T he American Dream has different scenarios for different people. For Norma Barrientos of San Rafael, her dream had two scenes: Scene One was being able to vote; Scene Two was bringing her mother here from Guatemala. Scene One was played out on June 5th when Nor- ma voted in her first election in the US. Scene Two will take place later this summer. Norma, 42, came from the little town of El Lobo, Gua- temala in 1990. She was one of seven children, the middle child. “It took sixteen years to get my permanent residency, my green card,” she said. That allowed her to go back and forth between here and her native country. Her father was able to get permanent residency in the US, but twice the INS has denied her mother a visitor visa, with no reason given. Norma knew that if she attained US Citizenship, she could bring her mother here. She joined Sandra Jimenez's Whistlestop Citizenship Class late last year. “I knew she would become a citizen quickly,” recalls Sandra. “She was so diligent about her studies.” Norma became a US citizen on May 9th when she was sworn in with 1,200 others in a memorable ceremony in Oakland. She came back to Whistlestop that afternoon and spoke to Sandra’s class about the experience. “Every- one was clapping and saying congratulations,” she remem- bers. “Whistlestop is wonderful. I am very happy that I found out about this place and about Sandra’s class. I really appreci- ate what Whistlestop has done for me because it has allowed me to become a citizen, and now I can make my longtime dream come true and bring my mother here.” Norma is married to Jose Manual Ruiz, who became a citizen two years ago. They have two daughters, Leslie, 15, and Celeste, 6, both born in the US. Norma currently works as a nurse’s aide at a retire- ment home. Her next dream: to become a lab tech at a clinic or hospital. She hopes to take classes at College of Marin, where she learned English shortly after arriving here. ✦ E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement JULY 2012 Whistlestop.org Whistlestop Liza Cozad New Whistlestop Board Member page 13 Whistlestop Class Helps People Gain Independence page 7 Lupita Piembert Uses Media Status to Help Others page 5 “I really appreciate what Whistlestop has done for me.” Whistlestop Citizenship Class Helps Norma Barrientos Fulfill Two Dreams By JOHN BOWMAN Norma Barrientos, with her US Citizenship Certificate.
Transcript
The American Dream has different scenarios for different people.
For Norma Barrientos of San Rafael, her dream had two scenes: Scene One was being able to vote; Scene Two was bringing her mother here from Guatemala.
Scene One was played out on June 5th when Nor-ma voted in her fi rst election in the US. Scene Two will take
place later this summer. Norma, 42, came from the little town of El Lobo, Gua-temala in 1990. She was one of seven children, the middle child. “It took sixteen years to get my permanent residency, my green card,” she said. That allowed her to go back and forth between here and her
native country. Her father was able to get permanent residency in the US, but twice the INS has denied her mother a visitor visa, with no reason given. Norma knew that if she attained US Citizenship, she could bring her mother here. She joined Sandra Jimenez's Whistlestop Citizenship Class late last year. “I knew she would become a citizen quickly,” recalls Sandra. “She was so diligent about her studies.” Norma became a US citizen on May 9th when she was sworn in with 1,200 others in a memorable ceremony in Oakland. She came back to Whistlestop that afternoon and spoke to Sandra’s class about the experience. “Every-one was clapping and saying congratulations,” she remem-bers. “Whistlestop is wonderful. I am very happy that I found out about this place and about Sandra’s class. I really appreci-ate what Whistlestop has done
for me because it has allowed me to become a citizen, and now I can make my longtime dream come true and bring my mother here.” Norma is married to Jose Manual Ruiz, who became a citizen two years ago. They have two daughters, Leslie, 15, and Celeste, 6, both born in the US. Norma currently works as a nurse’s aide at a retire-ment home. Her next dream: to become a lab tech at a clinic or hospital. She hopes to take classes at College of Marin, where she learned English shortly after arriving here. ✦
E PRESSThe Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging MovementJULY 2012 Whistlestop.org
Whistlestop
Liza CozadNew WhistlestopBoard Memberpage 13
Whistlestop Class Helps People GainIndependencepage 7
Lupita PiembertUses Media Status to Help Otherspage 5
“I really appreciate what Whistlestop has done for me.”
Whistlestop Citizenship Class HelpsNorma Barrientos Fulfi ll Two Dreams
B y J O H N B O W M A N
Norma Barrientos, with her US Citizenship Certifi cate.
