E PRESS
whistlestop.org October 2017
Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 2: “High Touch” Transportation Pg 9 Transportation Resources Pg 10: ‘Sudha’s Treasures’ Helps Whistlestop
On the Move
WHISTLESTOP 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.
Whistlestop Perspective
Providing ‘High-Touch’ Transportation Service By John Byers General Manager Transportation Services
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 acollazo@metronews.com
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Rosemary Olson, Publisher
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rolson@pacificsun.com
OUR MISSION Whistlestop believes we share a responsibility to ensure all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, independence and grace. Cover Art by Missy Reynolds
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John Byers
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ith the Bay Area economy on fire, and very low unemployment figures, record numbers of people are working and many are driving themselves to their jobs daily. Clearly, traffic congestion continues to be an ongoing concern throughout Marin and the North Bay Counties. It seems that every major roadway is under some sort of construction project, which adds to stress for drivers. Certainly there are commuting options, such as carpools and mass transit; however, since many people live a great distance from the city centers where many of the jobs are located, long commute times in the car alone are negatively impacting many people’s quality of life. Technology companies have jumped in to try to help solve the issues, but is technology helping to make people feel connected to their communities, more alive, and improving quality of life? TNCs (Transportation Network Companies), such as Uber and Lyft, allow many people to leave their cars at home and use Apps on a Smart Phone to order rides. In fact, a recent study showed more than 200,000
people use Uber or Lyft daily to commute throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and that more than 5,000 of these vehicles crowd the streets. Also, companies like Chariot have pioneered a crowd sourcing method of creating commuter shuttle routes. In addition, Apps such as WAZE and Google Maps help guide weary commuters in and around the roadways by avoiding potential tie-ups like accidents or road work. But what do older adults or Marin County neighbors with special needs do if they need to get around on these crowded streets? This is where Whistlestop still comes in as a trusted partner with ADA compliant transportation options. Whistlestop not only offers a safe, reliable ride for its passengers, but our drivers also offer a human high-touch service that is so desperately needed by many of our riders.
Whistlestop has nearly 100 vehicles driven by well trained, safety-minded drivers. Also, Whistlestop is looking into technology solutions that will help its drivers maneuver the Bay Area roadways more efficiently, yet we have not lost sight of our mission: “Helping Marin age with dignity, independence and grace.” Whistlestop solves the special needs mobility problems that many in our community face each day, and we also offer the very special human connection that is so vital to living a full life. We help to keep older adults and the most vulnerable members of the community mobile and connected. Whistlestop is honored and proud of our more than 63 years partnering and serving the community, and we look forward to many more years of providing that allimportant human connection in transportation.
AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Tuesday, October 17: “Insuring Your Good Health” Location: Fairfax Women’s Club Time: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM For more info please call: 415-458-2340
Double Award: Employer of Choice
Quality Assured and Proven. When it comes to family, quality is key. Hired Hands is honored to win the prestigious Best of Homecare award for our 3rd consecutive year from Home Care Pulse, a national Quality Assurance firm that gauges client and employee satisfaction with care providers across many areas, including compassion, work ethic, training and communication. This award recognizes that we greatly appreciate the feedback of those we work with, and are dedicated to the highest level of Quality, Expertise, and Professionalism in senior care. Learn more at hiredhandshomecare.com/bestof
415-884-4343
Would like to say
PRESENTING SPONSOR
At Home Caregivers
FLOWER POWER SPONSORS Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California, Inc. Marin Sanitary Service Pacific Gas & Electric Relevant Wealth Advisors
WOODSTOCK GENERATION SPONSORS Dennis and Susan Gilardi Sutter Novato Community Hospital
GROOVY TIE-DYED SPONSORS Alma Via of San Rafael Alten Construction CPI Developers Eden Housing Hospice by the Bay Jerry Thompson & Sons Painting Kaiser Permanente KWMR Montecito Market Place Ragghianti Freitas LLP Sonnen Audi of Marin
SPECIAL THANKS All of the Legendary Musicians Crowbar of Artista Four Points Sheraton Marinda Freeman Marie Rios Marin Independent Journal Missy Reynolds of Clothilde Design Pacific Sun Pete Slauson Rich Walcoff Trip Ames Whistlestop Board of Directors Whistlestock Leadersip Team Marin Civic Center SPECIAL THANKS To the hundreds of community members who purchased tickets to the event!
