Marin's Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Whistlestop july 2013
E press
Whistlestop.org
Marin Gray Panthers: Great Way To Advocate for Older Adults
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t a time when older adults are struggling with such issues as Social Security support, healthcare and economic hardship, membership of the once robust Gray Panthers in Marin County is on a dangerous downhill spiral. One Fairfax resident who is painfully aware of this dilemma is Yvette Wakefield, co-conveyor of the Gray Panthers of Marin. “We are a very tiny chapter,” Wakefield said. “Our members are dying off, and we do not have the clout we once did. People will call us with problems, and sadly, I have to tell them that we cannot advocate on someone’s behalf. We are trying to recruit new members, but it is really hard. Few people can afford even our new, ten-dollar a year membership for low income residents.” On the bright side, she said that the organization’s speaker series continues to Beauty of Elders 2
draw large audiences. As an example, Leslie Klor spoke to a big crowd in May. Klor, Director of Shared Housing at Episcopal Senior Communities, spoke on “Affordable Senior Housing Options in Marin.” Yvette Wakefield celebrates her graduation from San Wakefield said, “We also had a great turnout Francisco State with her son, Shepard Wakefield. migrants, so she went back to for a speaker recently school and earned her degree who talked about Palestine in Spanish with a minor in and the possibility of peace Rasa Studies at San Francisco in the Mideast.” She said State University. that other popular speakers’ She extends an invitation to topics are the economy, peace, anyone in Marin who wants immigration, and health. The to advocate for older adults public is always invited. and reminded everyone that Wakefield is a living example of an older adult who dedi- the Gray Panthers motto is cates herself to helping others. “We Can Make a Difference: Age and Youth in Action.” She She worked for years as a said, “People of all ages are paralegal, including a stint in invited to join us. With more the Financial District in San members there is much we Francisco. And then a work injury six years ago put her on could accomplish.” F www.graypanthersmarin.org Social Security disability. She had long wanted to help imSeniors for Peace 4
Baseball Memory 14
Table of
CONTENTS 3 4 5 7/8/9 10 11 12 14 15
Driftwood Gift Seniors for Peace New Board Member Whistlestop Classes, Events Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Multicultural News Vicky Voicehowsky & Sandra Jimenez Nona Knows Best Mary Ann Maggiore Cutest Pets
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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Treasurer, Michael Rice Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Sharon Jackson • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Dennis Ryan • Bill Saul • Lenice Smith Bob Sonnenberg • Cynthia Wuthmann 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 Yvonne Roberts Development & Marketing Director 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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Whistlestop
perspective B y L I Z F R O N E B E R G E R The Beauty of Our Elders
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see Whistlestop as a big umbrella for helping older adults in Marin County. Whistlestop provides so many services, and I think, with help, it could do even more. Our elder population is growing, and there are so many great minds in this county. I would like to see many more bridges built between the generations. I know that must feel daunting. But our younger people would benefit. Honestly, people talk about the importance of elders feeling useful – and that is important; no one benefits from being cast aside and isolated. But I think the younger generations suffer at least as much if they do not spend time with their elders. I worked for Whistlestop in 1975-76. Debbie Bruce and I were responsible for coordinating our two or three Whistlestop drivers, about 75 volunteer drivers, and all of the people who needed rides to their medical appointments. How does Whistlestop help older adults? The answer would make a book, really. I know there are different feelings about what to call senior citizens – older adults, seniors, elders, actively retired, etc. We can get caught up in the semantics, or we can talk about what an experienced person brings to the table. What do my parents, your parents, YOU, bring? A sense of patience, recognition of the long arm of history and how that can help or hurt us – there are so many advantages of paying attention to the past. There are disadvantages of our past as
well – if we are stuck in the past with regard to certain issues, we suffer. But I Liz Froneberger find that, particularly in Marin, my elders are able to see the errors of their day – racism, sexism, etc., and tell me how things have improved. I have a funny connection to Whistlestop. My phone number, which has been the same for about 25 years, is one number off of Whistlestop’s main number. So I get phone calls, probably every 3-4 weeks, from someone leaving a message for Whistlestop. If they leave their number, I call them back as soon as I get home and tell them. I have had some lovely conversations with people! If they don’t leave their number, or I can’t understand their full name, I call the scheduler and give them as much info as I can and they can usually figure out who it is – I always worry if I don’t get the message until the end of the day because I imagine them sitting there wondering why WS hasn’t called them back. I just hope that they don’t wait too long before calling again and hitting the right number the next time. F Liz Froneberger, RN, lives in Fairfax and works for Kaiser and the Corte Madera Fire Department.
