Vivalon Express November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 vivalon.org

WE CHANGED OUR NAME!

Whistlestop

Grateful

is now

Grateful!

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How our Volunteers and Members Express Gratitude

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Call for CarePool Volunteers

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Marin’s Supercentenarian Shares Gratitude

By Linda Jacks Jack Laurence Suter-Gunn Director, Agin Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org Initiative VIVALON PERSPECTIVE

BY PERSPECTIVE MIKE LEE BY NANCY GEISSE, VIVALON COO WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP info@whistlestop.org

Jennifer Golbus

A Simple Gesture a Lasting Impression 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org

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Vivalon Members and Volunteers Express Gratitude

Andy Guralas, Jackson Café regular diner

After turning 90 this past June, I am grateful to be waking up each morning and that I have people in my life who care for me and for whom I care about. I also get weekly calls from Vivalon staff and volunteers who I consider my family.

Karen Noreen, Brown Bag Pantry Volunteer

A few years ago, I started a journal where I write three things that bring me joy each day. While I don’t write as frequently now, I’ve now discovered that the best part is going back to read previous pages. That fills me with gratitude every time!

Ann Haenggi, Jackson Café, Brown Bag Pantry and Mask Volunteer

Being one of the volunteer mask makers gives me the feeling that I am doing something positive and helping people in our community. That fills me with gratitude.

Georgia Anker, Resource Office Volunteer

We should all be grateful for our family and friends. I am thankful that my daughter and granddaughter live nearby. I also keep busy with volunteer work at the Marin Humane Thrift Shop and looking forward to returning to my position at Vivalon. I’m also appreciative of the Fairfax Library for the wonderful supply of books to read.

Bill Crissman, Vivalon Member

I am especially grateful to Vivalon for the variety of meals offered, the convenience of the pick-up service and information provided.

The best advice I can give to others to remain grateful during difficult times is to stay calm and collected. It also helps to remember all the good times I’ve enjoyed in my life. I find the best way to express my gratitude to others is to smile, say thank you and tell a joke.

Gretchen Leavitt, Vivalon Member

I’m most grateful for my large, extended family of six siblings and feel blessed that we all love each other and keep in regular contact. It’s not always easy to be grateful during difficult times, so It’s important to focus on the things you have and enjoy, such as a home and good food. Simple activities such as a walk outdoors, looking at the sky, enjoying nature and being thankful for life, can refresh us.

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

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mall daily rituals make people more grateful by putting things into perspective and helping them focus on things they are thankful for, rather than things they can't control. Here’s how some of our members and volunteers are focusing on what’s good in life.

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Showing Gratitude in Difficult Times

BY KELLY KRUEGER THOMAS, VIVALON CONNECTIONS EDITOR

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

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ratitude can be difficult to find in times of uncertainty.

Fortunately, researchers and psychologists have studied these concepts from a historical perspective for decades, so we can learn from those who’ve come before us about the importance of gratitude.

It’s easy to find gratitude for all the healthcare workers who have put their own safety at risk to help total strangers in their time of need. We also have gratitude for all the workers – the truck drivers, warehouse workers and supermarket employees – who have worked tirelessly to keep shelves full. And, of course, we are grateful to our loved ones who are seeing us through these trying times with their love and caring.

Maintaining a positive outlook will not only see you through the days ahead, say researchers, but boost your immune system as well.

Here are a few creative ways you can show appreciation for others and yourself.

The write stuff. Even in this time of Zoom meetings and social media, you may not feel truly connected.

Think about writing a good old-fashioned letter;

you know, the one that requires an envelope and stamp. It doesn’t have to be anything lengthy or fancy. A postcard will work nicely too, especially if it’s from some exotic location that recalls simpler times.

Make someone’s day with a few handwritten words of thanks, love and hope.

Give a ring. Call a friend or loved one you haven’t spoken to in a while and tell them that you’re thinking of them. We all need someone else; a sense of connection is so important right now. As we self-isolate, waiting for this storm to pass, it’s easy to feel like no one cares. As the old phone company ad says, “reach out and touch someone” with an unexpected call. Let them know how important they are to you.

Set the table. It’s easy to get into a rut when you can’t enjoy the social routines you’ve come to look forward to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make any day memorable.

Set the table, make a nice dinner, use the holiday dishes and enjoy time with that special someone in your life—especially if that person is you.

We are honored to accept Bank of Marin’s Spirit of Marin Award for 2020 Large Business of the Year.

After a challenging year, we are full of gratitude for this thoughtful nomination from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce!

Thank you to the Chamber, to our amazing staff and volunteers, and to our community for allowing us the privilege to serve you.

Even though we have had to remain physically distanced, we have never felt more connected to you.

