Whistlestop Express May 2016

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

EXERCISE & TECHNOLOGY

Zumba: Dance Your Way to Fitness Page 4 whistlestop.org

Larkspur Walkers Page 5

Get Fit Fair May 18 Page 6 MAY 2016

WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office: Open 8:30am-5pm M-F 415-456-9062 Transportation – 415-454-0902 Meals on Wheels – 415-457-4636 Help Desk – 415-459-6700 resource@whistlestop.org To have the Express emailed sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Tom Roberts, Chief Operating Officer Yvonne Roberts, Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org Anita Renzetti, Director of Program Innovation John and Val Bowman,Whistlestop Express Editors, 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President; Etta Allen, Vice President; Karen Arnold, Treasurer; Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary; Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Advertising: Rozan Donals rdonals@pacificsun.com Danielle McCoy dmccoy@pacificsun.com Marianne Misz mmisz@pacificsun.com Phaedra Strecher, Art Director pstrecher@pacificsun.com Rosemary Olson, Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com Our Mission Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

LIKE US on Facebook

2

Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

By JOE O’HEHIR

Keeping Active Thanks to My Fitbit and Fur Friend

I

n February, I turned 65, and my family, friends, co-workers, and the media have bombarded me with reminders to stay active as I age. It’s easy for them to say since most of my family, friends and colleagues are quite a bit younger than I! Actually, I must admit that I feel better at 65 than I ever imagined. When I was younger, I sometimes worried about getting older and not being able to enjoy physical activity. I have always enjoyed playing sports and thankfully I still can keep up with my younger buddies. It now just takes my body longer to recover after strenuous activity.

This edition of the Whistlestop Express focuses on Exercise and Technology.

I personally have found technology to be helpful with my physical activity routine. For the past year, I have worn a Fitbit to track my daily, weekly, and monthly steps taken, miles walked, calories burned and floors climbed.

The results displayed on the Fitbit provide positive reinforcement that I’m staying active.

It’s invigorating to see the

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

display light up when I have reached my daily 10,000 steps goal. When I receive a Fitbit progress success badge e-mail, I’m as proud as when I received a Boy Scout achievement badge as a young man.

Technology use by older adults goes well beyond fitness monitors. Baby Boomers in their retirement years, and even the elderly, are embracing computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices as they seek to better manage their own physical health. There are more and more uses of technology to promote physical fitness popping up every day. A crop of new activity trackers promises to collect data on your every move and offer new insights about your health.

As we know, technology can be considered both a complement and a curse.

It can help improve our communication and access to knowledge, but can cause a separation from human interaction, which is a great divide between the younger and older generations.

We need to accept it and embrace it with a cultural shift, but at the same time, remember that older adults still rely on personal touch

Caleb

and involvement from family, friends, and the community. That’s why our Whistlestop Active Aging Center classes such as Zumba, Tai Chi, and Yoga remain very popular with our older adult participants.

I would be remiss for not giving credit to my dear fur friend, Caleb, our 12-yearold rescue dog, for helping to keep me physically active. Almost every day for the past dozen years I have walked Caleb up in the foothills of China Camp Park behind our home.

Caleb knows the routine and stares at me with a wagging tail when it’s time for his walk. No matter how stiff of body or how tired I may be, I get up and make that walk with him.

And, it becomes one of the enjoyable moments in my life.

Joe O’Hehir is CEO of Whistlestop.

Sudden Boom in Technology Helpful to Older Adults

T

he concern about aging parents living alone is about to reach an all-time high and many seniors prefer to keep their independence as long as possible. This begs the question, “How can we keep our parents safe and have peace of mind at a cost that we can afford?”

While there has been an explosion of wearable technology – devices that monitor an individual’s health and fitness levels, including sleep patterns and water intake to name a few – products just for seniors have been lacking. The good news is that is starting to change.

