E PRESS
whistlestop.org February 2018
Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 3: Music and Movement Pg 9: Get Fit all over Marin Pg 12: Vote for Whistlestop in Best of Marin
Stretch for Fitness
WHISTLESTOP
Whistlestop Perspective
930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 9am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop.
Teaching is a Way to Contribute By Elizabeth Lynn
WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org
Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs Manager
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 acollazo@metronews.com
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Rosemary Olson, Publisher
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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.
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efore I started leading classes at Whistlestop Active Aging Center, I used some of the resources there and was very impressed. The staff is friendly, cheerful and caring. Whistlestop is a one-stop resource for older adults from fitness to housing and everything else important for them. Older adults are a treasure for our families and communities and deserve to be valued, something that Whistlestop does supremely well. I lead two types of fitness classes. Whistlesizers is a very safe, gentle, mostly chair (although standing is always optional) fitness class for older adults. Keeping the focus on safety and fun, this class is designed to improve range of motion, strength, flexibility, and to provide some light cardio, all with motivating music. Participants have the opportunity to get to know each other in this class and there is often laughter. I am certified through the American Senior Fitness Association.
Elizabeth Lynn
Age Reversing Essentrics draws on the flowing movements of T’ai Chi for health and balance, ballet for strength, and flexibility and physiotherapy for healing and pain relief. Age Reversing Essentrics is a gentle, slow-paced class of standing and floor movement. The class focuses on reawakening the body’s balance reflexes and gently increasing mobility, while simultaneously strengthening the muscles. It’s also designed to provide relief from chronic aches, pain and joint stiffness. I am certified through Essentrics. Short workouts called “Classical Stretch” can be seen on PBS. Most participants in my classes are in their 70s and 80s with a few in their 90s. I am one of the youngest at 67. Current research, from holistic to conventional medicine and the Alzheimer’s Association, shows that exercise is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental health. At Whistlesizers, the social aspect is an added benefit of the class with the participants getting to know each other
‘The class focuses on reawakening the body’s balance reflexes...’ so they have fun while they exercise. When not leading fitness classes, I like to read and I have been writing a memoir. I am passionate about wellness and nutrition and on February 21st at 10am I will be giving a presentation at Whistlestop on “Wellness Naturally.” (See page 6 for details.) I also practice the selfempowering and lifeaffirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. I am very active in our global community, called the Soka Gakkai International, and I volunteer many hours a week supporting the members. Nichiren Buddhism believes in the interconnectiveness and sanctity of all life and the dignity of all people, so we strive to live a contributive life.
Movement and Music Help Balance By John Bowman
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Rotary Home Team Work Day Saturday — February 10, 2018 from approximately 9AM — Noon Free service for senior homeowners in San Rafael with financial and or physical challenges. Restrictions may apply if you rent.
Diane Hain
the one-hour class. Most of her students stand during the class, although some remain seated. “Some of the students are in wheelchairs, but they participate right along with the others. Some of the chair exercises are pulse raising. We also do some light weights and a lot of stretching, sometimes with batons or long wooden dowels.” Despite having a knee replacement, Diane goes through all of the movements with her students, which helps keep her in good shape. “Not like when I was twenty,” she says, laughing. Some students have told Diane that the last eight to ten minutes of class are their favorite part. “We play music, often classical, and relax with some deep breathing. We even include some adaptive T’ai Chi movements. Very relaxing. I hope I can continue doing this for a long time.”
Replace Lightbulbs
Batteries in smoke detectors
Unclog most drains
Silence squeaky doors
Reset blown fuses
Some small repairs
Lightly trim bushes at front doors (no weeding or heavy yard work.) Call, no later than noon on Thurs., Feb 1 with questions or to schedule a service.
Christine Ness, 415-456-9068 or cness@jtm-esc.org Home Team Partners: Episcopal Senior Communities, Marin Center for Independent Living, Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael, Rotary International, Whistlestop
Pauline Turns 109! Pauline Angleman of Larkspur turned 109 in October. Pauline is shown with her special birthday cake. Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir presented her with a certificate for free lunches for life in the Jackson Café.
