MARCH 2021 MARCH2021 vivalon.org vivalon.org
Food is Love PAGE 2
Message from Our New CEO
PAGE 3
Meet Registered Dietitian Katherine Kielich
PAGE 11
Girl Scouts Lift Hearts!
Laurence Suter-Gunn
VIVALON PERSPECTIVE
BY
Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org ANNE GREY, VIVALON
Jennifer Golbus
CEO
Food, an Expression of Love Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org
, CEO
Development Director info@whistlestop.org
Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org
Whistlestop Express Editors 916.751.9189 john.bowman58@gmail.com
, Volunteer Manager volunteer@whistlestop.org
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
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
WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS O C TO B E R 2 018
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e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 hroughout my 29 we all understand that a had a turkey and Editors avocado Whistlestop Express yea years of service in the bowl of homemade chickon sourdough. We go 916.751.9189 home, long an nonprofit healthcare en soup can have profound to a deli every year on john.bowman58@gmail.com sector, I’ve witnessed the healing effects on the soul December 1st and enjoy since our youn WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP Laurie Vermont central role that nutrition just as much PERSPECTIVE as on the the same meal., Volunteer Manager 930 Tamalpais Avenue volunteer@whistlestop.org in94901 overall health. body. One of theneed qualities that away, is simply Sanplays Rafael, CA affordable housing, and a bittersweet goodbye www.whistlestop.org The right nutrition makes As a young girl,journey, I to Vivalon leavingattracted the house me that there is ais shortfall of Main office open M-F 9am-5pm for two people. we called home the the past hundreds ofthat assisted living healthier bodies and also received my first lesson deeply held value Front Desk – 415.456.9062 BOARD OF DIRECTORS been caringand memory affects– our emotional wellabout food as an 28 years. It’s also human and true,care units to Transportation 415.454.0902 rooms we didn fun to explore our meet the Meals on WheelsFood – 415.457.4636 being. is powerful for expression of love.great Every meaningful connection President2030isdemand. Dennis Ryan, new neighborhood near One small part of the Helpour Desk minds – 415.459.6700 of the yard tha and bodies. month, through a downtown nonprofit at theReizman, core of everything Beth Vice President resource@whistlestop.org San Rafael. housing solution in Marin most of us, proper my mother founded, I help butwe do. A To-Go meal from To receiveFor the Express by email I can’t wonder Tom Bonomi, Treasurer is to support, fund, and Anne Grey saw, and decad signnutrition up at whistlestop.org. For a scientific is not helped her deliverhow groceries the Jackson Café is literally much harder it would streamline the process Fabia Butler, Secretary annual subscription mailed to your be to to do this if we were with love matter. not as simple and other necessities made prepared to create more accessory home, send $10 toIt’s Whistlestop. seemed Love. I hope it will nourishto repr Sharon Jackson in our 70s or 80s? What dwelling units. The units as mapping out what we people in need. I could see by our Chef, Stacy Scott, as new you and that you’ll WHISTLESTOP STAFF Robert Sonnenberg optionsto are there older we take weren’t wat can be for caregiver, a family should be eating and then clearly that in addition if for she were making itafor advantage of offerings Joe O’Hehir people in Marin as their member or the homeowner, methodically administering helping these families put her own Wuthmann family. A CarePool Cynthia Yvonne Roberts of pages. all, we had a outlined in these lifestyles change? Will who can then rent out the “nutrition.” Food’s emofood on the table, there we were driver bringing groceries to be enough resources main house. In San Rafael,I am so thrilled to be By Linda Jackson, Program deserved to be tional quality is difficult also delivering a tangible a homebound older adult for people who want to PACIFIC SUN STAFF Laurence Suter-Gunn the number of new accessory here as your new CEO, and Director, Aging Action older in their home to define. Many of us hold feeling of love andgrow caring is as pure an act from the dwelling units doubledIlast can’t wait to meet in Initiative new,you happy fam Danielle McCoy, Advertising and community? For those happy, warm, even cozy which, even as a young girl, heart as I have ever seen. year, and the city is on track Jennifer Golbus person as soon as we are facing dementia or declining to double thatmeal again. We need dmccoy@pacificsun.com childhood memories of Iesensed And a home-delivered decided tothey needed just The safely able to open our challeng health, will they have what to do this across Marin! downsize alongside a special