whistlestop express may 2011

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Alejandro Mendoza-Castillo with American Red Cross disaster kits at Whistlestop. Alejandro is manager, Latino Community Preparedness, Bay Area Chapter. The kits are available for $39 at www.redcrossbayarea.org.

Are You Ready for Disaster? Red Cross Offers Tips

E prEssThe Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging MovementMAY 2011 Whistlestop.org

Whistlestop

Grand MomOlder Adults and Creativitypage 14

RockyPackardpage 4

The Bird's Side of Marin page 11

Do you know what to do in an earthquake? How will you reconnect with

your family following a ma-jor disaster? Do you have the right items in your disaster kit? In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, we all need to be able to answer YEs to all of these questions. Every person in the Bay Area needs to ensure they are personally prepared for disas-ter. Only in this way will all of us in the community be able to ensure the safety of our fami-lies and assist our neighbors. The American red Cross Bay Area Chapter offers free, non-certificate courses in a va-riety of formats to ensure your family, community, school and workplace are prepared for all types of disasters. Be Red Cross Ready Online Course: You can take an online training course to learn more about how you can get your family prepared for di-saster. The training will walk you through the three most important steps you can take

now to get you prepared. What will you do if you can’t return to your home after a fire or flood? Do you know what to do to protect yourself in an earth-quake?Try This Check List:Find out how you measure up

with the American red Cross "readiness richter scale" by taking this short quiz to assess your level of prepared-ness. Give yourself one point for each step you have taken toward getting prepared.

Whistlestop Express May 20112

WhistlestopPERSPECTIVE by jOhn bOWMAn

Table ofCOnTEnTS

From Rocky's PantryRocky Packard

Japan Disaster Benefits

Still Time for Randall Golf Tourney

Pet Disaster Tips

At Whistlestop

Whistlestop Activities

The Bird's Side of Marin Richard PavekFinancial Nuggets Jeff StofferGrand MomAudrey Mettel FixmerWordSearch Puzzle

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8/91011

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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc.930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901Chief Executive Officer, Joe O’HehirBoard of DirectorsPresident, Dennis ThompsonVice President, Terry ScusselChief Financial Officer, Jeff StofferSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Claudia Fromm • Jane Lott Debbie Mills • Michael Rice • Bill SaulWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profit 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 Office415-459-6700 • [email protected] Express Editorial, Art Direction & SalesJohn & Val Bowman Editors916-751-9189 • [email protected] Reynolds Art [email protected] 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.

herb Rosen: Whistlestop was there when I needed them

Herbert rosen of Mill Valley says he will never forget Whis-

tlestop because during a critical period of his life, “They were there when I needed them.” rosen, 88, is speaking about the two years prior to his wife Maggie’s death in June 2010. He was unable to drive but, “Every other day for two years, I was able to travel from our home in Mill Valley to the nursing home in Novato to visit her. I could not have done it without Whis-tlestop Wheels.” He still uses the buses occasionally, but neighbors take him to most appointments these days. He tears up as he talks about his beloved Maggie and he will be forever grateful to Whistlestop drivers and staff. “Because I rode the buses so often,” rosen said, “I was able to observe the empathy, pa-tience and kindness those driv-ers show to people. As a former

social worker for 50 years, I have a special appre-ciation for the kind of organiza-tion Whistlestop is – a personal service organiza-tion.” rosen said he feels he is a Whistlestop poster Boy. “It’s a lifeline to thou-sands of people. Where would I

be without them? Where would all of those people be? It’s very moving. All those years I was a social worker, I never dreamed that I would one day be in need of such services, but when my time came, there they were. I am very grateful. “I always encourage people to contribute to Whistlestop and I continue to do so myself. It’s a place where your contri-bution is going to go far.” rosen shares the story about a ride on Whistlestop Wheels that transformed his outlook. He said he was getting impatient because the bus was running be-hind schedule and it was evident that he would not get home as soon as he had hoped. “Then, we stopped at a dialysis center and the driver very patiently helped the person board. I thought to myself, ‘What am I com-plaining about? ’ It gave me perspective.” F

Herb and Maggie Rosen in 1978

whistlestop.org 3

The Readiness Richter Scalem I have made a disaster plan.m My loved ones and I have identified two

meeting places after a disaster.m My loved ones and I have identified an out-

of-area phone contact.mMy loved ones and I have identified escape

routes out of our home and neighborhood.m I have built a disaster supplies kit.m I have a supply of food, water and personal

items for all members of my household (a minimum of three days and up to two weeks recommended).

