APRIL 2022 vivalon.org
VOLUNTEERING WORKS WONDERS
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Healthy Aging Through Volunteering
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Thank You Vivalon Volunteers!
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Volunteer@Vivalon
Laurence Suter-Gunn
VIVALON PERSPECTIVE
BY
Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org ANNE GREY, VIVALON
Jennifer Golbus
CEO
By Linda Jack Director, Agin Initiative
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Healthy Aging through Volunteering Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org
e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 Whistlestop Express Editors yea 916.751.9189 without the passion, wisdom, go to a trusted source like satisfaction, and home, perhaps best long an john.bowman58@gmail.com and deep generosity of our the Mayo Clinic, the National of all, new opportunities for volunteers. WePERSPECTIVE would not have Institute of Health, or AARP,Manager laughter and fun.since our youn WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP Laurie Vermont , Volunteer 930 Tamalpais Avenue made it this far through the you’ll find articles detailing the In this issue, you’ll see volunteer@whistlestop.org away, is simply San Rafael, CA 94901 need affordable housing, and of our programs a bittersweet goodbye pandemic without them. For benefits of volunteering on which utilize www.whistlestop.org journey, leaving the house of that, we are very grateful. healthy aging. that there is a shortfall volunteers and you’ll Main office open M-F 9am-5pm for find, twoinpeople. we called home the past hundreds of assisted living Front Desk – 415.456.9062 BOARD OF DIRECTORS What sometimes28 goes According to the Mayocare units our years. It’s also been and memory to volunteers’ own words, Transportation – 415.454.0902 we didn unspoken in this wonderful Clinic, volunteering reduces what giving back rooms to the great fun to explore our meet the 2030 demand. Meals on Wheels – 415.457.4636 President Dennis Ryan, equation are the benefits stress the risk new neighborhood nearlevels, decreases them. One small part of thecommunity brings Help Desk – 415.459.6700 oftothe yard tha Beth Reizman, Vice President resource@whistlestop.org downtown San Rafael. housing solution in Marin I hope you enjoy the realized by the volunteers of depression and improves To receive the Express by email wonder Tom Bonomi, Treasurer is to support, fund, andissue, and I encourage saw,you and decad themselves. When we I can’t help but physical and cognitive health. sign up at whistlestop.org. For how much harder it would streamline the process Fabia Butler, Secretary annual subscription mailed to your volunteer, we feel more Research from the Journal of to consider finding a new be to do this if we were to create more accessory home, send $10 to Whistlestop. seemed to repr Sharon Jackson connected to others,inand we Gerontology indicates that volunteer opportunity to suit our 70s or 80s? What dwelling units. The new units become less absorbed in the people who volunteer interests! we weren’t wat WHISTLESTOP STAFF Robert Sonnenberg options are there for older can be formay a caregiver, ayour family Joe O’Hehir normal stresses of daily life. lower riskmember for dementia, people in Marinbe as at their or the homeowner, Cynthia Wuthmann Yvonne Roberts of all, we had a lifestyles change? We share our experiences as Will social servicewho improves can then rent out the there be enough resources house. with others and want to help elasticity in the main brain. AnyIn San Rafael, By Linda Jackson, Program Anne Grey to be Yours in Healthy deserved Aging, for people who want to PACIFIC SUN STAFF Laurence Suter-Gunn thecan number Director, Aging more.Action As our volunteers share social interaction helpof new accessory grow older in their home dwelling units doubled last Initiative their experiences, they also or prevent Alzheimer’s, new, happy fam Danielle McCoy, and community?delay For those year, Advertising and the city is on track Jennifer Golbus ach year in our April issue, reveal how much they receive volunteering can be a facing dementiaand or declining to double that again. We need dmccoy@pacificsun.com e decided to The challeng we focus on the value in return for their efforts. way totodo health, will theyfantastic have what do that. this across Marin!Anne Grey, CEO downsize this John and Val Bowman of volunteers. I have the Marianne Advertising they need for safety, care of Misz, Many our volunteers tell Initiative The Aging Action would we mov year.And Ournow, familyresearch is and companionship? good fortune of seeing the mmisz@pacificsun.com is enthusiastic their personal us that volunteering providesabout San home, longbacking an emptyup nest The question for Marin We wanted a s Rafael City Council’s recent benefits of volunteering all stories with solid evidence them with a sense of purpose, since our youngest ones flew Laurie Vermont Kara Production is: what percentage of Brown, support of assisted living in around me. Vivalon wouldaway, be is simply large that too volunteering is good for is going a sense of community, a residents