Whistlestop Express by Weeklys

E PRESS

whistlestop.org September 2017

Marinâ€™s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 4: Get Together with Jesse Colin Young Pg 13: Bustinâ€™ Out with Pure Prairie League

Donating to Whistlestop Made Easier, Text: WS to 56512

Whistlestock IV

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.

Whistlestock Has Special Meaning for Pete Slauson

WHISTLESTOP STAFF

By John Bowman

Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Anita Renzetti Director of Program Innovation

Mia Edwards Marketing and Communications Administrative Assistant

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 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s S e p t e m b e r 2 017

acollazo@metronews.com

Whistlestop Perspective

Rosemary Olson, Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com

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

LIKE US on Facebook

hen Whistlestock IV takes the stage at Fairgrounds Island Marin Center in San Rafael on Sept. 24, Pete Slauson will be looking on proudly, knowing that he helped launch the first Whistlestock concert four years ago. “Whistlestop came through for me after my legs gave out. So I decided to come up with something to help them raise some money,” Pete said. “I couldn’t go more than fifty feet without a walker so I wasn’t going to be heading to Safeway to shop. Then a friend told me about Whistlestop and how they would have someone that could bring me groceries and food. So I called and they lined me up for the service. I asked how much it would cost. They said ten dollars. Ten dollars each time? I asked. No, no, sign up for ten dollars and that’s it.” Slauson said that before long Marvin Mars, a Whistlestop volunteer, was at his door. “I was surprised to see this 84-year-old man show up to help me, a 70-year-old.” Pete grew close to Marvin, and was sad when Mars passed away in his Tiburon

Pete Slauson

home in 2016 at age 88. “He was great,” Slauson said. “And this new man who comes, Matt MacPhee, is too. I really appreciate Whistlestop for all they do.” Slauson, who has more than 40 years of experience in the music business, had pretty much retired in 2013. “I was bored and looking for something to do. I decided to put together something for Whistlestop.” He called Yvonne Roberts and proposed a benefit concert by some of the famed rockers in the area. Roberts and Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO, gave Slauson the go-ahead. Slauson also credits Bob Brown, owner of Rancho Nicasio, with making the first three events so successful. “It was a great venue.” At one time, Pete Slauson knew everyone who was anyone in the Marin rock scene. Those longtime contacts came in handy. He asked some of his old musician friends if they’d be willing to help raise money for Whistlestop by performing at a benefit show. Big Brother and the Holding Company, Country Joe McDonald of Country Joe and the Fish, guitarist Pete Kaukonen, David and

Linda LaFlamme of “It’s a Beautiful Day” fame, Sopwith Camel and Ace of Cups, the all-woman band from the ‘60s, all said yes. That first outdoor concert and barbecue at Rancho Nicasio raised more than $140,000. “The fact that Pete wanted to do this for us and older people shows he has a huge heart,” Yvonne said at the time. Slauson has mixed memories about his long career. “It was up and down. I’ve been rich a couple of times – I made a million dollars and spent it. Now I drive a 30-year old Volvo and am thankful for my VA pension.” He served in the US Navy from 1961 to 1965. The good memories include a great working relationship with people like Al Jardine of the Beach Boys and funk star Rick James. As for today’s music, Slauson is lukewarm. “I heard that hip hop music has now surpassed rock in money made. Amazing. To me it doesn’t have the depth or texture of rock. But I know things have to change.” Whistlestop appreciates Pete’s ongoing help in every one of the Whistlestock concerts, including this year.

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Announcing Give-by-Cell Mobile Donations for Fund-a-Ride!

