E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Forever Fit Best way to stay fit—Keep Moving! Page 2 whistlestop.org
National Senior Health & Fitness Day Page 4
Whistlestop joins Artwalk Page 6 MAY 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
‘Keep Moving’ Is His Advice for Staying Fit By JOHN BOWMAN
WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO 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 rolson@pacificsun.com
W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S M AY 2 017
OUR MISSION
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Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace. COVER PHOTO Gary Ragghianti on the slopes. Photo by Matthew Ragghianti.
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et up, get out, get moving.”
That’s Gary T. Ragghianti’s advice for anyone who wants to stay fit, particularly older adults. Gary, Whistlestop’s lawyer, is a model of fitness. At age 73, he is an avid downhill skier but he acknowledges that skiing alone will not keep a person fit. “I go to the gym five days a week. I am in a spin class three days and see a personal trainer the other two. I think regular exercise is crucial. It has been for me.” He adds, “You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to stay fit. Walk, ride a bike, go to the gym – it’s all helpful.” Gary thinks one’s emotional health is also important. “Be curious. Listen with an open mind, even to people with whom you disagree. Read. Often. And, make sure you have a group of good friends you stay connected with.”
This advice is perfectly aligned with Whistlestop’s mission, which includes helping older adults avoid isolation and loneliness. Gary, a lawyer with Ragghianti Freitas LLP in San Rafael, has been practicing law since 1969. He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco Law School and also earned an MA in Humanities at Dominican University in 2004. Whistlestop is one of his clients. Over the course of his career, he has served as the City Attorney for four of Marin’s 11 cities as well as represented several local districts, including the Novato Fire Protection District. He has been listed in “Best Lawyers in America, 20052017,” and named a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2015-2017. He served as the elected City Attorney for San Rafael from 19842007. He also was president of the Marin County Bar Association in 1982. Since 1995, Gary has been a mediator/arbitrator with Resolution Remedies. He says that clients appreciate the mediation process and the control it gives to participants over outcomes. “It’s something they have participated in, not something that was thrust upon them by a stranger.” He works with clients in personal injury cases as
‘I really believe in Whistlestop. They do a great job for the community.’ well as construction defect, real estate disputes and litigation, employment disputes, land use cases, neighbor tree and boundary disputes and estate and trust matters. He was drawn to work with Whistlestop because of his longtime friend Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO, for whom he has great respect. “We used to play tennis together. We’re good friends and I really believe in Whistlestop. They do a great job for the community.” As for skiing, Gary said, “I am a creature of habit. I ski every year – usually three trips a year for five days each. I go to Sun Valley, Idaho, with my grandkids each year and to Park City, Utah, and Aspen or a new place. I also get to Tahoe occasionally when time permits.” RS’ READE E
CHOIRCDS
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7 20IN1 E N R W
Whistlestop Yoga Helps Sailor Recover From Broken Arm
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M AY 2 017 W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S
t was a windy evening on the Bay and Susan Woodrum of Sausalito was crewing with her husband, Lon, on their Olson 25 sailboat in an exciting race. Suddenly, as Susan prepared to jibe the mainsail, the sheet came across the cockpit. “It slapped my forearm and broke it in two places.” Susan went below with two of the crew who tried to comfort her during the very painful 30-minute ride back to the dock in the Paradise Cay Marina. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. “I never had a cast. They put metal plates on both bones and my arm was in a sling for a month or so,” she recalls. “That was last August. For the first few weeks I was told to lift nothing heavier than a coffee cup. Now I can lift a pot of boiling water.” Susan had been taking a yoga class with instructor Kelly Lynch at Whistlestop when the accident occurred. It took a while for her to get back to class but she made it and the yoga is playing a big part in her recovery. Susan, 73, said, “There are so many great things about Kelly and the class. At my
age, I want to stay strong, focused and reduce stress. When I am doing yoga, it takes me away from selfish thoughts. I don’t worry about other things.” She said that she appreciates the emphasis on balance. “It’s in almost all of the poses, especially the tree pose. Yoga, the way Kelly teaches it, also helps my eyesight. I drive from Sausalito to San Rafael in Friday afternoon traffic but it is always worth it.” Susan first heard about Whistlestop from a Driftwood Unit friend. “I have computer skills, so she thought I could help out there. As it turned out, they needed a volunteer in the Resource and Referral office and I have been doing that for 14 years.” She said she thoroughly enjoys her volunteer job. Susan worked for years as an office manager for small companies before retiring. Now she consults with older adults on computer basics in their homes. She still finds time to volunteer with Lon and others on the 100-foot Matthew Turner sailing tall ship that was just launched April 1 in Sausalito. “We are building it with mostly volunteers. It will be an educational ship once it is ready to sail the Bay and oceans.”