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aintaining our balance is critical as we age so that we can avoid falls and serious injuries. Whistlestop offers a way to do this in Diane Hain’s popular Movement and Music class. “Keep moving; that’s the secret,” says Diane, who has taught classes at Whistlestop and other sites for 39 years. She is a graduate of Dominican University in San Rafael, where she earned a degree in Movement Education. In her graduate project, she wrote about how older adults can gain spiritual, psychological and physical wellbeing if they keep moving. “I wanted a career where I could help people.” Diane, who lives in Fairfax, loves teaching her class and says, “I so enjoy my students. They’re more like friends really.” She describes her Monday morning class as “a good, moderate exercise class for older adults. We focus on balance and joint flexibility.” Her students, usually 13 per class in the winter months and 16 to 18 otherwise, range in age from about 60 to 80. The class starts with a warm-up and then moves into movements that will help with balance and muscle strengthening. Music plays throughout most of
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Minimize Fall Risk
Include Pets in Your Plans By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher
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ets are integral members of our families. They may be our only companions. It’s important to include pets in your estate planning process. Planning ahead will ensure that when you become ill, incapacitated, or die, your pets will be taken care of according to your wishes. Relying on the promises of family or friends to take care of your pets does not always work well.
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Please join San Rafael based estate planning attorney, J.R
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Hastings, for his presentation on Planning to Care for Your Pets, on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 10-11am at Whistlestop. Imagine if you did not come home this evening, who would feed your pets? Who would know the proper care of your best friends when you no longer can provide that care? How would anyone know what your pet loves and needs? In a uniquely designed Pet Trust Seminar, attorney
Hastings will lead a discussion about the law, the practicalities and the common sense care for your fluffy, feathery, and furry friends. The answer for you may result in the addition of simple paragraphs to your latest will or even a whole article creating a Pet Trust. Who knows? Certainly answers will start the communication you need to have. We look forward to a purrrfect seminar with you. Need help with your estate documents? Whistlestop, in partnership with Legal Aid of Marin, offers Marin older adults free half-hour appointments in a two-hour window on the first four Thursdays of the month. For an appointment, call Information and Referral: 415-459-6700. For a free booklet, “How to Make a Will That Works,” or to learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’ArcyFisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop. org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.
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By Cynthia Seymour, MA, CNA, Health Navigator
ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. How do you minimize the risk of a fall?
Our 3 Step Approach 1. Seek the advice of a physician and rule out underlying causes, which can range from chronic conditions and infections to cognitive impairment, vision changes, dementia or medications. 2. Use health insurance for skilled care to improve balance and strength. 3. Add social determinants, including home care (also referred to as personal or custodial care), transportation and other services in the community for quality of life. Once the physician has figured out what is contributing to weakness, imbalance and gait issues, they should initiate the conversation about treatments and next steps. Solutions may range from physical therapy (PT), to ambulatory aids (walkers) and home care. With a doctor’s order, Medicare can
cover a certain number of PT visits per year in clinic or in home if eligible. Home care is an anchor and can be accomplished through private caregivers, agencies, family members and adult day programs. Transportation, meal programs, supervised activities and classes are other elements to consider. We believe your care plan must run parallel to your financial plan and the goal is to optimize care, safety and contentment within the confines of health insurance, other benefits and personal financial means.
More Tips: •
Make a doctor’s appointment to address concerns and take notes
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Add clinical care, outpatient PT or home health (skilled care)
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Seek to improve balance and strength through exercise
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Add attendant care
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Make corrections: ambulatory aids, vision, home environment
Cynthia Seymour is Founder of Care Navigate in association with Seymour Cheplick Care Associates, Care Coaching for Elders and Families. Contact: cseymour@ carenavigate.com
Best of Whistlestop 2017 Whistlestop is proud of its dedicated employees and we want to honor those pictured here as our Best of Whistlestop. They keep the wheels turning throughout our operation, which has been serving Marin’s older adults for 64 years.
