Whistlestop Express May 2019

whistlestop.org May 2019 Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: 8 Local Discounts Pg 4: Increase Your Financial IQ Pg 11: Job Hunting After 50

FINANCIAL LITERACY PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

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WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

Get Smarter About Your Money

By Peter Tabet Whistlestop Volunteer

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WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS M AY 2 019

pring is a good time to review your finances and do some planning for the future.

It’s also a good time to learn more about money and finance in general, since knowledge is a very powerful thing to have.

With it, you can make more informed decisions about your money management practices, which in turn will lead to a more financially secure future for you and your loved ones.

When it comes to financial literacy, there are some things you should have a basic command of: budgeting, spending, debt, taxes, retirement savings, mortgage management and tax and estate planning are good places to start.

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Everyone is different, of course, as are financial circumstances. But here are some things you should think about when performing an annual assessment of your financial status and literacy:

Do you have a budget and are you sticking with it?

It’s smart to have a firm household budget, especially if you are living on a fixed income. A budget allows you to not only see where your money is actually going, but allows you to make good choices that can lead to savings.

Are you in debt?

Personal debt is the number one roadblock to financial security. Paying off debt should be a priority when

ACTIVE AGING CENTER 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CA 94901 Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM Website: whistlestop.org | Email: info@whistlestop.org Guest Services Reception | 415-456-9062 ext. 100 Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 Resource Office | 415-459-6700 Covia Home Match & Social Call | 415-456-9068

JACKSON CAFÉ Monday-Friday | 11:30AM to 2:00PM

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setting your budget. It will be a big step toward putting you on solid financial footing.

Do you have an emergency fund?

Having three to six months of money socked away as a rainyday fund will let you get through an unexpected emergency, such as a serious illness, injury or loss of a job. It will also reduce your daily stress. Again, having a budget and sticking to it can help you save enough money to build your emergency fund.

Do you understand compound interest?

Knowing how compound interest works and how money, left alone to build interest over time, will lead to a solid financial nest egg down the road.

Peter Tabet

Do you understand the importance of insurance?

Do you have a good insurance policy on your home, health, life and vehicles? Insurance protects your assets against events that could rob you of your savings and severely weaken you financially .

Whistlestop holds monthly financial and investment workshops (see the back page for more information) to help you learn more about the world of finances.

I hope you’ll increase your financial literacy in 2019!

MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES

WHISTLESTOP EXPRESS

Whistlestop Nourish | 415-456-9062 ext. 176 Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) | 415-457-4636

Kelly Krueger Thomas, Whistlestop Express Editor 415-235-5031 | kelly@kruegerpr.com

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Director jgolbus@whistlestop.org

CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 Cancel a Paratransit Ride | 415-457-4630

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

Want to receive the Express at home? Send $10 to Whistlestop for an annual delivered print subscription, or sign up at whistlestop.org for a free email version.

PACIFIC SUN STAFF Rosemary Olson, Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com

TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle McCoy, Advertising | dmccoy@pacificsun.com Marianne Misz, Advertising | mmisz@pacificsun.com

Cover by Missy Reynolds

8 Places to Ask for a Discount Shopping on Certain Days or Asking for a Price Break Can Save You Money

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aving money is always a smart thing to do, and older adults are eligible for some amazing discounts, even for those that are just 50 years young.

The popular new show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo may have inspired you to do some spring cleaning, but before you finish up keep an eye out for some buried treasures that may put some extra money in your pocket.

Retail Kohl’s gives a 15% discount to those age 55-plus every Wednesday. Ross offers 10% off to shoppers 55 and older on Tuesdays when they sign up for Every Tuesday Club.

Banana Republic gives a 10% discount to those 50plus. Goodwill San Rafael offers those 55-plus a 20% discount every Tuesday. Rite Aid gives a 20% discount to those 65 and older on the first Wednesday of every month.

Gym Membership

Cellphones Most wireless carriers offer specials to older adults, including T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. But don’t assume that just because it’s advertised as a “senior plan” it’s your best bet. Be sure to shop around before signing on the dotted line.

