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whistlestop.org August 2018 Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: Creative Ways to Learn English Pg 6: Sex and the Older Adult: Let’s Talk About It Pg 11: Whistlestock

Still Learning After All These Years

WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 9am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop. WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development Director info@whistlestop.org

Laurence Suter-Gunn AAC Program Manager

Jennifer Golbus Marketing Strategist

John and Val Bowman Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President Beth Reizman, Vice President Tom Bonomi, Treasurer Fabia Butler, Secretary Sharon Jackson Robert Sonnenberg Cynthia Wuthmann PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com

Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com

Kara Brown, Production kara@metroactive.com

Rosemary Olson, Publisher

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rolson@pacificsun.com

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

Cover Judy Reilly and Frank Cassou Photo by Bryttni Toddy

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WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

Can Your Cell Phone Make You Healthier? By Nicole Engler & Linda Siegel

hen it comes to figuring out cell phones or tablets, we’ve all had that frustrating feeling of trying to follow “easy” instructions. Usually the advice comes from a well-meaning friend or family member who is trying to be helpful. They make it seem so easy, but despite our best efforts, we press the wrong thing, our screen shifts directions, and we want to throw our innocent little phones out the window. When did our phones get so much smarter than us? Part of the answer comes from understanding the lingo. Words like “tap” and “swipe” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes people need a tech translator and that is where a hands-on class can be helpful. Why should you bother with smartphones or computers? Research has shown that people who continue to learn as they age tend to enjoy better mental and emotional health. In 2012, the Rush Memory and Aging Project was conducted with more than 1,200 older (80+) adults. This study showed that increased cognitive

activity slowed the decline and decreased risk of mild impairment, and those who continued to learn were 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It’s never too late to start learning! There are many benefits to older adults embracing technology. You can do everything from Nicole Engler and Linda Siegel paying your bills, to learning a new language, to playing flying like they have secret an instrument. insight about smartphones. Technology can also be It’s not that they know a useful tool to remain everything, but they healthy and active. There do have an advantage: are many types of wearable they’re not afraid to try. At devices, such as a Fitbit, Technology4Life, our goal is that help track your steps, to help you gain competence heart rate, and calories and confidence so you will burned. Some people even no longer fear your device. have adaptive cases that Technology4Life is work with their phones to a sponsored project of help monitor blood sugar MarinLink. We provide levels. To learn more about classes at Whistestop and how to improve your health other locations throughout with technology, look for a Marin County. We also new class at Whistlestop provide one-to-one help this fall, “Healthier Living in your home. Visit us at: www.technology4life.org or with Your SmartPhone.” call 415- 325-5790 to learn We’ve all seen kids more. walking around, thumbs

‘We jump right into using sentences.’

Marilyn Englander

By John Bowman

f you were to peek into Marilyn Englander’s ESL class at Whistlestop, you might see her students playing kazoos or singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Gently Down the Stream.” Marilyn said that she

always works to tailor the classes to the needs and desires of her students. She said that Laurence Suter-Gunn, Whistlestop’s Program Manager, said, “I’d like to see you jazz it up a bit.” Did they ever.

of the book Clear Speech. Marilyn said the Gilbert style involves parroting back sentences to the teacher. “We jump right into using sentences,” she said. “Much like the way they teach new volunteers in the Peace Corps.” Her students speak many languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Farsi and Spanish. One student, Vera, from Kazakhstan, is “enormously courageous” in her approach to learning. Her native language is Kazakh, and she also knows Russian, but Marilyn has observed Vera speaking to Iranian students in broken Farsi. Marilyn, who learned French as a teenager, said she loves teaching ESL at Whistlestop. She started this summer, but before that taught here as a sub in the fall and winter classes. She taught middle school for 20 years but is enjoying this experience even more. “There are no slouching, sullen students in the back row. These students are really motivated.”

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Kazoos and Singing Help Her Teach ESL Class

Marilyn explained that the kazoos emphasize “the music of the English language.” She asks a question, “How are you?” and puts the emphasis on the word “are.” The students then play back that inflection on the kazoos. Marilyn also uses thick rubber bands, like the ones used to wrap broccoli stalks, to demonstrate the use of a long word. “I will hold up the rubber band and ask ‘How are you?’ and then stretch the rubber band longer to show that the word ‘you’ is the long word in that sentence.” She said the students, most of them older adults, love singing songs in English, like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and “Make New Friends and Keep the Old.” She said, “We really had fun teaching them ‘ The Rain in Spain’ from My Fair Lady.” She employs the pedagogical style of Judy Gilbert. Gilbert is an internationally known teacher of English pronunciation and author

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Double Award: Employer of Choice

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Quality Assured and Proven.

