E PRESS
whistlestop.org March 2018
Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 3: County Events in Celebration of the Year of the Older Adult Pg 6: Fire Safety Pg 12: Get the Most from Social Security Benefits
“a celebration of Older Adults who make Marin such a wonderful place to age learn + live” — Supervisor Sears
WHISTLESTOP 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 9am-5pm Front Desk – 415.456.9062 Transportation – 415.454.0902 Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 Help Desk – 415.459.6700 resource@whistlestop.org To receive the Express by email sign up at whistlestop.org. For annual subscription mailed to your home, send $10 to Whistlestop. WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org
Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs Manager
Jennifer Golbus Marketing Strategist
John and Val Bowman Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com
Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Ryan, President Etta Allen, Vice President Karen Arnold, Treasurer Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary Fabia Butler Sharon Jackson Beth Reizman Robert Sonnenberg PACIFIC SUN STAFF Danielle McCoy, Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com
Marianne Misz, Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com
Alfred Collazo, Production acollazo@metronews.com
Rosemary Olson, Publisher
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rolson@pacificsun.com
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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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Whistlestop Perspective
County Proclaims 2018 Year of the Older Adult By John Bowman
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n idea from a Marin County resident has bloomed into a year-long celebration of older adults in Marin. County Supervisors Kate Sears and Dennis Rodoni took the idea to their fellow supervisors and received unanimous support for a resolution proclaiming 2018 “The Year of the Older Adult” in Marin County. The resolution states in part: “Whereas the author and feminist leader Betty Friedan taught us, ‘Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.’” District 4 Supervisor Rodoni said, “The idea came from one of my constituents. She had been impressed with the models in similar counties and thought it would be wonderful if Marin could develop its own model. The older adult community has always been a priority of mine.” Third District Supervisor Sears added, “This is a celebration of older adults who make Marin such a wonderful place to age, learn and live. It also is a call to action to identify the concerns and challenges that aging may bring so that we can better tailor services and effectively communicate their availability to those
Supervisors Dennis Rodoni (far left) and Kate Sears (far right) introduced the resolution declaring 2018 the Year of the Older Adult in Marin. From left are: Rodoni, Joe O’Hehir, CEO of Whistlestop; Lee Pullen, director of Aging and Adult Services for Marin County; Linda Jackson, Executive Director for Aging; Salamah Locks, chair of the Commission on Aging; Jim Monson, 4th District commissioner of the Marin Commission on Aging, and Supervisor Sears.
who may not know we’re here for them. “It also amplifies the important work of the Aging Action Initiative (AAI), a countywide collaborative including the 125 service providers and County of Marin, that was launched by the Board of Supervisors in 2014. I am particularly thankful for the great leadership, energy and experience that Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir has brought to the AAI. In 2018, the AAI highlights four issues important to residents of Marin County: housing, aging in community,
economic security, and transportation.” Both Supervisors praised the work that Whistlestop does for older adults. Sears said, “I have had the chance to talk frequently with CEO O’Hehir to learn about the changes in Whistlestop’s programs and services. Joe is passionate about his day-to-day work with older adults and takes great pride in the wonderful staff at Whistlestop who work hard to bring quality programs and kindness into everything they do. Continued on Page 3
Continued from Page 2
of my constituents have shared personal stories on how Whistlestop is making their aging better. I must also commend the staff and leadership.” Sears said that as an older adult herself, “I’m excited about the calendar of events we’re creating to celebrate the Year of the Older Adult.” She said she hopes people will check out the activities and attend as many as they can. Rodoni, too, expressed enthusiasm about the events planned. “So far, each month consists of a topic that will inform our entire community of issues related to older adults. It is important to note that we are working thoughtfully to make this an intergenerational effort and appeal to all ages.”