Asif Khan of Caremerge, a healthcare technology company dedicated to improving communication and care coordination within senior living facilities, has identified several forwardthinking companies that have stepped up to help solve this

problem. Here is a list of apps and technologies that can help families, patients, and health care providers keep our seniors safe: Lively – Small sensors are placed on objects within the home – such as prescription pill bottles or the refrigerator – to detect when the resident is taking medications, getting food, or leaving the home.

Activity signals are sent from the sensors to Lively’s website (no Internet or Wi-Fi connection required), where the data is held for family members and caregivers to monitor. Data is also shared via smartphones and email, with notifications on any irregular activity. A printed LivelyGram mailer with photos and messages from family members and friends is automatically created twice a month for the adult in the home. (www.mylively. com)

WalkJoy – Recovering from a fall at an old age is extremely difficult. It can result in a lack of mobility, causing depression and other serious conditions that can put the patient in a downward spiral. WalkJoy’s non-invasive technology aids in the restoration of gait and balance for people with peripheral neuropathy.

Devices are attached to the knees to re-establish a signal, telling the brain that the heel just struck the ground.

The brain’s central nervous system incorporates the new signal from the device, and the motor system responds as if there is no loss of sensation in the foot, thereby returning the person to a normal gait. A second device, WalkingHealth, serves as a walking diagnostic tool, helping to reduce falls by those elders suffering from mobility challenges. (www. walkjoy.com) RespondWell – Physical fitness and healthy daily movement are critical to healthy aging. RespondWell uses a Kinect sensor to help understand a person’s physical limitations and connect them with a therapist who can create an individualized physical fitness plan. The plan is then plugged into RespondWell, where an avatar helps the patient follow along and determines progress.

Feedback is sent back to the designated therapist, so they can monitor progress and make changes to the plan. (www.respondwell.com) Independa and LG – A meticulously designed interface known as “Angela” is a HAL-like personality

built in to LG TVs and ready to use with larger screen fonts and higher contrast for older adults. When activated for use, the viewer can browse the web, use video chat with friends and family, access simple e-mail, play games, see family photos, follow a daily schedule and get medication reminders.

Angela can even be programmed to call mom or dad to remind them to take medications. These services are available through TVs and laptops in private homes and senior living facilities. (www.independa.com) PocketFinder – These discreet devices allow families to have peace of mind while their loved ones remain mobile with a GPS locator to help stay connected. These GPS locators provide real time location information and activity that can be viewed through a web-based portal or smartphone. There is also a device that mounts directly onto a vehicle and is powered by the car’s battery. (www. pocketfinder.com) Guardian Medical Monitoring – Guardian offers the Virtually There Care camera monitoring system, which allows family members to check in on their loved ones living independently via remote camera viewing and audible communication.

This decreases the need for paid caregivers and daily check-ins, lowers home care costs in assisted living or nursing placement, and extends independence. (www. guardianmedicalmonitoring. com) See more at: www. theonlinemom.com

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

3

The 2016 Whistlestop Annual Directory of Older Adults Services is Available!

RVICES

ULT SE OLDER AD COUNTY TORY OF N – MARIN 2016 DIREC 28TH EDITIO I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE AN S. I NEED A ART CLAS SUPPORT GROUP.

MOM DOES MY FOR QUALIFY MEALS ON WHEELS?

WHO CAN ME IN-HO PROVIDE VICES? HEALTH SER

I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO USE MY COMPUTER! I NEED ION INFORMAT .

ON HOUSING WHO CAN HELP ME S? IN A CRISI

WHERE CAN I R? VOLUNTEE

HELP WHO CAN ME HO WITH MY REPAIRS? CAN SOMEONE TRANSLATE FOR ME?

I NEED A RIDE! WHERE CAN I GET HEALTHY FOOD?

WHERE CAN TAL I GET DEN CARE? I HOW CAN L FIND LEGA HELP?

WHERE CAN WE GO ?

DANCING

RG E S T O P. O W H I S T L by the Pacific Sun published

This resource directory covers services that older adults and their families might need to live healthy, active lives in Marin County.

The printed and online versions of the Directory are FREE to the public and available at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, and at www.whistlestop. org, under the Services tab.

