legs and wondered what they were. Well, the birds have not escaped the I.D. craze that has overtaken the world as it flounders on. We have yellow plastic wrist bands to mark awareness of the troops overseas, pink ones for cancer awareness, red for medical warnings, green because it’s “in” and goodness knows what all else. The birds are no different. Actually the birds don’t even want to be ringed, or banded as we call it in the U.S. Ornithologists and birders band the birds to identify their colonies, track their migration patterns, to help determine how old they are when they die, and for dozens of other reasons that help us
better understand bird life and behavior. Bird bands are either aluminum or plastic, nontoxic, colored and lightweight. They do not appear to bother the birds, who seem to be unaware of them once they are in place. What kinds of birds are banded? Every kind the bird biologists can get their hands on, from tiny baby Hummingbirds to large Eagles. Condors are banded with wing tags, which I, as a photographer, thoroughly dislike. The aesthetics don’t seem to bother the Condors, but no one ever accused the Condors of being preoccupied with their looks! Every weekend I email a funny, interesting or beautiful bird photo to Express readers, free. If you’d like something nice to look at amidst the junk in your inbox, email me at SHENmaker@MSN.com. ✦ ‘Til next month, Richard whistlestop.org 11
Looking for Housing for Your Parents? Lucille's List Can Come to Your Rescue
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f necessity is the mothdo something about it.â€? er of invention, Tia Small The two women were going and Hilary Parkhill must through this process at about be two of her favorite daughthe same time but neither ters. The two San Francisco knew this about the other. women are co-owners of LuHilary and Jeff Small (Tia’s cille’s List, a unique website husband) co-coached their that serves as a comprehenkids’ soccer team. One day sive directory of various kinds she mentioned her dilemma of housing for people aged 55 to Jeff and told him she was and older in Marin County. thinking about creating some Both of them were motivated kind of Internet directory. Business partners Tia Small (left) and Hilary to create the site because of Jeff, a computer techie, said concerns about their own par- Parkhill. that Tia was thinking along ents. Tia helped care for her the same lines. mother, the list’s namesake, as she struggled for “It was kismet,â€? Tia said. The women got 10 years with multiple myeloma. “She started together for coffee and started brainstorming. in a hospital, then to nursing and then to asThe result was lucilleslist.com. By early 2010, sisted living situations – kind of a backwards they had all of their paperwork done and got cycle.â€? Tia said. “I ambled around trying to find their business license. They began developing the right place that could help her, the right a website and continuing their research and place for her to live. She moved four times in cataloguing various housing options for older those 10 years. I had a baby at the time so I had adults in need of special care. They also were time to do this. But I wondered, how would a finding that very little info was available for person with a full-time job in an office ever do low-income folks and they wanted to help in this? I thought, there needs to be somewhere to that area. go to help figure this out.â€? There was no such They gathered data on seven types of housing central place to easily access the information. in Marin: Assisted Living, Active Adults, Senior During this time, Hilary was going Adults, Senior Mobile Homes, Villages (memthrough a similar trial. “My family had some bership organizations designed to stay in their history of dementia – my grandmother and homes) Skilled Nursing and CCR (continuing great-grandmother. I thought, what if my care retirement communities – with headquarparents have to face this. I began to research ters at Whistlestop). the subject – where to fi nd care and housing. Anyone who is trying to identify housing that Information was not available in any orgawould be ideal for a parent may access the direcnized way. This inspired and motivated me to tory for free by going to www.lucilleslist.com. âœŚ
www.TheRedwoods.org New Views of The Redwoods FAMILIES - YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREGIVER UĂŠĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•`ÂˆÂœĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ"˜i‡ i`Ă€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂŠ ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ UĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂŠ Õއ Â˜ĂŠ iiÆÊÊ ÂœÂ˜ĂŒÂ…Â‡ĂŒÂœÂ‡ ÂœÂ˜ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ,iÂ˜ĂŒ>Â?Ăƒ UĂŠĂŠ ˜}>}ˆ˜}ĂŠ VĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ ˆviĂƒĂŒĂžÂ?i UĂŠĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ€iÂ…iÂ˜ĂƒÂˆĂ›iĂŠĂŠ
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JULY 2012
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Helping Older Adults Stay Independent By LIZA COZAD
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hen I saw that my mom was no longer able to be independent, I realized a lot of older people were facing the same reality, so I decided to do something about it. Mom was then 80 and helping her stay at home to hang on to her independence was left up to Dad. I saw what this did to both of them. That led me to start the HomeWell Senior Care in Marin and Sonoma Counties. HomeWell is a franchise that was started in the state of Washington 15 years ago. It provides myriad services designed to allow older adults who want to continue to live in their home to do so safely, and to provide them with independence. Our Personal Assistants provide seniors with inhome services – everything from personal grooming, to errands, meal preparation, medication reminders and light housekeeping to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. All of our people are proThe primary fessional experienced caregivers – most also objective of are Certified Nursing Whistlestop and Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides, and HomeWell is even nursing students identical: help from Dominican University and College of older adults They have many stay active and Marin. years of experience and independent. we screen all of our staff thoroughly. Name a country and we probably have someone from there. Many come from Fiji or the Philippines or Haiti, or right here in Marin County, and they are all warm, competent and efficient professionals. The reason I became a member of the Whistlestop Board of Directors is that their work is so beautifully aligned with mine. The primary objective of Whistlestop and of HomeWell is identical: to help older adults stay active and independent. This enables them to enjoy longer and much more enjoyable lives. I also own two Curves gyms – one in Mill Valley, which I took over in January of 2008 and the other in Novato, which I continued on page 15