Meals on 2 Wheels
Recognized experience and excellence. Family owned-and operated since 1994. Linda Siegel, a Whistlestop Meals on Wheels delivery driver volunteer, found a new and creative way to deliver her meals to homebound older adults. She calls her delivery system “meals on 2 wheels.” Her route is short — four miles around downtown San Rafael — so she wanted to find a way to deliver by bike. She got the cart attachment for free from The Bicycle Works (a bike co-op in San Anselmo) and gave it a new coat of paint. Her next improvement is to add a Meals on Wheels sign on the back. Linda doesn’t give up; she is also going to try out an electric bike from The Bicycle Works. She says, “It has a much cooler attachment.” Anyone out there who wants to volunteer while staying in shape? Call the volunteer office at 456-9062 x117 or volunteer@whistlestop.org.
Generosity from Driftwood
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Blue Door Seminar Schedule
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JuLY 17 • 2-3:30pm The Inspired Caregiver
AuguST 14 • 6:30-8pm Preserving Your estate Presenter: Jeannie Thomas from and for the Kids, A Expore Creative 707-938-9960Primer on Asset Protection Presenter: J.R. Hastings, J.D. JuLY 18 • 6:30-8pm Advocating for Your Health Care AuguST 21 • 6:30-8pm Presenter: J.R. Hastings, J.D., is a Financing Long Term Care: Attorney at Law and a Certified Insurance, Medi-Cal, VA From left are: Marguerite Middendorf, Sheila Lyons, Sondra Blake, Patty Cerf, Joe O’Hehir and Barbara Lonn. The Driftwood Board of Directors presented Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir with a $15,000 donation at their annual breakfast meeting at the Jackson Café. Driftwood has been raising money since the 1960’s; they have given Whistlestop an annual donation for the past 13 years. Driftwood has raised over $480,000 for Whistlestop (www.driftwoodmarin.org).
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Stay Social. Stay Well.
We Make It Easy to Make Friends Studies agree. It’s good for your health to be social, especially as we age. At our communities, friends are easy to make and even easier to keep. With discussion groups, classes, volunteer projects and organized trips, days are filled with opportunities to mingle. Get Social!
You and a loved one are invited to come enjoy an activity. Call 415.233.6095 to learn more and schedule your visit.
415.233.6095 almaviaofsanrafael.org AlmaVia of San Rafael, an Elder Care Alliance community is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 216801868.
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or more than 500 consecutive Fridays, during chilling rain and in scorching weather, a band of hearty older adults has congregated between the hours of 4 and 5pm at the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino Alto in Mill Valley to voice their passion for peace. Helen Anderson, 87, is the current facilitator of the group, Seniors for Peace, and she says they do much more than hold up “End War” signs and wave to passing motorists. “The demonstrations on the corner are a big part of what we do,” she said. “But we are also advocates for other social justice issues such as the environment, healthcare, affordable housing and voter and water rights.” She added, “We recognize that some of the troops are out of Afghanistan, but we continue to make peace our primary effort. On Sunday evenings at 6:45pm, we hold a silent candlelight vigil at The Redwoods to connect with other similarthinking people around the world. With the global community linking together, it is our hope that peace, love and justice will prevail on Earth. On Mondays in the auditorium, we provide speakers on a wide variety of topics and all events are well attended.” Most of the demonstrators live at The Redwoods in Mill Valley, but everyone is welcome and all ages have shown up, including students from Tamalpais High School. The average age of the group, which now numbers about 150, is 87. One regular is Al Goldbaum, 100. Several of them play musical instruments, including Rolly Mulvey, popular guitar player and group leader. Helen’s husband, Gordon, often plays the harmonica, and the group, averaging 30 to 40 each Friday, loves to sing Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie songs. F
Whistlestop Express juLY 2013
1305152-ECA-AVSR-WhistleStop-0701-3.4479x4.5.indd 1
6/13/13 8:34 AM
Business Dynamo Joins Whistlestop Board
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Cynthia Wuthmann, second from left, with friends.