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH | By LAURIE VERMONT
Kelly Lynch “
Zumba Class is at 9:30 on Monday and Thursday mornings at Whistlestop.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day: Get Fit! Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 17 at the Albert J. Boro Community Center! Come see what wellness is all about on Wednesday, May 17 at the Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed), located at 50 Canal St., San Rafael. The fun-filled day includes a Wellness Fair, free fitness classes and a healthy lunch: 9:30 – 1pm 9:30 – 12pm 12:00 – 12:30pm
Wellness Fair Free 30-minute fitness classes Lunch provided by Good Earth Natural & Organic Foods
W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S M AY 2 017
Please make lunch reservations by May 11 by calling 415457-4636. $3 donation request for lunch for guests 60+; $6 charge for guests under 60 years of age.
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The lunch program is made possible through funds from the Federal Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin County Health & Human Services, Division of Aging & Adult Services.
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oga is a refuge and a way to get under the waves of everything. It helps you to remember the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. It enables you to reconnect to your perfect and essential self,” says Kelly Lynch, who teaches a class at Whistlestop.
She was introduced to yoga when she lived in San Francisco in the 90’s. A friend brought her to a yoga class, and Kelly realized that yoga is a wonderful way to balance the time spent sitting at a desk, on the computer and on the phone, with a practice that could feed her body and soul. For older adults, an additional benefit of yoga is to improve balance, strength and flexibility. When Kelly began teaching at Whistlestop in 2011, she noticed that most of the class had to lean against the wall to do the tree pose. Now, more than half the class can do the tree pose without using the wall to help them balance. Most of them do not even notice how far they have come. With yoga, you are able to measure what you can do now and improve steadily at your own pace. Kelly was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. The oldest of four children, she graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her three brothers and other family members mostly live in in San Diego. Her first job out of school brought her to San Francisco to work for a mutual fund company. Since then, she has worked for both large and small companies in the financial and accounting software field. Kelly lives in San Anselmo with her partner, Michael. They have recently acquired a new dog and are adapting to the demands on their time and the joy of having another member of their family. Kelly and Michael moved to Marin in search of quiet, trees and squirrels. They love hiking the many Marin trails and are figuring out how to integrate the new puppy into their routines. To learn more about volunteer opportunities contact Laurie at volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.
13th Annual Healthy Aging Symposium May 4
Gym Membership Possibilities
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his year’s Marin County Healthy Aging Symposium will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 9am to 1pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael. The theme for this year is “Intimacy for Healthy Living.” Walter Bortz III, M.D., will be the keynote speaker. Other featured speakers include Eric Shapira, D.D.S., M.A., M.H.A., Clinical Gerontologist at Aging Mentor Services; Carol Queen, Ph.D., Staff Sexologist
at Good Vibrations, San Francisco; and Robert Nations, Board Member at Senior Access. Sponsors of the event are Marin Health & Human Services and Marin County Commission on Aging. Partners include Whistlestop, Kaiser Permanente, Marin General Hospital, SCAN Health Plan and Sutter General. Registration deadline is April 27. Call 415-473-2980 for more information.
