OCTOBER 2014
Big Brother Grows Up and Gives Back By SUSAN SHARPE
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am Andrew, guitarist extraordinaire and an original member of Big Brother and the Holding Company, first discovered Whistlestop more than a decade ago. “I live way out in West Marin, so I used to spend time reading National Geographic and other magazines at Whistlestop while I waited for the Marin Stagecoach to take me home,” he said. “The people at Whistlestop were so great and I made some new friends there, too.” A California native, Sam formed his first band at age 15 and became involved in the 1960s San Francisco folk music scene. “I’ve played music every day since I was 14,” said Sam, who is now 72. “I still love it, and we’ll be performing at a festival in Italy this fall. My drummer is 75 and everyone in the band is over 60, but we’re traveling now more than ever.”
In 1965, Sam was a founding member of Big Brother and the Holding Company, featuring legendary vocalist Janis Joplin. Their 1968 album, Cheap Thrills, is considered a masterpiece of the San Francisco psychedelic sound, and Sam’s guitar work on Summertime was named by Guitar Player magazine as one of the top ten psychedelic guitar Sam Andrew solos in music history. Janis died tragically in 1970 at age 27; she would have been 71 this year had she lived. When asked what he believes Janis would be doing if she were still alive, Sam thought a moment and replied, “I think she’d be recording an album of jazz standards like Body and Soul and My Funny Valentine.”
Big Brother and the Holding Company performed at Whistlestock, a benefit concert for Whistlestop, on September 28. “Whistlestop is one of the few organizations that really helps the elderly in our community,” he said. “It’s a safe, friendly refuge in the middle of downtown San Rafael and we are so happy to be able to support them.” F
Peter Kaukonen
2nd & 3rd Place Photo Winners
Si Perkoff Jackson Café Favorite
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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: 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 Whistlestop Express Editors, John and Val Bowman 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Volunteer Manager, Laurie Vermont volunteer@whistlestop.org Marketing & Communications Specialist, Amanda Denny adenny@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 Jim Anderson • janderson@pacificsun.com Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper
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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
BY DR. THOMAS PETERS
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF T H E M A R I N CO M M U N I T Y F O U N DAT I O N
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My View of the ’60s
hat a mind-blowing experience to be asked to write a few words in this issue of the Whistlestop Express. With Whistlestock occurring this month and “Rockers Over 60” being the overarching theme, I find myself having a series of flashbacks (!) from my own rocking days living in San Francisco during the early ‘60’s. For example, sitting in SF State’s central quad at lunchtime listening to the fabulous outdoor sounds of the early greats, from Country Joe to Big Brother and more. And, wow, lucky us, we’ll get a sampling of these musical pioneers at Whistlestock. Guaranteed, most assuredly, to be groovy. To have lived in San Francisco through the 1960’s, and experienced The Summer of Love first-hand, was really a fantastic privilege. Honestly, though, at the time I was too busy “experiencing” (you get my drift) to really understand the magnitude of that moment. But clearly, from that time on, much in our society changed. While we may not ever have another Summer of Love, Whistlestop is creating something close with Whistlestock. Not just via the musicians and the tie-dye clothing. But in the significance of what it stands for. That period in the ’60s repre-
Whistlestop is “ based on a belief in the goodness of human beings
”
sented a time in the country’s history when we came together, when we saw each other differently, when we were explicit in expressing our care for each other as human beings. Sure, there were lots of aspects to the phenomenon of the Haight/ Ashbury–some positive, some negative–but what the entire movement centered on was the search for a better world. It was full of hope. So who better to stage the modern-day version of Woodstock than Whistlestop? This incredible community organization is based on a belief in the goodness of human beings, on helping out one’s fellows, and on genuine love and respect for one another. Whistlestop’s board, staff, volunteers, and certainly the seniors themselves are, quite beautifully, full of hope. It’s the kind of organization that Jerry, Janis and Jimi would have given a resounding “right on!” I hope to see you at Whistlestock. Maybe we can trade some flowers. F
From Airplane and Starship to Kangaroo: Peter Kaukonen’s Flow of Life
Reaching Out and Giving Back: The Story Behind Whistlestock
By SUSAN SHARPE
he idea for Whistlestock had its inception about a year ago when legendary music producer, engineer and videographer, Pete Slauson, offered to put together a benefit concert for Whistlestop. Over his 40+-year career in the music busi- Pete Slauson ness, Pete came to know dozens of Bay Area musicians, and was eager to help Whistlestop raise funds. Pete recently discovered Whistlestop’s services. “I have edema in my legs so I can’t walk very far,” explained Pete, who is now 70 and lives up two flights of stairs. “Since learning that I was eligible for Whistlestop’s free grocery delivery service, my life has been so much easier.” Pete noted with a hint of irony that his grocery delivery driver is 15 years his senior, saying, “Marvin is 85 and he climbs up and down two flights of stairs with no problem.” Pete generously donated his time to book an all-star lineup of music legends who performed at Whistlestock at Rancho Nicasio on September 28, including Country Joe McDonald, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Peter Kaukonen, David and Linda LaFlamme, Sopwith Camel and Ace of Cups.