Jesse Colin Young

Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now. –From Youngbloods “Get Together,” 1967

By John Bowman

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s S e p t e m b e r 2 017

“T

his is the best band I’ve ever been in. It lifts me right up off the stage.” That’s Jesse Colin Young, headliner at the upcoming Whistlestock IV, talking about his band of youngsters, which includes his son, Tristan, the bass player. “They’re all in their 20s right out of Berklee and when I first saw them play, they blew my mind.” Singer-songwriter Young has been at this a long time and has played with some outstanding musicians, so this is no small compliment. The famed Berklee College of Music counts among its

alumni such stars as Quincy Jones, Branford Marsalis, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Diana Krall and Melissa Etheridge. One hundred and fourteen alums of the Boston school have won 275 Grammy Awards! Jesse proudly points out that Tristan, now 26, graduated magna cum laude there. Jesse is happy to be back in Marin for the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. While most people associate that special year with San Francisco and Haight Ashbury, Marin County also was rocking at that time. In a recent interview with Fred Greene,

In addition to being a funky day of joy and music, Whistlestock is a benefit concert which helps fund Whistlestop’s vital programs that keep our older neighbors aging with dignity, independence and grace. Our overall event fundraising goal this year is to raise $300,000. To help us meet this goal, we will conduct a Fund-a-Ride drive to support Whistlestop’s transportation programs that help older adults who cannot drive get to

former KRE disc jockey, he and Jesse recalled that The Doors, David Freiberg and Jefferson Airplane, and Roberta Flack kicked off the Summer of Love in 1967. And, a lot of the greats performed at the Mountain Play Theatre on Mount Tam. “I played with Janis Joplin up there in ’67 or ’68,” Jesse said. “What a great spirit.” Jesse did a number of songs that made the charts, including “Songbird,” which climbed to number 26 in 1975. But his most popular song is “Get Together.” Jesse said that in the ‘60s, “We thought music was so powerful that it would change the world. That didn’t happen. But it was still important. I think people need to sing ‘Get Together’ again. More than ever before.”

doctor appointments, the grocery store, or any place they need to go. This year, we are introducing Give-ByCell, a safe and secure way for you to make donations via your smart phone in support of Whistlestop. To make a donation, please follow these simple instructions: 1. TEXT: WS to 56512 2. You will be prompted to complete your donation via a link. PayPal and credit cards are accepted.

Jesse has been married to his wife, Connie, for 29 years and she now handles his publicity. She also is a musician, playing the violin, and a singer as well. “This is our first foray into Whistlestop,” Connie said. “But we see it is a wonderful program for seniors in Marin.” Whistlestock IV is a benefit rock concert and celebration of the decades. It will be held Sunday, Sept. 24, at Fairgrounds Island— Marin Center in San Rafael. Also featured will be Pure Prairie League and REWIND. Gates open at 11:30am and tickets are available at whistlestock. com. It is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Whistlestop, which has been Marin’s older adult community connection since 1954.

Guests celebrating at last year’s Whistlestock.

Summer of Love Memories

REWIND

REWIND Will Provide Local Flavor

Guerra, and Ann Scherer, lead singers; Gus Scherer, rhythm guitar; Kass Nassiri, lead guitar; Aaron Osheroff, drums; and Alan Freedman, bass. The band promises, “We know how to groove! Our skilled and talented musicians have decades of combined performing experience. We play all of your favorite songs from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s to present day tunes that everyone will know. REWIND’s playlist will have you singing and dancing.” REWIND will take the stage at 12:15pm. A special thanks to Trip Ames for bringing the band to us.

What I remember is I wanted to be part of the crowd. I was overwhelmed by the free, loving, colorful dressings of the crowd. – Anna I was raising my children and was not into that lifestyle. Friends from New Jersey were visiting, so I loaded up my Chevy station wagon and drove to the Haight. The media really trumped up the Summer of Love. It was unbelievable so many people came, not knowing where they were going to sleep. – Annamarie I was a teenager living six blocks away from the Haight. I listened to music in the Panhandle each weekend,

never knowing what band would be playing. I was amazed at how it went from good to bad in such a short period of time. – Jim I moved from San Francisco to Spain, where I was a student. I was a hippie in Spain – and still am today. I loved the concept of no consumerism and sharing. I would translate Jimmy Hendricks, which was not easy, and Janis Joplin to my friends in Spain. – Carol I lived in Long Island. As an artist, I loved the freedom of choices and creativity. You could shape yourself to be anything you wanted to be … there were fewer restrictions. Flower Power! To me the music was the most influential part of the Summer of Love. – Franklin

