Whistlestop JUNE 2012
Whistlestop.org
E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
Mill Valley Man Understands The Power of Storytelling By JOHN BOWMAN
A
child who hears fairy school, he takes it personally tales is more prepared and thinks badly of himself. to face real life fears If he’s been exposed to fairy and challenges than one who tales, he realizes that he is doesn't. That’s the theory of not alone – this happens to longtime Mill Valley storytell- other people and they surer and actor Phil Sheridan. vive.” Sheridan, 74, said that Sheridan reads stories to outlook is one he developed children regularly at several by reading the work of Bruno Marin County libraries and Bettelheim, the psychologist schools. He also is popular at and writer who authored the children’s birthday parties 1976 book, The Uses of Enand other events. chantment: The Meaning and “I work mostly with preImportance of Fairy Tales. schoolers, and most of them “He said that children who have not yet been bruised by are read fairy tales grow up some of the world’s realities. with a more realistic and ratio- I like to read them stories nal look at the world,” where cleverness, Sheridan said. “I agree wit and imaginawith this. I like to use 'I love to tion win the day,” stories as a template Sheridan said. on what the world is read them “I am particureally like. In most stories where lar about the kind fairy tales, there is a of stories I select. go od ver su s ev i l cleverness, My main criterion conf lict, and usually wit and is that the stories good wins. If some- imagination must have charone is not exposed to acters who are stories and someone win the day.' courageous, kind takes his lunchbox at and compassionate.
New 'Pop-Up' Restaurant at Whistlestop page 6
Happy Ending to Heron Story page 11
Phil Sheridan I don’t like the really scary stories that do not have a positive ending.” When Phil was a child, his mother read to him all the time – mostly poetry. He believes one of the greatest gifts a parent or grandparent can give a child is to read to them. Sheridan also reads to older adults — at the Redwoods as an example — “… stuff they grew up with, from the thirties and forties, like Edna St. Vincent Millay and Ogden Nash.” ✦
Whistlestop– New Board Member page 13
Whistlestop
Table of
CONTENTS 3 4
Photo Contest From Rocky's Pantry Rocky Packard
6 7
New 'Pop-Up' Restaurant
8/9 10 11 12 13 14
Faces of Whistlestop Vicky Voicehowsky Whistlestop Classes Activities Calendar The Bird's Side of Marin Richard Pavek Memoir Excerpt Peter Klain New Board Member Mellen at Whistlestop
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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc. 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’Hehir Board of Directors President, Dennis Thompson Vice President, Terry Scussel Treasurer, Michael Rice Secretary, Michael Hingson Karen Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor Delaney Venessa Dixon • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • 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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Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
PERSPECTIVE by JOE O' HEHIR Exciting New Vision for the Whistlestop Site
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revious articles in this column have kept you abreast of the challenges we have been facing concerning the future location of our Active Aging Center at 930 Tamalpais Avenue in central San Rafael due to the planned construction and operation of the SMART downtown station platform. We have been working with officials from The County of Marin, City of San Rafael, SMART and the transit agencies to come up with a workable solution. Much effort has been expended to find a suitable new location within or near downtown San Rafael. Some of the alternative sites have looked promising. However, during this search process, we kept coming back to the fact that our current location is the best one for our clients and their families. It is centrally located, and there are several convenient transportation options available to our clients for getting to our Center. We recently decided to change our direction from looking at relocation to one that would allow Whistlestop to remain at our current site. Fortunately, Forsher + Guthrie, an architectural, planning, and development firm located in San Rafael, offered to help. Matt Guthrie and Bob Forsher have generously donated their time, knowledge, skills and experience to help Whistlestop develop a new vision concept for our 930
Tamalpais site. We have presented this idea to the County, City and the transit agencies, and it has been positively received. The new vision began with what could occur should Whistlestop pursue a solution that would work within the City of San Rafael’s General Plan and Zoning development parameters. In other words, the City would allow Whistlestop’s privately owned property to be identified as an opportunity site for development within the City’s Station Area Plan. Our vision is to create Marin County’s first affordable transit-oriented development community center for older adults and people with disabilities. The design concept incorporates a new fivestory structure that would allow Whistlestop to remain on the current site, providing our vital transportation and active aging services, including the Jackson Café. The structure would have ground level parking and a covered drop-off and pick-up area for the Whistlestop buses. The Jackson Café would be located on the ground floor with a Fourth Street façade and entrance. There would be two levels of office space available for businesses, community services, and the transit agencies. The concept includes a plan to offer two floors of affordable housing for older continued on page 7