as muchthis as the food. from a Nourish volunteer is Johnbaking and Val Bowman Marianne Misz, Advertising doors once again. they need for safety, care Aging Action Initiative would we mov year.Every Our family adult. We smile when we Decenterand 1st, my so much more The than a meal companionship? mmisz@pacificsun.com is enthusiastic about San home, long an empty nest recall a cherished meal husband and I celebrate — it’s friendship, caring, and The question for Marin We wanted a s Rafael City Council’s recent since our youngest ones flew Laurie Vermont Kara Production is: what percentage of Brown, support someone cooked for us, or “Deli Day” to commemorate love. of assisted living in away, is simply too large toThis choose in a neighborh a certain smell floods our our There very were first date.residents We metis going issue is all about kara@metroactive.com downtown. This new housing for two people. to stay in San Rafael as BOARD OF DIRECTORS approval portends well memories so intensely,rooms we we didn’t for lunch — he ordered a the different ways we go into, parts Publisher proposed they grow older?Rosemary According Olson, we can walk a Dennis Ryan, for Whistlestop’s transported. I think sandwichtoand I demonstrate how Food Is of the yardReuben that we never Bethfeel Reizman, 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 CONNECTIONS the issuesSERVICES facing people as and shops and be part of the Marianne Misz, we move to in Marin? 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael,would CA 94901 Kate Fitzsimmons, Vivalon Connections Editor CarePool Volunteer Driver Program | 415-454-0927 they grow older. residents Will there have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. community. Closed except for 11:30am-1:00pm lunch take-out 415-472-1499 | kf@fitz-com.com We wanted a smaller place Travel Navigators/Marin Access Eligibility | 415-454-0902 be housing for others who Kara Brown, with dignity, independence and grace. Aging Action Initiative is Website: Vivalon.org | Email: info@Vivalon.org Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Schedule a Paratransit Ride | 415-454-0964 in a neighborhood where want to downsize? Will there No doubt ab a networkjgolbus@vivalon.org of more than 130 Cancel a Paratransit Ridehousing | 415-457-4630 Rosemary we can walk about, close GuestOlson, Services Reception | 415-456-9062 x100 be enough for the organizations, including to restaurants, shops, and MEMBERSHIP Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 people who work in Marin process of dow PACIFIC STAFF Whistlestop, that SUN addresses Discounts on lunch in the Jackson Café and on all the movies. After months of Resource Office | 415-459-6700 – those who are caregivers, OUR MISSION Rosemary Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com community issues Olson, through classes, programs, eventsmanagers, and room rentals. searching, we found what healthcare and daunting. It to Whistlestop believes we share a Kara Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com JACKSON CAFÉ the lens of aging. It focuses may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin LIKE US Membership is $20/year. Call 415-456-9062 for details. homecare experts? What Monday–Friday | To-Go Only: 11:30AM to 1:00PM on findingTO ways to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age unit in Marin. ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: of sorting, a m about low-incomeon people who Facebook with dignity, independence and grace. community, and MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES No doubt about it, theOUR MISSION Daniellehaving McCoy, Advertising | danielle@pacificsun.com need affordable housing, economic security, a place to Vivalon Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176process of downsizing isVivalon believes of millennials, we share a responsibility or people who need extra to ensure all call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) Marin residents have anassisted opportunity to age with dignity, daunting. It took months care, like living or LIKE US 415-473-4636 for older adults. boxes to give a independence and grace. of sorting, a moving crew memory care? The recent 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? in Marin: Planning for Send $10 to Vivalon for an annual delivered print subscription, www.agingactioninitiative.org facebook.com/VivalonMarin donate things we don’t or sign up at2030, that 7,000 at support@ Cover Art By: Missy Reynolds need anymore Vivalon.org for a free email version. or contact Sami 2 2estimated of today’s older residents agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been
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2
By Linda Jack Director, Agin Initiative