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ew Whistlestop board member Cynthia Wuthmann is Director of Advancement for Cedars of Marin. A former ballet dancer, she is an advocate and ambassador for individuals with disabilities. She has a strong personal connection with aging adults and their diverse needs and interests via her experiences with her aging parents and parents-in-law. She has volunteered with the Buck Institute board and committee members to support and fundraise for their research on aging. She is also a business department faculty member at City College of San Francisco. She is eager to bring communications, team building, fund development, finance and positioning skills to support Whistlestop. She is an enthusiastic champion of intergenerational alchemy and the 1+1=3 model of participation, support and community engagement for all individuals. Cynthia says, “I love what my father told me as he was becoming aware of his own physical deficits due to Parkinson’s: ‘I’m sorry my body is failing me; I believe my mind is at its very creative best and I have so much to give at this time in my life.’ I know my dad was not alone in his experience of the wisdom and creativity of age and I am excited to support all the wise and creative individuals who Whistlestop serves.” F
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The Captioning Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioning Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone.
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
ESL SUMMER CLASSES We are offering a summer session of English classes. Registration is required. Fee: New students: $15, returning spring semester students, free. Basic English Monday & Wednesday • 2-3:30pm (through July 17) Intermediate English Monday & Wednesday • 2-3:30pm (through July 17) Advanced Reading and Conversation Monday & Wednesday • 2-3:30pm (through July 24) English Conversation Tuesday & Thursday • 2-3:30pm (through July 18) CALFRESH PROGRAM The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The program issues monthly
electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. Whistlestop offers assistance with the application process. Eligibility is determined by CalFresh. For more information or to make an appointment, call Sandra Jimenez or Vicky Voicehowsky at 456-9062. VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED The multicultural department is looking for volunteer tutors to help our English students improve their language skills. This is a great opportunity to help others better integrate into our community. Hours are very flexible. If interested, please contact Vicky Voicehowsky at 457-0586. NEW PORTUGUESE SOCIAL GROUP FORMING This is a great opportunity for Portuguese speakers to have a support group and a good time in the community. If you are interested in participating or you know someone who is, please contact Sandra Jimenez at 456-9062.
Marin County’s Choice for Home Health Care To arrange for care or learn more about our services, please call 415.492.4600 or visit us online at www.SutterCareAtHome.org www.facebook.com/SutterCareAH Not For Profit, Locally Based Visiting Nurses • Home Care • Mom/Baby Visits Sutter Care at Home offers you the most comprehensive range of home care services available.
whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
GERMAN SOCIAL GROUP TIME For our German-speaking friends: our summer meeting time for the German Social Group is Mondays, 11am to 12:30pm in Caboose 2 at Whistlestop. A heartfelt welcome to all! PICKLEWEED COMMUNITY CENTER LUNCH & ENTERTAINMENT July 12 & 26 • 11am-1pm 50 Canal Street, San Rafael. This is a partnership between Whistlestop, San Rafael Community Services, and Marin County Division of Aging and Adult Services to promote socialization, education, entertainment, and a nutritious lunch. For more information call Sandra Jimenez at 456-9062. JEWELRY CLASS NOW MEETS TWICE A MONTH Thursday, July 11 • 10-11:45am Thursday, July 18 • 1:30-2:45pm Fee: $8 per class/Fee includes materials Registration and payment are required prior to class. Maximum: 10 people. Maria Barsesat, local bead artist, will show you how to make beautiful, simple and easy jewelry items for yourself or as gifts.
• Jackson Café Volunteers • Information and Referral Office • Volunteer Drivers for Meals on Wheels Program BRING A SMILE – DELIVER A MEAL! Many older adults in our community are homebound and are unable to prepare a balanced meal to get the nutrition they need. You can help solve this problem by offering to volunteer on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, delivering nutritious meals to people who are isolated and need your help. You will enjoy establishing relationships while enabling someone to stay in good health. Call Millie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 456-9062 x117 or volunteer@whistlestop.org. IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED Mah Jongg sets, Chess set, Dominos, books, yarn, movies on DVDs. If you have items to donate, please call 456-9062.
DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays & Wednesdays 10am-Noon Volunteer computer tutors are available to work with you one-on-one if needed. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Be a part of the incredible Whistlestop family of volunteers, have fun, inspire others, and gain the satisfaction of being an active member of your community. Contact: Millie at 456-9062 x117 or volunteer@whistlestop.org • Board/Card Game Leaders • Bi-lingual Computer Teacher • English Tutors
Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, July 11 • 10am-12:30pm Where: Marguerita Johnson, Marin City Topic: Vision and Aging Speaker(s): (Tentative) Guide Dogs for the Blind and/or Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired 8
Whistlestop Express juLY 2013
THANKS, FLASH MOBBERS! We want to give many thanks to all who participated, sponsored, videoed, photographed, and watched the Flash Mob event at Whistlestop on May 29. • Whistlestop Participants and Staff • Angela Jakab-Miller, Zumba Instructor • S. Kramer Herzog, Producer/Videographer • Peggy Day Producer of Seriously Now News Program • Mary Denton • Michael Hingson • Bob Sonnenberg • Drake Terrace Executive Director Erik Flatt and his team • Dario D’Arrigo/Videographer • Marin Independent Journal SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT JACKSON CAFÉ Bread & Roses and Whistlestop are hosting a Summer Concert Series during lunch at the Jackson Café on the third Thursday of the month. July 18th: Vocals, Piano and Jazz with Debbie Ann Cucalon and Benny Watson. Please call 456-9062 for more information!
HOME DELIVERY GROCERY PROGRAM This program is available for homebound San Rafael older adults (60+) who need shopping assistance. Delivery is free. Older adults pay only for the groceries. Participants can use the program on a weekly, monthly, or shorter basis, for example, while recovering from an illness. The program is a partnership between Episcopal Senior Communities, Novato Independent Elders Program, and San Rafael Safeway. For eligibility or if you would like to volunteer, contact Millie Makarewicz at 456-9062 x117. WHISTLESIZERS INSTRUCTOR RETIRES AFTER 39 YEARS Ruth Fleshman was the first instructor to bring health into the focus at Whistlestop. For 39 years she has led the exercise class “Whistlesizers,” motivating many older adults to lead a higher quality of life through staying fit and limber. She loves to quip that she came with the building. Now, she plans to spend time developing similar ideas for classes in West Marin. We will miss Ruth and her many years of service and wish her well in her new endeavors. WHISTLESIZERS BECOMES FITNESS FOR LIVING Tuesday & Thursday • 9:15-10:15am | Fee: $2 A new way to exercise for pain relief and physical repair. Meg Margolis, founder and director of Fitness for Living, was trained in anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. Since moving to California, Meg has taught more than 2,000 people how to move outside the limits of pain with her original exercises and positioning system. Meg will be the new instructor for the fitness class formerly known as Whistlesizers. ZUMBA CLASS MONDAY & THURSDAY! Monday • 10-11am • Thursday • 11am-Noon Fee: $6 each time, Cash Only Instructor: Angela Jakab-Miller Zumba is a great way to stay fit and active with a 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.
COME PLAY PING-PONG! Friday, July 5 & 19 • 2-4pm Have fun and get your heart pumping with pingpong! Ping-Pong, also called table tennis, is a fun way to strengthen your hand-eye coordination. The game features light balls and paddles and is easy to learn. Play is free to all players. This non-competitive game brings people together for the love of table tennis. Comfortable clothing and tennis shoes are recommended. GOING PLACES To register for a trip or hike, contact Lisa O’Brien, MARIN YMCA, 446-2113 or Vicky Voicehowsky, Whistlestop, 457-0586. Friday, July 5, Salvation Army Headquarters and Post Office Winery, Healdsburg If regular old Salvation Army stores are like Chucke-Cheeses, then the Healdsburg Salvation Army is Disney World. This facility resembles a sprawling ranch estate. After the shopping frenzy, lunch at a local eatery, then visit Soda Rock Winery, formerly a general store and post office. Wine-tasting at the winery for a small fee. Depart: 9:30am; Return about 3pm. Fees: Facility Members $20, Program Members $25, Community Members $30. Friday, July 19, Exploratorium, San Francisco The Exploratorium now has a spectacular new home at Pier 15 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. There are 150 new exhibits plus hundreds of beloved classics. Enjoy a behind-the-scene tour with a docent, lunch at the Seaglass Restaurant or bring your own. Depart: 9:30am; Return about 2pm. Fees: Facility Members $35, Program Members $40, Community Members $45. Cost covers entry ticket and transportation.