930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CA 94901| 415-456-9062 | vivalon.org

VIRTUAL CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Please visit vivalon.org/classes for details including the call-in number and optional Zoom link for the below classes or call the front desk at 415-456-9062.

Bingo Tuesdays 10:00 am via phone or Zoom, Free, Registration Required Please call 415-456-9062 by Thursday to play Bingo the following Tuesday. Play Bingo with Penny and Diego!

Prizes will be won at each game!

Healthy@Home Workshops: Free Online Seminars for Better Living, Free Learn how to transform your home into a safer, more comfortable, and more joyful place. Healthy@Home is a series of FREE online sessions featuring leading home design and "living in place" experts as well as master teachers from a variety of different disciplines—from cooking to gardening and more.

Next up: A series of hands-on cooking classes! Led by world class teaching chefs. Sign up for one, two or all three but sign up now as classes are limited to 20 people.

Cooking kits containing all the ingredients will be provided free of charge for those who can pick up from Vivalon in San Rafael (more details when you sign up!).

October 28: “Cooking Matters I: Kitchen Safety & Accessibility.” Don’t be afraid to get back in the kitchen! Tips & recommendations for making the most out of your cook space and your equipment.

November 4: “Cooking Matters II: The Mind Diet.” Learn about which foods are esn’t mean you can’t indulge your inner chef! Learn a simple recipe framework that will delight your taste buds and minimize leftovers.

For more details and to sign up visit www.AyaPlaces. com/workshops Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Vivalon has partnered with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer additional classes to Vivalon members at no additional cost! Each session in the schedule includes non-credit courses, workshops, clubs and “Food for Thought” luncheons. Led by expert academics and accomplished artists and writers, the courses typically meet weekly over four, six, or eight weeks. Most class periods are just under two hours. As the Fall session comes to a close November 20, check out http://dominican.edu/olli to see what will be offered next.

Hula - Thursdays 11:30–12:00 pm via Zoom, Free Aloha! Practice the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula [auana], with Charlotte Kobayashi. Learn a dance routine, and the meaning of the beautiful dance which originated in Hawaii. We encourage members who take part in this 4-week program, to enjoy from beginning to end for the full benefit of learning one or two hulas. Occasionally, this class may extend beyond the 30 minutes as needed.

Tai Chi - Mondays 9:00–10:00 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Join David MacLam on a Tai Chi journey. This non-competitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and health benefits combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.

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

Whistlesizers - Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00–11:40 am via Phone or Zoom, Free 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 3:00 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free 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 10:00–10:45 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout!

Vivalon and Bread & Roses Presents A Veteran’s Day Musical Zoom Show by Lovin’ Harmony Trio, November 12, from 1:00–2:00 pm, come and listen to the fabulous and classy Lovin’ Harmony Trio! Tune in for some fun and entertainment. For more information, call us at 415-456-9062.

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Vivalon Virtual Classes & VIVALON Activities

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Information on food resources and other services and assistance: COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Email 457-INFO@marincounty.org or call 415-457-INFO Visit www.211.org or Dial 211 from your phone.

Legal Aid of Marin Older Adult Resources 415-492-0230, x102 or https:// legalaidmarin.org Legal Aid of Marin offers older adults one-to-one virtual consultations with our Vivalon pro bono lawyers and Marin estate planning lawyers who have stepped up to help remotely during all these months.

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Age Friendly Marin Forum: “Getting Your Ducks in a Row for End of Life Planning” November 20, 10:30 to 11:45 am, via Zoom, Free Email jodytimms@comcast.net to receive Zoom meeting info.

It’s never too early for a heart to heart conversation with yourself and your family so you can put your end of life plan in place, including having an Advance Directive, a POLST (Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment), and making your final arrangements.

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Age-Friendly Intergenerational Center Programs and Activities Visit agefriendlycenter.org or email info@ agefriendlycenter.org for an updated list of the many programs and activities offered online through the Age Friendly Intergenerational Center. Options include chair exercises, art classes, and more!

THANK YOU TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF SAN RAFAEL

and the individuals throughout Marin that have donated Happiness Packets. Your donation of 160 Happiness Packets brings joy and connection to our isolated, homebound neighbors.

Stay home. Let us bring quality medical care to you.

Our care teams can help you safely: • Recover from surgery • Manage chronic illness • Cope with end-of-life transitions

Call (415) 927.2273 • www.hbtb.org Skilled Home Health Care • Palliative (Comfort) Care • Hospice

RESOURSES

San Rafael’s St. Vincent De Paul Thanksgiving Meal November 26, Time TBD 820 B St, San Rafael 415-454-3303 | vinnies.org This year, the annual free Thanksgiving Day holiday dinner at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Dining Room in San Rafael is TBD. There will definitely be food available to-go at the very least. Please check the website as it gets closer to Thanksgiving for more information.

