Sustainable Marin: Working for a Future We Can Live In by JOHN BOWMAN E PRESS The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement JULY 2011 Whistlestop.org Whistlestop Photo Contest page 7 Rocky Packard page 4 The Bird's Side of Marin page 11 S ustainability is a way of life for residents of San Rafael, Fairfax, San Anselmo, Novato, Mill Val- ley and West Marin. This is embodied in the work of Sus- tainable Marin, a nonprofit organization working since 1999 to advance environmen- tal and economic sustain- ability and social well-being through grassroots efforts by residents. Members col- lectively call themselves the “Sustainables.” Perhaps the most successful and best-known project under- taken by Sustainable Marin was the plastic bag ban in Fairfax. The issue was placed on the ballot in 2008, drew 79% support of the voters and was implemented in 2009. Pam Hartwell-Herrero, Executive Director, recalls that, “Before we even got the ban on the ballot, 90% of businesses in the town complied." The effort to get the measure on the bal- lot was done in collaboration with the environmental group Green Sangha. What’s coming up for Sus- tainable Fairfax? “We are currently spearheading the effort to launch a Local Cur- rency called the FairBuck in an effort to keep our money local,” says Hartwell-Herrero. The project was launched at the Fairfax Festival on June 11th. “We have discovered that the solution to all of the issues we take action on, like Climate Change, ZeroWaste, Water Conservation, Food Security and Toxins, can all benefit greatly from a more localized community. In deep respect of the Three E’s of Sustain- abilty—Environment, Equity and Economy—we try to find solutions in our own backyard that build a strong local econ- omy, a diverse environment, and a connected community. Sustainable San Rafael initiated installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Marin. Eight cities in Marin County participating in Marin Clean Energy are to receive free electric charging stations from Coulomb Technol- ogies as a part of Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America program. The announcement was made jointly last October by Sustainable San Rafael, which initiated the request, San Rafael Community Devel- opment director Bob Brown, and Coulomb Technologies. The ChargePoint stations have universal hookups that can be used by most plug-in electric vehicles. The first two charging stations were launched with a special ceremony in April at the C Street and Third St. public parking garage. Sustainable Novato: A Zap Alias, Mitsubishi MiEV , converted VW, two Chevy Volts and four Nissan Leafs were among the many elec- tric-powered cars, trucks and two-wheeled vehicles on dis- play at Sustainable Novato’s first 2011 Community Forum, held May 21 at Fireman’s Fund in Novato. For more information, go to www.sustainablemarin.org. ✦
Transcript
Sustainable Marin: Working for a Future We Can Live Inb y J O H N B O W M A N
E PRESSThe Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging MovementJULY 2011 Whistlestop.org
Whistlestop
PhotoContestpage 7
RockyPackardpage 4
The Bird's Side of Marin page 11
Sustainability is a way of life for residents of San Rafael, Fairfax, San
Anselmo, Novato, Mill Val-ley and West Marin. This is embodied in the work of Sus-tainable Marin, a nonprofi t organization working since 1999 to advance environmen-tal and economic sustain-ability and social well-being through grassroots efforts by residents. Members col-lectively call themselves the “Sustainables.” Perhaps the most successful and best-known project under-taken by Sustainable Marin was the plastic bag ban in Fairfax. The issue was placed on the ballot in 2008, drew 79% support of the voters and was implemented in 2009. Pam Hartwell-Herrero, Executive Director, recalls that, “Before we even got the ban on the ballot, 90% of businesses in the town complied." The effort to get the measure on the bal-lot was done in collaboration with the environmental group Green Sangha. What’s coming up for Sus-tainable Fairfax? “We are
currently spearheading the effort to launch a Local Cur-rency called the FairBuck in an effort to keep our money local,” says Hartwell-Herrero. The project was launched at the Fairfax Festival on June 11th. “We have discovered that the solution to all of the issues we take action on, like Climate Change, ZeroWaste, Water Conservation, Food Security and Toxins, can all benefi t greatly from a more localized community. In deep respect of the Three E’s of Sustain-abilty—Environment, Equity and Economy—we try to fi nd solutions in our own backyard that build a strong local econ-omy, a diverse environment, and a connected community. Sustainable San Rafael initiated installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations
throughout Marin. Eight cities in Marin County participating in Marin Clean Energy are to receive free electric charging stations from Coulomb Technol-ogies as a part of Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America program. The announcement was made jointly last October by Sustainable San Rafael, which initiated the request, San Rafael Community Devel-opment director Bob Brown, and Coulomb Technologies. The ChargePoint stations have universal hookups that can be used by most plug-in electric vehicles. The fi rst two charging stations were launched with a special ceremony in April at the C Street and Third St. public parking garage. Sustainable Novato: A Zap Alias, Mitsubishi MiEV, converted VW, two Chevy Volts and four Nissan Leafs were among the many elec-tric-powered cars, trucks and two-wheeled vehicles on dis-play at Sustainable Novato’s fi rst 2011 Community Forum, held May 21 at Fireman’s Fund in Novato.
