Whistlestop April 2017

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Volunteers: Making a Difference Cover Photo: Whistlestop Celebrates Driftwood Page 3 whistlestop.org

Longest Serving Volunteer Page 5

Rotary Home Team Helps With Repairs Page 10 APRIL 2017

WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 8:30am-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 PERSPECTIVE

By CAM BRUGLER, Meals on Wheels and CarePool Volunteer and VINCENT LAZZARINI, Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Giving Back And Delivering Smiles my kids’ schools. Now that they are gone, volunteering in the community allows me flexibility in my schedule and keeps me active and involved in activities outside the home.

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Tom Roberts, Chief Operating Officer Yvonne Roberts, Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Anita Renzetti, Director of Program Innovation

Melissa Groos, Active Aging Center Program Manager

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 Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com

Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com

Alfred Collazo, Production acollazo@metronews.com

Rosemary Olson, Publisher

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rolson@pacificsun.com

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

COVER PHOTO Marin Foundation Driftwood Unit,

by Stuart Lirette

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am: My parents are in their 80s and have become much less independent recently.

They are in a retirement community in San Rafael and are very lucky to get the care that they do. I recognize that there are many elderly who are not as fortunate and would like to stay in their own homes as long as they can.

After my youngest child left for college, I was much more able to start volunteering and giving back to our community.

I love being able to help others who appreciate the assistance. We are in an aging world – some day I hope to have the same assistance.

Getting to know my clients has been a treat. If I can bring a smile to their day, then that is worth it!

I live in Greenbrae. I grew up in Marin, went to Stanford and lived in Palo Alto and then moved back here 20 years ago. You just can’t beat the location! I am 52 and our youngest child recently left for college. I’ve always been very involved in

Vincent: I decided to volunteer because I wanted to better use my free time to help out in the community. My grandparents used to rely on Meals on Wheels in Hayward, so I figured this was a great opportunity to give back.

Everyone has been so kind and appreciative during my deliveries. I am also the type of person who spends most their time thinking about eating, and it makes me very happy to help someone else get the food they need.

I've lived in Marin my entire life and am currently in Novato for the 24th year.

My grandpa was born here and spent his entire life here, my dad was born here, I was born here, and hopefully generations to come will spend their lives in Marin. I am 29 years old and I am studying to go to law school.

Honoring Our Many Volunteers National Volunteer Week is April 23-29 and the Whistlestop Express dedicates this month’s issue to Whistlestop’s invaluable volunteers.

Every sitting U.S. president in the past 43 years has issued a proclamation during National Volunteer Week, as have many U.S. mayors and governors. Since then, the original emphasis has widened; the week has become a nationwide effort to urge people to get out and volunteer.

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager, reports that Whistlestop has had 212 volunteers over the past year. They provided 18,288 hours of service, equaling $457,200 worth of staff time! She added that Whistlestop had triple the number of new volunteers in January and that trend continued in February.

These volunteers help in so many ways: serving meals in the Jackson Café; delivering Meals on Wheels, assisting immigrants with language, job preparation and citizenship issues, teaching classes, helping seniors with income tax returns, driving for CarePool and much more.

Driftwood Women Help Keep Whistlestop Vital

By JOHN BOWMAN

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he women of Driftwood have been a godsend to Whistlestop. They have believed in the organization and have dedicated all of their efforts to the seniors in Marin. Their impact has been immense.” Those words from Yvonne Roberts, Whistlestop Development and Marketing Director, sum up the relationship between two important Marin nonprofits.

Over the course of Whistlestop’s 63 year history, extensive support has come from the community. A critical boost to the organization came in 2000 from Marin Foundation’s Driftwood Unit,

which decided that year to focus its fundraising efforts on supporting Whistlestop.

Driftwood contributed $200,000 to Whistlestop that year and since has added approximately $355,000 more, bringing its total contributions to Marin’s oldest senior center to $555,000.

The $200,000 grant 17 years ago enabled Whistlestop to update its Jackson Cafe Kitchen. Some of the money also went toward the purchase of vehicles for home delivered meals and transportation.