Whistlestop Express JULY 20122
Table ofCONTENTS
Readers Write InBill Leeman
From Rocky's PantryRocky Packard
Helping US Newcomers
Faces of WhistlestopVicky Voicehowsky
Citizenship Class
Whistlestop Classes
Activities Calendar
The Bird's Side of MarinRichard PavekWhistlestop Board ColumnLiza CozadGrandMom ColumnAudrey Mettel FixmerSudoku Puzzle
3
4
56
78/91011
12
14
15
Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc.930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901Chief Executive Offi cer, Joe O’HehirBoard of DirectorsPresident, Dennis ThompsonVice President, Terry ScusselTreasurer, Michael RiceSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor DelaneyVenessa Dixon • Jane Lott • Debbie Mills Lori Peterson • Bill Saul • Bob SonnenbergWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profi t organization.The Mission of Whistlestop:Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence.Whistlestop Contact InformationMain Number 415-456-9062Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858www.whistlestop.orgInformation & Referral Offi ce415-459-6700 • [email protected] Express Editorial, Art Direction & SalesJohn & Val Bowman Editors916-751-9189 • [email protected] Reynolds Art Directormreynolds@pacifi csun.comAdvertisingLinda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306
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Back to the Future: Whistlestop Resumes Meals on Wheels
Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE by JOE O'HEHIR
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For 14 years, 1992-2006, Whistlestop operated the very successful Meals
on Wheels program for Marin County. Housebound older adults, their families and neighbors were accustomed to seeing Whis-tlestop Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers drop off the much-needed meals. In fact, many peo-ple still think that Whistlestop operates the program because we touched thousands of families during that time. Due to a funding gap shortfall, Whistlestop had to opt out of the program for the past fi ve years. The county of Marin tried several other meal delivery operators; however, those providers also experienced fi nancial diffi culty in trying to sustain the program. We began working with the County Health and Human Services division staff in Janu-ary 2012, to fi nd an equitable solution for the home meal delivery program. As a result of this work the County en-couraged separate component bidding for the segments of operation: intake, assessment, and reporting; meal prepara-tion and production; and meal delivery. For this coming year, July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013, the County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services will handle intake, assessment and reporting. A new whole food vendor, Revolution Foods, based in Oakland, will prepare and produce fresh packaged meals. And, Whistlestop will deliver those fresh meals to more than 260 housebound older adults
three times per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Whis-tlestop will make more than 71,000 deliveries during the next 12 months. The County of Marin receives federal funding through the Older Americans Act Title IIIC-2, but not enough to cover the entire cost. Therefore, the County and the providers such as Whistlestop must make up the funding gap. The home-delivered meal recipi-ents and their families are asked to make a per meal fi nancial con-tribution to help cover the costs of delivery. Whistlestop must raise additional donations to help cover the meal delivery costs. In addition to fi nancial sup-port, Whistlestop needs to recruit an active core of vol-unteers to help deliver meals to housebound older adults. If interested, perspective Meals on Wheels volunteers should con-tact Lynne Bender at 415-456-9062, extension 125, or email [email protected]. The Meals on Wheels pro-gram fi ts nicely into our mission to ensure that Marin County’s older adults age with indepen-dence, dignity, and grace within their own homes. Good nutrition is a vital component for success-ful aging. If an older adult is not able to enjoy the delicious af-fordable meals at Whistlestop’s Jackson Café, we now have a way to bring nutritious meals into their homes. Your contin-ued generosity and support will help make this happen. ✦
Joe O’Hehir is Whistlestop’s CEO.
whistlestop.org 3
Readers WRITE IN
continued on page 6
Our Blanchie Died Today
I walk around our house and yard. I don’t know where I’m going. Inside, outside, then back in — I’m merely to and fro-ing.It is so hard to concentrate, or fi gure what to say;Because our darling doggie, our Blanchie, died today. We took her for her walk today, just like every other; We do this for her always, ‘cause we’re her dad and mother. Carol’s done this all her life, to keep her young and hale, Every single day a walk; never did get stale.Today when it was over, she was breathing way too hard; She wouldn’t eat, she wouldn’t drink, she fell down in the yard.Carol went to call the vet, to fi nd out what to do;By then our Blanchie was all limp; her gums had turned to blue.That dog was with us every day for almost fi fteen years. You’d think there’d be a trace of joy behind our wall of tears.We got her as an eight-week pup, right straight from the litter; She was a feisty little thing; really quite the critter.Eight weeks old, a yellow lab, we took her home to stay; She seemed the little diva, even on that day.Somehow we knew she’d come to be the queen of this here ranch; We thought about that for awhile, and then we named her Blanche.We raced her to the vet in town, I knew it was in vain; But I was hoping maybe we could keep her out of pain.By the time we got there, she was hanging by a thread; And not fi ve minutes later we knew that she was dead.We called our daughters and our sons, we both called them to say; We don’t know how to tell you this, our Blanchie died today.We didn’t want to leave her in the vet’s dark, cold, cold room; Back home is where we took her, to bid a fond adieu.
