Whistlestop April 2018

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: Survival Leads to Volunteering Pg 5: Thank You Whistlestop Volunteers Pg 9: Year of Older Adult Activities

Celebrating Volunteers

whistlestop.org April 2018

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 and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs 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 Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Fabia Butler 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

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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.

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Whistlestop Perspective

A Special Memory for This Special Whistlestop Volunteer

By John Bowman

J

ean Harrison’s favorite story about her time volunteering at Whistlestop is about the nurturing and lifeextending hours her late husband, Robie, spent at the Jackson Café.

Jean went to Whistlestop to sign up as a volunteer in 2002. “They suggested having me work in the Resource Center,” Jean recalls. “But I said I would like to bring my husband in while I worked because he had Alzheimer’s. Our doctor said it would be good for him to socialize more. So, they said he could sit in the Jackson Café while I worked there.”

Jean said that Robie loved his days in the Café.

“He would sit and talk to people and would even sing a song now and then.

His favorite was ‘Carry Me Back to Ol’ Virginny.’”

When she and Robie first arrived in San Rafael from Houston, Texas, 17 years ago, Jean took her husband to a doctor for some testing.

“Just before he passed away I took him back for another test and the doctor said he was not much worse than when they first tested him.

That time at the Café had made the difference.”

Jean, 77, grew up in Virginia before moving to

Texas. She now lives in Greenbrae with her son, David, and his partner, who are owners of Chase Ace Hardware in San Rafael.

Jean works as a cashier three days a week in the Jackson Café, plus Friday mornings in the Brown Bag Pantry. She has been volunteering at Whistlestop for more than 15 years. She also has been volunteering for nine years at The Book Place, the Friends of the Library shop in Novato.

She was awarded the Marin County Volunteer Heart of Marin Award in 2004 by the Center For Nonprofit Volunteer Leadership (CNVL).

People often comment on Jean’s positive attitude. Ten years ago, she and some East Bay friends started personal ‘Vision Boards.’

“We would cut out pictures from magazines and create our goals for each year.” For 2018, she cut out a photo of Paris, explaining, “I went in 2009 and loved it. My other goals are to do more in my spiritual life (she attends the Church of the Open Door), and I also cut out a picture of a vanilla ice cream cone, because I love ice cream.”

Two years ago, going to New York City was her major goal. She had gone

Jean Harrison

once before and loved it. In 2016, she went with son, David, and an employee of the hardware store, who were going to a big trade show. In her two visits to NYC, Jean has walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, visited Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the 9-11 memorial.

As busy as she is, Jean still finds time to read and go to movies. She has seen three of this year’s Academy Award Best Picture nominees, “Ladybird,” “Three Billboads of Ebbing, Missouri,” and “Black Panther.”

Jean really enjoys her jobs at Whistlestop.

“Mostly, I feel at home with all of the people – the clients, other volunteers and the staff. It’s a big part of my life.”

Survival Leads to Volunteer Service

Remembering Our Friends

By Wells Whitney

By John Bowman

I

M Wells Whitney

at the ripe old age of 84?

I do some volunteer work, mostly for lung cancer but also for civic programs and agencies and a few non-profits. I study the science of aging and joined the Board of Trustees of the Buck Institute on the Science of Aging in Novato.

I lead men’s groups on aging and will offer two sessions on learning how to have a longer healthy age span at Whistlestop on April 10 and June 12. (See page 6 for details.)

I felt so confident that I replaced one hip and both knees a few years ago and now play tennis again and walk miles every day. My lung cancer journey certainly has changed me. It gave me a sense of control over my wellbeing, and allowed me to face the certainty of my ultimate death, as well as to accept the inevitable flow of life. I have been given so much by others and hopefully have been able to give some back to them.

ondays and Wednesdays were Azar Dayani’s days at Whistlestop and she was quick to remind her daughter of that fact when it came to scheduling.

“When I would make a doctor’s appointment for my mother,” recalls Simin Abtahi of San Rafael, “she would say, ‘Don’t make it for Monday or Wednesday because ‘I will be at Whistlestop.’ ” Simin said she was very grateful for Whistlestop because of how it brightened her mother’s life.

Azar, of Novato, died last August at age 79 and recently Simin presented Whistlestop with a plaque of appreciation from her and her mother. “She always looked forward to her time at Whistlestop. It was an important part of her life

Azar Dayani

for the past eight years.”

Azar loved the Persian gatherings at the Active Aging Center, regularly attended the ESL classes, and then would have lunch at the Jackson Café.