Important Numbers Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902 Get Qualified to Ride: 456-9062, x106 eligibility@whistlestop.org Schedule a Ride: 454-0964 Cancel a Ride: 457-4630 STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969 Meals on Wheels: 457-4636 whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME
mondays tuesdays wednesdays
COST
9–NOON
9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON 10:45–11:45AM Noon–1PM Noon–3PM 1–2PM 1–3PM 2–3:30PM 3–4PM
thursdays
INFO
Relax Chair Massage Open $4/8min. Language AM Monday 457-0586 Free Exercise Zumba 457-0586 $6 Learn Computer Lab Open Free Language Persian Social Group 472-6020 Free Language German Social Group Open Free Language English as a 456-9062 $15 Second Language (ESL) 3:30–5PM Language Citizenship Class 454-0998 $25
10–11AM 10–11AM 10–NOON 10:30AM–1PM 11–12:30PM 2–3:30PM
fridays
CLASS
Exercise Whistlesizers Open $2 Relax Mah Jongg Open Free Exercise Cardio Exercise Class Open Free Language French Class 457-0586 Free Relax Manicurist Appt. Needed Free Language French Social Group 457-0586 Free Language Learn Spanish Open Free Language English Conversation 454-0998 $10 Language Learn Italian 454-0998 $24/mo
Exercise Tai Chi Qigong Sugg. Donation $10 or less Support Seniors' Circle Open Free Learn Computer Lab Open Free Language Persian Social Group 472-6020 Free Support Corazón Latino Open Free Language English as a 456-9062 $15 Second Language (ESL)
9–10:15AM 10–11:30AM 10–12PM 10:30AM–1:30PM 10:30–11:30AM 2–3:30PM
9:15–10:15AM 10–NOON 11–NOON 2–3:30PM 2–4PM 2:30–3:30PM 3–4PM
Exercise Whistlesizers Open $2 Relax Knit!!! 457-0586 Free Exercise Zumba Open $6 Language English Conversation 454-0998 $10 Learn Memoir Writing Class Open $5/class Exercise Balance Class Sugg. Donation $10 Language Learn Italian 454-0998 $24/mo
11:00–NOON 1:30–3:30PM 1:30–3:30PM 2–4PM 2–4PM 2:30–3:30PM
Support Brown Bag Pantry 456-9062 Free Support ACASA Peer Counseling Free Language Practice Spanish Open Free Learn Arts & Crafts w/Vicky July 12 & 26 $3 Exercise Ping-Pong July 5 & 19 Free Exercise Yoga Open $3
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org
Jackson Café
Monday-Friday 11am-1:30pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Open to the Public •
Lunch Menu 60+ Prices/Under 60 PriceS (Prices Subject to Change)
Main Entrée $4.95/$6.95 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées) Sandwiches $4.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.75 cup/$2.95 bowl Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$6.25 Garden/Caesar Salads $3.50-$4.50 Other Items Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Beverages $1.00 Desserts/Fruit $2.00 Cheese $0.50 Avocado $1.00
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 juLY 2013
by R I C H A R D PAV E K Photos © richard pavek
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
Red-winged Blackbirds at my Feeders
W
e know springtime is here when we hear the joyous songs of the Red-winged Blackbirds singing to mark the edges of their feeding territories, normally areas large enough to feed themselves and their wives. Standing in my kitchen one recent morning, I heard the territorial song of a Red-winged Blackbird emanating from my bird feeders. What was this? I grabbed my camera and rushed to a nearby window. At the center feeder, a Red-wing had fluffed
his epaulets and was singing loudly, warning a second Red-wing that was trying to land on his ‘territory.’ The Red-wing wasn’t having it; vocally he chased the intruder over to another feeder, at which point the singer went back to eating. For several days, Red-wings came to feed four feet away at the other feeders, carefully avoiding his ‘feeder-territory.’ Every weekend I email a special bird photo (free) to those who would like something nice to look at in their Inbox. Email me at SHENmaker@MSN.com if you’d like to be on my list. F ‘Til next month, Richard whistlestop.org 11
No Waiting at The Redwoods! Available Now: Independent Living
Multicultural News by Vicky Voicehowsky and Sandra Jimenez
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SPECIALISTS IN GERIATRIC IN-HOME THERAPY AND WELLNESS
Specialized treatment for a variety of problems Balance and Fall Prevention Programs Visits are up to 60 minutes of personalized therapy Seniors are eligible to receive outpatient therapy in their homes under Medicare Part B
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Injured? With Special Needs that Keep You from Getting Fit?
Contact me and we can Design a Specialized Routine Just for You
betsybest@comcast.net | 415.453.6130 CORRECTION Mike Shapiro’s minor league baseball stint was for eight games, not eight years. The Express regrets the error.