For more information, go to www.sustainablemarin.org. ✦
Whistlestop Express July 20112
WhistlestopP E R S P E C T I V E B y J O E O ’ H E H I R
Table ofCONTENTS
My Broker Donates
From Rocky's PantryRocky Packard
New Board Members
Sustainability Resources
Annual Photo Contest
At Whistlestop
Whistlestop Activities
The Bird's Side of MarinRichard PavekFinancial NuggetsJeff Stoffer, CFA, CFP®
Grand MomAudrey FixmerSudoku Puzzle
34
567
8/91011
13
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 ScusselChief Financial Offi cer, Jeff StofferSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Claudia Fromm • Jane LottDebbie Mills • Michael Rice • Bill SaulWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profi t organizationThe Mission of Whistlestop:To promote the independence and well-being of Marin County’s older adults and individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.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
Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper
To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062, ext. 141. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to [email protected].
Subscriptions mailed to your home are $10/year.
Help End Loneliness for Older Adults
Nels Johnson’s recent front-page story in the Marin IJ, “Growing
Old Fast” could not have been timelier. The Federal Adminis-tration on Aging declared May as Older Americans Month, and the theme was, Older Americans: Connecting with the Community. This theme has never been more important for the more than 61,000 older adults living in Marin. Johnson’s article pointed out that Marin’s popula-tion is aging more than 1 1/2 times faster than the rest of California. Just look around. One of my colleagues recently went to the Moody Blues concert at the Civic Center and nearly everyone in the audience was over 60! I per-sonally experienced a majority older adult audience while see-ing the new Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris at a San Ra-fael theater. Marin now has more than 13,000 older adults living alone, and this number will only get larger as our popula-tion ages. These older adults could be your parents, neigh-bors, siblings, or friends. When people are unable to get out of their homes or are unable to drive, they can lose their inde-pendence and that may lead to a lonely, isolated existence. A recent University of Chicago study suggests that loneliness
contributes to poorer health for older adults. The study con-cludes that social disconnected-ness is associated with worse physical health, regardless of whether it prompts feelings of loneliness or a perceived lack of social support. Our mission at Whistlestop is to end loneliness for Marin’s older adults. You have likely seen our Whistlestop buses traveling around the county,
helping individuals with disabilities get out of their homes. We also offer a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Whistlestop Active Aging Center in central San Rafael, where older adults come to relax, enjoy
a delicious lunch, take a class, make new friends, and stay socially connected. Our Whis-tlestop Help Desk is a one-stop shop for older adults and their families to fi nd the resources they need to live a fulfi lled life. For more than 57 years, Whis-tlestop has collaborated with dozens of nonprofi ts that help keep Marin’s older adults active in body, mind, and spirit. We cannot fi ght loneliness alone. We need your help. You can do something good for an older adult by donating, volun-teering, or leaving a legacy gift to Whistlestop. Now is the time to give locally, where you can see the difference. ✦Joe O’Hehir is CEO of Whistlestop.
Loneliness contributes to poorer health for older adults.
whistlestop.org 3
Donate to Whistlestop Just by Buying or Selling a Home
W histlestop is partnering with My Broker Donates to help you generate a
big donation for our programs—at zero cost to you—the next time you move. My Broker Donates introduces our supporters to best-in-market real estate profes-sionals who agree to donate 15% of their referral fee to help promote the independence, well-being and better quality of life for older adults and peo-ple living with disabilities in Marin County. You choose the agent you like. It costs Whistlestop and our supporters nothing. And it could mean all the difference in our effort to ensure that we maintain our specialized educational, cultural and transportation programs. Donations generated by My Broker Donates can be signifi cant: A $500,000 sale or purchase would create a gift of more than $2,000. The donation is guaranteed by My Broker Donates, costs you nothing, and it’s made in your name by your broker. Even for those with an existing relationship with an agent or broker, My Broker Donates can help create a donation. If you are thinking about selling or buying real estate, please contact My Broker Donates for more information, or go to www.mybrokerdo-nates.com to see how easy it is. ✦
The Away Station: Marketplace of Reuse
The Away Station is a building materials de-pot, a non-profi t whose
mission is to create a world without waste. It is located at Fairfax Lumber in Fairfax. The Away Station is creat-ing an opportunity for consumers to become less of consumers, to begin to shift their conscious-ness to see “junk” as a resource, garbage as a treasure and to think about reducing waste. It will redistribute goods and merchandise to people who need them, turning problems into so-lutions and serving the com-
415-884-4343 • www.HiredHandsHomecare.com
• We deliver full-service, non-medical caregiving
• Our caregivers are our employees—each is insured and bonded, and has gone through rigorous screening, orientation and training
• We handle all employer responsibilities— wages, taxes, Workers’ Comp
• Family-owned and operated since 1994
Call today for a complimentary Needs Assessment and Home Safety Evaluationcontinued on page 14
We are the ONLY Medical-grade and Industry-regulated Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facility in Marin
415.785.8652ImproveHealing.com
CONDITIONS PAID BY INSURANCE
SOOTHE, HEAL, REVERSE AND RESTORE AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS
ALSO BENEFITIED Stroke Head Injuries Chronic Lyme Disease MS / CFS Brain Function
Heal beautifully,diminish or avoidthe need forreconstructivesurgeries.