Fitness Memberships and Discounts are offered through Medicare

Entertainment

Education

Century Northgate in San Rafael offers a discounted $9.25 admission all the time ($8.25 on Mondays) for the 62-plus crowd. Marin Theatre Company offers $4 off every ticket to those 65+. The Aquarium of the Bay offers a $8 discount to adults 65+ and you can save another buck by ordering online.

Lifelong learners can check out Emeritus Students College of Marin: their $15 membership includes access to over 30 clubs, art exhibitions, discounted course fees and social events. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Sonoma State University and Dominican University of California allows adults 50+ to participate in educational courses ranging from arts and world cultures to history and natural science starting as little as $95 per year. San Francisco State University allows students 50 and older to attend university classes for only $55 per semester when space is available.

Groceries United Markets offer older adults in Marin a 10% discount on the first Thursday of the month (some restrictions apply). Your local market may offer discounts too. It never hurts to ask.

Haircuts Great Clips and Supercuts can trim some off the cost of your next haircut. Locally owned barbers and salons may also give older adults a price break. Just ask.

National Park Admission Adults who are 62 and older can buy a lifetime America the Beautiful Pass for $80 that allows them to visit any national park.

A few things you may have lying around just might be worth some money if you sell them.

Old electronics, classic video games, advertising signs, and vintage toys, as well as antique tools and instruments, classic books and rare old coins can bring in big money.

Regular toys from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s can actually also be worth a lot.

Vintage Star Wars toys tend to do very well; in 2015, a Bobba Fett figurine in mint condition sold for $27,000 to an internet bidder. It originally cost about $2 when first sold in 1980.

Uncovering your hidden gems will not only clear your clutter but may provide you with some extra cash and there are plenty of ways to sell. An app like Let Go or web sites like eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to start. You can also call an auction gallery such as San Rafael Auction Gallery www.sanrafaelauction.com.

Happy hunting!

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If you’re a group retiree or part of a Medicare health plan, you may be eligible for a free SilverSneakers membership.

This membership gives you access to more than 13,000 fitness centers around the country, including local 24Hour Fitness Larkspur and Curves San Rafael.

SPRING CLEANING: FINDING HIDDEN MONEY IN YOUR HOME

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A New Financial Course

By Kathleen Nemetz

quiz that covered such basics as annuities, company retirement plans and investment strategies.

It’s easy to improve your financial IQ these days. Online programs, advisors and government tools such as the Medicare website and MyMoney.gov are available, as well as free financial assistance programs specifically for women.

It’s never too late to take control of your finances

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omen are earning more and living longer than ever before, but many women still lack solid retirement and long-term financial

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NUTRITION BITES

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The Ultimate Immune Boosting Soup 1 T coconut oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 lb shitake mushrooms 1 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tsp turmeric

planning skills. A 2017 survey conducted by The American College of Financial Services found that more than 80% of women age 60 to 75 failed a retirement income literacy

12 cups water 4 heads baby bok choy, bottoms chopped off 1/2 head kale, chopped optional: 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

INSTRUCTIONS Chop off the bottom stems from mushroom tops and slice tops into large pieces.

Heat up coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent.

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The Women’s Institute for Financial Education is a nonprofit organization that provides guidelines on cost of living, retirement

Add in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Add in celery and mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms have wilted.

Add in spices (including ginger, if using) and water and bring to a boil.

Then let simmer, covered for 1 hour or as long as you want (the longer you leave, the better!)

Add bok choy and kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt.

Serve warm or store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

planning, taxes, divorce and widowhood. www. wife.org •

The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing long-term financial welfare for women with a focus on retirement security. www. wiserwomen.org

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The Financial Literacy Organization for Women and Girls (FLOW) is a charitable organization dedicated to empowering females of all ages to achieve their financial best. sitting-pretty.org

Kathleen Nemetz, MBA, CFP®, CDFA ™ is a financial advisor and Certified Financial Planner. She will speak about “Money Decisions for Life” on Tuesday, May 21 at Whistlestop. See class listings on page six for info.

