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JULY 2020 whistlestop.org Marin’s Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

Pg 3: Announcement from Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO Pg 4: Two Marin Ladies Pay 90th Birthday Forward Pg 11: How CaringCalls Connects Generations and Lives

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info@whistlestop.org

Laurence Suter-Gunn Programs Director lsuter-gunn@whistlestop.org

WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE

Inspiration and Hope in Giving to our Community Jennifer Golbus

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

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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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Marketing Strategist jgolbus@whistlestop.org

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e de dow John and Val Bowman 14/2 14 Whistlestop Express Editors year 916.751.9189 home, long an e john.bowman58@gmail.com over 25,000 services to collaboration with the Nancy Geisse WHISTLESTOP WHISTLESTOP PERSPECTIVE since our young Laurie Volunteer Manager MarinVermont County’s, high-risk County of Marin. 930COO, Tamalpais Avenue Whistlestop San Rafael, CA 94901 volunteer@whistlestop.org need affordable housing, and a bittersweet goodbye community members, away, is simply Staff members did not www.whistlestop.org hen the journey, leaving the house that there is a shortfall of Nancy Geisse, Whistlestop COO including older adults, hesitate when asked to Main office open M-F 9am-5pm we called home the past hundreds of assisted living for two people. Whistlestop Active Front Desk – 415.456.9062 the chronically ill, pivot to new roles and BOARD OF and DIRECTORS 28 years. It’s also been memory care units to Aging Center Transportation – 415.454.0902 homeless, andmeet other responsibilities, such asfun to explore roomswith we didn’ great our theat-risk 2030 demand. I would miss working Meals on Wheels 415.457.4636 closed in– March, we focused President Dennis Ryan, startup individuals, who individuals such as Marin’s drivers delivering groceries new neighborhood near One small part of the Help Desk – 415.459.6700 on finding creative ways the yard tha resource@whistlestop.org San Rafael. housing solution in Marin Beth Reizman, Vice President low-income population. and meals instead downtown of are passionate,of high energy To receive the Express email services to bring youbythe I can’t help but wonder is to support, fund, and and devoted. My fears were We have delivered 46,000 passengers; managers Tom Bonomi, Treasurer sign up at whistlestop.org. For saw, and decad how much harder it would streamline the you need to keep you safe, annual subscription mailed to your mealsButler, and 2,800 bags of process unfounded. The Whistlestop accepting the challenge of Fabia Secretary be to do this if we were to create more accessory home, send $10 to Whistlestop. healthy and connected while seemed to repr groceries. We dwelling have made creating new programs Sharon in ourand 70s or 80s? What Jackson units. The new team, units without exception, sheltering in place. WHISTLESTOP STAFF 7,000 social and checkoperationalizing them in options are there for older can be for a caregiver, a family has passion forwe our weren’t mission Robert Sonnenberg wat Although I never doubted Joe O’Hehir people in Marin as intheir phone calls,member including days rather than months; or the homeowner, and for our community. Yvonne Roberts Cynthia Wuthmann lifestyles change? that the Whistlestop team who can then rent out the aWill new intergenerational of all, we had a call center staff pivoting The devotion and energy there be enough resources house. In of staff and volunteers By Linda Jackson, Program rides to phone visitingmain program inSan Rafael, from scheduling they bring to their jobs as a to be for people who want to Laurence Suter-Gunn deserved the number new accessory Director, Aging Action would rise to the challenge, PACIFIC SUN STAFF collaboration with localofhigh making check-in calls growtoolder in their home dwelling units doubled last result is incredible. Initiative thousands of older adults I have been truly inspired schools. we have sewn and community?Danielle For thoseAnd new, fam year, and the city is on track McCoy, Advertising Jennifer Golbus I want to thank our happy team to witness the hard work, facing dementia or declining and distributed over 3,000 across the County; and our to double that again. We need e decided to members for selflessly The challeng will theydmccoy@pacificsun.com have masks. what flexibility and creativity face over 65 this volunteers health, shifting to do this across Marin! downsize John and Val Bowman jumping in with both feet. they need for safety, care Aging Action Initiative of every single member of Marianne Misz,The Advertising Before joining fromOur driving year. familyor assisting in would we mov and companionship? Watching them embrace is enthusiastic about San an empty nest Café to calling our team. Their devotionhome, long the Whistlestop, I spent my Jackson mmisz@pacificsun.com The question for Marin Rafael City Council’s recent change and execute it onesseeking flew We wanted as and passion for helping since