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Thursday, May 5 9am – 1pm Where: Embassy Suites, San Rafael Topic: Healthy Aging Symposium Speaker: Spencer Michels

4

Teacher Marion Boumans-Isaacson, far right, with her class.

Zumba: Dance Your Way to Fitness

By JOHN BOWMAN

O

ne of the most enjoyable parts of being a Zumba instructor is hearing how the popular exercise helps participants, says Marion Boumans-Isaacson.

“People come up to me all the time and say how this is helping them with practical things like lifting groceries into the car or carrying luggage at the airport.”

Marion teaches Zumba at Whistlestop on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30am.

She has been a Zumba instructor for eight years, including the past year at Whistlestop. “It’s a fun way to exercise,” she said. “I teach Zumba Gold, which

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

is designed for active older adults. You get to dance to music from all around the world and you don’t need a partner.” Most of her students – averaging 15 per class – are between the ages of 60 and 65. “But some are even older. Others are people recovering from an injury.”

She adds light weights, usually just one pound, to her classes, which helps build muscle. “Zumba is good for strengthening as well as being a great cardiovascular workout,” she said. “It also helps with balance as we get older.”

Marion stays fit herself because she is leading 12 classes a week at sites

around Marin. She got interested in Zumba when a friend of hers taught a class.

“I started going and felt better. So then I got certified and started building up my own classes.”

“I started going and felt better.”

You can join the fun by showing up for a class at the Caboose some Monday or Thursday morning, or by emailing Marion: zumbagirlmarion@gmail. com.

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

Best Senior Living Facility

Larkspur Walkers Make Friends & Stay Fit

Residential Living Apartments Available Now

Best Senior Living Facility

40 Camino Alto Mill Valley 94941

By VAL BOWMAN

T

he Larkspur Walkers, sponsored by the City of Larkspur’s Recreation Department, welcome you to join them on walks that start and finish at Piper Park. The group is not limited to Larkspur residents.

Nancy Spivey, former director of the Larkspur Rec Department, started the group in 1987 for walks along bike paths and trails, and the easement staircases in and around Larkspur rain or shine. Walkers are not discouraged by the weather. The group walks about three miles from 9 to 10am Monday, Wednesday, Friday and some Saturdays.

There are two groups; some routes include hills and easement staircases and others stick to flat and easier terrain. Come to Piper Park or contact the Recreation Department at 415-927-6746.

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

Benefits of joining ‘ the group go beyond fitness and physical health. According to a longtime member of the group, the social benefits are enormous.

’

Benefits of joining the group go beyond fitness and physical health. According to a longtime member of the group, the social benefits are enormous. It’s a very interactive group and members come to care about each other, often checking on people if they miss a few days. They also share news of different activities and opportunities that are available for older adults in the area.

Schedule a Visit

Contact: Pam Bill 415.383.2741

theredwoods.org

Four Living Options: Independent Residential Personal Care Skilled Nursing

Memory Care:

helping hand for seniors is also a helping

Our

hand for their

families.

Personalized care in a homelike environment. If your family is overwhelmed caring for a relative with cognitive and memory problems or dementia, the family at NCPHS can help. We offer specialized activities, supervision and compassionate care 24/7. Wellness, safety and comfort are our highest priorities, and our well-trained staff creates an atmosphere that’s just like home. We strive to make our residents happy, which may be the best medicine of all. Call or email Janey Dobson at 415.351.7956, jdobson@ncphs.org to learn more.

A Life Care Community sequoias-pv.org 501 Portola Valley Rd

A Life Care Community sequoias-sf.org 1400 Geary Boulevard

These not-for-profit communities are part of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services.

License #410500567 COA #075 I License # 380500593 COA #097

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

5

Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP

For a full list of classes and services, check out the monthly calendar online at whistlestop.org/

classes/calendar or pick one up at the Active Aging Center. Fees listed for classes show the member fee, followed by the non-member fee. Join Whistlestop for the 2016 year to enjoy valuable discounts and benefits! Remember to sign up for all classes and events in advance by visiting or calling the front desk at 415-456-9062.