Marin Contracts Drivers & Attendants Christina Darin, Driver
Active Aging Programs & Services Bhuvana Seshadri, Accounting Specialist
Marin Paratransit Drivers Andrew Sayers, Driver
San Francisco Contracts & Attendants Tanika Turley, Driver
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Transportation Support Connie Andersen, Scheduler
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Keep Learning at Whistlestop
For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center (930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael). Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call 415-456-9062 with questions or to sign up. The Active Aging Center will be closed to observe President’s Day on Monday, February 19th.
Wellness Naturally: Elizabeth Lynn’s Secret to a Healthier Life Wed, Feb 21, 10-11am No fee; Presenter: Elizabeth Lynn Whistlestop’s Whistlesizers and Age Reversing Essentrics Instructor will discuss her personal story of health issues to good health. She will talk from the heart about exercise, not smoking, minimizing toxins in the environment, diet, sleep, stress management and life forces. She has helped her physical problems by natural means, and is pain free and full of energy. She is not a certified MD or PhD, but wants to empower people to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café at Whistlestop Drop in for the best deal in town! Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, which includes a beverage, fruit and juice.
Zumba Class
SPECIAL EVENTS Marin County Commission on Aging Meeting Thur, Feb 1; Free and open to the public
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Presentation: 10-11am; Dimensions of Dementia 2; Speaker: Dr. Rammohan Rao
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Meeting: 11:15am, Marin County Commission on Aging Meeting Take the SMART Train to Whistlestop and stay for a delicious lunch in the Jackson Café; $6/$10.
The Crystal and Dan Duo Thur, Feb 1, 11:30am-12:30pm; No fee The Duo will be performing songs with a classical guitar accompanied by Crystal’s beautiful voice.
Screenings in the Resource Office Schedule a free 15-minute hearing screening. If you have hearing impairment, you may be eligible to receive a free phone complimentary of the California Telephone Access Program, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. Call 415-457-0586 to schedule an appointment. If you have recently had a hearing screening by a certified agent and have an impairment, please visit http:// www.californiaphones.org/application; fill out the form and submit it.
Valentine’s Day Luncheon Thur, Feb 8, 12:15-1:15pm Entertainment in the Jackson Café featuring Tina Carrello Duo; Lunches starting at $6, no tickets required for this event. Share the love; come eat lunch with a loved one or friend.
Free Phones & Hearing Screenings courtesy of CA Telephone Access Program
Estate Planning: to Care for Your Pets
Tue, Feb 6, 9:30am-12:30pm;
Who will take care of your best
Wed, Feb 28, 10-11am; No fee
furry, feathery friends after you pass away? In a uniquely designed Pet Trust Seminar, Attorney James R. Hastings will lead a discussion about the law, the practicalities and the common sense care for your pets. You may simply need to add a paragraph to your will or add a whole Pet Trust. We look forward to a purrrfect seminar with you.
How the Equifax Breach Affects You: Navigating Finances as an Older Adult Wed, Feb 21, No fee; Presenter: Kristina Warcholski If you have a credit report, there’s a good chance you’re one of 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in the data breach at Equifax. Find out what actions to take to protect your information from being misused. Presenter Kristina Warcholski is the Consumer and Community Mediation Coordinator with the Consumer Protection Unit of the Marin County District Attorney’s Office. Can’t come to the workshop? Visit: Identitytheft.gov/databreach
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS “Write Your Life Stories” Workshop Thur, Mar 1-Mar 22, 4 weeks, 1-3pm; Fee $20/30; Instructor: Jean Stumpf In this group, we will write our life stories using themes and following the Birren process. The workshop exercises, along with discussion, weekly writing assignments and story sharing, help keep participants inspired to continue writing.
Italian Beginning and Advanced Thur, Mar 1-Apr 26 (no class Apr 5); 8 weeks, $30/40; Instructor: Karen Raccanello Italian 3: 12:30-1:30pm; Advance from Level 2 to join this challenging Italian language and culture class. Preregistration required. Italian 2: 2-3pm; Class offers interactive instruction focusing on Italian language and culture. Preregistration required.