our youngest Laurie Vermont entire career in the formembers social is: what percentage of Brown, support of assisted living in Kara Production away, is simply too large efficiently and effectively others allowed us to residents is goingprofit to choose world, including connection and to sewing downtown. the This new housing in a neighborh for two people. There were kara@metroactive.com to stay in San Rafael as BOARD OF DIRECTORS significantly expand ourrooms we didn’t last fifteen years in fastthousands of face coverings approval portends well has been rewarding and go into, parts According Dennis Ryan, inspiring. I amwe proud to bewalk a Olson, Publisher proposed for Whistlestop’s existing programs, create in need. they grow older?Rosemary paced startup environments. can a of the yard for thatthose we never Beth Reizman, to a national survey by affordable older adult Tomnew Bonomi, member of the Whistlestop programs, and lead saw, and decades Since shelter One of my only fears in rolson@pacificsun.com of stuff that in place AARP in 2012, about 90% of Fabia Butler, to restaurants housing project when began, we have provided family. joining was thatin downtown several Sharon Jackson new services in seemed to reproduce older adults intend to staya nonprofit San Rafael. We are excited Robert Sonnenberg we weren’t watching. Most in their own homes for the the movies. Af to see new housing options Cynthia Wuthmann OUR MISSION of all, we had a home that next 5 to 10 years. for older people in Marin, deserved to be full with aTRANSPORTATION PACIFIC SUN STAFF PeopleSERVICES working with searching, we EXPRESS especiallyWHISTLESTOP in places where Whistlestop believes we share a new, happy family. Danielle McCoy, Kelly Krueger Thomas, Whistlestop Express Editors older adults aware of CarePool Volunteer Driver are Program | 415-454-0927 they can walk to services The challenge was: Where 415-235-5031 | kelly@kruegerpr.com ACTIVE AGING CENTER may be the ver to ensure all Marin the issues Access facingresponsibility people as Travel Navigators/Marin Eligibility | 415-454-0902 and shops and be part of the Marianne Misz, we move to in Marin? 930 Tamalpais Avenue | San Rafael,would CA 94901 Jennifer Golbus, Marketing & Communications Schedule a they Paratransit | 415-454-0964 growRide older. Will there residents havecommunity. an opportunity to age Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM We wanted a smaller place jgolbus@whistlestop.org unit in Marin. Cancel a Paratransit Ridefor | 415-457-4630 be housing others who Kara Brown, Aging Action Initiative is with dignity, independence and grace. Website: whistlestop.org | Email: info@whistlestop.org in a neighborhood where want to downsize? Will there MEMBERSHIP SUN STAFF a networkPACIFIC of more than 130 No doubt abo Rosemary Olson, we can x100 walk about, close belunch enough Guest Services Reception | 415-456-9062 Discounts on in thehousing Jackson for Caféthe and on all classes, Rosemary Olson, Publisher | rolson@pacificsun.com organizations, including to restaurants, shops, and peopleand who work in Marin programs, events room rentals. Volunteer Opportunities | 415-456-9067 Karathat Brown, Production | kara@metroactive.com Whistlestop, addresses process of dow of –isthose whofor are caregivers, OUR MISSION Membership $20/year 60+/ $50/year for 59 under. Resource Office | 415-459-6700 the movies. After months community issues through TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CONTACT: searching, we found what healthcare managers, Call 415-456-9062 or stop by the frontand desk for details Whistlestop believes we share a JACKSON CAFÉ daunting. It to the lens of aging. McCoy, It focuses Danielle Advertising | dmccoy@pacificsun.com may be the very last new responsibility to ensure all Marin homecare experts? What LIKE US Monday–Friday | 11:30AM to 2:00PM on finding ways to age-inresidents have an opportunity to age Marianne Misz, Advertising | mmisz@pacificsun.com unit in Marin. about low-income people who of sorting, a m withMEAL dignity, independence grace. OUR MISSION community, and having DELIVERY and SERVICES on Facebook No doubt about it, theWhistlestopneed affordable housing, believes we share a responsibility to economic security, a place to Whistlestop Nourish | 415-456-9062 x176 of downsizing is process or people whohave needanextra ensure all Marin residents opportunity to of millennials, call home, and transportation Meals on Wheels Eligibility (Marin County) | 415-457-4636 daunting. It took months care, independence like assisted living or age with dignity, and grace. LIKE US for older adults. of sorting, a moving crew memory care? The recent boxes to give a on Facebook of millennials, and many Want to receive theOlder Express at home? Send $10 to report, Adult Housing For information, check out LIKE US on Facebook! boxes to give away andWhistlestopin forMarin: an annual deliveredfor print subscription, donate things Planning www.agingactioninitiative.org Cover Cover Art Art by: By: Missy Reynolds or sign up at whistlestop.org for a free email version. 2 facebook.com/WhistlestopMarin donate things we don’t 2030, estimated that 7,000 or contact Sami at support@ 2 older residents need anymore of today’s agingactioninitative.org. need anymore. It’s been