You’re Never Alone with Lifeline
Whistlestop, Pacific Sun Partners in Photo Contest
®
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histlestop is teaming up with the Pacific Sun to present a Marin County Photo Contest. This contest will be open 2011 Best of Show winner. to all residents of Marin County, and a special category is open to older adults – people 60 or older. The Whistlestop Express has had a photo contest for older adults for the past three years, and this is the PacSun’s sixth annual contest. Prizes will go to first, second and third place winners in each of three categories: Marin People, Pets and Animals; Marin Images; and Manipulated Images. Co-Sponsors are Marin Filmworks, Seawood Photo, Café Arrivederci and Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet. Entries must be submitted in digital form; no print submissions will be accepted. All entries must be saved as RGB files, saved at a dimension of at least 1,600 pixels wide (if entry is horizontal) or 1,600 pixels tall (if vertical), saved at maximum quality. Each photo must not exceed 2MB in size and must be in JPEG format. Entries may be submitted via email or on a CD. The entry deadline is July 3, by 5 pm. Winning entries will be displayed at Café Arrivederci from August 18 to September 13. The entry fee for older adults is $5 per submission, limit of one per category. Entry forms may be downloaded at http://www.pacificsun.com/ photo_contest/entry_info/entryform.pdf. Send one entry form per submission, along with photo as an attachment to photocontest@pacificsun.com. Please send only one photo per email. The PHOTO TITLE on the entry form must match the FILE NAME of the photo attachment. For more information, contact Linda Black at 485-6700, ext. 306. ✦
High Grades for Express
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eaders of the Whistlestop Express gave the publication good grades in our annual Readership Survey. The survey was published in the Express earlier this year. Gaining the highest grades were “Programs and Activities,” which tells continued on page 4
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MarinHelpers Connects Homeowners with Help
From Rocky's PANTRY b y R O C K Y PA C K A R D
D
o you need help with projects around your house? Do you need to have your yard cleaned up or some help with housecleaning? Do you have a painting project you’ve been putting off? Would you like to find someone to help but don’t know where to start? MarinHelpers is a project of Canal Alliance that specializes in connecting homeowners with affordable, reliable help. It’s easy to use. Call 721-7777 or visit MarinHelpers.com to get started. We’ll collect information about your job request and then match you with a worker who has the skills to complete your project. We’re not an employment agency, but rather a matching service between homeowners and workers. There is no fee and wages are paid directly to the workers. ✦ continued from page 3 us that readers enjoy knowing what is going on at Whistlestop. Eighty-six percent of respondents gave Programs and Activities a 5 (highest) or 4 mark. Readers were asked to score from a high of 5 to a low of 1 in 11 categories. The most popular regular column was Richard Pavek’s Bird’s Side of Marin, with 85.7 % of respondents giving it a 5 or 4. Other leaders, with percentages of 5s and 4s: Useful Information, 85.3%; Looks and Layout, 82.9%; Interesting Stories, 80.6%; Rocky’s Recipes, 79.4%; Whistlestop Perspective, 69.7%; Puzzles, 67.7%; and GrandMom column, 65.7%. Several readers also wrote in comments. Here is a sampling: “Keep up the good work – I read it cover to cover.” “Would like more vegetarian recipes.” “Appreciated the information on shredding.” ✦ 4
Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
A festive dish for a summer potluck or picnic. Serves 8 2-1/2 lb Chicken Breasts, trimmed of all fat, skin & bone 1 Cup Lemon Juice 1 Cup Water 1-1/2 Lemons, thinly sliced 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, extra virgin 1/4 Cup Lemon juice 1/4 Bunch Parsley, stems removed 1/4 Bunch Chopped basil 1/2 Bunch Scallion, thinly sliced 1/4 Bunch Thyme, finely chopped 1/4 lb Matchstick carrots, bagged and finely diced 1/2 oz White sugar Salt & pepper, to taste Marinate chicken in one cup each lemon juice and water for four hours. After chicken has marinated, line a perforated steamer pan with the lemon slices, then add the chicken slices in one layer; use as many pans as possible. Steam about 15 minutes or until there is no pink and it is 165 degrees inside. Allow to cool, then slice on the bias into thin strips. Place in a bowl with the parsley, thyme, basil, carrots, scallions, tossing well. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sugar well, adjusting the flavors if needed. Pour over the chicken and mix well. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 65 Calories; 7g Fat (86.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; Omg Cholesterol; 2mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat. ✦
Whistlestop Board Retreat
3COOTERS 0OWERCHAIRS AND 7HEELCHAIRS 2ENTALS AS LOW AS A DAY n’t Do iss! M
50% OFF SUMMER SALE
(Pre-Owned Equipment, Sat & Sun June 9-10)
SALES New & Used
Enjoying themselves at the recent Whistlestop Board Retreat are Board members, from left: Bill Saul, Bob Sonnenberg, Eleanor Delaney, Terry Scussel, Lori Peterson, Jane Lott, Michael Hingson, Debbie Mills, Dennis Thompson, Karen Arnold, Michael Rice, and Liza Cozad. The guide dogs are Nino on the left and Africa. They are the constant companions of Sonnenberg and Hingson, respectively.