Whistlestop Express July 20114
From Rocky's PANTRYB Y R O C K Y P A C K A R D
Zero Waste Home in Mill Valley Shows Another Way
Pistachios are an ancient delicacy and were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who in-sisted that she and her court get the entire
crop each season. While this tasty nut is a de-lightful snack by itself, it also adds a unique taste to this special pesto. This pesto is great for pastas and is exceptional as a crust for chicken breasts.Servings: 1
Jackson Café Pistachio Pesto
1 cup pistachios 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs 1 tsp chopped garlic 2 tsps grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper Blend everything together in the food processor to a pesto (paste-like) consistency. Smear one side of the skinless, boneless chicken breast with the prepared pesto and then bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 1004 Calories; 97.8% calories from fat; 4g Protein; 19 Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 8mg Choles-terol; 187mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 22 Fat. ✦
Bea Johnson and her family live in the Zero Waste Home in Mill Valley. In an inter-
view at www.thewomenseye.com, Bea explained how she got started. “Basically we were living in a large home and then we moved to a much smaller house in Marin al-most fi ve years ago. Downsizing got us thinking, as we were becom-ing more aware of environmental issues. We reduced our waste with reusables, but wanted to do more. Then I start-ed shopping in bulk and saw the opportunity to push it further.” Bea’s motto is “Refuse, refuse, refuse, then reduce, reuse, recycle.” She and her husband have two sons, 10 and 8 and a white Chi-huahua that matches the color scheme of her home. Her walls and fl oors are all painted a
soft white and the color comes from a bowl of oranges and an orange pillow in the living room. There is little furniture. When Bea goes to the store, she has the butcher put meat into her glass jars. Her goal, she says, is to keep unnecessary things from coming into the house in the fi rst place. Bea’s anti-garbage, zero-waste blog can be found at www.Ze-rowastehome.blogspot.com. On
her website she says, “We now not only feel happier and eat healthier, but we also lead more meaningful lives, based on experiences instead of stuff, and action instead of inac-tion." She offers home consulting services on de-cluttering, living simply and waste reduction through her website: www.besimpler.com. ✦
Bea Johnson at home in Mill Valley.
Comfortable, Community Living for Independent Seniors 63+
WELCOME HOME TO TAM HOUSE!
from $850/month
TamHouse.orgCall: 457-5633
Rooms Open Now!
(Including utilities and most food!)
THE HELP YOU NEED, AT THE TIME
YOU NEED IT—
IN YOUR HOME
FAMILIES - YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREGIVERFree In-Home Assessment
Nationwide background check and drug testing required for all caregivers
Bonded and Insured Long Term Care Insurance accepted
whistlestop.org 5
Bill Saul, Claudia Fromm JoinWhistlestop Board of Directors
Whistlestop welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors, announced Joe O’Hehir, CEO. They are Bill Saul, San
Anselmo lawyer, and Claudia Fromm, an MFT from Kentfi eld.
Bill Saul is an attorney with the Saul Law Firm in San Rafael, spe-cializing in tax planning and liti-gation, estate planning and small business formation and advice. Prior to establishing his fi rm in San Rafael, he was with the Claus-
en Law Group in Point Richmond. He began his law practice as a trial attorney with the Internal Revenue Service. He left the IRS to join the law department of Southern Pacifi c Transportation Company and was subsequently appointed head of its tax department. After Southern Pacifi c was acquired by Union Pacifi c, Saul joined the tax practice of Deloitte & Touche. Bill is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Marin County Law Library and is a Rotar-ian. He holds a BA from Purdue University, a JD from the University of Cincinnati, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an LLM in Taxation from Golden Gate Univer-sity. He is also a Colonel, US Army Reserve, JA, (retired). He and his wife have been residents of San Anselmo for the last 30 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Claudia Fromm is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Kent-fi eld. In addition to helping her cli-ents deal with career/life transition issues, Claudia assists individuals and families who are experiencing
chronic health challenges and/or aging parents/elder care issues. She has over 25 years’ experi-ence working with Heidrick & Struggles, a lead-ing international executive search fi rm. Clau-dia holds a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University and a BA degree from the University of California, Davis. She is a member of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce where she serves on the Health and Wellness Committee. She resides in San Rafael with her husband. ✦
Available: Independent and Residential Living
No Buy-In Fees
www.TheRedwoods.org
Senior Citizen’s Discount!$2OFF 1 Notary Signature FeeOne coupon per Signer per Notary Visit. Expires 12/1/11.Fees: Commute Fee + $10/SignatureCall to Schedule an Appointment [email protected]
MARIN NOTARY & LOAN SIGNING SPECIAL!
180° DIFFERENTSENIOR LIVING FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW.
At Kisco Senior Living we’re about nurturing the mind, body and
spirit, continuing the process of personal growth and having
a newfound sense of connection to others.
