Whistlestop Express September 2015

2nd Annual

Whistlestock!

Chambers Still Loves Singing ‘Time’ page 3 ‘Love At First Note’ page 5 ‘The Fish’ Still Fights for Justice page 7

whistlestop.org

SEPTEMBER 2015

Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org

Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE

By PETER RUBENS

To have the Express emailed sign up at whistlestop.org For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.

Our Mission Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace.

Whistlestop: 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 WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir CEO Tom Roberts Chief Operating Officer Yvonne Roberts info@whistlestop.org Development and Marketing Director Anita Renzetti Director of Program Innovation Marty Orgel Marketing and Communications Specialist John and Val Bowman 916-751-9189, john.bowman58@gmail.com Whistlestop Express Editors Susan Stratman Mobility Services Manager Laurie Vermont volunteer@whistlestop.org Volunteer Manager Diana Gruhl Program Manager BOARD OF DIRECTORS President — Dennis Ryan Vice President — Etta Allen Treasurer — Karen Arnold Secretary — Cynthia Wuthmann Sharon Jackson • Lenice Smith • Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Rozan Donals rdonals@pacificsun.com Danielle McCoy dmccoy@pacificsun.com Advertising Phaedra Strecher pstrecher@pacificsun.com Art Director Missy Reynolds — Cover design

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The Gift of Giving Back

M

y path to support Whistlestop began nearly 15 years ago during my first mid-life crisis, which occurred on 9/11/2001. On that fateful day, I was in Manhattan peddling wine for a national wine marketing company I had founded two years earlier. While those events tragically changed the course of thousands of lives, including mine, I decided in the second half of my adult life I wanted to be of service to more than just the Bacchanalian God and winery owners.

Having turned 40 and recently divorced, raising three small children, little did I know then that this new path would eventually lead me to the company I now own and operate – At Home Caregivers. Along with eight great office staff, we assist dozens of Aging Pioneers to live with dignity, independence and peace of mind wherever they call home. Our employer model agency is also in service to our Caregivers; we are the 21st century employer of record to the people

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

Whistlestock Presenting Sponsor At Home Caregivers

who provide this priceless service for our clients and families.

I am not only honored and humbled to serve a unique and talented group of clients and families who choose our agency to care for their loved ones, but also grateful to the caregivers who provide this vital and special service. In short, we can never do enough for our clients or pay our caregivers enough for their work, but the gratitude and connection that comes from serving others in our community makes our work extremely rewarding.

And this leads me back to Whistlestop. I am fortunate enough to live and work in the most beautiful county in the USA, in service to those who choose to pay for care at home. Whistlestop is the agency that provides care to those in our

community who wish to age in place here in Marin, but need our help. What better way for me to give back to my community than to help support those who cannot afford the services of At Home Caregivers? That is why I am proud to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s Whistlestock fundraiser.

While there are many causes that deserve our help and attention – saving elephants in Africa and India, eradicating malaria and polio around the world, the environment, etc. – I strongly encourage you to think and act locally. The fastest growing population segment in the North Bay are those 65 years and older. Let’s help Whistlestop help those here at home. See you at Whistlestock!

Peter Rubens is proprietor of At Home Caregivers | “Wouldn’t you rather be at home?”

Fostering friendships

This is where residents discover the community experience.

Call 866.830.5622 or visit LifeatDrakeTerrace.com Lester Chambers

Lester Chambers: ‘I’ll Never Stop Going’

Lic. #216801028

Fostering Friendships DT ad 4.3438 x 4.8438 Whistletop Express.indd 1

7/20/15 1:45 PM

BY JOHN BOWMAN

W

hen asked if he ever grows weary of answering requests for such songs as “Time Has Come Today,” West Coast Blues Hall of Famer Lester Chambers replied, “No, no. It is always a pleasure. I hope people understand the message in our songs, about peace and love and listening to young people.”

The opening lyrics of “Time” underscore what Chambers is talking about: “Time has come today for young hearts to go their way; can’t put it off another day.”

“Time” and “People Get Ready” are two of the songs

that Chambers and his group will be performing at Whistlestock, the benefit concert for Whistlestop, on Sunday, September 27 at Rancho Nicasio Bar and Restaurant. Chambers said he has known about Whistlestop for about a year. “I know the good work they do in Marin County. They help a lot of people. I’m glad to be helping them.”