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Whistlestop Express JULY 20124
From Rocky's PANTRYb y R O C K Y P A C K A R D
Did You Know?Whistlestop serves more than 17,000 low-cost meals a year to Marin County residents at our on-site Jackson Café, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael. Not only is the food good, but the café has become a popular place to socialize during noontime.
e., d, but the café has
This is a great salsa for numerous ap-plications. It can be served over grilled poultry or salmon and is very good when
spooned over soft polenta. It also works very well as a topping for crostini.Servings: 8
2 each Roasted red bell peppers, peeled, de-seeded and diced 1/2 Red onion, fi nely diced 4 Tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley 1 Tsp. Finely chopped garlic 1/4 Cup Capers, drained 1/4 Cup Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients and allow to marinate at least 1 hour before serving.
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Editor’s Note: The Express interviewed popular media personality Lupita Piembert about her work with immigrants. Her responses follow.
Q. How have you been connected to Whistlestop?I moved to Marin from the East Bay in 2011 and fi rst came to Whistlestop this year, invited by Joseph Cillo to speak in front of a Spanish class. The participants are English speakers – older adults. Since I decided to move to the United States in 1990 when I was 22, I have been volunteer-ing while adapting to a new country. For most of my life, I have worked in Spanish-language media and have been fortunate enough to work for the most important Latino newspapers, radio and television news programs. Therefore, I have been able to learn, understand and follow the main issues concerning immigrant communities – particularly the Spanish-speaking immigrant community, but also any other immigrant popu-lations such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambo-dian, and Indian.
Q. What have you found is the primary reason people want to move to the United States? The obvious reason is economics. Most people who move here, whether from Latin America, Asia or elsewhere, still see our country as the world’s moving force – a place for entrepreneurship, in-novation, and a system, where if one works hard, economic opportunities come. Another reason, perhaps less verbalized, is that the US is still seen as a society that allows free-dom of thought and action, that controls you less and allows one’s individuality to show up.
Q. What are the people you work with most anxious about? It’s economics. I honestly do not know how a fam-ily of four survives when one or two parents earn $8 per hour. How do they pay rent, buy food and clothes, as well as take care of bills, pay taxes, and meet their most basic needs?
Q. What inspired you to do continued on page 6
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Faces of WhistlestopB y V I C K Y V O I C E H O W K S Y
Marin photographer Stephanie Mohan took photos of a number of Whistlestop clients and from time to time we will
publish short profi les on them in a series called Faces of Whistlestop. Here is one of them.
Paula Ross —Paula has been a Whistlestop rider for 10 years. She also loves coming to the center where she started a German Social Club that has touched the lives of more than 60
people. This summer the club is celebrating its third anniversary, “I am so proud!” Paula says with excitement. Paula Ross is one the many famous faces of Whistlestop and an avid supporter. “It is very important to support Whistlestop because we are all hoping to reach a ripe old age and be able to do things. Whistlestop allows for my independence. I know where to go when I’m feeling lonely.” ✦
Sudoku ANSWERS
I gently kissed her on her cheek to bid my dog goodbye; I kissed her for my daughter Dani, and softly closed her eyes.I dug a hole out in the back beneath our big palm tree,And when I went to put her in, I really couldn’t see; Because my tears were running down, the tears for my Blanchie.It breaks my heart to have to say: Our darling Blanchie died today.
Write Us a LetterIf you have a poem or essay or a very short story you would like to share with us, please send it to Readers Write In, care of John Bowman: [email protected], or mail or drop it off at Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901. We will consider it for publication.