By Linda Jacks Director, Aging Initiative

A Message from our CEO

and hired Envision Consulting to manage the CEO search process, which is expected to continue through the end of 2020. I want to express my confidence that Whistlestop will continue on its successful path. It’s the vision and dedication of our board, the compassion, creativity, and caring of our wonderful staff and volunteers, the outstanding generosity from our donors, and the strong collaboration with our partner communitybased organizations that have helped make Whistlestop what it is today. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to serve. With gratitude,

Joe O’Hehir, CEO Whistlestop

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Joe O’Hehir

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t is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement, effective February 26, 2021. I’ve been working at Whistlestop for the past 12 years, and I can honestly say that it has been both a transformational and rewarding experience. I will always remain a proud member of the Whistlestop family. I am turning 70 next year, and it’s time for me to embrace the next chapter in my life. The Whistlestop Board of Directors and I have been working on an executive leadership transition plan for the past two years, starting back in March 2018. With a strong leadership team in place and strong forward momentum in our many service areas, I feel confident that this is the right time for me to transition out of the organization. Our Board of Directors has created a search committee

License Number 214700009

Two Marin Ladies Pay Their 90th Birthdays Forward By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor

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eaching the age of 90 is a milestone definitely worth celebrating. For many, that means a song and cake, but for these two Marin residents, the focus was on giving back to the community. Claudia Chapline had a traditional garden party in May in her gallery garden in Stinson Beach. But when it came to gifts, she wanted people to make a donation instead to a nonprofit. Claudia gave Whistlestop a $100 gift certificate to her own gallery filled with paper goods, books and art

supplies which will in turn donate to a local nonprofit. Says Claudia, “giving back makes life richer, like a tree. The more you cut, the more it blooms. Don’t let a day go by without giving. It could be anything – food, time, words of wisdom – whatever your gift is, if you can share it, the gift grows like the flowering plum tree.” Another Marin resident (who wished to be anonymous) decided to do something special for her 90th birthday as well. Volunteering and philanthropy have always been an important part of her life. She has served on the board of directors of a

A Marin lady donated 90 pairs of socks to the San Rafael Downtown Streets Team to distribute to the homeless for her 90th birthday

community foundation and was inspired by the story of a woman who was constructing affordable housing for her big birthday. In honor of her own 90th birthday, on a more modest scale, she decided that her gift would be 90

Claudia Chapline at her gallery in Stinson Beach

pairs of socks that the San Rafael Downtown Streets Team could distribute to the homeless. Perhaps others will be encouraged to donate as well to a cause of their choice. “Giving is more than receiving,” she says.

WHISTLESTOP

During Shelter In Place We are Here For You

The doors to our Active Aging Center Services may have closed when the Shelter in Place order was issued, but Whistlestop is still open, working to address the new challenges that older adults now face. We remain dedicated to you, and are working hard to expand our existing programs, and implement new ones. Below is a list of current programs. For the most up-to-date information, you can also visit our website or call us at 415-456-9062! Home Delivered Meals. Whistlestop Nourish and Meals on Wheels home meal delivery services are expanding to meet increased demand. To sign up for meals for yourself or a loved one, call 415-456-9062 x176.

“

When I pulled a whole and hefty chicken from the bag, one grandchild screamed, the other one cried, my daughter was speechless for the first time in her life and I was filled with happiness, surprise and awe! Although the pandemic confinement is extremely difficult, your brown bags bring much more than food!