Easy Way to Donate Online Please donate today at whistlestop.org to help keep Whistlestop doing all the good you’ve just read about! 12 Whistlestop Express juLY 2013
A Mini United Nations
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histlestop has become a mini United Nations. Everyday, Whistlestop is filled with conversations in different languages and dialects. Some people are speaking in their native tongues and some are learning a new language. At the Ninth Annual Healthy Aging Symposium in Marin, Allan L. Bernstein, M.D. declared that, “Learning a new language is a great opportunity for older adults to exercise their brains.” Although our English Language Program is popular and well attended, a few other language classes have emerged with much success this year. In March, we started the French Class, led by volunteer instructor Susan Duncan, who taught French in a local high school for 18 years. “Working with older adults is a whole different arena — they really want to be there and learn. I feel a real sense of camaraderie among the students,” says Duncan. Liz Guagenti, the Italian instructor, is not only passionate about teaching the language, but she also provides the students with an Italian environment. One of her students, Sylvia Sanchez, said, “Learning Italian makes me feel happier and I don’t think about the negatives that are going on in life. It takes me to a fantasy world, so to speak.” Both of these classes have had a spectacular attendance and interest. Established many years ago, the Spanish class has provided many world travelers with necessary conversational skills. Robert Chandler says, “This class has helped me travel all around Latin America and most of all, enriched my life.” Learn something new today; take a language class and enrich your life. You will find more information on our language classes on page 10. F
To Live, Love, Laugh & Learn B y Lois E l l ison
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he 9th Annual Healthy Aging Symposium was held May 9 in San Rafael. Keynote speaker Simon Melov, PhD, heads Buck Institute’s Genomic Core Studies. He stressed the need for exercise because it reduces muscle aging. Without use, our muscles atrophy with age. He suggested we think of exercise the way we think about brushing our teeth and showering – it’s important to do daily. Allan L. Bernstein, Lois Ellison MD, a Kaiser neurologist, encouraged the audience to “use your freedom and ability to meet new people, try new things and listen and learn from people, music and other stimulation.” He suggested taking a class, learning a new skill, upgrading what we know and have fun. Learning improves brain function, produces cognitive reserve, reduces isolation and makes you smile. He said certain things interfere with learning: social isolation, depression, alcohol (more than one drink can slow thinking), poor sleep, sedating medications, chronic pain and uncorrected hearing and vision problems. Beth Ashley, another speaker, and her husband, Rowland Fellows, have been married three years. They knew each other as children but Rowland’s family moved away and they lost contact with each other. Both married, raised families and lost their spouses. Sixty-seven years later, he called Beth to say he had moved to Santa Rosa. They refound each other. Beth said they both have some health problems but, “We do not let that stop us. We refuse to say we can’t. Don’t give up. Don’t worry. Use the aids you need. For example, we now use airport wheelchairs. Dream. Reach out to others.” Rowland’s top ten list: 1. When very angry, count to 100. 2. When angry, count to 10 before speaking. 3. Use your sense of humor. 4. Learn something. 5. Improve something; plan something. 6. Grow something. 7. Have a pet. 8. Have a friend or confidant. 9. Money: plan, use it. 10. Maintain your health; don’t talk about it. F
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Nona Knows Best
by mary ann maggiore
Teaching Manners
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colding your most favorite person in the universe is not an easy thing to do. But you must. This business of grandparents watching children throw sand at the playground, or push to the best seat on the bus or bring out something to eat without offering to guests has got to stop. The behavior of the young generation before you may be your masterwork. Stand tall, straighten your shoulders and get to it! The Italian for rudeness is vulgare. The French call it betise. In Spanish you might warn a child “No seas mal llevado.” The Chinese say, “Na bu tai hao.” They all mean the same thing: “That’s not nice.” Whatever language you choose, do choose to name it and change it. Here’s one way you might do it. Perhaps you find one child teasing another. Go up to the culprit, lean forward, close to their ear and say firmly, “What you are doing is not good. Stop doing it.” Any self-respecting child or teen will then Visiting Angels® Can Help Share the Care
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14 Whistlestop Express juLY 2013