See DRIFTWOOD on page 4

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Volunteerism is Good for Seniors

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hen self-described “little old woman” Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire in 1970, she decided to use her unanticipated free time to found the Gray Panthers, an organization that fights age discrimination and advocates for social and economic justice. Legendary actress and singer Doris Day, now age 90, followed her passion for helping animals well into retirement — since 1971, she has founded four organizations and facilities dedicated to animal help and rescue.

Far from letting retirement slow them down, these senior activists used their retirement as a chance to craft a meaningful and rewarding life.

Learn more about pursuing a cause and spending time helping others in later years.

As a volunteer, retirement can afford you the chance to work on a project or issue that is important to you – simply for the passion of it, rather than for a paycheck.

Seniors have a unique set of skills and knowledge to offer as volunteers: a lifetime of experience can help you help others in a myriad of ways, from mentoring and tutoring younger generations, to

providing career guidance, to offering companionship and care.

Volunteerism isn’t just beneficial for those being helped – research shows that volunteering confers mental and physical health benefits for those doing the helping.

It also fosters positive social and family relationships and contributes to a positive image of seniors as a healthy and vital part of our society. Here are just a handful of reasons volunteer activity is beneficial: 1. It helps bridge the generation gap. Young people are often encouraged to volunteer as a way to broaden their horizons, improve their college prospects, build their resumes and help others while doing it. Seniors who volunteer have a unique opportunity to work with and assist younger generations — and learn from them, too.

2. It helps change the way people think about older adults. By using their talents and skills out in the world in a variety of ways, seniors demonstrate that they are active, involved and essential to a healthy community.

3. It is good for mental health and can help prevent Alzheimer’s. The National Institute on Aging has reported that participating in social leisure activities and meaningful, productive activities such as volunteering may lower the risk of health problems in seniors, including dementia, as well as improving longevity. Being a volunteer can help keep the brain and the body active, which contributes to continuing cognitive health, according to numerous studies.

(From Senior Living Blog by Sara Stevenson)

DRIFTWOOD continued from page 3 Driftwood members are pleased with how the partnership between these two Marin organizations has developed.

“Since I have been active in the foundation,” said Patty Cerf, “I have seen lots of changes and growth at Whistlestop. The organization is doing quite a bit more now than they were in 2000. I think they do a great job.”

She said, “We are proud of our new direction with Whistlestop and the enthusiasm this has brought to our membership and fundraising activities. Since 2000, our efforts have provided funds to remodel the senior activity/dining room, relocate restrooms, and install a complete audio-visual system, providing a warm and inviting environment for seniors and volunteers to enjoy.” Driftwood funds also have been used to repair the roof, install new carpet and install automatic double front doors.

Molly Hynes of Tiburon, a member of the Foundation for 15 years and now a sustaining member, was so impressed with Whistlestop that she became a volunteer there and has continued in that role for the past 13 years. Currently, she works in the Jackson Café on Wednesdays and often brings fresh flowers to the restaurant.

Susan Hoehler, also of Tiburon, said that Whistlestop does “incredible work,” adding, “It’s been a good partnership.” Susan enjoys having lunch at the Jackson Café and is one of the Driftwood members who has sung at Christmas time and other holidays there.

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Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili

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

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rs. Esmaili has always lived with this motto: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds. She has the longest continual service of any volunteer at Whistlestop – 20 years!

She moved from Persia with her husband and two sons to the United States in 1979, shortly after the Iranian revolution. She was an attorney, the 13th woman licensed to practice law in her country. She could have continued practicing law in Marin but after teaching Farsi for a few years, she decided it was more important for her to teach the culture and the language so it would not be lost to the new generations growing up here.

In 1997, Mrs. Esmaili was invited to help with a Multicultural program that was beginning at Whistlestop.

At first she was offered a paying position, but she decided that volunteering her services would be best for everyone.