to choose in a neighborh kara@metroactive.com downtown. This new housing for two people. There were Whether you a very different organization healthy aging. feeling of and to stay in San Rafael as accomplishment BOARD OF DIRECTORS approval portends well rooms we didn’t go into, parts Publisher they grow older?Rosemary According Olson, we can walk a Dennis Ryan, for Whistlestop’s proposed of the yard that we never Beth Reizman, to a national survey by rolson@pacificsun.com affordable older adult Tom Bonomi, saw, and decades of stuff that to restaurants AARP in 2012, about 90% of Fabia Butler, housing project in downtown seemed to reproduce when Sharon Jackson older adults intend to stay San Rafael. We are excited Robert Sonnenberg we weren’t watching. Most the movies. Af in their own homes for the OUR MISSION to see new housing options Cynthia Wuthmann of all, we had a home that next 5 to 10 years. for older people in Marin, searching, we deserved to be full with a PACIFIC SUN STAFF People working with Whistlestop believes share a KEY CONTACT INFORMATION especially we in places where new, happy family. Danielle McCoy, older adults are aware of can VIVALON walkall to services may be the ve responsibility they to ensure Marin The challenge was: Where HEALTHY AGING CENTER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES CONNECTIONS the issues facing people as and shops and be part ofVivalon the Connections Writer Marianne Misz, 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael, CA would 94901 we move to in Marin? Kate Fitzsimmons, CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. community. Monday–Friday 9:00am-5:00pm We wanted a smaller place 415-472-1499 | kf@fitz-com.com Non-Emergency Transportation | 415-419-2608 beMedical housing for others who Kara Brown, with dignity, independence and grace. Aging Action Initiative is Website: Vivalon.org | Email: info@Vivalon.org Jennifer Golbus, Vivalon Connections Editor in a neighborhood where Group Shuttles and Charters | 415-454-1098 want to downsize? Will there No doubt ab a networkjgolbus@vivalon.org of more than 130 Rosemary wex100 can walk about, close Guest Olson, Services Reception | 415-456-9062 be enough housing for the MEMBERSHIP organizations, including Mia Edwards Graceffa, Vivalon Connections Manager Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067to restaurants, shops, and workCafé in Marin process of dow Discounts onpeople lunch in who the Jackson and on all classes,Whistlestop, that addresses medwards@vivalon.org the movies. After months of Resource Office | 415-459-6700 – those whorentals. are caregivers, OUR MISSION programs, events and room community issuesSUN through searching, we found what PACIFIC STAFF managers, and (couple) daunting. It to Whistlestop believes we share a Membershiphealthcare is $48/year (individual) $80/year JACKSON CAFÉ the lens of aging. It focuses Rosemary Olson, Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin LIKE US homecare experts? What Call 415-456-9062 for details. Monday–Friday | 11:30AM to 2 :00PM on finding ways to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. of sorting, a m about low-incomeon people who TO and ADVERTISE Facebook with dignity, independence and grace. community, havingPLEASE CONTACT: MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES No doubt about it, theOUR MISSION need affordable housing, McCoy, Advertising | danielle@pacificsun.com economicDanielle security, a place to Vivalon Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176 process of downsizing isVivalon believes of millennials, share awho responsibility to ensure all Marin or we people need extra call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) residents havecare, an opportunity to age with dignity, independence daunting. It took months like assisted living or LIKE US 415-473-4636 for older adults. and grace. memory care? The recent boxes to give a of sorting, a moving crew on Facebook of millennials, and many report, Older Adult Housing For information, check out donate things LIKE US on Facebook! boxes to give away andWant to receive Connections at home? Send $10 to Vivalon for in Marin: Planning for www.agingactioninitiative.org an annual delivered print subscription, facebook.com/VivalonMarin donate things we don’t or sign up at Vivalon.org 2030, estimated that version. 7,000 or contact Sami at Art support@ Cover By: Missy Reynolds 2 2 for a free email need anymore of today’s older residents agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been , CEO
Development Director info@whistlestop.org
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Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com
, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org
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VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Advertising dmccoy@pacificsun.com Advertising mmisz@pacificsun.com Production kara@metroactive.com
Publisher rolson@pacificsun.com
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WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018
Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org
THANK YOU VIVALON VOLUNTEERS!