Meet Registered Dietitian, Katherine Kielich BY KATE FITZSIMMONS The County partners with Vivalon to assist and deliver meals in Central Marin through Meals-onWheels. “Making the effort to prepare nutritious food often starts with a mindset,” said Kielich. “It doesn’t need to mean plain or bland dishes. In fact, fresh ingredients, herbs and spices are a great way to experiment, maybe adding different herbs to soup or spices to a bean dish. Also, watching cooking videos can be fun and inspire us to try new recipes. Eatfresh.org
maintains a great library of videos and recipes. Making your own ‘saltless surprise’ can be fun, too. Place in a spice mill or blender equal parts garlic powder, dried basil, oregano and a bit of powdered lemon rind and mix well, to add flavor and interest to your dishes.” Kielich added that over time our calorie needs decrease, but nutrient needs remain the same. Choosing nutrient dense food and good fats, while avoiding saturated fats, processed food, high sodium, and sugary foods become increasingly important. She suggests that shifting slowly can help make the changes sustainable. Try snacking on veggies and fruit, rather than chips or crackers. For anyone experiencing changes in sense of smell or taste, she advised that they see their physi-
cian to ensure there are no underlying health issues, before assuming it is just due to age. For housebound older adults, Vivalon delivers fresh, nutritiously prepared meals up to 3 times each week to more than 290 housebound older adults in Marin through Meals-On-Wheels. Printed on the back of their monthly menu are tips about healthy eating and living. January focused on nutrients that can boost immune health and February focused on heart health. Our Nourish program, in partnership with ExtraFood delivers meals to individuals with chronic health issues. Call County of Marin Division of Aging and Adult Services at: 415-457-4636 for MOW or Vivalon Nourish at: 415-456-9062 x176.
Recipes and Nutrition Resources:
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VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
K
atherine Kielich, RD loves her work. After graduating from college, she taught elementary school but soon discovered her real passion for nutrition education. This set her on a path to become a Registered Dietitian; a profession combining her teaching skills, love of food, knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating for longevity. Kielich works with the County of Marin, Aging and Adult Nutrition Program, supporting the home delivered meal program.
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CAREPOOL
Getting Around
M
any of us take our cars and mobility for granted. Then, an eye operation, a hip replacement or simply the vagaries of aging change that. Getting around suddenly takes planning. That is where CarePool can help, driving older adults to doctor’s appointments or to the grocery store. In this month, celebrating healthy eating, that’s important. Debbie Baldo, CarePool’s Program Manager explained, “Our volunteer drivers come
to us because they have a desire to help. Some have older parents and understand what it is like to care for someone. Or, they wish they’d had something like CarePool for their own parents. Others simply want to give back to the community.” For anyone wondering how volunteer drivers are screened, Baldo explained that the vetting process is quite thorough, with checks on background, driving record and insurance status, along with vehicle inspections,
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
WHY VOLUNTEER?
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Voice teacher and music director, Monica Norcia, experienced a slowdown due to COVID, in her work schedule. That gave her time for volunteering. She knew a little about Vivalon’s transportation programs, went online and, as she revealed, “I sort of stumbled on CarePool. I love to drive, and it sounded fun, so I contacted Debbie. As a former journalist and someone who’s worked with older adults before, I just love people, talking to them and hearing their stories! I am always meeting new people.”
since drivers use their own cars. Before COVID, Baldo would meet with each potential volunteer, getting to know them. Now, she does Zoom or phone calls. She works to ensure that they have a heart for doing this type of volunteering. Strict health protocols exist for mask wearing and wiping down the vehicle between riders. Baldo added, “We’ve been very successful, but with COVID, for safety reasons, we’ve had to ask a number of our drivers over the age to 65, to suspend
their volunteering, so as not to put them at risk. So, we are asking if they know someone under 65 - a daughter, son, niece, nephew or younger friend, who would be interested in becoming a volunteer driver. Our current drivers are often our best recruiters. Also, some of our newest volunteers are business owners who, due to COVID have more time and are volunteering when they can. Trips for vaccines could significantly increase our need for more drivers.”
