JUNE 2020
AN AGE-FRIENDLY CITY IS A LIVABLE CITY THE FREMONT SENIOR CENTER IS CLOSED THROUGH JUNE 30 due to COVID-19 and the Shelter In Place Order issued by the Alameda County Public Health Department. However, a number of services are still available including online FCS classes, trainings and talks! (See pages inside for details.)
LIFE ElderCare’s mission has always been about making connections: to healthy food, good health, and most importantly… to people and each other. The COVID-19 shut-down has changed the way in which those things happen, but it hasn’t changed the mission one bit. Even as things start to open back up in other areas, we recognize that many older adults will still want to minimize their risk as much as possible. If you are 60+ and need help, LIFE is happy to: •
• • • • •
Drop off a fresh meal each weekday (with frozen meals for the weekend); delivered with no contact but still with a 6ft friendly check-in Bring you a bag of groceries every 1 or 2 weeks Deliver meds and other essentials to your home Match you up with a volunteer “phone buddy” for friendly conversation Have someone call just to check in daily or weekly Connect you with any other service you might need
This community has shown incredible reserves of strength and resilience over the last few months. And interestingly, as we all share and help each other, those reserves just keep growing! We are so proud to be part of this amazing community. To the hundreds who have reached out to deliver meals and groceries, donate, call each other, and help in a million other ways, THANK YOU! Please call 510.894.0370, email info@lifeeldercare.org, or register at www.tricityatrisk.com or www.lifeeldercare.org to sign up for services, volunteer, or donate.
510.790.6600 www.fremont.gov/seniorcenter /FremontSeniorCenter seniorcenter@fremont.gov
FSC= Fremont Senior Center NEW CLASSES! Tai Chi for Arthritis and Let’s Keep It Moving Thank you to Joey and Pat Tchang for offering your paid classes for free the past few months. Beginning in June, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Let’s Keep It Moving will return to charging a fee. The June session includes June 5, 12 and 26. The classes are not drop in classes and you register and pay for the entire session. $12 members/$16 nonmembers If you would like to take either of the Tchang’s classes email Nick Jordan at njordan@fremont.gov or call 510.790.6602 and leave your name and number letting us know you’d like to register for Tai Chi for Arthritis or Let’s Keep It Moving. Once payment information has been received, we will email you a link for the class. Please do not share the link with unpaid customers.
How to Register for Online Classes If you would like to register for the classes listed below please email Nick Jordan at: njordan@fremont.gov Once registered you will receive an email with the link for the online
class or classes. To participate in the online classes you will need a mobile device, tablet, laptop, home computer and internet service. (Creative Writing, Needle Crafts and Ukulele are closed for new enrollments.)
New to the online world of classes? Most of us are! You first must register for an online class or classes with the Fremont Senior Center. Once registered we will send you a link for the class. Simply click on that link at the time of the class and you are in! You do not need a Zoom account to attend classes. If you already have a Zoom account, log in and type in the meeting ID and password.