Chambers first sang “Time Has Come Today” in 1966 and that song made it to No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1968. At the time, Chambers was lead singer for the Chambers Brothers.

The highest standards in providing home care

O

ur team of senior care specialists at Independent Senior Care will provide your loved ones with dedicated care and attention at home.

We will provide the following services: • Meal preparation • Medication reminders • Assist with light exercise • Personal care assistance • Errands and appointments

• Monitor conditions of the home and individual • Friendly companionship and conversation • Vacation and Respite care

These and many more home care solutions can be brought to you at home.

For a customized care plan, please set an appointment with our care coordinator.

We will be happy to meet you in person for a consultation.

Call us at 415-246-6285 for assistance www.independentseniorcareca.com

See CHAMBERS on page 12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

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Find us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/WhistlestopMarin

We are still dancing ... Some of our volunteers at Whistlestop’s Hawaiian luau summer celebration lunch ... Maika`i loa!

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

CarePool Volunteer Drivers Provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults to the doctor or grocery store. Use your own car and receive ride requests through email. Drive on your own schedule.

Jackson Café Lunch Servers, Cashiers Jackson Café offers older adults nutritious meals at an affordable price. Café volunteers greet, serve and support social interaction.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to homebound older adults. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report, a reliable vehicle and current insurance certification are needed.

To learn more contact: volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9062, ext. 117.

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

John Noren

U

pon retiring from his successful dental practice in 2011, John Noren joined a group called Sons in Retirement (SIRS).

Realizing he missed the daily interaction with people and the feeling of accomplishing something positive, he filled his time with various meetings, played bridge twice a week and joined a bowling group.

John is a Bay Area native. He grew up in San Francisco and graduated from Lincoln High School. He went to UC Santa Barbara where he studied Analytical Biology; even he is not sure why. John returned to San Francisco for Dental School, briefly interrupted by a couple of years in the Army, before beginning his career in dentistry.

At one meeting of SIRS, Yvonne Roberts, Whistlestop’s Development and Marketing Director, came to speak to the group. John was intrigued with all the programs and services Whistlestop provides. He followed through and came in to see what it was all about, eventually making a commitment to drive a Meals on Wheels route every Wednesday morning.

A volunteer since January of 2012, John appreciates the welcoming, upbeat Whistlestop staff and enjoys the Meals on Wheels clients he meets each week. As he gets to know them and learns their stories, his life in turn is enriched.

He feels as if volunteering is good for his soul and it makes him feel good about himself and about other people he encounters.

John lives happily with his wife of 35 years and enjoys watching his grown son and daughter make their way in the world. He feels blessed with his life and couldn’t be happier.

Erika Vaughn, Meals on Wheels Coordinator says, “John is much more than a volunteer, he is a hero. To me a hero is somebody who is selfless, generous in spirit, and gives of himself to help other people. John doesn’t just deliver meals to our clients every week, he genuinely cares about them.”

If you would like to find out more about Meals on Wheels or any other volunteer opportunity at Whistlestop, contact Laurie: volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415- 4569062, ext. 117. We would love to have you join our team.

Music As Pain Reliever To better understand music’s pain-relieving nature, scientists are exploring how the brain processes music during pain.

Courtesy Imperial Messenger Service

Imperial Messenger Service: ‘Freight Train of Great Music’

When the body encounters something painful, electrochemical signals travel from the site of the injury to the spinal cord and on to the brain. Several brain regions work together to process pain signals – ultimately resulting in the conscious experience of, “Ow, that hurts!”

In contrast, brain scans reveal that listening to pleasing music increases activity in parts of the brain’s reward center and triggers the release of the brain chemical dopamine.

From www.brainfacts.org.

BY MARTY ORGEL

“O

ur music has held up over the test of time,” says Linda Imperial, of the Imperial Messenger Service. Her band is playing at the second annual Whistlestock benefit concert, with rock pioneers of the 60s. “It’s a testament to the musicians and the times and the people who made the music,” she says.

The Express caught up with Linda and David Freiberg, who are married to each other. David is also a member of Imperial Messenger Service. As Linda puts it, there was an instant connection between them when they first met. “It was love at first note,” she says. David keeps up the friendly banter.

“It’s obvious how you absolutely adore working with me,” he adds with a chuckle.

“Today’s kids really ... get into our music, which they see as a freight train of great music rolling toward them,” says Linda.

Linda and David were both part of Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Starship, and both played in many other bands in the 60s heydays and beyond.