We call it The Art of Living Well.SM
WWW.KISCOSENIORLIVING.COM FOLLOW US ONLINE
(415) 491-1935 Lic # 216801028 275 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903
Whistlestop Express July 20116
A Handy Sustainability Resources Guide
Marin County has a goal of diverting 80% of waste from the Redwood Landfi ll in North Novato by 2012 and achieving
zero-waste by 2025. You can help in this endeavor by learning about and participating in various recycling programs. Following are just a few to get you started: The Away Station: Fairfax. www.theawaysta-tion.org. The mission of The Away Station is to productively and creatively serve the community and the planet by the organized collection and redistribution of the by-products of consump-tion. This is done by providing a way for people to effortlessly get rid of unwanted items knowing that these items will go to good use and not into the landfi ll. Call 415-453-4221 or email [email protected]. Home Cares: www.homecares.org. The Re-CARES Network’s Home CARES Equipment Recycler’s Program lessens needless environmen-tal waste and at the same time provides older adults and those with disabilities dignity, safety and mobility. They accept donations of clean, gen-tly used durable medical equipment and unused
home health care supplies, which are provided free of charge to those in need. Call 415-388-8198. Ampleharvest.org: Helps you fi nd local food pantries eager for your garden produce donations. Email: [email protected]. Renew Computers: www.renewcomputers.com. Computers are properly recycled and diverted from landfi lls. The largest independent electron-ics recycling company in Marin. Environmental Forum of Marin: www.marinefm.org. Learn in-depth how to leave a lighter foot-print on the planet by taking classes in Marin County. A great opportunity for older adults who want to deepen their understanding of environ-mental issues or to be informed advocates for sustainability. Earth911.com: Find recycling centers near you. An easy way to check out places where you can put your unwanted stuff to good use. ✦
HEALTH CARE CONNECTION
415 4572256www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com
SudokuANSWERS
Recycling Begins at Homewith MarinCountyFreecycle.orgB Y N I C O L E P R I C E , M O D E R AT O R
Chances are you know someone who has used MarinCountyFreecycle.org to clean out their cupboards, closets, and ga-
rages. Since 2004, our group has served the community by connecting members with each other, and helped ease the burden of our local landfi ll. Don’t throw it away, freecycle it! The basic rules are simple in this fully mod-erated online group. You must become a mem-ber to access the website to read or post your items. Everything posted must be free with no strings attached. Honesty is the best policy when post- continued on page 12
whistlestop.org 7
Enter Your Best Photos in Our3rd Annual Photography Contest
The Whistlestop Express invites its readers to enter our third annual Older Adults Photography Contest.
Prizes will go to the top winners in this con-test, open to all Marin County residents ages 60 and older. Winners will be announced in the Fall, and the winning photographs will be published. Here are rules and guidelines for the contest:• All photographers who enter must be amateurs (no professional photographers or photo studio owners may enter).• No Whistlestop employees, board members or regular Whistlestop Express writers or editors will be eligible for prizes.• Participants must be 60 years of age or older.• Participants must reside in Marin County.• Deadline for submitting entries is August 12, 2011. No late entries will be accepted.• Only digital entries will be accepted. They must be high resolution, and at least 400 dpi. Please email your entries to [email protected].• Entries must ARRIVE in John Bowman’s email inbox no later than midnight on Friday, August 12.• Please be sure to include your name, phone number, email address and mailing address with your emailed entry, along with the category you are entering and the title of your entry. A sug-gested donation of $5 per photographer is wel-come, but not required.• Whistlestop staff will mount the winning pho-tos and will host a winners reception in Novem-ber – date and time to be announced later. Contest Categories:• Nature • Pictorial • Travel • Marin County Only Photographers may enter no more than two photos, and they must be entered in two separate categories. The “Pictorial” category can be any-thing, including snapshots. We are looking for a bit of Americana here. Winners to be recognized will include one Best of Show winner, plus the top three entries in each of the four categories. Please direct questions to John Bowman, co-editor, [email protected]. ✦
Grocery Shopping Prepare Meals Light Housekeeping Drive to Appointment Run Errands
Alzheimer’s Care Med Reminders Bathing/Dressing Laundry And Much More!
Helping You Maintain Your Independence
A sample of our services:
As everyday life becomes more challenging, a little help can go a long way.
Call Today and Get $25 off! 415-451-0100
St. Hilary's Church, Tiburon, photo by Marilyn Bagshaw
Whistlestop Express July 20118
Keep Learning atWHISTLESTOPCOMPUTER BASICSThursdays • July 14-28, 10 to NoonComputer Room | Fee: $30Instructor: Letitia Sanders | Register: 459-6700Learn basic elements on how to operate a computer keyboard and mouse, how to surf the Internet to look up movie times, weather, and driving directions, follow the Giants and search the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. No experience required!
BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL IThursdays, August 4-September 8 • 10 to NoonComputer Room | Fee: $60/ 6 classesInstructor: Ed Essick | Register: 459-6700Requirement: have a Windows-based computer.Learn the basic skills of Windows. Designed for fi rst-time computer users. You will learn how to: start your computer and turn it off, use the mouse and keyboard to perform tasks, create and print documents, identify the basic parts of a computer and their use, and search the Internet. Laptop users: bring computer to class.
BEGINNING COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS LEVEL IIThursdays, September 15-October 20 • 10 to NoonComputer Room | Fee: $60 for 6 classesInstructor: Ed Essick | Register: 459-6700Build on the skills learned in Beginning Computers for Adults Level I. You will learn how to: work with the programs and features of Windows, create and save documents using word processing, search the Internet, save and organize info, such as pictures and documents, work with email and attachments, secure your computer from intrusion, and download info and programs from the Internet.