m I have a flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

m I have a well-stocked first aid kit. m I have been informed about disaster risks and

responses.m I have learned what disasters may occur in

my area and how they might affect my loved ones and me.

m I have learned how to stay informed during a disaster by tuning into my battery-powered radio or, when available, watching TV, log-ging on to the Internet or listening for local emergency warning systems.

m I have learned how to drop, cover and hold on in case of an earthquake, to shelter-in-place if needed and to evacuate safely or signal for help if I am unable to exit in case of a fire.

m I am currently certified in first aid and Cpr.

Scoring9.0-10.0 = Master of Disaster8.0 = ready for Almost Anything7.0 = A solid Foundation F

continued from page 1

Pleased to be armed with their American Red Cross disaster kits at Whistlestop are, from left: Oscar Valdiviezo, Susana Narvaez, Lastenia Reales, Mercedes Cari, Marino Carlos, Elvia Quesada.

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This is an excellent side dish for just about everything and it’s quick and easy. By serving this dish with a piece of grilled

salmon over the top of the spinach, you have a very respectable entrée. It can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator to be served up to 24 hours in advance.servings: 4

2 tbsp. butter 1/2 yellow onion, medium, diced 2 scallions, thinly diced 1/2 pint heavy cream 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper Pinch nutmeg 1 lb. frozen spinach, defrosted and thoroughly drained (squeeze out all of the water)

Melt butter in sauté pan. sauté the onions and scallions until they start to caramelize. Then add the cream, spices and the prepared spinach. Bring up to a simmer and serve.

Per Serving: 256 Calories; 28g Fat; 19 protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 97mg Cholesterol; 347mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (starch); 0 Non-Fat Milk; 5 1/2 Fat. F

From Rocky'sPAnTRYb Y R O C K Y P A C K A R D

jackson Café Creamed Spinach

HEALTH CARE CONNECTION

415 4572256www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com

join the Fun at Marin human Race May 7th

The annual Marin Human race is scheduled for

saturday, May 7, and you can register to run or walk in the race on that morning. The MHr benefits Whis-tlestop and other nonprofits in Marin County. Whis-tlestop has a team scheduled to compete in the race and has a goal to raise $6,000. To support Whistlestop’s effort, contact rebecca Lack, Com-munications Assistant, at [email protected]. same day registration begins at 7 am and con-tinues until 10 am on May 7. The 5K race starts at 8:30 am and the kids race at 9:30 am. Also, ask about the wheelchair divisions. The fee to enter is $25. All proceeds go to the fundraiser for the vari-ous organizations. Other highlights: a pancake breakfast; several bands providing live music; various booths; re-freshments and prizes to winners. F

Whistlestop Team in 2010 Marin Human Race

www.healthcareconnectionllc.com

whistlestop.org 5

Comforts Café Donates Part of Proceeds to japan Relief Effort

Comforts Café of San Anselmo donated 2% of its gross sales from March 28th to April 1st to the American Red Cross for the emergency

support and relief fund to Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims. Erin Miwa said her parents, Glenn and Laura Miwa, owners of the café and take-out deli, wanted to reach out to the people of Japan because the disaster has been so heartbreaking. The idea was Glenn’s, a third-generation Japanese-American. The Miwas have family still living in Japan but no one was affected by the disaster. Erin said, “People were so supportive. Many people heard about what we were doing and came to the café expressly for that reason. In fact, many of them stocked up with extra items just to help with the cause.”

Marin Academy Steps Upfor Victims of japan Disaster

When students in Hideko Akashi’s Japa-nese Four class at Marin Academy (MA) heard about the disas-

ter in Japan, they immediately thought about their friends in Tokyo. The MA students had visited Japan two years ago and estab-lished a sister school relationship with a school there. Akashi said that when news of the earthquake and tsunami reached her students, they began con-tacting some of their friends in Tokyo by email and on Facebook. “They were quite concerned,” she said, “and they quickly responded.” As it turned out, the Tokyo school and students were not affected by the disaster as the earthquake and tsunami occurred far away from Tokyo. None of Hideko’s family members who live in Japan were directly affected. The MA students were eager to reach out to those suffering in the affected areas, so they and Akashi organized a benefit concert that attracted about 200 people and raised $5,000 in one night. performing at the concert were professional Taiko drummers and the