RENTALS Daily s Weekly s Monthly
REPAIRS The ONLY Repair Facility in Marin
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EASY GIVE BACK TUESDAY!
Helping You Maintain Your Independence
E
very Tuesday, Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax donates a percentage of its proceeds to a local cause or organization. On Tuesday, June 5th, Giants vs Padres. Whistlestop will be the beneficiary, starting at 4pm! Go enjoy a delicious meal, support a locallyowned restaurant and Whistlestop. 765 Center Blvd, Fairfax, 485-1005.
As everyday life becomes more challenging, a little help can go a long way.
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
x x x x x
A sample of our services: •Grocery HospiceShopping Care Care Care x •• Memory Alzheimer’s • Companion Care Med Reminders Prepare Meals x Med Reminders • Housekeeping • Bathing/Dressing Housekeeping x • Laundry Bathing/Dressing •Light Transportation to Appointment x • Cooking Laundry •Drive Run Errands •Run PostErrands Surgery Care Much More! x • And And Much More!
Call Today and Get $25 off!
415-451-0100 whistlestop.org 5
New ‘Pop-Up’ Restaurant Opening at Whistlestop on June 1
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new “Pop-Upâ€? restaurant, The Chicken Diva, is coming to Whistlestop on June 1. The “Pop-Upâ€? trend is alive in Oakland; last year several small businesses moved into unoccupied spaces. The Chicken Diva will occupy Whistlestop’s Jackson CafĂŠ space on Fridays and Saturdays. Jackson CafĂŠ thrives during lunchtime Mondays through Friday and is closed on weekends. The Chicken Diva will be open Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8pm for takeout only, Friday from 4 to 9pm for takeout only and Saturday will be dine in or takeout. The lunch and dinner special will be the same on Saturday; the prices and portions will be different. Discounted prices will be available for children and folks 60 and older. The number to order take-out is 259-1253. Rachael Griffin, owner of The Chicken Diva, grew up in Marin City and started cooking as a little girl. She says, “I have never been to the south, but my mom’s friend Helen, who was like a grandmother to me, was from Louisiana. It was her amazing cooking that sparked my love for Southern food, and I draw from this
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Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
influence with my own creative twist.â€? Rachael won a prize in a Betty Crocker national soul food contest several years ago with her “Lip Smackin’ SmothRachael Griffin, owner ered Chicken.â€? “I am combining my love for cooking and passion for poetry,â€? said Rachael, a spoken word poet. “We will hold poetry events where customers can buy tickets in advance that will include a prix fixe dinner. This restaurant means so much more to me than just feeding people good food. It is my testimony of hope and inspiration that no matter your circumstance, anything is possible when you have faith and believe in yourself. My mom passed away four years ago, and she was my best friend. Life has been really tough without her, but she always believed in my talent and potential. She would be so proud of me. I had a vision of one day owning my own restaurant but God has blessed me beyond my imagination. I am so grateful to Whistlestop for embracing my vision and allowing me to have this Pop-Up restaurant within the Jackson CafĂŠ.â€? The menu will consist of Rachael’s Signature Fried Chicken Ă la carte on Fried Chicken Fridays. A Soul Food Saturday lunch special from 11 to 2:30 pm will feature macaroni and cheese, green beans with smoked turkey and cornbread. Saturdays will feature a dinner menu. Rachael says, “Enjoy our Sassy Sweet potato turnovers and root beer floats for dessert. Prices for customers under 60 from $10 and up.â€? âœŚ
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Faces of Whistlestop By VICKY VOICEHOWKSY
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hotographer Stephanie Mohan took photos of a number of Whistlestop participants, and from time to time we will publish short profiles on them in a series called Faces of Whistlestop. Lastenia Reales— “Whistlestop is my second home. I spend half of my time awake here.â€? Lastenia has been coming to Whistlestop for more than 10 years. In those years, she has learned to speak English, has become a peer counselor for the ACASA program in Marin County and a U.S. citizen through the citizenship classes she took at Whistlestop. Lastenia also loves the diversity she finds at Whistlestop. “I like that people of different cultures can express themselves freely here.â€? Shirley Young—Shirley is an avid fan of the Whistlestop’s fitness program. She religiously attends her Whistlesizers class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “I am able to walk better, feel better — I just look forward to coming here.â€? After exercising, Shirley heads to the Jackson CafĂŠ for a delicious lunch. “The socialization is the biggest reason why I come here. I love to be around nice people, the staff and all the volunteers. They have been very kind to me.â€? âœŚ
continued from page 2