” –Brown Bag Pantry Recipient

Food pantry. Whistlestop’s Brown Bag Pantry program offers free fresh produce, meats and staple food items provided from the Marin/SF Food Bank to Marin residents every Friday. Any Marin resident, 60 and over or person with a disability, in need of food is welcome. Pre-packed bags of groceries are handed to visitors upon arrival –either drive up or walk-up. 10-11am on Friday mornings at the Whistlestop Active Aging Center. Call 415-456-9062 with questions.

WhistleShoppers offers older adults and those with disabilities a chance to purchase their own groceries without leaving their homes or the use of a computer or mobile phone. Our call center representative will work with you to create a detailed grocery list over the phone using the grocery website to ensure items are available. Our drivers shop for the groceries and provide free delivery. You pay only for the groceries. Call 415-456-9064 to get started.

Check-in Calls. Our call center has placed nearly 7,000 calls to Marin County older adults to see how they are doing and offer referrals and resources. Volunteers are conducting regular follow-up calls to anyone who opts in. To start receiving check-in calls, please call 415-46-9062. Resource Referrals. Our team of caring staff are available to answer questions about resources from Whistlestop’s main number: 415-456-9062. Marin Access Paratransit. We continue to provide daily, pre-scheduled, doorto-door bus transportation in Marin County for people needing assistance. Drivers are disinfecting their vehicles three times per shift, wearing masks and changing gloves after each rider. Call 415-454-0964 to schedule a ride. Free Volunteer Rides. Whistlestop’s CarePool program provides rides for older adults and people with disabilities. It has remained in continuous operation and is providing rides to medical appointments, to pharmacies and to grocery stores. Volunteer drivers are following all recommended sanitation guidelines. To schedule a ride, call 415-454-0927.

Whistlestop Virtual Classes Whistlesizers, Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 - 11:40 am, Free Have your chair ready and you phone on speaker. Call 415-480-2522 just before 11 am to join the class.

Yoga, Fridays 3:00 pm via Zoom, Free Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for Zoom link and details

Bingo, Tuesdays 10:00 - 10:30 am via conference call, Free, Registration Required Please call 415-456-9062 by Thursday to play Bingo the following Tuesday. You will be provided with the conference call number. Prizes will be won at each game!

Zumba, Wednesdays 9:00 - 9:45 am, Free Please visit whistlestop.org/classes for Zoom link and details To find out how to attend these classes, visit Whistlestop.org/classes or call the front desk at 415-456-9062.

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Take-out Meals. Whistlestop’s Jackson Café is offering nutritious, affordable meals for $6, prepared fresh daily by our culinary team and sold through our front door at the Active Aging Center, 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael. M-F 11:30am – 1:00pm. No need to order in advance - just show up!

CaringCalls Program. Our intergenerational program, CaringCalls, pairs older adults or anyone feeling isolated during this crisis, with local high school students for weekly social phone visits. Share your experiences and insights and connect with a younger member of our community – they are feeling isolated as well! Call 415-456-9062 to learn more.

Information on food resources and other services and assistance: COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

Email 457-INFO@marincounty.org or call 415-457-INFO Visit www.211.org or Dial 211 from your phone

Employment Support Services for Women 50 yrs and Older at the YWCAFifty Program Fee-based classes in July and August; Please call for more details on registration. Why Can't I Find Work? Workshop & Computer Classes: • Choosing Your Job Direction - 2 days • Taking Control of Your Job Search - (6 days) “Virtual” • Taking Control Express: Resumes & Cover Letters • Taking Control Express: Skills for Internet • Outlook (2 days) “Virtual” • Excel (6 days) “Virtual” • Word (6 days) “Virtual” • LinkedIn “Virtual” AARP Work for Yourself @ 50+ “Virtual” To learn more about the 50+ program for women or sign up for orientation, call 415-479-9922 or email: gretchen@ywcasf-marin.org

Mill Valley Recreation Center Virtual Classes

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Stay Active, Stay Engaged, Keep Learning! Mill Valley Recreation Center has created virtual recreation classes and videos, including Tai Chi, Ukulele, Guitar, Chair Yoga, Pilates, Meditations and more. For details, visit: millvalleyrecreation.org

AAI Inform & Connect Information Sessions – Mondays at 2pm via Zoom

Visit agingactioninitiative.org/inform for details Aging Action Initiative (AAI) is a professional network of people working in public agencies and nonprofit, healthcare and community-based organizations who address community issues through the lens of aging. AAI Inform&Connect information sessions happen each week with specific topics that aim to improve service to the community; share knowledge; build professional expertise; and make new connections. Sessions are free. Visit agingactioninitiative.org/inform for weekly topics and to gain access to Zoom links for each session. With questions or to sign up for the AAI newsletter, email support@agingactioninitiative.org.