ONLINE CLASS SCHEDULE with ZOOM Program
Day Time
Instructor
Chair Yoga
Monday
3.00—4.00pm
Shari Gent
Creative Writing *
Tuesday
10.00—11.00am
Justin Go and Elaine Rodgers
Intro to Drawing
Tuesday
11.30am—1.30pm
Richard O’Clarke
Needle Crafts *
Tuesday
1.00—3.00pm
Debbie Haigler
Ukulele *
Tuesday
3.00—4.30pm
Kalina Wong
Hatha Yoga
Wednesday
3.00—4.00pm
Jana Sokale
Rise & Shine Yoga
Thursday
9.00—10.00am
Shari Gent
Heartfullness Meditation
Thursday
10.15—11.15am
Pramila Talisetti
Tai Chi FA $
Friday
9.30—10.30am
Joey Tchang
Let’s Keep It Moving
Friday
10.35—11.35am
Pat Tchang
Needle Crafts *
Friday
1.00—3.00pm
Debbie Haigler
$
• •
CLASSES WITH AN ASTERISK * ARE NOT TAKING NEW STUDENTS AT THIS TIME. CLASSES WITH A $ REQUIRE PAYMENT. ($12 MEMBER/$16 NON MEMBER) (NO CLASS JUNE 19, PAYMENT INCLUDES 3 CLASSES)
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Although our building may be closed right now, dedicated FSC volunteers and staff continue to offer services for you and your neighbors:
IMPORTANT COVID-19 RESOURCES Fremont Senior Center Updates (Recorded message) 510.790.6610 Homeless Service and Hygiene Opportunities 510.574.2222 Senior Infoline 510.574.2041 Rent Review 510.733.4945 rentreview@fremont.gov Ride-On Tri-City! Program (Transportation Services for the Elderly and Disabled) 510.574.2053 LIFE ElderCare info@LifeElderCare.org 510.894.0370 www.TriCityAtRisk.com
CDC COVID-19 Guidance for High-Risk Populations www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ 2019-ncov/specific-groups/ high-riskcomplications.html CDPH COVID-19 Daily Updates www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/ Pages/New-Release-2020.aspx City of Fremont COVID-19 Resources and Updates www.fremont.gov/coronavirus County of Alameda COVID-19 Food Distribution & Services Map
LAS & HICAP Phone Appointments Available Legal Assistance for Seniors and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program are serving clients remotely. If you need legal help regarding elder abuse, guardianship, social security, naturalization and more call LAS at 510.832.3040. If you have Medicare, SSI, long term care insurance questions and more, call HICAP at 510.839.0393. Leave a message on the appropriate number and staff will return your call to schedule a phone appointment.
Showers for Unhoused Neighbors Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am to 2pm
The homeless may reserve a shower time slot Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am to 2pm. Please call 510.574.2222 to confirm the availability of showers.
Frozen Meals for Sale Fremont Senior Center Thursdays 12pm pickup
Frozen meals cooked by FSC Chefs are available for drive up pick up only, one time a week every Thursday at 12pm. While the Senior Center is closed 5 meals cost $20 and a set variety of entrees are provided through June. Meals must be ordered in advance Tuesday—Friday by noon for the next week. Credit card payment is highly preferred. Vegetarian option available by request. Please call 510.790.6600 and leave us a message saying you want frozen meals or email seniorcenter@fremont.gov today. To reserve your meals a staff will call or email you to confirm your order. Please do not show up unless your order has been confirmed verbally or via email.
TCV Mobile Pantry Thursdays June 11 and 25 12.00—1.00pm Stay in your vehicle and a bag of groceries will be placed in your trunk or seat. Groceries will not be handed out early. First come, first 130 served.