For the past 20 years, she has been the “go-to” person for almost every Iranian coming to Marin County. She helps with language, citizenship, housing, jobs, and emotional support. She brings everyone to Whistlestop and helps to get them the resources they need.

After 34 years, she is teaching the children of the students she had years ago. Her goal is to keep the culture alive with language, dance, music, food, holiday celebrations and traditional practices.

Mrs. Esmaili credits Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir with bringing a new purpose and vitality to the Active Aging Center. She said that Whistlestop is now bustling with people, classes and activities.

Mrs. Esmaili facilitates ‘She is a true her Persian Support Group every Monday and Wednesday supporter and a morning. Afterwards, they all treasure to our go in to the Jackson Café for lunch. On Saturdays, there are organization.’ more activities for the family, centered around Persian language and culture.

Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager, said, “Last year, Mrs. Esmaili volunteered 351 hours, equating to $8,775 if we had to pay staff to cover her duties.”

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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP

For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center (930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael).

Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call 415.456.9062 with questions or to sign up.

Therapy grad students are conducting a special study and a brief survey for older adults 62+ focusing on life experiences and successful aging techniques. Raffle and refreshments provided. Sign up at the Front Desk.

Mixed Media Art Books Thurs, Apr 6 & 13; 10:30am-12pm; 4-week series began 3/23; Fee: $40/$45

Vintage Swiss Elna Sewing Machine Workshop Wed, Apr 19; 1-2pm; No Fee; Facilitator: Nancy Rumsey

Learn how to use this donated vintage Grasshopper Supermatic Swiss Elna sewing machine and then sew on! Sign up at the Front Desk.

Get ready to think outside the book!

Create a personally unique art book and journal using mixed media such as altered papers, photos, collage, fabric, and found objects. Call Anna at 415456-9062, ext. 138 with any questions.

SPECIAL EVENTS Spring Fling Luncheon Tues, Apr 11, 11:30am-1:50pm, Fee: $8/$10; $10 day of event; Jackson Café

that pop, and experience how easy it is to mix-n-match outfits. Both men and women will model the outfits. Call Caroline at 415-454-0998 for more information.

Celebrate the Spring equinox with live music and a healthy meal: strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing, BBQ chicken or vegetarian burger, garlic mashed potatoes, and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Spring standard songs performed by the Tina Carella Duo. Advance ticket purchase encouraged to secure discounted price.

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Open Mic Poetry Reading Lunch Thurs, Apr 27; 12-1pm; No Fee; Advance sign-up required to read aloud.

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Select an original poem and read it aloud to patrons in the Jackson Café at Whistlestop on Poem in your Pocket Day. Donate your poem and help us create a Whistlestop Poetry Anthology book.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Step into Spring with Style Tues, Apr 4; 1-2pm; No Fee; Facilitator: Jenny Bailey, CEO, Image & Wardrobe Assistant Learn what styles work for your silhouette, discover new color combinations

Nutrition Bites Workshop Tues, Apr 11; 10-11am; No Fee; Nutrition Coordinator: Sophia Osotio

Bring your nutrition questions to be answered by our in-house nutritionist.

Learn about nutrition and enjoy a healthy snack. Call Sophia at 415-4569062, ext. 129 with any questions.

Russian Poetry Day Tues, Apr 18; 1-2pm; No Fee; Facilitator: Anna Ladyzhenskaya

Share your love for the Silver and Gold Century of Russian Poetry native works, recited in Russian, ranging from 1800s

by Alexandr Pushkin to 2000s work by Bella Akhmadulina. Call Anna at 415456-9062, ext. 138 for more info.

Resilience and Successful Aging in Place Wed, Apr 5; 11am-12pm, No Fee; Dominican University OT Grad Students Dominican University Occupational

Manicures with Christy Tuesdays, 10am-1pm; No Fee; by appointment only; 415-456-9062

Six appointments each week are honored in the order received. Please call and leave a message either Monday after 5:30pm or Tuesday before 8:30am.