WORD MADE EASYFriday, July 22 & 29 • 10 to NoonComputer Room | Fee: $30 for 2 classesInstructor: Karl Hoppe | Register: 459-6700Keyboarding skills and PC experienceGet comfortable with Word! Learn to create, print, email, and save documents. Start by opening Word and ease into adding and moving around text, store, organize, retrieve, edit and format documents. Also, inserting pictures, WordArt, and ClipArt, using Microsoft Offi ce 7.
FACEBOOK COMPUTER CLASSThursdays, July 19 & 26 • 10 to NoonComputer Room | Fee: $30 for 2 classesInstructor: Karl Hoppe | Register: 459-6700Requirements: Must be familiar with PC computers.Interested in learning about one of the most popular social networking sites? Learn how to set up an account, how to upload a profi le picture, add photo albums, write on a wall, send messages to people, become a member of a group and more! It’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.
COMPUTER LAB DROP-IN CLASSWednesdays • 10 to 2pmComputer Room | FreeWould you like some extra help practicing your computer
skills?Whistlestop offers free drop-in computer instruction every week in the Computer Room. A facilitator is there to answer your questions and provide one-on-one instruction.
WHISTLESTOP KNITTERS2nd, 3rd, 4th Fridays • 11 to 1pmCaboose 2 | Sign up: 456-9062Come spend a couple hours to knit, talk, laugh and enjoy each others company, while we work on hats, scarves, etc. This is not a class; but you’ll enjoy sharing patterns, hints and techniques, and in no time will have made something special.
RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TRAINING CLASSTuesday & Thursday, July 26-Aug 18 • 2:30 to 3:30pmJackson Café | Fee: $75 for 8 classesInstructor: Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMTRegistration Required: 456-9062In the Balance Class, you will learn how balance works, why your balance may be deteriorating, and how you can safely implement 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 what to do if we fall.
STEPPING STRONG PROGRAMStarting AugustFee: $25 for 10 week programFacilitator: Susie Van BuskirkInterested: 456-9062 or [email protected]: Lifelong Fitness Alliance & AARPJoin your peers for weekly walks and health and wellness lessons. When you join you get a pedometer to measure
CHAIR MASSAGEWednesdays • Noon to 3pmLounge | Fee: $4 | First come-fi rst servedTherapist: Rebel K. Managahas8-min massage consisting of the neck, shoulder, back, arms, and hands. Besides feeling great, there are many benefi ts of massage for older adults including: maintaining health and well-being, increasing circulation, reducing aches and pains, and more.
YOGA WITH KELLYFridays • 3pm to 4pmJackson Café | $3 per class | Call 456-9062Kelly Lynch has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years, teaching since 1999 and is grateful to be able to share this wonderful practice with others. Join Kelly for a wonderful hour of yoga. Yoga enables you to ‘gain and maintain’ balance, strength and fl exibility of both body and mind. Previous yoga experience is not necessary. Modifi cations of the postures will be taught so that all levels can be accommodated. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that you can move in. Bring a yoga mat if you have one and a small bottle of water if you would like. Come and have fun, after all, “it’s just yoga!”
EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SAILINGThursdays July 21 and July 28 from 2-4pmSausalito location | FreeCall 456-9062 to reserve your seatJoin a small crew as they cast off for a trip around the SF Bay on a classic wooden ship, the Polaris!
COMING SOONMAH JONGG LESSONS AND GAME PLAYCOMPUTER LAB DROP IN ON MONDAYS
WE NEED SUMMER VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR JACKSON CAFÉPlease call 456-9062 or visit our website for an application
your daily steps, scheduled weekly group walks, a support system to help you succeed, nutrition and wellness information and tips. This fun program will give you fi tness, camaraderie, and a sense of achievement.
ELDER WISDOM LIFE TEACHINGS WORKSHOP SERIESFridays, August 19-September 16 • 10 to 11:30amCaboose | Suggested donation: $5/classFacilitator: Pamela Anandi Nelson, life coachInterested? Call 456-9062Explore who you are, reclaim your power and vitality, and contribute to your world. Using a curriculum developed through courses in Japanese Psychology and Integral Leadership, Anandi will lead a group through: 1) embracing the power of attention 2) taking action 3) using self-refl ection and gratitude 4) fi nding and renewing purpose.
INDEPENDENCE DAY LUNCHEONWednesday, July 6 • Noon to 1:30pmJackson Café Fee: $6 for older adults, $9 for under 60
Reservations required: 456-9062Please join us to celebrate Independence Day with a delicious meal and live entertainment provided by Bread & Roses! Menu: BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, lemonade, strawberry shortcake.
WHISTLESIZERSTuesdays & Thursdays • 9:15 to 10:15amCaboose | Fee: $2 | Instructor: Ruth FleshmanWhistlesizers is a popular class that uses light weights, chair and standing exercises and stretching. “It’s a class for people who make all kinds of excuses to not exercise,” said Ruth, who has taught the class for 25 years. “By coming to the class, it gets done and you feel good too.”
