E PRESS Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954
Twins: Double the Love Connection, Collaboration, Cooperation Page 2 whistlestop.org
A Family of Twins Page 3
Volunteer Fair March 30 Page 10 MARCH 2017
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 STAFF Joe O’Hehir, CEO Tom Roberts, Chief Operating Officer 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
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Lorin Baeta, Production lbaeta@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.
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Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE By MELISSA GROOS, Active Aging Center Program Manager and JENNIFER GOLBUS, Marketing Strategist
Twins: Connection, Collaboration, Cooperation
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sense of awe and gratitude as a feeling. It feels like e were tickled I felt when I myself was home: safe, nurturing, and when we were blessed with twins a little endlessly supportive. Lisa asked to write over 11 years ago. I tried to is like a mirror for me to this month’s Perspective on capture it in a song, which better see myself and to twins, as this topic is near I call “Breath of Heaven.” strive to and dear to The life lessons continue as be my best our hearts! I watch Adina and Jonah self. We Melissa Groos grow, and it’s truly an honor often finish has a fraternal to witness. each other’s sister, Christa, Twins inspire fascination sentences or and Jennifer and allure for so many. The say things at Golbus has idea of looking like another exactly the an identical person somehow transfixes same time. sister, Lisa, our imaginations. But for Growing and is mother us, being twins is oh so up, people to fraternal much more than having a called it “the twins, Adina Melissa (left) and her twin Christa doppelganger. An intimate Gould sisters and Jonah. connection like no other in stereo.” We sometimes Reflecting on what it means begins in the womb, where start laughing so hard to be twins has helped us twins share space, lifetogether that we have tears appreciate the soul-filling giving resources, and begin streaming down our faces work that Whistlestop a lifelong bond. The twin and can hardly breathe, is doing. bond fascinates and inspires often for several minutes Melissa: My fraternal because of its on end, while twin, Christa, is the deep roots and others in dynamic, creative, and undeniable the room adventurous muse of my power. We look on in life. Three words that best both feel bemusement – describe her are: loving, blessed with because there funny, and true. These this unique was nothing personal attributes guide relationship (at least not her daily in her roles as a in our lives. to their ears) devoted wife, a mother of But here’s that was two teens and two rescue the thing actually funny Greyhounds, a great aunt that is so enough to Jennifer (left) and her twin Lisa to one, an aunt to 15, a exciting for elicit such a sister-in-law, and sister us both as newer members response. to five. She is not only a of the Whistlestop team: When I’m away from terrific twin, but also my the essence of being a twin my twin, I definitely feel soul mate for life. is also at the very core of like there is a part of me Whistlestop's mission – Jennifer: I’m finding it missing, and when we are connection, collaboration, difficult to put into words reunited, I feel so happy how I feel about Lisa. It it’s hard to describe. So, it’s See PERSPECTIVE on page 11 might be best expressed difficult to put words to the
Barbara Feels Blessed Having a Twin Sister By JOHN BOWMAN
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he number of twin births in the U.S. has leapt by about 75% in the past 30 years, according to the National Center for Health statistics. That means that now 1 in 30 babies born is a twin. While this may be a remarkable revelation to most of us, it’s not so surprising to Whistlestop volunteer Barbara Ann Begley and her family. Not only is Barbara a twin – her identical twin sister is Bernadette (Betsy) of San Francisco – their paternal grandmother is an identical twin. Besides that, Barbara’s and Betsy’s two brothers both had fraternal twins, all males! Following is our interview with Barbara for this special Twins issue: Who is older, you or Betsy? I am, by five minutes. But I tell everyone I’m younger.
How did you and Betsy get along as kids? Most of the time we had a ball as sisters and as a family, with the usual sibling rivalries, i.e. clothes, boyfriends, etc., but most of all, keeping our own individual identities. We
are very similar and very different. Any funny or poignant stories about being twins? Too many to go into now – changing classes, changing dates, buying the same dress for our niece at different times without knowing it. Wearing the same colors to events without checking first and so on. Did you usually dress alike? Up until 6th or 7th grade our mother insisted, but then we decided enough was enough. We could have double the wardrobe by dressing differently. Did you have similar interests? If so, which ones? Yes: music, theatre, movies, books, walking, hiking, biking, volunteering, entertaining, and we’re both very social.