After fifteen months of Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center being closed, on July 1, 2021 we celebrated our Grand Re-Opening. We would like to recognize and thank the 317 volunteers who have contributed their time, expertise and service to Vivalon’s programs and activities over the past year. With the continuous effort of our volunteers, we were able to serve our community through a time of much need.
We thank you from the bottom of our heart!
Jocelyn Aguilar Lyla Albert Jalynne Allen Maria Alvord Madeleine Antonio James Appenrodt Judith Arago Margy Ayotte Alvin Bailey Wayne Baker Lisa Becher Robert Beckwith Olivia Benesch Kelly Bennett Dorothy Bentley Stanley Bermann Audra Bert Leslie Biagini Diana Bokaie Marlene Bonham Nancy Boos Janet Bosnich Dana Brewer Annie Brooker David Brown Stephen Brown David Brusati Therese Bruton Lori Byer Jimna Calmell Helen Cameron Liz Capurro Benjamin Cardona Lauren Carmichael Amy Carrera Gail Cassee Elsa Castellani Clara Chan Penelope ChandraShekar Mark Chapin Alan Charne Lucy Chen
Donna Childers Diane Cladianos Catalina Clark Sabrina Clark Carol Costa Tinille Crichfield Stephanie DalPorto Christine D’Ambra Dinna Davis Lawrence Davis Jane Day Hailey Delgado Manal Dia Roberta Dillon Sandra Donegan Julie Draper Melanie Drouin Susan Duncan Patricia Dunn Samantha Ehlen Marilyn Englander Julia Erwin Cheryl Fahrner Ken Feingold Moira Feingold Janice Fong Nina Formichi Anais Fournier Constantino Fournier Gabrielle Fournier Nancy Fox Leslie Franklin Leslie Friedman Teresa Friedman Thomas Fumeo Lily Garcia Hudson Gong Joyce Gordon Jackie Gorton Joan Gosliner Claudia Gray Edward Greenberg Nanci Grialou
Vicki Gross Karen Gullett David Hanchette Muriel Harris Pamela Harris Philip Harris Jean Harrison Aiten Hasouna John Hauserman Ethan Hay Christy Hayes Lynne Hayes Gillian Hayward Lee Heagerty Arlene Heitner Courtney Hill Stuart Hill Priscilla Hopkins Beverly Houston Whitney Hoyt Grace Hughes Chris Hunt Pamela Huss Jill Hutchinson Karl Isotalo Anne Jaquiss Deb Johnson Kelli Johnston Patricia Jones Sue Jordan Asad Kabir Jill Kamler John Kampmeyer Sandra Kash Juliana Kaye Karyn Kennedy Steve Kesten Philip Klasky Charlotte Kobayashi Sarah Koenig Jan Kohnhorst Jennifer Kostanecki Jeanne Krafft
Ted Kreines Carsten Kristensen Fira Kriventsov Jim Kunz Matt Langford Kelly Lauber Colette Law Duncan Law Bill Lawler Frank Lawler Bill Levinson Nicole Levintow Barbara Linn Christina Liu Lee Loretz Theani Louskos Arnold Luber Kelly Lynch Elizabeth Lynn Nancy Malcolm Vivian Malcy Rabel Mangahas Amy Marsh Marguerite Matan Gail McCallister Tamsen McCracken Daniel McKay Doris McKee Henry McMahon Stephen McMahon Karina Medeiros Moises Mejia Victor Mejia Douglas Milani Nancy Miljanich Casey Monahan Gayle Moore Jennifer Morris Judith Morris Phoebe Moyer Joseph Murphy Kasja Murphy Massimo Natale
Jackie Nemer Stephanie Newhall Lotus Ning Monica Norcia Karen Noreen Minette Norman Michael Novia Blair Ogden Christa Ohia Barbara Olson J O’Malley Kathleen O’Sullivan Idit Oz Bonnie Page Judy Palesky Randi Patten Rose Patton Laurie Peterson Rich Petovello Kathryn Phillips Mari Philo Steven Pigott Laurel Pistel James Poindexter Alan Posin Julie Proctor Mackenzie Quinn David Rabb Noah Rabkin Sam Rabkin Karen Raccanello David Rand Betty Rappaport Therese Rappazini Ronald Ratchford Gordon Kelley Reid Anthony Reyes Emmanuelle Reyes Sam Reyes Chelsey Richeson Frank Ridley Bob Rigler Bobbe Rigler
Jane Rivera Bonnie Roberts Clavey Robertson Ron Robinson Sara Robinson Bobbe Rockoff Vivian Rodriquez Brian Rohan Edward Ross Nora Rozell Fred Ruhland Kristan Ruona Mary Russell Shahla Saed Daisy Sagebiel Briana Salvetti Dante Salvetti Efrain Santamaria Elizabeth Schaffer Kimberley Schaffer Karen Scheder Margo Schein Barry Schenbaum Gregory Schilz Tom Schmidt Dovey Schneider Greg Schreader Howard Schwartz Christopher Senn Ann Seramin Bhuvaneshwari Seshadri Gerald Shannon Shelly Sharp Barbara Singleton Sandy Slater Martin Sleath Jennifer Smith Kyler Smith Lori Smith Bill Sockolov Ruthann Soley Lee Spiegel Lee Sterne