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING

MONTHLY MEETING Thurs, Apr 6 | 10am-12:30pm Where: San Rafael Community Center, Club Rooms Topic: Public Hearing Speakers: Commission on Aging & Aging Adult Services

Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for independent men and women (55+), who give each other the gift of listening in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom.

Jump Start Your Brain Workshop Thurs, Apr 20; 2-3:15pm; Fee: $5

Meg Stiefvater from Pacific Senior Wellness discusses the importance of keeping the mind and body active. Learn tips and specific criteria needed to increase brain health and stave off memory issues. Sign up at the Front Desk.

Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café Drop in for the best deal in town! Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast which includes a beverage, fruits and juices.

Call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129 for more info.

See CLASSES on page 8

TECHNOLOGY APR – MAY 2017

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

Intro to Computers (Windows) Tuesdays, April 11, 18, 25 & May 2, 10am-12pm (4 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 8 people Designed for first-time computer users, learn how to start your computer, turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account.

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, April 20 & 27, 10am12pm (2 classes)

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, review the basics of using your device and learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including photo editing, iCloud, calendar, Siri, e-mail, texting, Facetime, maps/GPS, and more. We'll show you how to find and install new apps, and how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications Tuesdays, May 9 & 16, 10am12pm (2 classes)

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people iPad and iPhone users, come discover the incredible world of applications to help you manage your daily activities and feed your passions! In

this two-week course, we will focus on finding helpful and fun applications to download. Learn how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, and travel. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID and password to class. (For Apple devices only)

Celebrate Community We’ve been doing that since 1972

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ANDROID Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, May 18 & 25, 10am12pm (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course for Android products, we guide you through how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. This course is for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world. Get one-on-one help and instructional handouts for practice at home. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)

ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm; No Fee

Use our PCs to access the Internet.

Volunteer staff can help with problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications. Apple assistance is available on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm.

We are looking for bridge players who are interested in learning how to play Online Bridge. Contact Whistlestop to add your name to the list, 415-456-9062. When there are enough people for a class, we will contact you with time and date.

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Juanita says

“WE CARE”

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Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES

CLASSES continued from page 6

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

TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM

MONDAYS

10:00AM–1:00PM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 12:30PM–1:45PM 2:00PM–3:30PM

TUESDAYS

9:30AM–10:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM–12:00PM 11:30AM–12:30PM 1:00PM–2:00PM 1:00PM–3:00PM

WEDNESDAYS

10:00AM–11:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM–1:00PM 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM–1:00PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 2:00PM–3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM

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THURSDAYS

10:30AM-12:30PM 11:00AM–NOON 1:00PM–2:20PM 2:30PM–3:30PM 2:45PM–3:45PM 9:30AM–11:00AM 11:00AM–NOON

FRIDAYS

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9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM–1:00PM

1:30PM–3:00PM 1:30PM–3:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

CLASS

INFO

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Energy Assistance Program Wed, Apr 19, 3-4:30pm; No Fee

FEE

Zumba Gold Drop-in Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Computer Lab Drop-in German Language Social Circle Drop-in Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 Movement & Music 415-485-9318 Adult Coloring Drop-in Russian Social Group Drop-in ESL Classes 415-454-0998 Whistlesizers Drop-in Mah Jongg Drop-in Manicures 415-456-9062 Citizenship Tutoring for Native Russian Speakers 415-456-9062 x 138 French Class 415-456-9062 French Social Group Drop-in Spanish Class 415-454-0998 Senior Circle Drop-in Computer Lab Drop-in Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 Multicultural Senior Program 415-454-0998 Beg./Intermediate Ukulele 415-456-9062 Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in ESL Classes 415-454-0998 Citizenship Weekly Tutoring 415-454-0998 Zumba Gold Drop-in Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Mixed Media Art Books Drop-in; started 3/23 Whistlesizers Drop-in Italian 3 3/2-4/27; no class 4/13 Italian 2 3/2-4/27; no class 4/13 Balance Class Drop-in Weekly B.P./Cholesterol Checks Drop-in Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 ACASA Drop-in Spanish Club Drop-in Movie Time: Spring Themes Drop-in; 4/7 & 4/21 Ping-Pong Drop-in Yoga with Kelly Drop-in

Y Y N N N Y N N Y Y N N Y Y N Y N N Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N Y Y

* At Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)

Ping Pong Fridays, 2-4pm; Fee: $2/$4; Instructor: Vivian Malcy

Ping pong is a lively game offering aerobic exercise that stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to form and retain long-term facts and events.