Ukulele Beginning and Advanced Wed, Feb 21-Mar 28; 6 weeks, $40/45; Instructor: Sandy Bailey Beginning 11:30am-12:30pm Advanced 12:30-1:30pm Strum your way to happiness. Bring your own ukulele.
Age Reversing Essentric Exercise Class Mondays, 12:45-1:45pm, $6/8; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn This class is a gentle, slow-paced program of relaxed movement aimed at regaining mobility while building strength, reawakening the body’s balance ref lexes and providing relief from pain and tension. Perfect for injury recovery and improved overall health.
Whistlesizers Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am and Thursdays, 11am-Noon; $4/5; Instructor Elizabeth Lynn The instructor uses breathing muscle exercises to improve posture and relieve pain. Leg exercises increase blood f low and provide knee protection. No registration required. Students must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.
Yoga Fridays, 3-4pm; Fee $3/5; Instructor: Kelly Yoga for all levels is offered to gain and maintain balance, strength and flexibility of both body and mind. Yoga experience is not necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat. No registration required. Students must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:3010:30am, Fee $6/8; Instructor: Pam Feel energized as you experience a fun, motivating combination of music and dance steps guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba movements are easy for all activity levels. No registration required.
Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for
Write Your Life Stories Intro Wed, Feb 7, 9:30-11am; Fee: $5; GAB Instructor: Jean Stumpf Learn how to write your memoir with the Birren Method, known as Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Tickle your memories while doing short writing exercises with an option to share your unique life stories. Beginners and seasoned writers welcome. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 for questions.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Therapeutic Medical Massage by Rabel Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri, 10am1pm; Fee: $1/minute Drop in – first come/first served – or call Rabel at 415-419-4608 to schedule a clothes-on massage. Rabel is a soft tissue specialist, certified by the American Medical Massage Association.
Bi-Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, & Medication Reviews 2nd and 4th Fri, 9:30-11am; Free Blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews offered by BrightStar Care. No registration required. BrightStar also provides in-home care and caregiving; call 415-332-3300.
HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES
Technology February March 2018 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062 Intro to Computers – Windows or Apple
password to class. (For Apple devices only.)
Tuesdays, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, 10am-Noon (4 classes) Fee: $65 Maximum 6 people
Tech Tips for Transportation
Technology 4 Life offers a workshop for seniors who want to learn how to use iPads and tablets and what they can do on the Internet. We have iPads and tablets for you to try while we teach you some basics. Learn how to shop from home or where to catch a bus to the doctor’s office or the movie theater, or where to find answers to medical issues. Learn a few basic steps so you can use the Internet safely and protect your privacy. You will learn with other beginners just like you.
iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, Mar 15 & 22, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48; Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, review the basics of your device and learn how to get the most out of built-in apps including Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and Maps/GPS. We’ll find and install new apps, and update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple
Tuesdays, Mar 13 & 20, 10amNoon (2 classes) Fee: $10 Your Smart Phone, tablet and computer are great tools for getting rides! In partnership with Marin Transit, this discounted class gives you transportation options in Marin. Go online and use websites and apps to find the fastest and cheapest ways to get where you want to go. Travel by bus, SMART train, ferry, Lyft, subsidized taxis or maybe a ride from a volunteer. Bring your Smart Phone, tablet or laptop to class; computers will be available. We will help you set up a Clipper card with a built in senior discount. Especially geared to older adults and disabled riders as well as caregivers.
ONGOING Open Lab | No Fee Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteers are available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance is offered on Wednesdays from 11am-Noon.
Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop and Mill Valley Community Center. By appointment only: 415-459-6700 Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are 60+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in their particular area of concern.
11:30AM - 2PM
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Zumba Gold
independent older men and women (55+), who give each other the gift of listening in a caring environment, which encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences – the joys, concerns, and wisdom.
