Vivalon Connections January 2021 by Weeklys

January 2021 2021 JANUARY vivalon.org vivalon.org

THE ROAD AHEAD

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Members Share What They Look Forward to in 2021

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Jackson CafÃ© Delivery Program

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Staying Active and Connected

VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

By Linda Jack Laurence Suter-Gunn Director, Agin Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org Initiative BY PAUL CASTRO, VIVALON BOARD MEMBER Jennifer Golbus

At the right place, at the right time. Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 s someone new direction. In college I had communities likeEditors ours. Whistlestop Express yea to the Marin worked in low-income As we look toward the 916.751.9189 home, long an community four communities and found future, I think Vivalon is john.bowman58@gmail.com years ago, I was looking my passion for supporting well positioned to be a key since our youn WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE Laurie in Vermont , Volunteerour Manager to get involved with WHISTLESTOP the most vulnerable in player strengthening 930 Tamalpais Avenue nonprofit our communities. aSo I community’s safety net, volunteer@whistlestop.org away, is simply SanaRafael, CA 94901 that was need affordable housing, and bittersweet goodbye www.whistlestop.org innovative and had a embarked on a lifelong especially as we emerge journey, leaving the house that there is a shortfall of Main office open M-F 9am-5pm for two people. real sense of purpose. A journey into the nonprofit this pandemic. we called home from the past hundreds of assisted living Front Desk – 415.456.9062 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 28 years. It’s also been and with memory care units to friend of mine connected sector instead of practicing Our partnership Transportation – 415.454.0902 rooms we didn great fun to explore our meet the 2030 demand. me with– 415.457.4636 Vivalon CEO law. BioMarin and Eden Meals on Wheels President Dennis Ryan, near One small part of the Help Desk –O’Hehir 415.459.6700 Joe and we hit Over the years new I’ve neighborhood seen Housing to create new of the yard tha Beth Reizman, Vicethe President resource@whistlestop.org downtown San Rafael. housing solution in Marin it off immediately. When first hand how important Healthy Aging Campus To receive the Express by email I can’t help but wonder Tom Bonomi, isTreasurer to support, fund, and saw, and decad signthe up at whistlestop.org. For conversation turned a safety net is for people offers a modelstreamline of service how much harder it would the process Fabia Butler, Secretary annual subscription mailed to your tosend joining the board, who are struggling integration and living beday to doin this if we were to create more accessory home, $10 to Whistlestop. seemed to repr Sharon Jackson Paul Castro in our 70s or 80s? What Joe thought my years of and out just to cover the in a single location dwellingthat units. The new units WHISTLESTOP STAFF Robert Sonnenberg options are there for older we weren’t wat canpractice be for a caregiver, a family experience with nonprofits basics. Whether you’re serves as a best this continues to align with Joe O’Hehir people in Marin as their member or the homeowner, would be really useful, just trying to make sure for otherWuthmann communities. The Cynthia Yvonne Roberts of all, we had a lifestyles change? Will our strategic objectives whocampus can then rent out the especially with his pending there’s somethingthere on the opening of that be enough resources main house. In San Rafael, and vision as well as a By Linda Jackson, Program retirement and the table for your family to eatwho want will undoubtedly elevate deserved to be for people to PACIFIC SUN STAFF Laurence Suter-Gunn the number of new accessory strong governance model. Director, Aging Action transition in leadership. or fighting the feeling of Vivalon’s profile, but more grow older in their home dwelling units doubledIlast look forward new, to being Initiative happy fam Danielle and community?importantly, For those McCoy, I’ve been fortunate isolation and loneliness serve asthe a city is on track year, Advertising and Jennifer Golbus part of this conversation facing dementia or declining to have a very rewarding as you grow older, a model for serving thethat again. We need to double dmccoy@pacificsun.com e decided to Thethat challeng and effort. And I hope health, will theyneeds have what to do this across career in the nonprofit strong safety net is critical of older adults in Marin! downsize this John and Val Bowman Marianne Misz, Advertising they need for safety, care this level of leadership The Aging Action Initiative wouldinwe mov year. Our family sector, serving as CEO of to maintaining healthy Marin and beyond. and companionship? the community by Vivalon mmisz@pacificsun.com is enthusiastic about San home, longand an empty a social service nonprofit safenest communities. It’s this kind of The question for Marin We wanted a s Rafael City Council’s recent inspires others to find ones flew Laurie Vermont in Los Angeles since