HAPPENINGS@WHISTLESTOP

WEEKLYACTIVITIES

FRIDAYS

COMPUTER

EXERCISE

LANGUAGE

MISC

TIME

CLASS

INFO

FEE

9:45AM-10:45AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 9:30–10:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 11:30AM–12:30PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM 9:30AM-12:30PM 10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-4:45PM 9:00AM-10:00AM 9:30AM-10:30AM 9:30AM-11:00AM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM–2:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 9:00AM-10:00AM 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM–NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

Zumba Gold Computer Lab German Social Group Persian Social Group Tai Chi Russian Social Group ESL 100, 150, 250 Whistlesizers Mah-Jongg French All Levels Spanish 2 Spanish 1 French Social Group Too Much Stuff?

Monthly Food Box for Seniors 5/15 Senior Circle 5/1 Computer Lab Persian Social Group Beginner Ukulele Inter. Ukulele ESL 100, 150, 250 Citizenship Exam Tutoring Rollin’ Root Farmers’ Market Shake Up Your Mornings w/ Carol Italian 1 (Max. 10) Open Art Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Adv.Write Your Life Stories 5/2 & 5/9 Italian 2 Community Breakfast 5/3 CalFresh 5/3 & 5/17 BrightStar Health Check 5/10 & 5/24 Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Register Register

$6/8 Free Free Free $8/10 Free $40/45 $4/5 Free $3/5 $3/5 $3/5 Free Free Free Free Free Free $40/45 $40/45 $40/45 $35/$40

AAC closed on Monday May 27 for Memorial Day *

Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Register Drop-in Prerequisite required Register Drop-in (415)697-7411 Drop-in Register at 11:30 am Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in

$6/8 $30/35 Free $4/5 $30/35 $2/4 $20/30 $30/35 $3/6 Free Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5

For a full list of classes, visit whistlestop.org/classes/ ONGOING calendar or to register call EVENTS 415-456-9062, ext. 100 Senior Circle in partnership with Hospice by the Bay

First Wednesday of the Month; May 1; 10:00am-11:30am; Free; Drop-in With an open heart and an open mind, please join LCSW, Jill Cordova-Holt as our new Senior Circle facilitator. Sometimes we all need a little support when it comes to aging gracefully and leading ourselves through some emotional support.

Community Breakfast

Friday, May 3; 9:00am-10:00am; $3/6; Drop-in Stop by and enjoy our tasty, hot breakfast buffet.

Rollin’ Root Mobile Farmer’s Market Truck

Thursdays rain or shine; 9:00am-10:00am The Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Mobile Farmer’s Market visits Whistlestop every Thursday, rain or shine. Purchase local seasonal fruits and vegetables with ease right here at Whistlestop.

Healthy Aging Workshop

Thursday, May 16; 12:30pm-2:00pm; Free; Registration required 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 scorecard. Dr. Whitney will help you evaluate and identify the areas where you can improve your health and your life.

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THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

FOOD

MAY

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SPECIAL EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Cinco de Mayo Luncheon

Thursday, May 2; 11:30pm -1:00pm; $10, Limited number of tickets available Celebrate the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the FrancoMexican War. Entertainment will begin at 12:00pm.

Empowerment through the Forgiveness of Self & Others

Wednesday, May 8; 9:30am-11:00am; Free; Registration Required Are you seeking peace from resentment that you are holding toward another or yourself? Are you interested in finding freedom from it? If you answered yes to either question, then join this highly interactive workshop. It focuses on the nuts & bolts of how to forgive one other person and yourself. You leave feeling lighter in your body, more centered, as well as more freedom in your heart. Join this powerful and enlightening workshop and gain relief from resentment.