Mind your Memory Workshop Series Mondays, May 9, 16, 23, & June 6, 2:30-4pm; $45/50

CELEBRATIONS/EVENTS

Instructor: Chance Massaro, M.A. This interactive workshop series will help you remember more easily where you put things, peoples’ names, and how to use your brain more effectively.

You will learn a simple technique to restore mental vigor, learn rapidly, and remember what you want. Chance Massaro is a local educator and author whose expertise is Rapid Learning Memory Improvement. His presentation is interactive and fun, and participants leave with tools to improve memory and learn faster. Visit memorybackguarantee.com

Cinco de Mayo Lunch Fiesta Thurs, May 5, 11:30-1:30 pm; Entertainment 12-1pm $8/10

A celebration of Mexican pride with a special lunch and entertainment in the Jackson Café. Lunch features chicken mole enchiladas (or veggie enchiladas) with drunken pinto beans, Spanish rice, flan for dessert, with festive dances from the Corazon Latino Social Group and music from Bread & Roses Presents™. Purchase tickets by May 2 by calling or visiting our Front Desk. Cinco de Mayo – or the Fifth of May – commemorates the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

Celebrating our Mothers Lunch Tues, May 17, 11:30-2pm; regular menu pricing

Come and celebrate mothers with lunch and music from the Redwood Wind Quartet in the Jackson Café.

Order your favorite dish from our delicious menu at an affordable price.

Get Fit Exercise Sampler and Wellness Fair Wed, May 18, Exercise 9:30am-12pm; Guided Walk, 10:05-10:35am; Wellness Fair 9:30 am-1pm; Lunch 12-12:30pm, provided by Good Earth Natural & Organic Foods Event held at Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal St, San Rafael Reservations required: call Whistlestop to sign up today. Lunch request is $3 (donation) onsite if 60+ 6

(or $6 donation if under 60).

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, there will be a variety of movement and exercise mini-classes and a health fair for you to learn more about local services to support your well-being, including nutritional information, hydration, breast cancer information, and guided imagery.

Short Play Performance: “On With the Wind” Tues, May 24, 3:30-4pm; Free

Written by local author Carol Sheldon, the action of this play takes place in the community room of a retirement home where five seniors are attending a video showing of that old classic movie “Gone with the Wind.” They only have part two of the movie, as the tape of part one is broken. Come see this humorous production with an all-star local community cast. Watch the play and stay to ask questions of the director and cast.

Crafts with Kids: Celebrating our Mothers Tues, May 10, 3:30-5pm Free (Donations Appreciated)

Instructor: Marta Villela, Hispanic Multicultural Programs Coordinator Come and make arts and crafts to honor our mothers with students from San Rafael High School at Whistlestop.

We will show you how. Supplies will be provided.

Abstract Watercolor Techniques Eight Wednesdays starting May 11, 10:30am-12pm; $40/45 Materials Fee

Zentangle Thurs, May 19, 1:30-3 pm Fee: $3/$5

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

Seniors Circle Wednesdays 10-11:30am; Free (Donations Appreciated) Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing This is an open support group for independent older adults (men and women, 55+) who give each other the gift of listening. This is done in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom. Drop-in.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and Medication Reviews Fridays, 9:30-11am; Free (Donations Appreciated)

Play Ping Pong with the Racketeers Fridays, May 13 & 27, 2-4pm

Medicare 101 Seminar: Learn the Nuts and Bolts Wed, May 11, 10am-12pm; Free (Donations Appreciated)

Fall Prevention Presentation Tues, May 3, 3:30-5 pm; Free

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

Instructor: Karen Raccanello Improve your Italian speaking and conversation skills in this exciting Italian class. Pre-requisite: Basic Italian instruction

Instructor: Anna Ladyzhenskaya In this fun session, we will focus on the visual elements of abstract art: line, color, form, shape, pattern or texture. Since these abstract watercolor painting instructions show you the basic steps to create your own abstract watercolor paintings, you can free your creativity and enjoy the process!