adults and people with disabilities. Whistlestop’s continued presence at the current central transit location is a vital connection between the significant local and special needs transit service and the regional and Countywide access needs of older adults and people with disabilities. We are very excited about this new vision concept because it will allow us to continue with our mission at the best location for our clients and their families. We will keep you updated on Whistlestop’s progress to make this new vision a reality. âœŚ
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October 25 Noon-6pm
4th Annual Marin Symposium for Estate Planning Advisors Producer: J.R. Hastings Law Location: Four Points Sheraton
Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website at www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php
or Telephone 415-459-6635 whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP ADVANCED ENGLISH CONVERSATION Mondays, 2 to 3:30pm | June 4 to July 30 Fee: Free | Register: Vicky Voicehowsky, 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. LET’S KNIT! Thursdays • 10am to Noon Information: Vicky Voicehowsky, 457-0586 Fee: Free This bilingual group knits for fun using donated yarn. All finished items are available for sale at Whistlestop’s gift shop in the Lounge; proceeds benefit our Arts program. Yarn donations are welcome and needed! COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS Beginning: 2nd Friday •2 to 4pm Advanced: 3rd Friday •2 to 4pm Fee: $15 | Instructor: Gene Dyer Registration required: 459-6700 Call for more information and class descriptions. DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays/Wednesdays • 10 to 2pm Need help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-on-one, if needed. HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS 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 to get some clarity on housing choices in Marin. Leslie Klor, Housing Advocate will be presenting a housing options workshop on June 8 at 10:30 to 11:30am at Whistlestop. Beginning July 11, Leslie
Commission on Aging-Healthy Aging Symposium Thursday, June 14 • 10:00-12:30 pm Where: San Rafael Community Center Topic: What is Marin Village Presenter: Representative from Marin Village 8
Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
will be available for individual housing consultations on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 2 to 4pm. Don’t delay! Start planning today! For more information, call Leslie at 456-9062, x132. NEW CLASS ZUMBA Mondays • 11am to Noon • Begins June 11 Fee: $8 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. NEW WORKSHOP BEGINS AT WHISTLESTOP MEMORY BOOK WORKSHOP Mondays/Wednesdays • June 4-27 • 2 to 4pm Pre-registration required: 456-9062 Class participants will create a photo book that tells a personal story. Emphasis is on family history or personal biography. Participants will be led through a storyboarding exercise that creates a memory book filled with text and photos along with artifacts from vital records. We will help scan in old family photos and use genealogy websites to research family history. Class culminates with use of a commercial photo book publisher (i.e. Shutterfly) to order a bound book to share with family and friends. GOING PLACES Marin YMCA and Whistlestop would like to invite you to join Adventures in Culture. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are many points of interest to visit. The Y plans older adult trips to different locations such as museums, attractions, gardens, and much more. To register for a trip or hike, please contact Lisa O’Brien, MARIN YMCA, 492-9622 or Debbie Benedetti, Whistlestop, 456-9062. EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS Wednesday, June 13: Hike Agate Beach | Fee: $5 This is an easy, flat hike along the beach west of Bolinas, starting from Agate Beach County Park, at the end of Elm Road. It will be near the quarter moon, so the tide
should be low at mid-day when we’ll be hiking, allowing walking on the more firm wet sand of the beach. Friday, June 15: Angel Island with Tram Tour Fees: Facility Member $20, Program Member $25, Community Member $35 Angel Island is a wonderful natural resource, rich with California history and perfect for a “day away” from urban life. Take a tour on the Island Tram for a more leisurely day, stroll the paved Perimeter Road around the Island, taking in the views of Tiburon, San Francisco, the East Bay and the San Rafael Bridge. Wednesday, June 27: Hike, Limantour Beach, North to the Estero | Fee: $5 This is another flat hike, mostly on the firm, wet sand at the low tide of another quarter moon, starting from the end of Limantour Road on the Point Reyes peninsula. It’s about three miles north to the mouth of Drakes Estero, where we’ll eat our picnic lunches on the beach before returning the way we came. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Contact: Debbie at 456-9062 or programs@whistlestop.org • Jackson Café • Center Services • Board/Card Game Leaders • Chiropractor • Watercolors Instructor • Italian Social Group Leader • Portuguese Social Group Leader • Bi-lingual Computer Teacher • F undraising & Marketing Support IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED Mah Jongg sets, books, yarn, and exercise mats. If you have items to donate, please call Debbie at 456-9062. FALL PREVENTION: WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL Tuesday, June 26 • 3:30 to 4:30pm Instructor: Thomas Attardi, MA, NMT. A workshop to help older adults learn ways to prevent falls. The workshop, for those who have fallen or who fear falling, is designed to help participants identify why they fall and learn techniques to prevent falls, including strength and balance exercises and home safety.
RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASS Tuesdays & Thursdays in June • 2:30 to 3:30 pm Donation: $10 per class/drop-ins welcome Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT, has been working in the health and healing rehabilitation field since 1992. 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. Bring a water bottle and 1lb. or 2 lb. weights to class. USING POLES FOR WALKING, BALANCE & MOBILITY Wednesday, June 20 • 1:30 to 4pm Fee: $28, payable at registration. (100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back.) Instructor: Jayah Faye Paley, personal trainer, mobility coach. Registration required: 456-9062 Jayah Faye Paley, Educator and creator of award-winning training on how to use poles, has designed a special class for Whistlestop. Easy-to-learn skills designed to help you preserve your joints, improve posture, balance, gait and confidence, improve endurance and upper body strength, reduce stress on knees, hips and spine, Top quality poles provided for practice. Join us to learn techniques that help you navigate everyday obstacles and more fully enjoy life! Discover which type of poles fit you best and can help you achieve your goals. www.PolesForMobility.com. FRIDAY FLICKS Whistlestop offers free movies every Friday at 2pm in the Lounge. June Movies June 1: The Artist June 8: We Bought a Zoo June 15: The Iron Lady June 22: War Horse June 29: Water for Elephants (Movies are subject to change)
whistlestop.org 9
MONDAYS
Whistlestop 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 $8
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 Open
$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
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
9:15–10:15 AM 10:00–NOON 11:00–NOON 2:00–3:30 PM 2:30–3:30 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
1:30–3:30 PM 1:30–3:30 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 2:00–4:00 PM 3:00–4:00 PM
Jackson Café
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pm $10 $4/8min. Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center Free
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
Whistlesizers (Exercise) Knit!!! Latin Rhythm English Conversation Balance Class Basic English for Spanish Speakers
Open 457-0586 454-0998 454-0998 Open 457-0586
$2 Free $2 Free $10 Free
ACASA (Support/Training) Practice Spanish (Club) Friday Flicks Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Yoga with Kelly
Peer Counseling Open Open June 8 & 22 456-9062
Free Free Free $3 $3
Free Free Free Free
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
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
JUNE 2012
b y R I C H A R D PAV E K PHOTOS © RICHARD PAVEK
The Bird's Side OF MARIN
Lonely Bachelor No More
L
ast August I wrote about the lonely bachelor Great Blue Heron standing tall on a nest at Stowe Lake performing a ‘Stretch Display’ – hoping to attract a mate. Day after day he performed without ever attracting one. I began photographing the small colony again about a month ago. There he was, all by himself, preening and displaying without a single response. I was disappointed in that and also that the colony had shrunk. Only three nests this year, one had two chicks — a poor showing. A few years ago there were six nests and many more chicks. I’ve been busy upgrading computers this week, and hadn’t returned until today. The
first thing I noticed was nest-building activity — new nests, the small colony was expanding. And I noticed that my old friend from last year was not doing his stretch displays. Too bad, I thought. I guessed he was just getting too old, when suddenly the head of a young female rose from a spot at his feet! My goodness. After all this time and effort, the Lonely Bachelor had scored! I couldn’t have been happier; all his effort had paid off. Wish I could get so lucky. Guess I need to get out there and stretch my head back and bristle my feathers a few times. Who knows? If it works for Great Blue Herons, it might work for humans. Every weekend I email an interesting 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 time, Richard whistlestop.org 11
Music For a Bridge By PETER KLAIN
line of a race, and I join in. It is a noise at once triumphant, but also of tears. At last, all we had hoped for these long months away in a foreign land, these months of dreams … then it came to me – the Bridge meant home. We docked not long after that, and there was my wife waiting for me. We’d barely had time for a honeymoon before I had been called back to duty, but now, looking back at the Golden Gate Bridge, I knew this time I was truly home.
