Whistlestop Express December 2012

cial Security.” Without Whis-tlestop Meals on Wheels, Sha-ron said she would not be able to afford to buy her own food. Paul Fillow, 75, is a childless widower and the last living member of his family. A retired electronic technician, he is a cancer survivor who lives with a debilitating illness that has left him bedridden and unable to use his legs. “Before I got sick, my wife did the cooking,” he said. “But she died six years ago.” Now, Paul depends on the meals Whistlestop delivers to his doorstep three times a week. “The Meals on Wheels drivers take me for who I am, and they’ve become my friends,” he said. Your giving

Most of us take our inde-pendence for granted. But for people who are

housebound due to age or dis-ability, providing for life’s basic needs can become an enormous burden. They have shelter, but many lack the resources and capacity to purchase food and prepare meals. There is a crucial lifeline that many of these adults in Marin County have come to depend upon: Whistlestop Meals on Wheels. Each week, Whis-tlestop delivers fresh, nutritious meals to more than 250 of our housebound neighbors – meals that sustain their lives, deliv-ered by drivers who lift their spirits. When the unexpected occurs, a life can change forever.Consider Sharon Blair, 70, a San Rafael resident and mother of two who survived three heart attacks and had to relearn how to walk and talk. Now she can’t stand without experiencing severe pain. “I have my mind back, but my body is still a wreck,” she said. “My savings are gone and I’m living on So-

heart enables us to extend a helping hand. For people like Sharon and Paul, Meals on Wheels is more than a community service; it is a lifesaver. Whistlestop is ask-ing you to fi nd it in your own heart to make a generous gift to support Whistlestop Meals on Wheels this holiday season. The services we provide are so vital to so many. With one generous gift today, you can help to nourish those who depend on us for lifesav-

ing sustenance throughout

the year. ✦

E PRESSMarin's Older Adult Community Connection Since 1954

DECEMBER 2012 Whistlestop.org

Whistlestop

Valentine’s BallNeeds You OnHost Committeepage 6

Cooper’s HawkVisits Sausalitopage 11

‘People ShouldNot Go Hungry’page 2

Nourish Your Neighbors with a Gift from the Heart B y S U S A N S H A R P E

ROB

ROEH

RICK

A grateful meal recipient with her delivery driver.

Whistlestop Express DECEMBER 20122

“I don’t think people should go hungry in

this great country of ours. I just don’t think that’s right,” says H.C. Jackson, after whom the Jackson Café was named. Jackson, 82, of Santa Rosa, said he fi rst heard of Whis-tlestop years ago. “I read in the paper that they had a waiting list for people who needed food. I called them and asked, ‘How much money would it take to eliminate your list?’ They told me the amount and I gave it.” He said that he resisted hav-ing the café named after him. “I refused the fi rst ten or fi fteen times they asked me,” he said. “I fi nally succumbed. I don’t regret it now. I am very proud of it. Usually when I do something for the community, I do it anony-mously. I guess I’m embarrassed by notoriety.” Jackson is former owner of Jackson’s Hardware store in San Rafael. In 1968, he started a profi t-sharing plan

for his associates, and in 1989 he created an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Why did Jackson give the employees so much control? He replied, “The more I gave them, the more they made for

me. Pretty soon they were just dragging me along.” The associates purchased 100 percent of the company in 1998, and in 2008, Jackson’s Hardware was named one of the “Top 15 Best Small Busi-ness Workplaces” by the Wall Street Journal. When H.C. opened his hard-ware store in 1964, it consisted of 5,000 square feet and had fi ve employees. Today it is a 50,000-square-foot employee-owned operation with 63 associates. The Jackson Café is located in the Whistlestop building at 930 Tamalpais Ave. in downtown San Rafael. It provides nutri-tious and affordable meals for Marin residents. Most of the café’s customers are 60 or older, but everyone is welcome. ✦

Table ofCONTENTS

Whistlestop PerspectiveH.C. JacksonTable Tennis Starts

Valentine's Ball

Whistlestop Classes, Events

Activities Calendar

The Bird's Side of MarinRichard PavekMulticultural NewsVicky Voicehowsky & Sandra Jimenez

