E PRESS
whistlestop.org July 2017
Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Pg 2: Laughter Yoga: It’s No Joke Pg 10: CarePool Drivers Do Much More Than Drive Pg 12: Special Tribute To HC Jackson
Laughing Matters
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. WHISTLESTOP STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Yvonne Roberts Development and Marketing Director info@whistlestop.org
Anita Renzetti Director of Program Innovation
Melissa Groos Active Aging Center Program Manager
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 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
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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 Appreciative audience at Whistleschtick event.
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Giggles and Guffaws Can Make Us Healthier By Judy Mikeska
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aughter Yoga is a new twist on an ancient practice. Not only does it increase happiness, but it also strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces pain and lowers stress. More contagious than a cough or sneeze, laughter relaxes the whole body. It can help you tone the abs too! It triggers the release of endorphins, promoting an overall sense of well-being. When combined with yogic breathing, laughter truly becomes the best medicine, providing extensive health benefits for people of all types. Instead of using humor, laughter is initiated through creative exercises. Practitioners do not do
any of the traditional yoga postures, just the breathing. I’m happy to be returning to Whistlestop to bring a Laughter Yoga workshop on July 11. Laughter promotes a positive attitude, increases energy, and elevates the mood. I love to hear people say that they have less pain after a class. Laughter also oxygenates the body and brain, which creates physiological changes that facilitate openness. One woman told me she had an Aha moment during the exercises after arriving at class depressed. Yoga Laughter was created in 1995 by Madan Kataria, a medical doctor in India. It started with five people in a park in Mumbai and
has grown to more than 16,000 Laughter Clubs in 72 countries. His exercises combine the deep breathing of yoga with prolonged laughing for 15 to 20 minutes. The body doesn’t know the difference between real and fake laughter so he says, “Fake it until you make it.” Yoga Laughter is a unique exercise routine that does not rely on telling jokes, wearing yoga pants or bringing a mat. It is prolonged, voluntary laughing that increases endorphins, the feel good hormone, and reduces cortisol, which causes stress. It also has proven to lower blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Laughter is contagious as well as cathartic. It allows us to release emotions that are difficult to feel. Laughter Yoga is my passion. I was certified in 2009 and one of my homework assignments was to create two exercises to bring to a class. I asked my 83-year-old mother, who had Alzheimer’s, to help me create something. My mother doesn’t laugh much, but she came up with a bit about tying her shoes and pretty soon we were laughing and hooting together. It was a tender moment because we had been having trouble communicating and after that, things were better. Judy Mikeska lives near Sonoma and offers Laughter Yoga at retirement communities. See page 6 for details about her upcoming workshop at Whistlestop.
Comedian Will Durst
Want to Stay Young? Keep Laughing By John Bowman to laugh at yourself, your surroundings and the fact that you’re getting older. And it changes every day. I remember the first time a bagger at a grocery store asked if they could help me out and I bristled, ‘I’m not old, I can handle this.’ And then last week, I got angry because they didn’t ask if they could help me out.” While Durst’s audiences for his stand-up comedy
busy. In July alone he is doing several shows: The Durst Case Scenario July 8 at the Rythmix Cultural Works in Alameda and again July 15-16 at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.
A Perfect Marriage? A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had kept no secrets from each other, except that the wife had a shoebox in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about. One day, the woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. The man took down the shoebox and took it to his wife’s bedside. Inside, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money. He asked her about it. “When we were to be married,” she said, “my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She said if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.” The man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years. “Honey,” he said, “that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money?” “Oh,” she said. “That’s the money I made from selling the dolls.”