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EWIND, a popular Marin-based highenergy rock and roll cover band, will open the entertainment Sept. 24 at Whistlestock IV. The band has been performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and brings a wide range of music that is fun to dance to. They play everything from Motown to classic rock, along with several current hits. Some of REWIND’s favorites are “Get Down Tonight,” “Blurred Lines” and “Billy Jean.” Band members are Michael Reid, keyboard and band leader; Tony

e asked Whistlestop participants about their memories of the Summer of Love (1967). Here are their answers:

Celebrating the Decades of the 60s and 70s

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histlestop’s fourth annual benefit rock concert will take the stage at Fairgrounds Island—Marin Center in San Rafael on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 12:15 to 5:30pm. Jesse Colin Young and Pure Prairie League will be headling this year. Whistlestop is pleased to announce that popular former KGO Sports Director & KNBR 49ers Post Game Talk Show Co-host, Rich Walcoff will be this year’s emcee. (See Pg. 15) Come join the fun for an afternoon of music, food, costume contest and beverages! Tickets are available at Marin Center Box Office or go to Whistlestock.com to BUY TICKETS. Available are: $99 premium front center seats; $89 center back seats; $69 grass area: BYO blankets and/or low chairs.

There will be plenty of delicious food and beverages available for purchase. Food trucks include El Coyote Mexican food, Drums & Crumbs LLC (Southern Fried Chicken), Casablanca Moroccan & Mediterranean Food, Tips Tri-Tip plus Just Popped Kettle Corn. Bartenders Unlimited will be selling beer, wine and sodas. Bring your water bottle and fill up at the MMWD water station at no charge. Whistlestock began in 2014 at Rancho Nicasio, Bob Brown’s popular restaurant in West Marin. Bob was the former manager of Pablo Cruise and Huey Lewis and the News. A Whistlestop nutrition program recipient, Pete Slauson, proposed the idea for the event to Yvonne Roberts, Whistlestop Development and Marketing Director. Pete knew a lot of

great bands due to his life-long career in the music industry. After three successful years at Rancho Nicasio, it was time to shake it up a bit with a new larger venue. Whistlestock IV provides businesses in the area a wonderful opportunity to align publicly with Whistlestop, Marin’s most enduring and respected organization serving older adults and people living with disabilities in the county. Sponsorship offers a wide

range of benefits such as VIP seats, a meal and beverage at the event, as well as summer-long promotions and the opportunity to be acknowledged on the back of Whistlestop buses. Everyone in Marin recognizes the Whistlestop buses, as over 120 weave their way daily through Marin, and as far as Sonoma, Richmond and San Francisco. Please contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher for details: Sfisher@whistlestop. org, 415-456-9062, ext. 114.

At Home Caregivers

BrightStar Care | Marin County Ford Dennis and Susan Gilardi • Alma

• KWMR

• Alten

Via of San Rafael Construction • Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California, Inc. (formerly Farallone Pacific) • BrightStar Care

• Marin

• CPI

– Cal-Pox, Inc.

• Dennis • Eden •H

and Susan Gilardi

Housing

& H Printing, Inc.

• Hospice • Jerry

by the Bay

Thompson & Sons

• Kaiser

Permanente

County Ford Joe's • Marin Sanitary • Montecito Marketplace • Onspot Welding and Design, Inc. • Pacific Gas & Electric • Ragghianti Freitas LLP • Relevant Wealth • Sonnen Audi of Marin • Sutter Novato Community Hospital • Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation • Westamerica Bank • Marin

You Can Make a Difference Join the Whistlestop Family by making a gift I want to become a monthly supporter with a gift of: $10

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Or make a single donation in the amount of: $500 $250 $125 $100 Payment Info

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Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901

AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES September 22: “Getting Around Marin” Location: Fairfax Women’s Club Time: 11:15 am to 12:15 pm For more info please call: 415-458-2340

SEPT

Breakfast at:

9:30 – 11 AM

9 – 11 AM

Marin Association of Realtors

Piatti Restaurant

40 Mitchell Blvd. San Rafael

625 Redwood Hwy. Mill Valley

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Billing Info

SEPT

Keep Learning at Whistlestop

Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center and the Jackson Café will be closed on Monday, Sept 4 for the Labor Day holiday. For a full list of classes and special events, please visit our website: www.whistlestop.org or pickup a calendar from our Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Avenue. Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call the Whistlestop Front Desk at 415-456-9062 with any questions or to sign up for classes. Carol has taught Advanced Spanish at Whistlestop and is looking forward to teaching Beginning Spanish. No need to register; just drop in.

lenge, and socializing. This class offers all four! Sign-up in advance at Whistlestop Front Desk or call 415-456-9062.

ESL: Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced

Succulent Planting

Mon & Wed, Sept 11-Dec 6; 2-3:30pm; $40 students over 60/$50 under 60 Whistlestop, partnering with Canal Alliance, offers twice a week English as a Second Language (ESL) classes geared towards students of all levels, with three different classes. Fee includes: a booklet, Whistlestar membership, and 25 days of instruction.

Age Reversing Essentrics Exercise Class Mon, Sept 11-25, 1-2pm, Caboose 1; $6/8; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn (Whistlesizers teacher)

SPECIAL EVENTS American Graffiti Themed Luncheon

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Thurs, Sept 14, 11:30am1:30pm; Advance tickets: $8/$10; $10 day of event

Let’s celebrate with food and 50s music by Jonny Darlin. Have our famous meatloaf or vegetarian lasagna with green bean casserole, and homemade apple pie with a dollop of whipped cream.

Medicinal Marijuana for the Medicare Population Mon, Sept 18, 3-4pm, Caboose 1; $3/$8; Speaker: Dr. Larry Bedard Dr. Larry Bedard, retired emergency room physician and member of the Marin Healthcare District Board, is a medical marijuana advocate. He will discuss “Medicinal Marijuana for the Medicare Population” for 30 minutes, followed by questions. Buy your tickets at the Front Desk or rsvp, 415-456-9062.

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

Mariachi Nueva Generación Thurs, Sept 21; Refreshments: 2-2:30pm, Entertainment: 2:303:30pm $8 advance; $11 at the door; Children 12 & under, free San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street San Rafael Goldenaires, Whistlestop, Marin County Health & Human Services, and the Division on Aging invite you to join us for live mariachi music, friendship, and refreshments! Tickets can be purchased at Whistlestop, 415-4569062, or at San Rafael Goldenaires, 415-485-3348. NEW/HIGH-

LIGHTED NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Beginning Spanish Tue, Sept 5, (ongoing) 3-4pm; Caboose 2; $3/$5; Instructor Carol Costa

Movement & Music Mondays, Sept 11-Oct 14, 11am-Noon; Caboose; Instructor: Diane Hain If you have not exercised lately or have arthritis, this class is for you. Chair exercises tone upper and lower body muscles. Includes: joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balance and breathing coordination, and modified Tai Chi movements. Call College of Marin Community Education to register, 415-485-9305.

Brain Fitness & Memory Workshop Tues, Sept 19, 9:30-10:30am and 10:30-11:30am (Russian); Computer Room; No Fee; Instructor: Ariana Myers, Senior Access Board The top four things to promote good brain health as we age: moving your body, eating right, finding a chal-

Thurs, Sept 28, 1-2pm; Caboose 1; $4/$6; Instructor: Christina Fisher Our very own volunteer extraordinaire, Cristina Fisher, will share her love of succulents as well as succulents from her garden. We will provide the inspiration, pot, soil and plants. Watch out – succulent gardening is addictive.

Laughter Yoga Tues, Sept 26, 11am-Noon, Caboose 1; $4/$5; Instructor: Barbara Lovejoy, MSW, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Laugh yourself healthy and happy. Laughter is truly the best medicine. Easy, gentle, playful group movements and yogic belly breathing (no classical yoga postures) release “feel good hormones” and increase oxygen flow into every cell for improved brain function, body health, relaxation, and renewed zest. Discover how “laughing for no reason” adds joy to your life. Standing or sitting is okay. Wear comfortable clothes for movement.

Write Your Life Stories Thurs, Sept 7-Oct 5; 1-2:30pm Caboose 1; Fee: $25/35;

Age Song Tuesdays, Sept 26-Nov 14, 3-4:30pm; Caboose; $80 Two facilitators lead the Age Song group of men and women who enjoy forming new friendships, exploring life’s challenges and discussing current concerns in a confidential environment. Call 415-234-5040 to register.

Rotary Home Team

Join the volunteer tech team every Monday and/or Wednesday from 10am to Noon. Assist seniors using our computers to access the Internet and give advice on problems they are having with their laptops or tablets and software applications. Must be knowledgeable about PCs and software and have the patience to assist older adults with technical issues. Apple knowledge is a plus but not required.

TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM

The CarePool Orientation and Training is on the third Thursday of each month, from 3- 4pm. Email volunteer@ whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.

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, 10:45am- 2pm. The Café is open from 11:30am-2pm. To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@ whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.

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

Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program Volunteer drivers provide roundtrip 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 a reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License, and a clear background check and DMV report.

10:30AM-NOON

1:00PM-2:00PM

Meals on Wheels Drivers 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. Volunteers need a valid California Driver’s License, a clear DMV report, a reliable vehicle and a current insurance certificate.

10:00AM-NOON

10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 12:30PM-1:45PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 2:45PM-3:45PM 11:00AM-NOON 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 (College of Marin) Age Reversing Essentrics Exercise Class ESL 75, 100, 250 (9/11-12/5) Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French Class French Social Group Spanish Class Beginning Spanish Class AgeSong Marin (9/26-11/14) Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage* Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program* Adult Coloring Inter. Ukulele (9/6-10/11) Russian Social Group Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL 75, 100, 250 (9/11-12/5) Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 (10/5-12/4) Italian 2 (10/5-12/4) Balance Class Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Club Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)

INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-485-9318 Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-234-5040 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register

FEE $6/8 $1/min Free Free Free Free $15/yr $6/$8 $40/50 $4/5 Free $3/5 Free $3/5 $3/5 $80 Free Free $1/min Free Free Free $35/40 Free Free $40/50 $30/45 $6/8 $1/min $4/5 $30/35 $30/35 $10/12 Free Free $2/4 $3/5

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The Rotary Home Team offers a free service for San Rafael older adults and people with disabilities who may have financial or physical challenges in doing small household repairs. Teams of Rotarians will replace light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms, install new CO2/ smoke detectors, unclog most drains, lightly trim bushes from front doors (no heavy yard work), and perform other small repairs. To arrange a visit, call no later than noon Thursday, Sept. 7, 415-456-9068, or email CChavez@jtm-esc. org. In partnership with Whistlestop, Episcopal Senior Communities, Opportunity for Independence, and Marin Center for Independent Living.

Computer Lab Volunteers

MONDAYS

Artist Stephanie Jucker, MFA, will provide the materials and instruction on how to create collages at Art Works. We will walk from Whistlestop to Art Works with a volunteer at 1.

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

TUESDAYS

Thurs, Sept 21, 1:30-3:30pm; Art Works Downtown, 1337 4th St, San Rafael; Free

Whistlestop Weekly Activities

WEDNESDAYS

Collage/Mixed Media Art

Volunteer Opportunities

THURSDAYS

In this five-week workshop, Jean will discuss the Birren Method, Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Write and share your unique stories. Beginning and seasoned writers welcome. Class limited to the first 8 registered.

FRIDAYS

Instructor: Jean Stumpf

A Rare Opportunity to Join Our Community!

Voted Best Senior Living

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

Schedule a Visit! Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741 pbill@theredwoods.org

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40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941

Independent Residential Personalized Care Skilled Nursing Health Care Center

Growing Together Since 1972

Residential Living Apts Available Now

Technology September 2017 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

Intro to Computers – Windows and Apple

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

(NEW – we now have 3 Mac computers)

Thursday, Sept 14 & 21, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

Tuesdays, Sept 12, 19, 26 & Oct 3, 10am-Noon (4 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people Class designed for first-time computer users; learn how to start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, how to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their uses, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account.

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course, you’ll learn 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 instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Grandparents Day is September 10th

www.theredwoods.org

Andy Guralas and his grandchildren, Olivia and Jett

Marin County Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting Thursday, Sept. 7 | 10AM-12:30PM Where: Embassy Suites, San Rafael Topic: California Commission on Aging Speakers: CCOA and Aging Staff

Giving to Whistlestop Through Your Estate By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher

ommunity support helps make Whistlestop’s programs and services possible. As our community ages, the demand for services increases every year, and we are committed to meeting that need. Your support is more important now than ever. Please consider making a generous gift to help us continue providing these vital programs. Let’s embrace our responsibility to the most vulnerable in our community and ensure the opportunity to age well.

Deferred Giving Options: The Whistlestop Legacy Society A society honoring those who have made provisions for Whistlestop in their estate plans – either by will, trust, or other planned giving arrangement. The gift may take the form of one or more of the following: • Bequests in wills or living trusts

• Retirement plan and IRA beneficiary designations • Gifts of life insurance Charitable Remainder Trusts provide the donor an income stream for life, or for a designated number of years. Usually funded at a minimum of $100K, these include Charitable Remainder Unitrusts and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts. A Charitable Lead Trust is designed to reduce the

A Licensed Homecare Agency 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

• Donors are entitled to an income tax deduction in the year the gift is made, and for a period of time, a portion of each payment is considered a return of principal and is therefore free of income tax. • When gift annuities are funded with appreciated property, donors will avoid paying capital gains taxes on a portion of the gain; the taxable remainder will be amortized over the annuity term. Need help with your estate planning? Whistlestop, in partnership with Legal Aid of Marin, offers free half hour in-person appointments for Marin’s older adults on the first four Thursdays of the month. To make a free appointment, please call Whistlestop’s Resource Center at 415-459-6700.

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• Life income gifts to a charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, pooled income fund, or gift annuity

beneficiaries’ taxable income by first donating a portion of the trust’s income to charities and then, after a specified period of time, transferring the remainder of the trust to the heirs/beneficiaries. Gift Annuities are charitable gifts of cash or appreciated property in which the donor receives fixed income payments in return (for the rest of the donor’s life or of the life of a designated beneficiary). The remaining principal is paid to Whistlestop upon the death of the last surviving income beneficiary. • A gift annuity is not a trust; it is a contractual agreement between a donor and Whistlestop.

Community Connections

Bread and Roses Creates Magic By Valerie Bowman

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read & Roses has presented many performances at Whistlestop over the years. Bread & Roses Presents is dedicated to uplifting the human spirit by providing free, live, quality shows to people who live in institutions or are otherwise isolated from society. Inspired by a 1912 poem by James Oppenheim, Mimi Fariña selected “Bread & Roses” to convey the spirit of the nonprofit she founded in 1974 to bring the healing power of music and other live art to

institutionalized children, teens, adults, and elders. Executive Director Dave Perron guides the agency in bringing hope and healing through live music to neighbors most in need – audiences in convalescent homes and senior day centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, special needs schools and centers for the developmentally disabled, mental health facilities, detention facilities, hospitals, and homeless shelters. Bread & Roses produces over 600 shows each year at more than 125 facilities

in eight San Francisco Bay Area Counties with the help of a community of 1,400 volunteers. Volunteer hosts are an essential part of sustaining programs throughout the year at Bread & Roses Presents. In 2016, a record-breaking 626 shows were presented, the most ever. Volunteers, hosts as well as performers, bring live music to 34,000 people in the Bay Area annually. Here are comments from two volunteer hosts who share how Bread & Roses has made a difference in their lives as well as the lives of the audiences. Steve Pickford: It’s the faces. The expressions. The look of pure joy that live music brings. I have been both a volunteer host and performer for the last few years, and it’s been one of the most rewarding and lasting experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Linda MacVey: Hosting performances for Bread & Roses Presents is a meaningful privilege allowing us the rare opportunity to connect with wonderful audiences across all walks of life. I’ve come to realize that it is we who often find ourselves isolated from the larger community in our modern day-to-day routines. We spend time with family and friends, work colleagues, a known routine, often within defined age groups and more predictable socio-economic realm. Our performers have incredible heart with sensitivity to what resonates with these

‘Performers bring hope and healing through live music.’ –Dave Perron audiences in small, intimate performances. Their honed mastery of their art transcends technical details focusing on the intimate needs of the audience, prescribing just the right selection as their gift flows through us all. Easy conversation, shared humor, familiar melodies that take us to specific places in time or perhaps sharing something new that might touch our heart in a different way. As a host, I find myself in the middle of this magic as the outside world loses its grip on me if only for an hour. Focusing on small changes, I notice individual audience members begin to unfold, opening up, as if a dormant bud awaiting the sun, takes in the rain, and begins to blossom, engaging with the performer. And as the performance comes to a close, we often have a chance to talk with individuals who share their insight, a special memory or thought, with sincere appreciation as we gather equipment, pack out, and return to our routines beyond these doors. And I, too, find myself feeling a bit lighter, a bit more grounded in the beauty of human community. Please visit www.breadandroses.org for more info.

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‘You’d be surprised at how many people named their daughter Amie.’ –Mike Reilly

Mike Reilly of Pure Prairie League

Pure Prairie League Brings Country Rock By Valerie Bowman (including Whistlestop CEO, Joe O’Hehir). That song is still played on radio stations across the country. According to an interview with Reilly in the Rapid City (SD) Journal, “Amie” was included on the 1972 album “Bustin’ Out,” which had just been recorded when Reilly joined the band. “We never had any idea that it would be a classic,” Reilly said. The band got its start in Ohio in 1970, took a hiatus in 1988 and was revived

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RCA, Acey Lehman, when he heard the name of the band said, ‘I’ve got the perfect idea for an album cover’ and contacted Norman Rockwell, who was a friend of his, and the Saturday Evening Post. All of a sudden we were a brand before the term was ever popularized.” That Western theme keeps following the band. Reilly contributed to it by appearing as an extra in the HBO hit show “Deadwood.” The band plays 30 to 45 shows a year, giving members time to enjoy their families and have lives outside of music. “We’re getting old now.” www.pureprairieleague.com Pure Prairie League will perform at 1:45pm at Whistlestock.

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ure Prairie League will bring their popular brand of country-rock to the stage at Whistlestock IV on Sunday, Sept. 24. After five decades of performing, PPL is considered a major influence on the genre. The band has had numerous hits but their most popular continues to be “Amie.” Bassist and front man, Mike Reilly said, “You’d be surprised at how many people have named their daughter Amie”

in the 1990s and again in 2004. “It was basically rock music with a country edge,” Reilly said. “We all grew up playing rock ‘n roll, but we were from northern Kentucky and southern Ohio. It was something that nobody else was doing at that time. And we do it better than everyone else.” One of the original members, Tom McGrail, named the band after a fictional 19th Century temperance union featured in the 1939 film, Dodge City. Their first album introduced a character that has become the personification of PPL. With the album sporting a Norman Rockwell image of an old cowhand named “Sad Luke,” PPL adapted the style of the artist’s painting and it has appeared on every one of their albums. According to Mike, “That was not in small part due to the fact that our original art director at

Juanita says

Volunteering Improves Your Health

Fabia Butler

Whistlestop Leads With Vision of ‘Aging Equity’ By Fabia Butler

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fell in love with San Francisco in the early 80s when I moved there right after graduating from college in Virginia. I had fallen in love with the city and my future husband during a month-long internship my senior year of school. Almost immediately, we began gravitating toward Marin, riding our bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge, searching for open spaces, beaches, and warm sunshine. My husband and I moved to Marin while we were in our 20s and we are grateful we still live here, still enjoying the natural beauty in our backyard.