READERS WRITE IN from page 3
LUPITA PIEMBERT from page 5
this work of helping immigrants adapt to life in the US and become citizens?Helping others and contributing to a community has been a priority in my life, and one of my most important values. I believe that my experience as a young woman, when I spent four years do-ing social work, defi nitely infl uenced me for life. I was inspired by Catholic priest Padre Rogelio Lopez, who dedicated his life to helping youth. As a journalist/news reporter, being out there every day in the streets and houses of California immigrants for many years, seeing up close the suffering, pain and sorrow, as well as success, achievement and generosity of immigrant fami-lies, touched me deeply. I saw that the life that immigrants experience is not different than the human experiences of the rest of Californians, whether Caucasian, mixed or of any other de-scent, with one exception: immigrants are often treated as less than, and their condition is unfa-vorable by default. Helping others also is a Mexican/Latino/His-panic value, perhaps from our Christian religious background. ✦
Lupita Piembert is an accomplished journalist with 20 years of experience in Spanish-language television, radio, and newspapers. She has worked for La Opinion, Telemundo, Univision, and has free-lanced for CNN Español.
whistlestop.org 7
Can you name the current chief justice of the US Supreme Court? Do you know how many amendments there are to the
US Constitution? These are just two of the 100 questions that a person from another country needs to an-swer in order to become a US citizen. You can learn the answers in Sandra Jimenez’s Citi-zenship Class at Whistlestop. Sandra, who was born and raised in Costa Rica, has been teaching the class for about two years. She has 25 students and there is a wait-ing list. Students pay just $25 a year to be in the class and many of them are ready to take the test within six months. Sandra really enjoys her job. “It is very fulfi lling, what we do here,” she said. Sandra, who has permanent residence in the US, lives in San Rafael. She came to the US about six years ago. She explained that her brother, Gustavo, called her to help him and his wife with their new baby, who was about to be born. They lived in San Francisco. “I just packed a bag and left in a hurry,” she said. “I left behind my place, my belongings, even my car. I never went back.” Her visit to San Francisco lasted about four months. Her then boyfriend, a Costa Rican who was living in Georgia, had booked a fl ight to visit Sandra in Costa Rica. “I told him he
Sandra Jimenez Helps People Gain Independence with Whistlestop Citizenship Class
had to cancel it because I was fl ying to San Francisco,” she recalled. “So he fl ew to San Francisco and eventually, we were married. My dad came to the wedding with a suitcase full of my stuff, including my favorite frame from my nightstand and all of my shoes.” Sandra earned her BA in Advertising and studied graphic arts at Northern Arizona Uni-versity in Flagstaff. She then went on to get her MA in Bilingual Education at NAU. For awhile, Sandra taught Spanish at Ross Elementary School. She enjoyed that work and loves her job at Whistlestop even more. She fi nds it rewarding to help people from other countries gain their US citizenship. Her students are mostly Spanish speaking, coming from Mexico, Central America, and South America. But she also has had stu-dents from Russia, Armenia, and one from Korea. “They require a lot of assistance,” she said. “They want to get their citizenship as soon as possible.” Oh, by the way, John Roberts is Chief Justice and there are 27 amendments. ✦
Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM
A Senior Services Agencyoffering
Geriatric Care Management
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Whistlestop Express JULY 20128
Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP
DROP-IN COMPUTER LABMondays • 10 to Noon & Wednesdays • 10–2pmNeed help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-on-one, if needed.
ADVANCED ENGLISH CONVERSATION Mondays June 4th-July 30th • 2–3:30pm
Fee: Free | Register: Vicky Voicehowsky at 457-0586This class is for non-native English speakers who desire to improve their language skills. The class will focus on advanced listening and conversation skills, English slang and humor, as well as common idioms.
LATIN RHYTHM CLASSThursdays • 11-12pm | Fee: $2Information: Sandra or Vicky 456-9062This class is for anyone who enjoys dancing. Come learn all the steps to El Danzon, a Cuban inspired dance, every Thursday. Great teacher, great friends! Walk-ins welcome! Let’s Dance!
AM MONDAYMondays • 10-11am | Fee: Free Information: Vicky Voicehowsky 457-0586Share your opinions on current events and interesting topics. This is a perfect activity for those who wish to practice Spanish conversation. Enjoy coffee, pastries and great company.
LAMAS QI GONG: Ancient Chinese Self-Healing ArtMondays • 9:30–10:30am
Single class drop-in fee: $3Debra Zibitt, Certifi ed SifuLamas Qi Gong cultivates and manipulates one's inner vital life force by using skill of breath, combined with gentle soft movements, visualizations and
intentions. Lamas Qi Gong heals and strengthens the body. Benefi ts to you: on-going development of personal growth, helps to eliminate stress, helps reduce anxiety and fear, promotes inner balance and regulation, improves immune system.