Be a Local He ro!
Are you under the age of 65? Dust off your cape and sign up today for our CarePool Volunteer Driver program!
Julie Kaye was looking for something to do. When she discovered that, once vetted, she could become a volunteer CarePool driver and volunteer as needed, or when she could, with no set schedule, she said, “What could be better? I am retired and I enjoy helping people.” If you like people and love to drive, please consider joining our CarePool team! Email carepool@vivalon.org or call 415-456-0927 to get started.
WHISTLESTOP IS NOW
For more info or to sign up, email
carepool@vivalon.org Sign or call: 415-456-0927 Up!
Pull out this section as your monthly reference guide to classes, workshops & activities
WEEKLY VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES ● Vivalon Classes & Activities ● Partner Classes & Activities
MONDAYS
CLASS
9:00-10:00AM Tai Chi ● (Vivalon) 10:30AM-12:00PM Talking Tech 4 Seniors ● (Vivalon) 10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) 12:30-2:20PM (EST) Movie Maker ● (Lou Walker Center) 1:00-2:00PM Stretching with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center) 1:00-2:20PM (EST) Drawing ● (Lou Walker Center) 1:30-2:30PM Mind-Body Health Older Adults ● (YMCA)
TUESDAYS
TIME
10:00–11:00AM 11:00AM–12:00PM 11:00AM–12:00PM 12:00–1:20PM (EST)
WEDNESDAYS
9:00–10:00AM Yoga with Weights with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) 10:00–10:45AM Zumba ● (Vivalon) 10:30AM-12:30PM Watercolors with Debra ● (Age-Friendly Center) 11:00AM-12:00PM Ukulele – Beginner ● (Vivalon) 12:00AM-12:50PM Senior Strength ● (YMCA) 12:30-1:30PM Ukulele – Intermediate ● (Vivalon) 1:00-1:50PM (EST) Healthy Cooking ● (Lou Walker Center) 1:00–2:00PM Chair Exercises with Pam ● (Age-Friendly Center)
INFO
FEE
Phone/Zoom FREE Phone/Zoom FREE Phone/Zoom FREE Phone/Zoom FREE Phone/Zoom FREE Phone/Zoom FREE Zoom FREE
BINGO ● (Vivalon) Phone/Zoom Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) Phone/Zoom Chair Yoga with Rayner ● (Age-Friendly Center) Phone/Zoom Advanced Jewelry Making ● (Lou Walker Center) Phone/Zoom
FREE FREE FREE FREE
Phone/Zoom Phone/Zoom Phone/Zoom Phone/Zoom Zoom Phone/Zoom Phone/Zoom Phone/Zoom
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
10:30AM-12:30PM Acrylics ● (Age-Friendly Center) 11:00AM–12:00PM Whistlesizers ● (Vivalon) 11:30AM-12:00PM Hula ● (Vivalon) 1:00–2:00PM Chair Yoga with Jane ● (Age-Friendly Center) Senior Feldenkrais ● (YMCA) 1:00–1:50PM
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
12:00–12:50PM (EST) Internet Gift Ideas ● (Lou Walker Center) 3:00–4:00PM Yoga ● (Vivalon)
Zoom FREE Zoom FREE
FRIDAYS
THURSDAYS
For more information regarding the classes and activities above, please see descriptions on pages 6-8.
MARCH For more information In the regarding SPOTLIGHT the following announcements, please call Vivalon Guest Services: 415-456-9062.