SF Marin Food Bank Update

When COVID-19 reached our community, nearly 20 food pantries throughout the area had to close their doors until they could find a way to serve those in need safely. But in the midst of a pandemic, people need support more than ever when it comes to putting food on the table. The SF Marin Food Bank has partnered with others in the community to create pop-up pantries. Currently, there are four pop-up locations:

Wednesday Bayside MLK, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm 200 Phillips Dr, Marin City, 94965

Thursday San Geronimo Valley Community Center, 12 pm – 2 pm 1 Lagunitas School Rd, San Geronimo, 94963

Friday Tamalpais High School, 11 am – 1 pm 700 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 94941

Saturday Kerner Drive-through Pantry, 10 am – 2 pm 2550 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, 94901

Pantry at Home

The SF Marin Food Bank has expanded its temporary Pantry at Home Program, which serves those 65+ who have health issues or challenges that prevent them from going to on-site pantry locations. For screening and more information, call the county line at 415-457-INFO or the Food Bank Pantry at Home hotline at 628-272-8430.

FREE LIBRARY

FREE Expanded Resources Available at Your Local Public Library

RESOURCES

The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) has developed some innovative ways to help people cope while sheltering in place. Did you know you can check out movies or read books digitally for free through the library? MCFL has a collection of digital materials and online services that you can access from the comfort of your own home – from eBooks and audiobooks, to digital magazines and news, as well as streaming movies and TV, and online learning services. Yes, you could be learning a new language or research Frank Lloyd Wright from the comfort of your own home! What about that family tree project you have been putting off? You can access the ancestry.com database through MCFL and start some fascinating genealogical research.

Curbside pick up for physical check outs is also available. Call the number below for details. All these services are FREE with your library card! Don’t have a library card? That’s ok. You can now apply for a card online. If you have a card but are not sure what your card number is, or if you forgot your PIN, just call your local branch and they will help you.

MCFL is showcasing a huge database of virtual courses through Lynda. com to cardholders. The service provides access to more than 8,000 courses and 255,000 videos in popular fields such as web design, information technology, education and instruction, media production, and business.

If you are intimidated by the technology involved in these services, your librarians are just a phone call away and ready to help walk you through using them over the phone.

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We hope you’ll take time this month to celebrate and support our LGBTQ community, which has contributed so PRIDE much cultural richness to our region. While IN PLACE there will not be physical parades or celebrations, there are still plenty of ways to honor the occasion. Here are a few ways to engage, and connect.

Virtual San Francisco Pride Celebration

June 27 and 28; 1 pm to 9 pm This online celebration will include live and pre-recorded performances, greetings from LGBTQ+ community members, elected officials, celebrities, speeches from thought leaders, drag and dance performances, DJ sets and more. For more info, visit sfpride.org.

The Spahr Center’s LGBT Senior Discussion Groups

Mondays 7 to 8 pm via Zoom For more information, or to sign up for workshops/discussion groups, contact Bill Blackburn 415-450-5339 bblackburn@thespahrcenter.org.

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LGBTQ+ Pride (Virtual Event)

Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 pm via Zoom The Spahr Center will hold Marin LGBTQ+ Pride as a Zoom gathering to honor founder Jane Spahr for her decades of incredible leadership efforts to build the well-being of Marin’s LGBTQ+ community and end our HIV/AIDS epidemic. For more information contact 415-457-2487 or visit thespahrcenter.org.

Aging Gayfully! Free 8-week Online Workshop for Older LGBT Adults

Saturdays June 27 - August 15; 11 am to 1 pm Discover LGBT aging strategies and community support as you share your unique life experiences and sense of humor with your lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender peers. Facilitated by Gary “Buz” Hermes, MA LGBT Aging Consultant. For more info, contact Bill Blackburn 415-450-5339 bblackburn@thespahrcenter.org.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

JFCS Ramps Up Services to Serve Seniors at Home and Others

JFCS’ Seniors At Home van getting ready for food delivery

By Kelly Krueger Thomas Whistlestop Express Editor

and water, hand sanitizers, wearing masks, frequent cleaning/wiping down of surfaces, proper coughing and sneezing techniques, and more. JFCS also greatly expanded their Safe At Home volunteer program, adding many new volunteer callers who help provide a sense of connection to the older adults feeling isolated during the shelter-in-place protocols. These regular calls offer meaningful conversations while allowing volunteers to ensure that they are safe and not in need of additional assistance.

