Whistlestop Express May 2015

MAY 2015

A Mother’s Day Story All Year Long Photo by Lea Del Pomo

By Valerie B owman

G

eorgia Anker was volunteer of the month in April for the outstanding job she does in the Whistlestop’s Resource and Information office.

She has been volunteering here since 2009. Former Whistlestop staff member Vicky Voicehowsky talked her into posing for a photographer who was taking photos of women over 80. Georgia, at 84, qualified and she brought her daughter Debi along.

Georgia also volunteers at the Marin Humane Society Thrift Store in San Anselmo and Debi is her technology expert and the person who convinced her mom to set up and maintain an online calendar for the store.

Georgia Anker and daughter Debi

Meet Photographer Lea Del Pomo, page 4.

Debi is a graphic designer with her own company called Bestype. Georgia says Debi explains that her job is to make things look pretty.

The mother and daughter team live next door to each other in a duplex in Fairfax, one of two that Georgia and continued on page 13

Photographing Human Condition Is Her Passion

Join Us For Cinco De Mayo on May 5th 7

Family Is Everything To the Flynns 12

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Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

Marin Senior Coordinating Council is Whistlestop

930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org – to sign up to get this newsletter via email.

For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

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 office: Open 8:30am-5pm M-F 415-456-9062 Marin Access/Travel Navigators 415-454-0902 Meals on Wheels 415-457-4636 Help Desk 415-459-6700, resource@whistlestop.org

Whistlestop Staff

CEO, Joe O’Hehir Development and Marketing Director, Yvonne Roberts, info@whistlestop.org Marketing and Communications Specialist Marty Orgel, morgel@whistlestop.org Whistlestop Express Editors, John and Val Bowman 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Volunteer Manager, Laurie Vermont volunteer@whistlestop.org Program Manager, Diana Gruhl dgruhl@whistlestop.org Board of Directors President, Dennis Ryan Vice President, Lori Peterson Treasurer, Karen Arnold Secretary, Nancy Rhine Etta Allen • Sharon Jackson • Lenice Smith Robert Sonnenberg • Cynthia Wuthmann Pacific Sun Staff Advertising Meredith Griffin • 415-485-6700 ext 306 mgriffin@pacificsun.com Art Director Phaedra Strecher • pstrecher@pacificsun.com Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

By JOLENE MACPHERSON

A Mother’s Day Tribute: My Mother Loves Everyone

T

he longest relationship I have ever had with anyone is with my mother. Her recent trip to the hospital is full of evidence of strong bonds with all her children. It’s a natural time to pause and reflect upon relationships with my mom and her mother.

Grandma was loving but tough! Grandpa died in 1943 when my mother was six, so Grandma went to work when very few women did so. Raising her daughter to 18 would My mother, have been terrific but Grandma made sure my Lois Ellison, loves mom graduated from everyone and college. I remember meeting everything good.

Grandma around 1969 when she retired. I was a twig of a six year old girl and I’d heard she had a heart condition so I vowed never to stand too close to her because if she died of a heart attack standing next to me, I could be crushed. She suffered a massive heart attack 25 years later after we’d enjoyed so much life and love together. My grandmother eloped during the Depression. She said, “Tongues wagged about that and, sure enough, 15 years later Lois arrived!” My family is wonderfully blessed to have 99% of ‘water under the bridge’ with tons of love and a good sense of humor.

My mother, Lois Ellison, loves everyone and everything good. Although she had four challenging teenagers at once, she has always been there for all of us. Lois works six days a week and drives to Whistlestop for her lunch break. She enjoys friendships with many clients and volunteers. She was even in a flash mob.

My mother has an extremely full life. She has found so many wonderful friends, fine cuisine and joy at Whistlestop. Thank you! My sister and I have been very pleased to lend support for their wonderful work. I enjoy joining Mom for lunch occasionally and meeting so many great people there. “Faith, love and hope abide, but the greatest of these is love.” Happy Mother’s Day to Mom and everyone!

“

”

Whistlestop: One Of My Families

By LOIS ELLISON

I

’ve been thinking about families and support systems since my recent hospitalization, especially about how special they are. I am thankful for various “families” I have, including my Whistlestop family, which includes clients, staff and volunteers. My Whistlestop friends give me so much pleasure; meeting new friends is wonderful at any age.