Have fun while you get healthier.

Movie Times at Whistlestop Select Fridays, Apr 7 & 21; 2-4pm; No Fee; Bring a friend and watch together.

Best holiday Drama/Action movies: Steel Magnolias (4/7), The Ten Commandments (4/21).

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Medicare 101 Meetings: Can a Medicare Advantage Plan Save you Money?

Wed, April 12; 10-11:30am; No Fee; Call Whistlestop to sign up Instructor: Rozan Donals of SCAN Health Plan

Don’t miss out on health care savings for 2017. Get clear, straightforward answers to your Medicare questions and information about 2017 Medicare program.

Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and More Fridays, 9:30-11am; No Fee

Weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and prevention advice is offered by Bright Star Care, a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin, 415-332-3300.

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) assistance will help reduce your utility bills. Bring a current PG&E bill and a copy of your household's gross monthly income for the last 30 days. Bilingual assistance available. Call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138 with questions.

Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help!

Anna Ladyzhenskaya (bilingual Russian), 415-456-9062, ext. 138; Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili (Farsi), 415-472-6020.

Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations; small fee for translation services.

Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center By appointment only: 415-459-6700

Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.

Victim Witness Assistance 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9am-12pm; No Fee

Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to helpful resources.

More information? Call 415-473-6450.

Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: Leslie Klor: 415-456-9068; No Fee

Homeshare is a free referral service for older adults seeking or offering housing. Telephone Reassurance uses trained volunteers to call isolated older adults who need personalized connections.

Oldest Whistlestop Volunteer is ‘Inspiration to All of Us’

By JOHN BOWMAN

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hen a fall at home sent Herta McCready to the hospital a couple of years ago, the first thing she did when she was able was to call Whistlestop to apologize for not being able to show up for her volunteer shift the next day.

When asked about this dedication, Herta said, “I just love Whistlestop. I don’t do much – Senior Circle in the morning and the front desk in the afternoon – but I get there every Wednesday.”

Doesn’t do much? Laurie Vermont, Whistlestop’s Volunteer Manager, would disagree. “Herta adds a deeper dimension to our programs by her dedication, experience and by giving tirelessly of her time to other people, assuring them that we care,” Laurie said. “Her dedication and determination are an inspiration to us all.”

Herta, Whistlestop’s oldest volunteer, will turn 95 in July.

Her secret to longevity? “I’m just lucky. It runs in the family.

And, I don’t smoke and have used very little alcohol. Also, I was a hiker for a long time.

Walking keeps you healthy.”

Herta and her family, living in Poland in the 1930s, managed to escape the Holocaust, first going to England and eventually to California.

Herta has been volunteering at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center for four years. Before that, she regularly ate lunch at the Jackson Café with her husband, Kenneth. After he died, she found that Whistlestop filled a big void in her life. Rather than stay at home, she realized her desire to give back by connecting with older adults with similar life experiences.

“I have met so many wonderful and interesting people there,” she said.

That call she made from the hospital to apologize for missing work at Whistlestop was not a first according to Laurie. She fell and broke her pelvic bone in 2014. “For someone in her 90s, this was no small injury,” Laurie said.

“She called requesting that we hold her volunteer position for her while she recovered. We assured her the position was hers whenever she returned.

In the meantime, she called every two weeks to give us updates on her progress and to provide an estimated time of return. Herta came back as soon as she could. She is always ready to chat warmly with participants and to point them in the right direction.”

Laurie added, “She is totally unique. She is always dressed in her finest and wearing matching jewelry.”