Whistlestop touches the lives of so many of our residents in the wide variety of programming and services it offers. With its central location in San Rafael, Whistlestop is an important community partner with Marin County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services, and a model for how to engage with the growing population of older adults.” Rodoni added, “I continue to be impressed with the robust programming that Whistlestop offers. Our older adult community depends on Whistlestop for food, transportation and all of the services necessary to be healthy and contributing members of our community. Many
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The 2018 Marin Year of the Older Adult includes a year-long calendar of events and programs focusing on the vitality, contributions and challenges of Marin’s older adults. The program will also initiate new policies, programs and resources to promote an age-friendly Marin County. Goals include 1. Promoting Marin as a great place to grow older; 2. Bringing all ages together to understand and celebrate the social, cultural and economic contributions of Marin’s older adults; 3. Raising community awareness of ageism affecting the opportunities that an older population brings to Marin. 4. Aligning and showcasing collaborations among neighbors, businesses, government, education and community organizations, and 5. Identifying new strategies and resources to support the needs of Marin’s older population. Some of the events and activities planned for the coming months include: April: Disaster Preparedness, Marin Fire Chiefs; April 8-June 1 the Cultural Commission’s “80 over 80” art exhibit; May: Older Americans Month; Commission on Aging’s “Engage at Every Age” and “Mother Lear”
at the Showcase Theater; July: the Cultural Affairs Commission’s “All for One, Fun for All”; October: Senior Fair; and November/December: AAI Convening/Policy Summit. More information can be viewed at www.marinyeartheofolderadult.org.
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415.457.1664 1281 Anderson Dr., Ste. F, San Rafael
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Address
Busy Calendar of Activities For Year of The Older Adult
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The Tricky Tip Jar at Jeanie’s Java Shop
Age Friendly Fairfax
Editor’s note: Last year, Whistlestop introduced “Life Story Writing” workshops guided by Jean Stumpf. Norma Jean attended the workshops and shared this story with her classmates. For more information, email Jean at time4yourstories@gmail.com.
By Norma Jean Brown of Tiburon
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s everyone knows, I had a coffee shop, “Jeanie’s Java,” in Tiburon. This lovely lady who worked for me came and told me one of the customers was stealing her tips. I was shocked when she told me who it was. The customer came in three to four times a week. She was an older adult and nicely dressed. Betty kept insisting. I told her I knew how to catch people with sticky fingers. “You tape some dollar bills together the long way. You tape quarters on the edges of the dollar and then, tape the end of the dollars and leave the end hanging out of the top of the jar.” Here comes the customer. Betty took coffee to her table. I set up the tip jar. Here she comes! She grabs
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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. Norma Jean Brown, over 90, and still writing.
FREE and open to all Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax
the top of the dollar, and it sticks, and all the quarters start falling out. She starts running. I start running after her. One of her shoes falls off. I pick up the shoe and take it back to the coffee shop. I put the shoe on a table. I place the table in front of the window with a sign reading: “Is this Your Shoe?” The shoe was never claimed.
Fourth Friday 1-2pm
Marin Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting When: Thurs, March 1, 10am to 12:30pm Where: Margaret Todd Center, Hill Community Room, Novato Topic: The Encore Movement: Using the Experience of Older Adults to Create a Better Future for Future Generations. Speaker: Jim Emerman, vice president, Encore.org
March 23: “Ready. Set. Go. Preparing for Fire, Flood, Earthquake” Your life could depend on being organized and ready should an unwelcome disaster come your way. Thinking and moving as quickly as possible under pressure takes advanced preparation. Get the best advice available and learn those critical tips to keep you safe if trouble comes knocking on your door.
Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont
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Hardy Dawainis
To learn about volunteering, contact Laurie: 415-456-9067 or volunteer@whistlestop.org.