Whistlestop 4.3438 w x Trusted 4.8438 h providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. 6-22-15 licensed • bonded • insured
Expore Creative 707-938-9960
• • • • • • • •
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…
And to the Whistlestop staff who have worked tirelessly to create an amazing concert!
(707) 931-4280 • (415) 599-4333 northbay.homewellseniorcare.com
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OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Alpha Graphics Bank of Marin Cline Cellars Four Points Sheraton Greene Creative Marin Joe's Onspot Welding and Design, Inc. H&H Printing, Inc. Tom Thornhill Visiting Angels Westamerica Bank
ROCK LEGEND SPONSORS BrightStar Care Marin County Ford
HiredHandsHomecare.com
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2016-2017 ANNUAL
FAST FACTS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Transportation by the Numbers By John Byers and Joanna Huitt
A RIDES GIVEN VEHICLES
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VOLUNTEER RIDES GIVEN VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
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t Whistlestop, we know that transportation can be a challenge. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities across Marin have options available to help them get where they need to go. Our Transportation Services operations team coordinates rides for over 3,200 people every day in Marin, San Francisco, and beyond. Across all of our programs, on average, we complete 935 one-way trips per day! Through the hard work and dedication of 145 staff members, we have an average of 80 vehicles on the road all day long, every day of the week. How are we able to do this? By operating a variety of transportation services including: • Multiple pilot programs designed to get eligible users to medical appointments • Charter transportation services for special events
CALLS FOR TRANSPORTATION ADVICE & ASSISTANCE *In Partnership with:Aldersley, Golden Gate Regional Center, Golden Gate Transit, Hamilton Homeowners Association, Institute on Aging, Marin Transit, Senior Access, and West Marin Senior Services
• Contracts for ongoing transportation service with care facilities and other organizations • CarePool – our volunteer driver program for medical or grocery trips • Operation of the Marin Access Paratransit program which includes information and referral, eligibility, scheduling, and getting passengers to and from their appointments, and
• Operation of the Marin Access Travel Navigator program, which includes information and referral, eligibility, and outreach for the Marin Access family of programs By coordinating these different transportation options, Whistlestop is able to make a huge impact on the community and help solve the transportation challenges of residents of the greater Marin area. We are proud to be a leading transportation provider based here in Marin County. The infographic on this page shows the impact that we have made over the last year.
What qualifies as a Medical/ Grocery Trip for CarePool? Whistlestop’s CarePool program is a volunteer driver program that improves the quality of life of older adults in Marin by matching eligible members with volunteers to get to and from medical appointments prescribed by a doctor, including routine check-ups, appointments to see a specialist, physical therapy, trips to the eye doctor, flu shots, and prescribed exercise classes. Trips can also be made to any location where you can grocery shop, such as Safeway, Target, Costco, United Markets, Sprouts, Mollie Stone’s, Whole Foods and more. Not sure if your appointment qualifies? Contact us to find out! 415-454-0927
Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont
John Hauserman
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no gas... all electric no noise... quiet power no license, insurance, maintenance
Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo
Juanita says
“WE CARE” The most famous duck in San Anselmo!