MA acoustic band. “The student band was great,” Akashi said. “You wouldn’t believe these were 17- and 18-year-olds.” The money raised came from ticket sales, a raffle and generous donations from parents and students. The Taiko drummers were from the class of san Francisco Taiko Dojo Grand Master seiichi Tanaka. Hideko has trained with the group for 12 years and drummed at the MA benefit. she also teaches 15 boys and girls Taiko drumming at MA. proceeds from the concert went to the North-ern Japan Earthquake relief Fund. Hideko said that the MA senate also donated nearly $400 to the cause and the MA rock Band an-other $300. F

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Still Time to Sign Up for jerry Randall Memorial Golf Tournament

You can still sign up for the 5th Annual Jerry randall Golf Tournament scheduled for June 11 at the stoneTree Golf Club in

Novato. proceeds from the tournament will go to support Whistlestop services. The randall family, including Jerry’s widow Kathy randall, see the tournament as a way to honor the qualities that they love most about him. “I never could have imagined that this small gathering would have evolved into such a wonder-ful event,” Kathy said. “The people who come have such a good time and Jerry would be so pleased that this good time benefits Whistlestop as well.” After retiring from his job at sears, Jerry was a Whistlestop Wheels bus driver for four years. His daughter, Kate Bailey, when asked, “What does the tournament mean to you?” replied, “sim-ply put, our dad enjoyed having a good time and more than anything, he cherished time spent with family and friends. Whether at family gatherings, playing sports or at work, he thrived on other people’s fun and enjoyment. He started playing golf after he retired, around the time he began working for Whistlestop. He loved the pace, chal-lenge and camaraderie golf provides. Through this tournament, we are able to honor the qualities we loved most about him – his love of sport and competition, and his delight in time spent with loved ones, all while supporting an organization of which he was proud to be a part.” Mike randall, Jerry’s son, added, “For me, this tournament is a chance to reflect on my dad and what he meant to me and how he loved being around family and friends. If he were here, he would not have enjoyed all of the attention brought upon him. He was a very humble man. However, he truly would have been happy to be part of an event that helps others, which he was great at.” Kate agrees: “Our dad was a humble and self-less man and likely would have been overwhelmed by the generosity expressed by present and past participation in the event.” It’s not too late to play in this tournament. Call now to get registered: 415-686-2311. Or go to www.jerryrandallmemorial.com. This is a great way to play golf with friends while helping a wor-thy cause. F

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whistlestop.org 7

Post Sign Saying how Many Pets You have for benefit of Emergency Rescue Workers

The Marin Humane society (MHs) has organized a countywide animal disaster plan in the event of a disaster or emergen-

cy. Following are some tips:Before Disaster StrikesIdentify Your Pet: Keep your pet’s license current and make sure that a collar with identification tag is worn at all times. Consider getting a safe, permanent microchip for your pet. Crate Train Your Pet: Train your cat or dog to enter a carrier on command. Do this by putting your pet’s favorite treat in the carrier and sound-

ing a bell at the same time. re-peat this process daily,

until your pet comes running at the sound

of the bell. This training will be helpful in locating frightened pets and transporting them quickly to safety. Secure Birdcages and Fish Tanks: Because these items may move and/or break during

a disaster, securing them on low stands or tables will be helpful. Also, tighten the latch on your birdcage so that the door cannot be shaken open easily.Develop a Neighborhood Plan: Get to know your neighbors and their pets. Keep an updated list of their home, work and mobile phone num-bers and select a neighborhood coordinator who will be ready to assist should a disaster occur when you are not home. It is best that this per-son spends a lot of time at home or works within walking distance of the neighborhood. select one or two back-up coordinators.prepare a First Aid Kit. Check the Marin Hu-mane society website for items to include. www.marinhumanesociety.org/After a DisasterIn Case of Evacuation: red Cross shelters do