They’re looking forward to the Whistlestock Benefit Concert Sept. 27 at Nicasio Ranch. As to their long musical journey through life, Linda says, “ Our fans, old and new are great.

It’s an in your face love of our music.”

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

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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.

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

Sal Valentino

Sal Valentino Was Lead Singer for Brummels

BY JOHN BOWMAN

“T

he Beatles opened the door and the Beau Brummels sailed through it, and for a while rode the crest.”

Ralph Glesson, founder of the Rolling Stone, wrote those words and Sal Valentino, who will open the second Whistlestock concert in Nicasio on September 27, remembers that ride vividly. Valentino, now 72 and living in Sacramento, was the lead singer for the Beau Brummels back in the 1960s.

Gleeson went on to write of the Brummels: “That they have turned out, in the light of history, to be better than they seemed at the time, shows how advanced they

were and how the taste buds have altered.”

Valentino said he will definitely sing “Laugh, Laugh,” and “Just a Little,” two Beau Brummels songs that made the Top 10 in the charts. “People always ask for ‘Laugh,’ and that’s great,” he said, “But “Just a Little” even made it higher on the charts – Number 5 I believe.”

The Brummels’ history is pretty well known.

Virtuoso guitarist Ron Elliott and Valentino (real name Sal Spampinato) first sang together in school in San Francisco in the late ‘50s. Later Elliott studied See VALENTINO on page 13

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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

• 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…

Barry Melton performing at the 38th Haight Ashbury Street Fair.

‘And it’s 1, 2, 3, What Are We Fighting For?’

BY VAL BOWMAN

O

ne of the musicians who will perform at the Whistlestock 2015 benefit is Barry Melton (the Fish of Country Joe and The Fish). He was co-founder and lead guitarist of the popular 60s psychedelic rock band out of Berkeley. The band appeared at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969, taking the crowd by storm with their memorable audience participation chant –The Fish Cheer, one of the most recognized protest songs against the Vietnam War. In addition to being a gifted musician who has been playing since the age

of 5, Melton has been a criminal defense lawyer for over 30 years. He retired in 2009 as public defender of Yolo County to enter private practice. He currently works as a contract public defender in Lake County, where he recently packed up all his photos in the trunk of his car in case the Rocky Fire forced him to make a quick getaway.

Barry sees his work as a musician and as an attorney who works in social justice issues for indigent people to be the same but just a different manifestation. In the 60s,

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info@SeniorsAtHome.org • www.SeniorsAtHome.org See MELTON on page 14 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

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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.

To become a member, pick up an application at the front desk at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., from 8:30am-5:30pm. To register or for information about any class or service, call 415-456-9062. Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center & Jackson Café will be closed Sept 7, Labor Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS Hispanic Heritage Lunch Celebration Thurs, Sept 10, Lunch: 11:30am1:30pm/Music: 12-1 pm

$8/10 Tickets required; purchase by Sept 7 • Celebrate Hispanic-Latino culture at Jackson Café with chicken mole, rice, vegetables and flan. Latin singing and guitar music of Arthur Javier provided by Bread & Roses and Whistlestop.

Mariachi Nueva Generacion Concert Thurs, Sept 17, Refreshments: 2-2:30pm Entertainment: 2:30-3:30pm

San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St, San Rafael • $7 in advance/ $10 at the door • Open to the public; children 12 & under free • Advance registration recommended • San Rafael Goldenaires and Whistlestop present Mariachi music, friendship, and raffle prizes. Bring family and friends. Tickets available at Whistlestop or San Rafael Goldenaires, 415-485-3348.

Tet Trung Thu Vietnamese Celebration Mon, Sept 28, Lunch: 11:30am1:30pm/Entertainment: 12-1pm

The Vietnamese Social Group will host a special lunch celebration with homemade Vietnamese food and lively entertainment to celebrate the Moon Festival, Tet Trung Thu. Call Dina Duong for more information, 415-456-9062, ext. 129.

HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS English as a Second Language Mondays and Wednesdays starting Sept 9, 2-3:30pm

$20/$25 • Instructors from Canal Alliance • English classes provided in four levels, plus a class on pronunciation with computers. To register and for information in English or Spanish, call 415-454-0998; Vietnamese or Russian, call 415-456-9062.