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uring the course of his illustrious 57-year career, guitarist Peter Kaukonen has played, toured and recorded with Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna – among others – plus his own band, Black Kangaroo. What many people don’t know about Peter is that he is also a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. He spent several years in practice before refocusing full-time on his music and raising a family. Today, Peter makes his home in Marin with his wife, Robin, and their 10-year-old twin boys. An avid ping-pong player, Peter noted that his longtime ping-pong partner, Vivian Malcy, started the “Racketeers,” Whistlestop’s twice-monthly, free ping-pong program. At age 69, Peter is no stranger to the challenges of caring for aging parents. “I am grateful that I was able to provide some structure for both my parents as they aged,” he said. “Thankfully, we were able to avoid putting them into long term care, but I will always regret that they never got to meet my sons.” In 2009, Peter developed crippling arthritis and completely lost the use of his left hand. “It’s my fretting hand on the guitar,” he explained. “Guitar playing has defined my identity for years, so losing that capacity was not just a physical challenge, it was an existential one.” Since having hand surgery, Peter has been working to reclaim use of his left hand and finally began playing guitar again in early 2014. When asked why he wanted to perform at Whistlestock, the benefit concert for Whistlestop, Peter was quick to reply. “It’s a way for me to acknowledge that we need to integrate our aging population into the flow of life in some meaningful way,” he said. “I’m supportive of anyone or anything that helps this growing demographic to live with grace and dignity.” Peter Kaukonen performed at Whistlestock on September 28, accompanied by Michael Lindner on bass, Tim Gahagan on drums and percussion, and Lee Parvin on keyboards and vocals. F
BY SUSAN SHARPE
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whistlestop.org 3
2nd and 3rd Place Winners in Photo Contest
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he 1st place winning photos by older adults in the annual Whistlestop-Pacific Sun Photo Contest appeared in our September issue. Appearing on this page are the 2nd and 3rd place winners.
Older Adult winners by category were:
“Angel Island from Sausalito Rooftop” by Marilyn Bagshaw
Manipulated Images 2nd Place: “Angel Island from Sausalito Rooftop” by Marilyn Bagshaw, San Rafael
“Beach People and Dog” by Jack Androvich
3rd Place: “Beach People and Dog” by Jack Androvich, San Rafael
Marin Images 2nd Place: “Tomales Bay” by Rebecca Viola, Larkspur
“Tomales Bay” by Rebecca Viola
3rd Place: “Waiting by the Water” by Frederik Penn, Sausalito
“Waiting by the Water” by Frederik Penn
Marin People, Pets & Animals 2nd Place: “Marin County Fair Artist” by Marilyn Bagshaw, San Rafael
“Marin County Fair Artist” by Marilyn Bagshaw
3rd Place: “Fairfax Festival Yoga Class” by Gary Topper, San Anselmo “Fairfax Festival Yoga Class” by Gary Topper 4
WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
Thank You For Your Generosity & Support
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histlestop would like to thank the following businesses for their recent donation of gift certificates for raffle prizes at our company picnic. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and support. Bangkok Thai Express, San Rafael Best Lil’ Pork House, San Rafael Cheesecake Factory, Corte Madera Comforts, San Anselmo Iron Springs Pub & Brewery, Fairfax Jennie Low’s Chinese Cuisine, Novato LoCoco’s Pizzeria, San Rafael Mulberry Street Pizzeria Pleasures of the Heart, San Rafael San Rafael Mitsubishi Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo The Melting Pot, Larkspur Wildfox Restaurant, Novato
Whistlestop is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival.