As a mother, I have enjoyed having From left: Suzanne Walker, her mother Lois Ellison and Jolene Macpherson. my four adult children “come back as friends.” My two sons live away, one in Reno and one in England — but we stay close. Two daughters live in Marin, so I talk with them and see them more frequently.

Each of us five is unique and different, and the common denominator for us is family. Though families are imperfect, they are learning and personal growth laboratories for us and are continually evolving.

In November 2014, and again in March 2015, Quality Assured and Proven.

I was hospitalized and subsequently went to a rehabilitation center before going home where When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored I live alone. Both daughters did so much to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our the entire time: visiting, driving me around, 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee buying and making food for me, staying satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including overnight, doing laundry and whatever needed compassion, work ethic, training and communication. to be done. What a joy all of this is to me. I am This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback so thrilled and thankful. My grandchildren, of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level too, are delightful. What a blessing our various of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in home care. families are! Happy Mother’s Day! Double Award: Employer of Choice

Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

whistlestop.org 3

Lea Del Pomo: Photographing the Human Condition

By John Bowman

M

any people spend their working careers trees – as we get older we get more and more dreaming about retirement and the day magnificent.” they can pursue something they really Lea had been acquainted with Whistlestop love. They vow to finally write that novel, or through her county job. One day she met travel around the world, or go to culinary school. Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir at a meeting Lea Del Pomo of San Rafael decided a long and told him about her Women Over 80 time ago to live her dream while she was project. She offered to take photos of women at working. Her day job is as an employment Whistlestop and O’Hehir immediately took her counselor with the County of Marin, a position up on the offer. She worked with Whistlestop she thoroughly enjoys. And, she also loves staff to photograph a number of Whistlestop photography. Lea works four days a week at participants. “We put out a call and 13 women the county, but on Mondays, her day off, she is a showed up,” she recalls. “Some came with their photographer. daughters and we included them in the shoot.”

A BFA graduate of the Pratt Institute in Recalling the day of that memorable shoot, Brooklyn, NY, she says, “It started out with Lea said, “As an artist, that was just about the black and white portraits and photographing best day I’ve ever had.” the human condition.” But in the past few years, she has learned digital photography and now shoots in both black and white and in color. Lea has self-published one-ofa-kind books of her photographs ranging from street photography to travel, but her ultimate goal is a book featuring photographs and stories of women over 80.

Lea took many of the photographs featured in this month’s issue of the Whistlestop Express.

Fifteen years ago, she began to organize her portraits of women over 80 in a series called “The Bird Cage and Other Portraits of Older Women.” Lea says, “These photographs challenge our beliefs about women and aging, beauty as a superficial concept and our ability to pay attention to what may frighten us. Our beliefs about older women since then have evolved and, hopefully, ‘women of a certain age’ are now less invisible and more celebrated.”

“When I photograph these beautiful faces of women in their 80s and 90s, I am inspired. Older women are much like Lea with photo of Maria Hass, one of her Women Over 80 series, started 15 years ago.

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

Photo by Lea Del Pomo

Amalia Camacho Loves Whistlestop Classes

O

ne of the qualities that Connie Del Rosal appreciates most about her mother, Amalia Camacho, is her devotion to education. “She instilled the importance of education in all of her children,” Connie said.

“My mother has a PhD in literature and has taught at the university level.”

Both Connie and her mother, who is 84 years old, live in San Rafael and usually spend Mother’s Day together, although they won’t this year because Amalia is in Mexico. Both mother and daughter were born in Mexico. Connie has worked in legal accounting and insurance for lawyers in San Francisco and San Rafael.

Amalia has been a longtime regular at Whistlestop. “She has taken all the exercise classes, English, Tai Chi, Yoga—just about every class there. She just loves being at Whistlestop.”

Amalia Camacho and daughter, Connie Del Rosal

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Join us: Volunteer Appreciation Reception Saturday May 16, 2015, 6:30p.m. to 9 p.m.

Autodesk Atrium, 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Cameron Coffey & Kaye Professional Group, Marjorie E. Belknap, MD, Creekwood Senior Home, Bank of Marin, Evan Sedlock, Dennis D. Ryan, Mae Wygant , Marilynne Forguson, Hennessy Funds, Purple Lady/Barbara J. Meislin Fund, Rebecca and Jerry Oken, Athas & Associates Real Estate, Inc., Villa Marin Homeowners Association, L’Chaim House, Inc., Regina Bianucci Rus, CPA, Steven A. Sloan, and Virginia Humphreys

• • • •

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SENIORS

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

800-931-5769

Jennifer Holland, PT CA Lic #10957

whistlestop.org 5

Better Care Starts at Home

90% of seniors prefer to remain at home as they age.