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uring normal times, Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS) helps thousands of homebound older adults, special-needs kids, at-risk teens, hungry families, and others in need each year. With COVID19, JFCS is facing the added burdens of social distancing, forced telecommuting and the increased needs from an already vulnerable population. But even with the uncertainty of the next several months, JFCS continues to move forward

and shift programs as needed. The agency’s Seniors At Home program, a service that provides vital in-home care to older adults, quickly rose to the challenge. Homecare assessments are now being conducted remotely as much as possible in order to lessen time spent inside the home, reducing the risk of exposure. Caregivers have also been trained in COVID-19 safety procedures and follow CDC protocol so that they can provide income care for older adults. This includes frequent handwashing with soap

Programs like Skyview Day Club went from an onsite social day program for those with memory loss, to Zoom programming, incorporating entertainment, fitness, and socialization. This adaptive programming offers continued engagement for the agency’s clients as well as much-needed respite for family caregivers. The need for food assistance in the community has also increased considerably. In response, JFCS Food Bank locations have expanded to reach not only individuals on fixed incomes, but also those who need to remain safe by sheltering in place. Since food bank locations are no longer open for walkin appointments, food is delivered to clients using all recommended safety measures. JFCS has also expanded their financial assistance program to include emergency no-interest loans and grants for families and small businesses, and provides teletherapy services for individuals, families, couples, and children by phone, video conference, or in-person. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 415-449-3700 or visit seniorsathome.jfcs.org.

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GETTING AROUND

Miles of smiles G

etting around has become more challenging for many residents right now, especially if they are unable to drive anymore. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Whistlestop’s drivers continue to deliver on their promise of a comfortable, safe ride. This month we honor two of our dedicated drivers, people who continue to serve our clients with the first-class service they need and deserve, especially now.

Eugene McKillop

You Can Make a Difference Join the Whistlestop Family by making a gift I want to become a monthly supporter with a gift of:

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$10 $15 $20 $50 ________ /month Or make a single donation in the amount of:

$500 $100

$250 ________

$125

BILLING INFO Name _____________________ Address ____________________ Phone ______________________ Email ______________________ PAYMENT INFO MC Visa _______________________ CC# Exp Date ____ 3 Digit Code ____ MAIL TO: 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael 94901

Thank You!

While no one has kept exact records of the miles Eugene McKillop has covered since he joined Whistlestop in January 2015, one can safely say he has covered a lot of ground over the years. “If it wasn’t for me and the other drivers, many of our clients would not be able to get around,” he says. “I not only give them a ride, but a chance to share their stories with me.” Eugene has also seen some of his passengers

EUGENE MCKILLOP has been a driver with Whistlestop since 2015

RON ROBINSON joined Whistlestop as a driver in 2019

make tremendous progress over the years. When he first picked them up, they were in wheelchairs and now they walk onto the bus. “Seeing how resilient people are is really inspirational, especially as we deal with this virus.” As a bonus, they not only get a ride with Eugene, but enjoy his sense of humor as well. “I sometimes joke around with them, telling them we’re heading to Stinson Beach or dancing instead of where they asked to go.”

Ronald Robinson Ronald has only begun to put on the miles, starting as a driver in January 2019. But he really enjoys spending time with his clients and being able to get them where they need to go. “I enjoy what I do,” he says. “I like to interact with my passengers when I can and nothing is more satisfying than their appreciation for being of service to them, thanking me for being a ‘wonderful driver.’ It’s huge!” Making sure his customers are safe and comfortable is important to him. “I want my passengers to feel comfortable aboard my bus,” he says. “I greet them with a smile, introduce myself and talk along the way. It makes the ride enjoyable for all of us.”

Connecting generations and lives By Jennifer Golbus Whistlestop Marketing Director

Alex Balistreri, San Rafael High School student volunteering for Whistlestop’s CaringCalls program

Eddie Riviero has been receiving calls from his CaringCalls partner for four weeks.