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Celebrate! We’ve been doing that since 1972
Whistlestop Weekly Activities Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM
Schedule a Visit!
Thank You Marin!
Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741
pbill@theredwoods.org
10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 12:45PM-1:45PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 9:30AM-10:30AM
TUESDAYS
A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.
MONDAYS
10:00AM-NOON
10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
Voted Best Senior Living
10:00AM-11:30AM
40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org WEDNESDAYS
10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM
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THURSDAYS
10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 10:30AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON
FRIDAYS
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9:30AM-10:30AM
10:00AM-1:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
CLASS INFO FEE Zumba Gold Drop-in $6/8 Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt. or drop-in $1/min Computer Lab Drop-in Free German Social Circle Drop-in Free Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Adult Coloring Drop-in Free Movement & Music (415-485-9318) 1/29-3/12 $59 Russian Social Group Drop-in Free Age Reversing Essentrics Drop-in $6/8 ESL Classes 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Mah Jongg Drop-in Free French Class Drop-in $3/5 French Social Group Drop-in Free Intermediate Spanish Class Drop-in $3/5 Beginning Spanish Drop-in $3/5 Senior Circle Drop-in Free Computer Lab Drop-in Free Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt. or drop-in $1/min Persian Social Group Drop-in Free Multicultural Senior Program* Drop-in Free Adult Coloring Drop-in Free Beginners Ukulele (6 weeks) 2/21-3/28 $40/45 Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) 2/21-3/28 $40/45 Knitting/Crocheting Group Drop-in Free ESL Classes 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Citizenship Exam Prep Class Register; ongoing $40/50 Zumba Gold Drop-in $6/8 Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt or drop-in $1/min Whistlesizers Drop-in $4/5 Italian 3 1/4-2/22 $30/405 Italian Study Group for Italian 2 Drop-in $2/4 Vietnamese Social Group Drop-in Free Italian 2 1/4-2/22 $30/40 BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri Drop-in Free Brown Bag Pantry 415-456-9067 Free Therapeutic Massage (415-419-4608) By appt or drop-in $1/min Movie Club Drop-in Free Spanish Club Drop-in Free Ping-Pong Drop-in $2/4 Yoga with Kelly Drop-in $3/5
* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed) | # Fees member/nonmember
Community Connections
Get Fit All Over Marin The following venues can help you get fit and stay healthy. These venues are also listed in our Whistlestop Guide and Directory of Older Adults Services.
Corte Madera Swingers 415-927-5072, 458 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera: Exercise classes and T’ai Chi.
Freitas Senior Community T’ai Chi 415-479-7581, 455 Manuel T. Freitas Pkwy, San Rafael
Double Award: Employer of Choice
Quality Assured and Proven. When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication. This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care. Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof
Offers T’ai Chi classes to improve circulation and balance.
Larkspur Walkers 415-927-6746, cityoflarkspur.org
415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com
Walking group meets at 9am Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Piper Park in Larkspur. One hour walk around the park.
Marin YMCA 415-492-9622, 1500 Los Gamos Dr., San Rafael, ymcasf.org
Builds strong communities through health and wellness programs, hikes and social events for older adults.
Whistlestop 4.3438 w x Trusted 4.8438 h providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. 6-22-15 licensed • bonded • insured
Expore Creative 707-938-9960
Osher Marin Jewish Community Center 415-444-8800, 200 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael
Your Health Plan Might Cover the Gym
The Silver&Fit Exercise & Healthy Aging Program provides those who are qualified access to a fitness facility membership through a broad network of participating fitness facilities. If you are not interested in joining a facility, the Silver&Fit program offers a Home Fitness Program, with your choice of up to two Home Fitness Kits per benefit year. For information, visit silverandfitaffinity.com. Another program, SilverSneakers, also covers gym memberships for some health plans. Go to silversneakers. com to check eligibility and to search for gyms and classes available to you in your area.
• • • • • • • •
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
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Full schedule of aquatic and land-based therapeutic exercise programs.