ZUMBAMondays • 11am–NoonFee: $6 each time | Instructor: Angela Jakab-MillerZumba is a great way to stay fi t and active. Fun, moti-vating combination of Latin-inspired music and dance steps guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba move-ments are easy-to-follow and for all activity levels. Bring water and a small towel.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESContact: Debbie at 456-9062 or [email protected]• Board/Card Game Leaders • Chiropractor• Italian Social Group Leader• Portuguese Social Group Leader• Bi-lingual Computer Teacher
• Jackson Café Volunteers needed to work in the Jack-son Cafe at least one day a week from 11am to 2:15pm. Whistlestop’s Jackson Café, located at the Active Aging Center, serves delicious and affordable lunchtime meals, Monday through Friday to diners of all ages. The Café features daily specials, deli sandwiches, soups, desserts, and fresh salads. The Jackson Café offers a comfortable setting where older adults and their family and friends can eat well and stay socially active.• Center Service volunteer needed to answer phones and do various offi ce duties. Computer experience a plus, but not required. Volunteer is needed from 10 to 1pm with some fl exibility.• Whistlestop would like to start a sewing group–we are in need of a volunteer to instruct, participants, sewing machines, fabric and thread.
IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDEDMah Jongg sets, books, yarn, movies on DVD and exercise mats. If you have items to donate, please call Debbie at 456-9062.
RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASSTuesdays & Thursdays in July • 2:30 – 3:30 pmSuggested donation: $10 per class/drop-ins welcomeThomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMT, has been working in the health and healing rehabilitation fi eld since 1992, primarily with those that are physically challenged with sustained disabilities, impairments or limitations in their overall physical well-being.You will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely imple-ment very simple exercises to train your balance. We will learn the best exercises for stronger legs to prevent falls and safeguard our risks of injury. We will also cover
For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org
We have
ATION
whistlestop.org 9
a sociable, competitive, exciting and addictive game that's truly lots of fun! Beginners and experienced play-ers are welcome.
WATERCOLORS WITH MARITA1st & 3rd Thursday of the month • 10amJoin us for this fun art program! Learn to make beautiful art using watercolor paints. Come explore your world from a whole new vantage point. You may even reacquaint yourself with your inner child! All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
HICAP TO PRESENT INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON MEDICARE AND YOUR OPTIONSWednesday, July 18 • 2–3pmWhistlestop Active Aging Center• Are you new to Medicare? Are you disabled?
Know your rights!• Is Medicare automatic or do
you need to apply?• Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D
and Medicare Supplement Plans
• Low-Income Assistance Programs
Handouts will be provided.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS2nd & 4th Wednesdays • 2–4pmInformation: Leslie Klor, 456-9062, ext. 132Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging par-ent, relative, or friend? Struggling to make ends meet? It’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the different choices. Come get some clarity on housing choices in Marin. Beginning July 11, Leslie will be avail-able for individual housing consultations.
what to do if we fall. Better balance and believing in oneself will enable one to maintain as much indepen-dence as possible. Bring a water bottle and 1lb. or 2 lb. weights to class.
STOPPING & PREVENTING ARTHRITISTuesday, July 24 • 3:30pm | Suggested donation: $2 Dr. Paul Podwojski, Chiropractor will talk about you and arthritis. Learn how to slow down, stop or reverse the effects of arthritis and keep you moving!
TAI CHI QIGONGWednesdays • 9am–10:15am Suggested donation: $10 or lessFor Maximum Health, Energy and Relaxation. Based on the ancient Chinese observation that the human body is organized along energy channels, called meridians, Tai Chi Qigong (“tie-chee chi-gong”) is a one-hour set of gentle movements, to strengthen the body, calm the mind and improve posture and balance. Movements can be practiced by all ages and physical abilities.