Nancy Stevens David Stewart Coleen Sullivan Pantila Sunthonsiri Pang Sunthousiri Claudia Tamayo Linda Tarrant Kara Taub Tamara Terichow Cynthia Thompson Megan Thompson Grethe Thurmond Pamela Tibbitts Linda Tichy William Tichy Steven Travers Laura Turner Joanne Uchida Janna Ullrey Jackson Van Alstyne Nevan Van Alstyne Desirée Vaughn Michael Vaughn Pere Wait Nick Wall Janis Walsh Warren Weber Michael Whyte Todd Wiedenmayer Arcturus Wiggins Kees Wilcox Michelle Wilcox Billy Williams Diana Williams Heather Wilson William Wilson Jennie Winton Hinman Carol Wolfe Susan Woodrum Chris Yalonis Luciano Yanez Diane Yates Kristi Zurauskas
A special thank you to the Vivalon Board of Directors. These community leaders give countless hours of advice and guidance. Beth Reizman, President • Stan Moore, Vice President • Tom Bonomi, Treasurer • Cynthia Wuthmann, Secretary. • Dennis D. Ryan, Past President. Directors: Walter Buster • Paul S. Castro • Ken Gosliner • Carla Overberger • Douglas Reilly
JOIN THE FUN!
BECOME A VIVALON VOLUNTEER
Call 415-456-9062 or Email volunteer@vivalon.org 930 Tamalpais Ave | San Rafael (415) 456-9062 | vivalon.org
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
A Total of 15,844 Hours of Volunteer Service from February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022 This Contribution Has a Value of $459,159!
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Volunteer Spotlight Our volunteers contributed an incredible 15,705 hours of service this past year. We simply could not do all that we do without them! For this special Volunteer issue of Vivalon Connections, we chose three outstanding volunteers to spotlight. Tune in each month for more volunteer spotlights. Margo Schein is a longstanding volunteer at Vivalon, serving in many capacities since 2013. She honed her people skills as a top ranked Marin real estate agent with Decker Bullock Sotheby’s. Margo volunteered in classrooms and organized fundraisers when her two children were young, and volunteers with other organizations. Margo joined the Vivalon Guest Services team as a volunteer last November, embracing the role wholeheartedly, welcoming guests and supporting the community.
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
“I enjoy interactions with people and doing things that help older adults. This is a great opportunity to combine both. I like being busy and this is a busy department. Learning about the many great programs Vivalon offers keeps me interested!”
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Jean Harrison is part of Vivalon’s history as well as Vivalon’s present. When she retired after 29 years with the same company, she discovered that being idle didn’t suit her. Jean began volunteering 5 days a week in 2002 through 2012. Then she transitioned to 3 days a week. In her lovely southern drawl, she said, “I mainly volunteer
NEED A RIDE? VIVALON OFFERS Shuttles • CarePool Medical Rides • Charters
Call us today 415-454-1098
in the café, but I also work in the Brown Bag Pantry on Friday mornings, before going to the café.” At 80, Jean’s advice to anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity is to consider Vivalon first. “I think anybody would find this a wonderful place to meet people and make new friends and feel useful. It is beneficial for me and the people I interact with, and I really enjoy it.” In 2019, Jim Appendrodt wanted to volunteer. He heard from a friend at the Bay Club there was an early morning volunteer slot, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels. “Early mornings are good for me, as I get up early, and volunteering for a couple of hours leaves me with the rest of the day in front of me,” he said. “Meals on Wheels manager Erika Vaughn and I hit it off immediately. It is a pleasure to work with someone who really likes her job and is a hard worker too. We get things done.” Evidently, since Jim put in an amazing 463 volunteer hours in 2021! He added with a laugh, “I never thought I’d stay this long, but now I have no plans to leave. I’ll turn 70 this year. If all goes well, I’ll be here ‘til I’m 80!”