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ill Durst, whose job is making people laugh, strongly believes laughing is healthy, particularly as we grow older. “A good friend of mine, Michael Pritchard, also a comedian, says, ‘You don’t stop laughing because you get old. You get old because you stop laughing.’” Durst, 65, who was emcee for Whistlestock II in 2015, adds, “You have to be able
consisted mostly of people in the 18 to 35 year old range in the early days, they are more mixed now. “I am doing two separate one-man shows now, the political show Durst Case Scenario and the boomer show BoomeRaging. The crowds at the boomer show are admittedly older. But kids come and laugh as well. I will say the elders have a more mature sense of humor. And my stuff can be pretty cerebral at times.” One example is his favorite show opener, in which he says he once was a “satirist,” but audiences expected him to have goat’s legs. “I tell audiences it’s a test joke.” Will says anyone can do what he does. “I’m a Pollyanna; I think anyone can go up on stage and make people laugh out loud. But I can learn from good comics. I love Mort Sahl and Gregg Proops, and the Marx Brothers make me laugh every time.” He writes his own material. “I can’t afford to pay other people to write for me. Also, the words have to be mine to make them sound authentic.” When asked if he tries out new material on others, like his wife, Durst said, “No. My wife is much funnier than I am. She’s an actress and a director and still performs improv with a partner and different groups.” Durst was a tireless performer in the 1980s and 1990s, doing 444 shows one year. He is not quite that active today but still stays
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‘Middle age is when you still believe you’ll feel better in the morning.’ –Bob Hope · Reduction in blood pressure combined with a moderate increase in the heart rate and improved blood circulation and oxygen intake
Humor and Aging Should Go Hand in Hand
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he preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, “Oh, I do it all the time. No matter where I am – in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen, or down in the basement – I ask myself, “Now, what am I here after?” –Everythingzoomer.com Some of the most popular jokes involve getting older, thanks to their universal appeal (everyone ages, after all). While joking about agerelated changes can help ease any anxiety over aging as well as help to normalize common experiences among seniors, researchers in Norway have found that
people with a sense of humor can expect to live longer than their humorless counterparts. The study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology examined the health records of 53,000 Norwegian seniors; it examined their overall health and length of survival in relation to their ability to see the humor in situations. Researchers discovered that after seven years, the study participants who had a “sense of humor” enjoyed a 20 percent lower mortality rate in comparison to those who had difficulty laughing at daily events.
Laughing triggers a number of positive physiological responses: · Relaxation of the entire body, relieving muscle tension and stress · Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, drop and minimize pain and inflammation throughout the body · The release of endorphins, natural feel-good substances that make you feel happy and content and have been proven to reduce the perception of physical pain
Researchers at the College of William and Mary have found that “a wave of electricity sweeps through” the entire cerebral cortex (the whole brain) just before we laugh – this supports the theory that humor can actually help improve cognitive functioning by activating all parts of the brain simultaneously. The ability to laugh is closely tied to having a positive outlook on life, an important protective factor against numerous mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. A study at Northwestern University revealed that patients with advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who were exposed to humorous videos enjoyed better mental health than study participants who viewed non-humorous videos, supporting the connection between mental wellness and humor. Courtesy seniorhomes.com
Whistlestop Volunteers Volunteer of the Month | By Laurie Vermont
Celebrate! We’ve been doing that since 1972
Jill Hutchinson
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To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Whistlestop, contact Laurie Vermont at: volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.
Join us for our Community Open House June 25th 2-5 p.m.
Schedule a Visit!
Thank You Marin!
Contact:Pam Bill 415.383.2741
pbill@theredwoods.org
Voted Best Senior Living
40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley CA 94941www.theredwoods.org
A Licensed Homecare Agency o ering
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
PacificSun.com
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ur Volunteer of the Month, Jill Hutchinson, took a summer job at Lucasfilm in the early 80s, which turned into a 30-year opportunity of a lifetime. She worked first at the original Industrial Light and Magic offices on Kerner Blvd, and moved out to Skywalker Ranch and Big Rock Ranch in Nicasio when they were built, and finally to the Presidio when ILM operations were relocated to San Francisco. Jill is a San Franciscan native and attended University of California, Davis. Although she was born to an Italian family, she did not grow up speaking Italian, but plans to learn the language. Jill taught third and fourth grade students. When she returned to the Bay Area, Jill moved to Larkspur to avoid the San Francisco fog. After retirement in 2014, Jill wanted to volunteer to do something positive in her community with an organization whose mission she believed in. She read about the new CarePool volunteer driver program and knew of Whistlestop’s stellar reputation so she joined one of the first groups to train to drive older adults to medical appointments and to the grocery store. Through this opportunity, she has met some wonderful people, both the staff at Whistlestop, especially the Travel Navigator department, and the riders that she takes to appointments. She has made many unexpected connections with appreciative riders. In addition to driving for CarePool, Jill has been an on call Meals on Wheels driver, filling in when needed. Both of these flexible and short-term volunteer commitments allow her to pursue many of her hobbies and other passions. She enjoys travel both internationally and domestically. Some of her favorite trips have been to Alaska, Italy and Vietnam. She also plays competitive tennis, loves photography, cultivates a plot at the Larkspur Community Garden and has recently learned how to play bocce ball. Joanna Huitt, Mobility Manager says, “Jill is consistently upbeat and kind when we speak with her. She has offered valuable feedback to improve the CarePool program. We know that she truly cares about and brings joy to our clients!”