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FSC= Fremont Senior Center 4 Steps to Emergency Preparedness Online Class Monday June 22 1.00—2.30pm Adults 60 years of age and older are among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes. That’s why it’s critical that adults 60+, and those who care for them, take steps to be better prepared for times like now. Be prepared when the next natural disaster strikes. Attend this online workshop that will help you follow through with 4 Emergency Preparedness Steps. Be more prepared! Together we are a strong community. To register email Nick Jordan at njordan@fremont. gov or leave your name, email and number at 510.790.6602. Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/98816535010?pwd=amVvcGVHQW pXTHdEbkhSNlkvVGhXdz09 ALT 4-step booklet.indd 1
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Creating a Secure Future: Advance Health Care Directive Online Presentation Thursday June 25 3.00—4.00pm Your medical wishes are an important discussion during COVID-19 uncertainty. Join the FSC and Legal Assistance for Seniors Community Education Advocate Jenny Pardini on Zoom on Thursday, June 25th from 3pm to 4pm to discuss making an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD). An AHCD is a document in which you name an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf and/or state your wishes for end-of-life care. The purpose of the document is to ensure that your medical wishes are considered even if you are unable express them. People of all ages are giving thought to what would be most important during a time of serious illness or health crisis. What would happen if you need care in the hospital? Who would make decisions for you if you can’t? What could be done to protect your human dignity and maintain comfort? These are important questions, and COVID-19 is prompting many people to take action. You have a chance now to be prepared in case you or your loved ones face serious illness. This content and for more resources visit: www.fivewishes.org/five-wishes-covid-19-resources. To register email njordan@fremont.gov or leave your name, email and number at 510.790.6602. Email is preferred. Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/91055227290?pwd=Vms1MFNMcU hkV1ZBNWxlazBSSVo2Zz09 P.04 | 06.20 AGE-FRIENDLY FREMONT
Virtual VITA Tax Assistance Tax Experts Available Again! Why pay for tax prep when Sparkpoint of Fremont has expert Vita volunteers that can do your taxes for free? If your annual household income is $56,000 or less, let their IRS-certified tax preparers file your tax return using their new Virtual VITA Service! In response to the COVID-19 pandemic forms, tax documents, id’s and completed tax returns are transferred via secure email. If you don’t have accss to technology, no problem! Forms will be provided to you by mail or by picking up at the FRC. You can schedule an appointment for staff to scan and upload your documents to a secure file and you’ll pick up your tax return when it’s ready. To start the process call 510.666.6434. Check out the FSC’s Facebook page for additional information and requirements. 4th of July Porch Parade June 20—July 4
Fremont’s First Annual 4th of July Porch Parade offers a chance to decorate your porches, front yards or store fronts in a festive, fun way. Between June 20—July 4th City officials will drive around to all registered locations to take photos and to judge houses and neighborhoods. Please practice safe distancing to see displays. No caravans. Register your home or business at www.fremont4th.org Managing Worry and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic Online Talk Wednesday June 24 1.00—2.15pm During these challenging times of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is important each one of us look for ways to feel connected, empowered and a little more in control over our situations. It behooves us to attend to both our physical health and emotional/ mental well-being. One of the ways we can achieve this, is by learning tools to manage our worries and anxieties realistically and implement them in our daily lives. Join Nita Prasad who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the Clinical Supervisor for Aging and Family Services and has been a Licensed Mental Health Professional for over 14 years. If you would like to learn more about how to do this, please register by emailing njordan@fremont.gov or leave your name, email and number at 510.790.6602. Email is preferred. Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94490147275 ?pwd=T05BUG1TZ0JFU09KYnZVdVZySUVxQT09
WE
VOLUNTEERS!
Donated Masks for Seniors The Fremont Senior Center would like to extend a big thank you to senior center and CAPS volunteer Asha Sachdeva for coordinating the receipt of over 270 masks for the seniors and staff of the Fremont Senior Center. Better North Fremont through City Council member Teresa Keng, donated 200 medical masks. Minh Nyuyen with SCC Community Medical Masks handmade at least 70 cloth masks which are stylish, washable and reusable. Unprecedented times like these continue to show us how supportive and kind our community is. Thanks all. You rock!
Stay Encouraged!
The FSC prides itself as the place to be for adults 55+ serving up to 500 people per day through out the year. Over 150 volunteers, most over the age of 60 donate their time and energy with love, dedication and dependability. During these unprecedented times, the staff at the senior center want to encourage the volunteers that are at home bored and a bit lonely to stay encouraged. You are in our thoughts and we appreciate you reaching out offering to lend a helping hand. When it is safe to return to you posts, we’ll reach out!