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HAPPENINGS@VIVALON
Pull out this section as your monthly reference guide to classes, workshops & activities
APRIL 2022
WEEKLY CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
In-person classes held at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901. For more information regarding the classes and activities below, please see descriptions on pages 6-8. Questions? Call Vivalon Guest Services at: 415-456-9062 or visit vivalon.org
Mahjongg with Gillian Vitality@Vivalon
In Person In Person
BINGO with Penny Resource Office with Kelley (drop-ins and by appointment) Talking Tech 4 Seniors Manicures with Christy (by appointment only) Whistlesizers (Sit & Be Fit) Basics of Ukulele Workshop Mahjongg New Beginner Group (to join email mahjonggmarin@gmail.com)* Mahjongg On-going Intermediate Group (to join email mahjonggmarin@gmail.com)*
In Person/Remote In Person/Remote In Person In Person Remote In Person In Person
WEDNESDAYS
10:00am–10:45am 11:00am–12:00pm 12:30pm–1:30pm 1:00pm–3:00pm 2:00pm–3:00pm 4:00pm–5:00pm
Zumba Ukulele – Beginner Ukulele – Intermediate Massage by Rabel with Fee (for appointments call 415-419-4608) Chair Yoga with Weights (sign up at agefriendlycenter.org/classes)* Estate Planning Workshop Series (April 27)
In Person/Remote In Person/Remote In Person/Remote In Person In Person/Remote In Person/Remote
10:00am–10:45am 10:00am–12:00pm 10:00am–12:00pm 11:00am–12:00pm 11:30am–1:30pm 11:30am–1:30pm 1:00pm–3:00pm 2:00pm–3:00pm
Zumba Computer Tutor with Howard (by appointment) Resource Office with Kelly (drop-ins and by appointment) Whistlesizers (Sit & Be Fit) April in Paris Luncheon (April 14) Hula Massage by Rabel with Fee (for appointments call 415-419-4608) Drum Circle
In Person/Remote In Person In Person/Remote Remote In Person Remote In Person In Person
11:00am–12:00pm 1:00pm–3:00pm 2:00pm–4:00pm 3:00pm–4:00pm
Whistlesizers (Sit & Be Fit) Massage by Rabel with Fee (for appointments call 415-419-4608) Ping Pong Yoga
Remote In Person In Person Remote
9:30am–11:30am 10:00am–12:00pm
10:00am–11:00am 10:00am–12:00pm 10:30am–12:00pm 10:30am–1:00pm 11:00am–12:00pm 12:00pm–1:00pm 1:30pm–4:30pm 1:30pm–4:30pm
In Person
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
MONDAYS
WAYS TO JOIN
THURSDAYS
TIME
TUESDAYS
CLASS
FRIDAYS
All classes are offered FREE of charge unless noted. * Age Friendly Center Classes & Activities To register for all Age Friendly Center classes, please visit agefriendlycenter.org/classes
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Vivalon
Computer Tutor with Howard
New option for enhancing your computer skills! Thursdays | 10:00am– 12:00pm Plan a 30 minute 1:1 computer tutoring session with Howard to develop your computer skills and knowledge. Call Guest Services 415-456-9062 to schedule your appointment today. IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Massage by Rabel
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 1:00pm–3:00pm New dates and times. Plan a relaxing massage at a new time after lunch. $20/15 minutes minimum. Call Rabel Mangahas at 415-419-4608 to schedule your appointment.
Zumba with Jimna
Wednesdays, Thursdays | 10:00am– 10:45am New day and time! Join Zumba and get fit while you dance and move to the groove!
Drum Circle
Thursdays | 2:00pm–3:00pm Drumming brings communities together. Choose from a wide assortment of hand drums, or bring your own, to explore rhythms and harmonies while playing in unison. No experience required.