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ardy Dawainis was born in Latvia at the beginning of World War II, and his family escaped to Poland, then Germany, and finally London. He lived in London for 20 years until he and his wife visited his brother in Marin. Hardy began at Whistlestop as a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver in 2014. He enjoys the one-on oneexperience he has with the people he delivers meals to. They appreciate having someone to talk to and share stories with. He is able to build connections with many of the people he meets on his weekly deliveries. After living in London, Hardy appreciated the weather and that Marin was so close to San Francisco, where he had the culture of a larger city. He found a job in the garment industry where he could use the training and skills he developed as a young man in England. He originally trained as a clothing designer, but worked as a pattern maker at Byer. He was VP for Design and Manufacturing, supervising 80 employees by the time he retired. According to Hardy, “In the garment business, they say, ‘This week a peacock, next week a feather duster,’ or as Heidi Klum of Project Runway always says, ‘One day you’re in and the next day you’re out.’” After Hardy retired, he joined the California Alpine Club and volunteered for many years, keeping its buildings in good shape. Hardy has always been a hiker and for many years he has led several hiking groups of about 15 people. Some hikes are 7-8 miles long; others are easier and shorter. Hardy feels very lucky to be healthy enough to help others who are in need and unable to get around. He is grateful for organizations like Whistlestop, which provide services for older adults to get rides to their doctors, receive healthy nutritious meals both from Meals on Wheels deliveries and in the Jackson Café, and provide social and healthy activities. Erika Vaughn, Meals on Wheels Manager, says of Hardy, “When there are so many people who focus on getting and receiving, there are a few shining stars like Hardy who are still committed to giving and helping.”
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Keep Learning and Have Fun at Whistlestop The following is a sampling of the events, workshops and classes at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center. For a full list of classes, please see page 8. Visit us at whistlestop.org. For more information or to register, call 415-456-9062. Many of our classes are free or offered at a reduced rate, but donations are always welcome.
Get the Most from Social Security Benefits Wed, Mar 28, 10-11am; No fee; Registration required Michael Zaidlin, founder of Madrone Investment Advisory LLC, San Rafael, will help you navigate the complexities of Social Security. He will discuss the financial impact of taking benefits too early as well as too late. He will cover the role of Social Security as longevity insurance, the taxation of benefits, how to withdraw and suspend benefits, the potential impact on benefits of working past age 60, and the impact of CALSTRS pensions on Social Security benefits for public school teachers.
FEATURED CLASSES & SOCIAL GROUPS Ukulele Beginners Wed, 11:30am-12:30pm, Feb 21-Mar 28; $40 members/$45 non-members Strum your way to happiness. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to play an instrument, this class is for you. Join instructor Sandy Bailey for a fun class in a low key, stressfree environment. Bring your own ukulele and music stand.
Ukulele players: Shah and Mary
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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Fire Safety by the San Rafael Fire Department Tue, Mar 6, 11am-Noon; No fee; Registration required Join us for a presentation by the San Rafael Fire Department. Learn about preparing a Vial of Life; vials will be distributed during presentation. Information will be shared about checking smoke detectors and signing up for emergency alerts on your smart phone.
at 9am, 30 minutes per appointment; No fee; Registration required Are you concerned about memory loss? Are you experiencing forgetfulness? Sign up for a confidential, one-on-one screening to receive a memory loss assessment. Future screenings June 20 and Dec 5.
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
Memory Screenings in partnership with Senior Access
Thur, Mar 15, lunch starts at 11:30 am; Entertainment generously provided by Bread & Roses starts at noon; Jackson Café; $6 members/$10 nonmembers; No tickets required for this event.
Wed, Mar 14, Beginning
Come and paint the town green
at our annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon in Jackson Café.
Home Share Marin & Marin Housing Authority Info Wed, Mar 21, 10-11am; No fee Presenters: Christine Ness, Home Share Marin & Carmen Soruco, Marin Housing Authority Come hear about Home Share Marin, a free program that matches older adult homeowners who have an extra room with home seekers who need affordable housing, and Marin Housing Authority’s Homeownership, Public Housing and Section 8 Programs. Info: 415-456-9068, cness @jtm-esc.org.
Language and Cultural Appreciation Social Groups For a complete list of dates and times, see page 8; No fee; Drop-in Reconnect with your roots, practice and improve your language skills, and make new friends in a relaxed environment. Social groups are offered in the following languages: French, German, Italian, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Age Reversing Essentrics Mon, 12:45pm-1:45pm; $6 members/$8 non-members; Drop-in Age Reversing Essentrics is a safe, gentle class of standing and f loor exercises focusing on
mobility and f lexibility, balance ref lexes and strength building. Essentrics draws from T ’ai Chi for health and balance, from ballet for strength and f lexibility, and from physiotherapy for healing and pain relief. Good for older adults, people just starting to exercise or recovering from injuries and people in pain. Students must sign a liability waiver to participate.
Knitting/Crocheting/ Needlepoint Group Wed, 1-3pm; No Fee; Drop-in Did you know that knitting and crocheting have real health benefits? While you are crafting beautiful scarves, hats or other amazing pieces, you can reduce your stress level and train your memory. More than a solo craft, knitting is a very social activity, so come join us and cultivate communication with your peers.
Movie Club
Fri, 1-3pm; No Fee; Drop-in Enjoy a cozy afternoon movie with free popcorn and good company. Bring a friend along to the Whistlestop lounge and share the experience.
FEATURED HEALTH PROGRAMS Community Breakfast First Friday of every month, 9-10am; $3 members/$6 non-members; Jackson Café at Whistlestop
Bi-weekly Vitals, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Tests and Medication Review 2nd and 4th Fridays, 10:30amNoon; No fee; Drop-in Nurses from BrightStar Care offer vitals, blood pressure checks and cholesterol tests. Bring a list of your medications for review. Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and meds in check for better health. No registration required.
Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays at Whistlestop & 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 and older. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate, refer people to attorneys with special expertise.
Senior Circle Wed, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Drop-in Facilitated by volunteers from the Center for Attitudinal Healing, this support group for independent older men and women (55+) encourages mutual sharing of older adult experiences –the joys, concerns, and wisdom. Group participants offer their stories and give one another the gift of listening in a caring environment.
Victim-Witness Assistance 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 9amNoon; No fee Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to resources. For more information, call 415-473-6450.
Episcopal Senior Communities Home Share Program The Home Share Program is a free service that matches seniors in need of housing with senior homeowners who would like to rent out a room in their home. For more information, contact the Program Director, 415-456-9068, or cness@ jtm-esc.org.
Episcopal Senior Communities Telephone Reassurance Program
Technology March - April 2018 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
Tech Tips for Transportation
Noon (2 classes)
Tuesdays, Mar 13 & 20, 10amNoon (2 classes)
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people
Fee: $10 In partnership with Marin Transit, we offer this discounted class about transportation options in Marin. Learn how to use websites and apps to find the fastest, most economical ways for getting where you want to go. You can take the bus, SMART train or ferry, use shared ride services like LYFT, a subsidized taxi or get a ride from a volunteer. Bring your Smart Phone, tablet or laptop. Computers available. We’ll help set up a Clipper card with a built-in senior discount. Caregivers welcome.
iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, Mar 15 & 22, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48; Maximum 8 people Review the basics of using your device and learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, Email, Texting, Facetime, and Maps/GPS. You find and install new apps, and learn how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)
iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Tuesdays, April 3 & 10, 10am-
Learn how to make calls, send Emails and texts, download music and add apps. Good for those new to the smart phone/ wireless device world. We provide one-on-one help and instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)
Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only) Tuesdays, Apr 24 & May 1, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Review some of the basics of using your device and learn about apps that come built in. Get the most out of Photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, Calendar, Email, Texting, and Maps/GPS. Find and install new apps, and learn how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)
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 on Wednesdays from 11am to Noon.
The Telephone Reassurance Program calls people three mornings a week to check in to see if they are okay. This free program is perfect for older adults and disabled and homebound individuals who live alone. For more information, contact the Program Director, 415456-9068, or cness@jtm-esc.org.
11:30AM - 2PM
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Drop by the Jackson Café for the best breakfast deal in town. Join us for a full breakfast, which includes a beverage and choice of balanced proteins and carbohydrates. For more information, call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129.