Make a Difference Every Day Sign up at the Whistlestop Volunteer Fair

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 DATE: August 9, 2018 care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, communication. Lori Rooney /training Valleyand Memorial Park ( 1/4 Page ) Resource Gd. TIME:2017 3-4:30pm

- Proof may not be actual publication size!

This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback LOCATION: 930 Tamalpais THIS IS YOUR ADwith, PROOF - PLEASE CAREFULLY of those we work and are dedicated to the READ highest level of Ave, San Rafael Every effort has beenQuality, made Expertise, to ensureand accuracy of your ad, but errors could occur. By signing below, you Professionalism in senior care. signify that you have approved the ad as it appears here. Final prints will vary from monitor viewed and to color variations from printer to printer and monitor to monitor. Slight color variations are inherent in the Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof We are seeking friendly cess. The final printed product will meet or exceed commercially acceptable print standards.

OK AS IS

OK WITH CHANGES

and reliable volunteers who want to PROOF give back to their CORRECT AND SHOW NEW community.

415-884-4343

HiredHandsHomecare.com SIGNATURE DATE 4 Please Reply to this email or Fax to: 707-546-7368

Volunteer positions include: • CarePool volunteer drivers • Meals on Wheels drivers • Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers • General office help and parking services

WHISTLESTOP VOLUNTEERS Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont

Annemarie Hellmann

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, contact Laurie at 415-456-9067 or volunteer@whistlestop.org.

I feel bad about what you’ve been told… “You’re getting old.” “Learn to live with it.” “There’s nothing anyone can do.” Balance comes from your brain. It comes, for the most part, from the cerebellum, the lower rear portion of the brain. When there are problems in the spine, especially in the very top if the neck, just under the skull, the cerebellum can be affected. If that interference is corrected, your cerebellum is free to function better. You’re free to function better, to move better. Other issues? If your hips or knees or feet are in trouble, it’s hard to walk. Yes, this can be corrected, too, even if you heard that “golden” nonsense line of the surgeon, “It’s bone-on-bone.” Then there’s the problem of neuropathy. If your feet hurt so bad, or, worse, if you can hardly feel your feet, your cerebellum isn’t getting the right input to make the right moment-to-moment decisions to keep you upright. The word “neuropathy” just means “sick nerve.” How about we correct interference to the nerves to the feet? Doesn’t that make sense? I’ve been serving Marin and the entire Bay Area since 1981, helping many, many people in their 80’s and 90’s, to walk better, to be healthier, to enjoy life much more. How about you? My name is Dr. Harte (D.C.). My office is in Corte Madera, down the street from the DMV. In case you haven’t yet figured it out, I’m not a medical doctor. I LEFT MED SCHOOL to become a chiropractor, after a chiropractor saved my life. I, too, was given no choice by the surgeon, but I took my choice anyway! You can, too!

“Improved overall. Neuropathy improved. Heartburn greatly improved. – Jeanine Hillebrandt, Larkspur “I thought I was on the way out. Now I feel alive again and have hope for some quality of life.” - Carol Maher, Novato TO HELL WITH “THE DOCTOR”… I’M GOING TO STAND UP AND GET WELL ANYWAY OFFER: Call me, Dr. Harte (D.C.) at 415/460-6527 by Monday, July 30th, and you’ll get an amazing examination, three (3) neurological scans, digital spinal X-Rays, reg. $670, for only $170. PS: If you think that your doctor can help you move better, walk better, by all means go back to him or her. PPS: Questions? Call me. 460-6527