She often got there on a Whistlestop bus.

Simin, who works at Marin General Hospital, has two brothers, Arvin, who lives in Germany, and Afshim of Orinda.

IN MEMORY Whistlestop honors the memory of participants who recently passed away.

• • •

Alejandro Herrera Richard “Richie” Guetter Ronald Eugene Stearns

WHISTLESTOP ‘WISH LIST’ Whistlestop is in need of a 10.1-inch tablet by Lenovo, ASUS, or Samsung, plus additional white and color copy paper. If you are interested in donating these items, please contact Laurence Suter-Gunn, at 415-456-9062.

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was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1998 at age 65 when I worked as a product development scientist for Raychem Corp in Menlo Park. With a BA degree in Chemistry from Harvard and MS and ScD degrees from MIT, I had worked for over four decades doing research and developing products.

Before diagnosis, I had shortness of breath, a persistent cough, had lost 20 pounds, and was tired and cranky most of the time. When I heard the diagnosis (stage IV lung cancer) and the prognosis (10 months to live), I was shocked and stunned.

However, my survival instincts took over – that afternoon I retired from Raychem and “got to work” on my cancer. The first step was to learn everything I could about the disease, its history, epidemiology, and its treatments.

I interviewed doctors, got second opinions, and chose the oncologist who seemed most open to trying things, even though they may not have been on protocol. I did several months of an intensive chemo doublet, reduced my tumor by 50%, had a lobectomy to remove the major tumor, and then did many more months of different chemo regimes.

Where does all this leave me now, 20 years after my initial doleful diagnosis and

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Mirabai Celebrates Her 101st Birthday

Mirabai Celebrates Her 101st Birthday

By John Bowman

By John Bowman

ne of Mirabai Baker’s favorite birthday presents each year is celebrating the occasion at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

Mirabai’s son, Clifford Baker, 80, said it’s appropriate that his mother’s birthday is on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, Mirabai Baker, now 101 years because her birth name was old, shown here during her Sweeney. “That family name 100th birthday party last dates back to the 1300s,” year at the Jackson Café.

Clifford said. “But there lingers the question if we’re a PhD in psychology at really Irish because those first Washington University in St. Sweeneys started in Scotland Louis. Clifford, a U.S. Army and moved to Ireland.” veteran, also was a psychology Clifford said last year was major at Stanford and later a big one for Mirabai. “For worked at a variety of jobs. her one hundredth birthday, Mirabai worked for years there were four parties: the as a clinical psychologist in one at Jackson Café, one the mental health field in San with close friends, one with Francisco, retiring in 1985.

Trusted family and one put providers on by our of compassionate Latino neighbors.”

Mirabaicare for seniors. in-home Age Friendly lives with Clifford in licensed San • bonded • insured Rafael. This year there were Age-Friendly two events planned, one at Corte Madera the Jackson Café on March Wednesday, 15, and the other in the April 18, 1-2:30pm neighborhood on the 17th.

One of Mirabai’s pleasures Central Marin Police is reading the Marin IJ every Authority Community day. “She enjoys keeping up Room, 250 Doherty with the news, especially Drive, Larkspur what’s going on locally,” • Bed-bound Assistance Bikes • Light Housekeeping & Laundry Electronic Clifford said. has&slowed • Protective Supervision for those • Meal“She Preparation Clean Up Elder-Friendly, with and Impaired Judgment Reminders down a bit•• Medication in the past two • Transportation & ErrandPaths Services Personal Care • Respite Care Multi-Use years, but• she is still mobile, • Companionship, Conversation Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance • Meal Age-Friendly Planning, Grocery Shopping • Helpor with Daily Grooming Fairfax using a cane walker.

• Help with Pets • Bathing & Toileting Assistance She had• Help a busy life and And much, much more… with Ambulation Friday, April 27, 1-2pm returned to college at age Fairfax Library, 2097 40 to study psychology, after Sir Francis Drake Blvd. working for many years both Are My Ducks in a Row? as a nurse’s aide and as a (707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 Getting Started on PTA secretary. She also was northbay.homewellseniorcare.com End-of- Life Planning active in her church. And then, in 1959, she earned 4

ne of Mirabai Baker’s favorite birthday presents each year is celebrating the occasion at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

Mirabai’s son, Clifford Baker, 80, said it’s appropriate that his mother’s birthday is on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, because her birth name was Sweeney. “That family name dates back to the 1300s,” Clifford said. “But there lingers the question if we’re really Irish because those first Sweeneys started in Scotland and moved to Ireland.”