(Excerpt from a longer story about the Golden Gate Bridge) rom afar, there is a delicate tracery about her. Now, in 2012, as she approaches her 75th birthday, she is a sturdy structure, perhaps stronger than she was when she was built, for she has had several upgrades over the years. Author, Peter Klain, 94, recently died. He had At the time she was built, with an opening in been a favorite in Claudia Carroll’s Remem1937, she was an engineering marvel, the longest single span suspension bridge ever built. She was brance Writing class at Whistlestop. He and his to have a conventional paint job and was given a wife adopted four special needs children. He base coat of bright orange. It was then that a flash played the role of Uncle Tom while he was at of genius occurred among those in charge – the UCLA. Other actors in the play were the future base coat, especially when reflecting the setting father of Sean Penn, and Tom Bradley, future sun, seemed to make the bridge glow as if golden. mayor of L.A. ✦ And so today, she remains a golden bridge, spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Go forward to 1953, when the troop ship General Meigs, with 4,000 men aboard, returns from duty in Korea. In my stateroom, which I share with one of the officers, we have finished our marathon cribbage game. The ship’s engines are muted, as we have stopped momentarily. We know what has happened as we have been briefed previously; the waters of San Francisco Bay can be treacherous to the unfamiliar boat or ship, and we have stopped to pick up a pilot. But this means our voyage is almost over. I am restless, impatient, so I go up on deck, which is thronged with men anxious to be done with the threeweek-long cruise. Slowly, the ship gains headway and moves toward the Bay. In the distance, the first burst of dawn is outlined against the graceful arch of the bridge. Gradually, as the ship starts to pass under the bridge, a great shout erupts from the bow and sweeps on back as we proceed. I cannot help myself – it was much like crossing the finish Cinco de Mayo super moon by Terry Scussel.
F
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Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
Do Not Tell This Woman She Can’t Do Something
W
histlestop’s newest Board member, businesswoman Venessa Dixon of Mill Valley, has a deep understanding of what it means to overcome adversity. The successful operations manager of Golden Years Medical in San Rafael immigrated with her family to the United States from South Africa. They remember the apartheid years when the population was divided into four racial groups – White, Black, Indian and Colored (racially mixed). Those groups were forbidden to associate with each other. Her family – parents Ronnie and Viggie Naiker and three children – were part of the Indian community. Under apartheid, Indians lived in segregated areas and attended separate schools. Whites were considered superior to the other groups and Venessa’s father hated segregation. He couldn’t stand the fact, that despite being very successful, he would never be in line for his boss’s position because that was reserved for whites only. He joined the United Democratic Front (UDF), a non-racial, anti-apartheid coalition. Venessa later learned that their home was under surveillance by the South African police. The family finally made their way to the US. In an interview with Northbay Biz, Venessa recalls an experience shortly after they settled in San Francisco, where Venessa was enrolled in a very ethnically diverse middle school. She was told in South Africa that there were three levels of intelligence based on race, and that whites would always be the highest. So when she earned the highest score on her first test at her new school, she was shocked. She said she couldn’t believe she had gotten a higher score than the white children. “I thought, ‘No one is ever going to tell me I can’t do something or put limitations on me again.’”