MAH JONGGWednesdays • 10:30 am–NoonInstructor: Shirley EtemadfarAmerican Mah Jongg is a game that originally came from China. If you've played gin rummy, you have a head start in learning how to play this game. However, instead of cards, you play with tiles that are stamped with symbols and characters. You mix up the tiles, stack them into "walls" and get 13 to start a hand. After much passing, picking and discarding, the fi rst person to assemble combinations of these tiles into specifi c pat-terns wins the game. We play with a card that shows all the possible hands you can make. We'll have cards and Mah Jongg sets available for you to use as you learn. It's
Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902Get Qualifi ed to Ride: 456-9062, [email protected] a Ride: 457-4630STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969
Transportation Numbers
learn. It's
Whistlestop Express JULY 201210
Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME CLASS INFO COST 9:00–2:00 PM Chair Massage Open $4/8min. 9:30–10:30 PM Lamas Qi Gong Open $3/class 10:00–11:00 AM AM Monday (Discussion) 457-0586 Free 10:00–NOON Computer Lab Open Free 11:00–12:30 PM German Social Group Open Free 11:00–NOON Zumba Open $6 2:00–3:30 PM Adv. English Conversation (June 4-July 30, 2012) 457-0586 Free 4:00–5:30 PM Citizenship Class 454-0998 $25
9:15–10:15 AM Whistlesizers (Exercise) Open $2 10:45–11:45 AM Cardio Exercise Class Open Free 11:00–2:00 PM Manicurist Appt. Needed Free 1:00–3:00 PM Learn Spanish Open Free 2:00–3:30 PM English Conversation 454-0998 Free 2:30–3:30 PM Balance Class Sugg. Donation $10
9:15–10:15 AM Whistlesizers (Exercise) Open $2 10:00–NOON Knit!!! 457-0586 Free 10:00–NOON Watercolors with Marita Open Free 11:00–NOON Latin Rhythm 454-0998 $2 2:00–3:30 PM English Conversation 454-0998 Free 2:30–3:30 PM Balance Class Sugg. Donation $10 3:00–4:00 PM Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers
9:00–10:15 AM Tai Chi Qigong Sugg. Donation $10 or less 9:00–2:00 PM Chair Massage Open $4/8min.10:00–11:30 AM Seniors' Circle (Support) Open Free 10:00–2:00 PM Computer Lab Open Free 10:30–11:45 AM Corazón Latino Open Free 10:30–NOON Mah Jongg Open Free 3:00–4:00 PM Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers
1:30–3:30 PM ACASA (Support/Training) Peer Counseling Free 1:30–3:30 PM Practice Spanish (Club) Open Free 2:00–3:00 PM Yoga with Kelly 456-9062 $3 2:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky July 13 & 27 $3
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The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org
LUNCH MENU60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES
Main Entrée$4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées)
Sandwiches$4.25/$6.25
Soup du Jour$1.75/$2.25
Hamburger w/Fries$4.25/$5.25
Salads$2.50/$4.00
OTHER ITEMSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit $1.50Beverages $1.00Desserts $2.00
Monday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
Jackson Café
whistlestop.org 11
The Bird's Side OF MARIN b y R I C H A R D P A V E K
You may have seen a bird or two wearing what looks like bracelets
around their legs and wondered what they were. Well, the birds have not escaped the I.D. craze that has overtaken the world as it fl ounders on. We have yellow plastic wrist bands to mark awareness of the troops overseas, pink ones for cancer awareness, red for medical warn-ings, green because it’s “in” and goodness knows what all else. The birds are no different. Actually the birds don’t even want to be ringed, or banded as we call it in the U.S. Orni-thologists and birders band the birds to identify their colonies, track their migration patterns, to help determine how old they are when they die, and for dozens of other reasons that help us
better understand bird life and behavior. Bird bands are either aluminum or plastic, non-toxic, colored and lightweight. They do not appear to bother the birds, who seem to be unaware of them once they are in place. What kinds of birds are banded? Every kind the bird biologists can get their hands on, from tiny baby Hummingbirds to large Eagles. Con-dors are banded with wing tags, which I, as a photographer, thoroughly dislike. The aesthetics don’t seem to bother the Condors, but no one ever accused the Condors of being preoccupied with their looks! Every weekend I email a funny, interest-ing or beautiful bird photo to Express read-ers, free. If you’d like something nice to look at amidst the junk in your inbox, email me at [email protected]. ✦
‘Til next month, Richard
Whistlestop Express JULY 201212
I f necessity is the moth-er of invention, Tia Small and Hilary Parkhill must
be two of her favorite daugh-ters. The two San Francisco women are co-owners of Lu-cille’s List, a unique website that serves as a comprehen-sive directory of various kinds of housing for people aged 55 and older in Marin County. Both of them were motivated to create the site because of concerns about their own par-ents. Tia helped care for her mother, the list’s namesake, as she struggled for 10 years with multiple myeloma. “She started in a hospital, then to nursing and then to as-sisted living situations – kind of a backwards cycle.” Tia said. “I ambled around trying to fi nd the right place that could help her, the right place for her to live. She moved four times in those 10 years. I had a baby at the time so I had time to do this. But I wondered, how would a person with a full-time job in an offi ce ever do this? I thought, there needs to be somewhere to go to help fi gure this out.” There was no such central place to easily access the information. During this time, Hilary was going through a similar trial. “My family had some history of dementia – my grandmother and great-grandmother. I thought, what if my parents have to face this. I began to research the subject – where to fi nd care and housing. Information was not available in any orga-nized way. This inspired and motivated me to
do something about it.” The two women were going through this process at about the same time but neither knew this about the other. Hilary and Jeff Small (Tia’s husband) co-coached their kids’ soccer team. One day she mentioned her dilemma to Jeff and told him she was thinking about creating some kind of Internet directory. Jeff, a computer techie, said that Tia was thinking along the same lines.