Mother’s Day Luncheon

Thursday, May 9; 11:30pm -1:00pm; $10, Limited number of tickets available Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

Join us at Whistlestop as we celebrate the most important women in our lives! Entertainment will begin at 12:00pm.

First Ever Spring Sale!

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Thursday, May 9; 10:00am-1:00pm Are you having trouble finding that quirky gift for your mom, daughter, sister, or friend for Mother’s Day? Stop by the Spring Sale before lunch and shop to your heart's content.

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Whistlestop’s Friends & Family Paint Night

Thursday, May 9, 3:00pm-6:00pm; $40 per person; Registration Required Painting is a great form of self-expression! If you need some guidance, Wine & Design is here to help. Join Jackie from Wine & Design at Whistlestop’s First Friends & Family Paint Night. Tickets are limited.

Understanding Medical Cannabis as we Age

Tuesday, May 14; 11:00am-Noon; Free: Registration Required Join Marin Gardens Delivery to discuss how medical cannabis can help you! Aches and pains? Trouble sleeping? Have you been curious about cannabis but not sure whom to ask? We would love the chance to answer any questions you have.

It is Never Too Late to Ask for Help

Wednesday, May 15; 10:00am-11:00am; Free; Registration Required Do you find yourself wondering about your finances, your career options or your housing options? Join Leslie Klor from Sparkpoint to learn more about how to save money, set a budget, housing options for seniors and much more!

Money Decisions for Life

Tuesday, May 21; 11:00am-Noon; Free: Registration Required We need guidance on financial decisions at all ages. Kathleen Nemetz, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner, Joann Babiak, family law attorney and CPA Alexia Cloutier will share money management tips such as saving for short and long term goals, tax planning for savings, and better money management in marriage.

Navigating the 3 M’s of Aging: Meaning, Mourning & Memory Loss

Wednesday, May 29; 10:00 am-11:15 am; Free; Registration required Join Jacob Brown an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with older adults, helping them to navigate the emotional & physical challenges of aging. In this presentation, we will look at the emotional impact of aging. We will examine some of the challenges our clients face as they navigate an ever-changing landscape of cognitive abilities, physical limitations, and a cascade of losses. We will discuss strategies for helping seniors successfully adjust to these difficult transitions.

Hawaii comes to the Jackson Café!

Thursday, May 30; Noon-1:00pm; Free; Entertainment provided during lunch Enjoy lunch and a show at the Jackson Café! Charlotte Kaboyashi and dancers will demonstrate the art of Hula accompanied by Sandy Bailey our ukulele instructor.

SELECTED

Tai Chi

Mondays, 11:00am-Noon; $8/10; Drop-in Join David MacLam on a Tai Chi journey.

This non-competitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and health benefits combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.

CLASSES

Line Dancing

Mondays/Wednesdays; May 13/May 15, May 20/May 22; 2:00pm-3:00pm; $5/$7 Do not worry if you have two left feet—everyone is welcome to join the line-up for the dance party. Dixie James is your guide to all the line dance choreography you will need to know. Make sure to wear your best western attire.

Whistlesizers

Tuesday, 9:30am-10:30am & Thursday, 11:00am-Noon; $4/5; Drop-in Join Elizabeth Lynn, instructor for gentle chair exercises and light cardio to improve your strength, flexibility and motion.

Open Art

Thursdays; 11:00am-1:00pm; Free; Drop-In Do you have art projects that are unfinished? Would you like guidance and support from other artists? Join our newest Art facilitator Mary Brooks in doing art here at Whistlestop!

Shake up Your Mornings with Carol

Thursdays; 9:30am-10:30am $6/8; Drop-in Picture this: A great song comes on, and you start humming along, maybe tapping your feet. Join our newest dance teacher, Carol Butler and shake up your mornings!

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Fresh. Affordable. Delicious.

Jackson Café Located in Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center

Entrées from $ $ 6- 10 Open to the public for LUNCH every weekday!