Seniors At Home is the leading provider of senior care in the Bay Area. We help seniors live safer, healthier, more independent lives in their own homes.

Call 415-449-3777

Seniors �At �Home B E T T E R C A R E S TA R T S AT H O M E

info@SeniorsAtHome.org • www.SeniorsAtHome.org

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 6

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

Fun From the Mind Exercise Class • • • •

I tried to catch some Fog. I mist.

When chemists die they barium.

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

• This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.

• I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I can’t put it down.

• I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, May 14, 9am to 1pm Embassy Suites, San Rafael Topic: Healthy Aging Symposium: “Living in Age-Friendly Marin” Keynote speaker: Matt Willis, MD, MPH

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS Make a Difference in an older adult’s life.

NEW! CarePool Volunteer Driver Program This position offers round trip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. Drivers can accept or decline the calls, and drive on their own schedule. CarePool volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of three months volunteering with at least two rides a month. Ride lengths may vary but are about two to four hours for each round trip.

Jackson Café Lunch Servers, Cashiers and 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.

Our lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm. The Café is open from 11:30am-2pm. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. The Friday morning breakfast shift is from 8:30-10:30am. Breakfast is served from 9-10am.

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 3-hour weekday shift is required.

To learn more about these opportunities or others contact: volunteer@whistlestop.org Phone: 415-456-9062, ext. 117 www.whistlestop.org

Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP To support our Center, Whistlestop has instituted a new fee structure for classes, activities and special events. There are now fees (or suggested donations) for most programs, and discounted rates for Whistlestar members. Whistlestop has also instituted a “new member annual fee” of $5. Membership entitles participants to reduced rates for classes and meals in the café, supports the funding for our center, and improves our method of collecting participation data. Please pick up an application at our front desk, or register for classes and events at 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, from 8:30am5:30pm, Monday-Friday. Or call 415-456-9062 for more information.

For a full list of classes and services, refer to the Whistlestop monthly calendar online at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or pick up a calendar at the Active Aging Center. Fees listed below show the member fee first, followed by the non-member fee (e.g. $3/$5)

SPECIAL EVENTS CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION Tues, May 5, 11:30am-1pm Tickets: $10/12 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 (1861-1867). Come and enjoy a celebration of Mexican pride with a special lunch and entertainment in the Jackson Café. The lunch will feature pork enchiladas with drunken pinto beans, Spanish rice, and flan, accompanied by festive dances from the Corazon Latino Social Group. Reserve your seat and purchase your ticket by May 1 by calling or visiting the Active Aging Center front desk.

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON WITH LIVE MUSIC Thurs, May 14, Lunch: 11:30am-1pm/Music: 12-1pm Ticketed Price: $10/$12 Come and celebrate mothers with a special lunch and music from the fabulous Harmoni-Katz Barbershop Quartet, who will serenade you with style! Reserve your seat and pruchase your ticket by May 11 by calling or visiting the Active Aging Center front desk.

GET FIT EXERCISE SAMPLER & WELLNESS FAIR Wed, May 27, Exercise: 9am-1pm/Wellness Fair: 9:30-11:30am To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Whistlestop and the San Rafael Chamber Health & Wellness Resource Group bring you an event that includes a variety of movement

classes and a health fair for you to learn more about local services to support your health (such as mini massages, nutritional information and guided imagery). Take one or more classes to see what we offer and enjoy the Wellness Fair.

Exercise Sampler Schedule • Cardio Class: 10:35am • Tai Chi: 9am • Balance: 11:05am • Qi Gong: 9:35am • Movement & Music: 11:35am • New Whistlesizers class: 10:05am • Yoga with Kelly: 12:05pm • Zumba: 12:35pm Receive a free commemorative T-shirt. If you bring a new friend to register as a Whistlestop member, you will receive a free, nutritious lunch at the café that day! Call Whistlestop for more information.