NEW! Harmonica Class Tuesdays starting Sept 8, 3-4pm for 6 weeks

$35/$40 (Minimum class, 6) • Instructor: Kathleen Downey, certified music therapist • Learn to play songs on the harmonica. Learning something new improves your memory and playing the harmonica improves your lung expansion. Bring $8 for a harmonica provided by the teacher or bring your own.

Brain Fitness Workshop Thurs, Sept 10, 9:30-10:30am

Donations Appreciated • Instructors: Bob Nations and Ruby Beallo • The top four things to promote good brain health as we age: move your body; eat right; find a challenge and socialize. The Senior Access Brain Fitness classes offer all four. We’ll talk about eating right and challenge you with fun activities in a room full of people for socializing.

Chinese Brush Painting Fridays, Sept 11 & 25, 2-4pm

$3/5 • Instructor: Louisa Yee • Come and experience the meditative art of Chinese Brush Painting; no experience required and materials provided.

Movement & Music Thursdays starting Sept 14, 11am-12pm

NEW! Drawing & Composition Thursdays starting Sept 10, 3-4:30 pm for 6 weeks $15/17 • Instructor: Anna Ladyzhenskaya • Drawing as an art form for the novice and for those with some experience. Learn about composition, controlling tones, shading and drawing methods. Learn how to see with an artistic eye and capture 3-D objects.

Register & pay fees through College of Marin, 415-485-9305 • Instructor: Diane Hain • This class is for older persons who have not been exercising regularly or who have arthritis-related problems. The moderate pace meets individual needs. Chair exercises tone and include joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balance, breathing coordination, and modified Tai Chi movements.

Salsa Cuban Ballroom Dancing Tuesdays, 3-4pm

Zentangle Thurs, Sept 17, 1:30-3pm

$10/12 • Instructor: Dale Louise Evje, professional dancer • Learn beginning cha cha, mambo, and rumba; geared for older adults of all levels and abilities.

$3/5 • Instructor: Paula Egan, certified Zentangle teacher Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Cribbage Club Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm

Korean Drumming Thursdays, starting Sept 24, 4-5pm for 11 weeks

$3/5 • Join a new Cribbage Club for experienced cribbage players. If you have little experience, there will be instruction during the first few meetings, 8

then the group will play and improve skills weekly together.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

$3/5, space limited • Beginning Classes • Instructor: Jong Lee/Dominican University • Learn traditional

Korean drumming and dance. Intergenerational program includes Whistlestop class members and students/teachers from Dominican, for beginners and advanced students with several public performances.

Equipment and costumes provided

by Asian American Alliance of Marin and Service-Learning Program of Dominican.

/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Qigong for Health & Happiness Thursdays, 3:30-4:30pm Fee: $5-$10 (sliding scale) per class; $12 non-member • Instructor: Barbara Lovejoy, MSW • 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.

Standing and sitting options offered.

Drop-in. For info: www.claimjoy.com.

Blood Pressure Screening/ Meds Review Tues, Sept 8, 11am-1pm

Free monthly blood pressure screenings provided by Dominican University nursing students. Bring your medications, over-the-counter and prescriptions, for review.

See LEARNING on page 10

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING Sept. 10, 10am-12:30pm Margaret Todd Center, Novato Topic: Go4Life Speakers: Health & Nutrition Committee

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

TIME

CLASS

9:30–10:30AM Zumba 10–1PM Chair Massage 10–NOON Computer Lab 10:30AM–NOON German Social Group 10:30AM–1:30PM Persian Social Group 12:30–1:30PM Russian Social Group 2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic 2–3:30PM ESL 150 Basic 2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced 3:30–5PM Meditative Massage

INFO FEE Drop-in Y Drop-in Y Drop-in N Drop-in N 415-472-6020 N 415-456-9062 x138 N Starts 9/9 Y Starts 9/9 Y Starts 9/9 Y Drop-in Y

9:30–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 10–NOON Mah Jongg Drop-in N 10:45–11:45AM Cardio/Yoga Exercise Class Drop-in Y 11AM–2PM Manicurist Appt. Req. N

11:30AM–12:30PM French Class Drop-in Y 1–2PM French Social Group Drop-in N 1–3PM Learn Spanish Drop-in Y 3–4PM Harmonica Starts 9/8 Y 3–4PM Salsa Cuban Ballroom 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 10:30AM–1:30PM Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N