our youngest agency I’ve learned that the innovation that is a of great Kara Production is: what percentage of Brown, support assisted living in what is important to them too large is going to choose among other roles. I away, is simply government can’t residents do source of pride as wellThis as new housing in a neighborh kara@metroactive.com downtown. for two people. There were so they too can pursue to stay in San Rafael as BOARD OF DIRECTORS originally went to college this alone. That’s why a challenge going forward. approval portends well rooms we didn’t go into, parts their passion and Rosemary Olson, Publisher According weopen can walk a Dennis for Whistlestop’s to Ryan, study law, but after of the yardorganizations suchthey as grow older?In the coming years, we proposed that we never Beth Reizman, to a national survey by up amazing opportunities rolson@pacificsun.com affordable older adult Tomearning Bonomi, my law degree, I and decades Vivalon arethat so essential will need to continually saw, of stuff to restaurants AARP in 2012, about 90% of Fabia Butler, for personal growth and housing project seemed to reproduce when began to rethink my career to the well-being of ensure that work such as in downtown Sharon Jackson older adults intend to stay community betterment. San Rafael. We are excited Robert Sonnenberg we weren’t watching. Most the movies. Af in their own homes for the OUR MISSION to see new housing options Cynthia Wuthmann of all, we had a home that next 5 to 10 years. for older people in Marin, searching, we deserved to be full with a PACIFIC SUN STAFF People working with Whistlestop believes share a KEY CONTACT INFORMATION especially we in places where new, happy family. Danielle McCoy, older adults are aware of can VIVALON walkall to services may be the ve responsibility they to ensure Marin The challenge was: Where ACTIVE AGING CENTER TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIONS the issuesSERVICES facing people as and shops and be partThomas, of the Vivalon Connections Editor Marianne Misz, we move to in Marin? 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael,would CA 94901 Kelly Krueger CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age community. Closed except for 11:30am-1:00pm lunch take-out 415-235-5031 | kelly@kruegerpr.com unit in Marin. We wanted a smaller place Travel Navigators/Marin Eligibility | 415-454-0902 be housingAccess for others who Kara Brown, with dignity, independence and grace. Aging Action Initiative is Website: Vivalon.org | Email: info@Vivalon.org Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 in a neighborhood where want to downsize? Will there No doubt ab a network of more than 130 jgolbus@vivalon.org Cancel a Paratransit Ride | 415-457-4630 Rosemary Olson, we can walk about, close Guest Services Reception | 415-456-9062 x100 be enough housing for the organizations, including to restaurants, shops, and MEMBERSHIP Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 people who work in Marin process of dow PACIFIC STAFF Whistlestop, that SUN addresses Discounts on lunch in the Jackson Café and on all the movies. After months of Resource Office | 415-459-6700 – those who are caregivers, OUR MISSION Rosemary Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com community issues Olson, through classes, programs, eventsmanagers, and room rentals. searching, we found what healthcare and daunting. It to Whistlestop believes we share a Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com JACKSON CAFÉ the lens of aging. It focuses may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin LIKE US Membership is $20/year. Call 415-456-9062 for details. homecare experts? What Monday–Friday | To-Go Only: 11:30AM to 1:00PM on findingTO ways to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: of sorting, a m about low-incomeon people who Facebook with dignity, independence and grace. community, and MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES No doubt about it, theOUR MISSION Daniellehaving McCoy, Advertising | danielle@pacificsun.com need affordable housing, economic security, a place to Vivalon Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176process of downsizing isVivalon believes of millennials, we share a responsibility or people who need extra to ensure all call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) Marin residents have anassisted opportunity to age with dignity, daunting. It took months care, like living or LIKE US 415-473-4636 for older adults. boxes to give a independence and grace. of sorting, a moving crew memory care? The recent on Facebook of millennials, and many report, Older Adult Housing For information, check out donate things LIKE US on Facebook! boxes to give away andWant to receive Vivalon Connections in Marin: Planning for at home? Send www.agingactioninitiative.org $10 to Vivalon for an annual delivered print subscription, facebook.com/VivalonMarin donate things we don’t or sign up at2030, that 7,000 at support@ Cover Art By: Missy Reynolds, Photo: Marieanymore LaFauci Vivalon.org for a free email version. or contact Sami 2 2estimated need of today’s older residents agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been