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e’re sponsoring the film “The Immortalists,” which is a portrait of two scientists that want to develop medical technologies which will supposedly make us all live forever. Friday, Oct. 10th – 6:15pm (The Rafael) Saturday, Oct. 11th – 4:30pm (142 Throckmorton) Visit MVFF.org for box office locations. We hope to see you there!
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Blue Door Seminar Schedule 1003 Third Street, San Rafael
Whistle Stop Ad OCT 1 • 7pm-8pm 3.449” w x 4.5” h color SPECIAL SEMINAR 3-15-13 The Medi-Cal Law Is Changing:
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OCT 29 • 12pm-1pm Trust Series: You REALLY Need to Revise Your Trust! Here is why! Speakers: J.R. Hastings, J.D.
OCT 15 • 12pm-1pm Senior and Financial Series: How To Make The Best Senior Retirement Choice Speaker: Carlos Esteban, Aegis Living
OCT 29 • 6pm-8pm Movie Night ~ Soirée De Cinema
More Great Seminars to Come!
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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
Unless otherwise noted, please call 456-9062 to register for all classes on Monday-Friday from 8:30 -5:30pm; most classes are free. For a full list of classes and services refer to the Whistlestop monthly calendar at www.Whistlestop.org or pick up a calendar at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS OKTOBERFEST LUNCHEON CELEBRATION Thurs, Oct 23, 11:30am-2pm Live music with Renate Bixby and the German Club from Noon-1:30pm Celebrate Oktoberfest, the world’s largest annual celebration with the German Club at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café. Enjoy a special lunch of German sausages, potato salad, braised cabbage and soft pretzels, with apple strudel for dessert and alcohol-free beer to drink! The German Club will also perform traditional accordion music and festive songs to celebrate the day. Reservations required by Oct 21 due to limited seating, so call 456-9062 to purchase your $10 a ticket in advance.
WHISTLE-SPIRIT COSTUME PARTY LUNCH Fri, Oct 31, 11:30am-2pm Costume Contest 1-1:30pm Come and celebrate the spirit of Halloween at the Jackson Café, with a spooktacular lunch (regular menu options available) and costume contest. Come dressed in your favorite funny, spooky, or creative costume and win a prize. No reservation required; regular menu pricing.
HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/GROUPS ART EXPLORATION Fridays, Oct. 10 & 24, 1:30-3pm $3 fee, sign-up in advance Enjoy creating seasonal arts and crafts projects this month with Anna Ladyzhenskaya and Diana Gruhl. No experience required. Class limited to 12 participants. CARDIO/YOGA CLASS Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45am If you don’t mind breaking a sweat, this class ensures a good 50-minute workout with chair and standing exercises and warm up & cool down – complete with audio descriptions so participants who are visually impaired or blind can easily join in. This is followed by gentle and conscious breath-based yoga that will help renew your body and spirit. Led by Michael Gordon and Heidi Segedin. CONVERSATION GROUP FOR 90+ Every 3rd Thursday, 1:30-3pm Contact: Virginia Dziomba, 456-6647 Join this small, friendly conversation group for women and men who are 90 years and older. Every third Thursday of the month. FALL PREVENTION WORKSHOP Thurs Oct 9, 1:30-2:30pm Want to learn techniques and methods to prevent falls? Students in the Occupational Therapy Masters Degree program at Dominican University will show you how in this one-hour presentation. JEWELRY CLASS Wed, Oct 15, 1:30-2:45pm Cost: $8 per class/includes materials Maria Barsesat, local bead artist, will show you how to make a knotted bracelet. This is a fairly easy project with lots of style. Class limited to 10 people; sign-up in advance. MIND EXERCISE CLASS Thurs, Oct 2 & 16, 3:30-5pm Stimulate your mind by exploring dynamic word and number puzzles. Facilitated by teacher Lloyd Licher. whistlestop.org 7
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
THEATER GAMES AND PLAY READING GROUP Mondays, 4-5pm Cost: $5-10 per class (sliding scale) Join Gina Pandiani, Fringe of Marin artistic director, for an hour of theater games and play reading at Whistlestop. Try out your inner actor and join in the fun. No experience required for this group. WOMEN CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Mon, Oct 20, 1-2:30pm for 8 weeks Are you a woman coping with the challenges of caring for a loved one with a chronic or acute illness? Judy Coombs, RN, BSN, Gerontological Nurse Educator, will lead a free 8-week group for women to teach coping skills, facilitate group discussion, and provide valuable resources. Space is limited to 20 people. ZENTANGLE CLASS Thurs Oct 2, 1:30-3pm $3 materials fee 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.
HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH SERVICES BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING AND MEDICATION REVIEW Tues, Oct 7, 11am-1pm Free monthly blood pressure screenings provided by Dominican University nursing students.
Marin County Commission on Aging Thursday, Oct. 9 • 10am to 12:30pm Dance Palace – Church Auditorium – West Marin Topic: West Marin Senior Services Update Speakers: Skip Schwartz, Executive Director, WMSS 8
WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
FLU SHOT CLINIC Wed, Oct 29, 10:30am-1:30pm Walgreens will provide free flu shots for Whistlestop clients. Drop-in. HEARING SCREENING AND CALIFORNIA TELEPHONE ACCESS PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION Thurs, Oct 9, 9am-Noon If you have a problem with your hearing, an certified audiologist will test your hearing and can certify you to receive a free telephone or supportive equipment from California Telephone Access Program. Sign-up in advance. MEMORY SCREENINGS Wed, Oct 15, 10am-2pm Are you concerned? Take Action! Memory screening makes sense for anyone concerned about memory loss. Memory screening is as simple as a short “test” with a geriatric professional that takes 30 minutes. Please call Whistlestop’s front desk to signup today. Memory Screenings are a national initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. In our community, Senior Access, Senior Helpers, Etheridge Care Management, and Whistlestop are working together to bring this service to you. MULTI-CULTURAL CONSULTATIONS By appointment: 456-9062 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. Spanish: Marta Villela Russian: Anna Ladyzhenskaya Vietnamese: Lieu Phan ROTARY HOME TEAM PROGRAM Starting October 25th! Whistlestop, Episcopal Senior Communities, Mission Rotary and MCIL are partnering to bring you this exciting new program. The Rotary Home Team Program will identify seniors in the community who would benefit from volunteers visiting their homes to do minor repairs, including: changing light bulbs and smoke detector
batteries, fixing leaky faucets and repairing squeaky or broken door handles (at no cost). Stay tuned for more details and feel free to call Leslie Klor at 415-456-9062 x132 for more information. Thanks!
ANNOUNCEMENTS MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY DRIVERS Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound clients. Deliveries are Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9am-Noon or 1-4pm. CASHIERS AND SERVERS AT JACKSON CAFÉ Friendly volunteers interested in serving lunch are needed Monday through Friday from 10:45am-2pm. Contact: Laurie Vermont at 456-9062, ext. 117 or Volunteer@Whistlestop.org VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED! The Multicultural Department is looking for volunteer tutors to help our English students improve their language skills. This is a great opportunity to help others better integrate into our community. Hours are very flexible. If interested, please contact Marta Villela at 456-9062, ext. 131.
In-Kind Donations needed Mah Jongg sets, books, yarn, movies on DVDs and desktop or laptop Window 8 or Mac computers. If you have items to donate, please call 456-9062.
TECHNOLOGY
Pre-registration and payment required. To register, 456-9062. See details of classes online. Intro to Computers (Windows) Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21 & 28 (4 classes), 10am-Noon Fee: $65/Maximum 8 people Start at the very beginning and get an overview of what a personal computer can do for you in this hands-on course. The class is designed for first-time computer users. Using Android SmartPhones & Tablets Tuesdays, Nov 11 & 18, 10am-Noon Fee: $48/Maximum 8 people In this class, you will learn how to make phone calls, send a text message, watch video clips and surf the Web, as well as other fundamentals.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY In honor of National Make a Difference Day, Whistlestop will hold a Volunteer and Career Fair on Friday, Oct 24. Come find out all the ways you can help make a difference by giving back to the older adults in Marin. The event will take place at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, from 2-4pm.