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nnemarie has been learning her entire life. She began in Germany, where she studied English and the trade of hairdressing, one of the few accepted work options for women at the time. Both her parents had died by the time she was 14 and her older sister, who had been living in the United States, returned to Germany to care for Annemarie and a younger sister. Her aunt, who lived and worked as a private waitress in the San Francisco landmark Haas-Lilienthal House, sponsored Annemarie to come to the United States. The Haas family allowed Annemarie to stay with them until she found a position as a nanny and could pass the exam needed to practice her hairdressing trade again. Rather than take English classes, she decided to continue learning on her own. She asked coworkers to correct her English while she was working in the hair salon. Annemarie met her husband through a connection of her aunt and they hit it off almost immediately. They had much in common, but he really loved the outdoors and he loved trains. As newlyweds, they purchased a home in Marin, raising their daughter and son, while commuting by Greyhound bus into San Francisco each day. After her husband’s retirement, and then a long illness, Annemarie was a widow with an empty nest. Her children encouraged her to find something to do. In 2013, she saw an ad in the Whistlestop Express newsletter that volunteers were needed. Because the name was Whistlestop, and her husband loved trains, she decided to give it a try. She has been the Tuesday morning Center Host, greeting Whistlestop members, guests and volunteers ever since. She loves coming in each week to her “community” away from home. One of her teachers long ago told her that remembering names was one of the most important things you can do. Everyone has a name and likes to be recognized. This is one of Annemarie’s specialties. Annemarie continues to take classes to improve her mind and quality of life. She took a workshop on memory loss, has taken classes on how to use her Android and now, having just gotten an iPhone, will be taking a class to get up to speed on her new device. This will help her communicate better with her children and grandchildren. Annemarie still helps a friend or two with their hair and she takes her 96-year-old friend shopping.

“Dr.’s Secret to BETTER Balance”

KEEP LEARNING AND HAVE FUN AT WHISTLESTOP The following is a sampling of the events, workshops and classes at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center. For a full list of classes, please see page 8. Visit us at whistlestop.org. For more information or to register, call 415-456-9062, ext. 100 or 101. Many of our classes are free or offered at a reduced rate, but donations are always welcome. Annual Membership is $20. you learn how fulfilling this class is, sign up for the Beginning Class on Thurs, Aug 2.

Beginning Writing Your Life Stories Thurs, Aug 2-Sept 20 (No class Aug 23); 3-4:50pm; 7 weeks; $35/45 non-members; Registration required Instructor Jean Stumpf will guide you as you write your life stories using themes and following the Birren process, where emphasis is on story writing and sharing. Exercises, discussion, weekly assignments and story sharing will keep you writing.

The Crystal and Dan Duo David MacLam, Tai Chi teacher

SPECIAL EVENTS WORKSHOPS Rollin’ Root, Mobile Farmers’ Market Every Thurs; 9am; Whistlestop Parking Lot

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It is official! Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of The Agricultural Institute of Marin’s (AIM): Rollin’ Root Mobile Farmers’ Market with a ribbon cutting at Whistlestop on Thurs, Aug 9 at 9am.

The Rollin’ Root will be visiting Whistlestop this summer to offer fresh, local fruits and vegetables. The Rollin’Root is a food truck with a mission: a farmers’ market on wheels, selling fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers. AIM’s mobile market unites small family farms and the community through a commitment to the local economy and sustainable farming.

Introductory Writing Your Life Stories

Mon, July 30; 2-4pm; $5; Registration required Instructor Jean Stumpf will discuss the structure of the Beginning Writing Your Life Stories class. Once

Thurs, Aug 2; 11am-Noon; Lounge; No fee; Drop-in Come enjoy the Crystal and Dan Duo in the Lounge before lunch. Feel free to sing along; they even take requests!

Memory Screenings in Partnership with Senior Access: English & Spanish Thurs, Aug 2; Screenings in English; 9am-Noon; Screenings in Spanish at 1pm; (45-minute appointments); No fee; Registration required Are you concerned about memory loss? Are you experiencing forgetfulness? If so, sign up for a confidential, one-on-one screening to receive a memory loss assessment. Future screenings will be Dec 5.

Community Breakfast in the Jackson Café First Fri, Aug 3; 9-10am; $3/6 non-members; Drop-in Drop in for the best deal in town. Join us in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, including a beverage of coffee, tea or juice

Healthy Aging Workshop Thurs, Aug 9; 2-3:30pm; No fee; Registration required Are you interested in evaluating

and improving your health? Join Wells Whitney, Board Member of the Buck Institute, for a presentation of his healthy aging scorecard. Dr. Whitney will help you evaluate and identify the areas where you can improve your health and your life.