Board ColumnLenice SmithGrand MomAudrey Mettel Fixmer

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56

7/8/91011

12

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Marin Senior Coordinating Council, Inc.930 Tamalpais Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901Chief Executive Offi cer, Joe O’HehirBoard of DirectorsPresident, Dennis ThompsonVice President, Terry ScusselTreasurer, Michael RiceSecretary, Michael HingsonKaren Arnold • Liza Cozad • Eleanor DelaneyVenessa Dixon • Jane Lott • Debbie MillsLori Peterson • Bill Saul • Lenice Smith • Bob SonnenbergWhistlestop Express is a publication of the MarinSenior Coordinating Council, Inc. A 501 (c) 3not-for-profi t organization.The Mission of Whistlestop:Whistlestop believes that we share a responsibility to ensure that all Marin residents have an opportunity to age with dignity, grace and independence.Whistlestop Contact InformationMain Number 415-456-9062Whistlestop Fax 415-456-2858www.whistlestop.orgInformation & Referral Offi ce415-459-6700 • [email protected] Express Editorial, Art Direction & SalesJohn & Val Bowman Editors916-751-9189 • [email protected] Reynolds Art Directormreynolds@pacifi csun.comAdvertisingLinda Black • 415-485-6700, Ext. 306

Whistlestop Express is printed on recycled paper

To be added to, or taken off, the email list for Whistlestop Express, please call 415-456-9062. Or send an email, with your request, your name and address to [email protected].

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Whistlestop PERSPECTIVE by JOHN BOWMAN

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Jackson Café Namesake Did Something About Hunger

H.C. Jackson

Brown Bag Pantry Coming

The Brown Bag Pantries are open to older adults (60+) who live in Marin

County. Currently there are Brown Bag Pantries at 6 Senior Housing Facilities and at Mar-garet Todd Senior Center. After the holidays, the program is expanding to Whistlestop. The Brown Bag Pantry will open in the Caboose at Whis-

tlestop on Friday, Jan. 11 at 11:30am and will be open every Friday. The pantry is a supple-mental food program that al-lows older adults to choose from a vast array of seasonal fruits and veggies; protein items, such as meat, eggs, or beans; grains —pasta, bread, or rice, and canned goods for those with limited mobility. ✦

whistlestop.org 3

Homeward Bound Has PositiveInfl uence on Jackson Café B y M A U R A T H U R M A N

G uests arriving for a delicious lunch at Jackson Café may not realize that they’re part of an innovative project

combining job training with Whistlestop’s goal of serving nutritious food to Whistlestop clients. The project began in 2010 when Homeward Bound of Marin took over operation of the café as a “social enterprise” that offers internships to students at Fresh Starts Culinary Academy. “What’s gotten better since I’ve been here is my speed,” says Dylan, an intern who prepares hot dishes from hamburgers to braised tilapia with Asian greens. “I’ve learned to keep vari-ous orders in motion and not panic when it gets busy.” Dylan graduated in June from Fresh Starts, which offers training in food preparation and service for homeless adults living in Home-ward Bound’s programs, as well as the general public. Though not a resident at Homeward Bound, Dylan had the opportunity to work in the agency’s kitchen at the New Beginnings Center shelter, as well as Jackson Café. “Every chef has a little something different to offer each student,” he says.

continued on page 4

Jackson Café Chef Rocky Packard (left) with Intern Maurice Lewis.

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Chef Rocky Packard, who supervises culi-nary projects for Homeward Bound, joins the kitchen crew each day during the lunch hour to make sure things are going smoothly. “Consistency is the key to success,” says Rocky, who has seen business triple at Jackson Café since Homeward Bound became involved. “We make simple food, but with a lot of fl avor.” Because the interns want to practice their skills, almost everything is made from scratch: vegetables are chopped, chicken is cut and roasted, stock for soup comes from a big pot on the stove rather than from a can. “This is a very valuable opportunity for students because they have to learn the daily routine of being prepared,” Rocky says. “It’s a challenge thinking far enough ahead day to day and in a longer-term sense.” The café supervisor, Barbara, agrees plan-ning is key to success with a lunch menu that changes daily, as well as breakfast meetings scheduled three days a week for local organi-zations. “I’m the fi rst in and the last out. About half my job can be training, depending on who will be the staff,” she says. “We’re always focused on making good food.” The training program has a strong record of preparing students for employment in the food industry. Of 30 students graduating in June 2012, 22 were employed at the time of graduation and two returned for another ses-sion of training. Maurice, a Fresh Starts graduate who works as the Jackson Café prep cook, says Rocky has balanced a demanding attitude of training with camaraderie. “If you don’t learn things right the fi rst time, he’ll check you on it,” says Maurice, who names Chinese chicken salad and rolled stuffed pork loin as his favorite menu items. “But we all work together here. I think people like what we do.” For more information about Fresh Starts Culinary Academy and Homeward Bound of Marin, please visit www.hbofm.org or call 382-3363. Jackson Café serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 1:30pm. It’s open to the public as well as Whistlestop clients. Find the weekly menu online at www.whistlestop.org/jackson-cafe/menus. ✦