Clifford said last year was a big one for Mirabai. “For her one hundredth birthday, there were four parties: the one at Jackson Café, one with close friends, one with family and one put on by our Latino neighbors.” Mirabai lives with Clifford in San Rafael. This year there were two events planned, one at the Jackson Café on March 15, and the other in the neighborhood on the 17th.

One of Mirabai’s pleasures is reading the Marin IJ every day. “She enjoys keeping up with the news, especially what’s going on locally,” Clifford said. “She has slowed down a bit in the past two years, but she is still mobile, using a cane or walker.

She had a busy life and returned to college at age 40 to study psychology, after working for many years both as a nurse’s aide and as a PTA secretary. She also was active in her church. And then, in 1959, she earned

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Mirabai Baker, now 101 years old, shown here during her 100th birthday party last year at the Jackson Café.

a PhD in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. Clifford, a U.S. Army veteran, also was a psychology major at Stanford and later worked at a variety of jobs.

Mirabai worked for years as a clinical psychologist in the mental health field in San Francisco, retiring in 1985.

Age Friendly Age-Friendly Corte Madera Wednesday, April 18, 1-2:30pm Central Marin Police Authority Community Room, 250 Doherty Drive, Larkspur Electronic Bikes and Elder-Friendly, Multi-Use Paths Age-Friendly Fairfax Friday, April 27, 1-2pm Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

Are My Ducks in a Row? Getting Started on End-of- Life Planning

We’d like to recognize and thank the 287 volunteers who have given 22,179 hours of their time, expertise and service to Whistlestop’s programs and activities during this past year.

Your contribution would cost us $554,480 if we had to pay staff for these services.

We thank you from the bottom of our

466 460 454 447 411 398 383 366 361 330 325 290 280 273 244 242 235 218 207

!

Hours of Volunteer Service from March 1, 2017 – February 28, 2018

Jean Harrison Rabel Mangahas Richard Jenkins Mehrbanoo Esmaili Ann Haenggi Nancy Malcolm Penny Markrack David Levy Arnold Luber Janis Walsh David Ripp John Kampmeyer Jim Kunz Lee Loretz Bill Wagner Richard Violet Judith Arago Karen Raccanello David Brusati

Edward Sempliner Beth Sinclair Susan Stanford Jane Summers Orville Teising Steven Travers Monique Turner Janna Ullrey Dirk VanWaart Rich Walcoff Beverly Windle Susan Woodrum Diane Yates 50 –100 Hours Joanna Abrams Joseph Adams Alvin Bailey Wayne Baker Roberta Blank Roland Carr Frank Cassou Elsa Castellani Ernesto Chavez Donna Childers Jessie Conlin Roger Diehnel Susan Duncan Bill Edelen Alejandro Garcia Rebeca Garcia Dennis Gray Betsy Guthrie Ronald Hagen John Hauserman Beverly Houston Jill Hutchinson Saman Ibrahimi Kurt Jensen James Koger

Ted Kreines Lynn Linato Elizabeth Lynn Matt MacPhee Vivian Malcy Daniel McKay Doris McKee Roberta Michels Catherine Miller Gayle Moore Dale Mullen Kathy Mullen Lotus Ning Linnea O'brien Ginny Preston Daisy Sagebiel Howard Schwartz Shirley Sugawara Christine Tittiger Lucy Tsao Eliza Warde Ladonna Wood Under 50 Hours Doug Allen Ariel Armstrong Thomas Attardi Adina Beaumont Dorothy Bernsen Laura Bertolli Eduardo Bettencourt Janet Bodle Eimile Bouas Linda Bradley Beth Brandes Susan Brautovich Kathy Budzinski Julie Burford Stan Burford Helen Cameron

Aileen Caren Donald Caruso Eduardo Carvascos David Champagne William Clarke Jack Colbourn Elaine Corvello Jim Costello Tinille Crichfield Christine D'Ambra Terry Descalso Roberta Dillon Gene Dyer Susan Edwards Roy Elder Aaron Fausone Lenore Fithian Sheila Fontaine Andrea Francone Stephen Galiani Ivan Galperin Andy Garcia Martha Giblas Rich Haberman David Hanchette Christy Hayes Rashad Hayes Gillian Hayward Lee Heagerty Patrick Heagerty Bill Healy Tom Heinz Rick Hirsch David Hood Karen Howard Whitney Hoyt Linda Irby Robin Jacks Nanette Jacobs Amy Johnson