* 11AM–1PM Corazón Latino 415-456-9062 x131 N

12:30 –1:30PM Beg. & Intermediate Ukelele Ends 8/5 Y 1–2PM ESL Pronunciation Class Starts 9/9 Y 2–3:30PM ESL 75 Basic Starts 9/9 Y 2–3:30PM ESL 150 Basic Starts 9/9 Y 2–3:30PM ESL 250 Advanced Starts 9/9 Y 2:30–4PM Cribbage Club Drop-in N

WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

9:30–10:30AM Zumba

10AM–1PM Chair Massage

11–NOON Whistlesizers 12:15–3PM Vietnamese Social Group 1–2PM Intermediate Italian 2:45–3:45PM Balance Class 3–4:30PM Drawing and Composition 3:30–4:30PM Qi Gong 8:30AM Community Breakfast 11:00–NOON Brown Bag Pantry 1–3PM ACASA 1:30–3PM Spanish Club 2–3:30PM Beginning German 2–3:30PM Chinese Brush Painting 2–4PM Ping-Pong 3–4PM Yoga

FRIDAYS

THURSDAYS

Drop-in Y Drop-in Y Drop-in Y 415-456-9062 x129 N Drop-in Y Starts 9/10 Y Drop-in Y Drop-in Y 456-9062 x117 N Drop-in N Drop-in N Ends 10/2 Y 9/11 & 9/25 Y 9/4 & 9/18 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.

TECHNOLOGY

Pre-registration and payment required. To register, Call 415-456-9062. See details of classes online.

September, October and November COMPUTER CLASSES iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Tuesdays, Sept 15 & 22, 10am-12pm (2 classes)

Fee: $48, Maximum 8 people • This course will review some of the basics. Learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including photo editing, iCloud, calendar, Siri, email, texting, Facetime, Maps/GPS, and more. We’ll introduce how to find and install new apps, and show you how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications Tuesdays, Sept 29 & Oct 6, 10am-12pm (2 classes)

Fee: $48, Maximum 8 people • In this two-week course, we will focus on finding helpful, fun and interesting applications that you can download.

Discover how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, travel, and much more. Learn how to organize apps and get rid of unwanted ones. Builds on “How to Use Your iPad/ iPhone” and “Essential Built-in Applications” class. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

Using Androids, Smart Phones & Tablets Tuesdays, Oct 13, 20 (2 classes), 10am-12pm

Fee: $48, Maximum 8 people • Learn fundamentals such as: configuring the security options, finding and installing apps, working with a wireless network and more.

ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm

No Fee • Use our PCs for your own purposes, to access the Internet or email.

Volunteers available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets.

Jackson Café LUNCH MENU

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

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 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

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LEARNING continued from page 8

How, Where, and When to Seek Medical Care Tues, Sept 8, 3-4pm

Donations Appreciated • Instructor: Larry Berkelhammer, PhD • Learn when to call 911, when to go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center, or make an office appointment with your primary care provider; when and where to go for second opinions; how to make use of point of care diagnostic aids for your home.

Which important information should you always carry with you?

Memory Screening Wed, Sept 16, 8:30am-12:30pm

Donations Appreciated/Space limited • Are you concerned about your memory? Memory screening involves a simple test with a geriatric professional that takes 30 minutes, provided by Health Navigator and Certified Nurse Assistant Cynthia Seymour. Sign-up in advance.

Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease Tues, Sept 29, 3-4pm

Donations Appreciated • Instructor: Shannon of the Alzheimer’s Association • Some change in memory is normal, but memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, which causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. This program, co-sponsored

by Whistlestop, provides information about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and the importance of early detection.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Multi-Cultural Consultations By appointment: 415-456-9062

Free Legal Consultations Thursdays,12:30-2:30pm at Whistlestop; 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 12:302:30, Mill Valley Community Center

San Rafael and Mill Valley • By appointment only: 415-459-6700 for both locations • Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents 60 and older.

Victim Witness Program 2nd & 4th Thursday, from 9am-12pm

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Kurt “Crowbar” Kangas then and now.

‘We’re Going to Blow out Whistlestock!’

Call Leslie for an appointment: 415-456-9062, ext. 132

BY MARTY ORGEL

Affordable Housing for Seniors Tues, Sept 22, 3-4 pm

urt “Crowbar” Kangas is producing Whistlestock 2015.

To say he lives for music is not a great stretch. His life is consumed by music: producing bands, playing in bands, in step with the music on every beat.