Herta sometimes wears a plaid dress in honor of her Scottish husband.

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Expressing Gratitude a Team Effort

By SERENA D’ARCY-FISHER

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Rotary Home Team Steps Up to Help Neighbors

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he Rotary Home Team offers a free service every couple of months for San Rafael seniors and people with disabilities who may have financial or physical challenges in performing small household repairs. Teams of Rotarians replace light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms, install new CO2 and smoke detectors, unclog drains, silence squeaky doors, reset blown fuses, lightly trim bushes from front doors and perform other small repairs.

The service is performed by the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael and is partnered with Episcopal Senior Communities, Whistlestop, Opportunity for Independence and Marin Center for Independent Living. Leslie Klor of Episcopal Senior

Communities handles phone inquiries and sign-ups and Susanne M. Karch, leader of the Rotary Home Team for Rotary Mission San Rafael, coordinates the Rotarians for the workdays.

In a thank-you letter to the workers who volunteer their services, Susanne shared these words: “No one can ever say enough for all you do to help others. Many thanks go to our non-Mission San Rafael Helpers Ivar Olsen from Rotary Club of Ignacio and Bruce Vogen, who is a diehard and exceptional community helper, and Susan Donnelly, past member of Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise.

“Nancie and Susanne helped a house-rich and cash-poor woman in San Rafael who needed interior decorating, which we could do, but also needed exterior

euroscience shows that expressing gratitude changes your brain chemistry for the better. When we stop for a moment and think about it, we all have much to be thankful for, from the clean air we breathe to the beautiful nature we are so blessed with, and so much more.

Whistlestop has its very own “Gratitude Team,” which includes staff and volunteers who joyfully thank our donors for their gifts. We appreciate all our donors as they enable Whistlestop to provide vital services to seniors and disabled neighbors living in our community.

Gratitude Team member Beverly Windle offered her thoughts on volunteering at Whistlestop. “After retiring and having lived in Marin for 36 years, I especially wanted to volunteer with Whistlestop because of the extraordinary support and services the staff provides to older adults and others in our community. So many people I called to thank for donations praised Whistlestop for their programs and were ‘more than happy to donate’ to help their efforts continue. The conversations that the thank you calls elicited were so uplifting and a true measure of the good work Whistlestop is doing.”

We are so appreciative of Beverly and all our volunteers for their service in support of our community.

work beyond our scope. Eli and Mike from the Rotary Home Team helped her on weekdays.

“Nancie and Susanne also helped a woman who needed simple things like new smoke detector batteries, but the trickiest item was replacing florescent light tubes.

“Gayle and Ivar worked on several 'gutter-cleaning' jobs; Bruce and Susan helped several folks in Contempo Marin, who mostly had long lists of picture hanging, squeaky door repair and smoke detector issues. Ivar and Susanne joined forces with Susan and Bruce to finish a Contempo Marin

home of a couple with two 20-something sons, one who just graduated from the police academy. Another long list of this and that needing repair, but the four of them made light work of it.

“The finale came when Bruce and Susanne took care of a lovely elderly French woman who, as a Sun Valley renter and repeat Rotary Home Team recipient, is hesitant to call the landlord for the miscellaneous disrepair on his six-unit property. Kudos to Bruce, who has a lighted drill, so he hung curtain rods, fixed a door lock and transplanted and pruned plants.”

13th Annual Healthy Aging Symposium

Thursday, May 4, 2017 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. (Registration:—8:15 a.m.—9:00 a.m.)

Embassy Suites Hotel—101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael

present

“Intimacy for Healthy Living” Featured Speakers:

Keynote Speaker:

Eric Shapira, D.D.S., M.A., M.H.A. Clinical Gerontologist Aging Mentor Services

Walter M. Bortz III, M.D.