PRE-REGISTRATION AND

COMPUTER CLASSES May, June, July, August, 2019

PAYMENT REQUIRED: 415-456-9062

Managing Your Photos

Tuesdays, May 7 & 14, 10:00 am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Learn how to take and edit photos on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device (Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc.). We'll also show you how to store your photos, transfer them all into one place, organize them into folders and how to get them printed. Bring photos on your digital camera, smartphone, iPad or tablet (and all charging cords), to class, and if you have a laptop bring that too!

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications

Tuesdays, June 4 & June 11, 10:00 am – Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review basics and learn about built-in apps including photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and more! Please bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only.)

iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications

Trusted providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. licensed • bonded • insured

Tuesdays, July 16 & July 23, (2 classes) 10am – Noon Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course we will focus on how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, and travel (Lyft/Uber). Learn how to organize apps and how to get rid of unwanted apps. This is a perfect sequel to "How to Use Your iPad/iPhone" and "Essential Built-in Applications" classes. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only.)

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device

HOMEWELL 1/4 SQ

Light Housekeeping & Laundry Meal Preparation & Clean Up Medication Reminders Personal Care • Respite Care Wardrobe, Dressing Assistance Help with Daily Grooming Bathing & Toileting Assistance Help with Ambulation

• Bed-bound Assistance • Protective Supervision for those with Impaired Judgment • Transportation & Errand Services • Companionship, Conversation • Meal Planning, Grocery Shopping • Help with Pets And much, much more…

(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com

ONGOING Open Lab

No Fee | Every Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 am-12 noon Use our Apple and PC computers to access the Internet.

Volunteers are available to help and give advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications.

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Thursdays, August 22 & August 29, 10:00 am – 12 noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course for those new to the smart phone/wireless device world, you'll learn how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

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HIGHLIGHTED

SUPPORT SERVICES

CalFresh (eligibility & application assistance)

Friday, May 3 & May 17, 10:00am-12:00pm; Free; Drop-in The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, CalFresh, provides qualified applicants with an EBT card to use at participating grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

SF-Marin Food Bank’s Monthly Food Box for older adults

Wednesday, May 15; 9:30am-12:30pm; Free; Drop-in The SF-Marin Food Bank operates the Supplemental Food Program, providing a monthly box of quality U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food to low income older adults. To register, bring an ID, proof of income, and proof of residency and one of the Food Bank specialists will determine your eligibility.

VALLEY MEMORIAL 1/4 SQ

Bi-Weekly Blood Pressure Checks, Cholesterol Screenings, and Medication Reviews

Friday, May 10 & May 24; 10:30am-Noon; Free; Drop-in Bi-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.

Free Legal Consultation

Thursday, By Appointment Only; call 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Volunteer lawyers offer estate planning advice, explain legal options and rights, and recommend referrals to attorneys who have expertise in your particular area of concern.

Covia’s Social Call Program

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Are you an older adult or a homebound or disabled individual who lives alone? Register today for free, reassuring calls three mornings a week to say, “Good morning” and check in with you. Call 1-877-797-7299.

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Nutrition Workshop Series in partnership with the SF-Marin Food Bank Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28; 3:00pm-4:00pm; Free; Registration Required Join SF-Marin Food Bank’s Senior Nutrition Education Coordinator, Nalleli Martinez-Prieto as she walks participants through different aspects of food and nutrition such as food groups, whole grains, sugar and salt intake, as well as reading nutrition labels.

THE REDWOODS 1/4 SQ

2018

Schedule a Tour!

Contact: Cheri Drees 415.383.2741 x223

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

SNF# 010000390 RCFE# 210102866

GETTING AROUND

Carepool by Whistlestop: Offers free volunteer rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social engagement for Marin County older adults 65+, providing “door-throughdoor” service and extra support. This program serves all of Marin County except for West Marin.

Phone: 415-454-0927.

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STAR & TRIP Volunteer Driver by Marin Transit: Provide mileage reimbursement for friends, neighbors, caregivers and other community members who provide older adults with rides. TRIP serves residents in West Marin (call Travel Navigators at 415-454-0902 for a volunteer driver) or West Marin Senior Services (WMSS) at 415-663-8148 x103 for West Marin residents.