MULTI-CULTURAL PICNIC AT PICKLEWEED PARK Wed, June 3, 11am-1:30pm Albert Boro Community Center (Pickleweed) 50 Canal Street, San Rafael Fee: $3 suggested donation, 60 and over $6 for people under 60 Registration required prior to the event Come join us once again at our Annual Multicultural Party. Live entertainment provided by Bread & Roses Presents ™ with a bubble man, polka performance, and more. Hot dogs and burgers will be served during this fun event. Don’t miss out!

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS MASTERY OF AGING Tuesdays, 2:30-3:45pm No Fee: Donations Appreciated Learn how to become an empowered medical patient.

Through instruction, practice, and discussion, you will learn how to optimize communication with doctors and the medical team. You will learn how to be an expert in your particular medical conditions. A science-based breathing method, mental imagery, and other practices are taught to improve mind-body health and wellbeing. Taught by Larry Berkelhammer, PhD, author of In Your Own Hands: New Hope for People with Chronic Medical Conditions.

WHISTLESIZERS CHAIR EXERCISE WITH ELIZABETH Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am Fee: $4/5 This exercise class offers a new way to improve your health and quality of life with gentle chair fitness. Keeping the focus on safety and fun, this class includes sitting range of motion, whistlestop.org 7

strength, flexibility, and light cardio exercises (with some standing if possible). Drop-ins welcome! Whistlesizers is facilitated

by Elizabeth Lynn, a Certified Senior Fitness Leader (through the National Senior Fitness Association). For information, call Whistlestop’s Front Desk at 415-456-9062.

TAI CHI Wednesdays, 9-10:15am Fee: $5-10 (sliding scale for members); $12 non-members Tai Chi offers gentle energy work for all levels of ability. When you have experienced these slow, healing, relaxing exercises from ancient China, you may agree with the definition of Tai Chi: it is the supreme ultimate. This class is run on a drop-in basis, so no advanced sign-ups are required. Instructor Calvin Ahlgren has taught at Whistlestop for eight years.

MIND EXERCISES WITH LLOYD Thur, May 7 & 21, 3:30-5pm Fee: $3/5 Stimulate your mind by exploring dynamic word and number puzzles in this fun class. Facilitated by experienced YMCA teacher Lloyd Licher. Call the Active Aging Center to sign-up today.

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE UKELELE Wednesdays, starting May 13 for 6 weeks, 12:30-1:30pm Fee: $20 for 6-week class Maximum 25 participants; sign up soon!

Come and learn to play the ukulele from musician and teacher Fred Riley. Bring your own ukulele. No experience required.

WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUE WITH ANNA Thursdays, starting May 14 for 12 weeks, 3-4:30pm Fee: $20 for 12 weeks, or $3 per class Join artist Anna Ladyzhenskaya for a course in watercolor technique. Supplies and instruction provided. All abilities welcome.

IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP 4-week workshop series from May 19-June 9, 3:305pm Fee: $25/30 Limited to 16 participants, so sign-up soon.

Learn to increase your ability to love by releasing blockages, old angers and resentment, and core issues of the past. Taught by Gloria Wilcox, spiritual counselor and former Director of Inner Growth Seminars since 1975, who has a gift for helping each person meet their goals in relationships and life.

MEDICARE 101 SEMINAR: LEARN THE NUTS AND BOLTS Tues, May 27, 2-4pm No Fee: Donations Appreciated Turning 65? Losing coverage with an employer? Trying to make 8

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

sense of Medicare? We know it can be confusing. What’s the difference between Part A and Part B? How much gets deducted from Social Security? What are your options and what sort of coverage can you hope for? Let Cara Suminski of SCAN Health Plan show you how simple Medicare can be. This event is only for education purposes and no plan-specific benefits or details will be shared.

INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN 10-week class starting May 28, 1-2:30pm Fee: $15/20 Improve your Italian speaking and conversation skills and have fun with wonderful teacher Karen Raccanello. Pre-requisite: Basic Italian instruction.

ZENTANGLE CLASS Thur, May 28, 1:30-3pm 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. Call the Active Aging Center to sign-up today.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS QIGONG: RELAX & RENEW Mondays, 4-5pm Fee: $5-$10 sliding scale (per class); $12 non-member Release your stress, renew your zest with Qigong. Easy, gentle practices for all levels of ability optimize self-healing, bodymind health, and a happy, bright life. Includes both standing and sitting options. Drop-in okay. Bring a water bottle. Barbara Lovejoy, MSW, is a Certified Teacher of Qigong (Yuan Gong style). For more information, www.claimjoy.com.