Check out these newly updated classes and CLASSES activities currently & ACTIVITIES offered in person and/ or remote. All classes are offered FREE of charge.
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
Mondays 10:30am–12:30pm Watercolors with Debra 1:00pm-2:00pm Stretching with Pam Tuesdays 11:00am–12:00pm Energize to Exercise with Rayner Wednesdays 9:00am–10:00am Yoga with Weights with Jane 10:30am–12:30pm Watercolors with Debra 1:00pm–2:00pm Chair Exercises with Pam
Vivalon
Bingo
Tuesdays | 10:00am–11:30am Drop-in before lunch for an exciting game of bingo! No appointment necessary.
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Vivalon and Age-Friendly Intergenerational Center have partnered to offer some classes at Vivalon. Take a look at some of the additional classes available and register online only at agefriendlycenter.org/classes.
Thursdays 10:30am–12:30pm Painting with Acrylics with Debra 1:00pm–2:00pm Gentle Yoga
Vivalon
SPECIAL EVENTS
Estate Planning Workshop Series
April 27 | 4:00pm– & WORKSHOPS 5:00pm Fraud and Scam Prevention (See description on Page 12)
NEED A MEAL?
Mahjongg
Tuesdays | 1:30pm–4:30pm New time and class option. Our very popular Tuesday Mahjongg class is expanding to offer beginner and intermediate group options at the same time. Develop your skills with other beginners and transition to the intermediate group when you are ready. Beginner class capacity is 20. Email the instructor directly at mahjonggmarin@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Age-Friendly Intergenerational Center
Funding for these programs, at least in part, is made available by the Older Americans Act, administered locally by the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services.
VIVALON OFFERS Jackson Café Vivalon Nourish Meals On Wheels Brown Bag Pantry
Call us today 415-456-9062 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 >
< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
April in Paris Luncheon
April 14 | 11:30am– 1:30pm Celebrate Spring, Parisian style, in the Jackson Café! Enjoy a lovely afternoon with live music and a delicious meal with good friends. Tickets are $12 members/$15 nonmembers and reservations are required. Call Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to make your reservation by April 11.
YOU’RE INVITED FRIDAY | MAY 20, 2022
MILL VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER | 180 CAMINO ALTO, MILL VALLEY
VIVA LAS VIVALON! Proceeds provide critical safety net services for Marin’s older adults.
Save the Date! May Luau Luncheon
Thursday May 19 | 11:00am–1:30pm Join us for a luau including a Hawaiian style meal, hula performances by members from our very own hula class and a raffle for fresh leis and a ukulele! Don’t miss this festive opportunity to gather and celebrate with friends. Tickets are $12 members/$15 non-members and reservations are required. Call Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to make your reservation by May 16.
RSVP TODAY
(Limited Capacity. Tickets will sell out!)
Visit vivalon.org/VLV, or contact Amy Carrera at donations@vivalon.org to buy your tickets.
HOSPICE BY THE BAY IS NOW
VIVALON’S RESOURCE OFFICE Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am-12:00pm Drop in or by appointment Do you have questions about community resources for older adults? Do you have questions about legal, housing or financial resources in Marin? The Resource Office can help!
415-459-6700
SKILLED HOME HEALTH | PALLIATIVE CARE | HOSPICE
Our care teams can help you safely: • Recover from surgery • Manage chronic illness • Cope with end-of-life transitions
Stay home. Let us bring quality medical care to you. Call us today. (415) 927.2273 | www.bythebayhealth.org
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
HAVE A QUESTION?
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Vivalon Program Instructors
id you know that many of our class instructors at Vivalon volunteer their time? These talented and generous people share their passions to help enrich the lives of others. Here are a few spotlights.