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Marin and Sausalito Villages: Provide volunteerrun "door through door" rides to appointments, errands, social events and programs. Membership is required. Call 415-457-4633 for Mill Valley, Ross Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Tiburon and Twin Cities or visit marinvillages.org. For Sausalito Village call 415-332-3325 or visit sausalitovillage.org.

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C.A.R.S.S. (Call A Ride for Sausalito Seniors): Provides free volunteer rides for older adults 60+ living in Sausalito, Monday-Friday 10 am – 2 pm. Select additional rides are offered each month for evening events in the same area. Phone: 415-944-5474.

Low Cost Transportation Options in Marin County

By David Ohman

M

arin County is fortunate to have residents with vision and compassion who have voted for funding to support some of the lowest-cost transit fares in the Bay Area.

Here is a list: •

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Marin Transit: Regular bus routes: 50% discount available off the usual $2 per ride fare for older adults and people with disabilities. Stagecoach Routes 61 and 68 serve the West Marin area.

Phone: 415-454-0902 – Web: marintransit.org ADA Paratransit (operated by Whistlestop): Available the same days and hours as local bus service. This is a shared door-to-door service and reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Most fares are $2 per trip (with some exceptions).

Whistlestop ADA Paratransit

receive a 50% discount on standard fares. Phone: 877-878-8883.

For eligibility and/or to schedule a ride, call: 415-454-0902.

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Catch-A-Ride: Subsidized taxi program for older adults or those with disabilities. Eligible riders can schedule up to eight rides per month.

Phone: 415-454-0902.

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART): Passengers 65+ and those with disabilities can

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Marin Access Travel Navigators: Helps older adults and people with disabilities understand the various transit options available to them.

Phone: 415-454-0902 and select option # 2.

These are FREE volunteer driver programs around the County:

AGE FRIENDLY Mill Valley Age Friendly Fair

Take the Age Friendly San Rafael Survey!

Learn about retirement planning, health screening, smart phone, computer classes, travel possibilities, housing, nutrition and more.

If you live in San Rafael, and are 60+, the city’s volunteer Age Friendly Task Force invites you to take a simple survey to help make San Rafael a great place for people of all ages to live. You can fill out the survey at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center or call Guest Services at 415-456-9062.

Location: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley When: May 10, 2019, 11am - 2pm

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Assisted Living at its Best!

By Adrian Jones

A Look at Value-Based Investing

♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo

BELLO GARDEN Juanita says “WE CARE” 1/8 The most famous duck in San Anselmo!

Visit us today for a tour!

Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com

Adrian Jones Mirador Capital Partners, LP

T

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS M AY 2 019

no gas... all electric no noise... quiet power no license, insurance, maintenance

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NORTH COAST MOBILITY 1/8 Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals

415.457.1664 1281 Anderson Dr., Ste. F, San Rafael

echnology has changed the way we live, work and play.

One of the benefits of these technological advances is new ways to invest, including value-based investing.

Historically, only well-heeled institutions could afford to have customized valuesbased portfolios built for them because a team of portfolio managers was required to manage the funds. But now, individual investors can obtain these portfolios – and express their personal or social values through the use of customized indexing. This dynamic indexing is made possible by advances in technology and increased transparency of data.

And investors can access these portfolios with as little as $100.

Here’s how values-based portfolios work. Once a financial advisor knows your goals and risk budget they select an index, such

as the S&P 500, from which to build the portfolio. Then they screen out companies that don’t match your values. The remaining firms are reweighted and then optimized to seek returns of the underlying index. These portfolios can be customized to your specific set of values and investment goals.

For example, if you are into healthy living, are antigun or tobacco or support reforestation or animal welfare, you can build a portfolio that reflects these causes while eliminating investments that run counter to them. Mission-driven organizations can also do this. For instance, they can align their endowments or employee 401(k) plans to reflect their mission.