New Meals on Wheels Route Sponsorship Opportunity
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histlestop will launch the new Meals on Wheels (MOW) Route Sponsorship this year in an effort to bridge the funding gap that Whistlestop currently subsidizes for the program. The MOW program asks for a suggested contribution to all recipients participating in the program at $3.50 per meal. Last year the program received only $.79 per meal. Our annual program survey revealed that 50% of our participants are living on $1,000 or less per month, making them incapable of supporting the program that nourishes them. Sponsoring a MOW Route for $1,000 a month will give you or your business visibility in the community via a magnetized sign on one of our many MOW Routes that shows your support for the program. * Call Krista 456-9062 Computer Tutor Wednesdays, Noon-1pm by appointment Fee: $20/per hour We offer personalized computer assistance, troubleshooting and instruction for the PC user, specializing in assisting older adults and novices. Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday 10am-Noon No Cost Use our desktops to access the Internet. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets or to offer help with software applications. For additional computer class options at other locations, go to: www.technology4life.org. Or call: 320-0363. whistlestop.org 9
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop
TUESDAYS
MONDAYS
TIME
WEDNESDAYS
COST Non
Drop-in $6/$8 Members Drop-in $4/8min. Drop-in Free 472-6020 Free 485-9318 Free Drop-in Free 456-9062 Free 456-9062 $15 one-time fee 456-9062 $5-10 per class
3:30–4:30PM
Exercise Whistlesizers Drop-in $2 Relax Mah Jongg Drop-in Free Exercise Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Free Relax Manicurist Appt. Req. Free Language French Class Starts Oct. 14 Free Language French Social Group Starts Oct. 14 Free Language Learn Spanish Drop-in Free Support Mastery of Aging Class Drop-in Free Creative Advanced Korean Drums 456-9062 Free
9–10:15AM 10–11:30AM 10–12PM 10:30AM–1:30PM 10:30–11:30AM 1–2PM 2–3:30PM 3:30–5PM
Exercise Tai Chi Drop-in/Sugg. Donation $10 or less Support Seniors' Circle Drop-in Free Learn Computer Lab Drop-in Free Language Persian Social Group 472-6020 Free Support Corazón Latino Drop-in Free Language English Pronunciation 456-9062 $10 Language ESL Basic/Advanced 456-9062 $15 one-time fee Support Citizenship Class 456-9062 $25 one-time fee
9:30–10:30 AM
10:00–NOON
10:45–11:45AM
11AM–2PM
11:30AM–12:30PM
1–2PM
1–3PM
9:30–10:30AM
10AM–1PM
11–NOON
12:15–3PM
2–3:30PM
2:45–3:45PM 3:30–4:30PM
3:30–5PM
Exercise Whistlesizers Drop-in $2 Relax Chair Massage Drop-in $4/8 mins. Exercise Zumba Drop-in $6/$8 Non Members Support Vietnamese Social Group 456-9062 Free Support AgeSong Group 591-5726 $80 Oct. 2 Exercise Balance Class Drop-in/Sugg. Donation $10 Creative Begining Korean Drums 456-9062 Free Exercise Mind Exercise Oct. 2 & 16 Free
Support Brown Bag Pantry 456-9062 x117 1–3PM Support ACASA Drop-in/Peer Counseling 1:30–3PM Creative Art Exploration Oct. 10 & 24 1:30–3:30PM Language Practice Spanish Drop-in 2–4PM Exercise Ping-Pong Oct. 3, 17 & 31 3–4PM Exercise Yoga Drop-in 11:00–NOON
FRIDAYS
INFO
Exercise Zumba Relax Chair Massage Learn Computer Lab Language Persian Social Group Exercise Movement & Music (C.O.M.) Language German Social Group Language Russian Social Group 2–3:30PM Language ESL Basic/Advanced 4–5PM Creative Theatre Games & Play Reading 9:30–10:30AM 10–1PM 10–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11–NOON 12:15–1:45PM 12:30–1:30PM
1:30–3PM
THURSDAYS
CLASS
For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org
Free Free $3 Free Free $3/$5
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 OCTOBER 2014
Non Members
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
Main Entrée $4.95/$5.95/$6.95 Sandwiches $4.50/$5.25/$6.25 Soup du Jour $1.95/$2.95/$2.95 bowl Hamburger w/Fries $4.50/$5.25/$6.25 Garden/Caesar Salads $3.75-$4.50 OTHER ITEMS Tuna Salad Side $1.25 Beverages $1.00 Desserts/Fruit $2.00 Cheese $0.50 Avocado $1.25
Gratitude for Whistlestock Support Presenting Sponsor
Special Thanks Pete Slauson Event Music Producer All of the Legendary Musicians Rancho Nicasio and Bob Brown
Rock Legend Sponsor
Collette Sell Event Productions Event Producer Paul Liberatore Marin Airporter - transportation Clothilde Designs