STAYING WELL CONNECTED Covia has a few wonderful remote opportunities for older adults from across the country to participate in or even volunteer hosting. All programs are free to individual participants and especially relevant during this particular time in history. Well Connected and Well Connected Español connect individuals to virtual classes, conversations, and other activities and are accessible by telephone or online. Programs are available in both English and Spanish. Well Connected and Well
Connected Español also offer subscriptions for senior housing communities looking to join our lifelong learning opportunities as groups – assuming we’ll be able to reconvene as groups at some point! Social Call matches individuals for weekly friendly phone chats. To participate in the programs above give us a call at 877.797.7299. We will have you register with a program or fill out an application to volunteer. You can also register online by visiting www.covia.org/ services/well-connected
VIRTUAL MUSEUM LINKS
We know you are all itching to get outdoors and indoors to visit museums and other places of interest. To hold you over, check out www.top10.com/virtual-museum-tours and take yourself on an online adventure. The list includes the British Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian, Louvre, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, Uffizi Gallery, Rijksmuseum, The Getty Museum, and Van Gogh. Click and explore!
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Although we couldn’t gather in Shinn Park last month, we hope you were able to sip some champagne at home and raise your glass to toast those who have attained the venerable age of 55+. Our virtual garden party benefitted the Tri City Elder Coalition and City of Fremont’s Personal Urgent Need (PUN) fund. We encourage you to celebrate throughout
the month of June, all who contribute their volunteer efforts and passion making a difference in the Tri City! As our event is virtual this year, we are extending donations to July 30. Please mail donations to Age Friendly Spring Fling c/o Fremont Human Services Dept. PO Box 5006, Fremont CA 94537 or online at www.fremont.gov/springfling
Please help us reach our goal of $10,000! We are only halfway there, making your support essential! The Personal Urgent Need (PUN) fund provides necessary items or services to elders in the community who cannot afford them, such as minor home repairs and medical equipment. Requests for assistance continue to increase during this unprecedented time. Will you help support the City of Fremont’s PUN fund? Together we can make a difference in seniors’ lives. Donate online at www.fremont.gov/springfling today!
OUR 2020 DIFFERENCE MAKERS!
In recognition of National Older American Month, we present our 2020 Difference Makers. The Difference Maker Award honors adults over the age of 55 years and their contributions to making the Tri-City Age-Friendly. An Age-Friendly community is livable for all!
Sue Ten Eyck
Nominated by the City of Fremont Senior Commission Sue Ten Eyck is in her eighteenth year volunteering at the Fremont Senior Center where she is part of the front office team. The Center staff count on her to cheerfully help members and accurately handle administrative tasks. She was also the treasurer of the Senior Center Builder’s fund for eight years. Sue is known well in the CoF Senior Peer Counseling program where she was a caring counselor to older peers for more than 15 years, meeting weekly with those that needed emotional support. Sue is a person who likes to keep busy helping others, whether visiting other in their homes, coming to the Senior Center or at her local Church.
Mary Schlarb
Nominated by the Union City Senior Commission Mary Schlarb is a volunteer community organizer with Faith in Action East Bay. She attended a community meeting 22 years ago and it has been a passion ever since. Mary has been recognized for her contributions to foster mutual respect for all people. She also represents Union City, Hayward and Fremont on the Immigration Forums. In addition, last year she was part of a team that collected more than 400 surveys to understand tenant issues in Union City and to support rent stabilization, an effort she continues to champion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
510.790.6600 www.fremont.gov/seniorcenter /FremontSeniorCenter seniorcenter@fremont.gov
Eleanor Ortiz
Nominated by the City of Newark Senior Commission
Eleanor Ortiz is a valuable volunteer at the Clark W. Redeker Newark Senior Center. Her energetic, friendly and fun demeanor is inspiring to all who walk through the door. Eleanor is an ambassador for the Center promoting activities and trips. She has also been a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer for LIFE ElderCare for more than 17 years. Eleanor will jump in to sweep the entry to the center, water the plants, help other seniors, or fill in whenever there is a need. She has also contributed greatly to the Senior Center’s “green” efforts in recommending ways to reduce waste at the center. The City of Fremont does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need an accommodation please contact the Human Services Department at 510.574.2050