not accept pets. so, prepare a list of back-up ar-rangements, such as homes of friends and family, hotels that allow pets, boarding facilities, veteri-nary hospitals, and/or animal shelters.It is generally not recommended that you leave your pet behind when evacuating, but if you must, follow these guidelines to help ensure your pet’s safety:•Postahighlyvisiblesigninawindowtoletrescue workers know how many pets were left behind.•Leaveplentyofwaterinalarge,opencontainerwhich cannot be tipped over.•Leavefoodintimedfeeders(checklocalpetstores). These will prevent your pet from eating a week’s worth of food in one day.•Donottieorcageyourpet,asthechancesforsurvival are greater if your pet can escape easily.If Your Pet Becomes Lost:Immediately call or visit the nearest animal shel-ter to report your missing pet.•Whendeemedsafe,returntoyourneighbor-hood to post and distribute “Lost Animal” post-ers, which should include your name, home address and phone number (posters available at MHs or online).•Callneighborsorserviceworkers,suchasmailcarriers, police, firefighters and/or utility work-ers, for leads. Fwww.marinhumanesociety.org/

In March, the Corazon Latino Social Club was so thrilled when Juan Antonio Canon came by to entertain them with his guitar. These ladies got the dancing started and soon the room was filled with people dancing, clapping, and having such a wonderful time! Rumor has it he may come again soon.


Keep Learning atWhISTLESTOPbEGInnInG COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS1st & 2nd Fridays2 to 4pmComputer Room | Fee: $15Instructor: Gene DyerPrerequisite: Basic Computer SkillsRegistration Required: call 415-459-6700Learn to transfer your digital photos from a camera, CD or flash drive onto your computer and how to send and receive them with your friends and family by attaching them to emails. Bring camera and cable.

ADVAnCED COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASS3rd Friday • 2 to 4pmComputer RoomFee: $15Instructor: Gene Dyer Prerequisite: Beginning Pictures ClassRegistration required: call 459-6700Learn how to tell a picture story on computer monitors and TVs in slide shows, using Word, PDF, Power Point Presentations and movie formats.

WhISTLESTOP ART PROjECTS GROUPEnter the Marin County FairFriday, May 6 • Noon to 1:30pmCaboose | Instructor: Celeste ParcellRegister: call 456-9062Join the fun and create an art project to submit to

the Marin County Fair! This year’s theme is the Golden Gate. Last year, several

Whistlestop members won ribbons in various categories. One of the

categories is pennant making, so we will have blank ones here for you to decorate.

hEALTh InSURAnCE COUnSELInG

AnD ADVOCACY PROGRAM (hICAP)4th Tuesday • 1:30 to 3:30pmBox Car | FreeSchedule appointment: call 1-800-434-0222Need help to understand Medicare, Medicare

Advantage (HMO), Medi-gap, long term care insurance, and billing and claims issues? Free counseling available at Whistlestop.

MARIn COUnTY DISTRICT ATTORnEY'S VICTIM-WITnESS PROGRAM1st & 4th Thursdays • 9 to NoonLoungeIf you or someone you know have either been a victim of a crime or have witnessed a crime, Yolanda Johnson, Advocate from the District Attorney's office will be available to meet with you to answer questions, pro-vide information and connect you to resources.

RED CROSS DISASTER PREPAREDnESS PRESEnTATIOnWednesday, May 4Spanish: 11 to Noon • instructor: Alejandro CastilloEnglish: 1 to 2pm • instructor: Nora Lee CornettCaboose | FreeInformation: call 456-9062Learn about key actions to prepare you and your loved

ones for all types of disasters, such as earthquakes and fires. Course emphasizes immediate disaster

safety and personal preparedness topics such as disaster plans and essential supplies. Includes health and mobility considerations and the need for personal support networks. Course can be presented in participatory discussion format or as “R-E-A-D-Y” bingo game in which the squares on the bingo cards include disaster preparedness tips.

CInCO DE MAYO FIESTAThursday, May 5 • Noon to 1:30pmJackson Café | Fee: $6 for older adults, $9 under 60Reservations required: call 415-456-9062Menu: turkey mole, aromatic spiced grain rice, corn pudding, guacamole, natillas custard with fresh fruit and biscochitos. Please join us for a delicious meal and live entertainment by the Latino Group from Terra Linda High School!