See BARBARA BEGLEY on page 4
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Do you two get along okay? Absolutely. Always have, best friends. Betsy has a wonderful husband, Tim, who shares our birthday, believe it or not!
Barb (right) and Betsy, age 5
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BARBARA BEGLEY continued from page 3 What is your volunteer role at Whistlestop? What do you like about it? Working at the Jackson Café as a cashier. I love greeting and interacting with the people who come for lunch, and working with the staff and volunteers. I miss it when I have to be somewhere else. Has Betsy ever volunteered at Whistlestop? No, but she comes for lunch once in a while.
How often do you see each other now? At least once a week, if not more. Anything else you would like to add? I feel very blessed being an identical twin. As a child, it’s like being a celebrity and as an adult people look at you and go “’Wow! There are two of you. How cool!’ It is extremely important, however, to keep your own individual identities, and I think we’ve done that big time!
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From Whistlestop’s PHOTO FILES
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Whistlestop staff and volunteers are unique but the same when it comes to promoting connection, collaboration, and cooperation at our community center.
Flying Jewelry in San Rafael?
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ausalito photographer Richard Pavek got this shot of an Anna’s Hummingbird at the water reclamation ponds in San Rafael. Anna’s are among the most common hummingbirds along the Pacific Coast, yet
they're anything but common in appearance. With their iridescent emerald feathers and sparkling rose-pink throats, they are more like flying jewelry than birds. Though no larger than a ping-pong ball and no heavier
than a nickel, they amaze viewers with their thrilling courtship displays, males climb up to 130 feet into the air and then swoop to the ground with a curious burst of noise that they produce through their tail feathers.
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Photo by Richard Pavek
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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 with questions or to sign up. volunteers who want to give back to their community. Volunteer positions include: CarePool volunteer drivers, Meals on Wheels drivers, Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers, ESL tutors (no second language required). Call Laurie Vermont, 415456-9067 for info.
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
citizenship interview and exam. Individual preparation of the N400 citizenship application provided. Call Anna at 415-456-9062, ext. 138 with questions.
Multicultural Bingo for the Health of It Tues, Mar 21, 1-2pm; No Fee; Facilitator: Caroline Remer, (Bilingual English/Spanish) Multicultural Coordinator
Play multicultural bingo every other month for improved health, cognitive abilities, and socialization. Bingo will be translated into Spanish. Call Caroline Remer at 415-454-0998 for more information. Do you have a knitting project that needs to be finished? Are you stuck on a stitch and in need of a little expert guidance? There is an informal knit/crochet group that meets here at Whistlestop on Wednesdays at 1pm. Call the front desk for more details: 415-456-9062.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Write On! Tues, Mar 7; 1-2pm; Fee: $3/$5; Facilitator: Robert-Harry Rovin, published author; sign up at Front Desk
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A creative writing program nurturing well-being through self-expression, using a short guided meditation followed by a timed writing with opportunity to read your writing to the group for only positive reflection.
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Luck o’ the Irish Luncheon Thurs, Mar 16, 11:30am-1:50pm, Lunch; 12-12:45pm, Bread & Roses Presents™ Free concert; Fee: $10/$12; Jackson Café
Celebrate your Irish heritage or be Irish for the day! Feast on traditional Irish fare and enjoy live, free music provided by Bread & Roses Presents™, featuring Cormac Gannon and Kyle Alden. Discounted membership price tickets until 5pm March 15 at the Front Desk; $12 day of event.
Be Bold for Change: Collaborative Fashion Show Tues, Mar 7, 12-1pm, Jackson Café; 1:30-2pm, shopping; Fee: regular Café prices/menu
Hospice by the Bay & Whistlestop pair up to honor International Women’s Day through fashion and food. Models showcase fashion trends available for purchase. Call Caroline Remer at 415454-0998 for more information.
Whistlestop Volunteer Fair Thurs, Mar 30, 3:30-5pm; No Fee
Make a difference every day! We are seeking friendly and reliable
The Powerful 3: Music, Movement & Relaxation for Brain Health Tues, Mar 14, 10:45am-12pm; Fee: $3/$5; Facilitator: Kat Downey, author, musician, movement therapist, Reiki practitioner
Therapeutic music, movement & relaxation improve your brain health. Move, express, connect with Kat’s talents, energy and compassion during this workshop. Sign up at the Front Desk.