, CEO

Development Director info@whistlestop.org

Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org

Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com Production kara@metroactive.com

Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018

Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

Ancient Lessons for a Hopeful Future BY KELLY KRUEGER THOMAS, VIVALON CONNECTIONS EDITOR

erena D’Arcy-Fisher knows a thing or two about finding hope in the middle of uncertainty. When her husband was diagnosed with Stage 2b melanoma in 2006, she learned to live with a future filled with unknowns. But her daily meditation practice and her work at the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County helped her learn the importance of mindfulness, of letting go of attachments, and of living in the present. “Mindfulness helps us understand where we are right now,” she says. “Our ego wants us to plan things

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expectations and renew hope. “The COVID-19 virus has highlighted what we value most in life: family and social connections. As we start this new year still in safety mode, we can all help reduce stress by expressing kindness, patience, generosity and gratitude.” These practices have a ripple effect that goes out into the world beyond what we can see and help create more joy in you and around you.

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VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

Serena D’Arcy-Fisher is a Development Associate with Partner Resource Group, assisting Vivalon with its capital campaign to support its new Healthy Aging Campus

out. People long for the past or worry about the future. But mindfulness and meditation help us release our attachments and desires, allowing us to live in and enjoy the present moment. This allows us to meet each moment fully as it arises.” It was the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings that helped Serena and her husband remain grounded as his disease progressed to Stage 4 over the course of the next four years. Her practice helped her understand that even though her husband was ill, his life wasn’t defined by the illness. They could still do things together and enjoy life. “Most of all we felt gratitude for every day, which truly brought us into the present,” says Serena. Now, during these tough times of social isolation and uncertainty, Serena says that starting with a simple meditation practice of 10 -20 minutes every day can help anyone develop inner peace and ease. Neuroscience research confirms the many benefits of maintaining a regular meditation practice. And, there are thousands of years of wisdom behind it. The beginning of a new year is a great time to reset

Assisted Living at its Best!

Looking Forward to 2021 BY KELLY KRUEGER THOMAS, VIVALON EXPRESS EDITOR

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

e asked a few of our members to tell us their thoughts on 2020 and what they are looking forward to in the new year. Here’s what they said:

Ali Navarro

Marianne Shaw

“I’ve missed seeing friends who live far away, so I’m hoping we will all be able to finally spend time together next year. I also look forward to being able to enjoy travelling the world once again and lots of hiking will always be included for me. Most of all, I’m grateful to have good health, a wonderful partner, a comfortable home and our supportive community which will all be further enjoyed and appreciated in 2021.” — Ali Navarro

“Spending more time with good friends is at the top of my list for 2021, as we’ve all missed our family and friends. I’ve also learned to play the ukulele and will be expanding my song repertoire and playing this lovely music for friends. Of course, music and dancing go together, so I will continue enjoying our weekly line dancing sessions, a great way to keep fit and stay youthful.” — Marianne Shaw ”We all have a role to play to keep ourselves and others safe by wearing masks and following all the other guidelines. Going back to normal activities, especially being able to enjoy our favorite restaurants or dining with friends is also at the top of my list.” — Cyle Petrig

Cyle Petrig

Thomas Simmons

“I’m looking forward to seeing and spending more time with my new grandson. During

this pandemic, I think we’ve all learned the importance and the value of our family and I look forward to spending time with family and friends in 2021. Also, I’ve taken up painting as a hobby, so I will enjoy doing more artwork, especially focused on watercolors. Having lots of free time has given all of us an opportunity to develop our creative talents.” — Thomas Simmons

Be a Local He ro!

Are you under the age of 65? Dust off your cape and sign up today for our CarePool Volunteer Driver program!

WHISTLESTOP IS NOW

For more info or to sign up, email

carepool@vivalon.org Sign or call: 415-456-0927 Up!