“It was kismet,” Tia said. The women got together for coffee and started brainstorming. The result was lucilleslist.com. By early 2010, they had all of their paperwork done and got their business license. They began developing a website and continuing their research and cataloguing various housing options for older adults in need of special care. They also were fi nding that very little info was available for low-income folks and they wanted to help in that area. They gathered data on seven types of housing in Marin: Assisted Living, Active Adults, Senior Adults, Senior Mobile Homes, Villages (mem-bership organizations designed to stay in their homes) Skilled Nursing and CCR (continuing care retirement communities – with headquar-ters at Whistlestop). Anyone who is trying to identify housing that would be ideal for a parent may access the direc-tory for free by going to www.lucilleslist.com. ✦
Business partners Tia Small (left) and Hilary Parkhill.
Looking for Housing for Your Parents?Lucille's List Can Come to Your Rescue
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Helping Older Adults Stay Independent B y L I Z A C O Z A D
When I saw that my mom was no longer able to be independent, I realized a lot of older people were facing the same
reality, so I decided to do something about it. Mom was then 80 and helping her stay at home to hang on to her independence was left up to Dad. I saw what this did to both of them. That led me to start the HomeWell Senior Care in Marin and Sonoma Counties. HomeWell is a franchise that was started in the state of Washington 15 years ago. It provides myriad services designed to allow older adults who want to continue to live in their home to do so safely, and to provide them with independence. Our Personal Assistants provide seniors with in-home services – everything from personal groom-ing, to errands, meal preparation, medication reminders and light housekeeping to Alzheimer’s
and dementia care. All of our people are pro-fessional experienced caregivers – most also are Certifi ed Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Home Health Aides, and even nursing students from Dominican Uni-versity and College of Marin. They have many years of experience and we screen all of our staff thoroughly. Name a country and we prob-
ably have someone from there. Many come from Fiji or the Philippines or Haiti, or right here in Marin County, and they are all warm, competent and effi cient professionals. The reason I became a member of the Whis-tlestop Board of Directors is that their work is so beautifully aligned with mine. The primary objective of Whistlestop and of HomeWell is iden-tical: to help older adults stay active and indepen-dent. This enables them to enjoy longer and much more enjoyable lives. I also own two Curves gyms – one in Mill Valley, which I took over in January of 2008 and the other in Novato, which I continued on page 15
The primary objective of Whistlestop and HomeWell is identical: help older adults stay active and independent.
2012
1003 Third Street, San Rafael
Blue Door Seminar Schedule
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Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website at www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.phpor Telephone 415-459-6635
Not to be missed FREE seminars!