continued from page 3

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whistlestop.org 5

Table Tennis Comes to Whistlestop; Play for Free

Table tennis (ping-pong to many people) has come to Whistlestop with a fl ourish, thanks to volunteer Vivian Malcy.

Vivian said it all started when she was talking with Whistlestop Volunteers & Activities Man-ager Debbie Benedetti about volunteer opportuni-ties. Vivian considered teaching a computer class. But then she asked if Whistlestop had a ping-pong table. The answer was no. “Would you like to have one?” she asked. Debbie said “Sure.” Vivian bought a tournament-grade table and donated it to Whistlestop. The table is set up in the Caboose Room on table tennis days. There was a good turnout the fi rst two days the game was offered in November. Vivian also provides paddles and ping-pong balls. Coming up: An Exhibition between Vivian and another player, possibly her coach, Antonio Mancia, on Dec. 7, plus open games later that day (2 to 4 pm) and again, same time, on Dec. 28. Anyone interested can come and play for free. Vivian played a lot of table tennis as a kid and rediscovered the game this year while on a cruise. “When I wasn’t eating, I was playing table tennis,” she says. She has played in several tournaments. She loves the game and is fi nding a lot of like-minded folks at Whistlestop. Besides being fun to play, Vivian says, table tennis of-fers “incredible health benefi ts.” She said playing the game can “pick up your heart rate, improve hand-eye coordination and help with memory.” It also improves balance and mobility. Vivian hopes the sport will continue to grow in popularity at Whistlestop as it has all over Marin (there are busy table tennis clubs in Sausalito and Novato). For more information: contact Vivian at 515-3835 or [email protected]. ✦

Charles, 91, returns ball to Vivian Malcy at Whistlestop

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Marin Valentine’s Ball Theme:An Evening in Old New Orleans

We are looking

for members of our community to join the Host Committee of the 2013 Marin Valentine’s Ball — the premier gala in Marin. The black tie optional gala will be

held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at the elegant transformation of the Marin Civic Center Exhi-bition Hall. The event annually sells out, so you can assure your attendance by joining the Host Committee! “This year’s black tie extravaganza promises to be the best yet,” says event Chairwoman, Gloria Brown. Hartmann Studios will magi-cally transform the Marin Civic Center Ex-hibit Hall. Themed “An Evening in Old New Orleans,” the evening begins with a hosted cocktail party starting at 5:30pm, followed by live and silent auctions, a sit-down dinner and dancing to the music of Wonderbread 5. Marin County Supervisor Hal Brown founded the Marin Valentine’s Ball in 1995 to support charitable organizations in our community. In addition to benefi tting Whistlestop, proceeds will go to the Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School for Boys, the North Bay Children’s Cen-ter, and Sunny Hills Services. Table hosts are asked to lend their name and their support to this fundraising celebration by being ambassadors in promoting the healthy development of children, families, at-risk teens and older adults. Table Hosts make a $2,500 gift (partially tax-deductible), which includes 10 tickets, invitation listing, program listing, table sign, and special gifts for the host and each of their guests. To get a spot on the Host Committee, call Yvonne Roberts at Whistlestop, 456-9062. ✦

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Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOPFor a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org

DROP-IN COMPUTER LAB Mondays • 10–NoonWednesdays • 10–NoonNeed help using a computer? We have volunteer computer tutors available to work with you one-on-one, if needed.

COMPUTER/PICTURE CLASSBeginning: 1st Friday • 2–4pmAdvanced: 2nd Friday •2–4pmFee: $15 | Instructor: Gene DyerRegistration required: 459-6700Call for more information and class descriptions.