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From Healthline.com Newsletter
Kaiser Permanente Membership Services can confirm your eligibility and help find a participating facility near you. Please call 1-877-221-8221 (toll free) seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Your insurance plan might also cover the SilverSneakers, a free fitness program for seniors providing gym membership. More info at: silversneakers.com.
balance, and flexibility. Walking for just five or 10 minutes at a time on several days each week is a great way to begin. Once you can walk for 30 minutes at a time, you’ve built a solid foundation and are ready to add more challenging activities to your routine. Starting a basic strength routine while you begin your aerobic routine will help you build the strength you need to support your aerobic workouts. Always talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen. They can help you create a workout plan that suits your specific needs and goals.
significant changes. After just six weeks of consistent exercise, you should feel noticeably more comfortable while working out and going about your day-to-day activities. The best aerobic activities for older adults to begin with are lowimpact exercises, such as walking, cycling, swimming, and water aerobics. Other options include: • tai chi • line dancing • square dancing • ballroom dancing
Aerobic Endurance
Any activity that increases your heart rate helps build aerobic endurance. It doesn’t take long to see
If you’re aged 65 or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
M AY 2 017 W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S
Staying Active is the Secret for Staying Vital
articipating in a balanced fitness program contributes to your well-being at every age — and regular exercise is vital for older adults. Regular exercise can help control your blood pressure, body weight, and cholesterol levels. It reduces your risk of hardened arteries, heart attack, and stroke. It also strengthens your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones to help fight osteoporosis and lower your risk of falling or other injury. Keeping your body strong and limber can help you maintain your independence as you age. It allows you to continue the kinds of activities you’ve enjoyed your entire life. If you haven’t been physically active for a while, start slowly. Gradually build your endurance, strength,
f you are a Kaiser Senior Advantage member, you have an additional benefit: a complimentary membership at selected fitness facilities or a no-cost Home Fitness program. You also have access to online tools, newsletters, and invitations to social activities. Tools and resources at SilverandFit.com include meal and exercise planners, health trackers, Healthy Aging Programs, and e-coaching courses.
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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. Please note that the Active Aging Center will be closed on Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day.
Afternoon Tea & Etiquette in honor of Mother’s Day Thursday, May 11; 3-4:30pm; Fee: $10; Speaker: Syndi Seid, World’s Leading Etiquette Trainer, Celebrity Speaker and Founder of Advanced Etiquette
Join us for a brief history of tea – past to present; overview of types of teas; forms of tea service; host duties and guest responsibilities; the etiquette of taking tea, including Do’s and Don’ts of tea etiquette, and an afternoon tea service. Advance reservations required; please visit Whistlestop Guest Services desk.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Thurs, May 4, 11:30am-1:30pm, Fee: $8/$10; $10 day of fiesta; Jackson Café
W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S M AY 2 017
Celebrate Mexican pride and traditions with authentic food and free music provided by Bread & Roses Presents featuring Jackie Ryan. Advance ticket purchase guarantees discounted ticket price, a seat, and food.
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World Religion Series: “Meet a Muslim” Program with Moina Shaiq Tues., May 23rd from 2-3 PM. No Fee/Donations accepted
This program, hosted by Moina Shaiq, aims to answer any questions you may have about your Muslim neighbors. Call (415) 456-9062 for more information or to sign up.
2nd Friday Art Walk Workshop Fri, May 12; 5-7pm; Whistlestop collage workshop: $15; regular Art Walk art viewing. No purchase necessary Russian Victory Day Tues, May 9; 1-3pm; No fee; Facilitator: Anna Ladyzhenskaya
Russian speaking community celebrates one of the biggest Russian holidays with a traditional potluck and sharing of personal stories to honor the end of World War II. Call Anna at 415-4565-9062, ext. 138 for more information.
Interactive art exhibit! Appreciate local art on display while finding inspiration to create your own art. For an admission cost of $15 per person, you will get a glass of wine (adults only), snacks, and art supplies to make collage art in a variety of mediums. Enjoy social fun and casual art crafting! For more information, or to sign up, please call 415-456-9062. Walk-ins welcome.
WRITE ON! Tues, May 2; 1-3pm; Fee: $3/$5; Facilitator: Robert Harry-Rovin, published author
A creative writing program nurturing well-being through self-expression, using a short guided meditation followed by a timed writing with opportunity to read your writing to the group for only positive reflection.
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.
Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café at Whistlestop 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.
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.
Nutrition Bites Workshop Tues, May 9; 10:45-11:15am; 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 for info.