Bunadieo Jordan Kay Karchevski Gloria Kashani Gene Kelley Karyn Kennedy Debbie Kiraly Jan Kohnhorst Miranda Kolbe Ginny Kuhel Jim Lane Rita Lewis Lucy Logan Bea Lott Victor Low Kelly Lynch Elizabeth MacQuarrie Melissa Manzanilla Dave Marcon Don Maxon Jordan Mayer Charly McInroy Nancy Merritt Elfriede Messeret Yana Middleton Douglas Milani Liz Miller Ashley Moh Nancy Moore Paula Nichols Barbara Nottingham Eric Oillarbaru Cindy Ostroff Irene Pangilinan Lynn Parkman Terry Peck William Peden Shideh Poormoghaddam Doug Pringle Regina Quintero Debra Ragsdale

Kiara Renderos Rhea Renderos Alta Ridley Frank Ridley Marianne Rios Jenny Roca Debbie Rostenberg Tina Rothschild Susan Rowan Kristan Ruona Jim Sauve Kimberley Schaffer Gregory Schilz Barbara Schwartz Diana Scranton Ellen Seh Ann Seramin Linda Siegel Miriam Silver Martin Sleath Lee Spiegel Aimee Steinwand Sam Strolia Edith Struss Vida Sullivan Sarah Suloff Farhad Taleghani Cathy Tobin Chris Tokarski David Tomes Thierry Tondusson Billy Tupai Myrna van Lunteren Desiree Vaughn Jimmy Vu Shay Walling Bill Walton John Ware Wynette Weaver Michael Whyte

Legal Aid of Marin Attorneys: Luisa Bigornia | Robyn Christo | Peter Flaxman | Johanna Gomez | Robert Harrison | James Poindexter | Robert Rosborough 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: Tom Bonomi | Fabia Butler | Sharon Jackson | Beth Reizman | Bob Sonnenberg | Finance Committee: Stan Moore

BECOME A WHISTLESTOP VOLUNTEER!

Learn more at the monthly Volunteer Fair held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 3:00 – 4:30pm. Contact:

930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael | whistlestop.org

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100 –200 HOURS Georgia Anker Madeleine Antonio Margy Ayotte Barbara Begley Marlene Bonham Carol Braddock Cameron Brugler Mary Caruso Terry Chostner Carol Costa Anne Courtney Tom Curtin Stephanie DalPorto Hardy Dawainis Jane Day June Detjen Irma Diaz Dolores Duarte Marcy Dubova Neil Edwards

Kathy Evers Christina Fisher Robert Fithian Maria Flores Diaz Janice Fong Tina Galbreath Joyce Gordon Edward Greenberg Sandy Haevernick Annemarie Hellmann Molly Hynes Kris Karlsson Susan Kerr Larry Kreshin Fira Kriventsov Cecelia Kudlick Bill Lawler Vincent Lazzarini Katherine Look Theani Louskos Herta McCready Terry McKinney Linda Miller Phoebe Moyer Mary Ann Muirhead Pam Munter Sue Nelson John Noren Blair Ogden Stevan Olian Barbara Olson Gloria Perdue Josefina Perez Laurie Peterson James Poindexter Joey Robinow Nick Rozsa Fred Ruhland Elizabeth Schaffer Tom Schmidt

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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. Many of our classes are free or offered at a reduced rate, but donations are always welcome. Annual Membership is $20.

The Crystal and Dan Duo

No fee; Call to register

Thurs, Apr 5; 11am-Noon; Lounge; No fee; Drop-in

(Part I) End of Life Planning Options

Relax or sing along with the Crystal and Dan Duo. Dan plays classical guitar accompanied by Crystal’s beautiful voice. They even take requests. Can’t make this performance? Crystal and Dan graciously perform here every month – same time, same place.

Healthy Aging Workshop Tues, Apr 10; 11am-12:30pm; No fee; Call to register 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 score card. Dr. Whitney will help you evaluate and identify the areas where you can improve your health and your life. (See his story, page 3.) To reserve a spot, fill out a short questionnaire at the Front Desk.

Nutrition Bites Workshop Thurs, Apr 19; 3-4pm; No fee; Call to register Join Sophia Osotio, Whistlestop’s Nutrition Program Coordinator, and learn how to improve your health through modifying your diet. Bring your questions and learn about pre-diabetes, hypertension, and weight loss. Snacks and recipes provided.