Her entire family has that indomitable spirit. When her father suffered a stroke several years ago, they all pulled together to manage his rehab and they were grateful that, because of the family business, they were able to provide him with every type of medical equipment he needed. Ronnie founded Golden Years Medical in 1987 after coming to this country with virtually no money and little promise for success. When Venessa joined the company after graduation from UC Berkeley, she developed her own billing manual through many hours of hard work. That gave the firm a competitive edge. Instead of complaining about the complexity of medical equipment insurance reimbursement, she created her own system. No one tells Venessa Dixon there’s only one way to do something. “We are excited to have Venessa and her positive can-do spirit joining the Whistlestop Board of Directors,” said Dennis Thompson, Board President. ✦
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PHOTO © TERRY SCUSSEL
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man who has been called the most organized man in America stopped by Whistlestop for a gathering that attracted 90 people who wanted to learn how to lighten their load of clutter and historic accumulation. Andrew Mellen has been on the Nate Berkus Show and in O magazine. He told the audience that the first thing to do when getting organized is to think about your core values; what is it you really want in your life? And he suggested it isn’t the “stuff.” He shared his top three tools for getting organized: make sure there is one home for everything; put like things together; and take one item out for every item you bring into your home for equilibrium. Andrew signs his book, Unstuff Your Life, with “More Love, Less Stuff.” ✦
B y VA L E R I E B O W M A N
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Did You Know?? Whistlestop serves more than 17,000 low-cost meals a year to Marin County residents at our onsite Jackson Café, fé, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San an Rafael. Not only is the food good, but the e café has become a popular place to socialize l during d noontime. 14
Whistlestop Express
JUNE 2012
A
Buying Fresh Dairy Products
W
hen you are shopping for dairy products, take a few extra minutes to check your expiration dates. Often, if you look back a few rows you will find products that have a later expiration date. Be especially careful with items like sour cream and cottage cheese. They do not sell as quickly as milk, and when they are left out in the coolers they tend to warm up. If you pick cartons that are buried in the back or toward the bottom they will have been kept cooler and will also keep longer once you get them home. ✦
Red Hat Ladies Pay a Visit
Marin History Museum Now Has its Own ‘App’
T The Red Hat Ladies paid Whistlestop a visit recently. Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO said, “Whistlestop enjoyed having the Red Hat Ladies visit and lunch with us. What a fun bunch!”
Whistlestop Volunteers Honored
We were so pleased to honor our outstanding volunteers at the annual Appreciation Reception. Debbie Benedetti, Volunteer and Activities Manager, said “Our wonderful volunteer community gave over 14,000 hours of their time to Whistlestop participants over the past year. We couldn’t reach so many without their help.”
Brain TEASERS By GARY GRUBER, PhD
Question: If there are 24 people at a party and each person shakes another persons hand, how many handshakes are there? Answer: 276. There are 24 combinations taken 2 at a time. This is written as 24C2 = 24X23/(2 X 1) = 276. Question: Which verb does not belong with the other words in the set? BRING BUY CATCH DRAW FIGHT SEEK TEACH THINK Answer: DRAW is the only verb on the list with a past tense that does not rhyme with OUGHT. You can contact Dr. Gruber through his website www.drgarygruber.com for information on courses or any questions. He will try to personally answer all questions.
he Marin History Museum (MHM), based in San Rafael, joins a select group of prominent institutions with the launch of the Marin History Museum Smartphone Application. The museum, 1125 B Street, is one of fewer than a dozen museums nationally that have developed applications as part of their public offerings. George Thelen, a volunteer and project leader, said the MHM is becoming a more user-friendly community experience. Director Michelle Kaufman is proud of the museum’s commitment to community-building and says, “This application is another example of how MHM is actively working to extend our outreach, engage our audience and encourage a more interactive and participatory experience with Marin history, for all who love Marin.” The MHM App gives users access to the largest and most extensive collection of Marin County related historic content. The non-profit museum is the steward of the largest collection of artifacts, photographs and ephemera related to Marin County and is solely supported by community donations and individual donors. The museum received a generous donation from Marin County resident, Michael J. Sullivan for Catherine Coffey to fund this application. Marin History Museum is doing a lot with a little and the App puts MHM on the map, too. Kaufman adds, “We are thrilled to be the only county history museum with such an advanced mobile application. This is an exciting era in our own organization’s history and we are so grateful to have this opportunity to share this resource with Marin.” The App will be updated monthly and is available for free for a limited time on iPhone, iPad and Android platforms online on the APP Store. ✦ whistlestop.org 15
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Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM