AUGUST 2020 whistlestop.org Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 3: Life in photos during COVID-19 Pg 6: What our Whistlestop Teachers Miss Most About Their Students Pg 10-11: Home gardening blooms in Marin
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info@whistlestop.org
Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org
WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE
By Linda Jacks Director, Agin Initiative
Jennifer Golbus
Creativity and Connection W Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org
e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 Whistlestop Express Editors year 916.751.9189 home, long an john.bowman58@gmail.com my refuge - it’s almost a higher purpose have By Douglas Reilly WHISTLESTOP since our youn WHISTLESTOP like traveling, inside Manager comforted me.PERSPECTIVE Whistlestop Board Member Laurie Vermontbut , Volunteer 930 Tamalpais Avenue my mind. If I’m bored or Human connection volunteer@whistlestop.org San Rafael, CA s 94901 away, is simply an executive at need affordable housing, and a bittersweet goodbye www.whistlestop.org overwhelmed, I open is crucial for creative journey, leaving the house that thereais a shortfall of Disney, I manage Main office open M-F 9am-5pm lesson a break. for two people. endeavors, makingwe the called home the past and take hundreds of assisted living licensing for the Front Desk – 415.456.9062 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 28 years. It’s also been and memory care units to I currently live in San transition to remote Transportation – 415.454.0902 Lucasfilm video game rooms we didn our – and in meet the 2030 Rafael Marin fordemand. Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 working difficult. Igreat havefun to explore President Dennis Ryan, business. Focusing on Star new neighborhood near One small part of the Help Desk – 415.459.6700 over Reizman, three decades. love it learned the dinners after a of the yard tha resource@whistlestop.org Beth Vice IPresident Wars, my team is constantly downtown San Rafael. housing solution in Marin here I am never leaving! I day of meetings are often To receive the Express by email I can’t help but wonder to support, fund, and traveling the world to meet Tom Bonomi, isTreasurer saw, and decad sign up at whistlestop.org. For to grow streamline old here.the One more important than howthe much harderwant it would process with our creative annual subscription mailed to yourpartners Fabia Butler, Secretary be toIt’s do this if weof were create more accessory home, send $10 to Whistlestop. the things Itoadmired most meetings themselves. seemed to repr working on over 30 projects! Sharon in our 70s or 80s? What Jackson dwelling units. The new units about working for George much easier to resolve Thankfully, WHISTLESTOP STAFF I love to options are thereRobert for olderSonnenberg can be for a caregiver, a family we weren’t wat Lucas dedication to challenges that arise Joe travel. O’Hehir I love observing how people in Marin as their was hismember or the homeowner, Cynthia Wuthmann Yvonne Roberts making the greatest impact during a project when we change? lifestyles Will people live differently in who can then rent out theDouglas Reilly of all, we had a there be enough resources in the community you live have developed a personal main house. In San Rafael, By Linda Jackson, Program different parts of the world. for people who want Laurence Suter-Gunn the number of new accessory PACIFIC SUN STAFF in. toThis mindset inspired relationship, especially challenges anddeserved I’m grateful to be Action With the current travel Director, Aging grow older in their home dwelling units doubled last Initiative when separated by great me to join the Whistlestop to be doing mynew, part. happy fam restrictions, I was surprised and community?Danielle For those McCoy, Advertising year, and the city is on track Jennifer Golbus board. As wetoage, we all distance. Slowing down helped me to find that I don’t miss the facing dementia or declining double that again. We need dmccoy@pacificsun.com e decided to challeng health, will they have what face challenges and I want Like many, I am working see the benefits ofThe enjoying business travel as much to do this across Marin! downsize this John and Val Bowman they need for safety, care Marianne Misz, Advertising to be part of the solution. fromOur home and I was The Aging Action Initiative time at home and fostering as I thought I would. As I year. family would we mov and companionship? is enthusiastic about San to get a little My wife is volunteering mmisz@pacificsun.com connections with the people an empty nest adjusted to more time athome, long starting The question for Marin Rafael new City Council’s recent We wanted as since our youngest ones So, flew I decided to stir-crazy. with in my life. As Marin begins Laurie Vermontcontinuing to develop home, is: what percentage of Whistlestop’s Kara Brown, Production support of assisted living in away, is simply too large teach myself to play guitaris goingCaringCalls program to re-open, I hope all new stories and experiences residents to choose downtown. This new housing in we a neighborh kara@metroactive.com for two people. There were to stay in San Rafael as BOARD DIRECTORS and go piano. Now that I and I can see the benefit continue to use our newly in aOFgalaxy, far, far awayrooms we didn’t approval portends well into, parts they grow older?Rosemary According Dennis Ryan, Olson, Publisher we can walk a for Whistlestop’s proposed know the basics, the whole learned tools to forge a more of human connection. I centered around themes of the yard that we never Beth Reizman, to a national survey by affordable older adult rolson@pacificsun.com Tomof Bonomi, connected and meaningful worldofdisappears when I’m believe is our connected humansaw, and decades stuff that AARP in 2012, about 90% Whistlestop of to restaurants Fabia Butler, housing project in downtown experience and living forseemed to reproduce tomorrow. playing.when This has become poised to tackle more future Sharon Jackson older adults intend to stay San Rafael. We are excited Robert Sonnenberg we weren’t watching. Most the movies. Af in their own homes for the OUR MISSION to see new housing options Cynthia Wuthmann of all, we had a home that next 5 to 10 years. for older people in Marin, deserved to be full with a PACIFIC SUN STAFF searching, we People workingWhistlestop with believes we share a especiallyWHISTLESTOP in places where TRANSPORTATION SERVICES EXPRESS new, happy family. Danielle McCoy, older adults are aware of Krueger Thomas, Whistlestop may Express Editor can Kelly walkall to services CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927they The challenge was: Where be the ver to ensure Marin the issues facingresponsibility people as 415-235-5031 | kelly@kruegerpr.com and shops and be part of the Marianne Misz, Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 ACTIVE AGING CENTER would we move to in Marin? they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CAwanted 94901 a smaller place Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 community. unit in Marin. We be housing for others who KaraTemporarily Brown, jgolbus@whistlestop.org Closed Cancel a Paratransit Ride | 415-457-4630 Aging Action Initiative is with dignity, independence and grace. in a neighborhood where want to downsize? Will there Website: whistlestop.org | Email: info@whistlestop.org a network of more than 130 No doubt ab Rosemary Olson, we can walk about, close MEMBERSHIP be enough housing for the PACIFIC SUN STAFF organizations, including Guest Services Reception | 415-456-9062 x100 to restaurants, shops, and Discounts on lunchwho in thework Jackson Café and on all Rosemary Olson, Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com people in Marin process of dow Whistlestop, that addresses Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 the movies. After months of programs, classes, andcaregivers, room rentals. – thoseevents who are OUR MISSION Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com community issues through Resource Office | 415-459-6700 searching, we found what healthcare and for details. Membership is $20/year.managers, Call 415-456-9062 Whistlestop believes we share a TOaging. ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: daunting. It to the lens of It focuses may be the very last new responsibility to ensure homecare experts? What JACKSON CAFÉall Marin LIKE US Danielle McCoy, on finding ways to age-in-Advertising | dmccoy@pacificsun.com residents have an opportunity to age unit to in1:00PM Marin. about low-income people who of sorting, a m Only: 11:30AM withMonday–Friday dignity, independence| To-Go and grace. OUR MISSION on Facebook community, and having Marianne Misz, Advertising | mmisz@pacificsun.com No doubt about it, theWhistlestopneed affordable housing, believes we share a responsibility to MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES economic security, a place to process of downsizing isensure all Marin or people whohave need of millennials, residents anextra opportunity to Whistlestop Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176 call home, and transportation daunting. It took months care, like assisted living or age with dignity, independence and grace. LIKE US on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) | 415-457-4636 Meals for older adults. boxes to give a of sorting, a moving crew memory care? The recent on Facebook of millennials, and many Want to receive theOlder Express at home? Send $10 to report, Adult Housing For information, check out LIKE US on Facebook! boxes to give away andWhistlestopin donate things forMarin: an annual delivered Planning forprint subscription, www.agingactioninitiative.org Cover Art By: Missy Reynolds or sign up at whistlestop.org for a free email version. facebook.com/WhistlestopMarin donate things we don’t 2030, estimated that 7,000 2 or contact Sami at support@ 2 older residents need anymore of today’s agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been
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, CEO
Development Director info@whistlestop.org
Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com
, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org
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President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com Production kara@metroactive.com
Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com
W
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Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org
How a Marin Photographer Captures Life
During COVID-19 Social Distancing
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Photos by Stephanie Mohan
Mohan is accustomed to shooting portraits in a studio. Now she gets to see how people live. After shooting a portrait for a pregnant client, she delivered the print the following month, after the baby had arrived. “It was heartwarming to see how my client’s life changed in that short time, and reminded me that life forges on, despite the challenges and fears we are all facing.” Mohan is also finding ways to support her community. She is part of The Fairfax Artist in Residence Collaborative and helped coordinate an online art show featuring artists from Fairfax, Ross Valley and West Marin at fairfaxartwalk.com. You can view Mohan’s work at www.creativeportraiture.com.
HIRED HANDS 1/4 SQ OK
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or local photographer Stephanie Mohan, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the way she approaches her craft. With a degree in photo-journalism and a 20-year career as a portrait artist, she says, “All I’ve done for 20 years is photography for other people. This pandemic caused me to refocus my photography life.” The slower pace of life during the pandemic allowed her to get off the proverbial treadmill, along with everyone else. During a walk in her hometown of Fairfax, she observed her neighbors. “I felt a shift during that walk. Everyone was so friendly, spending time with family, smiling and making eyecontact,” she says. A story was unfolding in front of her and she started capturing it on film. From behind her camera, she observed people at home, playing with their kids in their yard and walking their dogs. “As awful as this all is, there is a silver lining. People are slowing down and talking to one another.” Stephanie is back doing portraits – but now, due to social distancing, they are front porch or back yard portraits. Her challenge now is to complete outdoor portrait sessions in 30 minutes. “That includes finding the best spot with the best light, moving furniture, directing the clients, taking great shots, all within 30 minutes. It’s definitely challenging as the camera lens fogs up from my mask!”
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Finding joy at home By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor
S
ure, your home may be your castle. But even a castle can feel a bit claustrophobic when the drawbridge is up all the time. Here are some things you can do to make the stuffiest of castles a joy to be in, even when it is on lockdown.
Laugh a lot
Laughing is not only good for your outlook, but your health as well. Indulge in that silly kitten video you’ve heard about or tune into those classic comedies that are still funny. Who
Assisted Living at its Best!
can resist Lucy and Ethel working in the chocolate factory? Call a funny friend and share a laugh together as you remember all the adventures you’ve had.
cupcakes you’ve seen online, available for delivery. Don’t wait for company to come. Be your own company and treat yourself to a special night (don’t forget the candlelight).
Enjoy the real you
Make a mess
One of the great things about your home is you get to be who you really are, especially now. Crank up your favorite music, listen to a bestselling audiobook, hang some new artwork, recover the couch or paint a room your favorite color. Make it your happy place.
Use the good stuff
Why wait until a holiday to pull out your best china or the good linens? Splurge on those little things that make you happy, such as the extra fancy
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, sculpt or craft, turn part of your home into an art studio. There are hundreds of tutorials available on YouTube these days. Become the next Bob Ross and paint those “happy trees” and make “happy accidents” to your heart’s delight. Most craft stores and Amazon deliver nearly any art supply you can think of.
Eat like royalty
If you’ve ever wanted to
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BELLO GARDENS Juanita says “WE CARE” 1/8V The most famous duck in San Anselmo!
Visit us today for a tour! Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com
Make the most of your time at home during COVID-19 physical distancing
learn to be a great chef, now’s the time. With so much time on everyone’s hands, professional and aspiring cooks are reinventing their favorite comfort foods and turning them into gourmet fare. Check out the newest recipes online and follow along in your own kitchen.
Celebrate the day every day
Nearly every day of the week is cause for celebration. Whether it’s National Cheeseburger Day or Karaoke Month, the calendar is filled with fun things to celebrate. Create your own themed celebrations, as life deserves to be celebrated to its fullest every day, pandemic or not.
WHISTLESTOP
During Shelter In Place We are Here For You
The doors to our Active Aging Center may have closed when the Shelter in Place order was issued, but Whistlestop is still open, working to address the new challenges that older adults now face. We remain dedicated to you, and are working hard to expand our existing programs, and implement new ones. Below is a list of current programs. For the most up-to-date information, you can also visit our website or call us at 415-456-9062!
Services
Home Delivered Meals. Whistlestop Nourish and Meals on Wheels home meal delivery services are expanding to meet increased demand. To sign up for meals for yourself or a loved one, call 415-456-9062 x176. Food pantry. Whistlestop’s Brown Bag Pantry program offers free fresh produce, meats and staple food items provided from the Marin/SF Food Bank to Marin residents every Friday. Any Marin resident, 60 and over or person with a disability, in need of food is welcome. Pre-packed bags of groceries are distributed to visitors upon arrival –either drive up or walkup. 10-11am on Friday mornings at the Whistlestop Active Aging Center. Call 415-456-9062 with questions.
HOME MATCH 1/6
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Meals To Go. Whistlestop’s Jackson Café is offering nutritious, affordable meals for $6, prepared fresh daily by our culinary team and sold through our front door at the Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael. M-F 11:30am – 1:00pm. No need to order in advance - just show up!
NEW! Drive -Through Breakfast from the Jackson Café, Thursdays 9-10 am. Swing by and grab one, take it home to heat it up and enjoy. WhistleShoppers offers older adults and those with disabilities a chance to purchase their own groceries without leaving their homes or the use of a computer or mobile phone. Our call center representative will work with you to create a detailed grocery list over the phone using the grocery website to ensure items are available. Our drivers shop for the groceries and provide free delivery. You pay only for the groceries. Call 415-454-0964 to get started. CaringCalls. Our intergenerational program, CaringCalls, pairs older adults or anyone feeling isolated during this crisis, with local high school students for weekly social phone visits. Share your experiences and insights and connect with a younger member of our community – they are feeling isolated as well! Call 415-456-9062 to learn more. Check-in Calls. Our call center has placed nearly 8,000 calls to Marin County older adults to see how they are doing and offer referrals and resources. Volunteers are conducting regular follow-up calls to anyone who opts in. To start receiving check-in calls, please call 415-456-9062. Resource Referrals. Our team of caring staff are available to answer questions about resources from Whistlestop’s main number: 415-456-9062. NEW! Medi-Cal Rides. Whistlestop now offers Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), which provides routine and specialized medical appointment transportation to eligible participants who are covered by Medi-Cal in Marin County. Receiving NEMT services requires prior authorization from a medical provider. For more information about NEMT, please contact us at (415) 454-0964 or medical@whistlestop.org. Marin Access Paratransit. We continue to provide daily, pre-scheduled, door-to-door bus transportation in Marin County for people needing assistance. Drivers are disinfecting their vehicles three times per shift, wearing masks and changing gloves after each rider. Call 415-454-0964 to schedule a ride. Free Volunteer Rides. Whistlestop’s CarePool program provides rides for older adults and people with disabilities. It has remained in continuous operation and is providing rides to medical appointments, to pharmacies and to grocery stores. Volunteer drivers are following all recommended sanitation guidelines. To schedule a ride, call 415-454-0927.
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Stay home. Let us bring quality medical care to you.
Whistlestop Virtual Classes & Activities
Bingo, Tuesdays 10:00 am via phone or Zoom, Free, Registration Required Please call 415-456-9062 by Thursday to play Bingo the following Tuesday. Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for details including callin number and optional Zoom link. Prizes will be won at each game! Yoga, Fridays 3:00 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free
HOSPICE OF MARIN 1/4 SQ
Our care teams can help you safely:
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• Recover from surgery • Manage chronic illness • Cope with end-of-life transitions
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Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for details including call-in number and optional Zoom link. Whistlesizers, Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 - 11:40 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker. Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for details including call-in number and optional Zoom link. Zumba, Wednesdays 9:00 - 9:45 am via Phone or Zoom, Free Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for details including call-in number and optional Zoom link. Ukulele, Beginner - Wednesdays 11:00 - 12:00 am via Phone or Zoom, Free
Call (415) 927.2273 • www.hbtb.org
Ukulele, Intermediate - Wednesdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm via Phone or Zoom, Free
Skilled Home Health Care • Palliative (Comfort) Care • Hospice
To find out how to attend these classes and activities, visit Whistlestop. org/classes or call the front desk at 415-456-9062.
VALLEY MEMORIAL 1/4 SQ
Welcome back to Whistlestop's Ukulele with Sandy! Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for details including call-in number and optional Zoom link.
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What Some of Our Whistlestop Teachers
Miss Most About Their Students Our Whistlestop teachers reveal what they miss the most about being with their students at the Active Aging Center.
Fran Rondeau, ESL Teacher I miss walking into my classroom and seeing the smiling faces of my ESL students. I love that they call me “Teacher!” and are eager to learn. I also miss our pronunciation and repetition drills that are silly and fun. I hope my students are all safe and know that we will pick up where we left off and meet again. My advice to my students is to watch television, especially Sesame Street, or go to YouTube and look for English Fran Rondeau, ESL Instructor lessons - anything to practice. Open your book and read the lessons we already did. In Farsi, Russian, Spanish, Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mandarin and English, I say to you all: Hang in there!
Vivian Malcy, Ping Pong Teacher
Susan Duncan, French Teacher I appreciate and miss that my students are attentive, do homework, and really want to learn. I hope my students use this free time to try new things, finish a project, enjoy Marin County’s beauty and keep in touch with friends and family. Many students have been in our French class for over five years, so it’s not just a class, but an
Susan Duncan, French Instructor
Elizabeth Lynn, Whistlesizers Instructor I miss my face-to-face connections with the staff and students at Whistlestop, but am thankful we have Zoom and phone for those without computers. I look forward to seeing everyone face-to-face and having conversations when Whistlestop reopens. I advise my students to exercise and move at home! Call a different person every day. Lifting the spirit of another lifts our own spirit. Elizabeth Lynn, I miss everyone and care about every Whistlesizers Instructor one of my students. Stay safe and keep your spirits up! One of my favorite quotes to share during this time is “Crisis and opportunity are the same character in Chinese. There is an opportunity within every obstacle,” unknown author.
Kelly Lynch, Yoga Instructor What I love most about teaching yoga at Whistlestop is the community that we’ve all built. While I miss the energy of the class, I'm grateful to continue our practice on Kelly Lynch, Zoom. When Whistlestop Yoga Instructor classes resume, we will follow safety guidelines and then ‘jump right back in.’ I look forward to seeing everyone in person soon. I am inspired by my students who have adapted as the ‘sands’ underneath them have shifted. Yoga reminds us that we have stillness within that is always available, even when things around us are not so still. A favorite Buddha quote is, “May we live like the lotus, at home in the muddy water.”
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I miss seeing the joy in peoples’ faces when they re-discover a game they played years ago. I also miss seeing our regular group of players and catching up on their week’s activities. Everyone who comes in for the first time says the same thing, “I haven’t played in 30 years!” I tell them it’s like riding a bike. Once learned, you never forget. While it might take time for people to feel comfortable returning to a group activity, I’m confident Whistlestop will provide the tools to keep everyone safe. I look forward to returning to a sense of normalcy and enjoying our camaraderie. I suggest that my students do puzzles at home. I miss all my students and can’t wait to get back to our Vivian Malcy, Ping Pong Instructor regular Friday get-togethers!
opportunity to make friends. I know we will all appreciate being together again when the Whistlestop Active Aging Center opens. Now that we all have the shared experience of being through difficult times, we will be ready for a “fête”! Connect with those you haven’t seen or talked to for a while, learn something new and find a Meetup.com group for something that interests you. I’ve missed my wonderful group who love French as much as I do.
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Information on food resources and other services and assistance: COMMUNITY
RESOURCES
Email 457-INFO@marincounty.org or call 415-457-INFO Visit www.211.org or Dial 211 from your phone
YWCA FiftyPlus
FREE Employment Support Services for low-income women 50 yrs and older at the YWCAFiftyPlus Program! Currently all workshops are offered virtually, delivered by Zoom. Nominal fee for Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Why Can't I Find Work? Workshop & Computer Classes: Choosing Your Job Direction, Taking Control of Your Job Search, Taking Control Express: Resumes & Cover Letters, Taking Control Express: Skills for Interviewing and Networking, Outlook, Excel, Word, LinkedIn, One-on-one with client employment specialist, Job Club & Employer Forum, AARP Work for Yourself @ 50+. To learn more about the 50+ program for women or sign up for orientation, call 415-479-9922 or email: gretchen@ywcasf-marin.org.
Buck Institute webinars on COVID-19 Ongoing
The Buck Institute on Aging is offering a second series of free live interviews with experts in research, epidemiology, virology, public health, health care, and others working on coronavirus issues. View the list of speakers at: buckinstitute.org/news/covid-webinar.
Aging Action Initiative
Save the date: AAI Convening! Wednesday, September 16, 8:30am–4:30pm
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Save the date for AAI's annual Convening, which has been rescheduled to September 16 at Embassy Suites in San Rafael (or by Zoom). To find out more, contact AAI: 415-419-2598 or support@agingactioninitiative.org
Personalize Your Home Care with HomeWell™
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Our holistic approach to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual needs—ensuring a better quality of life, comfortably at home.
Call HomeWell of the North Bay for a free assessment at 415-599-4333 to learn more. ųƚŸƋåÚ ±ųåţ 8VYI (SQTEWWMSR | homewellcares.com a
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License Number 214700009
CULTURAL
RESOURCES
With public events cancelled to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, we may not be stepping into a movie theater or a concert hall. However, many organizations are sharing their work through technology. Here are some Bay Area events that you can live-stream and enjoy from your home.
Transcendence Theater Company Best Night Ever Online
Do you miss going to the theater? Well you can now have a night out at the theater this summer without leaving your home! Transcendence Theater Company has a wonderful new program called Best Night Ever Online. Now playing for August: I HOPE YOU DANCE - Songs you’ll want to move to, Executive Produced by Vickie Soulier August 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23 Evening Shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday Preshow: 7:00pm PST Showtime: 7:30pm PST Location: ONLINE Matinees Saturday and Sunday Showtime: 2:00pm PST Preshow: 1:30pm PST To learn more about the show please visit: transcendencetheatre.org/ best-night-ever-online
PAUL GETTY MUSEUM
PALACE OF VERSAILLES
The world at your doorstep By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
T
Google Earth can take you virtually anywhere you’d like to go, offering stunning views from some of the world’s most amazing destinations. In a couple of clicks on the search menu, you’ll find yourself on a virtual climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with a trio of legendary climbers. When you’ve reached the summit, head to Paris and go for a stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Once you catch your breath, you can head to Victoria Falls in Zambia or
go diving at Bondi Beach in Australia to see Seadragons in their native habitat. You don’t even have to get your feet wet. If you’re feeling really adventurous, think about a visit to the British Museum. No need to take your shoes off in security or find your seat on a crowded jumbo jet. Google and the museum have partnered to create a mind-blowing exploration of history that is as entertaining as it is educational. Click over to britishmuseum. withgoogle.com and have
your own Night at the Museum as the collection comes alive right in front of your eyes. The experience is both original and informative, right down to the history timeline that plays like a guitar as you roam the collection. While our ability to get around is hampered by a global pandemic, the creative folks at Google have opened a new world for you to explore online, taking you on a tour of civilization’s greatest treasures from the comfort of your own home.
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o see some of the world’s most prolific works of art – from classics by Van Gogh and Rembrandt to the abstract works of Picasso and Kandinsky – you have to book an expensive tour. Thanks to Google Earth, you can now tour some of the world’s most amazing museums, all from the comfort of your own home. Search “Museums of the World – Google” on your computer and your browser will take you to the National Gallery of Australia, J. Paul Getty Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Palace of Versailles and the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg in a blink of an eye. But why stop there? Once you’ve had your fill of some of the world’s most collectable art, why not head outdoors?
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Respond Before the Door Knock! Your response brings resources and representation to your community for the next decade. Between August and October, census workers will visit households that have not yet participated. Complete the census today one of 3 ways: Online at My2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020 (English)/ 844-468-2020(Spanish), or by mail with the paper form mailed or delivered to your home. 3 things to know about census workers*:
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1. They must carry a photo ID badge with a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date.
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2. They will never ask you about your finances, citizenship or immigration status, or social security number. 3. It is against the law for them to share your answers with anyone, including your landlord, employer, police, or any other government agency. *You can verify a census worker’s identity by calling the regional Census office: 213-314-6500.
Bird bath in the garden. All the rain that hits the property goes straight into the garden
Peter Anderson’s backyard garden in Fairfax
Guidance from a Master Gardener in Fairfax
D
uring World War II, Americans were encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables. We are now seeing an increase in home vegetable gardens as a welcome release from the stresses related to covid-10, helping people stay physically and mentally healthy. Fairfax resident and master gardener Peter Anderson encourages everyone to start a vegetable garden in their own backyard. In 1968, Peter started a landscape construction company building playgrounds and landscaping parks, commercial properties and
residences in Marin and San Francisco, followed by a position as a landscape director at a Napa Valley winery, then an internship at U.C. Santa Cruz’s agroecology program. Peter is now retired and enjoys doing gardens for friends and is helping to renovate a park in his Fairfax neighborhood. He also grows vegetables for salads and cultivates several backyard apple trees. Gardening is a welcome distraction from news and social media. Peter encourages everyone to plant a vegetable garden and says it just takes practice and the ability to learn from mistakes. He offers these
tips: He suggests starting with seedlings, which are inexpensive and available, especially for lettuces and vegetables which grow fast. All that’s needed is good soil, water and the interest. Planting drought resistant native species also provides food and cover for birds and insects. In his backyard, Peter has over 40 species of native plants and his garden is a refuge for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. He uses his garden for teaching others. He wants to inspire others to collect rainwater and to use native plants. “I want to take back America one yard at a time.”
Home Gardening Blooms in Marin
T
ake a peek in the gardens of some of our Whistlestop volunteers and members.
Catherine Loudis, San Anselmo, Whistlestop Member I became interested in gardening when I lived in my first house over 50 years ago. I grow tomatoes, basil, string beans, squash, parsley, herbs and flowers. I won't buy tomatoes in stores in the “off season” because they don’t taste as good as homegrown. I like being outdoors, especially during the pandemic! It's easy to physically distance and just being outside is nurturing. I'm always amazed at how quickly time passes when I'm outside. The reward of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers to bring indoors is well worth the time. Anyone can garden. You don't need a large space. A few pots will produce lettuce and other shade-loving veggies.
Karen Noreen, San Rafael, Whistlestop Brown Bag Pantry Volunteer I’ve always been interested in gardening. I grew plants in pots before I had a yard and always had a plant in my office and fresh flowers on my desk. As a teacher, I grew vegetables to show my students the magic of growing. I’ve learned through trial and error. Anyone can create a garden. Start small. See what neighbors have done and just keep trying! Browse nurseries for ideas and read tags on the plants for all the basics you need to know. Esfir (Fira) Kriventsov, Terra Linda, Whistlestop Brown Bag Pantry Volunteer I became interested in gardening over 35 years ago. What I love the most is the food I harvest like delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, zucchini, apples, cherries, lemons, figs, plums, persimmons, mandarins and pomegranates. My entire family likes to garden, and we produce enough to feed myself, family and friends. I encourage everyone to garden and grow their own food because you save money and know where your food came from. I used to have a bakery and love to bake and cook homemade food. This is what makes me happy.
Catherine Loudis’ Backyard Garden
Christina Fisher’s outdoor garden WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS AU G U S T 2 0 2 0
Christina Fisher, Sausalito, Whistlestop Resource Office Volunteer I grew up with a big garden of vegetables, potatoes, herbs, fruit trees and flowers. I loved being in our garden, especially in my mother's flower garden. As an adult, I became interested in succulents and started collecting them. Soon it was like a nursery. After attending workshops on plants and succulents from a master gardener series at the Sausalito Library, I applied my knowledge to give workshops at Whistlestop. Gardening is therapeutic, calming and
healing. I enjoy experiencing the colors and scent of flowers and citrus bushes and I encourage everyone to garden to experience the beauty and calm of nature.
Fira Kriventsov
Karen Noreen’s Garden
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WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Whistlestop
E PRESS SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION
Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415.456.9062 X4800
MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION
Recognition for Your Business By Yvonne Roberts Whistlestop Chief Donor Relations Officer
WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS AU G US T 2 0 2 0
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DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept Automobiles, Boats, Motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 844.WSMARIN or 844.976.2746
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION
B
usinesses and organizations have faced unparalleled obstacles since the spring. Amidst this unprecedented uncertainty, we have found strength in partnership and community-supported efforts to weather the storm. This year, we are offering Whistlestop Program Sponsorships so you can align your business with our good work. By sponsoring Yvonne Roberts a Whistlestop program, you can select from a wide variety of services that target nutrition, transportation, education, or social connection. You can support our Nourish home delivered meal service, CarePool volunteer driver program, the new Cowles lifelong learning program, or our new online social connection activities. In addition to providing critical services for our vulnerable neighbors, your business will receive widespread recognition for your support as we
We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name.
Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time.
MAKE A PLANNED GIFT
Name Whistlestop in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of an annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan.
VOLUNTEER
showcase your commitment to our community through acknowledgment on our buses, website, newsletters, emails, and more. We know that this pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults and people living with disabilities and chronic illness. We welcome new sponsors and invite our past sponsors to renew their support today for our at-risk neighbors. Please contact us at 415-456-9062 x4800 to receive a sponsor package or visit our website whistlestop.org/sponsor.
• Become a CarePool volunteer driver • Deliver Meals on Wheels • Serve or Cashier in the Jackson Café • Teach a class
MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing address: Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Whistlestop.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800