FEATURED SUPPORT SERVICES
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Whistlestop Weekly Activities Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-NOON
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FRIDAYS
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9:30AM-10:30AM
11:00AM-NOON 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
CLASS Zumba Gold Computer Lab German Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music* Russian Social Group Age Reversing Essentrics ESL Classes Whistlesizers Therapeutic Massage** Mah Jongg French All Levels French Social Group Spanish 2 Spanish 1 Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage** Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Beginners Ukulele (6 weeks) Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage** Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Write Your Life Stories Workshop Vietnamese Social Group Italian 2 BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri Brown Bag Pantry Movie Club Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly
* Class in partnership with the College of Marin ** Drop in or by appointment, call (415 )419-4608
INFO FEE Drop-in $6/8 Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free 1/29-3/12 $45 Drop-in Free Drop-in $6/8 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Drop-in $4/5 Drop-in $1/min Drop-in Free Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in $1/min Drop-in Free Drop-in Free 2/21-3/28 $40/45 2/21-3/28 $40/45 Drop-in Free 1/22-5/2 $40/50 Ongoing registration $30/45 Drop-in $6/8 Drop-in $1/min Drop-in $4/5 1/25-3/22 $30/35 Drop-in $1/2 3/1-3/22 $20/30 Drop-in Free $30/35 Drop-in Free 415-456-9067 Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in $2/4 Drop-in $3/5
Community Connections
Celebrate! We’ve been doing that since 1972 A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.
Schedule a Visit!
Thank You Marin!
Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741
Submit Your Art Marin ‘80 over 80’ Exhibit By March 1
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and Steve Emery, and Cultural Commissioner Donna Seager Liberatore will act as jurors. The show is sponsored by the Marin Cultural Association’s Department of Cultural Services. All entries must be original design and must have been completed within the last five years. The entry limit is five works per artist with a $5 fee for each entry. The sponsors emphasize that there will be high competition for selection and not all entries or artists will be selected. Certificates will be awarded to Best of Show,
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first, second and third place winners. Works may be sold or listed as NFS (not for sale). The Marin Cultural Association will retain a 20% commission. To learn more and to get an official entry form, go to the Marin Center
All services managed by owner
Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM
Office, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415-473-3071, or email exhibits@marincounty.org.
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arin County artists over 80 years of age have an opportunity to exhibit their work in a special juried show from April 19 through June 1. Deadline for submitting entries is 5pm on March 1. “80 Over 80” is an exhibit that will feature 80 works of artists over the age of 80 at the Batolini Gallery at Marin Center. One of the special events that are part of the Year of the Older Adult in Marin, the show will be open to all artists living in Marin County. Former Marin Cultural Treasure Award winners Kathleen Lipinski
pbill@theredwoods.org
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Marin Access Traveling Training
Expand Your Horizons By Getting Around
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s part of its mission of promoting Independence through Mobility, Marin Transit has developed Marin Access – a suite of transportation programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Through Marin Access, Marin Transit developed several travel training options for Marin residents who want to learn about their choices for getting around without driving. Group presentations are available, as well as individualized travel training, featuring transit-savvy Marin Transit representatives who work with individual riders. “Navigating Transit” is a free, one-hour, presentation and discussion about alternatives to driving for older adults in Marin County. A Marin Transit representative will present extensive information on riding the bus and ferry, including trip planning, tips for riding and fare options for older adults. It also includes a discussion of transportation alternatives available to older adults in Marin County including volunteer driver programs and the Marin CatchA-Ride service. Finally,
information on Marin Access Paratransit is presented in depth for those interested in that program. The focus of this presentation is to give Marin’s older adults a clear picture of the transportation options that are available to them outside of driving. The use of one or more of these programs is encouraged. Materials on all of the programs discussed are available. Marin Transit also offers individualized travel training to Marin’s older adults with a Marin Transit representative who provides a tour of the public bus by planning a trip for the individual or small group on an actual transit route. Trips usually take about three hours and are tailored to the area where the person or group will be traveling. There is no cost for this service. Either training program can be tailored to the needs of a variety of audiences. To schedule a travel training or group presentation, contact the Marin Access Travel Navigators at 415-4540902 or travelnavigator@ marintransit.org.
Whistlestop Transportation Services Started in 1969 Whistlestop began serving Marin County with specialized transportation in 1969. In partnership with Marin Access, Whistlestop serves residents with special transportation needs in Marin County, and individuals traveling to or through Marin from the surrounding counties of San Francisco, Sonoma, and Contra Costa. With a current fleet of 94 vehicles, Whistlestop is able to provide over 900 trips a day to those unable to use public transportation. Our hardworking, dedicated staff is committed to providing the best service possible. We act as a lifeline and help our clients maintain their independence by transporting them to medical appointments, stores, friends, family and more, keeping them connected with anywhere they need to go.
Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo
One Way To Combat Isolation
March: The Month Honoring Women By John Bowman
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YWCA of Marin and San Francisco, the Marin Women’s Commission and the American Association of University Women. The first eight honorees honored at Dominican College in March 1988 included Etta Allen, in the business and professions category. Etta currently is vice president of the Whistlestop Board of Directors. This year’s dinner and celebration will be held starting at 5pm March 29th at the Peacock Gap, 333 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael. For more information, contact Laura Klein at 415-697-7937 or mwhf@ywcasf-marin.org.
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ocial isolation and loneliness are critical issues in Marin County where the over-80 age group is growing faster than in most communities in the United States. Whistlestop and its transportation partners in Marin play an important role in keeping older adults from isolating and getting depressed. By providing a way for people to get out of their homes and to shopping, doctor’s appointments and places to socialize (like Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center) older adults stay more engaged. The health consequences of both social isolation and loneliness have been examined extensively and while the majority of studies include only measures of either social isolation or loneliness, the number of studies that include both is limited,
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which means that it is not clear if one is more important than the other. Despite these methodological problems, the literature is quite consistent in terms of demonstrating that both social isolation and loneliness are health risks, according to the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. For example, in a meta-analysis of 148 studies focusing on the relationship between social isolation (varyingly measured in terms of social networks and the extent to which social supports were available) and mortality, it was found that having more supportive social relationships was indeed related to a decreased mortality risk.
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omen will be honored both locally and internationally during the month of March this year. International Women’s Day is set for March 8 and then, on March 29, another group of trailblazing women will be inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame. The theme of International Women’s Day 2018 is #PressforProgress. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. In Marin County, this will be the 31st Marin Women’s Hall of Fame event, sponsored by the
By John Bowman
Juanita says
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Get the Most Out of Your Social Security Benefits By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s M a r c h 2 018
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lease join us at Whistlestop on Wednesday, March 28, from 10-11am for an informative presentation on Social Security benefits by Michael Zaidlin. Michael is the founder of Madrone Investment Advisory LLC, a financial planning and investment management firm based in San Rafael. He speaks to professional groups about Social Security and relevant financial topics for those in or near retirement. Making the most optimal decision for when to file for Social Security benefits requires an understanding of Social Security’s complex rules, as well as the financial impact of taking benefits too early or too late. A “too-early” filing decision can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost benefits, particularly for married and divorced couples, who often fail to take into account the impact that the “step-up” in benefits may have at the death of the first spouse, especially if he or she survives the deceased spouse by many years. Those entitled to benefits are often unaware that they are even entitled to
those benefits. This is particularly true for many divorced, as well as surviving ex-spouses, who often overlook the various options they may have when it comes to filing. The presentation will also focus on why women might be put at risk financially by a less than optimal filing decision made by the other spouse. Finally, making the most optimal filing decision means considering not only the full range of one’s own Social Security filing options, but also how that decision may impact one’s investments portfolio as well as overall tax situation. The presentation will also cover the role of Social Security as longevity insurance, the taxation of benefits, the ability to withdraw and suspend benefits, the impact of the earnings test, the potential impact on benefits of working past age 60, and the impact of CALSTRS pensions on Social Security benefits for public school teachers. Wednesday, March 28, from 1011am, presentation by Michael Zaidlin on Social Security benefits. To RSVP, call (415) 456-9062
New! Monthly Volunteer Fair Find out how you can make a difference in an older adult’s life when you volunteer at Whistlestop. Monthly volunteer fairs on the first Thursday of every month from 3-4:30pm begin on March 8. At the Volunteer Fair, learn about all the volunteer opportunities including: • Meals on Wheels Home Delivered Meal Drivers – Use your car to deliver fresh meals to homebound older adults. • Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Drivers – Drive older adults to medical appointments or to the grocery store. This is the most flexible volunteer opportunity. • Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers – Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm. • On-call office tasks – filing, sorting, mailings, making calls. Contact Laurie: (415) 456-9067 or volunteer@whistlestop.org