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Getting Around
Whistlestop Gets Her To ‘Water Walking’ Class By John Bowman
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helma Olgiati loves her time as a swimmer and “water walker” at the Mill Valley Recreation Center and she says she couldn’t do it without Whistlestop. “I am so grateful for Whistlestop transportation; I couldn’t do it without them,” says Thelma, who turned 80 in December. She also visits Whistlestop for other activities, including the holiday parties. “Some of the ladies I swim with also go to Whistlestop.” Thelma has a bad knee and misses the hiking she used to do in the Marin County hills. But she is able to swim and waterwalk, which she says, “is
“I couldn’t do it without them.” not only good for my health but is really fun.” She has been going to the heated, indoor pool for eight years. Before that, she swam at the YMCA. Now she swims slow laps and does water walking, which strengthens her knee. Thelma has lived in Sausalito for nearly 30 years. “Before that I lived in the Marina in San Francisco, but my home was seriously damaged in the ’89 earthquake. That’s when I moved to Marin.”
Thelma Olgiati
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Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901
Thank You!
A Licensed Homecare Agency offering
Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state
Celebrating 20 years of service
Geriatric Care Management:
Dignity • Respect • Personal Care • Safety
RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families
All services managed by owner
Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM
Age Friendly Fairfax
Apply for Grand Jury Duty
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and you can download an application and learn more at MarinCounty.org/ Depts/GJ. Or call 415473-6132. You must be interested in investigating the performance of local government agencies and enthusiastic about recommending solutions to improve governance and services. Be ready to commit at least 20 hours a week for one year, beginning July 1, and willing to cooperate with 18 others to achieve a common goal.
Age Friendly Fairfax and Fairfax Recreation are pleased to offer free classes for older adults, as well as a monthly forum and a monthly luncheon. FREE and open to all Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax Fourth Friday 1-2pm Feb. 23: “Staying in Touch with Family & Friends” We all rely on phones and more and more on computers. What special challenges come with age and how do you go about getting the technology you need if you have hearing, vision or mobility limitations? Join a communications and computer expert and a speaker from the California Telephone Access Program; phones and devices will be on display.
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he Grand Jury system has been used in England since the twelfth century. Grand juries were brought to America in 1635 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony empanelled the first one in the new land. The Grand Jury system has been embedded in the California Constitution since the beginning of statehood in 1850. Serving on the Marin Civil Grand Jury is a life-changing experience. You are urged to apply; the deadline is April 22
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Volunteer Opportunities Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life! the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive requests by email, which they can accept or decline. Volunteers need a reliable passenger car, current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License, and a clear background check and DMV report.
2018
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s F e b r u a r y 2 018
Help Whistlestop Be In the ‘Best of Marin’
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You can help Whistlestop to once again be recognized in the Pacific Sun’s Annual “Best of Marin 2018” competition. All you need to do is go online and vote before 5pm on Saturday, Feb. 10th. Simply follow these steps: go to the PacSun website, www.pacificsun.com, and click on the VOTE! Best of Marin banner at the top of the home page. Then vote for the following five categories: • Under “Everyday,” vote for Whistlestop as the Best Senior Services, and for Best Non-Profit. • Under “Food & Drink,” vote for Whistlestop’s Jackson Café as Best Restaurant. • Under “Arts & Culture,” vote for Whistlestock both as Best Music Festival and Best Outdoor Music Festival. You will need to complete at least 20 votes on the ballot in order to be included in the vote total. Also, only 20 votes are allowed per IP address (per computer). Vote now so you don’t forget! We would love to see Whistlestop get this recognition. Thank you for your support!
A CarePool Orientation and Training takes place each month. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.
Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed Monday, Wednesday or Friday to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. Each volunteer agrees to take one, 2-3 hour shift a week. A valid California Driver’s License and clear DMV report are needed with a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.
Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program Volunteer drivers provide round-trip rides to ambulatory older adults to
Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers The Jackson Café provides a warm, 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. Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45 am-2pm. To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415456-9067.