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/CTOBER s .OON PM 4th Annual Marin Symposium for Estate Planning Advisors
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or Telephone 415-459-6635 whistlestop.org 13
Grand MOM
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by AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
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Funerals Are Good for Us
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As everyday life becomes more challenging, a little help can go a long way. x x x x x
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hen I was a kid back in the 30’s and 40’s, Grandma came for a visit always dressed in black and always it was a funeral that brought her to town. I thought that was so weird. Did she enjoy funerals? Was that the only thing on her social calendar? Well, guess what? I’ve arrived at that age when I open the paper first to the Obituary page. I check to see if there’s someone I know. Then I average the ages to see how I’m doing. On a good day I’m younger than any of them. On a bad day I’m older. Too often, it seems, I find a friend has passed and I feel a stab of pain for the spouse; I want to express my sympathy and attend the funeral. When I recently attended the funeral of my friend Betty, it occurred to me that funerals are really good for us seniors. They remind us of our own mortality, of course, which is frightening for younger people, but for us older folks, who have lived long, fulfilled lives already, and have lost so many loved ones, death is the natural crossing over into a better place. At least in a Christian funeral, the emphasis is on the final salvation after a long life of work and suffering. Our pastor always delivers an upbeat eulogy. “There is no Easter without Good Friday,â€? he said at Betty’s funeral. For people of faith “it’s a no-brainerâ€? as the kids say. And funerals bring back the children who grew up and moved away, returning with their own children. We share memories with them and with our old friends as well. In our church, we often bring a dish to add to the luncheon prepared by the parish ladies, then join friends and family to do more remembering as we enjoy the lunch. I leave these funerals feeling hopeful and upbeat, the tune of “On Eagles Wingsâ€? still running through my head. Today’s funerals are certainly not the dreary dramas we imagined as children. (My apologies to Grandma.) Don’t get me wrong. Although I no longer fear death, I’m not in a hurry to experience it either. I have things to do...like try that new casserole recipe. And places to go...a lot more funerals probably. âœŚ
Vacancy for Fairfax Representative to the Marin Commission on Aging
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he Marin Commission on Aging is part of the County’s Health and Human Services Department. Each Town and City has one representative to the Commission. Due to a resignation, we are looking for someone who is willing to serve in this capacity to serve a full three-year term beginning in July. Applicants must be residents of Fairfax. The Commission is seeking “members who reflect the geographic, racial, economic and social complexion” of Fairfax. The Commission has strongly encouraged us to consider a representative from a low-income, minority and/or disabled person when making this appointment as they are trying to increase the diversity of the Commission. A majority of the persons who currently serve are 60 years of age or older. Please complete an application if you are interested and submit it to: Judy Anderson, CMC Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager, Town of Fairfax, 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA 94930. Or call 415: 458-2343. ✦
Did You Know? Whistlestop conducts Active Aging Center classes for 4,000 participants annually. Become computer literate, learn a new language or stay healthy by exercising with other older adults. Read the Whistlestop Express for the calendar of classes and events, or call 456-9062 for details.
SUDOKU
HELPING OLDER ADULTS from page 13 purchased in January 2011. And yes, I work out at one or the other four times a week! I am an attorney, having earned my law degree at DePaul University in Chicago. I practiced corporate law for 17 years before going into business. People ask where I get the energy and time to oversee three businesses with sixty-five employees. The energy part comes easy. I have always had plenty– it’s just natural for me. Time is another issue. I can’t make up hours. But the people I work with and an amazing spouse – my husband David – keep me going. I could not possibly do this by myself. ✦ Liza is the newest Whistlestop Board member.
Come On Out for Second Friday Art Walk
D
owntown San Rafael hosts an Art Walk on the second Friday of every month. Art is available on and around Fourth Street, from Lincoln Way at the East end of town all the way to the West End Village.Art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops open their doors. There are paintings, photography, sculptures, live music, live art demonstrations and light snacks. Some places provide wine for a low price, and some restaurants offer discount specials, if you come in with a map for the event. Maps are available from any of the participating merchants. Stop for dessert or a meal at the beginning or the end of the walk. More info at 2ndFridaysArtWalk.com. ✦
MEDIUM
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.
whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
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Whistlestop Express
JULY 2012
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Over the years, technology has made the way we live easier, safer and more convenient. In many cases, it’s even made many products more affordable‌ (remember how much the first VCRs used to cost?). Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids never seemed to come down. Now, a new alternative has been invented‌ it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.