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Instructors: Senior Occupational Therapy students from Dominican University, Salvador Chavez, Jocelle Flores, Emily Vassallo, and Rachel Yambao.

Interactive education material will be provided regarding simple home modifications, polypharmacy, fear of falling, and balance exercises to do at home.

Intermediate Italian 10 Thursdays starting May 19, 1-2:30pm; $20/25

Instructor: Vivian Malcy; $2 per class/ Drop-in • Good for your mind, spirit and body. Join a friendly group of regulars who enjoy the benefits of the game. All levels encouraged.

Free weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews are being provided by Bright Star Care, a home care agency that provides home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin. For info: 415-332-3300.

Instructor: Cara Suminski of SCAN Health Plan Continued on page 11

Computer Mouse: Marin Connection FROM MARIN MAGAZINE BY MARC HERSHON

Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES

This Month at Whistlestop Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.

TIME

Marin Magazine

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

B

So what led you to make the discovery of using a mouse as a pointing device? It was quite clear that you needed a way to select things on the screen.

So we looked at different ways you might do that.

There were several ideas that came up, so I set up an experiment on pointing devices. The concept behind the mouse was a planimeter, a device that’s used to measure the area of the circle. It has two orthogonal wheels just like a mouse. … I was able to determine the wheel diameter and got the SRI machine shop to make the first mouse. And we did a great demo in 1968.

The Mother of All Demos, it was called. That’s the first place the mouse was shown.

Doug Englebart (team leader) was using the mouse and it got a huge amount of attention. It was a great experience.

Where did the name “mouse” come from? I imagine I did that. We had this box and a tail came out of it. Why not call it a mouse?

Jackson Café Entrees from $6-$8

Open to the public for lunch every weekday!

Fresh. Affordable.

Delicious.

FRIDAYS

Bill English lives in Bel Marin Keys.

INFO

FEE

Zumba Drop-in Y 10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y

10AM–NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N 10:30AM–NOON German Social Group Drop-in N

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

11AM–12PM Music and Movement 415-485-9318 Y

12:30–1:30PM Russian Social Group 415-454-0998 N

9:30–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 10AM–NOON Mah Jongg Drop-in N 10:30AM–1:30PM Manicures Drop-in N 10:45–11:45AM Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Y 11:30AM–12:30PM French Class Drop-in Y 1–2PM French Social Group Drop-in N 1–3PM Beg./Int. Conversational Spanish Drop-in Y

9–10:15AM Tai Chi Drop-in Y

10–11:30AM Seniors’ Circle Drop-in N

10–NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N

10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y 10:30AM–NOON Abstract Watercolor Starts 5/11 Y

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

* 11AM–1PM Corazón Latino 415-454-0998 N

2–4PM Knitting Group Drop-in N

3:30–5PM Citizenship Class 415-454-0998 Y

9:30–10:30AM Zumba Drop-in Y

10AM–1PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y

11AM–NOON Whistlesizers Drop-in Y

12:15–2:15PM Vietnamese Social Group 415-456-9062 x129 N

1–2:30PM Intermediate Italian 5/19-7/28 Y

2:30–3:30PM Beginning Italian In session Y

2:45–3:45PM Balance Class Drop-in Y 9:10AM Community Breakfast Drop-in Y 9:30–11AM Weekly Blood Press./Cholesterol Checks Drop-in N 11AM–NOON Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 N 1:30–3PM ACASA Drop-in N 1:30–3PM Spanish Club Drop-in N 2–3:30PM Movie Time 5/6 & 5/20 Y 2–4PM Ping-Pong 5/13 & 5/27 Y 3–4PM Yoga Drop-in Y

ill English is a computer engineer and, in the early 1960s, back before the dawn of the personal computer, he was working on a team at Stanford Research Institute.

They were trying to figure out the best way to select a point on a computer monitor and, after testing of a variety of devices, the little box that would be dubbed “the mouse” won out.