Peace Love and Happiness Sponsor
Crowbar Productions T-shirt Design Pat Ryan – Poster Art Rick Meyers
Flower Power Sponsor
The Whistlestock Leadership Team: Etta Allen, Chair, Vanda Alicastro, Joan Capurro, Lorena Garbarino, Susan Gilardi, Terry Graham, Bruce Raabe, Dennis Thompson
Groovy Tie-Dyed Sponsors
To the hundreds of community members who purchased tickets to the event
Aging Solutions, Inc. Alten Construction Bank of Marin BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. Don Kline, Long-Term Care & Life Insurance Eden Housing, Inc. H & H Printing, Inc. Heffernan Insurance Brokers Jerry Thompson & Sons, Inc. Kunst Bros. Painting Contractor, Inc. Magic Bus Sightseeing Tour Marin Sanitary Service Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC RAB Motors West Bay Builders, Inc.
To the Whistlestop staff who have worked tirelessly to create an amazing party! Other Contributors Accuchex Best Collateral BiRITE Food Service Distributors Boerio, Clark & Associates CPAs, LLP John and Val Bowman California Printed of Marin Kate Colin Fregosi & Company Paints, Inc. Ghilotti Construction Company Good Earth Natural Foods Hennessy Funds Marin Honda Montecito Marketplace/Seagate Properties Nelson Staffing Tony Nethercutt Bob Santini Windshield Repair TWM Architects Villa Marin Westamerica Bank
whistlestop.org 11
Nona Knows Best
by MARY ANN MAGGIORE
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The Heart of Rock & Roll – Still Beatin’!
n the 60’s, we were young. Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones was #1 on the Hit Parade. I put HiFi speakers into my bedroom window and let the sound roll out into the neighborhood. Everybody came out of their houses and danced. We taught each other to say: “That TOTALLY rocked!” And mean it. Music was everywhere and we felt it was truly “ours.” When I heard the Beatles had broken up, I burst into tears. Music was our voice. In 1969, as the country churned in confusion over Vietnam, Country Joe and the Fish made things very clear at Woodstock: Well it’s 1, 2, 3, what’re we fightin’ for? After Woodstock, we had direction. We listened and followed our troubadours who had become our familiars: Joan, The Dead, Janis, The Airplane, The Who, and Jimi.
Helping You Maintain Your Independence
As everyday life becomes more challenging, a little help can go a long way.
A sample of our services: •Grocery HospiceShopping Care Care Care •• Memory Alzheimer’s • Companion Care Med Reminders Prepare Meals Med Reminders • Housekeeping • Bathing/Dressing Housekeeping • Laundry Bathing/Dressing •Light Transportation to Appointment • Cooking Laundry •Drive Run Errands •Run PostErrands Surgery Care Much More! • And And Much More!
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12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
Late at night at college, after the wine and the last joint had been passed around, we argued about God, about racism, sexism and the military industrial complex. We got on buses and went to protests to end every evil. We volunteered at inner-city clinics and soup kitchens and in run-down schools with kids who had nothing, while we had been given it all. Some of us were drafted, some of us died in war. Some stayed true to our ideals, some of us let the ideals drift away. Always the music was there, our soundtrack. Rocking a baby to sleep, you might hear a wisp of Joni or the strains of Crosby or Marley. Music was everywhere. Track tapes went to cassettes, then disks, then iPods. Music made our day brighter or our ride less tedious, or our thoughts more clear. Gradually the music changed, as all things must. We began to be people who reminisce. We became people who knew you could trust someone over thirty. We tried listening to hiphop and rap and ska. But it was never the same as standing in a field with hundreds of thousands of people singing our hearts out, calling for a new world and believing with all our hearts that what we sang for would soon come true. Rock and Roll is to me what the Big Band sound was to my parents. It just never ends. The tunes still bring meaning and delight. For you, too? F Mary Ann Maggiore consults with teens, young people & their families to create a meaningful life. Contact her: maryannmaggiore@gmail.com, 577-6627.