Southwestern Luncheon Thurs, Aug 9; Lunch 11:30am2pm; Entertainment Noon-1pm; $6/10 non-members Lucina and her Cabaret of 1,000 Faces is back to wow us with her many costume changes as she transforms and performs the hits of Patsy Klein, Marlene Dietrich and Tina Turner during our special monthly luncheon in the Jackson Café.

The Truth about Sex & Seniors: The Seventy-Year Itch Tues, Aug 14; 11am-Noon; No fee; Registration required Sex and seniors – is it taboo? No, it is not. Join the discussion today with local Geropsychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Sutherland, as she starts an open conversation about mature sexuality and age-related sexual health issues. Gain knowledge about the emotional, physical and safety concerns you may have for yourself and others about sex.

Nutrition Bites Workshop Thurs, Aug 16; 3-4 pm; No fee; Registration required Join Sophia Osotio, Whistlestop’s Nutrition Program Coordinator, and learn how to improve your health by modifying your diet. Discussion topics: pre-diabetes, hypertension, and weight loss.

Brain Fitness in Partnership with Senior Access Tues, Aug 21; 11am-Noon; No fee; Registration required Foggy brain? Join Senior Access instructor Dana Pepp for an hour of fun brain fitness exercises and memory activities. Then challenge yourself at home to complete these exercises and activities everyday to improve your brain fitness health.

Movement and Music for Older Adults: A Universal Language (in Partnership with the College of Marin’s ESCOM Program) Mon, Aug. 27- Oct 8; 11am-Noon; Instructor, Diane Hain: $61/ESCOM Members, $79/non-members; Register: 415-485-9305. Chair exercise class is for older adults who have not been exercising regularly, or have arthritis-related problems. Move at a moderate and comfortable pace to meet individual needs focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, and deep breathing techniques.

Matter of Balance Class Workshop in partnership with the Marin General Hospital Tues, Aug 28; 11am-Noon; No fee (Introductory Workshop) Tues, Sept 11-Oct 30; 3-5pm; No fee (start of 8 Weekworkshop) Register with Beverly Winsor at 415-993-2557 Learn about the evidence-based Matter of Balance Program before signing up for the 8-week workshop. One hour will be devoted to information and the second hour to exercise. This program will teach you to gain confidence, manage falls and increase your activity levels.

Avoiding Scams, Fraud, & Identity Theft Wed, Aug 29; 10-11:15am Marin County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) teaches about the many scams currently targeting older adults so you can avoid becoming a victim and receive resources to help you if you are a victim. Sponsored by Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Novato.

NEW and FEATURED CLASSES ESL Classes NEW! Intermediate and Advanced (3 levels) ESL: Mon & Wed, Sept 10-Dec 5; 2-3:30pm; Beginning ESL: Tues & Thurs, Sept 11-Dec 6; 2:30-4pm $40/45 non-members; Registration required Register at least one day before the first day of class and receive $5 off. Join us for an innovative and interactive fall session of ESL (English as a Second Language). Our dynamic and creative teachers will help you improve your English skills in a welcoming and low-stress environment. Free parking available.

Tai Chi Mondays; 11am-Noon; $8/10 non-members; Drop-in Instructor David MacLam, teaches classic Yang Style Taiji, Qi Gong, and Taoist Style Meditation. David’s mission is to train the body, refine the spirit and foster peace in our lives.

Age Reversing Essentric Exercise Class Mondays, 12:45-1:45pm, $6/8 non-members; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn

Beginning Ukulele Wed, July 11-Aug 15 (6 weeks); 11:15am-12:15pm; $40/45 non-members; Registration required Strum your way to happiness! Instructor Sandy Bailey has played at Carnegie Hall and all over Marin. We are so lucky to have him teach Beginning Ukulele at Whistlestop. There is also an Advanced Class offered from 12:30-1:30pm. Please bring your own ukulele.

Thursdays; 3:30-4:30pm; Suggested donation $5; Registration required Instructor, Andy McGuire offers practitioners immediate results: serenity, tranquility, and harmony. No prior experience necessary. Join us and find inner peace.