Be sure to visit our new website, vivalon.org — you’ll find it vibrant, colorful and easier to navigate, to find what you need or discover new connections! Jackson Café Friday Special Meals Come by the Jackson Café to purchase a special Friday meal for $8. “We look forward to seeing you on Fridays as we are very excited about these special meals. We will be creating something unique and flavorful similar to holiday meals!” — Stacy Scott, Culinary Director, Jackson Café Jackson Café St. Patrick’s Day Meal — $8 Wednesday, March 17 11:30am –1:00pm Celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day take place all around the world on March 17 and the fun and feasting naturally centers around delicious Irish food. Stop by the Jackson Café to pick up your St. Patrick’s Day meal. Enjoy a taste of traditional Irish cuisine made by Jackson Café’s Stacy Scott. Last day to preorder is Monday, March 15, 1:00pm. Please contact Guest Services 415-456-9062.
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
HAPPENINGS@VIVALON
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Please visit Vivalon.org/classes or Vivalon call Vivalon Guest Services at VIRTUAL 415-456-9062 for information on C L A S S E S how to register for the following Virtual Classes & Activities. &ACTIVITIES
Bingo Tuesdays 10:00am – 11:00am Join Penny Markrack and Diego Madera every Tuesday at 10:00am for Bingo! You can join via phone or zoom. Registration is required. There will be at least three rounds played with a gift sent to each winner. We hope you can join us! Financial Advice (Free) Wednesdays 10:00am – 11:30am by phone appointment only Peter Tabet, CLU, ChFC, AEP, MBA, brings a wide-ranging portfolio of education, experience, skills, and interests to his career in insurance and financial services. Please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to schedule your appointment. Hula Thursdays 11:30am – 12:00pm Practice the Hawaiian spiritual dance form known as Hula (Auana), with Charlotte Kobayashi. With its slow and relaxing nature, Hula allows for all to participate. Occasionally, this class may extend beyond the 30 minutes as needed..
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
ST PATRICK’S DAY ZOOM
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Wednesday, March 17, 1:30pm – 2:30pm Join us on Zoom to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17. Deck yourself out in green and celebrate everything Irish. Pick-up a special St. Patrick’s Day lunch from Jackson’s Café, by preordering. Contact Guest Services 415-456-9062. Zoom information available at vivalon.org. Be sure to RSVP by Tuesday, March 9, there will be games with exciting prizes! Wear green and try your luck.
Talking Tech 4 Seniors Mondays Various times (February 1 – March 29) Virtual classes over 8 weeks starting with the very basics and building up your tech knowledge as you go. Join from the start if you are a true beginner or if you are already familiar with how to use a computer, join just the classes you need. Feb 22, 10:30am–12:00pm: Understanding Your iPad/ iPhone (Part 1) Mar 1, 10:30am–12:00pm: Understanding Your iPad/iPhone (Part 2) Mar 8, 10:30am–12:00pm: Computer Basics for PC (Part 1) Mar 8, 1:00pm–2:30pm: Computer Basics for Mac (Part 1) Mar 15, 10:30am–12:00pm: Computer Basics for PC (Part 2) Mar 15, 1:00pm–2:30pm: Computer Basics for Mac (Part 2) Mar 22, 10:30am–12:00pm: Intermediate Computer (Part 1) Mar 29, 10:30am–12:00pm: Intermediate Computer (Part 2) Ukulele, Beginner Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:00pm Ukulele, Intermediate Wednesdays 12:30pm – 1:30pm Practice songs in group form, tune your Ukulele, and rock out with Sandy via Zoom. Whistlesizers Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00am – 12:00pm Activate your muscles with tips and exercise routines specifically created for the aging body. Have your chair ready and your phone on speaker for Elizabeth Lynn’s Whistlesizers class. Yoga Fridays 3:00pm – 4:00pm Namaste everyone! Time to re-center and replenish your energy with Kelly! Stretch, meditate, and join the virtual class from the comfort of your living room. Zumba Wednesdays 10:00am – 10:45am Do you like to exercise to music? How about trying Jimna’s virtual Zumba class? Join Jimna for a rhythmic and fun workout! 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 Han Services, Aging and Adult Services.