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Keep Learning at Whistlestop
For a full list of classes, check out the calendar at whistlestop.org/classes/calendar or grab one at the Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael. Class fees are listed as member/non-member prices. Call 415-456-9062 to sign up or for questions. Please note the Active Aging Center will be closed July 4 (Tuesday) for the holiday.
Writing Your Life Stories: Workshop #2
form and retain long-term facts and events. Good for body and mind.
Thurs, July 27; 1-2:30pm; Fee: $5; Facilitator: Jean Stumpf, certified writer Have you ever thought about writing your memoir but didn’t know how to begin? Start by learning the Birren Method, known as Guided Autobiography or GAB process. Tickle your memories while doing short writing exercises with an option to share your unique life stories. Beginners and seasoned writers welcome. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062 for info.
Senior Circle Wednesdays, 10-11:30am; No Fee; Volunteer Facilitators from Center for Attitudinal Healing A drop-in, open support group for independent 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.
SPECIAL EVENTS Patriotic Luncheon
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Mon, July 3; 11:30am-1:30pm; Advance ticket prices: $8/$10; $10 day of event.
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A red, white, and blue tribute to America’s birthday! Americana lunch includes a choice of hot dog with assorted condiments or veggie burger, macaroni salad, and patriotic parfait for dessert. Free patriotic music with song sheets provided by Bread & Roses Presents. Free parking is available in the Whistlestop parking lot on the corner of Third Street and Tamalpais Avenue for members and guests.
World Religion Series #3: Meet a Rabbi/Cantor Fri, July 28; 1-2pm; No Fee; Featured Speaker: Rabbi Elana Rosen-Brown Bridge a deeper understanding and connection to Judaism through her personal stories and songs. Register at the Front Desk or call 415-456-9062
to RSVP. Free parking is available in the Whistlestop parking lot on the corner of Third Street and Tamalpais Avenue for members and guests.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Laughter Yoga
Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10 am, Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café at Whistlestop Drop in for the best deal in town! Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast which includes a beverage, fruits and juices. Call Sophia at 415456-9062, ext. 129 for more info.
Tues, July 18; 9:30-10:30am (open to the public); 10:30-11:30 am; Russian Social Group; No Fee; Instructor: Bob Nations, President, Senior Access Board of Directors Are you interested in learning different ways to exercise your brain? This Senior Access workshop is designed to stimulate the areas of the brain to promote good brain health. Sign up in advance and call 415-456-9062 to reserve a space.
HIGHLIGHTED SUPPORT SERVICES Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help!
Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations.
Judy coaxes giggles and chortles out of the group, guaranteed to stimulate mind, body, and spirit for well-being. Sign up and pay in advance at the Front Desk by July 10 or call 415-456-9062.
Free Legal Consultation
Nutrition Bites Workshop
Bring your nutrition questions to be answered by our in-house nutritionist. Learn about nutrition and enjoy a healthy snack. Call Sophia at 415-456-9062, ext. 129 for info.
Brain Fitness & Memory Workshop
By appointment only: Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili (Farsi), 415-472-6020.
Tues, July 11; 11am-Noon; $3/5; Instructor: Judy Mikeska
Tues, July 11; 10:45-11:15am; No Fee; Nutrition Coordinator: Sophia Osotio
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS
Ping Pong Fridays, 2-4pm; Fee: $2/$4; Instructor: Vivian Malcy Ping Pong is a lively game offering aerobic exercise that stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for allowing us to
Most Thursdays 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+. Marin lawyers volunteer to give general advice, offer options, explain rights and, if appropriate,
Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life!
The Jackson Café provides a warm and comfortable setting for older adults to eat a nutritious meal at an affordable price. Café volunteers provide friendly greetings, excellent customer service and support social interaction. Cashier or food service experience is a plus but not required. Lunch hour shifts are: Monday-Friday, 10:45am-2pm. The Café is open from 11:30am-2pm.
Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: 415-4569068; No Fee Homeshare is a free referral service for older adults seeking or offering housing. Telephone Reassurance is trained volunteers calling isolated older adults who need personalized connections. For more information, contact Colleen Chavez, ESC Housing Specialist, cchavez@jtm-esc.org
Volunteer drivers provide roundtrip rides to ambulatory older adults going to the doctor or grocery store. Drivers use their own cars and receive ride requests through email. Drivers can accept or decline and drive on their own schedule. Volunteers must have access to reliable passenger automobile with current insurance certificate, a valid California Driver’s License and a clear background check and DMV report. The CarePool Orientation and Training is on the third Thursday of each month, from 3-4pm. Email volunteer@whistlestop.org to reserve a seat.
Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed
Facility Rentals
variety of rental choices. See Whistlestop.org for details under Business Services, or contact SOsotio@whistlestop.org
To learn more about these opportunities or others, contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.
10:00AM-1:00PM 10:00AM-NOON 10:30AM-NOON 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 12:30PM-1:45PM 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-4:30PM 10:00AM-11:30AM 10:00AM-NOON 10:00AM-1:00PM 10:30AM-1:30PM 11:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-12:00PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM-1:00PM 11:00AM-NOON 12:30PM-1:30PM 2:00PM-3:00PM 2:45PM-3:45PM 11:00AM-NOON 1:30PM-3:00PM 1:30PM-3:00PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
CLASS Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Adult Coloring Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg French Class French Social Group Spanish Class AgeSong Marin Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program* Adult Coloring Intermediate Ukulele Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Weekly Tutoring Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian 2 Balance Class Brown Bag Pantry ACASA Spanish Club Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly
* at Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)
INFO Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 Drop-in 415-456-9062 415-234-5040 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 415-456-9062 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 7/6-8/24 7/6-8/24 Drop-in 415-456-9067 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in
FEE Y Y N N N N N Y Y N Y N Y Y N N Y N N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y
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Whether it is a weekly breakfast meeting for your group or club, a computer training session or meeting in a convenient downtown San Rafael location, Whistlestop provides a
Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. Each volunteer agrees to take one, 2 to 3 hour shift per week. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed, as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate.
9:30AM-10:30AM
MONDAYS
Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers
TIME
TUESDAYS
Advocate Yolanda Johnson from the District Attorney’s office answers questions, provides information, and connects you to helpful resources. More information? Call 415-473-6450.
Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/classes/ calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
WEDNESDAYS
2nd & 4th Thursday, 9am-12pm; No Fee
Whistlestop Weekly Activities
THURSDAYS
Victim Witness Assistance
Volunteer Opportunities
FRIDAYS
refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.
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Technology July - August 2017 Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
ONGOING Open Lab 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
Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-Noon No Fee Use our PCs to access the Internet. Volunteer staff available for advice on problems with your laptops and tablets; they can help you with software applications. Apple device assistance is available on Wednesdays from 11am-Noon.
focus on helpful, fun applications to download. Learn how to use apps for shopping, brain training, fitness, Internet radio, stock trackers, games, translation, and travel. Don’t forget to bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)
iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Tuesdays, July 18 & July 25, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people
415-884-4343 HiredHandsHomecare.com
Whistlestop 4.3438 w xTrusted 4.8438 h providers of compassionate in-home care for seniors. 6-22-15
In this two-week course, you will review the basics of your device and learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, and Maps/GPS. You will find and install new apps, and learn how to update, delete and organize your apps for easy access. Bring your fully charged device, Apple ID, and Apple password to class. (For Apple devices only)
licensed • bonded • insured
iPad/iPhone Basics 3: World of Applications
Expore Creative 707-938-9960
Tuesdays, August 8 & August 15, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people
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iPad and iPhone users discover the incredible world of applications to manage your daily activities and feed your passions. We’ll
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• • • • • • • •
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
Android Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Thursdays, August 24 & August 31, 10am-Noon (2 classes) Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course for Android products, you’ll be guided through how to make calls, send emails, take pictures, surf the Internet, download music and add applications. This is a course for those new to the technology. There will be one-on-one help and instructional handouts for practice at home. (For Android devices only, including Samsung and LG)