Sales, Service, Repairs, & Rentals
415.457.1664 1281 Anderson Dr., Ste. F, San Rafael
Visit us today for a tour! Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com
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s John and his wife Margy head out on their 28-day ocean cruise on the Mediterranean, he contemplates his journey to Marin County and what led him to begin volunteering at Whistlestop for the CarePool driver program. Born and raised on the East Coast, John studied business in Florida and then went to officer training in the Navy. Stationed in Vietnam, he was a member of the United States Navy’s Mobile Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees. While there, he helped build bridges and worked on other construction projects. After leaving the Navy, John used his business background in working for a friend’s bowling alley and restaurant. His life changed forever when he came to Mill Valley for a wedding in 1975 and realized he wanted to stay in California. John started an office furniture business in Emeryville and sold it twelve years ago. Now he is semiretired and continues as a part time CFO for the new owner. John volunteers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society to support his two siblings who have the disease. He has also been on the Board of the Youth Soccer League for 25 years. He met his wife Margy while playing in a pick-up volleyball game about a year after he moved to the Bay Area. They have one son, Todd, who just moved back to Fairfax, not far from where John and Margy have lived for over 37 years. Margy has been a volunteer server at the Jackson Café for more than five years. When she told John about the new CarePool volunteer driver program, he thought it sounded like the perfect volunteer option for his schedule. He likes it because it gives him flexibility to choose his own days and hours. John took the short training in June of 2015. He said that after picking up his first ride, he was committed; his rider was so thankful for the service. She was heading to Kaiser for a chemotherapy treatment and if not for this door through door service, she would have to allow four to five hours each time she had therapy. With CarePool, she can get picked up in time to make her appointment and then can go home right after to recuperate comfortably in her home. As our Marin population ages, we can use more volunteers like John; call 415-456-9067 or volunteer@ whistlestop.org
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Keep Learning at Whistlestop
For a full list of classes check out our online calendar: 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. To register or to RSVP, call 415-456-9062.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES & WORKSHOPS New Beginning Spanish Tuesdays, 3-4pm; $3/5 per class; Caboose 2; Instructor: Carol Costa Have you always wanted to learn conversational Spanish? Here’s your chance. No registration required. More advanced? Carol Costa offers a dropin intermediate class Tuesdays from 1-3pm.
SPAHR CENTER: Gen Silent Movie and Discussion Mon, Oct 2, 1-2pm, Board Room; Members free/$5 non-members; Facilitator: Nancy Flaxman, the Spahr Center Join us for “Gen Silent.” This film poignantly follows six older LGBTQ people trying to plan their futures. The 25-minute film and follow-up discussion will be led by the Spahr Center, which serves, supports and empowers our LGBTQ community.
Meet a World Religion Series #5: Meet a Kabbalist Mon, Oct 9, 2-3pm; No fee; Featured Speaker: Levi Ben Shmuel Bridge a deeper understanding and connection to Jewish mystical tradition through Levi Ben Shmuel’s personal stories. Learn about his extensive travels and the mediation practice he co-created – Sulam Chi.
Oktoberfest Luncheon
SPECIAL EVENTS
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Bach Lunch with Cellist Zuill Bailey (Marin Symphony)
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Stay Active & Upright: Balance and Fall Prevention Workshop
Tues, Oct 3, Noon-12:30pm; No fee; Lunch $6/8 Thanks to the Marin Symphony! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to listen to Zuill Bailey masterfully play Bach on his cello for Jackson Café diners. No reservation required.
Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Luncheon Thurs, Oct 26, Lunch 11:30am2pm, Entertainment Noon-1pm; $8/10; Jackson Café The Oktoberfest Celebration returns to Whistlestop! Don your dirndls and lederhosen and get ready to sing along to German music. Traditional Bavarian specialties will be served.
Dia de Los Muertos/Altar Decorations Tues, Oct 31, 11:30am-2pm, Jackson Café; No tickets necessary, regular lunch menu; $6/8 The Whistlestop Spanish Class will create altars for Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead. Join us in the Jackson Café for lunch. Learn about the Mexican celebration, which celebrates and remembers those who have departed.
Tues, Oct 10, 3-4pm; Free (donations appreciated); Jackson Café; Instructor: Dan Hodul III, Ph.D., CAC Do you know your balance years? Are falls getting you down? Learn how to improve your balance and discuss the benefits through guided participation in carefully arranged movements formulated to improve balance.
HICAP: Medicare Annual Change and Choices Thurs, Oct 12, 12:30-2pm; Caboose 1: Free; Facilitated by HICAP
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) provides free and unbiased, objective information and counseling about Medicare. Learn about all the options and changes so you can make informed decisions during the Medicare Annual Enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Movement & Music Mon, Oct 23-Dec 4, 11amNoon; Fee $15 yearly Emeritus Students College of Marin ESCOM membership, plus $45 tuition (7 week class) paid to the College of Marin registrar, 415-485-9318. Instructor: Diane Hain, Caboose 1 & 2 Join if you have not been exercising regularly or have arthritis-related problems. Chair exercises tone upper and lower body muscles and include joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balancing, breathing coordination and modified Tai Chi.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Mon, Oct 23, 1-2pm; No fee; Board Room; Facilitator: Shannon Speaker, Alzheimer’s Association Memory loss may disrupt your daily life and you may be wondering, “Am I okay?” Alzheimer’s may cause a decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Learn when to talk to your doctor about getting the maximum benefit from available treatments.
