Whistlestop November 2017

E PRESS

whistlestop.org November 2017

Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: #Giving Tuesday Pg 10: Whistlestop Holiday Card Drive Pg 11: The Gift of Being a Whistlestop Driver

Sharing Gratitude

WHISTLESTOP

Whistlestop Perspective

930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 www.whistlestop.org Main office open M-F 8:30am-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.

Don’t Forget Gratitude

Even in Tough Times

By Jolene Macpherson

WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org

Anita Renzetti Director of Program Innovation

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 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s N o v e m b e r 2 017

acollazo@metronews.com

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Rosemary Olson, Publisher 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.

Cover Design by Missy Reynolds

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ratitude is such a profound yet simple approach to life. Kindness, grace and humility are parts, but an important element of gratitude acknowledges that others bestow undeserved and unearned gifts upon us.

Gratitude makes tremendous positive differences in your own life as well as for anyone you encounter.

Remember that gratitude is wonderfully powerful so just one person’s effort can create an “attitude of gratitude” quickly.

It has been a joy to get to know so many people and lend support to the fabulous work of Whistlestop in San Rafael. My late mother, Lois Ellison, found so many great friends, fine cuisine and joy at Whistlestop.

Thank you! My late mom was a patron of the Jackson Café and supporter and fan of Whistlestop, so it is an honor for me to support her charity.

My family lived near Boston when I was growing up. In school, we dressed as pilgrims and learned about the first Thanksgiving harvest celebration. Life in early America was incredibly hard – many didn’t survive

Jolene Macpherson

the first year – but those who did were eager to set aside time to thank God for many blessings each day. Sweet anticipation and happy memories of that first Thanksgiving helped to reinforce positive thinking and achieve more.

Recently, my brother sent a first draft of his ancestry, spanning several generations who survived and thrived in difficult and joyful times.

Numerous details were captured on 14 pages as 150 years of ancestors’ lives danced on those pages.

As I read the information he had compiled, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for these ancestors. Their lives were fascinating!

All my ancestors that I have met were like-minded about gratitude but it was my mother who taught me to be truly thankful. She was especially quick to dismiss negative thoughts

‘My late mother, Lois Ellison, found so many great friends, fine cuisine and joy at Whistlestop.’

– Jolene Macpherson and acknowledge good things to encourage others.

Occasionally she would remind us to be grateful and that we didn’t have any “real troubles.” When tragedies struck, mom had us list things for which we were thankful; we always fell asleep long before we ran out of blessings to count. Her glass was always at least “half-full”, never “half-empty”! She understood gratitude and lived it fully every day.

Jolene K. Macpherson, FIC, is a financial associate with Thrivent Financial, Novato.

THANK YOU, FIREFIGHTERS! We are grateful for the courageous Firefighters and First Responders who are helping to contain the wildfires in our neighboring towns.

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eyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a Day of Generosity—Giving Tuesday, November 28.

Once we have satisfied our desires for bargains, millions of Americans consider the joy that generosity brings by

giving back locally on Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving. Here in Marin, we all feel heavy hearted right now with the devastation wrought by the recent fires. We wonder if we can do anything to make a difference. Every small donation or gift of

Whistlestop Membership Drive The annual membership fee of $10-20 (sliding scale) enables Whistlestop to provide excellent programs and services for older adults. It’s a bargain as well, far below the national average of $50 for Active Aging Centers’ dues. Whistlestop is a private nonprofit, and not government funded; we rely on donations and fees to support our Active Aging Center. Your membership provides discounts on classes, as well as lunches in the Jackson Café ($6 rather than $8 for example, including tea and coffee.)

For questions or to sign up, please call the Whistlestop Front Desk at 415-456-9062.

Only one coupon per person can be used during this period. Coupon does not apply to current students. Please present this coupon at the front desk. Expires: Nov. 13, 2017 Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 For more information call 415-456-9062

A gift to Whistlestop can provide homebound and food insecure older adults with meals, transportation for folks who can no longer drive, and an essential feeling of belonging that helps our older neighbors feel relevant, needed, and cared for. As one Whistlestop client recently said, “Whistlestop is a lifeline to me.” In a recent survey, Whistlestop clients said they feel independent, uplifted, connected, hopeful and loved. We need your support so that we can continue our important work.

Please consider making a generous gift to Whistlestop this Giving Tuesday or holiday season. Thank you!

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

$15

$20

$50

/month

Or make a single donation in the amount of: $500

$250

$125

$100

Billing Info Name Address Phone Email Payment Info MC Exp Date

Visa

CC# 3 Digit Code

Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901

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Coupon for One, Single Complimentary Class at Whistlestop

time helps. Whether you come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, finding a way to give back helps us all feel more connected in this time of sadness and rebuilding.

A gift to Whistlestop provides vital services to Marin’s most vulnerable residents: our thousands of older adults, many of whom struggle day-to-day to make ends meet. Imagine having to choose between rent, food or medicine! Whistlestop is where Marin’s older adults and their families come to stay healthy, to connect, to find resources, to make new friends, and to lead rich, vibrant lives.

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Community Connections

Some Vets May Not Know They Qualify For Benefits From VA

By Sean Stephens

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s N o v e m b e r 2 017

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ver the years I’ve heard many ideas of what people think a veteran is and what they had to do to get this status.

Some people with an honorable discharge do not think they are a veteran because they only served for two years, did not serve in combat or were not injured in the service. Women and those who served honorably in the National Guard and Reserves are often unsure of their status.

I will do my best to give an idea of the definition of veteran from the perspective of the Veterans Administration. If you are in doubt and you have served in uniform, please call our office.

Under federal law a veteran is any person who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Discharges marked “General and under honorable conditions” also qualify.

Other qualifying events are any person who served in the active military, naval, or air service of the United States and was discharged from the service due to a service-connected disability or filed a claim and was service-connected for a disability sustained while in the service. A person could go into the service and injure themselves while in

basic training and receive a service-connected disability rating from the VA. They would be considered a veteran no matter how long they served.

Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be considered veterans if they were deployed under Title 10 (Federal Orders) and complete that deployment and are issued a DD-214 (discharge) under honorable conditions. Persons who serve in the Guard and Reserve without a federal deployment are usually not eligible for veterans benefits, unless they were injured during their basic or advanced training or while on weekend drill or the two-week summer training.

They must have reported the injury, filed a claim with the VA and have been rated as disabled for that injury.

Veterans should never take it for granted that their discharge, if not honorable, would preclude them from benefits from the VA. The wise thing to do is to apply for them unless the character is bad conduct or dishonorable. They can also apply to have the discharge upgraded. This process should take place within three years of discharge, and the veteran should have a rationale for claiming that

Veterans Services Marin County Division of Aging and Adult Services Veterans Services 415-473-6193 marinhhs.org/veterans-services 10 N. San Pedro Rd., Room 1010 San Rafael, CA 94903 Assistance to veterans in securing benefits, housing and medical treatments.

Veterans Benefits 844-698-2311 benefits.va.gov/benefits US Veterans Benefits Administration Veteran’s Crisis Line 800-273-8255 Press 1 Veterans Housing & Services & Advocacy (VHS) 415-952-5502 vetshousing.com/info@vetshousing.com PO Box 4118, San Rafael, CA 94913 VHS maintains a registry to match veteran tenants with local landlords with the goal of identifying, pursuing and providing housing alternatives for North Bay veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day on 11/11/17, Whistlestop would like to thank all veterans for their service! See pg 6 for info on our Veterans Lunch at Whistlestop.

the discharge should have been honorable.

The services have in the past rated people with personality disorders that were found later to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This usually occurred after the service member returned

from a combat tour and had trouble dealing with the authority back in the home unit. Service members who have had this experience should contact our office and lets us look into this matter.

Sean Stephens is a Veterans Service Officer with the Marin County Veterans Service Office, 415-473-6193.

Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont

Phoebe Moyer

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

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rom the first time Phoebe volunteered at the Brown Bag Pantry last year, she knew Whistlestop was a place she wanted to be. The camaraderie and the teamwork of the volunteers remind her of her experiences as an actor and director. “In theater, you work with the same people week after week and become like a family,” she says. “At the end of the day, you have all accomplished the common goal. In theater, the goal of the performance is to entertain and challenge the audience. At the Brown Bag Pantry, the goal is to distribute fresh fruit, vegetables, protein and other staples to the 120 older adults who show up each week.”

Phoebe arrived in San Francisco in 1968 to study theater at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Originally from New Jersey, she received her master’s in theater and speech from Northwestern University and taught at the secondary and university level in New York and Connecticut, making her way to Marin to create a performing arts program at the newly opened Marin Academy in San Rafael. For 25 years, Phoebe taught theater, mime, and dance. When she retired, she established a second career as a professional actress by joining the Actors Equity Association and continuing to direct for local theatres.

Phoebe still works as a full-time actor and director, winning several important awards in the process. She will direct four shows in the next six months. “Each production evolves into a temporary family, much like the family that is always evolving at the Brown Bag Pantry. It’s very satisfying.”

As a volunteer at the Pantry, Phoebe develops relationships with some of the clients. She looks at volunteering as a gift.

On a sparse day of food in the Pantry, Phoebe expressed regret to a client that there was not more variety. The woman said, “I come here empty but always leave here with something. I am going away with more than what I came with.” This resonated with Phoebe and, as a volunteer, she feels equally enriched each week when she leaves.

She lives in Greenbrae with her husband Charles, a local theater critic and reviewer who she met on the job. Keeping to a strict code of ethics, they make sure he never writes reviews about her plays.

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Keep Learning at Whistlestop

PLEASE NOTE: Thanksgiving Holiday Closures

Thurs, Nov 23: Active Aging Center and the Jackson Café will be open for the Thanksgiving Luncheon from 11:30am-2pm Fri, Nov 24: Active Aging Center and the Jackson Café are closed to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday. All scheduled classes resume Mon, Nov 27.

For a full list of classes check out our calendar: On-line calendar at Whistlestop.org/classes/calendar. Printed calendars are available at the Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Questions or to RSVP, call 415-456-9062.

Write Your Life Stories 5-Week Workshop Thurs, Nov 2-Dec 7 (No class Thanksgiving Day); 1-2:30p.m.; Fee: $25/35; Instructor: Jean Stumpf, Caboose 1 In this five-week workshop, Jean will discuss the Birren Method, Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Write and share your unique stories with members of the class. Beginning and seasoned writers welcome. Class is limited to the first 10 registered; so sign up today. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk.

Community Breakfast First Fridays of each month, 9-10am; $3/$6; Whistlestop in the Jackson Café Lovin’ Harmony Trio from Bread & Roses will sing to honor Vets.

SPECIAL EVENTS Veterans Lunch with Bread & Roses Lovin’ Harmony Trio

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Thurs, Nov 9; Lunch, 11:30am-1:30pm; Lovin’ Harmony Performance Noon1pm; $8/10 (non-members and day of event tickets)

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Bread & Roses generously presents Lovin’ Harmony Trio in the Jackson Café. This dynamic trio will sing beloved patriotic songs to honor all our veterans. A hearty lunch of beef stew, potato entrée and decadent chocolate cake will be served.

Purchase tickets in advance by Mon, Nov 7 at the Front Desk.

Annual Whistlestop Thanksgiving Day Feast Thurs, Nov 23, Noon-1:30pm; $12/15(non-member and day of event pricing); Jackson Café Traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings in the Jackson Café with personalized piano accompaniment by Nancy Fox. Purchase tickets in advance by Mon, Nov 20 at the Front Desk.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

and Rental Listing Scams. Discover what you can do to protect yourself!

Financial Literacy Workshop

Brain Fitness & Memory Workshop

Tues, Nov 28, 11am-Noon; No fee; Caboose 1, Speaker: Marvin Brook This SparkPoint workshop focuses on the fundamentals of managing cash flow and the tools for identifying cost savings to create a spending plan. We will talk about Social Security and how it fits into peoples’ overall financial plans.

Questions and answers will engage the audience on specific issues.

Be Scam Smart Workshop Wed, Nov 15, 10-11am; No Fee; Featured Speaker: Kristina Warcholski, Marin County District Attorney’s Office Scammers are always changing their messages, especially during the holidays. Get the latest information on IRS calls, Grandchild Calls, Sweepstakes Solicitation, Phishing and Identity Theft, Fake Charity Solicitations, Computer Tech Support Calls, TV Promotions – Free Trial Offers, Affinity Fraud, Home Improvement Scams, Fraudulent Debt Collectors,

Tues, Nov 21, 9:30-10:30am and 10:30-11:30am (Russian); No Fee; Instructor: Ariana Myers, is on the Senior Access Board of Directors; Computer Room The top four things to promote good brain health as we age: move your body, eat right, find a challenge, and socialize. This Senior Access Brain Fitness class offers all four.

Age Reversing Essentric Exercise Class Mondays 1-2pm, Caboose 1; $6/8 Instructor Elizabeth Lynn (Whistlesizers teacher) Age Reversal Essentric Class is a gentle, slow-paced class of relaxed movement aimed at regaining mobility while building strength, reawakening the body’s balance reflexes and providing relief from pain and tension. Perfect for injury recovery and improved overall health.

Drop in for the best breakfast deal in town. Join us for a full breakfast, which includes a beverage and a choice of balanced proteins and carbohydrates. Rise and dine. Call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129 for info.

Social Groups Are you over 60 years old and interested in creating meaningful connections in Marin County? Join one of Whistlestop’s weekly Social Groups. Groups contribute to intellectual and social discussions, organize social events, discuss wellness and health issues, and learn about community resources. Whistlestop Membership ($10-20/year) encouraged. Drop-in. Questions, call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138.

German Social Circle Mondays, 10:30am; Staff Lounge

Persian Social Group Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30am; Lounge

Russian Social Group Mondays, 12:30-1:45pm; Computer Room

Vietnamese Social Group Tuesdays, 1pm; Caboose

Multi-Cultural Seniors Wednesdays, Activity:11am-Noon; Lunch catered by Good Earth Noon1pm; $3 suggested donation; Off-site at Albert J. Boro Community Center/ Pickleweed, 50 Canal Street. Group welcomes seniors from all cultures.

basis to support clients during difficult age related transitions. Call 415-473-6802.

expertise in certain areas of law.

Ping Pong

2nd & 4th Thurs, 9am-Noon; No Fee

Fridays, 2-3pm; $3/$5 Instructor:

Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to resources. More information? Call 415-473-6450.

Beginners Ukulele Class Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm, Six Sessions, Nov 8-Dec 13, $40/$45

Homeshare Program

Adult Coloring Mondays & Wednesdays, 11 am Knitting: Wednesdays, 2pm

French Club Tuesdays, 1pm; Computer Room

Spanish Club Fridays, 1:30pm; Computer Room

Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee, Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for 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.

Resumes January 2018 Two facilitators lead the Age Song group of men and women who enjoy forming new friendships, exploring life’s challenges and discussing current concerns in a confidential environment. Call 415-234-5040 to register. $80 for 8-week session.

ACASA Offering a confidential bilingual program to assist people age 60 and older in English and Spanish to support their emotional and psychiatric needs. After professional review and referral, peer volunteer counselors work on an individual

Telephone Reassurance calls are made three times a week by trained volunteers to older adults in need of a friendly check in call.

415-456-9068; Free

Technology November 2017 Vivian Malcy Weekly drop-in ping pong games are enjoyed by individuals of any age and physical ability. Ping pong is a great way to stimulate the brain, promote quick thinking while improving hand-eye coordination, increases one’s agility and f lexibility, and offers a great social outlet. Serving up new and meaningful connections.

NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and Medication Reviews Please note the date and time changes. Screenings will be on the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 10:30amNoon; No fee, Resource Office Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and medication reviews offered by Bright Star Care, a local agency providing home care, caregivers, and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in Marin, 415-332-3300.

HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES

Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062

Computer Lab - Drop in

Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10:00am – 12 noon

In this two week course you will learn all about different ways to preserve your photos, organize them into folders, edit them, back them up and print them. Bring your digital cameras, flash drives or whatever device your photos are saved on to class and we’ll show you how to take them out, save them in one place, use software to make the process easy and fun, and start getting them in order.

No Fee

What’s New on the iPad/ iPhone?

Thursdays, October 26 & November 2, 10:00am – 12 noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people Come and find out what has changed and how to use the new features. We will show you new Siri features, changes to your lock screen and phone app, new map features, new control center settings, and fun new tools to improve text messaging and photo sharing. This class is a great refresher for those who have used the phone for a little while and a good overview for those new to the iPhone/iPad world. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Managing Your Photos Tuesdays, Nov 14 & 21, 10:00am – 12 noon (2 classes)

iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Tuesday, December 5 & 12, 10:00am – 12 noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two week course, you’ll be guided through how to make calls, send emails, send texts, download music and add applications. A course for those new to the smart phone/ wireless device world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. (Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.)

Free Legal Consultation Most Thursdays of each month at Whistlestop and the 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 them to attorneys who have

Marin Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting Thursday, November 2 | 10:00AM -12:30PM Location: Larkspur Central Marin Police Authority Topic: Green and Healthy Homes Speaker: Michele Nochisaki of Green & Healthy Homes Marin

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Age Song

Telephone Reassurance

Homeshare is a free referral service

Instructor: Sandy Bailey; Sign-up and pay at front desk or call 415456- 9062 Strum your way to happiness with instructor Sandy Bailey in his Ukulele class. Bring your own ukulele or Sandy will lend you one to try out.