HAPPENINGS@VIVALON

Pull out this section as your monthly reference guide to classes, workshops & activities

WEEKLY VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES

JANUARY

For more information SPOTLIGHT regarding ● Vivalon Classes & Activities ● Partner Classes & Activities the following announcements, TIME CLASS INFO FEE please call Vivalon 9:00-10:00AM Tai Chi ● (Vivalon) zoom FREE Guest Services: 415-456-9062. zoom FREE 10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) Closures zoom FREE 12:30-1:20PM Improving Relationships ● (Lou Walker Center) Healthy Aging Center Closed Friday, December 25, 2020 zoom FREE 1:00-2:00PM Stretching with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) Friday, January 1, 2021 zoom FREE 1:00-2:20PM Drawing ● (Lou Walker Center) Jackson Café Closed zoom FREE 1:30-2:30PM Mind-Body Health ● (YMCA) Monday, December 21, 2020 to 10:00–11:00AM BINGO ● (Vivalon) Phone/zoom FREE Friday, January 1, 2021 zoom FREE 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) Create Valentine’s Day Cards zoom FREE 11:00AM–12:00PM Chair Yoga with Rayner ● (Age-Friendly Center) for our Meals on Wheels and Nourish Clients zoom FREE 12:00–1:20PM Simply Sewing ● (Lou Walker Center) All cards should be handmade, in unsealed envelopes addressed to: Dear Neighbor/Friend. Cards are due on Friday, January 22. FREE 9:00–10:00AM Yoga with Weights with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) zoom Holiday Card Gratitude! zoom FREE 10:00–10:45AM Zumba Wednesdays ● (Vivalon) We appreciate all the warm zoom FREE 10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) wishes our Volunteer holiday zoom FREE 11:00AM-12:00PM Ukulele – Beginner ● (Vivalon) card creators sent to our Meals on Wheels and Nourish clients zoom FREE 12:00AM-12:50PM Senior Strength ● (YMCA) this holiday season! Thank you for zoom FREE 12:30-1:30PM Ukulele – Intermediate ● (Vivalon) those wonderful cards. zoom FREE 1:00-1:50PM Healthy Cooking ● (Lou Walker Center) Healthy@Home Workshops zoom FREE 1:00–2:00PM Chair Exercises with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) This dynamic partnerhip between Vivalon and Ayaplaces will be taking a holiday break, zoom FREE 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) but we’ll be back in 2021 with a zoom FREE 11:00AM-12:00PM Hula Thursdays ● (Vivalon) new lineup of free online classes zoom FREE 1:00–2:00PM Chair Yoga with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) designed to help you thrive at Senior Feldenkrais ● (YMCA) zoom FREE 1:00–1:50PM home. In the meantime, check out our growing archive of recorded sessions at AyaPlaces. com/video-archive. It’s a virtual smorgasbord of expert-led topics! zoom FREE 12:00–12:50PM Play & Sing Guitar ● (Lou Walker Center) Financial Advice (Free) zoom FREE 3:00PM Yoga Fridays ● (Vivalon) Wednesdays, 10-11:30am By phone appointment only Peter Tabet, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MBA, brings a wide-ranging portfolio of education, experience, skills, and interests to his career in insurance and financial services. Please call Vivalon Guest Services For more information regarding the classes and activities above, please see to schedule your appointment. descriptions on pages 6-8.

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

FRIDAYS

THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

In the

Please visit Vivalon.org/classes or call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 Vivalon VIRTUAL for information on how to register C L A S S E S for the following Virtual Classes & &ACTIVITIES Activities. Bingo Tuesdays 10:00am-11:00am Join Penny Mackrack and Diego Madera every Tuesday at 10:00am for Bingo! You can join via phone or zoom. Registration is required. There will be at least three rounds played with a gift sent to each winner. We hope you can join us! Hula Thursdays 11:30am-12:00pm Practice the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula (Auana), with Charlotte Kobayashi. With its slow and relaxing nature, Hula allows for all to participate. Occasionally, this class may extend beyond the 30 minutes as needed. Tai Chi Mondays 9:00am-10:00am Join David MacLam on a Tai Chi journey. This noncompetitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and health benefits combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.