Write Your Life Stories Thurs, Oct 19, 1-2:30pm; $5; Introductory Class; Board Room, Instructor: Jean Stumpf Explore how to write your life story in this one session workshop. Maximum 20 students
Citizenship Exam Preparation Class Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm; $30/40 year; Caboose 2 Citizenship class provides the English language skills and U.S. history, politics and civics knowledge needed to pass the U.S. Citizenship
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.
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, 60 and older. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.
Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs
Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
Trained volunteers make free Telephone Reassurance calls three times a week to older adults in need of a friendly check in.
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.
Laughter Yoga
TIME 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM
MONDAYS
Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and Medication Reviews
Whistlestop Weekly Activities
10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-NOON 2:00PM-3:30PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 11:30AM-12:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
Tues, Oct 3, 11am-Noon, Caboose 1; $4/5 Instructor: Barbara Lovejoy, MSW Laugh yourself healthy, as laughter is the best medicine. Easy, gentle, playful group movements and yogic breathing (no classical yoga postures) release feel good hormones and increase oxygen flow into every cell for improved brain function, relaxation, and renewed zest. Wear comfortable clothes for movement.
10:00AM-NOON
11:00AM-NOON
TUESDAYS
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS
for older adults seeking or offering housing. Call for an appointment to talk to a Homeshare coordinator, 415-456-9068.
10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM
WEDNESDAYS
and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization interview.
10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 12:30PM-1:45PM 1:00PM-3:00PM
Homeshare is a free referral service
2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM
Thursday, October 5 | 10:00AM -12:30PM Location: Tiburon Town Hall Topic: Social Connection and Isolation Speaker: Mary McCall, PhD
10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 2:45PM-3:45PM 10:30AM-NOON
FRIDAYS
Marin Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting
9:30AM-10:30AM
11:00AM-NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-485-9318 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 Register Drop-in 415-456-9067 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in
FEE $6/8 $1/min Free Free Free Free $45 $40/50 $4/5 Free $3/5 Free $3/5 $3/5 Free Free $1/min Free Free Free $35/40 Free Free $40/50 $30/45 $6/8 $1/min $4/5 $30/35 $30/35 $10/12 Free Free Free $2/4 $3/5
* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)
Become a Whistlestop Member today! Membership is on a sliding scale, $10-$20 a year. Whistlestar’s (Whistlestop members) receive discounts on some classes and lunch
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Are you traveling to the 32nd Annual Marin Senior Information Fair? Take the free roundtrip shuttle offered by Whistlestop. The shuttle will travel from Whistlestop to the fair approximately every half hour from 9am to 3:15pm, Oct. 25. No reservations are required. To return to Whistlestop, wait at 10 Avenue of the Flags near Peter Behr Drive. If you drive, Whistlestop will have a shuttle from the parking lot to the main entrance. More info at: marinseniorinformationfair.org
THURSDAYS
Whistlestop Shuttle for Senior Fair
CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Movement & Music (College of Marin) ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French Class French 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) Russian Social Group Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Weekly Tutoring Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers (no class 10/5) Italian 3 (10/5-12/14) Italian 2 (10/5-12/14) Balance Class BrightStar Health Ck 2nd & 4th Friday Brown Bag Pantry Spanish Club Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly
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Celebrate! We’ve been doing that since 1972
Technology October - November 2017 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
ONGOING Open Lab
10am-Noon (2 classes)
Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people
No Fee
A creative, affordable community that promotes good health, well-being and security for a diverse group of elders.
Schedule a Visit!
Thank You Marin!
Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops, tablets and software applications. Apple product assistance is available on Wednesdays, 11am-Noon.
NEW Senior Connect Tuesday, Oct 17 & 24, 10am-Noon (2 classes) FREE! Maximum 10 people Priority will be given to first-time students. (No device necessary)
Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741
pbill@theredwoods.org Voted Best Senior Living
40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941 www.theredwoods.org
Do you want to know what the Internet is all about but don’t know where to begin? Technology 4 Life is offering a free workshop for seniors who want to learn how to use iPads and tablets and what they can do on the Internet. We have iPads and tablets for you to try while we teach you some basics. Learn to shop online or where to catch a bus to the doctor’s office, or where to find answers to personal medical issues. You can learn a few basics about using the Internet safely and how to protect your privacy. Don’t be afraid to try; you will be with other beginners just like you.