Kelly Lynch, Whistlestop’s Yoga Teacher

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SPECIAL EVENTS

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Bay Area Playback Theater Fri, Apr 6, 2-3pm; $5 suggested donation; Registration required The Bay Area Playback Theater brings interactive fun to Whistlestop by improvising stories from our lives – funny, sad, or memories from long ago or yesterday. The audience and performers co-create a theater event from the lives of the people attending.

INTRO: A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls with Marin General Hospital

Tues, Apr 3; 11am-Noon; No fee; Register with Beverly Winsor, 415-993-2557 Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.

Beverly Winsor introduces the award-winning program, A Matter of Balance, to help you manage falls and increase your activity levels. The 8-week workshop ($20) begins Tues, May 1-June 19 with fall prevention tips, exercises, lifestyle changes, and ways to make your home safer. Space is limited; register today!

Opening the Gates of the Heart: A Journey of Healing Tues, Apr 24; 11am-Noon; $5 suggested donation; Registration required Your heart is a gate. Is your heart open or closed? Learn how to open your heart even more and be inspired by Carolyn (CJ) Jones, an award-winning author and photographer. Carolyn focuses on letting go of resentment, offering forgiveness, and providing a pathway to peace on your spiritual journey.

End-of-Life Planning Workshop: Get Personally Involved Wed, Apr 25; 9:30-11:30am;

9:30-10:30am: Ronald J. Henderson, Funeral Director, and George Estes, Cemetery Manager, will present your end-of-life planning options, including costs and insurance policies to help you plan and budget accordingly. An Estate Planning Binder will be given to attendees. Sponsored by Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home.

(Part II) Hands-on workshop: Plan Your Own End of Life Service and Ceremony 10:30-11:30am: Join us for a facilitated, hands-on session that helps you think through and pre-plan your own remembrance service.

Worksheets will help you work through this process. You can make important decisions about your burial or cremation, and plan the details of your own service – music, readings, photos, and rituals. Clear instructions about your end-of-life wishes is a gift to your loved ones.

FEATURED CLASSES & SOCIAL GROUPS Yoga Fridays, 3-4pm; $3/$5 nonmembers; Drop-in Join instructor Kelly for yoga on Friday afternoons – all levels welcome! Gain and maintain balance, and develop strength and flexibility of both body and mind. No prior yoga experience necessary. Bring your own yoga mat. No registration required, but you must sign a liability waiver before participating.

Movement and Music for the Older Adult: A Universal Language in partnership with College of Marin Mon, Apr 2-May 14 (7 weeks); 11am-Noon; Register with College of Marin, 415-4859305; ESCOM Membership $43/$94 non-members Movement and Music is for older adults who have not been exercising regularly or have arthritis-related

problems. Instructor Diane Haine guides you at a moderate, comfortable, yet progressively challenging pace to meet individual needs. Chair exercises are part of the class.

Meditation Thursdays, (starts Apr 5; no class Apr 12); 3:30-4:30pm; $5/$10 non-members; Drop-in Meditation lowers stress levels, reduces anxiety, lessens depression, and helps restore sleep. It enhances brainpower, memory, and cognitive recall. Andy McGuire leads the class. No prior experience necessary.

Beginning Writing Your Life Stories Workshop Thurs, May 3-June 7 (5 weeks); 9:30-11:30 am; $25/$35 nonmembers In this beginner’s workshop, instructor Jean Stumpf presents aging research pioneer James Birren’s Guided Autobiography (GAB) process. Each week, you will be guided through themes and questions meant to evoke important memories.

Write a two-page story per week and share those unique stories in a confidential, supportive environment.

Pre-registration required.

Community Breakfast in the Jackson Café First Friday of each month, 9-10am; Fee: $3/$6 non-members Drop in for the best deal in town. Join us in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, including your choice of a beverage, fruit, and juice. For more information, call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129.

HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Fri from

Drop-in (first come, first served) or call Rabel at 415-419-4608 to schedule a clothes-on massage.

Rabel is a soft tissue specialist, certified by the American Medical Massage Association. Massages are located in the alcove by Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

Bi-Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and Medication Reviews 2nd and 4th Fri; 9:30-11am; No fee Weekly blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews offered by BrightStar Care. BrightStar is a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES SF-Marin Food Bank’s Supplemental Food Program

Technology April - May 2018

Apr18, 9:30am-12:30pm – 3rd Wednesday of the month

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

If you are a Marin resident, 60 and older, and your income is less than $1174/month (or you have a child younger than 6 years old and your family does not participate in WIC), you may be eligible for the Supplemental Food Program. To register, bring an ID, proof of income, and proof of residency.