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Multicultural NEWS by DIANA GRUHL
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German Festival coming to Whistlestop
ave you ever been to a German beer festival or Oktoberfest in the fall and heard the rousing sounds of accordion, tuba, and people singing: In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus: Eins, zwei, g’suffa! with beer steins in hand? This well-known song, which translates to, “In Munich stands the Hofbräuhaus: One, two, drink up!” announces the arrival of the world’s largest fair, which traditionally takes place in Munich, Germany, for 16 days in late September and early October, currently with over 6 million participants. This event is also celebrated annually around the world by people of German descent, and all people who enjoy a great festival. It is usually held in a large decorated tent or in a large hall, where participants, dressed in outfits like lederhosen and dirndls, drink German beer and eat authentic German food, while singing traditional songs accompanied by authentic instruments. But how did this start and how has it changed? Oktoberfest traces its origins to Munich, where over 200 years ago, festivities were held to honor a wedding for the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to Princess Therese from SaxonyHildburghausen. However, instead of a grand beer festival, these early participants enjoyed festivities in front of the city gates, highlighted by horse races. This event continued into the 1800s with an Agricultural Show to boost Bavarian culture and then became the largest beer festival in the world. On Thursday, Oct. 23, the Whistlestop German Club and Active Aging Center will host an Oktoberfest luncheon in the Jackson Café from 11:30am-2pm. This event will include festive decorations, authentic accordion music and songs from Renate Bixby and the German Club, and a traditional German lunch. . The menu will include a meal of sausages, braised cabbage, potato salad, pretzels, alcohol-free beer, and strudel. Reservations are required; call our front desk at 456-9062 to sign-up and purchase your ticket. F
Skilled Nursing: Where the
only thing you have to worry about is
getting
better.
Recovery from surgery or illness can be difficult on patients and families. That’s why there’s NCPHS Medicare Certified skilled nursing care. At our facilities, patients benefit from 24/7 post-operative care, wound therapy, enteral care, pain management and an extra dose of compassion. Our team includes RN’s, LVN’s, Certified Nursing Assistants, Rehabilitation Therapists and Dieticians. We’re dedicated to helping patients get well, both physically and emotionally. To learn more, call 415.351.7956, or email Janey Dobson, MPH at jdobson@ncphs.org.
A Life Care Community thetam.org 501 Via Casitas
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 #210102761 COA #099 I License #410500567 COA #075 I License # 380500593 COA #097
Job # / Name: NCPHS-316 Skilled Nursing_Whistlestop ME02
Date: 04/10/14
Publication: Alternatives for Seniors
Issue date:
Due at pub: 04/14/14
Ad Size:
Bleed: NA
Trim: 3.4063” x 4.5”
Live:
Sign Off:
AD: SR
Proofer:
AE: JO
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 whistlestop.org 13
We Care Every Day In Every Way®
Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance Grooming • Assistance with Walking Medication Reminders • Errands • Shopping Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care Respite Care for Families • Live-In Care
(415) 499-1200
www.JMHomecare.com
All Cases are Managed by a Licensed Nurse.