Drum Circle
“I have a thirty-year history in designing and leading corporate trainings but I am semi-retired now and wanted an opportunity to reconnect with people after the pandemic. I wanted something I hadn’t done before, that didn’t involve technology. You can’t drum and be on your phone at the same time. I try to emphasize it as an activity, rather than a class. We connect through rhythm, and it gets the blood flowing. I hear a lot of spontaneous laughter and that feels good.” — Ethan Hay
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Whistlesizers
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“As a volunteer instructor it is important to have the support of the organization. Vivalon has been wonderfully supportive throughout the 8 years that I have been instructing Whistlesizers. Being an instructor is fulfilling. It contributes to my own sense of well-being, knowing that I am contributing to the health and happiness of others. As a lifelong learner, I am continually learning more so that I can make the classes as beneficial as possible. Last year I took a year-long course in the science of anatomy and movement. I especially enjoy the people. Every person who attends is special. I consider them my friends, and I look forward to seeing everyone twice a week on Zoom. It was even better when we met in person, but Zoom is the next best thing. And Zoom has its advantages, such as no travel time and people can take the class from the comfort of their home.” — Elizabeth Lynn
Ping Pong
“I grew up playing tennis and later I went to ping pong. I donated a table to Vivalon and now we have two. This is the best volunteer work I’ve ever done. It’s different than serving on a committee. You get to interact on a different level. I’ve helped people learn ping pong and it’s good for every part of your body and your mind. I’ve watched people improve and get better at their game. I really feel appreciated, and I appreciate everyone who comes to play. We’ve all developed friendships along the way. If you have a skill you want to share, I think you should just do it. Sharing something you love isn’t like work at all.” — Vivian Malcy
French (Beginning/ Intermediate/Advanced)
“I retired from teaching at Terra Linda High and began volunteering with Vivalon in 2013. It was just by luck that I was recruited by Laurie, the volunteer coordinator whom I knew from the high school. I’d always been involved in volunteering, and it sounded like a great fit. Members had been asking for a French class. I think that is a great way to go about serving members, to ask them what they want to learn and then recruit a volunteer to fill that need. I know that I feel appreciated, and I enjoy what I do. ” — Susan Duncan
GETTING AROUND
BY KATE FITZSIMMONS
Benefits of Volunteering Go Both Ways Now, we talk on the phone and sometimes we go on walks together. Both my parents passed away, and she has become like a mother figure and a friend. Volunteering has helped snap me out of my loneliness, so the benefits go both ways.” Nancy Malcom remembers when her father rode Vivalon’s shuttle service from his home to the Mill Valley Senior Center to play bridge years ago. She decided back then that when she retired, she would become a Vivalon bus driver, to give back. When the time came, she discovered CarePool. That was 6 years ago, and she is still driving some of the same riders today. Nancy’s advice for people who are looking for something to do is to find something you are passionate about or something that interests you and go for it. “Especially now, in this postpandemic time, we get to socialize, meet new people and create friendships. You get more out of this than just feeling good about driving someone where they need to go. It works both ways.”
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VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
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armen Cervantes became CarePool’s Program Manager this January. Her prior background as Travel Navigator Supervisor prepared her with rich experiences working with people with disabilities and medical conditions, helping them get approved for a variety of transportation and mobility programs. Carmen says she is excited about CarePool’s opportunities for growth and likes the fact that volunteers can volunteer as often, or as little, as their schedule allows. Carmen said, “Even one ride a week can make a difference to someone who needs to go to a medical appointment or do some shopping.” One CarePool volunteer, Efrain Santamaria, is also a Vivalon employee. He previously worked as a Travel Navigator, and he’d often refer clients to CarePool who couldn’t easily access transit options. When he found he had time on his hands on weekends, he remembered CarePool. “I started volunteering every Saturday,” he said. “It began as volunteering and evolved into a friendship with one CarePool rider.
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RESOURCE OFFICE “I never had so much fun meeting people my age and helping them with their issues. I love that I can be there for them if they need someone to talk to. Everyone here at Vivalon is nice and respectful to me and they are helpful if I have any questions. It is very rewarding to talk to older adults.” –Kelley Reid
VOLUNTEERING VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
WORKS WONDERS
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CAREPOOL “I have volunteered in many capacities throughout my life. I feel like I make a much larger difference in the lives of the CarePool riders I drive than in my prior volunteer activities. When they express their gratitude it makes me feel grateful too, that I am able to help in such a meaningful way.” –Shelly Sharpe
BROWN BAG PANTRY/ JACKSON CAFÉ “My husband had Alzheimer’s in 2002 and it was suggested he interact with others. I found Vivalon for him and volunteering for me! I have been at Vivalon for almost 20 years, met many people, made friends, enjoy coming in, and feel useful. I wouldn’t know what to do with my time if I wasn’t here.” –Jean Harrison
Our members and guests experience meaningful engagement when they share meals, attend classes, learn new skills and converse with others. Our volunteers make it happen — join the fun and make new friends! Meals on Wheels and Vivalon Nourish Meals on Wheels and Nourish volunteer drivers deliver meals while providing a sense of comfort and connection to homebound older adults and people of any age with chronic health challenges. Shifts are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:00am – 12:00pm 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Reception Desk Guest Services volunteers support Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center greeting members, answering phones, and providing general support to our Guest Services Coordinator. Jackson Café Cashiers and servers provide a friendly, enjoyable lunch experience in our Jackson Café. There are a variety of roles available to choose from.