“We’re keeping the spirit alive,” Crowbar says about Whistlestock, Whistlestop’s annual benefit concert, September 27 at Nicasio Ranch.

“Look at music from the 60s, and all the many, varied, messages it has.

Mainstream music today, there is no message,” he says. “Music from the 60s is full of meaning and angst and turmoil and strong messages. Even the kids today are weighing in on 60s music. They say they like our messages.”

Born Kurt Kangas, Crowbar got his nickname when he was a teenager in

Donations Appreciated • Looking for affordable housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative or friend? Get some clarity on all the different housing choices in Marin.

Homeshare Program

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 Donations Appreciated Do you live alone? Trained volunteers will call you three mornings a week to check on you. We can answer questions about other senior resources. Now offered in Spanish also.

Assistance for English and non-English speakers in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese. Help with applications for social services, healthcare management, citizenship, housing, employment and federal assistance.

Plus translations and referrals. (Possible small fee for translations.)

10 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

K

high school in 1968. He met a disk jockey, who worked at the old San Francisco rock station KFRC. The man thought Kurt looked

‘We’re bringing folks we can’t announce in advance.’ like one of the Indian actors in the old 1940s movie classic Ma and Pa Kettle.

The character was called “Crowbar” in the movies.

“The jock tagged me with the name and it stuck. I have a picture of me from 1968. I’ve never seen a resemblance.”

Crowbar says the rock pioneers of the 60s playing at Whistlestock are a testament to 60s era music’s See KANGAS on page 13

New Leader Joins Whistlestop

A Rare Opportunity to Join I was concerned about moving from my home until I visited The Redwoods.

It’s everything I could hope for.

Tom Roberts

T

om Roberts has joined Whistlestop as the new chief operating officer. He will report to CEO Joe O’Hehir and will lead the Transportation Services Social Enterprise.

He will also oversee Human Resources and Finance and Administration functions.

O’Hehir said, “Tom brings more than 27 years of executive management experience and innovation in the transportation and services industry.” His most recent job was as manager of finance, programming and planning for the Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency. Before that Roberts was director of transportation and parking services for the

University of California, Santa Barbara, and executive director for Easy Lift Transportation. He received the prestigious award for Transportation Manager of the Year for the U.S. from the Community Transportation Association of America.

O’Hehir said Terry Scussel, vice president and general manager of Whistlestop’s Transportation Services program, will become a business development consultant for Transportation Services.

He added, “Terry has been instrumental in taking that program through a challenging period of transition and growth.”

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11

CHAMBERS continued from page 3

Featuring rock legends to be announced!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 RANCHO NICASIO 2-6 PM

BBQ • Costume Contest • Dancing A Day of 60’s Music and Fun at Rancho Nicasio Gates open at 2pm Music 3pm – 6pm.

Rancho Nicasio 1 Old Rancheria Road • Nicasio

He later organized the Mud Stompers, believed to be the first interracial band in the country.

Was putting together an interracial band intentional, or did it just happen? “I just wanted good musicians,” Chambers said. “I never really had to audition musicians. Baron Chase, our music director, has always picked out the best musicians.” Other “Stompers” include Dylan Chambers, Lester’s son, as well as David Aguilar, Kenneth Roy Berry, Marcia Miget and Kenny “Mo” Susan. They are billed as a “spiritually-guided group.” Chambers’ musical history can be traced back to gospel music in churches in his native Mississippi. Now 75 years old, Lester lives in Petaluma.

As a member of the Chambers Brothers, he sang lead on the Chambers Brothers songs “All Strung Out Over You,” “People Get Ready,” “Uptown,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” and “Funky.” As a solo artist he released sin-

Tickets at whistlestock.com on sale July 1 A benefit concert for The Mud Stompers 12 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

gles and albums and teamed up with ex-Electric Flag bassist Harvey Brooks to form the Lester Chambers Harvey Brooks Band. He also added vocals to Bonnie Raitt’s Sweet Forgiveness album.

Chambers, who has played the cowbell and harmonica on his records, says, “I still practice the harmonica almost every day. I just sit and play here at home. Just me.”

But Lester still feels the effects of being shoved and knocked down by an irate woman at a concert two years ago, part of a blues festival in Hayward. Chambers had just dedicated the Curtis Mayfield and Impressions’ song “People Get Ready” to Trayvon Martin a day after George Zimmerman, who shot the teen to death, had been acquitted of murder.