Lifehouse Mission

Since 1954, Lifehouse has opened the doors of opportunity and independence to individuals with developmental

disabilities through community integration, life-skill training, advocacy, referral and information. Their mission is to improve their clients’ quality of life by providing a lifetime of compassionate support in an atmosphere of respect, inspiration and purpose. ✦(In the November issue, Whistlestop Expressincorrectly identifi ed Lifehouse.)

Barry Benda (right), Vice President and Chief Operating Offi cer of Lifehouse, presents the Open Arms Award to Lori Peterson, Whistlestop Board Member, and Joe O’Hehir, Whistlestop CEO. The award recognized Whistlestop for “… extraordinary caring toward Lifehouse clients.”

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person to assemble combinations of these tiles into specifi c patterns wins the game. We play with a card that shows all the possible hands you can make. We’ll have Mah Jongg sets available for you to use as you learn. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

WHISTLESTOP HOLIDAY BOUTIQUEMonday, Dec. 3 • 10am-1pmPlease join us for a little holiday shopping. Artsy and crafty Whistlestop clients will be selling their handmade items (jewelry, cards, cookies, and more!) at very afford-able prices. For more information, please call 456-9062.

NAVIGATING TRANSITUSING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN MARINTuesday, Dec. 11 • 2:30–4pmPresenter: Jon Gaff ney from Marin TransitThis presentation will include an in-depth discussion of Marin’s public transit system, including trip planning and navigation of the system. It will also include information on the many other programs available to older adults in Marin, including the new Catch-A-Ride program, the Marin Access Para-Transit program and volunteer driver programs. You will have the option to sign up for Catch-A-Ride and/or a Senior Clipper card at the conclusion of the presentation.

CHRISTMAS CAROLSWednesday, Dec. 12 • 11:30am-NoonPlease join us in welcoming the holidays with the sound of music. Boys and girls, ages 9 to 12, from St. Mark’s Singers, String Ensemble and Republic of Voice will be singing Christmas carols and more while you enjoy a delicious lunch at the Jackson Café. For more information, please call 457-0586.

CHRISTMAS JUG BAND COMING TO PLAY! Thursday, Dec. 13 • Noon–1pmLunch & Concert $10 per personIncludes full course meal and entertainment. No reservations needed, pay at the door. Entertainment provided by Bread & Roses.

Keep Learning at WHISTLESTOP

Marin County Commission on Aging

Thursday, Dec. 13 • 10am-12:30 pmWhere:The Redwoods, Mill ValleyTopic: Sleep Issues for Older Adults

Speaker: Kathryn Lee, R.N., Ph.D., CMSM, UCSF

For a complete list of classes, visit whistlestop.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESContact: Debbie at 456-9062 or [email protected]• Board/Card Game Leaders • Chiropractor• Russian Social Group Leader• Bi-lingual Computer Teacher• Jackson Café Volunteers needed to work in the Jackson Cafe at least one day a week from 10:30am to 1:45pm.• Center Service volunteer needed to answer phones and do various offi ce duties. Computer experience a plus, but not required. Volunteers are needed from 11am to 1pm, with some fl exibility.• Tax Preparer volunteers needed to help older adults and low-income families with their Federal and State Income Tax returns. To assist requires use of a Computer-based Tax Wise Software (provided by IRS). Volunteers will complete a training course in January and become IRS certifi ed to prepare taxes. Tax season is February to April, 2013.• Volunteer Drivers for Meals on Wheels Program. Contact Raphael Krantz at 454-0969.

IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDEDMah Jongg sets, Chess set, Dominos, books, yarn, movies on DVD, exercise mats and brown paper grocery bags. If you have items to donate, please call Debbie at 456-9062.

MAH JONGG – NEW PLAYERS NEEDED!Tuesdays • 11am–NoonInstructor: Shirley Etemadfar | Drop-in American Mah Jongg is a game that originally came from China. If you’ve played gin rummy, you have a headstart in learning how to play this game. Play with tiles that are stamped with symbols and characters. Mix up the tiles, stack them into “walls” and get 13 to start a hand. After much passing, picking and discarding, the fi rst

tiles stack

whistlestop.org 9

BEADING CLASSThursday, Dec. 13 • 1:30-2:45pmFee: $8 per classMaria Barsesat, local bead artist, will show you how to make beautiful, simple and easy jewelry items for your-self or as gifts. Registration and payment are required prior to the class. Maximum space available: 10-12 people. Fee includes materials..