Free Legal Consultation Every Thursday (except the 5th) 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+. 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.

Marin Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting When: Thurs, April 5, 10am to 12:30pm Where: San Rafael Community Center Topic: Public Hearing FY 2018/2019 Area Plan Update Speaker: Community on Aging and Adult Services Staff

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications

Tuesdays, April 3 & April 10, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

Thursdays, May 17 & May 24, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Learn how to make calls, send emails and texts, download music and add applications.

Each session provides oneon-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Review basics and learn about built-in apps, including photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, email, texting, Facetime, and more. Please bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)

Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only) Tuesdays, April 24 & May 1, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review basics and learn about built-in apps, including Photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, Calendar, email, texting, maps/GPS, and more! (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

ONGOING Open Lab | No Fee Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Use our computers to access the Internet. Volunteers are available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance is available on Wednesdays between 11am and Noon.

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Therapeutic Medical Massage

by Rabel

10am-1pm; Fee: $1/minute

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Whistlestop Weekly Activities 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 10:00AM-1:00PM

MONDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON

Celebrate!

We’ve been doing that since 1972

WEDNESDAYS

10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM

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Schedule a Visit!

THURSDAYS

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

12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 3:30PM-4:30PM

Thank You Marin!

10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-NOON

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org Voted Best Senior Living

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org

FRIDAYS

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11:00AM-NOON

11:00AM-NOON 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music Russian Social Group Age Reversing Essentrics ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French All Levels French Social Group Spanish 2 Spanish 1 Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Beginners Ukulele (6 weeks) Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Adv. Write Your Life Stories Workshop Vietnamese Social Group Italian 2 Meditation Therapeutic Massage BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri Brown Bag Pantry Movie Club Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

INFO FEE Drop-in $6/8 Drop-in $1/min Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Register $45 Drop-in Free Drop-in $6/8 Register $40/50 Drop-in $4/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in $1/min Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Register $40/45 Register $40/45 Drop-in Free Register $40/50 Ongoing registration $30/45 Drop-in $6/8 Drop-in $1/min Drop-in $4/5 Register $30/35 Drop-in $1/2 Prerequisite req. $20/30 Drop-in Free Register $30/35 Drop-in $5/10 Drop-in $1/min Drop-in Free Register at 11:30AM Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in $2/4 Drop-in $3/5

Community Connections

Volunteer Here Additional opportunities to volunteer in the community are listed in the 2018 Official Whistlestop Guide and Directory of Older Adult Services.

Year of the Older Adult Activities for April The 2018 Marin Year of the Older Adult includes a yearlong calendar of events and programs focusing on the vitality, contributions and challenges of Marin’s Older Adults. Here are April’s events:

CENTER FOR VOLUNTEER AND NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP (CVNL) 415-479-5710; cvnl.org; 65 Mitchell Blvd, Suite 101, San Rafael Recruits, screens, and refers volunteers to community organizations. Civic Engagement Leadership Team (CELT) is a skill-based volunteering program for 55+ adults.

MARIN COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY 415-473-6132; co.marin.ca.us/grandjury; 3501 Civic Center Dr, Rm 275, San Rafael

APRIL 18 THROUGH JUNE 1: 80 OVER 80 ART EXHIBIT – BARTOLINI GALLERY

Applications being accepted to the Marin Grand Jury.

Jurors serve 1 year beginning July 1. Application deadline is April 2. Go to website for information or call.

Marin Center Exhibit Hall 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael

MARIN COUNTY CIVIC CENTER VOLUNTEERS

APRIL 24 AT 6:30PM: WE PLAYERS PRESENTS

415-473-7407; marincounty.org/depts./hr/divisions/ talent-acquisition/volunteers-and-internships; 3501 Civic Center Dr, Ste 415; San Rafael

“MOTHER LEAR”

Civic Center Volunteers is an innovative program founded by the Marin County Board of Supervisors and offering a wide range of opportunities in county departments and programs. Roles include senior peer counselor, open space ambassador, office aide, Library Beyond Walls liaison, and much more! Call or visit us online for information on how you can make a difference as a volunteer.

80 Over 80 is a special exhibit that will feature 80 works of art by artists over the age of eighty.

Showcase Theatre Plaza, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael Tickets: $45 each A moving production about a middle-aged woman who navigates dementia with the help of her caretaker daughter communicating only through the language of Shakespeare’s King Lear.