Maximum: 15 people.

Victim Witness Assistance

for older adults seeking or offering housing. Call for appointment to talk to a Homeshare coordinator 415-456-9068; Free

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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

Schedule a Visit!

Thank You Marin!

Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741

pbill@theredwoods.org

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

Voted Best Senior Living

10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-2:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM

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

10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON

WEDNESDAYS

10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 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-2:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 2:45AM-3:45PM 10:30AM-NOON

FRIDAYS

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9:30AM-10:30AM

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

CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music (College of Marin) Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French Class French Social Group Vietnamese Social Group Intermediate Spanish Class Beginning Spanish Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program* Adult Coloring Inter. Ukulele (6 weeks) Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Exam Prep Class Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian 2 Balance Class BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Fri Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Club Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly

* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)

INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-485-9318 Drop-in Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Register Register Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9067 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in

FEE $6/8 $1/min Free Free Free Free $45 Free $40/50 $4/5 Free $3/5 Free Free $3/5 $3/5 Free Free $1/min Free Free Free $40/45 Free $40/50 $30/45 $6/8 $1/min $4/5 $30/35 $30/35 $10/12 Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5

Questions about Medicare and Medi-Cal? I can help.

Founded in 1977, SCAN Health Plan® is a non-profit Medicare Advantage plan that was started for seniors, by seniors. We’ll always put your best interests first, and give you the time and attention you truly deserve.

Contact the representative below for more information:

I can answer questions regarding:

Rozan Donals

• • • •

SCAN Sales Representative

Your Medicare eligibility and options SCAN copays and costs for certain benefits ESRD, diabetic and heart disease Special Needs Plans Prescription drugs savings

Phone: 1-415-965-9016 Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent/broker.

SCAN Health Plan is an HMO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SCAN Health Plan depends on contract renewal. SCAN also has a contract with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Medi-Cal (Medicaid) program. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.

Y0057_SCAN_10542_2017F File & Use Accepted 09292017

G10577 10/17

You don’t have You’re WITH SCAN. You SCAN. don’t have SCAN. You’re WITH SCAN.

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

Double Award: Employer of Choice

Quality Assured and Proven.

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…

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

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

415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com

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• • • • • • • •

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.

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Getting Around

Transportation Staff: Amber Fallens, Althea Boxley, Mark Beal, Diane Williams, Jasher Nowland

Gratitude for our Transportation Staff

By Joanna Huitt, Mobility Manager

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s N o v e m b e r 2 017

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hen the idea of gratitude comes up, one can find it hard to narrow in on one thing or person considering the countless things we can be grateful for – our city, our neighbors, our friends and family – the list is almost endless. This month in particular, we have been focused on how grateful we are for our wonderful colleagues.

At Whistlestop Transportation Services we are lucky enough to have nearly 150 dedicated staff members who ensure that we are able to provide transportation services for people across Marin.

Our staff is mission driven. Every day they come to work to do their part as we endeavor to promote the independence, well-being and quality of life for older adults and people

living with disabilities in Marin County. Diane Stacey, dispatcher for nearly 19 years states, “Providing transportation to eligible clients is such a rewarding job because I know without Whistlestop, many clients wouldn’t be able to get out or keep their independence.”

Our staff is service oriented. Each staff member strives to understand our clients’ needs, and respond with kindness, dignity and respect. Althea Boxley, Contract Services Coordinator and staff member for two years, states that, “All of our drivers are committed to making sure that our clients are transported safely and securely, and treated with respect at all times.”

Finally, our staff is committed to holding themselves accountable.

Make Holiday Cards for the Homebound Sharing is caring! Life gets hectic prior to the holiday season, so it’s never too early to gather friends and family to create personalized holiday cards for a homebound person over 60 who receives Meals on Wheels or Meals of Marin. All holiday cards should be non-denominational, in an unsealed envelope addressed to: Dear Neighbor/Friend. Please drop off or mail cards by Dec 8: Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA. Questions? Contact the Front Desk 415-456-9062.

Seniors Without Walls Workshop Wed, Nov 15, 10-11am; No Fee; Featured Speaker: Kate Wade Come to a workshop to learn about an opportunity for fun, support and lifelong learning. Learn all about this award-winning program of Episcopal Senior Communities for adults 60 and older. This unique program offers activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes, support groups, and presentations to seniors. Each week, seniors can access over 70 groups by phone or online.