Finally, these portfolios utilize tax-loss harvesting strategies, which enable portfolios to realize losses in a way that can potentially improve after-tax returns.

This could yield additional investment benefits.

Values-based investing is more than just investing, it allows an individual’s values to make an impact through their investments.

Adrian Jones is an executive vice president with Mirador Capital Partners. For more information visit, www.miradorcp.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Working in Retirement: The New Normal

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any people 50 years old and older are finding themselves in a “new” normal of financial uncertainty. Whether due to being downsized from a job, not planning for retirement at the level that is required to live comfortably today, or unexpected medical and other bills, people in pre-retirement and retirement are finding that they still need to work.

YWCA 50+ Workshop

Sweet Things Bakery | Stacy Scott Catering Special Thanks to: Vickie Soulier

less on average, as compared to the national average of 57 weeks. Additionally, almost half are seeing a wage increase in their first job after completing their Fifty+ training, with the median wage secured over $21 per hour. That’s more than double Marin’s minimum wage.

In addition to the Fifty+ initiative, the Marin YWCA offers AARP Foundation classes for men and women, and Medicare and Social Security presentations for Fifty+ clients. For mature women looking for work in our community there are many resources available.

For more information and help visit: www.ywcasfmarin.org and www.aarp.org.

HIRED HANDS 1/4 SQ

M AY 2 019 WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting Whistlestop!

Fortunately, resources are available that address this new societal reality.

In 55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal author Elizabeth White shares stories from people experiencing financial insecurity and provides support information to navigate these unexpected challenges. A discovery through her research is

that these new financial tests affect older women in greater numbers. Today, there are 5.7 million more women age sixty-five and over than there are men.

In Marin, the YWCA’S Fifty+ Employment Support Program is serving hundreds of low-income women each year with services and strategies to improve job seeking efforts and readiness. Fifty+ believes that all women should have access to economic stability through employment opportunities, and that they should earn a good wage for the work they do.

Through the YWCA’S Fifty+ Employment Support Program women over 55 are finding jobs in 28.5 weeks or

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VOLUNTEER FAIR

Whistlestop

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

Navigating the 3Ms of Aging:

Meaning, Mourning & Memory Loss

By Yvonne Roberts

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS M AY 2 019

T

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he world likes to think of older adults as happy and carefree retirees.

But in reality, aging can be very stressful. Every aspect of an individual’s life is undergoing change. Activities that used to be easy are now a challenge. People they loved and relied on are no longer there.

Yvonne Roberts Some of the things that gave their life joy and meaning have been lost.

In this presentation we’ll look at the emotional impact of aging. We’ll examine some of the challenges our participants face as they navigate an ever-changing landscape of cognitive abilities, physical limitations, and a cascade of losses. We’ll discuss strategies for helping older adults successfully adjust to these difficult transitions.

Please join us at Whistlestop on Wednesday, May 29th from 10-11:15 am for an informative presentation by Jacob Brown.

Jacob is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with older adults, helping them to navigate the emotional and physical challenges of aging. In addition, Jacob provides grief counseling for individuals of all ages.

Jacob’s office is in Corte Madera and he serves clients throughout Marin County, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Kindly register: 415-456-9062. Free estate planning binders for attendees.

This presentation is sponsored by Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Novato.

Need help with your estate documents? Older adults may schedule free half hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin, by calling Whistlestop’s Resource Office: 415-459-6700.

To learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, please contact Yvonne Roberts at yroberts@whistlestop.org, or 415-295-0578.

You Can Make a Difference!

We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.

DATE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

TIME

3pm-4:30pm (drop-in)

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901

LOCATION

Volunteer positions include: • CarePool volunteer drivers • Meals on Wheels drivers • Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers • General office help and Parking Services • Home Delivered Grocery Shoppers (in partnership with Covia) For more information contact: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager Phone: 415-456-9067 or Email: volunteer@ whistlestop.org