Celebrate! We’ve been doing that since 1972

Senior Circle in partnership with Center for Attitudinal Healing Wednesdays; 10-11:30am; No fee; Drop-in As you age, challenges come in many forms: from depression and poor health, to loss of independence and decreased activity. Senior Circle is a group for independent adults (55+). Trained facilitators use Principles and Guidelines of Attitudinal Healing. Not a discussion group, but a sharing group. Participants share while the group listens, without receiving advice, criticism, or interruption.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES CalFresh Eligibility & Application Assistance Fri, Aug 3 & 17; 10am-Noon; No fee; Call CalFresh/SF Marin Food Bank for assistance: 415-697-7411 The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, CalFresh, provides qualified applicants with an EBT card to use at participating grocery stores and Farmers’ Markets.

Whistlesizers Tues, 9:30-10:30am and Thurs, 11am-Noon; $4/5 non-members Instructor Elizabeth Lynn uses breathing muscle exercises to improve posture and relieve pain. Leg exercises increase blood flow and provide knee protection. No registration required. Students must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.

ACASA The HOPE Program, Senior Peer Counseling and ACASA is a group of volunteer Spanish speaking senior peer counselors (services also available in English). Trained counselors have supportive

A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.

Schedule a Visit!

Thank You Marin!

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org Voted Best Senior Living

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org counseling skills and provide weekly home visits to their clients, offering free and confidential emotional support. ACASA is currently looking for counselors. For questions or to sign up for a friendly visit, contact Laurie Hunt, 415-473-6802.

staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin.

SF-Marin Food Bank’s Monthly Food Box

Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Local volunteer lawyers offer general advice, explain legal options and rights, and recommend referrals to attorneys who have expertise in your particular area of concern.

3rd Wed, Aug15; 9:30am12:30pm; Drop-in The SF-Marin Food Bank operates the Supplemental Food Program, providing a monthly box of quality U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food to low income seniors. To register, bring an ID, proof of income, and proof of residency. One of the Food Bank specialists will determine your eligibility.

Bi-Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, & Medication Reviews Aug 10 & 24; 10:30am-Noon; No fee Bi-weekly blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews offered by BrightStar Care. BrightStar is a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical

Free Legal Consultation Every Thursday (except 5th Thursday); by appointment only; call 415-459-6700

Covia’s Social Call Program (NEW) Are you a senior or a homebound or disabled individual who lives alone? Register today for free, reassuring calls three mornings a week to say, “Good morning” and check in with you. Call 877-797-7299 to sign up.

Marin Commission on Aging No meeting in August

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This class is a gentle, slow-paced program of relaxed movement aimed at regaining mobility while building strength, reawakening the body’s balance reflexes and providing relief from pain and tension. Perfect for injury recovery and improved overall health.

Meditation NEW!

Technology Aug-Oct 2018 Pre-registration & payment required: 415-456-9062

WHISTLESTOP WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 x100 or 101 for updates to the schedule.

TIME 9:30-10:30AM

Senior Connect Fee: $10 Maximum 10 people Priority for first-time students. (No device necessary) This workshop is for seniors who want to learn to use iPads and tablets and what they can do. We have iPads and tablets for you to try while we show you some basics and how to protect your privacy on the Internet. Learn with other beginners.

10:00AM–NOON

MONDAYS

Tues, Aug 14 & 21, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thurs, Sept 20 & 27, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review basics and learn about built-in apps, including photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, email, Texting, Facetime, and more! Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

11:00AM-NOON

9:30–10:30AM

TUESDAYS

First-time computer users will learn how to turn the computer on and off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, how to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet and set up an email account.

11:00AM-NOON

12:45-1:45PM 10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM-1PM 11:30AM–12:30PM 1:00-2:00PM 1:00-2:00PM 10:00–11:30AM

WEDNESDAYS

Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people

10:30AM–1:30PM

12:30PM-1:45PM

Intro to Computers: Windows or Apple Tues, Sept 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1-3pm (4 classes)

10:30AM–NOON

Managing Your Photos

9:30AM-12:30PM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:30PM-5:00PM

Tues, Oct 2 & 9, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

9:00AM

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

ANDROID Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM–2:30PM 1:00PM-2:50PM 2:00PM-3:00PM

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

3:00PM-4:50PM

We will show those new to Android smart phones and wireless devices how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. Get one-on-one help and handouts so you can practice at home. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)

3:30PM-4:30PM

ONGOING Open Lab | No Fee

10:30AM-NOON 10:00AM-NOON

FRIDAYS

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Tues, Oct 23 & 30, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

THURSDAYS

Learn how to take and edit photos on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device (Samsung, LG, Motorola). Learn how to store, transfer, organize into folders and print photos. Bring your photos on a digital camera, smartphone, iPad or tablet, with all charging cords. If you have a laptop, bring that too.