AARP EXPERIENCE CORPS MARIN Engages people 50+ in tutoring and mentoring students in elementary schools (K-3) in San Rafael and Novato. Use your time, talent and experience to help children succeed in school by supporting literacy. Training and materials provided.

MARIN COUNTY SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS 415-499-5896; mcsv.org; 1111 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael Connects volunteers with students throughout Marin County. Volunteers work in classrooms, homework centers, and community programs. Training and support is given so volunteers can become effective tutors.

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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415-464-1767; ec4marin.org; 501 Via Casitas, Greenbrae

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Getting Around

Getting Around

Couple Finds Joy Helping Others Quality Assured and Proven.

Couple Finds Joy Helping Others

comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored

By When Julie itBurford

By Julie Burford

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Double Award: Employer of Choice

to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurancee’re firmdelighted that gauges client and employee satisfaction with thatacross the many areas, including compassion, work ethic, care providers training April issue is and communication.

celebrating volunteers, award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback justThis as we are happy to of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of be part of Whistlestop’s Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care. volunteer team. Stan and I are especially the Learnenjoying more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof opportunities we have for getting involved in some of the good and important work that is making a 415-884-4343 difference here in Marin.

Julie & Stan HiredHandsHomecare.com We’ve lived here all our adult lives, raised a family I think what I like best is here, and now have the time knowing how simple it is to to give back in small ways make a real difference for Whistlestop that can make a difference. someone. The experience 4.3438 w x 4.8438about h We learned has taught me the sad 6-22-15 gas...

CarePool by reading fact that many no seniors all electric an issue of Whistlestop living here haveno a noise... limited Express a year ago. community of support to quiet power Expore Creative 707-938-9960 We started driving for help them in thenomost license, ♥ 24 Hour Care ♥ CarePool justElder about this basic aspects of their insurance, time last year, and enjoy lives. Whistlestopmaintenance fills so Family Environment the experience of not only many essential roles in 2 blocks from meeting new people but supporting that community, Downtown San Anselmo knowing weAve. canSan make a so it seemed important to 46 Mariposa Anselmo difference by simply doing be part of such a warm and something we enjoy. loving effort.

Juanita Much ofsays our motivation I especially love the fact “WEfrom CARE” came having known that driving for CarePool The most Joe famous O’Hehir reconnected me with duck in and some of San Anselmo! the staff at Whistlestop someone I had known a for a number of years. We number of years ago but Sales, Service, appreciate the essential had lost touch with. She Visit us today for a tour! role they play in our is Repairs, managing a&number Rentals Call 415.755.0087 community.

We know of personal and health www.bellogardens.com how critical it is to have challenges with such grace, mobility when you need and I am enjoying my role of it and recognize that, as 1281rides Anderson Dr.,to regular to take her we age, it becomes more appointments and shopping, Ste. F, San Rafael and knowing she is cared for.10 10 difficult to get around.

415.457.1664

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Assisted Living at its Best!

e’re delighted that the April issue is celebrating volunteers, just as we are happy to be part of Whistlestop’s volunteer team. Stan and I are especially enjoying the opportunities we have for getting involved in some of the good and important work that is making a difference here in Marin.

We’ve lived here all our adult lives, raised a family here, and now have the time to give back in small ways that can make a difference.

We learned about CarePool by reading an issue of Whistlestop Express a year ago.

We started driving for CarePool just about this time last year, and enjoy the experience of not only meeting new people but knowing we can make a difference by simply doing something we enjoy.

Much of our motivation came from having known Joe O’Hehir and some of the staff at Whistlestop for a number of years. We appreciate the essential role they play in our community. We know how critical it is to have mobility when you need it and recognize that, as we age, it becomes more difficult to get around.

Julie & Stan

I think what I like best is knowing how simple it is to make a real difference for someone. The experience has taught me the sad fact that many seniors living here have a limited community of support to help them in the most basic aspects of their lives. Whistlestop fills so many essential roles in supporting that community, so it seemed important to be part of such a warm and loving effort.

I especially love the fact that driving for CarePool reconnected me with someone I had known a number of years ago but had lost touch with. She is managing a number of personal and health challenges with such grace, and I am enjoying my role of regular rides to take her to appointments and shopping, and knowing she is cared for.

Teaching Citizenship Class Rewarding

By Roberta Michels

I Marisol with her children, Alonzo Garcia and Kaylen Garcia

Gaining U.S. Citizenship Worth Years of Work

By John Bowman

“A

I learned so much from her – I could not have done it without her.”