Nikki, “There is a concept called ‘mutual aid’ which roughly means that we’re all in this together and we help each other. It’s critical for the success of programs like this. I love seeing it in action.” To date, more than 170 connections (i.e. a completed call) have been made. These connections are more than a phone call filled with pleasantries. They create opportunities for meaningful intergenerational dialogue. Eddie Riviero began receiving calls from his CaringCalls partner four

weeks ago. “She calls me every week,” he says. “We talk about teen life and school. It is really valuable for me to listen to her speak about her experiences as a teenager. She is a great support. We talk about personal experiences and we talk about the good stuff happening, not the pandemic.” Alex Balistreri, a student at San Rafael High School, is one of the callers. She heard about the program at school and spends about an hour each week making calls to her two assigned partners. “I

usually don’t ask questions, outside of ‘How is your day?’ and conversation just naturally flows from there. They mostly talk about their children and what they are up to.” Eddie would definitely recommend the program to other adults. “The main thing I enjoy is talking about both of our lives. It is interesting to hear about what the world is like from her perspective. I really hope they keep this program going, even when we no longer have to be in isolation.”

CHECK-IN CALLS OFFER VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE

ven though Whistlestop had to temporarily suspend some of its on-site programs, the staff has been making sure that clients throughout the area continue to get the help they need. To date, staff members have handled

nearly 7,000 Check-In Calls. Some of these are simple, such as scheduling transportation. Others result in referrals to CarePool, Grocery Delivery, CaringCalls or other programs. Still others are simply check-ins to make sure older adults are doing O.K.

“When I started making calls, it was a huge task,” says Miranda Chelossi. “But doing these members outreach calls has opened my eyes to what Whistlestop does for our community. We reach so many people. I knew of course

that we reach people with transportation, but I did not realize how many programs we have and how many people we help on a daily basis.” For more information, please call 415-456-9062.

J U LY 2 0 2 0 WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS

ven in the best of times, staying connected with one another can be a challenge. But add in a pandemic that requires at-risk adults to stay home in order to stay safe, and isolation can become a major health issue – mentally, emotionally and physically –that older adults face. Whistlestop understands that social connections and engagement are critical to staying healthy, so when the Active Aging Center closed nearly three months ago, we quickly pivoted to create new services and expand existing ones in order to maintain crucial human connections for older adults. One of these programs is CaringCalls, an intergenerational program which connects high school students with older adults for social phone visits. Clinical social worker and Whistlestop volunteer Nikki Cavalier worked with Whistlestop staff to create the program. According to

Whistlestop

WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

E PRESS Marin Senior Coordinating Council 930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901-3325

SCHEDULE A RECURRING DONATION Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation or call 415.456.9062 X4800

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL DONATION

Thank You for Your Support Rafael resident how she was spending her days, she told me she sleeps a lot Chief Donor Relations Officer as she laughed out loud. She told me y favorite part of my job is that she was three years old during calling donors to thank them the Great Depression, but for their support. It can recall the after effects is rewarding getting to know that continued well into her many of you so I wanted to childhood. She was married share some highlights from for 61 years. my recent conversations. I spoke to the Ninety-eight-year-old representative from Herb Rosen tells me he’s a foundation who has sticking around at least supported Whistlestop for until he can help us put a 11 years, yet I had never shovel in the ground for the Yvonne Roberts spoken directly with anyone Healthy Aging Campus next there. Putting a voice to the spring! incredible generosity was amazing. A retired computer programmer told This foundation representative gives to me that his passion is ending hunger. many causes and believes Whistlestop He is enthusiastic about Whistlestop, is making a daily difference. the Food Bank and Marin Agricultural With heartfelt gratitude, thank you Land Trust (MALT). all for your support. You are helping Another lady in Mill Valley shared us make a difference every single day. that her daughter was home from I hope I’ll also have the chance to hear college and really wanted to help your story and meet you in person deliver meals, so we signed her up! When I asked a 94-year-old San sometime soon.

By Yvonne Roberts

WH IS TLES TO P E XPRESS J U LY 2 0 2 0

We will send a card in honor or memoriam in your name.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE We accept automobiles, boats, motorcycles, RVs etc. Call 844.WSMARIN or 844.976.2746

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation or your volunteer time.

MAKE A PLANNED GIFT

Name Whistlestop 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 • Serve or Cashier in the Jackson Café • Teach a class

MAIL A DONATION (Check or Credit Card) Mailing address: Whistlestop 930 Tamalpais Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Whistlestop.org/Donate 415-456-9062 X4800