What’s New on the iPad/ iPhone?
Does it seem like Apple is constantly changing things on your iPhone or iPad? Want to see what is changing with the release of the newest iOS update – 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. Learn what a widget is and how the system has been improved. Learn photo organization tools that let you group photos together for easier access. This class is a great refresher for those who have used the iPhone for awhile and a good overview for those new to the iPhone/iPad world. Bring your device to class.
Managing Your Photos Tuesdays, Nov 14 & 21, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, you will learn 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.
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Thursdays, Oct 26 & Nov 2,
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Couponfor for One, Single Coupon Single Complimentaryy Class Complimentar Class at Whistlestop at 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
Community Connections
Transportation Resources
Volunteer Fair
Sp e Ev cial en t
American Cancer Society Road to Recovery
Patients Service Center: 888-227-6333 Providing transportation to and from cancer-related medical appointments.
Dillon Beach/Tomales Dial-A-Ride
415-892-7899 Providing passengers curb-to-curb pickup and drop-off service between Dillon Beach, Tomales and Petaluma on Wednesdays.
Golden Gate Transit
415-455-2000/customerservice@goldengate.org Older adults and persons with disabilities are eligible for discount fares on public transportation.
Marin Access Travel Navigators
Make a difference every day! We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.
415-454-0902/navigator@whistlestop.org marinaccess.org At Whistlestop: 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 The Marin Access Travel Navigators, operated by Whistlestop, is a one-stop resource for program information and eligibility for all Marin Access programs, including: paratransit, Catch A Ride, and the STAR and TRIP volunteer driver programs. The Travel Navigators consult with potential users or their family members to determine the most appropriate services a potential user may qualify for.
Date: Thursday, October 26
Marin Access Travel Training
• Computer lab assistants
Location: 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 Volunteer Positions Include: • CarePool volunteer drivers • Meals on Wheels drivers • Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers For more information contact: Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager Phone: 415-456-9067 Email: volunteer@whistlestop.org
Marin Transit
415-226-0855/marintransit.org Local transit service within Marin County.
service between Point Reyes Station and Novato on the second Monday of each month.
Novato Dial-A-Ride
Saint Rita’s Church: Helping Hands
415-892-7899/info@marintransit.org Designed to fill gaps in Novato’s local transit service and provide additional service. Use in Novato or connect to fixed route transit service for travel outside of Novato.
Point Reyes Dial-A-Ride 415-892-7899/marintransit.org
Providing passengers curb-to-curb pickup and drop-off
415-454-6420 Providing transportation for seniors and people with disabilities who live in Fairfax.
West Marin Stagecoach
415-526-3239 West Marin Stagecoach provides two regularly operating bus routes between Central and West Marin.
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415-454-0902/travelnavigator@marintransit.org marinaccess.org/our-services/travel-training Marin Transit offers individualized travel training to Marin’s older adults, which involves a no-cost tour of the public bus system by taking a group on an actual transit route lasting about three hours.
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
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Support Whistlestop By Shopping at Sudha’s Treasures By John Bowman
T
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hirty-two years ago, Sudha Pennathur made a creative decision that resulted in a fulfilling career and successful business. “India, the world into which I was born, has for centuries been known for its rich history, tradition and culture,” Sudha said. “After schooling in the U.S., including a dual Master’s degree in Marketing & Computer Science and 17 years in corporate American retail, I founded an artisan-based design and manufacturing company. I interpreted the artistry of the master craftsmen to designs that the modern woman would want. As I touch the world, my Hindu roots continually show
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through, they inspire me to create goods that nourish the soul, while being practical at the same time.” While she was Board Chair to Board President for The Redwoods in Mill Valley she realized “the tremendous impact Whistlestop has on the lives of Marin seniors and the disabled. In planning the 14th annual ‘Sudha’s Treasures” event, we wanted to expand our support for organizations not previously recognized. Whistlestop was a natural choice.” The “Sudha’s Treasures” special sale event will be taking place at the Town Center in Corte Madera (near Crate & Barrel), Oct. 13-28, with a special preview party at 4 pm on Friday, Oct.13.