CLASS

9:30–10:30AM

Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

7

Healthy Aging Symposium May 5, on Trailblazers

RMF REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC

W

histlestop again will be a sponsor of the Healthy Aging Symposium in San Rafael on Thursday, May 5.

The 12th annual symposium will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway, as part of Marin’s celebration of National Healthy Aging Month.

Keynote speaker will be Spencer Michels, San Francisco native and veteran correspondent and producer Spencer Michels of the PBS Newshour. Other speakers will be Lynn “Lili” Shaughnessy, PsyD, of the Ray Dolby Brain Center at the California Pacific Medical Center; Barbara Beskind, designer from the San Francisco-based IDEO; and Susanne Bersbach, Life Coach and Transitions Counselor.

This year’s theme is “Trailblazers in a Changing World.”

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

What Inspires YOU? A Senior Services Agency

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

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

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

(415) 457-2256 • HealthCareConnectionLLC.com 8

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.

—Amelia Earhart

W

e are looking for stories about what inspires you, what gives you hope and what keeps you going when times are challenging. This will be the theme of the June issue of the Whistlestop Express.

Send a story about yourself or someone who inspires you to John Bowman, john. bowman58@gmail.com or call 916-751-9189 to share your story. Please keep it to a maximum of 350 words.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Creating community

Elizabeth Lynn

By LAURIE VERMONT, Volunteer Services Program Manager

E

lizabeth Lynn has been our Whistlesizer’s chair exercise instructor since April 2015.

Her own path to healthy exercise took a circuitous route beginning in her home state of Oklahoma with a building contractor father and stay at home mom. Intrigued with the field of construction, Elizabeth branched out to study landscape architecture at the University of Arizona, but through her study of Buddhism, she realized that this career was not a good fit. She wanted more socialization than sitting at a drafting table working with concepts, not people, could offer.

A building materials sales job was a good blend of her knowledge of the industry and her desire to get out and meet more people. Elizabeth happily continued working until 2010 when a serious accident forced her to retire. At that point getting fit and healthy again became a priority and getting even fitter than she was before her accident became her goal.

Elizabeth was mentored by her former teacher throughout her fitness training and certification. Joining the Whistlestop wellness volunteer team has been a heartwarming experience. “Everyone is caring and warmhearted. The class members, staff and the other volunteers are all so friendly,” says Elizabeth.

She is happy to share her love of exercise and her knowledge of the benefits to the mental, physical and emotional health with older adults and people with disabilities who attend her class. Elizabeth sees her class members build friendships, improve the quality of their lives and enjoy the hour they spend each Tuesday and Thursday morning. She has a steady group of regular attendees at her class every week.

Diana Gruhl, Active Aging Center Manager says, “Elizabeth Lynn brings enthusiasm, care, and dedication to participants during her classes. Certified as a Professional Fitness Leader for Adults with Special Needs through the American Senior Fitness Association, she brings great skill and years of experience in leading gentle chair exercises to the seniors of Whistlestop, with patience and joy.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities, please call Laurie at 415-456-9067 or email: volunteer@ whistlestop.org

This is where residents discover the community experience.

Call 888.256.1154 or visit LifeatDrakeTerrace.com

Lic. #216801028

Creating Community DT ad 4.3438 x 4.8438 Whistletop Express.indd 1

7/20/15 1:46 PM

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

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

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

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

9

Retirement iving Living is a Family amily A Affair ffair

Valley Orchards Retirement Valley RetirementCommunity Community

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

Affordable, All-Inclusive Affordable, All-InclusiveMonthly MonthlyRent Rent No Lease, No Lease, Buy-ins Buy-ins or orAdd-ons Add-ons

Three ThreeNutritious NutritiousMeals MealsEvery EveryDay Day Delicious, Delicious,Fresh FreshSalad SaladBar Bar Health &&Wellness Program Health WellnessMeals Program Three Nutritious Activities &&Excursions Activities Excursions Every Day Housekeeping Housekeeping Transportation Transportation Delicious, Beauty FreshSalon Salad Bar Beauty Salon Guest Rooms Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Guest Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Health & Wellness Program And MuchRooms More...