Whistlesizers Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am-12:00pm Activate your muscles with tips and exercise routines specifically created for the aging body. Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker for Elizabeth Lynn’s Whistlesizers class. Yoga Fridays 3:00pm-4:00pm Namaste everyone! Time to re-center and replenish your energy with Kelly! Stretch, meditate, and join the virtual class from the comfort of your living room. Zumba Wednesdays 10:00am-10:45am Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Looking for Looking for Looking for Social Connection? Social Connection? Social Connection? Vivalon has you covered! covered! Vivalon Connection? has you Social Vivalon has you covered!

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

with a new friend Connect on the phone VivalonConnect has you covered! Connect with a new friend Connect on the phone in-person, physically for a chat with a friendly,

Join a virtual class! Join a virtual class! All Vivalon classes are free All Vivalon are free Joinclasses virtual class! Join a class! Join aa virtual virtual class! through December 2020! through December 2020! All Vivalon Vivalon classes are free free All classes are Join a virtual class! All Vivalon classes are free through December 2020! through All VivalonDecember classes are2020! free through December 2020! through December 2020!

Ukulele, Beginner Wednesdays 11:00am-12:00pm Ukulele, Intermediate Wednesdays 12:30pm-1:30pm Welcome back to Vivalon’s Ukulele class! Practice songs in group form, tune your Ukulele, and rock out with Sandy via Zoom.

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Visitvivalon.org/classes vivalon.org/classes Visit vivalon.org/classes Visit orCall Call 415-456-9062 415-456-9062 or Call 415-456-9062 or to Learn or Sign Sign Up Learn More More or to to Learn More or SignUp Up

Vivalon|||930 930Tamalpais TamalpaisAve Ave| ||San SanRafael Rafael| |(415) | (415) (415)456-9062 456-9062| vivalon.org vivalon.org Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 456-9062 || vivalon.org Vivalon

Vivalon 456-9062 || vivalon.org vivalon.org Vivalon || 930 930 Tamalpais Tamalpais Ave | San Rafael | (415) 456-9062

Age Friendly Intergenerational Center What is Age Friendly? An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older adults to stay connected to people that are important to them. We encourage you to take a look at what’s available and sign up for these FREE classes and events: agefriendlycenter.org/classes Highway 61 Vivalon has partnered with Highway61 to offer you realtime conversation groups, including Aging Alone Support Group, Trivia, French Culture, Entrepreneurs Circle, Opera, Classic Movies, and more. Older adults from all over the US are on Highway61 and it is a great way to stay connected. To attend one of the virtual discussion groups, send an email to info@highway61. com and let them know you are with Vivalon. They will send you a code which will allow you to join the group. Lou Walker Senior Center The Lou Walker Senior Center offers a variety of classes for active seniors available by phone or zoom. Established in 2006, they offer spaces and amenities to meet the needs and interests of today’s active older adults with activities that stimulate the mind and body to remain active. Join free classes via zoom with their members at the Lou Walker Senior Center! *All classes are Eastern Standard Time*: louwalkercenter.com/ online-schedule/ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Vivalon has partnered with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer their classes to Vivalon members at no additional membership cost. Course fees still apply. To find out more, call 415-458-3763 or visit olli@dominican.edu YMCA The YMCA of San Francisco has a great selection of Virtual Classes for older adults. Please visit their website for more information: ymcasf.org/virtual-senior-offerings

Caring Connections Vivalon is proud to partner with LITA Vivalon (Love Is the Answer) to offer Caring SOCIAL PROGRAMS Connections, matching volunteers with homebound older adults for weekly social visits. Meetings normally take place in the home, but during the pandemic, the visits are taking place by phone or through doors and windows with proper physical distancing and face coverings. If you would like to participate in Caring Connections, contact Erika Vaughn at 415-456-9062 x176.

Social Call We’re all feeling a bit disconnected during this time of extended social distancing. One phone call, once a week, can make a huge difference. Connect on the phone to chat with a friendly volunteer and create connection during this time of isolation. Social Call in Marin County is a partnership between Covia and Vivalon. To join Social Call please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™ Home care is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our holistic approach to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual needs—ensuring a better quality of life, wherever you call home.