Marisol recalls that her children “told me I must study every day. I did, and I played a CD every time I was driving in my car to hear the lessons. Now my children are very proud of me.”

She spoke no English when she first arrived in the US, but now speaks fluently.

She works with Marin County as an In-Home Support Services employee.

“I worked hard to learn the language and so much about the Constitution and other facts about the United States,” she said. “All the work was worth it. I am so happy now.”

Since passing the exam, Marisol was sworn in as a US Citizen and received a certificate, as well as her passport.

Roberta Michels

mostly English as the oral and written test is in English.

In 2016, I began teaching the class most of the time while the Multicultural Director worked individually with the students on various issues.

When she departed in 2017, I continued teaching the class. I have learned from the students how to make the class more meaningful.

One member told me that she learned better when I told “stories,” such as about the American Revolution, slavery, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Teaching the Citizenship class has been an exceptionally rewarding experience.

The students are so grateful for my help and for their sense of achievement when they pass the exam.

I was born and raised in San Francisco and have lived in San Anselmo since 1969 with my husband, Spencer Michels.

A p r i l 2 018 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

fter much worry, now I am free!”

This is how Marisol Brito Hernandez described finally earning her United States citizenship.

Marisol, who lives in Brisbane, passed her exam after taking citizenship classes at Whistlestop. She came here from Mexico in 2012 and passed her citizenship test last Sept.

15. “I took classes at Whistlestop for a year, but got sick and had to stop,” she said. “I came back in the second year and it was a special day when I got my interview because it was my daughter’s 14th birthday.” She has two children, Kaylen, 14, and Alonzo, 10.

“Whistlestop helped me very much. ‘It was hard and when I first met my teacher, Roberta Michels, she scared me. She is very strong. But

was working as a volunteer in September 2014 when Marisol Hernandez started attending the Citizenship class and returned to the class in 2015 after a lengthy absence.

At some point Marisol stated to the class and to me that I was strict. While I have much empathy for the students, most of whom are single mothers working full time, I remind them that to pass the exam, they need to study at home. Marisol took that admonition seriously and became one of the most proficient students and often helped others in the class.

Professionally, I was a dental hygienist and a licensed marriage and family therapist and I volunteered for years at schools. I was also a member and chair of the Marin County Commission on Aging. In addition to volunteering at Whistlestop, I volunteer for Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

In 2014, I read in the Whistlestop Express about a Citizenship class and thought that would be a different and challenging volunteer experience. I met with the multicultural staff person who is from Guatemala and often spoke Spanish in class when students could not understand English. I encouraged her to speak

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Whistlestop

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

Get Involved in Your End of Life Planning

By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE

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lanning ahead for your end-of-life remembrance or ceremony does not have to be a depressing process. Thinking through what you want when you die can be very empowering. Not only do you get to make important decisions, such as whether you are buried or cremated, but you can also plan the details of your own service.

Have you thought about what music you would like played, what favorite poetry or verses read, or even what photos you would like displayed at your service? Do you want candles or incense burned, or a special ritual? And who would you like to be involved in delivering these aspects of your service?

Thinking through what you want in your own service or memorial can be quite liberating. Having clear instructions is a great help to your loved ones grieving your loss. They will appreciate having your clear directions on your final wishes.

Please join us at Whistlestop on Wednesday, April 25 from 9:3011:30am for a two-part workshop on End of Life Planning, part of our monthly Estate Planning Series to help you prepare. You are welcome to join us for one or both segments.

At 9:30am, join Ronald J. Henderson, Funeral Director, and George Estes, Cemetery Manager, from Valley Memorial Park and Cemetery in Novato, for a presentation on what burial and cremation options are available to you for end-of-life planning and what they involve, including costs and insurance policies to help you plan and budget accordingly. Free Estate Planning binders will be available to attendees.

In a beautiful park-like location off Atherton in Novato, Valley Memorial has served the community since 1960. Today, with its new expanded facilities, it offers a cemetery, funeral home, crematory

and reception event center in one place. Light refreshments will be served between sessions.

At 10:30am, join us for an engaging hands-on facilitated session to help you think through and pre-plan your own end-of-life service. Worksheets will be available to help you in this process.

We want to thank Valley Memorial Park and Cemetery in Novato for their generous sponsorship of Whistlestop’s monthly Estate Planning series to “Help You Get Prepared.”

Call to register 415-456-9062.

Need help with your estate documents?

Older adults can schedule free half-hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin, by calling Whistlestop’s Information and Referral office: 415-459-6700. To learn about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-4569062 x138.