And Much More...

No Lease, Buy-ins oror Add-ons No Lease, Buy-ins Add-ons

ds Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community

ll-Inclusive Monthly Rent Activities & Excursions e, Buy-ins or Add-ons Three Nutritious Meals Every Day

ation

Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Housekeeping Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Bar Delicious, Fresh Salad Health & Wellness Program Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Health & Wellness Program Transportation & Excursions Activities & Excursions Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Activities Family Owned Since 1983 Housekeeping Housekeeping Family Owned Since 1983 Health & Wellness Program Beauty Salon Transportation 2100 Transportation E. Washington Street 2100 E. Washington Street Beauty Salon Beauty Salon Activities & Excursions Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms Guest Rooms Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms (707) 778-6030 Housekeeping AndAnd Much More...

Much More...

(707) www.ValleyOrchards.com and Much778-6030 More...

Transportation www.ValleyOrchards.com

Beauty Salon Guest Rooms Also visit our Napa County Location And Much More...

Also visit our Napa County Location

www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688

FamilyFamily Owned Since Since 1983 1983 Owned

21002100 E. Washington Street E. Washington Street

Petaluma, CA 94954 Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 778-6030 (707) 778-6030

www.ValleyOrchards.com www.ValleyOrchards.com

Family Owned Since 1983

AlsoAlso visit visit our Napa County Location 963-3688 our Napa County Locationwww.SilveradoOrchards.com www.SilveradoOrchards.com(707)(707) 963-3688

2100 E. Washington Street

Petaluma, CA 94954

(707) 778-6030

www.ValleyOrchards.com

www.SilveradoOrchards.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SENIORS

(707) 963-3688

• 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 Licensed Physical Therapists

415-444-0910 10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

Jennifer Holland, PT CA Lic #10957

Ping Pong is Great Mind-Body Workout

By VIVIAN MALCY, VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR

I

t’s a Friday afternoon around 2 at Whistlestop and a familiar sound brings you back to your childhood. You look in the Caboose room and there it is. People playing ping pong.

Betty Drake recollects, “When I was a kid helping my mother with the dishes after supper, I could hardly wait to get down to the family rec room to join my big brothers at the ping pong table. We thoroughly enjoyed it and got the same engagement that today’s kids experience with their reality games.”

Stanton Klose says, “As an active retired person, I’m pleased that Whistlestop includes ping pong as an activity.

To play well, the game requires quick reflexes, hand/eye coordination, lateral movement, accuracy, consistency and focus.”

Eliose and Roberto Rivera love ping pong because it is good exercise and good for the mind too – a complete mind-body workout without being too strenuous. “At Whistlestop, we have enjoyed meeting fellow players and we have just the right amount of time to play and rest in between games. You have taught us the fundamentals and organize it so well that everyone has adequate time to play with the two tables.”

When our old table broke beyond repair, people offered to donate money to buy a new one. We collected the majority of the money for the table and Whistlestop kicked in the balance. It showed me how much people like the activity and it’s what makes volunteering my time so enjoyable.

Come and try out our new table, no matter how skilled you are.

Continued from page 6 Turning 65? Losing coverage with an employer? Trying to make sense of Medicare? What are your options when it comes to Health Plans?

Medicare can be simple. This event is only for educational purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared. To sign up: 415-7202133.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help

By appointment: 415-456-9062 Spanish: Marta, 415-454-0998; Russian: Anna, ext. 138; Vietnamese: Dina, ext. 129; Farsi: Mrs. Esmaili, 415-472-6020. No fee for consultations; small fee may apply for translation services.

Homeshare Program For appointments, call Leslie Klor, 415-456-9068; Free (Donations Appreciated)

The Homeshare Program is a free referral service for older adults providing an affordable and alternative way of meeting housing needs with numerous benefits to renters and homeowners.