NEW: Spahr LGBT Seniors The Spahr Center and Vivalon are launching a partnership to reach LGBT older adults interested in building community with their peers. Spahr’s Senior Program offers two engaging social and educational meetings each week on Zoom, fun events, and emails packed with information and resources relevant to LGBT older adults’’ lives. A Friendly Visitor Program for those living in residential facilities who feel isolated from other LGBT people pairs them with a trained LGBT volunteer for weekly visits — for now on Zoom or by phone. For more information or to get on their mailing list, contact Bill Blackburn at bblackburn@thespahrcenter.org. Age Friendly Intergenerational Center Vivalon is proud to partner with the Age Friendly Intergenerational Center to bring you a variety of free virtual classes, including chair yoga, watercolor, stretching and more. We encourage you to take a look at what’s available and sign up for these FREE classes and events: agefriendlycenter.org/classes Center for Attitudinal Healing The Center for Attitudinal Healing – North Bay provides support groups in the Bay Area for people facing such issues as a chronic and life-threatening illness, care-giving of loved ones, bereavement, aging, unemployment, marriage and parenting problems, divorce, loneliness, and stress. The groups utilize a model that supports inner growth, and they assist members in adopting new ways to solve problems and relate to others. Their work is based on the Principles of Attitudinal Healing. The Center’s founder, Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Gershan Jampolsky passed away on December 29 at the age of 95. His work is world renowned. Dr. Jampolsky helped others establish independent centers employing Attitudinal Healing principles in more than 30 countries across the globe and held training sessions in 30 more countries across six continents. He will be missed. To receive more information or to join a group, please call 415-457-1000 or email centerforah@gmail.com
Healthy@Home This dynamic partnership between Vivalon and Ayaplaces hosted several successful online workshops on healthy aging topics in 2020. Check out our archive of recorded sessions at AyaPlaces.com/video-archive. It’s a virtual smorgasbord of expert-led topics: Home Safety, Decluttering & Reorganizing, Gardening for Life, Kitchen Safety & Accessibility, The Mind Diet, Cooking for One, Holistic Healing with CBD, Pleasure is Ageless and much more! Highway61 Vivalon has partnered with Highway61 to offer you real-time conversation groups, including Aging Alone Support Group, Trivia, French Culture, Entrepreneurs Circle, Opera, Classic Movies, and more. Older adults from all over the US are on Highway61 and it is a great way to stay connected. To attend one of the virtual discussion groups, send an email to info@highway61.com and let them know you are with Vivalon. They will send you a code which will allow you to join the group. Lou Walker Senior Center Established in 2006, Lou Walker Senior Center offers classes and amenities to meet the needs and interests of today’s active older adults with activities that stimulate the mind and body. Join free classes via zoom with their members! *All classes are Eastern Standard Time.* Check out their Healthy Cooking class in our class schedule. louwalkercenter.com/online-schedule/ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Vivalon has partnered with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to offer their classes to Vivalon members at no additional membership cost. Course fees still apply. To find out more, call 415-458-3763 or visit olli@ dominican.edu YMCA The YMCA of San Francisco has a great selection of Virtual Classes for older adults. Please visit their website for more information: ymcasf.org/virtual-senior-offerings COVID-19 Vaccine Visit Marin Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 website, to see who is being vaccinated. Get answers to FAQs. Learn vaccine Facts and Myths. https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/vaccine
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
For more information on how to register for the following Partner Vivalon Virtual Classes & Activities, please PARTNER visit Vivalon.org/classes or call PROGRAMS Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.
