Whistlestop May 2018

E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: TEDxMarin: Healthy Lifespan Pg 6: Get a Line on Dancing Pg 11: Women Over 80 Photo Exhibit

Creativity

whistlestop.org May 2018

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 rolson@pacificsun.com

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s M a y 2 018

OUR MISSION

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

COVER PHOTO

By Serena D’Arcy Fisher I used acrylic paints, colored gold leaf foil, material paints for the edges and in the center I placed amethyst stones.

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Whistlestop Perspective

Ukelele Students Make His Day

By John Bowman

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andy Bailey thrives on teaching his ukulele classes at Whistlestop and says the students inspire him. “We can take a beginner and within two hours they are playing one or two songs. It’s the smile on their face that makes it so meaningful.”

Sandy has been teaching at Whistlestop for about a year. He has two Wednesday classes, one with 14 intermediates and the other with six beginners, who also sing along as they play.

He was introduced to Whistlestop by a friend who taught the uke class here. “He told me to come by and see if I wanted to take over the class. I went, but he couldn’t show up that day. The students did show up and someone at the front desk said ‘Can you give a lesson?’ I did and I’m still doing it. The students are fantastic and they make my day.”

They range in age from 30 to about 70. Classes last an hour. Sandy said he often joins some of his students afterward for lunch in the Jackson Café.

“And they are still talking about class.”

Sandy was born and raised in Hawaii; his

Hawaiian name is Kalani.

He recalls picking up the ukulele when he was 10 or 11. “My brother William was a fantastic player. I sucked up everything he taught me.”

Today, he works at Bogie’s in San Rafael, playing from 11 to 2 on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. He gives private lessons and plays the Fender bass when he gets a chance.

People talk about a resurgence of the ukulele but Sandy says, “It’s not a craze. It’s been springing up for the past ten or fifteen years. What’s happened here in Marin is the recorder and violin classes in schools are being replaced with ukulele classes. I remember the first concert at Elks Club – 200 to 300 people were there and students from five different schools came and played. It was great! The instrument is really friendly, especially for kids.”

Sandy enjoys being part of the Whistlestop scene. “I see other classes going on and a lot of busy people. The guy doing the massages, the computer class instructor. It’s a great place and people here really care for the clients.”

Sandy at Carnegie Hall

Cover Art By Serena D’Arcy Fisher Painting mandalas is an internal process that requires patience.

When I am in flow with it, I find it very meditative. I always start in the center and work outward. The cover mandala was the first one I painted and it’s still my favorite.

I used acrylic paints, colored gold leaf foil, material paints for the edges, and amethyst stones.

mostly from birch plywood.

That business was very successful, featuring such items as a $395 frog-shaped footstool and a wooden dog that served as an end table for $540. A couple of his favorite projects were his “At Your Service” series, featuring whimsical chefs, waitresses and butlers and a “crocktail” table shaped like a crocodile with jagged teeth ($1,295).

Brad was introduced to Whistlestop a few years ago when Jim Geraghty took him to lunch at the Jackson Café. “I’ve been back a lot since then.

My son, Morgan, who is

very nutrition conscious, is happy to hear that I often eat at Jackson Café because he knows I’m eating healthy.”

After his wife died, Brad raised two children, then 10 and 12. Morgan is a core trainer at the Olympic Camp at Colorado Springs.

Esther plans events like the San Francisco Jazz Festival and concerts at Stern Grove.

Brad, 67, lives and works at San Rafael’s Art Works Downtown. He said he has attended a number of events at Whistlestop and is considering taking a class or two “that might help me as I get older.”

Brad Flaharty

Brad Keeps Finding New Ways to Create

By John Bowman

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new building. “This is so exciting,” he said.

“They have created these lifelike models to scale.

This is going to be a great project.”

He and his late wife, Jayne, who died at age 45, owned a successful sign shop where Brad created and installed graphics for commercial design projects for Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Powerbar and Chipotle. “I did about four hundred Jamba Juice menu boards.”

Before he switched to commercial design, he loved making furniture,

Thursday, May 10, Angelico Hall, Dominican University at 7pm Whistlestop is proud to be a Participating Partner in this important TEDxMarin event.

Advances in medicine and lifestyle research promise to dramatically increase our “healthy” longevity.

Some suggest that babies born today may even live for 150 years. As we prepare to shift into a society increasingly of age, we must begin to think in terms of extending our healthspans. How do we age “healthy”… and what can we hope for our later years to be like?

Can we alter the aging process in order to prevent, delay, or cure chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that afflict almost all of us, as we grow older? How does nutrition, good stress and exercise affect cellular aging? This event will feature three world renowned speakers and a moderated Question and Answer segment with the audience. We will all learn ways to slow the aging process and the encouraging news on Alzheimers research. Join us.

Tickets ONLINE only http://www.tedxmarin.org/ salon/#salon2 This event is expected to sell out in advance 415-785-8873 for more info.

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rad Flaharty has been a business owner, commercial designer and creator of popular handmade furniture in an artistic career that has evolved with his changing interests and opportunities. These days he produces live stream videos of council and town meetings for Community Media Center of Marin (CMCMtv).

Brad lights up when he talks about a recent project – filming Planning Commission meetings about Whistlestop’s

TEDxMarin SALON: “Extending Our Human Healthspans”

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2018 ANNUAL HEALTH FORUM Hosted by the

MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING

Featuring

Dr. Dean Ornish Physician, Author, Researcher

ENGAGE AT ANY AGE! SAVE THE DATE And note the change of venue for this year’s event Thursday, MAY 3, 2018 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MARIN ART AND GARDEN CENTER

Penny and Sandy

They Both Made It to Carnegie Hall

By John Bowman

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ow do you get to Carnegie Hall?

Try volunteering at Whistlestop! Penny Markrack, first a volunteer and now an employee at Whistlestop, and Sandy Bailey, who teaches a ukulele class there, have both performed at Carnegie Hall.

Sandy played the ukulele with a bass and piano player for a group of hula dancers, led by a friend of his from Marin.

The audience of about 2,000 was comprised of teachers of dance groups, plus families and friends.

Sandy said, “About 400 performers were there during the day, but we were the only ones who performed live; the rest used recordings. We

rehearsed a lot and it paid off. I enjoyed every minute of it. I thought, ‘I’m going to do the best I can.’ And now I can’t remember a thing. It was thrilling. I don’t know how anyone performs at Carnegie more than once. Once is enough for me.”

Penny, on the other hand, is about to travel to Carnegie Hall for the third time at the end of April.

Her first appearance at Carnegie Hall was in 2006 when Singers Marin sang Gwyneth Walker songs. On a return visit five years later, they sang Christmas carols. She says, “I can’t say singing at Carnegie Hall was on my Bucket List. I had no idea 15 years ago I would even be singing in the Singers Marin choir.

30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Ross An opportunity to meet your commissioner Breakfast provided by Comforts Cafe All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. Requests for accommodations may be made by calling (415) 473-4381 (voice), (415) 473-3232 (TTY) or 711 for the California Relay Service or e-mailing disabilityaccess@marincounty.org at least four work days in advance of the event.

Stories of Delivering Happiness Whistlestop recently worked with a local filmmaker to create beautiful mini-documentaries about three of our clients. This format uses creative story telling in a documentary film style to portray what’s special about Whistlestop through the eyes of each one of them. Visit whistlestop.org/videos to see the moving stories of Jimmie, Rita and Larry and what Whistlestop means to them.

Larry says, “I feel that Whistlestop is a lifeline to me … I feel needed.” Volunteers Lee and Janis deliver meals and Lee says, “Let’s deliver some meals and let’s deliver some smiles. Let’s bring some happiness with our food today.”

This has changed my life in so many rewarding ways.” She has traveled with the choir and their own organist who played in the church at the Vatican, and to Iceland. At the end of April, the Singers Marin will travel once more to Carnegie Hall to perform Frostiana, poems by Robert Frost, put to music.

“I feel healthier and happier singing with other women. I feel singing has helped keep the “gray matter” healthy because we don’t hold our music.

We memorize it so we can look at the director at all times as she leads us in singing. Singing fills my heart with love and good feelings.”

Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont

Betty Schaffer

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To learn about volunteering, contact Laurie: 415-456-9067 or volunteer@whistlestop.org.

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etty Schaffer calls herself an Army brat who was born in San Antonio during World War II. Growing up she lived in Iowa, Japan, Texas, North Dakota and then California. Her parents retired in Marin County where Betty was finally able to settle down and attend Tamalpais High School and then College of Marin.

Betty was working as a cashier at Cost Plus in San Francisco when Al, her future husband, walked into the store to apply for a job. They were engaged after dating for two weeks. They eventually got married, bought a home in Santa Venetia and started a family with son, Jeff, and daughter, Kim. After raising her children, Betty returned to College of Marin for a preschool certificate in Early Childhood education. She loved teaching the two & three year olds at Twin Oaks and Santa Margarita Children’s Center. She was a manager for over 20 years at A Child’s Delight, the unique children’s toy store in San Rafael.

Betty has always had a creative side. When she taught preschool, she would crochet a baby blanket for each of the students who were about to become a big brother or sister so they would have their own gift to give to the new baby.

Betty learned to knit and crochet when she was in high school but didn’t have much time to do it until much later. For the past few years, she has been making beaded jewelry in her free time. At first, she just sold to her friends and family but now she participates in local craft fairs.

Betty came to Whistlestop after noticing an ad in the paper that said Whistlestop was looking for cashiers in the Jackson Café. This was a perfect opportunity to switch her attention from children to older adults.

She wanted to do something that fed her heart and not just her pocketbook. At Whistlestop, Betty found a readymade family of volunteers, staff and customers in the Café. She says everyone is so welcoming and interesting; she enjoys talking with and sharing stories with customers and the other volunteers.

Sophia Osotio, Nutrition and Café Coordinator, says, “Betty is a joy to have on the Jackson Café team, especially when she brings in her beautiful handmade earrings.”

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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, ext. 100. Many of our classes are free or offered at a reduced rate, but donations are always welcome. Annual Membership is $20. Please note the Active Aging Center will be closed for Memorial Day on Mon, May 28. eligible; rules have changed and the process streamlined. Register at the end of the workshop or on the first and third Friday of each month at Whistlestop.

SoulCollage® Wed, May 23, 9:30-11:30am; $4/6 non-members; Register Instructor Denise Hermann provides all the supplies and guidance needed to begin creating cards for a soul collage – starter cards for personal and inner exploration. Express your artistic side while learning the intuitive analysis that can help you with life’s questions. Bring a friend and share the experience.

Line Dancing Wed, May 23 and 30 (2 sessions), 2-3pm; Suggested donation $5; Register

Dixie will be teaching a new line dancing class.

SPECIAL EVENTS Fiesta y Música – Celebrating Cinco de Mayo: Music, Jewelry Sale, and Luncheon

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s M a y 2 018

Thurs, May 3, 11am-2pm; Whistlestop Lounge and Jackson Café

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Join the fiesta as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Crystal and Dan will serenade partygoers in the Lounge while we showcase items from our Gift Shop. The Jackson Café will open at 11:30am and Bread and Roses will provide entertainment.

Passion and Compassion: Caregiving for Self and Others Wed, May 9, 10-11am; No fee; Register For over 30 years, Dale Borglum, founder and Executive Director of the Living/Dying Project, has guided thousands of families and their

loved ones through life-threatening illnesses. Dale teaches compassion with passion so we can take care of ourselves, and those we love and work with.

Watercolor with Jeannie Wed, May 9 and 16 (2 sessions), 2-3pm; $8/10 non-members; Register Explore watercolors with Jeannie in this 2-session class. Practice new techniques, play with colors, and express yourself in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.

All materials provided.

CalFresh: SNAP Presentation Tues, May 15, 11am-noon; No fee; Register The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a CalFresh program, provides qualified applicants with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to use at participating grocery stores to supplement food purchases. See if you are

Don’t worry if you have two left feet. Everyone is welcome to join the line-up for this 2-session dance party. Dixie James will show you choreographed steps for the Electric Slide and many other line dances. Wear your best Western attire and bring a friend.

FEATURED CLASSES & SOCIAL GROUPS Learn How to Play Mah Jongg If you would like to learn Mah Jongg, we are gathering a list of people who are interested in a class in June on Wednesday mornings. Once we have enough interest, we will announce the class dates and time.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls In partnership with Marin General Hospital Tues, May 1-June 5, 3-5pm; No fee; Register now with Beverly Winsor at 415-993-2557 Does your fear of falls limit your social or physical activity? Learn fall prevention tips during this eight-week A Matter of Balance class, as well as exercises, lifestyle changes to promote safety, and ways to create a safer home environment. Space is limited to 15.

Free class, courtesy of the Older Americans Act Funding.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): How to Create an ADU in Your Home Thurs, May 24, 1-2 pm; No fee; Register Join the San Rafael Leadership Institute Class of 2017-18 to learn about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Earn rental income by renting an additional housing unit in your property. Learn the costs, benefits and how to start the ADU process.

Nutrition Bites Workshop Thurs, May 17, 3-4pm; No fee; Register Sophia Osotio, Whistlestop’s Nutrition Program Coordinator, will show you how to improve your health through making modifications to your diet. Bring your questions and we will talk about pre-diabetes, hypertension, and weight loss. Snacks and recipes provided.

Beginning Writing Your Life Stories Workshop Thurs, May 3-June 7 (5 weeks), 9:30-11:30 am; $25/35 non-members Instructor Jean Stumpf presents aging research pioneer James Birren’s Guided Autobiography (GAB) process. You will be guided through themes and questions meant to evoke important memories. Each participant writes a two-page story per week and will share their unique stories in a confidential, supportive environment. Advanced registration required.

Yoga Fridays, 3-4pm, $3/5 nonmembers; Drop-in Join instructor Kelly for yoga on Friday afternoons – all levels welcome! Gain and maintain balance, and develop strength and flexibility of both body and mind. No prior yoga experience necessary. Bring your own yoga mat. No registration required; students must sign a liability waiver.

2nd and 4th Friday; 9:30-11am; No fee 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.

Friday; 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.

Community Breakfast in the Jackson Café First Friday of each month, 9-10am; $3/6 non-members Drop in for the best deal in town.

Join us in Whistlestop’s Jackson Café for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, including a beverage, fruit, and juice of your choice. For more information, contact Sophia at 415456-9062, ext. 129.

HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Available by appointment only.

Call 415-419-4608; Fee: $1/minute Rabel is a soft tissue specialist, certified by the American Medical Massage Association. Massages are located in the alcove by Whistlestop’s Jackson Café.

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

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES SF-Marin Food Bank’s Monthly Food Box for Seniors May 16, 3rd Wed of every month; 9:30am-12:30pm The SF-Marin Food Bank operates the Supplemental Food Program, which provides a monthly box of quality U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food to low income seniors. To register, bring an ID, proof of income, and proof of residency and one of the Food Bank specialists will determine your eligibility.

Cal Fresh/ SNAP Registration 1st & 3rd Friday of every month, 10:30am-noon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a CalFresh program, provides qualified applicants with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

Use the card at grocery stores to supplement your food purchases.

Please bring an ID, proof of income and unearned income, bank statements, and proof of residency to determine eligibility.

Marin Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting

Free Legal Consultation Every Thursday (except 5th Thurs of the month) at Whistlestop and the Mill Valley Community Center; Appointment only: call 415-459-6700

When: Thurs, May 7, 10am to 12:30pm

Legal Aid of Marin provides free 30-minute legal consultations for Marin County residents who are

Speaker: Erin McAuliff, Marin Transit

Where: San Geronimo Valley Community Center Topic: Transportation

M a y 2 018 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

Therapeutic Medical Massage

by Rabel

Facilitated through Covia, former-

For the 2018 season (June 2 – August 29), all adults 65 and older can attend “Whistlestop Wednesdays” games (7:05pm) for FREE as part of the “Whistlestop Old Timers Club”, in addition to a $5 discount off of regular priced General Admission tickets for all other games. Simply present your driver’s license at the ticket booth to receive your wrist band. Also, there will be a special luncheon on June 12 with Pacifics players in the Jackson Café. Mark your calendar and check the June issue of the Express for details!

Mondays & Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm; starting June 4 thru July 18; $40/50non-members; Register

Movie Club

Covia Home Match Program

ly Episcopal Senior Communities, the Home Match Program is a free service-matching seniors in need of housing with senior homeowners who would like to rent out a room in their house for rent and/ or an exchange of services. Call or email the Program Director at 415-456-9068, cness@covia.org

FREE Pacifics Baseball tickets at Whistlestop Wednesdays

ESL

Join us for our special summer session English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Our trained instructors will help you improve your communication skills in a supportive environment. Free parking.

60+. Local volunteer lawyers offer general advice, explain legal options and rights, and recommend referrals to attorneys who have expertise in your particular area of concern.

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Technology May - June 2018 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

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

MONDAYS

10:00AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:45PM 12:45PM-1:45PM

TUESDAYS

9:30AM-10:30AM

Smart Phone/Tablet Basics 2: (Android Users Only)

WEDNESDAYS

Thursdays, May 17 & 24, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Managing Your Photos

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Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon Use our Apple and PC computers to access the Internet. Volunteers are available for problems with your laptops, tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance on Wednesdays 11am-Noon.

10:00AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 11:15AM-12:15PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM

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

Learn how to take and edit photos on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device (Samsung, LG, Motorola) and how to store photos, transfer them into one place, organize and print them. Bring photos on digital camera, smartphone (and all charging cords), iPad, tablet or laptop to class.

ONGOING Open Lab | No Fee

3:00PM-4:00PM

9:30AM-10:30AM

2:00PM-3:00PM 3:30PM-4:30PM 10:30AM-NOON

FRIDAYS

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Tuesdays, June 12 & 19, 10am-Noon (2 classes)

1:00PM-3:00PM

3:30PM-5:00PM

THURSDAYS

Review basics and learn about built-in apps including photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, email, Texting and Facetime. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class.

(For Apple devices only)

1:00PM-2:00PM

10:00AM-11:30AM

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications

11:30AM-12:30PM

3:30PM-4:30PM

Tuesdays, April 24 & May 8, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Review basics and learn about built-in apps including Photo editing, storing and retrieving photos, Calendar, email, Texting and Maps/GPS. (For all Android devices including: Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia)

10:00AM-NOON

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

CLASS

INFO

FEE

Zumba Gold Computer Lab German Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music Russian Social Group Age Reversing Essentrics Whistlesizers Mah Jongg

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

$6/8 Free Free Free Free $45 Free $6/8 $4/5 Free

French All Levels French Social Group Spanish 2 Spanish 1 A Matter of Balance Senior Circle Computer Lab Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Beginners Ukulele (6 weeks) Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) Knitting/Crocheting Group Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Beginning Write Your Life Stories Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian Study Group Adv. Write Your Life Stories Workshop Vietnamese Social Group Italian 2 Meditation BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri CalFresh Registration Brown Bag Pantry Movie Club Spanish Social Group Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in Free Drop-in $3/5 Drop-in $3/5 Register Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Register $40/45 Register $40/45 Drop-in Free Ongoing registration $30/45 Drop-in $6/8 Register $25/35 Drop-in $4/5 Register $30/35 Drop-in $1/2 Prerequisite req. $20/30 Drop-in Free Register $30/35 Drop-in $5 Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Register at 11:30AM Free Drop-in Free Drop-in Free Drop-in $2/4 Drop-in $3/5

Community Connections

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Whistlestop 4.3438 w x 4.8438 h no gas...

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orthern California’s premiere street painting event returns to the streets of downtown San Rafael from 10am-8pm, Saturday, June 23 and 10-6, Sunday the 24th. Explore the Wonders of Space & Time. Be amazed by the genius virtuosity of 100+ Master Madonnari (street painters) as they artistically interpret the past, present and future across the vast expanses of the universe. Rock out to a great lineup of local bands, create and express on Children’s Avenue, enjoy delicious food and drinks. There will be a variety of family fun special features and STEAM-based activities. Tickets: $10, or $15 for both days • Children 12 & Under Free; Tickets available at: ispm.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. Children’s Avenue: $10 for a 2-foot x 2-foot artist square and complimentary box of professional artist chalks. Volunteer opportunities available. For more info: italianstreetpaintingmarin.org.

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Assisted Living at its Best!

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Getting Around

Expanded Paratransit Service

Transportation’s Creative Staff

By Joanna Huitt, Mobility Manager

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histlestop Transportation Services is fortunate to have many staff members who are involved in creative endeavors. On our staff we have painters, photographers, musicians, sculptors, and even a ceramicist – all of whom share their art with us in one way or another – either by extending an invite to their performances or gallery shows, hanging their art in our drivers’ lounge, or sharing their art with our clients.

John Reyna has been a driver at Whistlestop since 2014 and a photographer for the past 62 years.

At eight years old, he took his first photo of the Los Angeles City Hall building. For John, photography is a way to participate and be in the conversation of art. After a trip to China in 2010 with his wife and family, John started mounting and showing his art.