Telephone Reassurance For information or to register, call Leslie Klor, 415-456-9068 Free (Donations Appreciated)

Trusted providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

Do you live alone? If you often feel isolated and are looking for connection and peace of mind, trained volunteers can call you three mornings a week to check in on you.

Victim Witness Assistance 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9am-12pm; Free (Donations Appreciated)

Yolanda Johnson, Advocate from the District Attorney’s office, will meet with you to answer questions, provide information, and connect you to resources, or call 415-473-6450.

Free Legal Consultation 1st four Thursdays of each month at Whistlestop; 1st and 3rd Thursday at the Mill Valley Community Center

By appointment only: Call 415459-6700 for appointments at both locations.

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

• • • • • • • •

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

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

SEEKING INFORMATION REGARDING POSSIBLE MISREPRESENTATIONS AT AEGIS FACILITIES As part of a potential class action lawsuit against certain Assisted Living Facilities, we are presently investigating claims against

AEGIS OF CORTE MADERA AEGIS OF NAPA AEGIS OF SAN RAFAEL and are seeking information regarding possible misrepresentations about staffing and the use of a resident evaluation system at the above facilities.

If you are a former employee, a current or former resident, or a loved-one of a current or former resident of any of the above facilities and you have any information, please contact

Thank you to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and PG&E for donating $1,000 to Whistlestop.

Pictured: Ralph Kenyon, IBEW 1245 Business Rep, Teresa Carlson, IBEW 1245 Clerical, Steve Zerkel IBEW 1245 Lineman, Joe O'Hehir, Whistlestop CEO, Dave Canny PG&E North Bay Division Mgr

• Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

Attorney W. Timothy Needham or Paralegal Karen Ellis, at Janssen Malloy LLP (888) 526-7736 (toll free) (707) 445-2071 Or email: kellis@janssenlaw.com

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

415.457.1664 admin@norcoastmobility.com

1281 Anderson Dr. Suite F San Rafael, CA 94901 www.norcoastmobility.com WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

11

Whistlestop

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

TECHNOLOGY MAY • JUNE 2016

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062 Managing Your Photos Tuesdays, May 17 & 24, 10am-noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, you will learn how to preserve your photos, organize, edit, back up and print them. Bring your digital camera or flash drive and we’ll show you how to get photos, save them in one place, and use software to make it easy and fun.

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, May 19 & 26, 10am-noon, (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, we show you how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. Good for beginners.

Each session provides one-on-one help and has instructional handouts for practice at home. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Intro to Computers 2: Moving Beyond Basics Tuesdays, June 7 & 14, 10am-noon (2 classes) This is a perfect sequel to Intro to

Computers 1. This 2-week class focuses on using Internet tools to learn new skills such as iTunes and social media. Review writing a letter and printing it, storing files and documents so you can find them again, and using email.

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, June 23 & 30, 10am-noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review the basics of using your device. Learn how to maximize Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and Maps/GPS. Practice using these applications included with your iPad/ iPhone. Learn how to install new apps, update, delete and organize them. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-noon

No Fee • Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteers available for advice on problems with your electronic devices; they can also help you with software applications.

12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2016

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life!

Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers & Friday Community Breakfast Servers

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

Café volunteers receive a free breakfast or lunch as thanks for their service.

Lunch hour shifts: Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm. (Café hours: 11:30am2pm) Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. The Friday morning breakfast shift is from 8-10am Fridays. Breakfast is open to the public and served from 9-10am.

Brown Bag Pantry Volunteers Needed

Brown Bag Pantry helpers needed Friday mornings from 9:15am12:15pm. Duties: unload the truck from the Food Bank, sort produce, greet and help recipients get their food. This fun group needs new members. Ability to lift 25 pounds is a plus.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate. A minimum of one 2-3 hour weekday shift is required.

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program

Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults to the doctor or grocery store (usually two to three hours). Use your own car and receive ride requests through email. Accept or decline requests, and drive on your own schedule. Volunteers need reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License and a clear background check and DMV report.

To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.