Call to register at 877-797-7299. Give us a call; we’re happy to answer questions. Or check out our current catalog to see what we offer that can be accessed by phone or online, all from the comfort of home.

We are empowered by accepting responsibility for our actions and our results.

We set measurable goals and are accountable to each other and to our clients.

John Byers, Transportation Services General Manager, echoes this commitment, stating, “As an organization, we believe that if we say we

are going to do something, we do it. This is especially true when it comes to taking care of our clients.

We are committed to their satisfaction.”

We are thankful for all of our staff and their many years of service to Whistlestop, our clients, and our community!

that keeps Eleazar coming to work every day, something he has been doing for 15 years.

“I feel glad to be part of Whistlestop because of the service we bring to the community, helping people with transportation and also with meals.”

He started as a driver and part-time mechanic. “I then worked as a fulltime mechanic but I was still driving to fill in when we were short of drivers.

When I was driving, the best part was meeting people and helping them reach their destinations.”

He said that because of his work repairing buses, “I am in contact with all the drivers. I try my best to fix their issues with the buses.

They are great people and great drivers.”

Eleazar recalled another time when he and the Whistlestop dispatcher adjusted to a mix-up of names of clients. He said

Eleazar Flores

By John Bowman

W

histlestop bus driver Eleazar Flores will always remember waiting with a client in a heavy rain in Tiburon because he loves helping others. “The client was in a wheelchair

A Licensed Homecare Agency o ering

and when we got to the destination, the place was closed. The client looked scared and she asked me if I would stay with her until the place opened. I did and after it opened, she thanked me.”

It’s that type of experience

Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state

Geriatric Care Management: RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families

Dignity • Respect Personal Care • Safety All services managed by owner

Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM

(415) 457 2256 • www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com

N o v e m b e r 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s

Eleazar is Grateful for Chance To Help Marin’s Older Adults

he went to pick up a client but there were three people at the stop when he arrived. He got off the bus and asked the three people for their names. One of them said she was the one he was picking up and she got on the bus. However, five minutes later, dispatch told him that he had picked up the wrong client.

Eleazar realized there was some confusion about the client’s name. “But dispatch adjusted my route so I was able to take the client to her destination.”

One unexpected gift Eleazar has received in his job is from the clients themselves. “I have seen lots of smiles from senior clients when I arrive to pick them up. Some of them are alone and are very happy to be able to use this great service.

Another gift for me is that Whistlestop gives me the opportunity to serve other people.”

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Whistlestop

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

Make Your Estate Plan Work: Talk About It and Listen

By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher

W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s N o v e m b e r 2 017

I

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asked seasoned local mediator and lawyer Rob Rosborough to share his wisdom on how to minimize conflict when creating a will.

He shared the following column.

You remember how excited your son Bobby got looking through your stamp collection. He’ll be thrilled it will be left to the museum permanently, right?

Besides, your retirement account will be enough to send his kids to college. And your daughter, Carla, and her successful husband don’t really need anything; she already got what really mattered to her when Aunt Maggie died and she got the china and silverware, didn’t she?

Talking about death or money is no fun and both together – yikes! But having your children spend the rest of their lives upset because they didn’t understand why you did what you did is even worse. Loved ones often take things out on each other and the only ones who benefit are the lawyers.

That’s really not who you wanted to leave your estate to, is it?

Here are a few tips to make it easier to talk about: 1) Set aside plenty of uninterrupted time and tell everyone ahead of time – don’t just spring it on them next Thanksgiving.

2) Yes, it’s your money. But once you’ve spoken, listen! Tell your loved ones you really want to know how they feel.

3) Be prepared for longstanding issues to surface. If you think they’ve never been happy you remarried, tell them how important it was to you. And listen some more.

4) If history comes up that you regret, acknowledge how you feel now. Money is a proxy for past hurts and the more they are resolved, the more likely your wishes will be honored.

5) Talk before finalizing your estate plan no matter how set it is.

6) Small changes can make big differences. Some things might matter much more to a loved one than to you.

7) Hire someone to facilitate the conversation. Many people can be more forthcoming to a neutral professional than directly to you.

8) Talk more than once. If it doesn’t go well – and it might not, especially early on – keep trying. The alternative is things going worse when you’re gone.

9) Pat yourself on the back for taking the most important step to a successful estate plan.

Need help with your estate documents? Older adults may schedule free half-hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin by calling 415-459-6700. You can also contact Robert Rosborough for estate planning and mediation services: rob@manjushrimediation.pro, 415-673-5081.

To learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.