Kristi Denton Cohen
Stay Put or Move On: Time to Give Up Keys By Val Bowman
K
risti Denton Cohen of Mill Valley has been making films for years, but at 65 found herself most concerned about where and how we’ll live as we grow older – especially those of us who may not have family to care for us. She created a web series called “Staying Put or Moving On,” which features short films and other information about the issues. “So, I’m learning a little about a lot of different topics,” she said. “I’m on a deadline to prepare four of the films for the Legacy Film Festival on Aging.” (The film festival happened in San Francisco in September. Filmmakers portrayed some of the many facets of this ever-changing experience with compassion for their subjects.) Kristi’s offering included films about Affordable Housing, Multigenerational living and the Village Movement, and can be
seen at www.stayormove.org. Another decision seniors face is when it is no longer safe for them to drive. Kristi addresses the topic in her film “Staying Independent After Giving up the Car Keys.” Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO, was interviewed about the importance of dealing with this decision compassionately because transportation is a benchmark of independence. “We have to be empathetic at that stage and offer alternatives that leave them with the dignity, independence and grace they need at this age,” he said. Travel Navigators at Whistlestop work with older adults or their families to find the best options available to keep them connected to the community. CarePool volunteer drivers can help if people don’t have family living here because of the high cost of living.
Carepool Driver Elizabeth MacQuarrie and Supervisor Connolly
#RidewithDamon By Damon Connolly, Marin County Supervisor
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Center and travel directly to downtown San Rafael (10 minutes) or downtown Novato (20 minutes). I discovered (and took advantage of) Whistlestop’s CarePool, a great resource for people who need assistance going to a doctor’s appointment or going grocery shopping. CarePool provides the link for those who rely on transit to meet their basic needs for food and healthcare. It is a free program that provides “door-throughdoor” service, including unloading groceries and walking riders into their doctor’s appointments. It is an invaluable tool to keep people independent. The 30-day challenge left me feeling energized and healthy. I hope to continue to ride my bike and use transit several times because it helps to inform my decisions on transportation.
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O c t o b e r 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
or the second year, I went thirty days without taking a single occupancy car ride. I was inspired by my participation in Resilient Neighborhoods where I looked at my own carbon emissions. I am happy to report that the 30 days of this year’s #RideWithDamon was a resounding success. My goal was to see what is and isn’t working in our transit systems, or essentially to “walk the walk” in my role setting transportation policy in Marin and around the Bay Area. I used a combination of modes of transportation. My commute was a 15-minute bike ride to the Civic Center. For additional travel, I rode my bike or walked to and from the bus. I used 10 different lines of Golden Gate Transit (regional) and Marin Transit (local) buses. Marin Transit’s Route 35 enabled me to step outside the Civic
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s O c t o b e r 2 017
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Use of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) to Purchase a Home By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher
his article expands on the August topic of reverse mortgages, as important changes to the program come into effect in October 2017. The Department of Housing (HUD) will increase premiums and tighten limits on how much can be borrowed in order to reduce American tax-payer risk and sustain the program for the future benefit of older adults. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) launched the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase program in 2008 – commonly known as a reverse mortgage – to make it easier for older Americans to right-size or relocate to a home that will allow them to stay there for the duration of their retirement. How much you can borrow is calculated based on a number of factors. With a HECM, paying monthly principal and interest payments is optional, but unpaid interest will accumulate over time on the loan balance. All relevant taxes and dues must be paid. The loan must be repaid after the home is sold, or the borrowers pass away or move out. The unused line of credit grows each month – providing the borrower with access to additional funds. The loan is also non-recourse. This means if you access more equity than the value of
your home at the time of repayment, you are not liable for the difference. For folks whose home is free and clear, an HECM can be a smart strategy to purchase a home and/or access a line of credit that can be used to support longterm care healthcare options. If you don’t qualify for an HCEM, there are other options that you can consider such as selling your home and leasing back from your children (this avoids capital gains taxes); or sell and rent a less expensive home/ apartment. It is important to plan now to avoid having to sell under duress because you have depleted your assets. Resources for learning about the HECM program, include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website and qualified financial advisors. To learn more, you can also contact local HECM Specialist Mary-Alice Cardenas, who is licensed in California, at 415-233-1007 or mcardenas@reversefunding.com. Older adults may schedule free half hour appointments at Whistlestop with Legal Aid of Marin, by calling our Information and Referral office: 415-459-6700. 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.
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