Call HomeWell of the North Bay for a free assessment at 415-599-4333 to learn more. ųƚŸƋåÚ ±ųåţ 8VYI (SQTEWWMSR | homewellcares.com a

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

For more information on how to register for the following Partner Virtual Classes Vivalon PARTNER & Activities, please visit Vivalon.org/ PROGRAMS classes or call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

License Number 214700009

It’s like having your very own Jackson Café

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

ood and fellowship go hand in hand. That’s certainly the case with Vivalon’s Jackson Café. Our dedicated and award-winning culinary team, Chuck Ciaccio and Stacy Scott have made the café a home away from home. And with the pandemic, they have pivoted once again to bring the café to you. “When the pandemic hit, we had to close the café,” says Stacy. “So we did what other restaurants did, providing meals to-go. We are also now offering our freshly prepared, homestyle meals and delivering them straight to our customers’ doors at the affordable price of $8 a meal.” Initially, the café adopted a pick-up model for meals, but the staff noticed a few familiar faces weren’t stopping by. “That’s when we started the Jackson Café meal delivery service. Anyone can sign up to have meals delivered at home and our amazing volunteers will bring them to you so you can also enjoy a feeling of connection with the café and Vivalon. Not only will you enjoy a great meal, you will support a local non-profit too.” The biggest challenge so far has been maintaining a connection to our community and

delivering meals to them in whatever way they feel safe, while still providing friendly social interaction, says Stacy. “With all the changes going on around us, we want our guests to think of the café as a constant in their life, even if they can’t enjoy it in person.” “We love using our talents to create beautiful, delicious meals,” says Chuck. “We’ve received so many wonderful handwritten thank you cards from our patrons and that has truly touched us. We love to feed people and it’s truly a privilege.” For more information on the café’s meal service, visit: whistlestop.org/nutrition/jackson-cafe.

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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

The Spirit of Giving Spans Generations

Marvin Mars’ Family Volunteers at Operation Thanksgiving

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

n Thanksgiving morning, 45 local families lined up in socially distanced vehicles for Vivalon’s second annual “Operation Thanksgiving”. They delivered holiday cheer, with care packages that included a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving meal, a holiday dessert, special beverages, and handmade cards, all in a festive holiday package. One family of volunteers spanned three generations, in memory of husband/father/grandfather Marvin Mars, who served as a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver for many years before he passed away in 2016. When his wife Alyce Sporer heard about the Operation Thanksgiving event, she immediately wanted to be a part of it, and

Operation Thanksgiving Care Packages

invited her daughter and two grandsons to join. A dedicated family man, Marvin was also a beloved Meals on Wheels volunteer. Alyce reminisces, “It lifted him up whenever he volunteered. He was so grateful that he was able to volunteer. Although he was in his 80s himself, he would go out faithfully each week. What Marvin provided to his Meals on Wheels clients was friendship. It was so much more than a meal.” Marvin’s grandsons Matt and Nick said it felt incredible to be following in their grandfathers’ footsteps on Thanksgiving. Although they have done other forms of volunteering, “this was different,” says Matt. “It was more personal, and it made us feel so happy to help others.”

We’d like to give a big shout-out to our event sponsors and supporters for making this event possible: • Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home and the Corte Madera Lions Club who donated financial support to cover the cost of the meals • Stacy Scott Catering for the delicious, homecooked meals and special gifts • Nothing Bundt Cakes for holiday desserts

• United Markets for special drinks • Mark Day School and Girl Scout Troops of San Rafael for the decorated bags, cards and placemats • The 45 families who volunteered to deliver meals

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Age-Friendly Intergenerational Center: Connecting Generations During Isolating Times

arin’s Age-Friendly Intergenerational Center opened in April 2018 to enrich the lives of people of all ages through quality, affordable programs incorporating intergenerational and multigenerational participation. According to cofounder Carla Condon, while a primary goal of the new Center was to provide social opportunities for older adults to prevent isolation and promote healthy aging, “We quickly saw in action what research had already proven: that

lives. Condon reflects, “What is so gratifying is that friendships have developed and generations have connected, even though it’s just by way of a screen.” Moving into 2021 some classes will be offered outside, depending on safety, and others will continue on Zoom until regular programs can resume.

Annual membership fees in 2021 will be $40, providing free, unlimited access to all classes. Vivalon is proud to partner with the Center to provide free membership to Vivalon members! For more information please visit https://agefriendlycenter. org/classes.