HOURLY AND LIVE-IN
• • • • • • • • • • •
Light Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation & Clean Up Medication Reminders Personal Care Respite Care Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance Help with Daily Grooming Toileting Assistance Help with Ambulation Bed-bound Assistance Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Companionship, Conversation • Encouraging Hobbies And much, much more…
14 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014
Volunteer of the Month October Dan Emery
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histlestop Volunteer of the Month Dan Emery is “Always friendly and eager to help out. He is one of the most dependable people I have ever met, and ready to Dan Emery go the extra mile when additional help is needed,” according to Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager. “The volunteers who work alongside Dan on Friday mornings at the Brown Bag Pantry consider him one of the anchors of their very solid team.” Emery was born in New Jersey and raised in New Hampshire but he has called California home ever since leaving the Army in the late 60s. He fell in love with the Northern California weather, which has let him indulge in his passions of gardening, hiking, wood carving and mountain biking all year long. When Dan retired after 15 years of working for the Buckelew Programs, he got busy volunteering. He volunteers at Whistlestop three days a week, at two other food pantry programs and he works every morning in a garden for a nonprofit in Woodacre. Dan has been volunteering at Whistlestop since January and he says this is the best time of his life. Although he claims to be a shy person, anyone who meets him at Whistlestop knows Dan as the tall, friendly man who helps them in and out of the building and is always ready for a chat.F
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Want to Advertise? Contact the Pacific Sun at 485-6700 for rates and deadlines
Jazz Pianist-Singer Si Perkoff— a Marin Favorite Who Played for Rock Musical ‘Hair’
S
i Perkoff started learning classical piano at age 7 in his St. Louis home, and over the next 70 years, he evolved into an accomplished jazz player and singer. He and his wife, Jane, live in Tam Valley and Si continues to make his living playing piano and singing. He has sung with Bread and Roses at WhistleSi Perkoff stop’s Jackson Café “too many times to count.” He also played for eight months with the Rock and Roll musical, “Hair,” once met his idol, Thelonius Monk, and these days, plays mostly with the Mal Sharpe Big Money Jazz Band. Jazz has been the constant in Si’s career. The stint with “Hair” started when he was hired to sub for the musical’s main pianist. “I played for him at rehearsals and auditions,” Si recalls. “And then they organized three or four separate musical companies. Ours was called the Venus Company and we were a traveling group, playing in towns around the United States.” Si has played with Bread and Roses for more than 20 years. He hasn’t always been a singer but in the early 1970s, he added singing to his performance. “I wrote some tunes with my own lyrics and wound up blowing out my vocal chords. I had to stop singing for years. My wife studied psychic healing education and she helped me. Eventually, my voice came back and I started singing again in the ‘80s.” He said he
is glad he has his voice back because he enjoys also talking to audiences during performances. “The mission of Bread and Roses is to entertain folks who might be in wheelchairs, people who cannot get out much, and are often isolated. So it is enjoyable talking to them about the tunes and so on.” F
No Waiting at The Redwoods!
Independent Living Available Now: Independent Living ••One-Bedroom & One-Bedroom Apartments Studio Apartments • No Buy-In Fee; Month-to-
201
4
By JOHN BOWMAN
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40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 383-2741
••Contact Schenbaum Contact Barry Tony Williams or or Barry Schenbaum orPam Pam 415-383-2741 BillBill at at 415-383-2741
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Voted the Best Senior Living Community in Marin.
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
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whistlestop.org 15
Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325 Whistlestop.org
Not All Home Care is Alike
Home Care Assistance is the only agency that offers three tiers of expert care which are always available to clients at no extra cost! Just take a look... Balanced Care is for those seniors who choose to age in their own homes. All caregivers receive training in the Balanced Care Method™, a program that promotes healthy mind, body and spirit for aging adults. Caregivers also receive culinary training! Cognitive Therapeutics is provided to help delay memory problems. We use specially trained caregivers to administer an active set of cognitive activities to help keep our aging clients mentally sharp and engaged. Hospital to Home Care is for those seniors who need help after a medical incident. We are the experts on a smooth recovery at home, having written the popular book From Hospital to Home Care. One last thing... Other home care agencies require strict contracts and add on special charges. There could be hidden mealtime rates, transportation charges, an overnight rate or even a bathing rate. We have no contracts or obligations! There are never hidden fees! Meet Francie. Francie Bedinger is the Home Care Assistance Kentfield client care manager and works directly with clients and their families throughout Marin County. With a masters in Gerontology, Francie is an expert in health and wellness for older adults and works hard to ensure her clients are happy and healthy at all times.
Call Francie today to schedule your free assessment!
415-532-8626 • HomeCareAssistance.com 919 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Ste.107, Kentfield, CA 94904 16 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS OCTOBER 2014