Monoprinting with Ink Thurs, May 4, 11, 18, & June 1; 1-2:30pm; Fee: $40/$45 for 4-weeks; Artist: Anna Ladyzhenskaya
Create unique, one-of-a-kind prints by using colorful ink on a non-porous surface and transferring it to paper to be included in a mixed media art book. Call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138 with questions.
Movie Times at Whistlestop Select Fridays, May 12 & 26; 2-4pm; No Fee; Bring a friend and view together.
Best comedy & docudrama movies: Mother (5/12), La Bamba (5/26).
See CLASSES on page 8
TECHNOLOGY MAY – JUNE 2017
Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications Tuesdays, May 9 and May 16, 10am-12pm (2 classes)
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people iPad and iPhone users, come discover the incredible world of applications! Find apps to help you manage your daily activities and feed your passions. In this two-week course, we will focus on finding helpful, fun and interesting applications that you can download. Come discover how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, travel, and much more. Don't forget to bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)
ANDROID Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, May 18 and 25, 10am-12pm (2 classes)
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course for Android products, you'll be guided 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. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts so you can practice at home. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)
Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only) Thursdays, June 1 and June 15 (Note: 2 classes are not consecutive weeks) 10am-12pm Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people This course will review some of the basics of using your device and also show you some of the apps that come built in. Get the most out of photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, calendar, email, texting, maps/GPS, and more. Learn the steps to find and install new apps, and how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)
ONGOING Open Lab Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm
No Fee Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets; they can help you with software applications. Apple device assistance is available on Wednesdays from 11am-noon.
Double Award: Employer of Choice
Quality Assured and Proven. 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 care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication. This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care. Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof
415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com
RMF
Whistlestop 4.3438 w x 4.8438 h 6-22-15 REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC
Expore Creative 707-938-9960
M AY 2 017 W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S
iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Tuesdays, June 6 and June 13 (2 classes) 10am-12pm
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two weekcourse, you'll be guided through how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications; this course is for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class)
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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.
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THURSDAYS FRIDAYS
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WEDNESDAYS
TUESDAYS
MONDAYS
TIME
CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Movement & Music Adult Coloring Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg Manicures with Christy
INFO FEE 9:30AM-10:30AM Drop-in Y 10:00AM–1:00PM Drop-in Y 10:00AM–NOON Drop-in N 10:30AM–NOON Drop-in N 10:30AM–1:30PM 415-472-6020 N 11:00AM-12:00PM 415-485-9318 Y 11:00AM-12:00PM Drop-in N 12:30PM–1:45PM Drop-in N 2:00PM–3:30PM 415-454-0998 Y 9:30AM–10:30AM Drop-in Y 10:00AM–NOON Drop-in N 11:00AM–2:00PM 415-299-7466 N 11:00AM–12:00PM Citizenship Tutoring for Native Russian Speakers 415-456-9062 x 138 Y 11:30AM–12:30PM French Class 415-456-9062 Y 1:00PM–2:00PM French Social Group Drop-in N 1:00PM–3:00PM Spanish Class 415-454-0998 Y 10:00AM–11:30AM Senior Circle Drop-in N 10:00AM–NOON Computer Lab Drop-in N 10:00AM–1:00PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y 10:30AM–1:30PM Persian Social Group 415-472-6020 N 11:00AM–1:00PM Multicultural Senior Program* 415-454-0998 N 11:00AM-12:00PM Adult Coloring Drop-in N 12:30PM-1:30PM Beg./Intermediate Ukulele 415-456-9062 Y 1:00PM–3:00PM Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in Y 2:00PM–3:30PM ESL Classes 415-454-0998 N 3:30PM-5:00PM Citizenship Weekly Tutoring 415-454-0998 Y 9:30AM-10:30AM Zumba Gold Drop-in Y 10:00AM–1:00PM Therapeutic Massage Drop-in Y 11:00AM–NOON Whistlesizers Drop-in Y 1:00PM–2:30PM Monoprinting 5/4-5/18; 6/1 Y 12:30PM–1:30PM Italian 3 5/11-6/29 Y 2:00PM–3:00PM Italian 2 5/11-6/29 Y 2:45PM–3:45PM Balance Class Drop-in Y 9:30AM–11:00AM Weekly B.P./Cholesterol Checks Drop-in N 11:00AM–NOON Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 N 1:30PM–3:00PM ACASA Drop-in N 1:30PM–3:00PM Spanish Club Drop-in N 2:00PM–4:00PM Movie Time Drop-in; 5/12 & 5/19 N 2:00PM–4:00PM Ping-Pong Drop-in Y 3:00PM-4:00PM Yoga with Kelly Drop-in Y
* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)
Free Legal Consultation Offered most Thursdays at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-4596700
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and More Fridays, 9:30-11am; No Fee Weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, plus 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.
HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help By appointment only: Anna Ladyzhenskaya (bilingual Russian), 415-456-9062 ext. 138; Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili (Farsi), 415-4726020. Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations; small fee for translation services.
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. This is a great opportunity to get help at no cost.
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 is trained volunteers calling isolated older adults who need personalized connections.
Celebrate Community
Community Connections There are many local organizations that offer fitness programs within our community. Here are a few of our favorites! Corte Madera Swingers (415) 927-5072 Tai Chi, outings, big band dancing, and exercise classes.
We’ve been doing that since 1972
Voted Best Senior Living in Marin!
Freitas Senior Community Tai Chi Classes (415) 479-7581 Tai Chi classes designed to improve circulation and balance, and help maintain good health throughout life. Larkspur Walkers (415) 927-6746 Older Adult Programs at the Larkspur Recreation Department. Walking groups meet at 9:00 AM MonWed-Fri at Piper Park in Larkspur. One hour walk around park. Marin YMCA (415) 492-9622 Hikes and social events for older adults. Osher Marin Jewish Community Center (415) 444-8000 Full schedule of aquatic and land-based therapeutic exercise programs.
Best Senior Living Facility
Schedule a Visit! Contact: Pam Bill 415.383.2741
SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866
www.theredwoods.org
Four Living Options: Independent Residential Personal Care Skilled Nursing
40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941
For information regarding all of the fitness classes at the Whistlestop Active Aging Center, please call: (415) 456-9062
Age Wave: Good Health Key to Happy Retirement The seven priorities of new retirement, according to the survey, are: Finances, Family, Leisure, Home, Health, Work and Giving. Most of these priorities are things you will find in Whistlestop’s Active Aging center. Our Information and Referral Services offer help with housing, employment, and finances. Our fitness classes and special social events cover your health and leisure needs, while our volunteer opportunities offer a chance to give back!
o ering
Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state
Geriatric Care Management: RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families
Dignity • Respect Personal Care • Safety All services managed by owner
Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM
(415) 457 2256 • www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com
PacificSun.com
M AY 2 017 W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S
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etirees say the No. 1 key to happy retirement is good health, according to a Bank of America/Age Wave survey. Ken Dychwald, PhD, President and CEO of Age Wave, said that 81% of older adults surveyed put good health at the top of their most wanted list. The survey showed that Financial Security was ranked second at 58%, Family & Friends next at 36%, and Purpose fourth at 22%.
A Licensed Homecare Agency
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Mayor Denise Athas of Novato
Mayor Jim Fraser of Tiburon
Mayors for Meals
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n the recent Budget Plan submitted to Congress, deep cuts to non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs were introduced. This may affect our vital programs such as Meals on Wheels in the following ways: The proposed 18% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a concern because roughly 37% of funding for Meals on Wheels programs comes from the Older Americans Act, which falls under the umbrella of HHS. Needless to say, Marin County is bracing for a potential funding gap. Lucky for us, we have the
support of our local mayors in Marin County. March was “March for Meals” and “Mayors for Meals” month for Meals on Wheels of America. Cities all over the nation participated in this amazing opportunity for local mayors to spend a day delivering Meals on Wheels. Let’s all give a huge round of applause to these Marin Mayors: Gary Phillips (San Rafael), Denise Athas (Novato), Jim Fraser (Tiburon) and Kevin Haroff (Larkspur, not pictured) for taking the time out of their busy schedules to deliver meals, smiles, and appreciation to local Marin seniors in need.