MARIn CAREGIVERS FORUMThursday, May 5 • 5 to 7pmJackson Café | Sponsors: Seniors At Home, Whistlestop, and IHSS Public Authority of MarinReservations: call 499-1024 x10 or email [email protected] every caregiver needs to know about care and compassion at the end of life.

whistlestop.org 9

RESTORE & IMPROVE YOUR bALAnCE TRAInInG CLASSTuesday & Thursday • May 10 –June 2 • 2 to 3pmJackson Café | Fee: $75 for 8 classesInstructor: Thomas Attardi, BS, MA, NMTRegistration Required: call 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 safe guard our risks of injury. We will also cover what to do if we fall.

DOLLARS & SEnSE: MOnEY MAnAGEMEnT AnD bUDGETInG STRATEGIES FOR EVERY PhASE OF LIFEIt is never too late to improve your financial health.Thursday, May 12 • 2 to 4pmJackson Café | Presenter: Seniors Resource ForumReservations: call 456-9062 or 459-0413Includes: budgeting your way to financial security, what you don’t know about credit cards can hurt you, 10 simple savings strategies and planning ahead strategies! After the presentation, get your questions answered concerning affordable housing, family legal issues, geriatric care management, geriatric psychological issues, home care, long-term care and Medicare Insurance, professional fiduciary assistance.

WhISTLESTOP AnD CEDARS OF MARIn PRESEnT ThE SPRInG 2011 ART ShOWFriday, May 20 • 11:30 to 12:30pmLoungeFeaturing original artwork by individuals with disabilities who attend Cedars of Marin Victory Center. Meet the artists who created works of art that include painting, jewelry, cards, and “Out of Sight” knitting.

WELLnESS TALK AnD TRIGGER POInT MASSAGE SESSIOnS

Friday, May 27 • 2 to 4pmJackson Café | Free | Reservations:

call 456-9062Presenter: Dr. Paul Podwojski,

ChiropractorLearn timeless principles of healing to enable you to live a healthier life, naturally.

Keep Learning atWhISTLESTOP

Scheduling Rides: 454-0964Cancelling Rides: 457-4630Eligibility Coordinator, Janet Van Rijsbergen 456-9062, ext. 160 [email protected]

Transportation Numbers

WordSearchAnSWERSL L � P R � � � � � R � � � � � � T T P � P D �J L L � � � � � � R N � � � � � B � � � � D � R� � P B � � � � D � R R � � � � R L � T � L � �� P L � � T � � � � L V � R � � R � � � � R � RT � � H � � � � � � � T � � � B � � P � T L � P� � � R � R P L � � L � R � N � P � N � � � � �� N F T � F � � N F � � N � � � � T � � � H � R� F R � T � � P F P � � H � � � T R � H � D H DP � � X � R � � � L P � � P D B F � B � � � � �� L L � P � � N P � � R � � R � P � � T � � B� � P � � � � N T � L � P X � � � � N � F T � �� T � � T B � F � � � T � T � D P � � � � � �P � H � � � L R � P � � � � R � N � P N � � � �R R � � � P � � R T N � D � � � � R � � � � N �V � L � T H � � � � � � D � N T � � � � R � � PL L B P B � D N � � � T � � � � � P L T � P H �R � � � F � � � L � D � � � � � N T � � T � P Z� R � F � R � T � � D � � T � P B � � � T � L Z� R � N � H � � � T � L P R � P � P F � � T L LL H � � � � T � � T � � L P � � � � P � B � � �R � � R H P � P � � � R � B L � N � � T � T � �N � T � � N N P � � � R � � L � � � � � H � � R� � � J � � � � T � N P F F � � � T � � � J � DJ � T R D � D � P � � � � R D � N � � � � F � T

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This wellness talk teaches you what to expect when you make the choice to actively change the way you are taking part in your health care. Topics include: stress, headaches, healthy living to 100, and nutrition/weight loss/eating for maximum performance.

VOLUnTEER OPPORTUnITIESLicensed Chiropractor to volunteer •two hours a monthWork with older adults in the Information & •Referral Office. Must be able to commit to one day a week for three hours. Computer experience required.Jackson Café volunteer servers•Lounge Hostess•

Information: email Debbie at [email protected] or call 456-9062.


WhistlestopACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop

TIME CLASS LOCATION MISC. COST

10:00–11:00 AM AM Monday Caboose 2 457-0586 for info Free10:30–NOON Persian Group Lounge 472-6020 for info Free11:00–NOON Computer Literacy Computer Lab Open Free11:00–12:30 PM German Group TBD Open Free11:10–NOON Movement & Music Caboose March 28-May 16 Free2:00–4:00 PM ESL Caboose/Café Jan 24th-May 18th 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 German Group TBD Open Free1:00–3:00 PM Spanish Class Caboose Open 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 $5

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 Free10:30–NOON Persian Group Lounge 472-6020 for info Free11:00–NOON Corazón Latino Caboose Open Free2:00–4:00 PM ESL Caboose/Café Jan 24th-May 18th Free

11:00–1:00 PM Loom Knitting Caboose 1st Fri. Arts & Crafts Free1:30–3:30 PM ACASA Board Room Peer Counseling Free1:30–3:30 PM Spanish Club Caboose Open Free 2:00–4:00 PM Friday Movie Jackson Café Free Snacks/Drinks Free2:00–4:00 PM Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Caboose 457-0586 for info $2-$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.

Jackson Café

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enu

Monday-Friday 11:30am-1:30pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center

60+ PRiCeS/ UndeR 60 PRiCeSMain Entrée $4.00/$6.75Turkey Sandwich $3.00/$4.00Soup $1.75/$2.00Hamburger $4.25/$5.25Pizza $4.00/$5.00Salads $2.50/$4.00

OTheR iTemSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit Cup $1.00Desserts $1.50Beverages $1.00

Jackson Café

whistlestop.org 11

You might notice a single

jet-black flight feather on the right wing of this juve-

nile Black-collared Hawk and wonder why one, why not one on each wing? Because this is a late-stage juvenile just beginning to molt, casting off its worn, ragged feathers one at a time in order to grow new ones. Obviously, a bird can’t cast off all its feathers at once or it wouldn’t be able to fly. But one at a time only diminishes

flight capability a very small amount – you often see ospreys and hawks flying with several gaps in their wings. They can’t lift as large a prey as when fully feathered but they can still hunt and feed themselves. This feather is black be-cause it is the first of the new ones to grow in and the adult flight feathers of this hawk are jet-black, not brownish like the juveniles. I photographed this hawk on a recent trip to Belize where there is a wealth of bird life and where, fortunately for me, the “native” language is

English. (My spanish is muy puny.) They speak English be-cause the country was formerly British Honduras. The other two hawks are also from Belize, a roadside Hawk who spent several minutes screaming at the sky for no apparent reason and a magnifi-cent Great Black Hawk. (If you subscribed to my weekly bird email list – it’s free, you just have to ask – the Great Black Hawk would have been in your in-box saturday March 19th.) F

Till next time, richard, [email protected]

The bird's SideOF MARIn b y R I C h A R D P A V E K

One black Feather

Top: Black-collared, JuvenileFar Left: Roadside HawkLeft: Great Black Hawk


Stand Up for Your health: how You Can help Prevent Falling

As you get older, it’s natural

to have slower reflexes and reaction time. You may also experience changes in your balance. All these factors can contribute to an increased risk of falling. “Falls contribute to potential fractures and hospital stays—and increased dependency,” says sue Edelstein, a Kaiser permanente physical therapist who teaches a Fall prevention class. “There are lots of simple and common-sense steps you can take to prevent falls.”

start with these five tips:

Exercise regularly. 1. physical activity can help your balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. For example, a Tai Chi class can improve your balance. Walking, dancing, or bicycling can build your strength.

Get your vision checked regularly. 2. poor vision makes it difficult to find your way around.

Review your medications with your 3. doctor. some drugs, or drug combinations, can cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Make your home safe. 4. About one-half of all falls happen in or around the home. remove clutter from the floor, make sure rugs and mats are skidproof, wear shoes with low heels, put in handrails along stairways, and install grab bars next to your toilet and in the shower or tub.

Make time for regular health checkups.5. You should also get your hearing and blood pressure checked. High blood pressure and poor hearing can both contribute to falls.

When it comes to falls, an ounce of prevention can prevent a pound of pain. Also check our Whistlestop's Balance Class on page 9. F

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 �e Art of Living Well.SM

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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 bene� 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!

Dr. Melanie Hahn

Give the gift of health…

Therapeutic Yoga For Older Adults

Yoga to You©

Yoga to You seeks to share the ancient wisdom found in yoga,

now widely embraced by integrated medicine that underscore

the health benefits 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

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whistlestop.org 13

FinancialnUGGETS by jEFF STOFFER, CFA, CFP®

Estate Planning Tips that Don’t Require a Lawyer

Estate planning attorney Jessica Garrett of Larkspur shares some useful infor-mation designed to address problems

we face when passing our property on to loved ones. These tips are especially helpful because they don’t require a lawyer to implement. But please understand, this is general advice. Make sure it applies to your specific situation before taking action. I can personally recommend this first tip, hav-ing had experience with it. Make sure your vehi-cle is registered jointly under both your and your spouse’s (or other loved one’s) names. Otherwise, following the death of the sole registered owner, you would have to go to the DMV to transfer the title and then register the vehicle in your name. If you are already on the title, the ownership of the car is clear; you simply have to remove the other person’s name, alleviating stress at a dif-ficult time. Jessica’s second tip is to check the beneficiaries on your IrA, annuity and life insurance policies. Designating your heirs allows these accounts to pass directly to them, avoiding probate. If you own a life insurance policy and you are the insured, make certain the beneficiary is not your estate. This could cause the policy to go into pro-bate, adding expense and becoming part of the public record – complications for your family.You can also avoid probate for checking, sav-ings and brokerage accounts by establishing what are known as Pay on Death and Transfer on Death accounts. To set up a Pay on Death account, simply go to your bank and supply the legal name of the beneficiary. You are assured that your loved one inherits the account and avoids probate. Another way to ensure the seamless trans-fer of a bank account or property to a family member upon your death is to hold it in joint tenancy. You will need to become fully knowl-edgeable about this choice. It only makes sense if you do not have a trust. A joint tenancy ac-

count would be appropriate for a single person, a widow or widower, who has a child or other relative helping to care for him or her (not a paid caregiver). This arrangement gives the relative joint ownership and immediate access to the account. Consider consulting an attor-ney on this suggestion. We want to make sure our treasures pass to the people we treasure. These tips will help ensure our wishes survive us. FJeff Stoffer is on the Whistlestop Board.

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GrandMOMby AUDREY METTEL FIxMER

Creating: Sharing God’s Magic

It’s common knowledge that a key to grow-ing old gracefully is keeping active mentally and physically. I would like to add another

dimension to that formula: creativity. Growing creatively has been happening from the time we picked up our first crayon or used dolls or trucks to act out our fantasy -- to that moment, years later, when we were awestruck at the sight of our first offspring. In the years that followed, we were still in awe observing our children growing and creating their own personalities. As parents we were continually learning new skills of parenting, budgeting, home-making, teaching, making a living. And later, we have grandparenting and gardening, where we again partner with God in creation. For the first 20 years of my retirement from full-time teaching, I found a creative outlet in teaching a class at the local college called Writing Your Life story. For three hours a week my stu-dents (mostly other retirees) learned a few things from me, and more from each other, as they read their stories aloud. We laughed and cried to-gether through all of those treasured experiences, and formed lifelong friendships. We still meet monthly at a public library to share our stories. I am thrilled to see that many of my students have published books of their stories along with photos for their own offspring. One woman visits nursing homes and writes “life stories” for people who can no longer write their own. she also cro-chets lap robes for sick or elderly friends (includ-

ing me.) One younger student decided to write her father’s amazing life story. When she asked why she had never heard these stories before, he replied, “I didn’t think anyone would care.” Meanwhile, I am happy doing creative knit-ting for my offspring. I finished a Green Bay packer sweater for my great-grandson, Gavin, on the eve of their stunning super Bowl victo-ry, and I am now happily creating a cozy cardi-gan for my daughter, Elizabeth. With a family the size of mine, I won’t run out of projects for many years to come. Creating stories, creating homes and gardens, creating families, creating art: It is all part of sharing in God’s magic, and who knows? One of our descendants may end up finding us on the TV show, “Who Do You Think You Are?” Audrey lives and creates in Wisconsin. Her column also appears in a Catholic Diocesan paper there. F

Comfortable, Community Living for Independent Seniors 63+

WELCOME HOME TO TAM HOUSE!

from $700/month

TamHouse.orgCall: 457-5633TamHouse.org

Rooms Open Now!