Marin County Commission on Aging Monthly Meeting Thursday, July 6 | 10AM-12:30PM Where: AlmaVia 515 Northgate Drive, San Rafael Topic: Aging Action Initiative Update Speakers: Linda Jackson, AAI Program Director
Community Connections You Can Make a Difference Join the Whistlestop Family by making a gift Enter an amount. 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
The Joy of Pets Beats Loneliness
Billing Info
Payment Info
Name
MC Visa CC# Exp Date 3 Digit Code
Address Phone Email
By Lisa Bloch & Nancy Weiler Marin Humane Society
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anxiety levels and gives something to look forward to. The Marin Humane Society encourages seniors to consider adopting a senior animal. Adoptions Manager Catherine Tryon says, “Sadly, many of our older animals sit in the shelter waiting to find homes. They’re usually already trained, require less exercise, and do well in homes where their guardian is at home more often. They’re basically just looking for a safe, quiet space, and a few scratches under the chin.” Our Behavior and Training Department offers a fourweek Senior Handling Class, designed to provide basic dog training tools and management ideas; also two, one-hour in home visits tailored to meet the client’s needs. Free pet food and other services are available for those with low income. For more information, call 415503-6280 or email ohbehave@ marinhumanesociety.org. Lisa Bloch is the director of marketing and communications and Nancy Weiler is the marketing and communications assistant at the Marin Humane Society.
Mail to 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael 94901
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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he general care associated with a pet can help seniors live more energetic lives. As any pet guardian knows, animals need daily attention and help keep us active. Pets help seniors establish routines that are beneficial to them both, such as getting outside and walking the dog or grooming and playing with the cat. Christine, a 74-year-old Sausalito resident who has two cats, says that after the passing of her husband she especially values not coming home to an empty house. “Having pets gives you something other than yourself to take care of. In fact, my cats take more medications than I do!” she joked. Christine somewhat sheepishly added, “I even talk to them.” Seniors also benefit from the unconditional love and affection their pets give them. According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, caring for a cat or dog helps older people overcome depression or loneliness. Even for older patients in nursing homes, animal-assisted therapy has shown to help decrease
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Getting Around been formally prescribed by their medical professional. One doctor has prescribed a weekly dose of bridge. We are excited to see that there are medical professionals who think outside of the box and that we can play a small role in improving the quality of life for our clients. CarePool would not exist without our family of clients and volunteers. If you’d like to see if you’re eligible for CarePool or if serving as a volunteer is right for you, contact us at carepool@whistlestop.org.
Carepool Updates
Lola amd Reggie enjoy the ride
CarePool Connection By Joanna Huitt, Mobility Manager
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histlestop CarePool volunteer drivers play a very special role in the lives of our clients. Volunteers not only help clients access much needed medical appointments and fresh, healthy food – but also develop personal relationships with each of our clients. Since many of our clients are unable to get out and about, our volunteers may provide the only human connection a client has on any given day. We take pride in the fact that our volunteers are able to provide this connection and bring joy into our clients’
lives. Often, the driving comes second to conversation. Nancy, a volunteer since November 2015, reports that there have been times where she has missed a turn or exit for a client’s appointment because she and the client were enjoying their conversation. It is exciting to know there can be the blossoming of a friendship even through the simple act of providing a ride. In extra special cases, some volunteers and clients develop personal relationships and spend time together outside of their participation in CarePool. Betsy, a volunteer since January 2016, recently shared a wonderful story with
us about her relationship with our client Jaime. “After getting to know Jaime through CarePool, we found out that we both had always wanted to visit the San Francisco Zoo. We finally found a day that worked and spent a fascinating afternoon there. It was fun to drive Jaime and her husband to the zoo, through Sea Cliff and along the Great Highway – showing them parts of the city I love. It is like rediscovering a place when you show it to someone as appreciative and enthusiastic as Jaime!” CarePool clients are also able to request rides to non-traditional medical appointments if they have
Whistlestop is excited to announce the expansion of our CarePool volunteer driver program. Starting July 3, clients will schedule rides through our Whistlestop Transportation Call Center. This will allow us to expand the number of people we can assist and to simplify the scheduling process for clients. Existing clients will get the same great service CarePool is known for.
Updated Contact Information Email carepool@whistlestop.org Ride Requests & New Client Enrollment: 415-454-0927 Website: www. whistlestop.org/carepool. If you have any questions, contact Joanna at jhuitt@whistlestop.org.