Chambers sustained injuries included bruised ribs and nerve damage.

“It slowed me,” he said, “but I just hang in there, one day at a time. I will never stop going.”

VALENTINO continued from page 6

Retirement iving Living is a Family amily A Affair ffair

Sal has lived in musical composition at San Sacramento for about 20 Francisco State College, years. He discovered it on while Valentino sang locally his way to Reno to play in North Beach, and even a concert and liked what had a solo release (‘I Wanna he saw. He decided to live Twist’) on the Falco label Affordable, All-Inclusive Affordable, All-InclusiveMonthly MonthlyRent Rent there for a while and it has in 1962. In spring 1964 No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons been his home ever since. came the addition of Ron He knows of the important Three ThreeNutritious NutritiousMeals MealsEvery EveryDay Day Meagher, John Petersen Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar work that Whistlestop does.

Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar and Irish transplant Declan Health &&Wellness Program “I used to live on Lucas Health WellnessMeals Program Three Nutritious Activities &&Excursions Mulligan, and the Beau Activities Excursions Valley Road, so I knew what Every Day Housekeeping Housekeeping Brummels were formed.

Transportation was going on in Marin and Transportation Delicious, Beauty FreshSalon Salad Bar The combo’s name hinted at Whistlestop – the buses Beauty Salon Guest Rooms at their British-tinged Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Guest Rooms Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Health & Wellness Program and all.

And I played at an And Much More...

Rent And Much More... material, but right from Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons event there once a few years Activities & Excursions the start the group began Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons ago.”No He said he is thrilled Three Nutritious Meals Every DayDay Three Nutritious Meals Every performing Elliott’s strong, Housekeeping Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Bar to be part of Whistlestock.

Delicious, Fresh Salad quirky originals.

Health & Wellness Program Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Health & Wellness Program He is starting to work on Transportation Activities & Excursions Valentino said he also Activities & Excursions Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar Family Owned Since 1983 writing songs again. And Housekeeping Housekeeping Family Owned Since 1983 may sing his first single, Health & Wellness Program Beauty SalonStreet Transportation 2100 Transportation E. Washington he practices on the guitar “Dreamin’ Man,” which 2100 E. Washington Street Beauty Salon Beauty Salon Activities & Excursions Petaluma, CA 94954 regularly.

Guest Rooms Guest Rooms Petaluma, CA 94954 Guest Rooms he released in 2006. With (707) 778-6030 Housekeeping Sal also is working on AndAnd Much More...

Much More...

(707) 778-6030 Sal at Whistlestock will www.ValleyOrchards.com and Much More...

Transportation his weight. “At one time I www.ValleyOrchards.com be his good Sacramento Beauty Salon ballooned up to about 250 friend, Marty Tatro, an Guest Rooms or 260,” he said, “But I Also visit our Napa County Location www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 accomplished singerAnd Much More... discovered my best singing Also visit our Napa County Location www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 guitarist.

FamilyFamily Owned Since Since 1983 1983 Owned weight is about 215. I’ve Valentino, whose 21002100 E. Washington Street really been working on my E. Washington Street expressive voice was called Petaluma, CA 94954 Petaluma, CA 94954 diet and I want to get down the best of the era by some (707) 778-6030 (707) 778-6030 to 210 by my 73rd birthday critics, says, “I sing all the www.ValleyOrchards.com www.ValleyOrchards.com on Sept. 8.” time now. I’ve been singing “I think I’m doing okay.

Family Owned Since 1983 a lot of women’s songs lately.

Good genes. My mother, AlsoAlso visit visit our Napa County Location 963-3688 County Locationwww.SilveradoOrchards.com www.SilveradoOrchards.com(707)(707) 963-3688 I really like Patty Loveless 2100ourE.Napa Washington Street who lives in Lathrop, is still songs.”

Petaluma, CA 94954 going and she is 94.”

Valley Orchards Retirement Valley RetirementCommunity Community

Retirement Living RR AffairLL is a Family

etirement etirement iving iving is isa aFamily ffair FamilyAA ffair

Valley Orchards Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community Valley Orchards Retirement Community

(707) 778-6030

www.ValleyOrchards.com KANGAS continued from page 10

staying power. Bands Also visit like Imperial Messenger Service, Barry “The Fish” Melton and Friends, Sal Valentino and Lester Chambers and the Mud Stompers are all living testament to the power of rock and roll. “People thought we were gone, but we’re all still going

strong,” Crowbar reflects. our Napa County Location www.SilveradoOrchards.com (707) 963-3688 “We’ve got special • Specialized treatment for a variety of problems guests planned for • Balance and Fall Prevention Programs Whistlestock, folks we can’t announce in • Visits are up to 60 minutes of personalized therapy advance. We’re pulling • Seniors are eligible to receive outpatient therapy out all of the stops. in their homes under Medicare Part B We’re bringing in the musicians we need to Licensed Physical Therapists blow out Whistlestock!”