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Caring Connections
Vivalon is proud to partner with LITA (Love Is the Answer) to offer Caring SOCIAL Connections, matching volunteers PROGRAMS with homebound older adults for weekly social visits. Meetings normally take place in the home, but during the pandemic, the visits are taking place by phone or through doors and windows with proper physical distancing and face coverings. If you would like to participate in Caring Connections, contact Erika Vaughn at 415-456-9062 x176.
Vivalon
Social Call
We’re all feeling a bit disconnected during this time of extended social distancing. One phone call, once a week, can make a huge difference. Connect on the phone to chat with a friendly volunteer and create connection during this time of isolation. Social Call in Marin County is a partnership between Covia and Vivalon. To join Social Call please call Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062.
Discussion Groups for LGBT Older Adults
The Spahr Center values the well-being of Marin’s LGBTQ older adults and provides outreach and programming to meet their needs. The corona virus pandemic demanded changes in their program delivery. The Spahr Center
hired a Senior Program Coordinator, tasked with building community even though meeting in person is not currently possible. Instead, they offer two weekly LGBTQ senior discussion groups on Zoom that create connection among participating older adults, as well as providing links to other LGBTQ community events and relevant resources. If you would like to participate or learn more, please contact Bill Blackburn at bblackburn@ thespahrcenter.org.
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VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
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Vivalon 456-9062 || vivalon.org vivalon.org Vivalon || 930 930 Tamalpais Ave | San Rafael | (415) 456-9062
6'
Food is Love
big Italian Sunday supper. The same could be said of the Jewish side of my family. Same concept, just different food. So, for me, food has always been associated with love.” Growing up close to her relatives, where young and old gathered often, Stacy developed an understanding and an affinity for family and older adults. Her own mom lived to be 96. When she came to the Jackson Café, she said, “I took to it like a fish to water. With every person who stepped through the door, I was reminded of my own mother, or family.” Aside from cooking, Stacy likes nothing better than learning someone’s life story and their connection to the past.
Her food philosophy differs from many food programs for older adults in that, most tend to lean on institutional cooking. You won’t find processed or convenience foods in her storeroom or freezer.
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VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
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hef Stacy Scott and her husband, Chuck Ciaccio, demonstrate their love of food through their work at the Jackson Café. Stacy described her history and philosophy, “Growing up in a Sicilian/Jewish home, food in both of those cultures is absolutely central. My husband is also Sicilian. We share the exact same childhood memories of going to our grandmothers’ homes on Sundays and having the 2 o’clock Italian family dinners. Everybody was there, everybody was invited. There was food for days. There were people laying out plywood on the beds for a work surface to make handmade ravioli. It was almost like a Hollywood depiction of a
Stacy explained, “Our food here is very traditional, mid-Americana home style, made 100% from scratch. Even our individual soup stocks are made from scratch. We don’t use spice mixes or all in one packages. We do it ourselves. It’s like imagining I am a 1930’s, pre-convenience food housewife, cooking for my family. I treat it almost like cultural anthropology.” She added, “The other piece is that my husband and I have a long history operating a Bay Area catering company serving clients with high expectations. From that tradition, I want our MealsTo-Go, to taste delicious and look pretty. I feel very blessed that our skills developed to serve an elite segment of our society can be applied here to serve older adults in our community.”
License Number 214700009
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Charlotte Kobayashi
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olunteers are at the heart of Vivalon. They come from all walks of life and volunteer for any number of reasons. They often love sharing their expertise. That is true for Hula instructor Charlotte Kobayashi. She started as a performer in Vivalon’s holiday shows, doing five shows over a period of several years and teaching Hula with other organizations in Marin. She didn’t want to let the pandemic and distance learning slow her down. In fact, she made the transformation from inperson teaching, to virtual instructor almost immediately. So, when Diego Madera, Programs Coordinator sent her a lovely holiday card asking her if she’d like to be a virtual instructor for Vivalon, she said yes! “There are pluses and minuses with teaching classes on Zoom, but the plus is we can reach so many more people. When you think of all the older adults who are at home, without transportation, not getting enough exercise, or only capable of doing something from a chair, well, Zoom is amazing. We do have a lady who can’t stand, so she does dance in her chair.” Kobayashi reminds us that Hula is not necessarily a
Assisted Living at its Best!