Mayor Gary Phillips of San Rafael
We’d like to recognize and thank the 262 volunteers who have given 19,870 hours of their time, expertise and service to Whistlestop’s programs and activities during this past year. This is the equivalent of $496,760 if we had to pay staff for these services.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
488 447 442 434 408 402 376 355 351 290 284 255 217 202 201
Hours of Volunteer Service from March 1, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Jean Harrison David Levy Arnold Luber Lotus Ning Rabel Mangahas Richard Jenkins Penny Markrack Nancy Malcolm Mehrbanoo Esmaili Ann Haenggi Janis Walsh Lee Loretz Sandy Haevernick Cecelia Kudlick David Brusati
50–100 Hours Doug Allen Karen Ayers Lucille Bailey Marion BoumansIsaacson Adrienne Burns Frank Cassou Ruhen Chandel Terry Chostner Hardy Dawainis June Detjen Irma Diaz Roberta Dillon Philip Dito Dolores Duarte Susan Duncan Gene Dyer Christina Fisher Lenore Fithian Janice Fong Alejandro Garcia Rebeca Garcia Betsy Guthrie John Hauserman Christy Hayes Annemarie Hellmann Jill Hutchinson Ted Kreines Fira Kriventsov Rita Lewis Lynn Linato Elizabeth Lynn Matt MacPhee Vivian Malcy Herta McCready Doris McKee Roberta Michels Catherine Miller
Phoebe Moyer Dale Mullen Marge Murphy Linda O'Connell Gary Parlapiano Gloria Perdue James Pointdexter Joey Robinow Betty Schaffer Tom Schmidt Howard Schwartz Ann Seramin Howard Smalley Susan Stanford Shirley Sugawara Vida Sullivan Orville Teising Lucy Tsao Rich Walcoff Shay Walling Michael Whyte Rowena Wong Diane Yates Under 50 Hours Maria Acosta Calvin Ahlgren Yavar Amidi Mary Arcadi Rosslyn Ashley Thomas Attardi Arlinda Attell Alvin Bailey Margaret Bain Darlene Baroni Jonathon Bates Jessica Berkley Janet Bodle Boo Boero
Keith Bramstedt Susan Brautovich Marcia Brewer Cameron Brugler Donald Caruso Jason Castaneda David Champagne Doris Chapman Ernesto Chavez Helen Chen Joe Cillo Jack Colbourn Glenn Corner Jim Costello Tinille Crichfield Veronika Cuddy Daniel Curran Christine D'Ambra Joeseph Danielson Jane Day Kathy Dean Natalie Diaz Paula Doubleday Loring Doyle Bob Doyle Sally Doyle Neil Edwards Susan Edwards Lilieta Fe'ao Michelle Fisher Sheila Fontaine Andrea Francone Tina Galbreath Stephen Galiani Christopher Gaudi Megan Gelico Kelsey Goodner Michael Gordon Reggie Guy
David Hanchette Gillian Hayward Tom Heinz Rick Hirsch Whitney Hoyt Carol Huang Saman Ibrahimi Adrian Issac Matt Jackson Thomas Jacobsen Kurt Jensen Shany Kalman John Kampmeyer Kay Karchevski Kris Karlsson Debbie Kiraly Dominique Koenig Vincent Lazzarini Lucy Logan Katherine Look Victor Low Eve Lubalin Mary Lucas Kelly Lynch Elizabeth MacQuarrie Claudia Madera Julia Mathews Ellen Mayer Charly McInroy Daniel McKay Yana Middleton Liz Miller Nancy Moore Seyedeh Moosavi Pam Munter Linnea O'brien Kathy Oliver Barbara Otto Jeffrey Passaro
Patricia Perry Rebecca Poon Stephanie Prescott Doug Pringle Mickey Rack Elizabeth Ramirez Danny Ramos Kiara Renderos Rhea Renderos Peter Rigali Fred Riley Jenny Roca Manuela Rosenfeld Tina Rothschild Jim Sauve Steve Schiff Gerald Schofield Ellen Seh Nicola Shanks Cecil Sherrod Linda Siegel Edith Struss Linda Sula Pat Takeda Farhad Taleghani Christine Tittiger Thierry Tondusson Robin Toy Lisa Tuffanelli-Bouvier Maliek Turner Julie Upton Eric Valls Myrna van Lunteren Linda Winter Anders Winther Susie Young Lisa Zaslove
Legal Aid of Marin Attorneys: Luisa Bigornia | Robyn Christo | Johanna Gomez | Robert Harrison | Janice Mock | James Poindexter | Debra Whitehouse-Kemp A special thank you to the Whistlestop Board of Directors.These community leaders give countless hours advising and guiding us through our daily work. They help us navigate the best path as demand for our services continues to grow. Dennis Ryan, President | Etta Allen, Vice President | Karen Arnold, Treasurer | Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Directors: Sharon Jackson | Beth Reizman | Robert Sonnenberg | Jane Borodkin, Ex-Officio
BECOME A WHISTLESTOP VOLUNTEER!