Citizenship Tutoring for Native Russian Speakers Tues, Mar 14, 11am-12pm; $30 for 6 months; Facilitator: Anna Ladyzhenskaya Receive individual attention while you study and prepare for your
Poetry Writing Thurs, Mar 23; 2-3:30pm; Fee: $5; Facilitator: Stephen Galiani
Poetic forms, with an emphasis on memoir, will be discussed along with time to share, listen to, read, and discuss each other’s poems. Please bring a self-written poem or one of your favorite poems (maximum 40 lines). Sign up at Front Desk.
Mixed Media Art Books Thursdays, 10:45am-12:30pm; Fee: $40/$45 for 4 weeks; begins 3/23; sign up at Front Desk
Get ready to "think outside the book" as you learn how to create personal and expressive pieces of all shapes and sizes. Using mixed media, such as altered papers, photos, collage, fabric, and found objects, you will discover how to create unique art books and journals. Call Anna, 415-456-9062, ext. 138 for info.
Community Breakfast First Friday of each month, 9-10am; Fee: $3/$6; Jackson Café
Drop in for the best deal in town. Join us for a tasty, hot buffet breakfast, which includes beverage, fruits and juices. Call Sophia, 415-456-9062, ext.129 for info.
See CLASSES on page 8
Managing Your Photos Tuesdays, March 21 & 28, 10am12pm (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 up and print them. Bring your digital cameras, flash drives or whatever you save your photos on and we'll show you how to retrieve them, save in one place, and use software to make the process easy and fun.
Intro to Computers (Windows) Tuesdays, April 11, 18, 25 & May 2, 10am-12pm (4 classes)
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this two-week course, review the basics of using your device and learn how to get the most out of your built-in apps, including Photo editing, iCloud, Calendar, Siri, E-mail, Texting, Facetime, Maps/GPS, and more. We'll show you how to find and install new apps, and 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)
OPEN LAB Every Monday and Wednesday, 10am-12pm; 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 assistance is available on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm. We are looking for bridge players who are interested in learning how to play Online Bridge. Call 415456-9062 to add your name to the list. When there are enough people for a class, we will contact you with time and date.
9:30AM-10:30AM 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 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:30AM–12:30PM 1:00PM–2:00PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 10:00AM–11:30AM 10:00AM–NOON 10:00AM–1:00PM 10:30AM–1:30PM 11:00AM–1:00PM 12:30PM-1:30PM 1:00PM-2:00PM 1:00PM–3:00PM 2:00PM–3:30PM 3:30PM-5:00PM 9:30AM-10:30AM 10:00AM–1:00PM 10:30AM-12:30PM 11:00AM–NOON 12:30PM–2:00PM 2:00PM–3:00PM 2:45PM–3:45PM
MONTHLY MEETING Thurs, Mar. 2 | 10am – 12:30pm Where: Larkspur Central Police Authority Topic: Age-Friendly Marin
9:30AM–11:00AM
FRIDAYS
MARIN COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
11:00AM–NOON 1:30PM–3:00PM 1:30PM–3:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 2:00PM–4:00PM 3:00PM-4:00PM
INFO
Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Computer Lab German Language Social Circle Persian Social Group Movement & Music Russian Social Group ESL Classes Whistlesizers Mah Jongg Manicures French Class French Club Spanish Class Senior Circle Computer Lab Therapeutic Massage Persian Social Group Multicultural Senior Program* Beg./Intermediate Ukulele Citizenship Tutoring for Russian-speakers Knitting/Crocheting Group ESL Classes Citizenship Weekly Tutoring Zumba Gold Therapeutic Massage Mixed Media Art Books Whistlesizers Italian 3 Italian 2 Balance Class Weekly B.P./Cholesterol Checks Brown Bag Pantry ACASA Spanish Club Movie Time: Irish Theme Ping-Pong Yoga with Kelly
Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 415-485-9318 Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9062 415-456-9062 Drop-in 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 415-472-6020 415-454-0998 415-456-9062 415-456-9062 x 138 Drop-in 415-454-0998 415-454-0998 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in 3/2-5/4; no class 4/27 3/2-5/4; no class 4/27 Drop-in Drop-in 415-456-9067 Drop-in Drop-in Drop-in; 3/17 & 3/31 Drop-in Drop-in
FEE Y Y N N N Y N Y Y N N Y N Y N N Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N N Y Y
* At Albert J. Boro Community Center (Pickleweed)
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Fee: $65 Maximum 8 people Designed for first-time computer users, you will learn how to start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform basic computer tasks, use Windows
iPad/iPhone Basics 2: Essential Built-in Applications Thursdays, April 20 & 27, 10am12pm (2 classes)
TIME CLASS
MONDAYS
Fee: $48 Maximum 8 people In this personalized, two-week course, you'll be guided through how to make calls, send emails and texts, download music and add applications. This course is for those new to the iPad and iPhone world. Each session provides one-on-one help and comes with instructional handouts. Bring your charged-up Apple device to class.
components to create and print a document, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, search the Internet to find information and set up an email account.