Ritter Center’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner 415-457- 8182 x109 Ritter Center helps make it possible for lowincome families in Marin County to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with their families. Ritter Center provides all of the ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal to more than 150 families every year. Please call Jorge Garcia at (415) 457-8182 x109 for more information about this program.

Turkey Giveaway from Big God Ministries November 23 & 24, 3:30 pm 415-797-2567 biggodministries.org Come to the 200 Lot @ Drake Ave. in Marin City (Mon 11/23) and Pickleweed Park (Tue 11/24) for Big God Ministries’ annual giveaway of 10 to 12-pound frozen turkeys, along with Bibles, teddy bears and coloring books.

VIVALON THANKSGIVING TO-GO MEAL

Jackson Café To-Go will be selling traditional Thanksgiving meals freshly prepared by our chef Stacy Scott!

Enjoy a delicious, homemade Thanksgiving meal with all the sides, and a treat from us, from the comfort of your own home.

Meals cost $10 each and must be pre-ordered and paid for

by Wednesday, November 18, 5:00 pm. Please call our front desk to place your order (415) 456-9062. Come by to pick up your meal Thursday, November 26 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at Vivalon’s front door or request delivery to your home between 11:00am–1:00pm (you must be home to receive the meal).

We look forward to enjoying a Thanksgiving meal in person with you again next year!

Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo

Juanita says

“WE CARE” The most famous duck in San Anselmo!

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Where to find free Thanksgiving dinners FREE THANKSGIVING or turkeys

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VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™

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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

©2020 HomeWell Senior Care, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev0220

Residen�al Apartments Available Now Voted Best Senior Living! Thank You Marin!

Schedule a Tour

415.383.2741 x265

Admissions@theredwoods.org

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

40 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA

License Number 214700009

BY BY DEBBY BALDO, CAREPOOL PROGRAM MANAGER

Thank You CarePool Volunteers

Debbie Baldo Program Manager. CarePool

T

here are not enough words to describe my gratitude for the dedication and compassion shown by our wonderful CarePool volunteer drivers over the past six difficult months. During this challenging time, our volunteers did not miss a beat! At a time when most volunteer driver programs across the country have shut down, CarePool continued operating to make sure that our members were able to get to crucial medical appointments and procedures.

We expanded our services to include errands such as personal grocery shopping and meal delivery and prescription pickups, which has allowed

older adults to safely shelter at home. From the period of March through September, our volunteers provided 863 rides, the majority of which were to essential medical appointments, and almost 700 errands (beginning in June).

We look forward to expanding our CarePool program in the future so that we can support even more adults who need these important services. Many of us now have more free time due to the changes caused by the pandemic, providing opportunities for volunteering. If you or someone you know has extra time, you can be a local hero and become a CarePool driver. You will be rewarded with the gratitude and appreciation of our clients. Our services help our older adults and those with disabilities to maintain their independence, social connection, nutrition and healthcare. It is a win-win all around!

I am so grateful for, and proud of, our wonderful volunteer superheroes!

We are looking for volunteer Local Heroes, under the age of 65, who would like to help their community by driving older adults to essential medical appointments. Current CarePool volunteers are being recognized with Hero lawn signs. Contact: CarePool@vivalon.org or call 415-456-9062 x 103

CAREPOOL

VOLUNTEERS AND RIDERS EXPRESS THEIR

GRATITUDE SHELLY SHARP, CAREPOOL VOLUNTEER DRIVER

I am so grateful that I discovered the CarePool program. I have met so many lovely and interesting folks! I feel I get as much from the program as our riders do!

CECILE BUCKLEY, CAREPOOL RIDER

I have been a CarePool rider since its inception and it has changed my life!

I’m so grateful for all of the drivers who are all kind, caring, many of which have become my friends!

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

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AGING ACTION INITIATIVE (AAI)

In order to support our 65+ volunteers who need to shelter in place, Whistlestop, now known as Vivalon, has an immediate need for volunteer drivers under 65 to fill in.

Safety protocols are strictly followed.

Linda Jackson, Aging Action Initiative Program Director

A Collaborative Network Built to Help

I

f you tend to think of the Aging Action Initiative (AAI) as a network of movers and shakers, you’re right.

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Born out of the belief that collaboration is the key to more responsive support for older adults in Marin County, AAI brings organizations together to leverage assets and coordinate more services for the county’s aging community.

The Aging Action Initiative doesn’t offer any direct services itself. Rather, the organization brings others together with three main objectives in mind:

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• Educate those working with older adults and keep them up to date on the latest information and best practices, such as Vivalon’s outreach calls and the Marin Center for Independent Living’s programs.

• Serve as an advocate for the needs of older adults throughout the county.

• Innovate new services and programs, such as a new program called Detect & Connect to help people communicate more effectively with those who have dementia or mental health issues.