RABEL’S MEDITATIVE MASSAGE CLASS Mondays starting May 11, 3:30-4:30pm Fee: $10/$12 Practice gentle self-massage and learn to massage others using peaceful meditation. Focus on specific health issues related to your needs and the needs of others. Acquire inner peace in appreciation of the miracle of your body and share this with others. For singles or couples. Facilitated by Certified Massage Therapist Rabel Mangahas, Medical Massage Specialist.

MEMORY SCREENING Wed, May 13, 8:30am-12:30pm (half-hour appointments) Free: Donations Appreciated Are you concerned about memory loss? Take action! Memory screening makes sense for anyone who is concerned about their memory. It involves a simple short test with a geriatric professional that takes 30 minutes, provided by Health Navigator and Certified Nurse Assistant Cynthia Seymour. Sign-up in advance as space is limited!

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION FOR OLDER ADULTS Thursdays from 12:30-2:30pm at Whistlestop and 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 12:30-2:30pm at the Mill Valley Community Center By appointment only: 415-459-6700 for both locations Legal Aid of Marin provides a free 30-minute legal consultation for Marin County residents who are 60 years and older. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer them to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.

MULTI-CULTURAL CONSULTATIONS OFFER HELP By appointment: 415-456-9062 Spanish/English: Marta Villela, ext. 131; Russian/English: Anna Ladyzhenskaya, ext. 138; Vietnamese/English: Dina Duong, ext. 129 No cost for consultations; small fee may apply for translation services. Whistlestop offers assistance to English and nonEnglish speakers in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. We assist with applications for many social services, such as healthcare management, citizenship, housing, employment, and federal assistance, plus translations and referrals.

TELEPHONE REASSURANCE PROGRAM To register: Call Leslie Klor: 415-456-9062, ext. 132 No Fee Do you live alone? Would you like someone to care about how you are doing? If you often feel isolated and are looking for connection and peace of mind, this program is for you. Trained volunteers will call you three mornings a week to check on you.

We can answer questions about other senior resources; now also offered in Spanish.

TECHNOLOGY

Pre-registration and payment required. To register, Call 415-4569062. See details of classes online.

May and June COMPUTER CLASSES How to Use the iPad/iPhone Tuesdays, May 5 & 12, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

Fee: $48/Maximum 8 people In this personalized two week course you’ll get one-on-one help on everything from email to pictures and instructional handouts so you can practice at home. (For Apple devices only)

iPad/iPhone Applications Tuesdays, June 2 & 9, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

Fee: $48/Maximum 8 people You’ve learned the basics and now want to find out about the apps that can be most helpful. In this workshop, we’ll highlight the most popular, fun and useful apps to get the most out of your i-Device.

(For Apple devices only)

Computer Tutor Mondays and Wednesdays, Noon-1pm

Fee: $20/hour by advance appointment Personalized computer assistance, troubleshooting and instruction for the PC user, specializing in assisting older adults and novices.

Open Lab Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-Noon

Use our PCs for your own purposes, to access the internet, etc.

Volunteer staff are available for advice on problems with your electronic devices, laptops, and tablets, and they can help with software applications.

ROTARY HOME TEAM Sat, May 16, 9am-1pm Get help with those household chores. If you are a San Rafael homeowner, the Rotary Home Team offers a free service for seniors and people with disabilities who may have financial or physical challenges in performing basic household repairs.

To arrange a Rotary Home Team visit or for more information, contact Leslie Klor at 415-456-9062, ext. 132.

NEW RUSSIAN SOCIAL GROUP Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato Wed, May 27, 10:30-11:30am No Fee: Donations Appreciated Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Rd., Novato, is opening its doors for this new Russian-speaking social group for older adults in Marin County. Come to socialize and learn about community resources, in addition to staying for lunch from 12-1pm and/or the Brown Bag Program from 1-2pm. To sign-up or if you would like to participate in Brown Bag and/or Lunch Program, call Anna Ladyzhenskaya at 415-456-9062, ext. 138.

VICTIM-WITNESS PROGRAM 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9am-12pm Yolanda Johnson, Advocate from the District Attorney’s office, will be available to meet with you to answer questions, provide information, and connect you to resources, or call 415-4736450. whistlestop.org 9

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.

MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS

Tai Chi Drop-in Y Seniors' Circle Drop-in N Computer Lab Drop-in N Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N Corazón Latino 415-456-9062 x131 N Beginning & Intermediate Ukelele 5/13-6/17 Y English Pronunciation Ends 5/6 Y ESL Basic/Advanced Ends 5/6 Y Citizenship Class 415-456-9062 x131 Y

9:30–10:30 AM

10–NOON 10:45–11:45AM

11AM–2PM 11:30AM–12:30PM

1–2PM

1–3PM 2:30–3:45PM

3:30–5PM

9–10:15AM 10–11:30AM

10–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM

* 11AM–1PM 12:30 –1:30PM 1–2PM 2–3:30PM 3:30–5PM

THURSDAYS

CLASS INFO FEE Zumba Drop-in Y Chair Massage Drop-in Y Computer Lab Drop-in N Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N Movement & Music 415-485-9305 Y German Social Group Drop-in N Russian Social Group 415-456-9062 N ESL Basic/Advanced Ends May 6 Y Beginning Korean Drums Ends May 11 N Meditative Massage Starts 5/11 Y Qigong: Relax and Renew Drop-in Y Whistlesizers Drop-in Y Mah Jongg Drop-in N Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Y Manicurist Appt. Req. N French Class No Class 5/12-5/26 Y French Social Group Drop-in N Learn Spanish Drop-in Y Mastery of Aging Class No Class 5/26 N Improving Relationships 5/19-6/9 Y

9:30–10:30AM

10AM–1PM

11–NOON

12:15–3PM

1–2:30PM

2:45–3:45PM

3–4:30PM 3–4PM

3–4:30PM 3:30–5PM

Whistlesizers Chair Massage Zumba Vietnamese Social Group Intermediate Italian Balance Class Beginning Bridge Advanced Korean Drums Watercolor Technique Mind Exercises

Drop-in Y Drop-in Y Drop-in Y 415-456-9062 x129 N 5/28-7/10 Y Drop-in Y Ends 5/21 Y Ends 5/14 N 5/14-7/30 Y 5/7 & 21 Y

FRIDAYS

TIME

9:30–10:30AM

10–1PM

10–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM

11–NOON

12:15–1:45PM

12:30–1:30PM 2–3:30PM 3–4PM 3:30–5PM 4–5PM

8:30AM 11:00–NOON

12:30–2PM

1–3PM

1:30–3:30PM

2–4PM

2:30–4PM

3–4PM

Community Breakfast Brown Bag Pantry Beginning German ACASA Practice Spanish Ping-Pong Chinese Brush Painting Yoga

Drop-in Y 456-9062 x117 N 4/10-6/26 Y Drop-in N Drop-in N 5/1,15 & 29 Y 5/8 & 5/22 Y Drop-in Y

* Except for Corazon Latino Group, held weekly at Pickleweed Community Center, all classes are held at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.

10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

Jackson Café Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm Located in Whistlestop Active Aging Center • Open to the Public •

LUNCH MENU WHISTLESTAR MEMBER (LOWEST PRICE)/ NON-MEMBER OVER 60 / UNDER 60.

PRICES INCLUDE TAX

Main Entrée $5.75/$6.90/$8.05 Sandwiches + Burgers $5.20/$6.10/$7.25 Soup du Jour $3.40/$4.35/$5.70 bowl Garden/Caesar Salads $4.05/$4.35/$5.20 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $2.50 Beverages $1.25 Desserts/Fruit $2.25 Cheese $0.50 Avocado $1.25

The Bird's Side OF MARIN

by R I C H A R D PAV E K

Gathering Eiderdown

E

iderdown is the much prized fluffy down pulled from the chests of the Eider, a large black and white sea duck that lives in the Arctic.

Centuries ago, the Vikings in Norway devised a clever method of harvesting large quantities of Eiderdown to make the pillows and quilts that they traded throughout Europe.

Every year millions of Eiders would descend from their Arctic home to the marshes of southern Norway to breed.

Before they arrived, the crafty Norse feather gatherers moved through the breeding ground arranging groups of four small stones in a pattern that attracted the female Eiders. After choosing a nesting site, the females plucked fluffy down from their chests with their bills and lined the stones to make warm nests for their eggs. They laid as many as seven eggs, which they covered with more down.