Marin Prostate Cancer Support Group

The Marin prostate Cancer support Group, which has been in existence since 1989, meets every Tuesday evening in the Marin

General Hospital Medical Library from 7 to 8:30 pm. The group has 550 active members. There is no fee to participate. “Though we are lay people, we have a deep knowledge base and a wealth of personal experi-ences involving the disease,” says group member Tom palmer of san rafael. “We welcome men who have been diagnosed and are undergoing or have undergone treatment to tell their stories. We also welcome spouses, partners, and friends.” some important facts: prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affect-ing 1 in 6 men. More than 2 million American men are cur-rently living with prostate cancer, according to estimates. One new case of prostate cancer occurs every 2.4 minutes. A non-smoking man is more likely to develop prostate cancer than he is to develop colon, blad-der, melanoma, lymphoma, and kidney cancers combined. Tom palmer can be contacted at 415-499-7601. For more information about prostate cancer, log onto www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.

www.tamhouse.org

whistlestop.org 15

Good Search – simply go to Goodsearch.com and when you search the Internet using their search engine, Whistlestop gets a donation! Goodsearch is a search engine that donates 50 percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. It’s a simple and compelling concept. You use Goodsearch exactly as you would any other search en-gine. Because it’s powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money Goodsearch donates to your cause comes from its advertis-ers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime.

Easy Ways to Give toWhISTLESTOP (And to Do Something Good for an Older Adult)

WordSEARCh

eScrip – has created a system that rewards customer loyalty by contributing a percentage of purchases made at participating stores to nonprofits. Go to escrip.com, register, 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 office and we will recycle them and get a small donation.Car and Vehicle Donation – Car Donation ser-vices: 1-888-686-4483.

Answers on page 9

80-Year-Old Among Marin Advocates for Children honorees

Three Marin volunteers have been honored with “Heroes for Children” awards from the Marin Advocates for Children (MAC)

program. Winners are: Experience Corps tutor rosma-rie Ellingson, 80, recognized for her outstanding work as an Experience Corps volunteer work-ing with English Language Learners at san rafael’s Venetia Valley school; Christin Brew of spectrum, which advocates for LGBT teens, and Debbie Friedman, chairwoman and cofounder of Marin Against the spray. This year’s winning heroes were honored April 2 at a Celebration of Marin’s Heroes for Children at stoneTree Golf Club in Novato. Along with their award, winners received a $500 check to-ward the nonprofit charity of their choice. The Heroes for Children campaign, presented by MAC, recognizes community members who have done something extraordinary to support children living in Marin. Heroes for Children come from all walks of life in Marin – parents, teachers, community leaders, health and safety staff, and business owners – anyone who has had a positive impact in the life of a child. For more information about MAC, contact Mollie squires at 415-507-9016 or email her at [email protected]. F

L L � P R � � � � � R � � � � � � T T P � P D �J L L � � � � � � R N � � � � � B � � � � D � R� � P B � � � � D � R R � � � � R L � T � L � �� P L � � T � � � � L V � R � � R � � � � R � RT � � H � � � � � � � T � � � B � � P � T L � P� � � R � R P L � � L � R � N � P � N � � � � �� N F T � F � � N F � � N � � � � T � � � H � R� F R � T � � P F P � � H � � � T R � H � D H DP � � X � R � � � L P � � P D B F � B � � � � �� L L � P � � N P � � R � � R � P � � T � � B� � P � � � � N T � L � P X � � � � N � F T � �� T � � T B � F � � � T � T � D P � � � � � �P � H � � � L R � P � � � � R � N � P N � � � �R R � � � P � � R T N � D � � � � R � � � � N �V � L � T H � � � � � � D � N T � � � � R � � PL L B P B � D N � � � T � � � � � P L T � P H �R � � � F � � � L � D � � � � � N T � � T � P Z� R � F � R � T � � D � � T � P B � � � T � L Z� R � N � H � � � T � L P R � P � P F � � T L LL H � � � � T � � T � � L P � � � � P � B � � �R � � R H P � P � � � R � B L � N � � T � T � �N � T � � N N P � � � R � � L � � � � � H � � R� � � J � � � � T � N P F F � � � T � � � J � DJ � T R D � D � P � � � � R D � N � � � � F � T







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A place to celebrate each moment.“Residents are the heart of our community.”

Assisted Living | Memory Care

AlmaVia of San Rafael, an Elder Care Alliance community is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 216801868.

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We Can Be Thereto Assist You!

Assessments are Performed by a Qualifi ed R.N.

415-499-1200415-499-1200

Visiting Angels® Can Help Share the Care


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whistlestop express may 2011

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