Every year, AAI hosts an “Inform and Connect” series of workshops to educate

and inform people who are working in the field. The pandemic has required the organization to think out of the box a bit, doing weekly remote sessions on Mondays at 2:00 pm instead of a large, in-person workshop.

Each session has a different topic, such as a recent session that discussed home modifications people can make to live longer and a past program that focused on racial diversity. More than 100 people participated in a recent workshop that focused on isolation during the pandemic.

AAI has about 284 member organizations, including the county, 11 cities and towns, healthcare providers, and public sector and community-based organizations and nonprofits. One of the biggest partnerships is with Vivalon, which provides support services for AAI’s work.

Those working in the field as a healthcare provider or public agency or community-based organization can join the network’s newsletter by emailing Support@agingactioninitiative.org Visit AAI’s website at www. agingactioninitiative.org for more information. Vivalon members are invited to encourage their caregivers to sign up.

CAREPOOL We are looking for volunteers to drive older adults to crucial non-COVID medical appointments as well as grocery shop and pick up medications.

To learn more about our CarePool Volunteer Program: carepool@vivalon.org or 415-456-9062 x103

MEALS ON WHEELS and NOURISH We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteer drivers for our no contact meal delivery programs.

To learn more about this and other volunteer options: volunteer@vivalon.org or 415-456-9067 WHISTLESTOP IS NOW

930 Tamalpais Avenue • San Rafael (415)456-9062 • vivalon.org

A

t 112, Pauline Angleman has a lot to be grateful for.

Always quick with a joke and a twinkle in her eye, Marin’s super centenarian and beloved member of Vivalon recently shared some wisdom with us.

When a lucky group of Vivalonians visited Pauline to celebrate her 112th birthday last month, her gratitude was palpable. “I just can’t imagine you people being so kind and generous to come here and see me,” she said. The celebration was filled with laughter, friendly joking, and memories. A member of Vivalon for over 50 years, Pauline recalls going on great trips with the organization in the 1960s and says she is grateful for the organization’s role in her life today.

Pauline says she focuses on what’s going well, and finds gratitude in the relationships that give her life meaning. “I am grateful there are so many people who do things for me and are nice to me,” she says. She refers to the Corte Madera sanitary service workers as the “men who come

around keeping our city beautiful” and says she is grateful she has not had to move her garbage cans in years, because these men do it for her.

“I’m grateful to my neighbors who bring me to doctor’s appointments, to Vivalon for bringing me meals, to the town of Corte Madera for adopting me, looking after me, and throwing me parties every year, and to magnifying glasses to help me read the headlines in the newspapers!”

Pauline also expressed gratitude to the American Legion, the noted veterans organization. Her husband, a professional soldier, died when he was 85, but the Legion helps her to continue to honor his memory.

Taking joy in life’s simple, genuine moments, sharing the company and connection of friends, and focusing on the positive—these are the things that help Pauline Angleman live a life of gratitude and longevity. Happy birthday, Pauline, and here’s to many more!

Pauline celebrates her 112th birthday with Vivalon member Andy Guralas, and Vivalon CEO, Joe O’Hehir and CDRO, Yvonne Roberts. Special thanks to Nothing Bundt Cakes for the beautiful birthday cake!

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Pauline holds up a photo of her and her husband Lewis in uniform in 1957.

VIVALON EXPRESS NOVEMBER 2020

Marin’s Supercentenarian Shares Gratitude, Honors Veterans, and Celebrates 112 Years!

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WAYS TO MAKE A

Vivalon

DIFFERENCE

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Thoughts on Appreciation for the Aging Experience

BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER

I

’ve been volunteering to shop and bring groceries down 50 steps for my 82-year-old neighbor Elaine. She thanks me profusely, but I, too, am receiving a benefit: I get to help her. There is pure joy to be found in being helpful.

Recently, 98-yearold Herb told me that he made a list of 90 people who have been meaningful in his life.

He has lost 89 of those people, but said that by spending time thinking about each one, he is filled with a warm feeling remembering the fun times, trips, and toasts they shared.

Where some might see the loss, Herb cherishes the friendships and

Yvonne Roberts

keeps them alive through remembering.

And finally, when I asked 112-year-old Pauline what she was grateful for, she paused to think, then said, “the kindness of my neighbors and this community.” She laughed as she said, “I haven’t had to take my trash cans out for years, I really am so lucky to be here.”

At Vivalon, our members remind us every day what it means to live a life of gratitude.

Every day we see people in challenging situations with smiles on their faces. Although we hear the words “thank you” often, it’s us here at Vivalon who are grateful for the opportunity to serve these strong, inspiring people.

If you’d like to support our work at Vivalon, please visit vivalon.org/ donate.

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

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