TUESDAYS
iPad/iPhone Basics 1: Getting to Know Your Device Tuesdays, March 7 & 14, 10am12pm (2 classes)
Please view our most recent class schedule at www.whistlestop.org/ classes/calendar/ or call 415-456-9062 for updates to the schedule.
WEDNESDAYS
Pre-registration and payment required. 415-456-9062
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES
THURSDAYS
TECHNOLOGY MAR-APR 2017
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Things That Make Twins Unique From HUFFINGTON POST
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he number of twins in the U.S. is multiplying. According to a 2012 report by the National Center for Health Statistics, their birthrate rose 76 percent from 1980 to 2009. This could be due to the fact that more women over the age of 30 are having children and more are using fertility drugs and assisted reproductive technology, both of which increase the likelihood of multiple gestation. The result? As many as one in 30 babies born in the United States is now a twin. With so many twins among us these days, it’s high time we celebrate some of the most interesting facts about them. Identical twins do not have identical fingerprints. You might think that because identical twins supposedly share almost the same DNA, they must also have identical fingerprints. Well, that’s not true.
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Fingerprints are not solely generated based on DNA. When identical twins are conceived, they start out with the same fingerprints, but during weeks six through 13 of pregnancy, as the babies start to move, they each touch the amniotic sac, and unique ridges and lines are formed on each twin’s hand that result in different fingerprints. Mirror image identical twins have reverse asymmetric features. About 25 percent of identical twins develop directly facing each other, meaning they become exact reflections of one another. According to About.com, “they may be right- and left-handed, have birthmarks on opposite sides of their body, or have hair whorls that swirl in opposite directions.” This occurs when the twins split from one fertilized egg more than a week after conception.
CLASSES continued from page 6 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.
Ping Pong Fridays, 2-4pm; Fee: $2/$4; Instructor: Vivian Malcy
Ping pong is a lively game offering a great weekly social outlet for anyone 60+. Stimulate the brain, improve agility and flexibility, and make new friends.
Movie Times at Whistlestop Fridays, Mar 17 & 31; 2-4pm; No Fee;
Bring a friend. Best Irish movies of all time: Once, Irish musical/Romance (3/17); Leap Year, Romance/Comedy (3/31).
NEW/HIGHLIGHTED HEALTH PROGRAMS Weekly Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Screenings, and More Fridays, 9:30-11am; No Fee
Weekly blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and prevention advice is 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 Need Assistance? Multicultural Consultants Can Help By appointment only: Caroline Remer (bilingual Spanish), 415-454-0998; Anna Ladyzhenskaya (bilingual Russian), 415-456-9062 ext. 138; Mrs. Mehrbanoo Esmaili (Farsi), 415-4726020. Whistlestop offers information, resources and referrals to people of all cultures. No fee for consultations; small fee for translation services.
Free Legal Consultation 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, refer people to attorneys who have expertise in certain areas of law.
Victim Witness Assistance 2nd & 4th Thurs, 9am-12pm; No Fee
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.
Homeshare and Telephone Reassurance Programs Call for appointment: Leslie Klor: 415-456-9068; 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.