Find out how you can make a difference in our community.
Visit our website to learn more about all of our programs: whistlestop.org
M AY 2 017 W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S
100–200 HOURS Joanna Abrams Joseph Adams Georgia Anker Madeleine Antonio Judith Arago Margaret Ayotte Wayne Baker Barbara Begley Roberta Blank Marlene Bonham Carol Braddock Roland Carr Mary Caruso Elaine Corvello Carol Costa Tom Curtin Roy Elder Kathy Evers Robert Fithian Naser Ghaffari
Joyce Gordon Edward Greenberg Molly Hynes Linda Irby Charles Keast Susan Kerr Larry Kreshin Jim Kunz Bill Lawler Kylee Lin Terry McKinney Linda Miller Mary Ann Muirhead Kathy Mullen Sue Nelson Sasha Noorani John Noren Blair Ogden Barbara Olson Josefina Perez Laurie Peterson Karen Raccanello David Ripp Savannah Rodriguez Nick Rozsa Fred Ruhland Mary Scull Edward Sempliner Beth Sinclair Martin Sleath Jane Summers Steven Travers Monique Turner Janna Ullrey Dirk VanWaart Bill Wagner Beverly Windle Mark Wolfendale Susan Woodrum
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
The Wisdom of Taking Action Early In End of Life Issues By SERENA D’ARCY-FISHER, CFRE
W H I S T L E S T O P E X P R E S S M AY 2 017
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ccording to Stanford School of Medicine, 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home, but 60% die in acute care hospitals and 20% in nursing homes. Only 20% of people die at home. For many people, thinking about end of life issues is difficult. A will addresses the distribution of your assets after your lifetime. Complete two fundamental documents to ensure you receive the kind of healthcare you want should you become ill or inca pacitated: A Living Will, or Advanced Directive, outlines what kind of medical treatment you want or do not want to receive in case of medical emergency. It includes your wishes around resuscitation and life support. A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to appoint a specific person, also known as your “agent,” to speak on your behalf if you are unable to make medical decisions not covered in your Living Will. You have the right to revoke or terminate this document at any time so long as you are competent. Both you, as the “principal,” and your “agent” are required to sign the
document in front of a public notary. The decisions you make in your Living Will, especially regarding your end-of life-care, involve a wide range of considerations: practical, cultural, psychological and spiritual. Discuss your wishes with your primary care doctor and loved ones. Clarity minimizes conflict amongst family members in stressful situations. Give your doctor and agent a copy of your directive. Hospital staff will need to make decisions in an emergency, so your agent and Advanced Directive need to be easily accessible. Need help with your estate documents? Whistlestop, in partnership with Marin Legal Aid, offers Marin seniors free half-hour appointments on the first four Thursdays of the month. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Information and Referral office: 415-459-6700. If you would like to receive a free booklet on “How to Make a Will That Works,” or learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher at sfisher@ whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.
VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life! Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program
Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. Drivers can accept or decline the calls, and drive on their own schedule. Volunteers must have access to reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License and a clear background check and DMV report. The CarePool Orientation and Training is on the third Thursday of each month, from 3-4pm. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.
Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed
Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. Each volunteer agrees to take one 2-3 hour shift per week. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.
Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers
The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat 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 but not required. Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45 am2pm. (The Café is open from 11:30 am-2pm.) To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.