9:30AM-10:30AM

11:00AM–NOON 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:30PM–3:00PM

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon

2:00PM–4:00PM

Use our Apple and PC computers to access the Internet. Volunteers can help with problems with your laptops, tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance available on Wednesdays from 11am-Noon.

3:00PM-4:00PM

CLASS

Zumba Gold Drop-in Computer Lab Drop-in German Social Group Drop-in Persian Social Group Drop-in Tai Chi No class 8/27 Drop-in Movement & Music 8/27-10/8 Register 415-485-9305 Russian Social Group Drop-in Age Reversing Essentrics Drop-in Whistlesizers Drop-in Mah-Jongg Drop-in Nail Polish Changes Register day of French All Levels Drop-in Advanced Spanish/Ernesto Drop-in French Social Group Drop-in Senior Circle Drop-in Sr. Food Box/SF Food Bank 8/15 Register Computer Lab Drop-in Persian Social Group Drop-in Beg. Ukulele 8/22-9/26 Register Inter. Ukulele 8/22-9/26 Register Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in Citizenship Exam Prep Class Ongoing reg. Rollin’ Roots Farmer’s Market Drop-in Zumba Gold Drop-in Whistlesizers Drop-in Italian 3 Register Italian Study Group Drop-in Vietnamese Social Group Drop-in Advanced Write Your Life Stories * Register monthly Italian 2 Register Beg.Writing Your Life Stories *8/2-9/20 Register Meditation Drop-in BrightStar Health Check 8/10 & 8/24 Drop-in CalFresh Registration 8/3 & 8/17 Drop-in Brown Bag Pantry Reg. 11:30 am Movie Club Drop-in Spanish Social Group Drop-in Ping-Pong Drop-in Yoga No Class 8/24 Drop-in

ESL RESUMES INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED 9/11-12/5 ESL BEGINNING 9/12-12/6 Tuesday & Thursday 2-3:30PM *No class on 8/23

INFO

FEE $6/8

free free free $8/10 $61/79

free $6/8 $4/5

free free $3/5 $3/5

free free free free free $40/45 $40/45

free $30/45

$6/8 $4/5 $30/35

$2/4 free $10/20 $30/35 $30/40 $5

free free free free free $2/4 $3/5 $40/45 $40/45

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Keep Learning But With No Homework

Anyone 50 years of age or older may join. After paying the Basic Membership Fee of $25 for each session, basic members pay individual fees for courses, workshops, and clubs. Single Session Membership is available in the fall, winter, and spring sessions each academic year. After paying the Session Membership Fee, members may register for up to four courses plus an unlimited number of clubs during the single session. Additional course fees are required for workshops and courses in excess of four. The New Premium Membership will be offered this fall. This offers discounts and other

creativity and energy to achieving quality in our curriculum, faculty, facilities, operations, and relationships with our OLLI member community. For information about the fall schedule, call 415458-3763, or email olli@ dominican.edu.

A Licensed Homecare Agency offering

Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state

Celebrating 20 years of service

Geriatric Care Management:

Dignity • Respect • Personal Care • Safety

RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families

All services managed by owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

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LLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Dominican University engages people over 50 with intellectually stimulating lectures and workshops that promote informed thinking and intelligent discussion with social interaction. Distinguished and dynamic faculty, creating meaningful learning experiences, teaches liberal arts and sciences courses. The majority of professors hold a PhD in their field. According to OLLI policy, homework cannot be required. OLLI at Dominican is a membership-driven community of adult learners.

benefits. If you are new to OLLI you can take one four-, six- or eight-week course or workshop in the Fall 2018 session for halfprice, a savings of $48-$100. The Core Values of the program include: Joy of Learning: Continuing to grow and learn new things is a deeply fulfilling lifelong priority. Community: It is important to provide interaction with other members to share information, to expand our perspectives, question our assumptions, and make new friends. Accessibility: Classes, lectures, workshops, seminars and OLLI activities are affordable and accessible for all members. Excellence: We strive for excellence by committing our intelligence,