say, “But he/she started it.” If you think there is some merit in this, lift your head and, with your eyes, include the other child. Repeat the phrases again, firmly, quietly. Then walk away. Stay apart for several minutes. If your young miscreant approaches you later to talk of something else, respond with acceptance. This approach is kids’ talk for: “I’m sorry.” Teaching manners is key to curbing rudeness. Watch for opportunities to change bad to good. Insist on “Please” and “Thank you,” of course. Also, don’t let them make you their valet. Even a child of three can carry a light object to the car or pick up after themselves. Say: “Everyone helps in this family. You need to help, too.” Train them properly, and when they’re teens they’ll carry your luggage for you. Table manners can be tough, so keep the kerfuffles to a minimum. Picnics are better than restaurant meals. Snacks shared are easier than dinners. And show is better than tell. Even a teenager will pick up your meaning when you silently take their napkin and put it on their lap. Spilled milk is not much to cry over, certainly. Try prevention – light-weight, easy to grasp, short glassware is good for all ages. Save Grandma’s crystal for later years. A simple word, an affirming nod or thumbs up will make strong imprints on your grandkids. Over time, you will see them following your teachings. One day they might thank you, too! F
Playing Hookey to Snag Dodger Autographs b y G erri A l aniz o f G r e e n b r a e
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n 1958, I was riding the streetcar to school when I noticed the ceremonies for the Los Angeles Dodgers being held in front of the L.A. City Hall. I got off, knowing I shouldn’t. But I couldn’t miss the opportunity and I had my baseball glove with me. Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale land others signed my glove! I didn’t go to school and went to the game at the Coliseum, where I was spotted by my brother on TV. It was worth the scolding and I still have the glove (I played second base on our softball team). The autographs are fading but what a great memory! F
READERS Write In
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attended the Symposium on Aging a few weeks ago. Thomas Attardi was introduced and I laughed – he was going to do some stretches with 300 or so people, sitting older people – he had to be kidding. One word: amazing! I went to his class Thursday at Whistlestop. How this man works with older people, all of whom have varying degrees of decreased mobility, and gets everyone moving and stretching and enjoying it is amazing. Along with being patient, kind and so knowledgeable, he has one other exceptional thing going for him – his smile. It is warm and encouraging. Most Sincerely, Betty Viering, San Rafael
CUTE Pets Terrors of the Neighborhood
Travel Navigators: Helping Marin Residents Discover Transit Options
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arin Access’s Paratransit Eligibility Department is evolving, according to Ron Esparza, Whistlestop’s Manager of Client Services. Under the current system, there are separate phone numbers for Paratransit, Catch-a-Ride and the STAR Volunteer Driver Program. Understanding that this can be confusing to clients, Marin Transit has been working with Whistlestop to implement a one-stop approach to program information and eligibility. This approach will create a single point of contact for all of these programs and more. Esparza added, “Our Travel Navigators will be able to recommend the program or programs that will best suit our riders and then instantly walk them through the eligibility process for those specific programs. Rather than just sending riders a Paratransit application, this program will allow us to offer a customized transit plan based on our riders’ needs.” Raphael Krantz, who currently manages the STAR program, and Janet Van Rijsbergen, who currently handles eligibility for Marin Access Paratransit, will be the first specialists for the program. They will bring a high degree of empathy and compassion as well as wealth of program knowledge and are eager to provide Marin residents with the information needed to discover their transit options. F
Whistlestop would like to thank the following Golf Tournament sponsors: Nancy Abruzzo of Novato says her toy poodles, Bogart (black) and Stewart Louis (creme brule) are half brothers but more like brothers. “They fight, chew, get into trouble and hate cats. Yes, they are cute. And they are the terrors of the neighborhood and big dogs will cross the street to avoid them.”
Presenting Sponsor Farallone Pacific Insurance Services Refreshment Sponsors Gallagher Construction Services Kunst Bros. Painting Contractor, Inc. Jerry Thompson & Sons West Bay Builders Whistlestop Driver Friend Sponsor W. Bradley Electric, Inc. Washington Vegetable Company Hole Sponsors Abey Arnold Associates, Landscape Architects Alten Construction Frank Howard Allen Realtors Fregosi & Company Paints, Inc. Hennessey Funds
Hired Hands Homecare Minto & Wilkie Insurance Agency, Inc. Montecito Marketplace/Seagate Properties Nino, the Magic Guide Dog! Oscar, the Wilde Dog! Seadrift Realty, Inc. The Sherwin Williams Company Sports Authority EI ite Tim’s Treads Villa Marin Hole-in-One Sponsor Lexus of Marin Special Thanks Bob Santini Windshield Repair Donsuemor H & H Printing Roehrick Design
whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop
E press Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
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