As soon as all the eggs were laid, the gatherers collected the down and the eggs, which were considered a delicacy.

The female Eiders, with the aid of their always eager mates, immediately began the egg laying process all over again. The cycles of egg laying and down harvesting continued until the end of the season approached, when the gatherers would leave the final batch of eggs to hatch, assuring more Eiders the following year.

Unfortunately I have never photographed an Eider. I’m happy to share these two photographs of a Mallard attempting to land on, and missing, a thin puddle of water to go splat on the mud.

Landing

Splat!

Every weekend I send a special photo to a self-selected group. If you wish to join, just ask me at SHENmaker@MSN.co. It’s free.

Till next time,

Richard whistlestop.org 11

Photo by Lea Del Pomo

Multicultural NEWS

By ANNA LADYZHENSKAYA

In Like the Flynns

I

magine showing up for a Whistlestop class and standing right in front of you is your best friend from high school. 65 years ago. That’s someone you knew in 1950!

Frances Flynn, 86, mother of 10, enjoyed this happy and unlikely reunion recently when she came for a Movement and Music class.

The friend she met is Doris Immethun (was Cooney).

The reunion resonated with Frances’s daughters, Fran and Margaret. They like the idea of their mother being active and finding new friends and things to do. They say Whistlestop is an ideal place for her.

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12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

Fran, Frances and Margaret Flynn Frances, a Whistlestop member since 2013, lives in San Rafael and Doris, a member since 2014, in Fairfax. Doris is a regular at Whistlestop, taking many classes and she comes for lunch regularly.

“When I come to Whistlestop with my mother, it reminds me of the time when I was four years old and she took me with her to college,” says Margaret.

Frances takes computer classes, Movement and Music, and a Balance class that has become her favorite way to exercise.

Together they enjoy what Frances affectionately calls the “funnest” class at Whistlestop, Mind Exercise with Lloyd. You’ll also spot Frances at Senior Circle, and almost every day at Jackson Café, where she loves to have lunch with Margaret.

Frances and her daughters consider Whistlestop her “home away from home” and can’t wait to see who she runs into next. A new friend or even another old acquaintance!

“ To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow. —Maya Angelou

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MOTHER AND DAUGHTER continued from page 1

her husband, who died six years ago, owned on their property. Georgia says mother and daughter usually have coffee together in the morning and they eat dinner together every night. “I’m glad about that because I didn’t want to cook for one.” She said they really like each other and they enjoy their living situation because they have their own lives and their own space, yet are close enough to help each other out. Debi’s daughter, Jennifer, lives a couple of blocks away and Georgia says she lovingly told her granddaughter that she can’t move away from Fairfax.

Georgia was a real estate broker in Marin County for 40 years before retiring when she was 80. She and her husband worked together

May is Older Americans Month

O

lder adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

The theme also reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this into law in 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible.

Whistlestop provides critically needed services with the support from the Older American’s Act.

at Anker and Anker. She said she thought she would have lots of time on her hands when she retired but she found that, “It takes me twice as long to do half as She lovingly told her much now.”

Some of her granddaughter that she time is spent can’t move away caring for her from Fairfax. black and white cat who found her one day 13 years ago. The cat stayed on the front deck until two years ago and wouldn’t come into the house. Now she lives inside but still won’t let Georgia pet her. “We call her Poor Pitiful Pearl, or Kitty.”

“

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whistlestop.org 13

Nona Knows Best

by MARY ANN MAGGIORE

M

A Mothering Moment

y mother looked a lot like Elizabeth Taylor. She also looked too young to be toting around five kids. It brought out the Joan Crawford in her. She yelled. If that didn’t work, she hit. How else are you going to get three youths, a toddler and an infant into a car and off to swimming lessons at the lake?

She was often angry and frustrated. She was also soft and warm and she smelled good.

Before day camps and after-school programs, my mother taught us crafts and games and baking, and created trips to farms, museums, and the beach. When we were inside too much, she wanted us out of her hair. “Go out and play! Don’t come home till I call you.” When later she yelled your name from the front porch, you’d better come and come quickly.

I start my day walking through our wildlife preserve …

I was concerned about moving from my home until I visited The Redwoods.