Volunteer of the Month | By LAURIE VERMONT
Penny Markrack
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Whistlestop Marketing Strategist Jennifer Golbus (right) with her twin sister, Lisa, age 5
‘Huevita’ By LISA BRETONES Editor’s note: Please enjoy this whimsical song called “Huevita,” written by Whistlestop Marketing Strategist Jennifer Golbus’ identical twin, Lisa. Jennifer and Lisa call each other Eggie because they came from the same egg in the womb. See if you can spot the 11 different egg references sprinkled throughout the song. ‘Huevita’ Did I ever tell you I admire your firmness? / Stand up to a world that like crazy boils around you / And did I ever thank you for showing me the sunny side? / Well you pick me up, you turn me around, and say that I’m … Scrambled! C’mon, scramble me too / Huevita, you know that I’d do anything for you /So come jump in and we’ll mix into one / Together’s the game you know we’re having some fun Well, did I ever tell you I’ll be there to hold your hand? / On those soft-boiled days when you don’t seem to understand / So don’t you worry, Egg dear, if you’re feeling a little bit fried / Well I’ll pick you up. I’ll
turn you around and say that you’re … Scrambled! C’mon, scramble me too / Huevita, you know that I’d do anything for you / So come jump in and we’ll mix into one / Together’s the game you know we’re having some fun Huevita! Well scrambled, fried, or flipped on your back / Well I don’t care if your shell’s got a crack / ‘Cause you’re my Egg, and I’m your Egg too / So Huevita, you know that I’d do anything for you / Yes, you know that I’d do anything for you! Visit Whistlestop’s YouTube channel or use this URL to listen to ‘Huevita’ online: youtu.be/vXuTR3xqOfg
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enny, an identical twin and fourth generation San Franciscan, has volunteered throughout her life. Beginning in her tweens, she was a candy striper at San Francisco Children’s Hospital. After graduating from San Francisco State, she quickly started a family and moved Penny (left) and her to Marin to raise her children twin sister, Pam someplace more kid friendly and, most importantly, someplace sunny. Throughout the years while she was raising her four children, Penny continued volunteering for organizations, which meant a lot to her, including two stints as the president of the PTA for her children’s school. When the kids were grown, Penny was happy to go to work. She had a job as a tour guide for school groups from Southern California visiting the Capitol in Sacramento and attractions in San Francisco, like Alcatraz. She then worked for 18 years at a small company providing personal growth and relationship services and seminars for adults. When Penny had the opportunity to retire, she decided to volunteer at Whistlestop in the Jackson Café. She is a regular, volunteering two or three days a week. Last year, when we were between Café coordinators, Penny stepped in and volunteered every day, providing consistency and guidance to the other volunteers. Penny loves the wonderful atmosphere at the Jackson Café. She enjoys working with her fellow volunteers and the staff. Her favorite thing is having the opportunity to meet the people who come in regularly to share a delicious and affordable meal. If you are vigilant and discerning, you can occasionally see Penny’s twin Pam, when she comes to visit her sister. Penny is one of three Jackson Café volunteers who have a twin. Penny’s free time is spent with her five grandchildren and the choral group, Singers Marin. She is looking forward to traveling to Iceland with the singing group, where they will perform in four different venues. Her travel will continue in late spring when Penny will celebrate her oldest granddaughter’s college graduation with a dream trip to Kenya and Tanzania. “Penny brings cheer to all of us in the Jackson Café. Her beautiful smile is always ready to welcome and serve our guests. She will often take the time to chat with those diners who are seeking a little company,” says Sophia Osotio, Nutrition Coordinator.
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VOLUNTEER FAIR Make a difference every day! We are seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who want to give back to their community.
Thursday, March 30, 2017 3:30pm - 5:00pm Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave San Rafael CA 94901
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Volunteer positions include:
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• CarePool drivers • Meals on Wheels drivers • Jackson Café lunch servers & cashiers • ESL tutors (no second language required)
For more information contact
Laurie Vermont, Volunteer Program Manager 415.456.9067 lvermont@whistlestop.org
930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael CA 94901 • 415.456.9062
PERSPECTIVE continued from page 2 and cooperation. Twins need each other to thrive, but we are independent beings. Like twins, humans cannot survive alone. Without human connection, we get sick in mind, body and spirit, and we fail to thrive. Without someone else to believe in us when times are tough, we might give up when our miracle is just around the corner. And without someone to share our joy and our sorrows, life wouldn’t be very rich at all. Whistlestop’s core mission is to reach out our hands and provide connection, collaboration, and cooperation for older adults and those with disabilities in our community so they can continue to thrive and love being alive. And so it is with twins, who exhibit the importance and value of connection,
collaboration and cooperation before they even arrive in the world. We have to share resources in the womb: space, blood, oxygen, and food from our mother through our umbilical cords. And although we may have identical DNA (in the case of identical twins), our unique experiences during this time will result in each twin developing slight differences from their genetic "copies.” So twins are an example of concurrent forces, not duplicate ones. The lessons are beautiful, complex, and applicable to the bigger picture of humankind. We need each other to survive; yet we don't need to be the same to cooperate with and help each other thrive in life. And thus it is with Whistlestop.