(Formerly The Whistlestop Directory of Older Adult Services for Marin County)

Want to get the word out about your business or nonprofit that helps older adults? Vivalon’s Directory of Older Adult Services reaches over 30,000 Marin residents!

Free listings available for nonprofits, and low-cost listings for other organizations. Advertising options also available. View our 2020 directory here: vivalon.org/business-directory Deadline is January 14, 2021!

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VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

Carla Condon, cofounder Age Friendly Intergenerational Center

intergenerational activities have significant benefits, not only for the older adult, but for young children, teens and younger adults. It has been truly inspirational to watch the fostering of friendship between generations!” The Center provides a diverse range of programs from yoga to art classes, storytime for preschoolers, Mahjong, Pickleball, a movie group, speaker series and more. Youngsters volunteer to help older adults with technology and become more understanding of the aging process. Older adults learn new skills, lead groups, and enjoy the energy and passion of younger program participants. One woman who was shy and hesitant to leave her home blossomed into an enthusiastic, fun and captivating leader of the Story Time for Children program. All generations have discovered friendship and camaraderie. During shelter in place, the Center has been able to offer some classes via Zoom. Even though participants are staying at home, the programs are still having a significant, positive impact in their

For Details, Call 805-708-3176 or Email directory@vivalon.org WHISTLESTOP IS NOW

WAYS TO MAKE A

Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

DIFFERENCE SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415-456-9062 X4800.

Buy/Lease a new Subaru and “Share the Love” VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

e are so the donation to support honored to meal deliveries and be the 2020 friendly check-in visits. Marin Subaru “Share the Last year this resulted in Love” hometown charity! $24,500 for Vivalon! Since November 19 and We are grateful to Ed through January 4, 2021, Rossi and his team for Subaru of America will their continued support donate $250 to your of Vivalon’s programs. charity of choice when To participate, simply you buy or lease a new Yvonne Roberts visit Marin Subaru at Subaru. Select Vivalon, as the Hometown Charity and Subaru 595 Francisco Blvd E in San Rafael to make your purchase. will donate the full $250 to support Visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica. older adults! Alternatively, you may org/sharethelove for more also select Meals on Wheels America and Vivalon will receive a portion of information.

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name. DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 844-WSMARIN or 844-976-2746 DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time. MAKE A PLANNED GIFT Name Vivalon in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of an annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan. VOLUNTEER Become a CarePool Volunteer Driver Deliver Meals on Wheels Teach a Class MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing Address: Vivalon | 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Vivalon.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800

Lifelong learning a day at a time. so you don’t have to have your camera on or be on a computer. I want it to be easy for participants to engage at their own level.” “I enjoy the online sessions,” says one of her students. “When I first went in person, I was a bit embarrassed as I couldn’t keep up with the class for more than 15 minutes. But at home, I can take a break and no one knows that I’m catching my breath. And I don’t have to feel like I’m holding everybody back.” Best of all, Vivalon’s virtual classes offer a chance to meet new people and reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Learning something new—together — is what community and friendship is all about. Plus, it’s a great way to pass the time while expanding your mind and rejuvenating your body and soul. You can see a full list of classes on pages 5-8. If you need assistance learning how to use Zoom or how to connect from your phone, just ask our Care team by calling 415-456-9062.

Elizabeth Lynn teaches Whistlesizers Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am – 12:00pm

VIVALON CONNECTIONS JANUARY 2021

ne of the best ways to stay mentally fit and socially connected is to engage in online learning. Virtual classrooms have really taken off in the past year, even though they’ve been around for some time. No one may have heard of Zoom before COVID, but signing up and signing on to online learning opportunities is a great way to stay in shape. You don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy some stellar learning experiences. Vivalon’s virtual classes give you plenty of ways to not only engage your mind, but your body and soul too. “Vivalon offers a great selection of online classes,” says one regular student. “Classes such as Whistlesizers, Tai Chi, hula, ukulele and more. I don’t have a computer so I didn’t have access to Zoom. However, the community care team at Vivalon showed me how to access classes just using my phone and now it’s a breeze.” Elizabeth Lynn has been teaching Whistlesizers for the last six years. “Once our students get used to the technology, they really enjoy the sessions. I make sure I conduct the course