He prints, mounts, and displays his photographs here at the Whistlestop Transportation Services drivers’ lounge, so we have the pleasure of seeing his work on a regular basis.

John is a dedicated driver for a contract route for clients of Golden Gate

Jacob at the loom

Regional Center in Marin and recently photographed a client that he takes to and from the Cedars Textile Arts Collaborative (TAC) in San Rafael.

Jacob Bergman visits TAC multiple times a week to practice weaving and playing the banjo.

John coordinated with Jacob’s mother to take the photograph you see here – he was interested in photographing Jacob because he thought it looked like a very interesting scene and something he had not done before.

We are lucky to have staff members like John.

Their willingness to share their creativity and bring joy to their colleagues and the people we serve is one of the many things that make Whistlestop such a special place.

Effective March 5, 2018, Marin Transit has expanded the service area for Marin Access Paratransit, operated

by Whistlestop, to include the neighborhood of East San Rafael/Peacock Gap. Residents living there who qualify for paratransit service can call between one to seven days in advance to schedule a ride. The service is available from 10am-2pm and 4-7pm weekdays and 8am-5pm on weekends. This change was made in response to feedback from the community and is made possible by funding through Measures A and B. Marin Access Paratransit service is offered alongside a suite of transportation programs for older adults and persons with disabilities in Marin County. For a full listing, visit marinaccess.org. To find out if you are eligible for paratransit or to start the application process, call the Marin Access Travel Navigators at 415-454-0902.

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

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Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901 Thank You!

Celebrate!

We’ve been doing that since 1972 Saundra Viglienzone | Photos by Lea Del Pomo

Women Over 80 Special Exhibit

A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.

Schedule a Visit!

F

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org Voted Best Senior Living

40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org

Georgia Anker

Laurie Peterson

continued social inequities, older women are breaking rules and finding new roles for themselves.”

A number of Whistlestop women who were photographed by Lea were happy to attend her opening exhibit together.

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

• • • • • • • •

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

M a y 2 018 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

rom April 4- June 1, a special exhibit of photography by Lea Del Pomo will be on display outside the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers (third floor), Marin Civic Center.

This “Women Over 80” photography exhibit showcases 35 of Lea Del Pomo’s black and white photographs of women older than 80. In describing her motivation and inspiration for this work Lea says, “I began the photography project, “Women Over 80,” over 25 years ago to confront what I observed: that growing old, especially for women, meant growing invisible. I started by photographing my mother and other Great Depression era mothers of my friends and acquaintances. In 2014, I resumed the project.

Today it seems even more relevant than ever as women themselves persistently challenge assumptions about aging, beauty and the importance of one’s purpose and voice. Despite

Thank You Marin!

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Whistlestop

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

Having That Tough Conversation

By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s M a y 2 018

D

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o your children know what’s in your estate plan? Do you have an estate plan? Even those of us who have one often have not told anyone what it says. There is one really good reason for talking about an estate plan: to make sure it works the way you want it to.

Signing legal documents does not guarantee what’s in them will actually happen in the real world.

Far too often, too much of an estate goes to lawyers instead of your heirs because someone didn’t like the plan. Yet most of us don’t know where to begin with difficult conversations, especially about money and death.

Family conflict mediator, estate planning attorney and conflict resolution professor Rob Rosborough will offer tools and skills to help you talk with your family about your estate plan so that what you want to happen with your hard-earned assets and cherished personal items will

actually happen. Join us for a free presentation by professor Rosborough on Wednesday, May 30, 10-11am at Whistlestop. Register at 415-456-9062, ext.102. Park in our free parking lot on the corner of 3rd and Tamalpais.

Rob will give you concrete steps you can take to make talking about these subjects easier and more likely to get everyone on board with your estate plan. You’ll come away with a better understanding of conflict in general and better approaches to resolving them in everyday life.

Thanks to Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Novato for their sponsorship of Whistlestop’s monthly Estate Planning series.

Older adults can schedule free half-hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin, 415-4596700 for help with estate documents. To learn how to make a difference beyond your lifetime through a charitable gift to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext.138.

Whistlestop’s Volunteer Fair: Make a Difference Every Day Date: 2nd Thursday of each month Time: 3-4:30pm Location: 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.

Volunteer positions include: • CarePool volunteer drivers • Meals on Wheels drivers • Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers • General office help and Parking Services