GETTING AROUND no gas... all electric no noise... quiet power no license, insurance, maintenance

Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals

415.457.1664 1281 Anderson Dr., Ste. F, San Rafael

Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥

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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

Whistlestop Safety & Training Program By Whistlestop Safety and Training Team

PR and First Aid Certification is an integral component of the Whistlestop new driver-training program. It prepares our drivers for those incidents that may occur suddenly, though rarely, on our buses or anywhere. Being prepared is always better than not being prepared, as most of us know from direct and sometimes difficult experience. In this training, one of our three certified trainers presents instruction through video, interactive dialogue, and hands-on practice and simulation. Physical practice and simulation, which is

an immersive experience, remains vital to learning these or any practical skills. Some of the skills new drivers learn are: assessing the scene of an emergency to decide what needs to be done and in what sequence, learning how to protect themselves while treating the injured, understanding when treatment needed is beyond the scope of training, knowing legal requirements and constraints, what to do if someone stops breathing, how to distinguish between a stroke and cardiac arrest, and bandaging and dressing wounds.

The Whistlestop Safety & Training team also offers this course to members of the community. If you’re interested in CPR/First Aid training, call us at 415-4569062 to sign up. We offer the course at our training facilities, onsite at your workplace or organization, or even in your home! The course typically runs four to five hours and is limited to 10 people per session. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certification card that is valid for two years. The Whistlestop Safety & Training team is pleased to offer this service to the community in the hopes of providing people with tools to respond in a self-sufficient way in minor injury events and a collaborative way with Emergency Services for more serious issues that can occur.

OUR ALWAYS ACTIVE AGING CENTER

The popular Zumba class

Learning Italian

Whistlestock V Saturday, Sept. 29

Trusted providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

rising young stars Matt Jaffe and Bella B. The event will benefit the over 14,000 people Whistlestop helps every year. Tickets are available at whistlestock.com

• • • • • • • •

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…

(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com

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rammy award nominee Elvin Bishop and his Big Fun Trio will be performing Saturday, Sept. 29, at the fifth annual Whistlestock concert and party, sponsored by At Home Caregivers. The event will begin at noon at Fairgrounds Island, the Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael. Whistlestock V is an Island of Blues in the Heart of Marin. It promises to be a fun day of rockin’ blues, dancing, food and giving. The event also features BB King Entertainer of the Year Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers along with

Whistlestop

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

Learn how to Protect Yourself from Scams, Fraud, Identity Theft

At Home Caregivers Presents

By Serena D’Arcy Fisher

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ationally, older adults are the fastest growing age group in America. People over 50 control 70% of the total net worth in the US. It is estimated that in the next 20 years there will be a $10 billion transfer of wealth. This makes older adults a target of nefarious predatory behavior to defraud them through scams, fraud and identity theft. Isolated or lonely older adults are more frequently targeted regardless of wealth, income and education. According to the Marin County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team, known as FAST, older adults are more vulnerable because they grew up in an era when they were taught to be polite and not to hang up the phone. They are also more trusting – a handshake was as good as your word. Additionally, as we age we are more vulnerable due to poor memory, confusion and dementia, and to undue influence from loved ones or caregivers. Perpetrators include family members, caregivers, helpers, neighbors, “new” friends and “sweethearts,” salesmen and brokers, telemarketers, con artists, thieves and opportunists.

Unfortunately, only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse is reported. California ranked 4th in identity theft complaints and 10th in fraud and other complaints in 2016. Many older adults are too embarrassed to speak out, or may be fearful of losing their independence. Many are depending on the abuser for care and may fear retaliation. Some are unaware of the abuse due to dementia or undue influence. Please join us at Whistlestop on Aug. 29 from 10-11:15am to learn from the FAST experts about the many scams currently making the rounds, so you can avoid being a victim and receive resources to help you if you become a victim. This presentation is sponsored by Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Novato. Please register at 415-456-9062. Attendees receive an estate planning binder. Need help with your estate documents? Older adults may schedule free half-hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin. Call Whistlestop’s Information and Referral office: 415-456-9062. To learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415459-6700, ext.138.

A Fundraiser to Benefit Whistlestop Marin Center | San Rafael

AN ISLAND OF BLUES IN THE HEART OF MARIN FEATURING