Driver Marc Enout
Paratransit Driver Enout Typifies Whistlestop Spirit
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“I like helping people. My dad calls it stocking up on Karma chips.” March 18 is National Transit Driver Appreciation Day and Whistlestop appreciates Marc and all of its drivers. A typical day for Marc starts early with paperwork before he leaves to pick up kidney dialysis clients. “They are always the first passengers of the day. I either take them to their appointments or pick them up after. Sometimes clients will wind up getting a kidney transplant. I get attached to them and it chips away at me when any of them move on.”
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I could stand for hours, watch you as you sleep The rise and fall of two tiny chests could make a mother weep And I find that I am humbled by the deepest kind of joy Dear God make me worthy of this little girl and boy —from Breath of Heaven, written by Jennifer Golbus for her twins Adina and Jonah, pictured above. Listen to the full song at youtu.be/eGwJza94HLI
ain was pouring on Marc Enout, paratransit driver, as he walked near the Whistlestop building. He greeted a client he knew, a woman with Down Syndrome. She asked if he could give her a ride to the bank. Because policy requires passengers to call ahead, Marc replied, “I can’t do that, but I can walk you over.” He did so, lifting his umbrella over both of their heads. This might not be a typical encounter, but it does typify the spirit of Whistlestop and Marc Enout’s personality. “What do I like about the job? Everything!” he said.
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Whistlestop
E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
How to Make a Will That Works
Make a Difference in an Older Adult’s Life!
by SERENA D’ARCY-FISHER
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ou would be surprised how many people pass away each year without a will, or intestate. Famous figures like musicians Prince, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, billionaire Howard Hughes and artist Pablo Picasso died intestate. Whether your estate is large or small, state laws apply when there is no will, and large taxes and fees will likely greatly reduce the value of your estate. It’s always a good idea to get professional, competent legal advice when drawing up or revising your will. Having a sound will can greatly reduce expenses, and the time it takes to settle an estate and help ensure your wishes are carried out. A will is private and the contents do not need to be shared with anyone, even by witnesses. However, at death a will becomes a public document and anyone can request to see it. It is recommended that you discuss your estate plans with close family members to avoid unpleasant surprises and potential challenges to your will later. Following is some general information to consider when planning for the future distribution of your property to family,
VOLUNTEER ANNOUNCEMENTS Whistlestop CarePool Volunteer Driver Program
friends and charities. Draw up a list of the people and charities that you wish to provide for in your plans. Write a list of all your assets, including properties, art, jewelry, life insurance, retirement plans, bank accounts, investments, collections, and special items that have important meaning to you. The next step is to consider who you would like to match with these assets. You may want to consider the advantages of setting up a trust if there are young people involved, as a way to reduce taxes, or to relieve a surviving spouse of the challenge of managing investments. You can also consider charitable trusts after family and loved ones have been considered. Whistlestop, in partnership with the Legal Aid of Marin, offers free half hour appointments for Marin seniors during a two-hour window on the first four Thursdays of the month. Appointments can be scheduled through the Information and Referral Office, 415-459-6700. If you would like a free booklet on “How to Make a Will That Works,” or want to learn more about making charitable gifts to Whistlestop, contact Serena D’Arcy-Fisher, CFRE, at sfisher@whistlestop.org, or call 415-456-9062, ext. 114.
Volunteer drivers provide round-trip 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 the calls. The next CarePool Orientation and Training is on Thursday, March 16 from 3 to 4pm. Email volunteer@whistlestop. org to reserve a seat.
Meals on Wheels Drivers Needed
Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed on Monday, Wednesday or Friday to deliver meals to homebound meal recipients. A valid California Driver’s License and a clear DMV report are needed, as well as a reliable vehicle and current insurance certificate. A minimum of one 2-3 hour weekday shift is required.
Jackson Café Weekday Lunch Servers and Cashiers
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.
Computer Lab Volunteers
A tech-savvy volunteer is needed on Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm to assist in our open computer lab. Seniors use our PCs or bring their own laptops and tablets for help. Volunteers need to be able to troubleshoot PC computer and Android device problems. To learn more about these opportunities contact Laurie, volunteer@whistlestop.org or 415-456-9067.