simple dance to learn. That’s why she recommends that her students see the class through to the end. There is meaning and nuance in the movements. “It is really good for you, too,” she said. “People learn motor skills, there is left brain, right brain involved, you’ll learn a new language and new words.. And then there is the sequencing. All this stimulates the brain and feels good physically and mentally, the moving and dancing. You can’t help but smile, listening to the music.” Kobayashi volunteers because, “I find joy in doing it. When you give to others and you see others experiencing joy, that is paying it forward and it feels good to share.” Join Charlotte’s Hula class by calling Vivalon Guest Services at 415-456-9062 to register.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Girl Scouts Lift Hearts
That part is fun, too. And being creative helps take my mind off work. I like that we can use everyday materials you’d find at home. Buttons, yarn, different markers and papers. And the cards all go to a good cause.” Zoe Jaros, also an Ambassador Girl Scout, is a junior. Her troop has hosted events to make the holiday cards, before the pandemic and Zoe has held a prominent role in the food drive and helped run her troop’s greeting card events for 6 years. Zoe said, “We’re doing four holiday events this year. I enjoy creating the fun designs and helping other kids create them with their families, so they can have the same ability to reach out and along with the food, I know we have an impact. I just love doing it.” Girl Scout Leader,
Michelle Lehman said, “We delivered 200+ Valentines
to Vivalon. It was so wonderful!”
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
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ivalon is delighted to be partnering with the Mission Rafael Girl Scouts to donate hundreds of holiday handmade cards, decorative grocery bags, and dry foods, all benefiting Vivalon Nourish and Vivalon Meals on Wheels clients. The troop has a 10-year history of community involvement and 2020 with all its turmoil only made them more determined to reach out to homebound and chronically ill residents throughout Marin to brighten their lives. Ambassador Girl Scout, Lauren Pettijohn, now a senior in high school, began hand making holiday cards in kindergarten, “I loved making the cards back then. We made some from templates with help from older girls. So, I just kept doing it and now I help to manage things.
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WAYS TO MAKE A
Vivalon 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325
DIFFERENCE SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415-456-9062 X4800.
Giving Makes a Difference BY YVONNE ROBERTS, CHIEF DONOR RELATIONS OFFICER
VIVALON CONNECTIONS MARCH 2021
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ith deep family roots and a history of giving, Harbor Point Charitable Foundation (HPCF) is a critical Vivalon supporter that ensures our neighbors will receive rides, meals, classes, care, and advice. The Foundation’s history began with Ray Kaliski Sr., who would give daily, writing 50 to 60 checks to organizations each month. Inspired by Yvonne Roberts his father, Bob Kaliski expanded this tradition by creating HPCF in the hope of providing long-lasting, sustainable grants and sponsorships. Because he believes the foundation’s focus should be on the community, it is not named after the family, but rather, after the communities it serves.
Since 2014, HPCF and the Kaliski family have donated over $120,000 to support nutrition services like Vivalon Nourish and other critical programs at Vivalon. Bob Kaliski’s generosity is fueled by a philosophy that “giving a little is great but giving until it hurts a little is better.” While Bob admits this sounds strange, he believes that those with means to give should support their community, even if it means giving up a luxury or comfort every once in a while. We are so grateful that Bob, the Kaliski family and HPCF are part of the Vivalon family. For information on becoming a Vivalon sponsor, visit vivalon.org/donate/Sponsorships or call 415-456-9062 x4800.
MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name. DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 833-VIVALON (833-848-2566) DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time. MAKE A PLANNED GIFT Name Vivalon in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of an annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan. VOLUNTEER Become a CarePool Volunteer Driver Deliver Meals on Wheels Teach a Class MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing Address: Vivalon | 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Vivalon.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800