Carol Queen, Ph.D., Staff Sexologist Good Vibrations, San Francisco

Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine

Robert Nations, Board Member Senior Access

Partners  Kaiser Permanente  Marin General Hospital  SCAN Health Plan  Sutter Health  Whistlestop

FEE: $20 (includes lunch)  REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 27th Pre-registration required. Clip the bottom of this form and mail with check or register at the following website: Event Brite Link - Annual Healthy Aging Symposium

For more information or to inquire about scholarships please call (415) 473-2980.

If you are a person with a disability and require this document in an alternate format (example: Braille, Large Print, Audiotape, CD-ROM), you may request an alternate format document by using the contact information below. If you require an accommodation (example: ASL Interpreter, reader, note taker) to participate in any county program, service or activity, you may request an accommodation by calling (415) 473-4381 (Voice) / (415) 473-3232 (TTY) or by e-mail at: disabilityaccess@marincounty.org not less than four work days in advance of the event.

Marin County Aging & Adult Services Mail registration form to: Marin County Aging & Adult Services Attn: Symposium 10 North San Pedro Road San Rafael, CA 94903

COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW & MAIL WITH PAYMENT

Name (print clearly): Phone: Please mark () your lunch selection:  Thai Chicken Salad (contains nuts)  Grilled Vegetable Wrap  Turkey BLT Sandwich Sorry, we are unable to accommodate special food requests.

Check box () for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation:  Hearing

 Wheelchair

 Walker/Other ____________________

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Make check payable to:

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Whistlestop

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

Balancing Personal, Financial and Philanthropic Goals

BY SERENA D’ARCY-FISHER

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id you know that older Americans are leading the way in charitable giving? The leading edge of the baby boomers is now 65. Every day, 10,000 Americans celebrate turning 65!

Millions more boomers will reach 65 over the next 15 years.

Fortunately, it is possible to balance personal and philanthropic goals thanks to the many options available to charitably minded people. Here are some of those options.

1. Cash – receive a tax deduction for the donated amount.

2. Appreciated stock – receive a tax deduction for the full value of donated stock while avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

3. Life insurance policies – naming a charity as a beneficiary of a policy that may no longer be needed is a simple way to provide a deferred gift without reducing current assets.

4. IRA charitable rollovers – seniors over 70 and a half years old can make gifts up to $100,000 per year to qualified charities. These distributions are not considered income and count toward annual minimum distribution requirements.

5. Retirement Plan assets (such as an IRA, 401(k)) – Because these income

sources are considered taxable, it is a good idea to use them for making your charitable gifts and leave other nontaxable assets to heirs.

6. Real estate gifts to charity provide immediate tax benefits on the full value of appreciated property and avoid capital gains tax.

7. Collectibles, such as art and jewelry, may be accepted by some charities. The stated value may depend on the amount such items are sold for.

8. Charitable Lead Trusts provide an income to the donor (or designated beneficiary), and after the life time of the donor, the asset is transferred to the charity.

9. Charitable Remainder Trusts or Annuities allow philanthropically minded people to support their favorite charities for a set period of time or even for their lifetime. Ultimately, the asset will be transferred back to the donor’s estate.

It’s always a good idea to get professional legal advice when drawing up or revising your will. Whistlestop, in partnership with the Legal Aid of Marin, offers free half hour appointments for Marin seniors during a two-hour window on the first four Thursdays of the month. Appointments can be scheduled through the Information and Referral Office, 415-459-6700.

VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life!

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program

Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store. Using their own cars, drivers receive requests by email and can accept or decline. Volunteers need a reliable car with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License and a clear background check and DMV report. The next CarePool Orientation and Training is from 3-4pm Thursday, April 20. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.

Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers needed Monday, Wednesday or Friday to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. A minimum of one 2 to 3-hour weekday shift is required.

Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers

The Jackson Café provides a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and support social interaction. Cashier or food service experience is a plus. Lunch hour shifts are Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm.

Computer Lab Volunteers

A tech-savvy volunteer is needed on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 10am-12pm to assist in our open computer lab. Seniors use our PCs or bring their own laptops and tablets. Volunteers need to be able to help with PC computer and Android device problems.

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