Estate Planning 101, Parts A & B; What You Need to Know and What You Need to Decide Speaker: J.R. Hastings, JD
Preserving Your Estate from and for the Kids A Primer on Asset ProtectionSpeaker: J.R. Hastings, JD & Guest
On Being a Trustee(the duties, the paperwork battle and tax responsibilities)Speaker: J.R. Hastings, JD & Guest
Estate Planning 101, Parts A & B; What You Need to Know and What You Need to DecideSpeaker: J.R. Hastings, JD
4th Annual Marin Symposium for Estate Planning AdvisorsProducer: J.R. Hastings Law Location: Four Points SheratonComing this Fall... three special afternoon seminars:You Are a Senior: Caring for You and Finding You a Home, Taxes After the Election, andPaying for Long Term Care: You, Uncle Sam or the Corporation
Whistlestop Express JULY 201214
Grand MOMby AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
Funerals AreGood for Us
When I was a kid back in the 30’s and 40’s, Grandma came for a visit always dressed in black and always it was a
funeral that brought her to town. I thought that was so weird. Did she enjoy funerals? Was that the only thing on her social calendar? Well, guess what? I’ve arrived at that age when I open the paper fi rst to the Obituary page. I check to see if there’s someone I know. Then I average the ages to see how I’m doing. On a good day I’m younger than any of them. On a bad day I’m older. Too often, it seems, I fi nd a friend has passed and I feel a stab of pain for the spouse; I want to express my sympathy and attend the funeral. When I recently attended the funeral of my friend Betty, it occurred to me that funerals are really good for us seniors. They remind us of our own mortality, of course, which is frighten-ing for younger people, but for us older folks, who have lived long, fulfi lled lives already, and have lost so many loved ones, death is the natural crossing over into a better place. At least in a Christian funeral, the emphasis is on the fi nal salvation after a long life of work and suffering. Our pastor always delivers an upbeat eulogy. “There is no Easter without Good Fri-day,” he said at Betty’s funeral. For people of faith “it’s a no-brainer” as the kids say. And funerals bring back the children who grew up and moved away, returning with their own children. We share memories with them and with our old friends as well. In our church, we often bring a dish to add to the luncheon prepared by the parish ladies, then join friends and family to do more remembering as we enjoy the lunch. I leave these funerals feeling hopeful and upbeat, the tune of “On Eagles Wings” still running through my head. Today’s funerals are certainly not the dreary dramas we imagined as children. (My apologies to Grandma.) Don’t get me wrong. Although I no longer fear death, I’m not in a hurry to experience it either. I have things to do...like try that new casserole recipe. And places to go...a lot more funerals probably. ✦
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whistlestop.org 15
SUDOKU M E D I U M
To solve the Sudoku, each square in the grid must contain a number between one and nine, with the following conditions:
• Each row of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once.
• Each column of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once.
• Each of the nine 3 by 3 boxes of nine cells must contain each of the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once. Answers on page 6.
Vacancy for Fairfax Representative to the Marin Commission on Aging
The Marin Commission on Aging is part of the County’s Health and Human Services Department. Each Town and City has
one representative to the Commission. Due to a resignation, we are looking for someone who is willing to serve in this capacity to serve a full three-year term beginning in July. Applicants must be residents of Fairfax. The Commission is seeking “members who refl ect the geographic, racial, economic and social complexion” of Fair-fax. The Commission has strongly encouraged us to consider a representative from a low-income, minority and/or disabled person when making this appointment as they are trying to increase the diversity of the Commission. A majority of the persons who currently serve are 60 years of age or older. Please complete an application if you are interested and submit it to: Judy An-derson, CMC Town Clerk/Assistant to the Town Manager, Town of Fairfax, 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA 94930. Or call 415: 458-2343. ✦
purchased in January 2011. And yes, I work out at one or the other four times a week! I am an attorney, having earned my law degree at DePaul University in Chicago. I practiced cor-porate law for 17 years before going into business. People ask where I get the energy and time to oversee three businesses with sixty-fi ve employ-ees. The energy part comes easy. I have always had plenty– it’s just natural for me. Time is an-other issue. I can’t make up hours. But the people I work with and an amazing spouse – my hus-band David – keep me going. I could not possibly do this by myself. ✦Liza is the newest Whistlestop Board member.
HELPING OLDER ADULTS from page 13
Come On Out for Second Friday Art Walk
Downtown San Rafael hosts an Art Walk on the second Friday of every month. Art is available on and around Fourth
Street, from Lincoln Way at the East end of town all the way to the West End Village.Art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops open their doors. There are paintings, photography, sculptures, live music, live art demonstrations and light snacks. Some places provide wine for a low price, and some restaurants offer discount specials, if you come in with a map for the event. Maps are available from any of the par-ticipating merchants. Stop for dessert or a meal at the beginning or the end of the walk. More info at 2ndFridaysArtWalk.com. ✦
Did You Know?Whistlestop conducts Active Aging Center classes for 4,000 participants annually. Become computer literate, learn a new language or stay healthy by exercising with other older adults. Read the Whis-tlestop Express for the calendar of classes and events, or call 456-9062 for details.
Whistlestop Express JULY 201216
Marin Senior Coordinating Council
930 Tamalpais AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Whistlestop.org
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