Joe O’Hehir, CEO of Whistlestop (left), H.C. Jackson (center), Russ Colombo, CEO/President of Bank of Marin (right)
Tribute to H.C. Jackson Supporter of Whistlestop By John Bowman
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free doughnuts and coffee and evolved into Jackson’s Hardware in San Rafael becoming entirely employee owned.” He was also known for treating his customers as friends. Jackson’s strong connection to Whistlestop meant much to him. In a book John Caple wrote about H.C.’s life, Caring & Sharing: My Surprising Life, H.C. said, “The evening at Whistlestop on Oct. 18, 2007, meant a lot to me.
Al Boro, the mayor of San Rafael, was there and Beth Ashley from the IJ. They were opening the Jackson Café and because Bev and I had contributed, we were honored that night. I don’t remember what I said but I know how grateful I feel that we are able to contribute to the community in which we live. It’s a real privilege to be able to give back in this way.” Joe O’Hehir, CEO of Whistlestop, said, “H.C.
J u l y 2 017 W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s
.C. Jackson and his late wife Beverley left an important and lasting legacy at Whistlestop, the Jackson Cafe. H.C., 87, of Santa Rosa died on May 23. Mr. Jackson was best known as the successful and popular businessman who started Jackson’s Hardware in 1964 Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal, wrote: “H.C.’s knack for employee motivation began with
and his wife, Beverley, gave substantial support that enabled Whistlestop to remodel the kitchen and café into the warm and inviting space it is today. They helped us provide nourishment to thousands of older adults. Their legacy is one of incredible generosity and we are grateful for their support.” Linda Compton, former Executive Director of Whistlestop, says in the book, “I remember H.C. and Bev’s first donation to Whistlestop. It was a major gift. Then, after learning more about our mission and the pressing needs of the organization to effectively serve our clients, they made a second contribution – the generosity of which was noteworthy in the world of philanthropy, and certainly unprecedented in the life of our history as a Marin non-profit agency.” She added that at first, the couple insisted the donation be given anonymously. But, “Their well-reasoned reluctance to be publicly recognized gave way to a gracious willingness to further help and serve a mission about which they deeply care.” Jackson is survived by his children, Robert Jackson, Valerie Pizzio, Karla Osmun, Janice Yott and Richard Jackson. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Estate Planning for Pets By Serena D’Arcy-Fisher –
W h i s t l e s t o p E x p r e s s J u l y 2 017
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ets are integral members of our families. They may be our only companions. It’s important to include pets in your estate planning process. Planning ahead will ensure that when you become ill, incapacitated, or die, your current pets will be taken care of according to your wishes. Relying on the promises of family or friends to take care of your pets does not always work well. Wills only deal with the disbursement of property after death, not if you are incapacitated. Wills also take time to enact and may be disputed, particularly if you leave a large sum for the care of your pet. In the meantime, who will take care of them? Also, wills do not allow for the disbursement of funds over the period of your pet’s lifetime, and offer no guarantee the money you’ve left for the care of your pet will be used according to your wishes by your pet’s caregiver. A Pet Trust requires the assistance of an attorney to create and is operated like any other trust. A financial trustee oversees the fund and disbursements to support your pet. After your pet dies, the trustee distributes the remaining funds to your designated heirs and charities. If you plan to leave a substantial amount of money
for the care of your pet, a trust is a better choice than the more informal Pet Protection Agreement. Also, a Pet Trust can ensure that you and your pet can remain together in a long-term care facility. Today, more facilities are willing to take clients with pets as they recognize how important they are to our health and wellbeing. A Pet Protection Agreement (PPA) is a private agreement between you and your chosen pet guardian, so it is less formal and less costly to create. A financial arrangement is not always necessary; however, the funds you’ve set aside for the care and benefit of your pet must be used accordingly. As soon as something happens to you that prevents you from taking care of your pet, your pet’s guardian can step in and take over according to your agreement. Whistlestop, in partnership with Marin Legal Aid, offers Marin seniors free half-hour appointments, which can be scheduled by calling our Information and Referral office: 415-459-6700. For a free booklet, “How to Make a Will That Works,” or to learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or 415-456-9062, ext. 114.
A CELEBRATION OF THE DECADES 1 DAY OF