Variable shifts are available Monday – Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Shifts are Monday – Friday 10:30am – 2:30pm Please be prepared to commit to one shift per week. Brown Bag Pantry Brown Bag Pantry volunteers unload food and pack groceries for older adults at Vivalon’s weekly food pantry.
CarePool CarePool offers free roundtrip rides to ambulatory older adults to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or to social engagements. Volunteer drivers use their own cars and can accept ride requests that fit their schedules. Ride lengths vary. Please be prepared to provide at least two rides per month.
Shifts are Fridays 9:00am–11:30am Resource Office Resource Office volunteers support members by answering general questions and finding resources to support their needs. This can range from legal issues to housing problems. Training and a list of resources will be provided. Various shifts are available Monday – Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Other Volunteer Opportunities • Teaching Arts and Crafts • Serving at Special Events • Technology Tutor
Not Seeing Your Perfect Match? Contact us! We want your volunteer time to be both personally rewarding and convenient for your schedule. We’ll find a great fit for you! Email us at volunteer@vivalon.org or call us at 415-456-9067.
Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Campus Groundbreaking Coming Soon! You may notice the bustle of activity as the much-anticipated construction on our new campus begins in April. Keep your eyes peeled for an invitation to a groundbreaking ceremony in June!
Assisted Living at its Best! ♥ 24 Hour Elder Care ♥ Family Environment 2 blocks from Downtown San Anselmo 46 Mariposa Ave. San Anselmo
Juanita says
“WE CARE” The most famous duck in San Anselmo!
Visit us today for a tour! Call 415.755.0087 www.bellogardens.com
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
VOLUNTEER@VIVALON
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Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
Vivalon Estate Planning Workshop Series
THANK YOU MARIN! WE ARE HONORED TO RECEIVE THESE AWARDS
BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER
VIVALON CONNECTIONS APRIL 202 2
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oin us on the last Wednesday of every month and hear from experts on a wide range of estate planning and aging-related topics. Presentations are 4:00–5:00pm and are offered online and in person at Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Center in San Rafael. This month we are excited to welcome Ella Krainsky on Wednesday, April 27, for a presentation on how to avoid credit and identity fraud and protect yourself financially both on- and Yvonne Roberts offline. Ella is Consumer and Community Mediation Coordinator for the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, heading a group of mediators who help resolve consumer complaints, as well as performing intake for consumer complaints within the county. We are grateful to our 2021–2022 presenters for giving their time
and expertise for the benefit of our community: • Millie Anderson, Senior Placement Specialist and CEO, Mom’s New Pad • Elizabeth Krivatsy, Estate Planning Attorney, Law Offices of Elizabeth Krivatsy • Peter Rubens, CEO, At Home Caregivers • Lorena Garbarino, Home Health Division, By the Bay Health
WINNER
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
WINNER
BEST SOCIAL ORGANIZATION
WINNER
BEST CONVENTION/ EVENT/MEETING SPACE
• Barb Lyon, Founder and Daily Money Manager, RelyOnB • Rob Rosborough, President-Elect, Marin County Bar Association; Of Counsel to Monty White LLP • Andy Martinez, Pre-planning Consultant, Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home • Michael Wayne Jackson, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty, Novato Vivalon Estate Planning Presentations are free thanks to our generous sponsor, Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home in Novato. To register for this month’s workshop call 415-456-9062 x4800 or email donations@vivalon.org.
HONOR AWARD BESTCHARITY/ NONPROFIT GALA HONOR AWARD JACKSON CAFÉ BEST BAKERY HONOR AWARD JACKSON CAFÉ BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
HONOR AWARD JACKSON CAFÉ BEST COMFORT FOOD HONOR AWARD JACKSON CAFÉ BEST MEAL UNDER $15 HONOR AWARD JACKSON CAFÉ BEST SOUPS