TAI CHI QIGONGWednesdays • 9 to 10:15amCaboose | Jackson CaféFee: $10 | Instructor: Calvin AhlgrenTai Chi Qigong (“tie-chee chi-gong”) is a one-hour set of gentle exercises, done mostly while seated, that work to tone up the body’s energy system. Especially suitable for older adults, it is credited with developing optimal health for regular practitioners. Tai Chi Qigong is known particularly for improving stamina, stability, and balance.
Whistlestop Express July 201110
WhistlestopACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop
TIME CLASS LOCATION MISC. COST
10:00–11:00 AM AM Monday Caboose 2 457-0586 for info Free11:00–12:30 PM German Group TBD Open Free4:00–5:30 PM Citizenship Caboose 454-0998 for info Free
9:15–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Caboose Open $210:00–2:00 PM Asian Group Caboose 454-1552 for info Free10:45–11:45 AM Cardio Exercise Caboose Open Free11:00–12:30 PM German Group TBD Open Free1:00–3:00 PM Spanish Class Caboose Open Free2:00–3:00 PM ESL Vietnamese Caboose 454-1552 for info Free2:00–3:30 PM English Conversation Board Room 454-0998 for info Free
9:15–10:30 AM Whistlesizers Caboose Open $210:00–2:00 PM Asian Group Caboose 454-1552 for info Free10:30–NOON Watercolors with Hilda Lounge Open Free2:00-3:30 PM English Conversation Caboose 454-0998 for info Free 2:00–4:00 PM Remembrance Writing Board Room Open $53:00–4:00 PM Basic English Caboose 457-0586 for info Free
9:00–10:30 AM Tai Chi Qigong Caboose Suggested Donation $1010:00–11:30 AM Seniors' Circle Board Room Open Free10:00–NOON Computer Lab Computer Lab Open Free11:00–NOON Corazón Latino Caboose Open Free3:00–4:00 PM Basic English Caboose 457-0586 for info Free
11:00–1:00 PM WS Knitters Caboose 1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Free1:30–3:30 PM ACASA Board Room Peer Counseling Free1:30–3:30 PM Spanish Club Caboose Open Free2:00–4:00 PM Friday Movie Caboose 2nd & 4th Fridays $22:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Caboose 457-0586 for info $2-$3
MO
ND
AYS
TUES
DAY
STH
URS
DAY
SW
EDNE
SDAY
SFR
IDAY
S
The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.
Jackson Café
LUNC
H M
ENU
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2:00pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center
60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICESMain Entrée $4.00/$6.75Sandwiches $3.75/$5.00Soup du Jour $1.75/$2.25Hamburger w/Fries $4.25/$5.25Salads $2.50/$4.00
OTHER ITEMSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit $1.50Beverages $1.00Desserts $1.50
Jackson Café
whistlestop.org 11
On April 4, I watched a Great Blue Heron standing tall on a nest at Stowe Lake
performing a “Stretch Display” – hoping to attract a mate. I was a bit concerned about his chances; it was already long into the nesting season. The small colony was pop-ulated with young birds tik-tik-tik-ing, squawking, and pushing to be fi rst in the feeding line. No matter, every few minutes he would rise up, extend his neck in a graceful arc, raise his bill to the sky and erect his neck plumes. But alas, no females were about. I had my doubts. When I returned exactly one month later, he was still on his nest, still displaying. The small colony was fast disappearing; the family on the nest just below his had already left. It seemed to me that he should give it up; at some point, persistence is futile and that point had clearly passed. But loneliness is a great com-peller. Between displays, he fl ew to the abandoned nest below and stole an especially fi ne stick that he carefully positioned on the nest he was building to attract a mate. It was hard to shake the image of that lonely bird displaying to a sky empty of females. On May 22, I returned to fi nd the Great Blue had fl own. Only the stoutly-built empty nest remained to mark his vigil. Every weekend I email a bird photo to Express readers. Free. If you’d like something nice to look at in your Inbox, email me at: [email protected]. ✦
‘Till next time, Richard
The Bird's SideOF MARIN b y R I C H A R D P A V E K
The Lonely Bachelor
Whistlestop Express July 201112
to healing damaged tissue and nerve endings. With improved circulation, the body naturally offl oads toxins and metabolic wastes, helping the patient achieve advanced healing.” She adds that it is very important that the patient seek medical grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a
regulated facility, using hard, medi-cal grade chambers able to achieve proven patient depths and national protocols for insurance payment or reimbursement. “With this therapy we are saving life and limb, and have the ability to help Bay Area residents improve or
resolve many of their chronic pain symptoms,” says hyperbaric technician Lorenzo Alviso, EMT, CHT. Not only was the center set up eco-healthy with no-voc paint, sustainable fl ooring, and furniture, but also ongoing business opera-tions include using less energy in daily proce-dures as well as the use of recycled materials. Studies prove that HBOT helps with detoxifi -cation and augments the delivery effects of many antibiotics and medicines. With greater circula-tion, medicine gets where it needs to go. HBOT is used in partnership with traditional medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation. For more information: www.ImproveHealing.com. ✦
STOCKSTILL HOUSE
Assisted living in our beautiful, spacious home in Pt. Reyes Station with
24 hour care for up to 8 seniors. Now accepting resident applications.
415-663-8148 www.wmss.org
A Healthy GREEN way to Heal
Wounds that won’t heal, serious infections, radiation injury, and brain injury, are just a few conditions that cause suffering
and disability. Fortunately, for Bay Area residents this is changing. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of a scientifically proven, cutting-edge medical treatment, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), that can effect remarkable recoveries in these conditions. It dramatically enhances the body’s capacity for healing, while being eco-friendly. HBOT can save lives, relieve suffering, and restore independence. Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery, has been established and certifi ed as the fi rst and only Green Hyperbaric facility in the U.S, by the Bay Area Green Business Program here in Marin. According to the American Cancer Society, research has shown HBOT is effective when used in addition to conventional treatment for the prevention and treatment of osteoradionecrosis, a term for delayed bone damage caused by radia-tion therapy. There is also evidence suggesting HBOT may be helpful as an additional treatment for soft tissue injuries caused by radiation. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves a patient resting in a special hyperbaric chamber where they breathe pure oxygen that is slightly pres-surized; it is painless and enjoyable.” explains Janine Thill, CHT, EMT, and Program Director of Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery. Physician and Medical Director, Roberta Ek-holm, adds, “Oxygen dissolves into fl uids when pressurized, and this extra oxygen tension will begin a cascade of benefi ts, including reducing infl ammation, inhibiting bacterial infections and stimulating growth new blood vessels, critical
With this therapy we are saving life and limb.
ing an Offer item. (If it’s not in working order, say so. We have tinkerers who may still want it!) No fees can be charged for any item or its delivery. If someone wants your free item, he or she must travel to your designated place to pick it up. Hand-offs in public places are sug-gested, as personal safety is encouraged at all times. Once you get to know a fellow member, your comfort level might allow for curbside pickup – it’s all up to you. Members can also ask for items they are look-ing for. Wanted posts help members know there is another person who could really use that item, however big or small, you’ve stored away and may not use again. Instant de-clutter! If you’d like to fi nd out more about our local freecycling community, go to marincounty-freecycle.org. You can sign-up via the email link (fastest), or use the link to our Yahoo Groups site to become a member via Yahoo. MarinCountyFreecycle.org. ✦
continued from page 6
whistlestop.org 13
For this month’s article I have again interviewed estate planner, Jessica Gar-rett of Larkspur, this time, on the topic
of wills. When is it appropriate to write your own will, and what does that entail? According to a 2007 survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 55% of people die without a will. Dying intestate (without a will) means the state will determine what happens to your assets. I knew a woman named Catherine who had three daughters. After she divorced, two of the daughters never spoke to her again. Later, Catherine discovered she had cancer and needed an operation. She had no will. If she did not survive, her assets would be di-vided equally among the three children. She defi nitely did not want that! So she created a handwritten will prior to the operation. She recovered nicely, but she was relieved to have a valid will. If you want to write your own will, there are two important considerations. First, a do-it-yourself will is generally only appropriate if your assets have a value of less than $100,000. This might include savings accounts, a small investment account and any personal trea-sures. If you own a home, Jessica recommends that you get professional help writing a will. Second, you need to have what is called “le-gal capacity.” This means you know what you own and what you’d like to do with it. You are free of any mental affl iction that impairs your reason or ability to make sound choices. A handwritten, or Holographic will, must be written in your own hand, not typed. It must be signed and dated. Technically, only the “material provisions” must be handwritten, but to be safe, write it out in its entirety. A Statutory will is a six-page form that walks you through the process and allows you to appoint a personal representative. This form must also be signed and dated. In addition, it requires the signatures of two witnesses. ✦Jeff Stoffer is a Whistlestop Board member.
Financial NUGGETS by JEFF STOFFER, CFA, CFP®
Should You Write Your Own Will?
Sonoma Serenity Home
CA. Lic#496800094
Give the gift of health…Therapeutic Yoga For Older Adults
YOGa TO YOu seeks to share the ancient wisdom found in yoga, now widely embraced by integrated
medicine that underscore the health benefi ts of yoga. We take Yoga to individuals and groups in their
private homes, or in assisted living centers,nursing homes, independent living sites, and other
residential care facilities for older adults.Call for a Free demonstration today!
Do we have to be an antique before we ap-preciate antiques? Live through history before we love history?
Two things kicked off my newest passion for genealogy. First, the TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? in which celebrities search for their an-cestors, and secondly, my mother’s ancient family photo album, which came to me when my last remaining sister died. I was now the Matriarch, the only one who could identify most of the pictures, some of which were more than 100 years old. My offspring, as well as my nieces and nephews, might want to know their ancestors, and by using today’s tech-nology I could record not only the pictures, but their stories as well. It was like the game of tag, with all the voices shouting, “You’re it!” After hearing about the website ancestry.com, I went to my computer with a question about my dad’s side of the family. I fumbled a bit, but a call to my friend Bruce, who’s been studying geneal-ogy for years, straightened me out. I discovered that once into the program, they offer clues, such as census records, marriage and death records and even town residence records. To me, the most fun was opening up a census record, like the one from 1900. You get a listing of each person in the household and their ages.