I’ve long been aware of Whistlestop’s great reputation and partnered with them many times during the 16 years I worked at Bank of Marin. It wasn’t until my own parents became house bound with physical challenges that I truly wanted to get involved and help older adults. My parents live in Georgia, and unfortunately I can’t do a lot for them. Joining the Whistlestop board is my way of giving back, and hopefully making a difference for older adults in my own community. I’m really excited about the future of Whistlestop and see so much potential to provide

When 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 95, 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 older adult activists used their retirement as a chance to craft a meaningful and rewarding life. Volunteerism isn’t just beneficial for those being helped – research shows that volunteering confers mental and physical health benefits for those doing the helping.

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 older adults, including dementia, as well as improving longevity.

It is good for mental health and can help

(From Senior Living Blog by Sara Stevenson)

even more resources, especially in the area of transportation and eventually housing. Several dozen much needed affordable housing units for older adults will be included as part of the future Active Aging Senior Living Community Campus in downtown San Rafael. I see Whistlestop leading the way in attaining the vision of “Aging Equity,” so all older adults have equal access to services and resources. Our Whistlestock benefit concert will help us provide many of these services. I

It helps prevent older adult isolation and depression. In addition to getting older adults out of the house and into the community, volunteering has a positive effect on psychological wellness. It promotes healthy physical activity. Volunteering can be good for keeping the body active. Maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness as we age helps ward off disease, injury and even dementia.

was a young child during the Summer of Love, likely spending the summer on the Georgia coast with my grandmother. She gave my brothers and me a lot of freedom, and we rode our bikes all over the island with very little adult supervision. By August, the ocean temperature would be in the high 80s, so we spent most of the time in the community pool, playing Marco Polo and daring each other on the diving board. I was completely clueless about the Summer of Love.

Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont

Rich Walcoff

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Laurie at volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067. To get tickets to Whistlestock go to: whistlestock.com

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he Bay Area woke up to Rich Walcoff ’s insightful sports reports on the KGO radio morning news for more than 30 years. As a 9-year-old in New York, he used to turn down the sound on the Yankees games and do his own play-by-play into his tape recorder. He went to University of Connecticut where he became the Voice of UConn Huskies football, basketball, and baseball on WHUS-FM, the oldest college radio station in the nation. Our Volunteer of the Month, Rich Walcoff, was just elected to the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2017. He was the 49ers pre- and post-game host, and the first ever onfield Super Bowl radio reporter and the Sports Anchor for Northern California’s #1 rated morning show for 25 years. Rich has a reason to live in gratitude. He is the son of a Holocaust survivor. His mother Herta, left Vienna at the beginning of the war. Rich’s grandparents, unable to leave because they didn’t have the right papers, sent three very young daughters, 8, 10 and 12, on their own to America to join a 35-year-old single uncle. His mother and her two sisters, now in their late 80s and early 90s, are all still living. Herta’s parents and baby brother, never made it out and did not survive the war. When he left KGO last year, Rich wanted to give back to his community. He felt his life has been blessed with many wonderful experiences and opportunities and he now had more time and a wealth of expertise that he could share. Having seen the Whistlestop busses driving around the county, Rich offered to help us at the Brown Bag Pantry on Friday mornings. He is one of a group of guys who arrive at 9 in the morning to meet the truck arriving from the SF-Marin Food Bank. They unload the groceries and help sort, and assist in the distribution to over 160 households each week. In addition to volunteering at the pantry, Rich will be the emcee at the Whistlestock IV benefit concert on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Marin Center Fairgrounds Island. The concert features Jesse Colin Young and Pure Prairie League.

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Whistlestop

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council

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930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325