My mother had a natural streak of decency, which I think was endemic to her generation. She never shunned the poor or the handicapped or the sickly. She ran the Cancer Society in our town and in our county. A high school graduate, she started an Adult School to give the town what she had never had in the way of education.

She took no truck with vagaries. You were either right or you were wrong. You were in or you were out. Yet, she was a fierce defender of her children. She was very clear about that.

We were Hers and she did not let others take her place. When I had my own daughter, my mother was gone. I was at loose ends about the whole meaning of motherhood. I was nervous and unsure.

My baby was four months old and I was pushing her along in my old-fashioned perambulator down a street Washington had once known. I came upon a friend in her later years who had never had children. My friend leaned in to see my sleeping baby. “Has having this baby changed you?” she asked.

Thoughtlessly I answered, “I would give up my life for her.” Suddenly I felt the magical power of this truth. I knew what all mothers know and have always known: we give life and we protect it. Is any task greater or more amazing than this?

Mary Ann Maggiore’s practice “Launching Young People into Adulthood” guides young people to create a meaningful adulthood: the right education, meaningful work SNF# 010000390 and an independent life. Contact her: RCFE# 210102866 maryannmaggiore@gmail.com, 415-577-6627.

It’s everything I could hope for.

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• Engaging Active Lifestyle our residents find invigorating and renewing.

• Independent and Residential Living options Schedule a visit with Pam Bill @ 415.383.2741 40 Camino Alto Mill Valley 94941

14 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

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Friendship Line Needs Help to Help Isolated Older Adults

T

he Institute on Aging believes the future should be something to look forward to at every age. Karyn Skultety has been with IOA for over seven years and feels inspired every day by the creativity, dedication and hope that their staff brings to their work with older adults.

She provides leadership for one of IOA’s flagship programs ­­— the Friendship Line. The Friendship Line is the nation’s only toll-free, accredited, 24-hour suicide prevention hotline and warm-line for seniors and disabled adults.

The service makes and receives more than 100,000 calls every year, providing a lifeline for thousands of lonely, isolated older adults, who are two to three times more likely than teens to commit suicide. For many of their clients, the Friendship Line is the only human connection they can count on.

Unfortunately, this vital program is facing a significant challenge. The Friendship Line recently lost two-thirds of its funding, putting the program’s future in jeopardy. The IOA is mounting a significant effort to identify longterm partners and sponsors to restore lost funding to maintain the existing program, and to expand and improve the Friendship Line.

But that will take time, and callers need this service right now.

Your help is vitally needed. Please visit http://igg.me/at/friendshipline to learn more about the Friendship Line.

Together we can ensure that the Friendship Line remains open 24/7, and there will always be a friend at the other end of the line.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH Larry Berkelhammer, PhD, is a knowledgeable, wise, and inspiring teacher of the popular and wellattended Mastery of Aging class at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center. Every week he fills a room of interested and dedicated participants, who are eager to learn about how they can better manage their health.

Larry grew up in Rhode Island but always wanted to live in San Diego. It seemed like paradise compared to winters in New England. This dream brought him to Southern California and a doctoral studies program moved him up to the Bay Area. He and his wife first landed in El Cerrito and then they moved to Marin while he trained in Mind Body Medicine and Rosenwork Body Therapy.

People are always asking what they do in the Mastery of Aging group. Larry says participants in the group learn how the mind and body are interrelated and that when one is out of balance it influences what is happening to the other. Through gentle exercises he shows people how they can improve their well-being and overall health.

Using his knowledge of chronic medical conditions, and his book, In Your Own Hands, he instructs class participants to optimize communication with doctors and medical teams, and to become experts in their particular health conditions. He also teaches techniques for improved health such as a science-based breathing method, mental imagery, and other practices (see class listings for more information).

Larry hopes this understanding will help class participants become more resilient to the challenges in their lives. They will have greater psychological flexibility and self-awareness and will be able to see more options in their path as they move forward. whistlestop.org 15

Whistlestop

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

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“Thank you so much for helping to coordinate care from the hospital to home for my husband, Jack. We were so overwhelmed with what we needed to do! Your caregiver, Bruce, was a gift! He was so compassionate and caring. He’s now family to us!”

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www.AtHomeCaregivers.com 16 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS MAY 2015

“I want to thank you for having someone sit with my father in the last few hours of his life. I know it was short notice, but you made it work and it is a comfort to know he was not alone.”

– Gail D., Santa Rosa