Grand MOMby AUDREY METTEL FIXMER
Ancestry, A Family Reunion
There’s the head of household, John, age 38 and his wife Elizabeth, also 38, and then, like magic, up come names I haven’t heard in years: Marga-ret, 13, (Oh! She’s the aunt whose barn we played in!) Aunt Ceil, 11, my godmother, whose daughter Mary Jane was my favorite cousin, and there’s my dad, Alois, just 5 years old, and his little brother Leonard, 3, and Pauline, 2. Aunt Therese wasn’t born yet. And at the bottom of the list was my great grandma, age 70. I picture her peeling po-tatoes for the family dinner. It’s touching to look at this moment in time, to see this fam-ily —my family — all together living on the land, loving, as I had never seen them before. My imagination soars. I want to bring them to life, move them about on this stage and tell their stories. It is a humbling experience to study ancestry. Realizing how they raised their huge families in the crudest households: carrying water, cooking with wood stoves, boiling water for laundry, rais-ing the vegetables and all of the meat they ate, and clearing the land. And we complain today when the microwave is too slow? Everything we have we owe to them. “We are the midgets seated on the shoulders of giants,” as the wise man said. Now I am excitedly planning a tour to Lux-embourg, the homeland of my ancestors. One of my loving, care-giving granddaughters will accompany me. Exploring our roots, fi nding and preserving their stories is my newest pas-sion. They say passion keeps one young. Only my mirror disagrees. ✦
munity overall. It’s a great option for people who are moving, downsizing or closing out estates. Inventory is constantly changing and generally consists of not only used, but also new building construction materials and creative “collectible stuff.” The prices will meet anyone’s budget. “Ninety percent of building materials can be recycled or reused, but are not. Buying new is ineffi cient,” said Carrie Bachelder, founder, “be-cause we are using up resources faster then the planet can replenish them. If you installed a used door instead of buying a new one, you would be saving the environment from cutting down a tree, transporting it, manufacturing it, shipping it and selling it and also saving space in the landfi ll.” The Away Station accepts the following items:
Doors, windows, sinks, tubs, roofi ng, gutters, pipes, fi ttings, de-nailed lumber over four-feet long, woodwork, wainscoting, mantels, good-quality frames, fl ooring, energy-effi cient working appliances, countertops, cabinets, brick, stone, slate, garden materials, shelving, hard furniture, light fi xtures, tile, sinks, tubs and toilets. The fair market value of material contributions is tax deductible. ✦
continued from page 3
whistlestop.org 15
SUDOKU M E D I U M
To solve the Sudoku, each square in the grid must con-tain 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.
My Broker Donates can make sure your next property sale can boost the quality of life for Marin County’s older adults. My Broker Donates connects you with best-in-market realtors who will donate 15% of their referral fee to Whistlestop. You choose the agent. Buy or sell a home, generate a sizable donation. Go to www.mybrokerdonates.com for more information.eScrip. eScrip has created a system that re-wards customer loyalty by contributing a per-centage of purchases made at participating stores to nonprofi ts. Go to eScrip.com, regis-ter, and pick Whistlestop as your charity, and then shop at the many participating stores.eScrip Recycling. Simply drop off your used laser/toner and inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, GPS devices and laptops at Whistlestop’s front offi ce, and we will recycle them and get a small donation.Vehicle Donation through: Car Donation Ser-vices 1-888-686-4483. ✦
Easy Ways to SupportWHISTLESTOP
Contacting Dr. Gary GruberIf you have any questions about the Brain-Teas-ers puzzle, go to: www.drgarygruber.com.
Join us for Win-Win Scenarios for Making Charitable Gifts that Refl ect Your Values
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
July 19 • 4-5:30pmJackson Café, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael
RSVP – [email protected] or 456-9062Presented by George John, Certifi ed Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and David Clark, CPA
YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:• Methods for covering your descendant’s needs
while giving to the charities that mean the most to you
• How life insurance can play an important role
• Techniques for reducing the estate tax
• Simple techniques that everyone should take advantage of
A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
This is a free event, open to the public • Refreshments served
Carol Revel, left, enjoys a delicious lunch served by Whistlestop and City staff, right, at the annual Multicultural Picnic. This year the event was a collaboration between Whistlestop and the City of San Rafael and was held at Pickleweed Community Center. More than 130 people from cultures around the world enjoyed the meal, camaraderie, and the entertainment provided by Bread and Roses.
Whistlestop Express July 201116
Marin Senior Coordinating Council
930 Tamalpais AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Whistlestop.org
To subscribe to Whistlestop Express, please send $10 in the enclosed envelope. Or send an email with your request, your name and address to [email protected]
E PRESSWhistlestop
LIKE US on Facebook
You’re Never Alone with
Lifeline®
Lifeline with AutoAlert® allows you to live independently. Lifeline also offers
the Philips Medication Dispensing Service. Call for details.
visit us on the web:www.lifelinenorthbay.com
Call for more info:
1-800-949-2434(707) 778-7883
visit us on the web:
On average, one of every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home. Lifeline with AutoAlert is the ONLY pendant-style Help Button that automatically places a call for help if a fall is detected. The Lifeline Service is remarkably affordable with no long term commitment.We Can Be There