415-444-0910

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WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

13

Listening to Music Can Help in Recovering from Surgery

M

ozart, Madonna or Eminem: Whatever your taste, music may help you recover from surgery, according to a new review of data on the subject.

“More than 51 million operations are performed every year in the U.S.,” lead author Dr. Catherine Meads, of Brunel University in the United Kingdom, said in a news release from The Lancet, which published the findings last month.

“Music is a non-invasive, safe, cheap intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery,” she said. “Patients should be allowed to choose the type of music they would like to hear to maximize the benefit to their well-being.”

The only caveat: “Care needs to be taken that music does not interfere with the medical team’s communication,” Meads said.

In their research, her team reviewed data from 72 studies that included nearly 7,000 patients.

The investigators found that listening to music before, during or after surgery significantly lowered patients’ anxiety and pain, decreased their need for pain medicines, and increased their satisfaction with their care.

Listening to music at any time was beneficial, but patients who did so before their surgery tended to have better outcomes than those who did so during or after surgery, the researchers found. They also said that patients who selected their own music had slightly larger reductions in pain and the use of painkillers.

Even listening to music while under general anesthesia reduced patients’ levels of pain after surgery, but not as much as when patients were conscious during surgery, the findings showed.

Listening to music did not reduce the length of time patients spent in the hospital, the study found.

Two experts in the United States agreed with the findings.

“Music is a powerful tool with roots deep in every culture and civilization – it is wired deeply into the human brain and soul,” said Dr. Ron Marino, associate chair of pediatrics at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. “This is another demonstration of nontraditional, non-pharmacologic methods of helping patients deal with pain anxiety and the general medical experience,” he said.

14 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

MELTON continued from page 7

his band played at a lot of anti-war demonstrations.

He says of his music, “I try to do it for all the right reasons.” And he says he has fun both playing music and practicing law. Melton says he’s constantly “going to do something or going someplace.” Asked if he has plans to slow down anytime soon, he says, “I have not done everything I want to do yet. I’m looking forward to growing up.” He’s 68 years old and clearly still having lots of fun. He credits his energy in part to a healthy vegetarian diet and doing Qigong.

He will be playing with his “relatively stable band of 20 years” at Whistlestock.

He and Peter Albin of Big Brother and the Holding Company have played together for more than 40

years. Peter has been helped

by Meals on Wheels and often stops in at Jackson

‘I try to do it for all the right reasons.’

Café.

Barry says the people he plays with are lifelong musicians. One of his friends, Spencer Dryden, perhaps best known as drummer for Jefferson Airplane and New Riders of the Purple Sage, once told him that some guys their age play poker every Friday night and one person goes home with $100 and the rest of the guys are losers.

“With us, we get to play together on a Friday or Saturday night and we’re all winners.”

Faces of Whistlestop

willdurst.com

These photos were taken by students of Stephanie Mohan’s Advanced Summer Photo Camp. The student photographers visited Whistlestop as part of their intergenerational project. They also made a video of the photo shoot that can be viewed on YouTube. (Search Photo Camp Whistlestop on YouTube.)

Will Durst to Emcee Whistlestock

S

tand-up comedian Will Durst will be the master of ceremonies for the second annual Whistlestock Concert Sept.

27 at Nicasio Ranch.

Durst, a five-time Emmy award nominee, has cohosted the radio talk show Will and Willie with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. He also has performed at events featuring Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, as well as former Vice President Al Gore.

We hope Durst will entertain us with bits from his latest show BoomeRaging: from LSD to OMG. Tickets sold out last year but some are still available for this year’s concert at www.whistlestock. com.

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015

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Ann, Catherine, Eugene, Riesie, Mary, Louisa and Sally enjoy Whistlestock 2014.

Get your tickets for Whistlestock 2015 now at www.whistlestock.com. Last year’s concert was a sell-out.

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

E PRESS Whistlestop 16 WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 2015