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CEDARS OF MARIN HOLIDAY ART SHOW!Friday, Dec. 14 • 11:30am–12:30pmFeaturing original artwork by individuals with disabilities who attend Cedars of Marin Victory Center. Some works include: Painting, Jewelry, Cards, “Out of sight” knitting and more. Great gift items!

WHISTLESTOP IS HAPPY TO INTRODUCE A NEW SERVICE: THE WHISTLESTOP HOME-DELIVERED GROCERY PROGRAMThis program is available for home-bound San Rafael older adults (60+) who need shopping assistance. Delivery is free. Older adults pay only for the groceries. Participants can use the program on a weekly, monthly, or shorter basis, for example, while recovering from an illness. For eligibility or if you would like to volunteer, contact the Program Coordinator at 456-9062 x124.

ZUMBA GOLD Thursdays • 11am–NoonFee: $6 each time | Instructor: Angela Jakab-Miller

Zumba is a great way to stay fi t and active. Fun, motivating combination of Latin-inspired music and dance steps are guaranteed to get you moving. Zumba movements are easy-to-follow and for all activity levels. Bring water and a small towel.

FRIDAY FLICKSMovies start at 1:30pm in the LoungeFee: Free12/7 – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel12/14 – Oliver!12/21 – Surviving Christmas12/28 – The Time Traveler’s Wife

Marin Access Call Center: 454-0902Get Qualifi ed to Ride: 456-9062, [email protected] a Ride: 457-4630STAR Volunteer Driving: 454-0969

Transportation Numbers

FUN FOLK ART WITH ARTIST CELESTE PARCELLJEWELRY & HOLIDAY PROJECTSFriday, Dec. 7 • 11am–NoonFee: FreeJoin this fun crafting group! All levels welcome!

BRIGHTEN A HOMEBOUND PERSON’S HOLIDAY SEASONWhistlestop is asking for people to donate holiday cards for homebound older adults with a personal message inside. Drop off cards in unsealed envelopes at the front desk by Dec. 19. Blank cards are available at Whistlestop as well. Please stop in for lunch at the Jackson Café and write encouraging messages for people who can’t get out. We want to end loneliness for our neighbors.

CONVERSATION GROUP FOR 90-YEAR-OLDS & OLDERWe are considering starting a 90+ conversation group at Whistlestop with only one rule: no discussing ailments! Contact Virginia Dziomba if you are interested. Call 456-6647.

NEW! FRENCH SOCIAL GROUPTuesdays • 1-2pmWhistlestop has a new French Social group and needs French speakers to attend. Please call Vicky Voice-howsky for more information at 457-0586.

WATERCOLOR WITH MARITAFridays, Jan. 4–25 (4 classes), 10am–NoonFee: $20 | (Maximum 8 people)Pre-registration required: Call 456-9062Join us for this fun art program. Learn to make beautiful art using watercolor paints. Come explore your world from a whole new vantage point. You may even reac-quaint yourself with your inner child. All levels welcome, and no experience necessary.

g


Whistlestop Weekly ACTIVITIES This Month at Whistlestop TIME CLASS INFO COST

9–2 PM Relax Chair Massage Open $4/8min. 10–11 AM Language AM Monday 457-0586 Free 10–NOON Learn Computer Lab Open Free 11–12:30 PM Language German Social Group Open Free 11–NOON Exercise Movement & Music-9/1 456-9062 Free 2–4 PM Language English as a 456-9062 Free Second Language (ESL) 4–5:30 PM Language Citizenship Class 454-0998 $25

9:15–10:15 AM Exercise Whistlesizers Open $2 10:00–NOON Relax Mah Jongg Open Free 10:45–11:45 AM Exercise Cardio Exercise Class Open Free Noon–3 PM Relax Manicurist Appt. Needed Free 1–3 PM Language Learn Spanish Open Free 2–3:30 PM Language English Conversation 454-0998 Free

9:15–10:15 AM Exercise Whistlesizers Open $2 10–NOON Relax Knit!!! 457-0586 Free 11–NOON Exercise Zumba Open $2 2–3:30 PM Language English Conversation 454-0998 $6 3–4 PM Language Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers

9–10:15 AM Exercise Tai Chi Qigong Sugg. Donation $10 or less 9–2 PM Relax Chair Massage Open $4/8min. 10–11:30 AM Support Seniors' Circle Open Free 10–2 PM Learn Computer Lab Open Free 10:30–11:45 AM Support Corazón Latino Open Free 1–2 PM Language Adv. English Conver. 457-0586 Free 2–4 PM Language (ESL) 456-9062 Free 3–4 PM Language Basic English for 457-0586 Free Spanish Speakers

1:30–3:30 PM Relax Friday Flicks 456-9062 Free 1:30–3:30 PM Support ACASA Peer Counseling Free 1:30–3:30 PM Language Practice Spanish Open Free 2–4 PM Learn Arts & Crafts w/Vicky Dec. 14 & 21 $3 2–4 PM Exercise Ping Pong Dec. 7 & 28 Free 2:30–3:30 PM Exercise Yoga Open $3

MO

ND

AYS

TUES

DAY

STH

URS

DAY

SW

EDNE

SDAY

SFR

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The Caboose, Computer Lab, Board Room and Jackson Café are all located at Whistlestop’s Active Aging Center – 930 Tamalpais Ave., San Rafael.For a complete list of all classes, visit whistlestop.org

LUNCH MENU60+ PRICES/ UNDER 60 PRICES

Main Entrée$4.50/$7.25 (+$1 for Seafood Entrées)

Sandwiches$4.25/$6.25

Soup du Jour$1.75/$2.25

Hamburger w/Fries$4.25/$5.25

Salads$2.50/$4.00

OTHER ITEMSTuna Salad Side $1.25Fresh Fruit $1.50Beverages $1.00Desserts $2.00

Monday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pmLocated in Whistlestop Active Aging Center

Jackson Café

whistlestop.org 11

The Bird's Side OF MARIN b y R I C H A R D P A V E K

PHOT

OS ©

RIC

HARD

PAV

EK

The Hawk On My Deck

Imagine my delight when an off-course migrating Cooper’s Hawk landed on

the Jasmine vine-covered arbor above my deck in Sausalito! I

live on a fl oating home and have for more than 30 years, and no one around the harbor has ever heard of a Hawk anywhere around the Sausalito waterfront, ever. A great occasion for me, but not for the 25 or 30 small birds that hang out around my bird feeders; they didn’t like the Hawk one bit and took off like little rockets! Well, Cooper’s Hawks do look pretty scary and they do eat little birds, so I wasn’t surprised. The Cooper’s poked around the foliage for about a half hour looking for a snack before it gave up and took off, presumably to resume its southward

migration. Thankfully, it stayed long enough for me to catch a few photographs. It has taken eight weeks for about half of the LBBs (that’s birder speak for “Little Brown Birds”) to return. But they’re skittish; usually they eat and then fl y to the nearby tree-lined shore to hang out. At fi rst I hoped the Hawk would return next year, but now I don’t; little birds have it tough enough. Half of my small “tenants” will die over the coming year from “natural” causes as it is. I would rather they felt secure here, as they used to. It was nice having them chattering about on my arbor and roof. Every weekend I email a special bird photo to Express readers. If you’d like something nice amidst the junk in your inbox, just ask me at [email protected]. ✦

‘Til next month, Richard


Multicultural NEWSby VICKY VOICEHOWSKY and SANDRA JIMENEZ

El tamale: Family Tradition

Small and curious, tamales contain goodness inside and out. They are a staple food of the holidays all throughout Latin

America. Their origin is traced back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures in 8000 to 5000 BC. They came to the United States in 1893 during a World Exposition and today are very popular in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This traditional Latin American dish is made with masa, dough made from corn. There are as many different types of tamales as there are countries in Latin America. Tamales are gener-ally wrapped in cornhusks or plantain leaves before cooking. These curious little pouches are stuffed with seasoned meats like chicken and pork. Some of them are also made with rice, prunes, raisins, red bell pepper and potatoes, and are served with a red or green salsa or mole. During the Christmas Holidays, the whole family, from children to grandparents, gets together for the preparation of tamales. Because the preparation time is long, many hands are necessary to make this process possible. Making tamales is a valued tradition for the whole fam-ily during the holidays. They become breakfast, lunch and dinner for many. We hope that you get a chance to enjoy some tamales that are locally sold. Happy Holidays & Feliz Navidad! ✦

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Grief Counseling(415) 499-1195

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline(415) 499-1100

whistlestop.org 13

live support, long-term care insurance billing, on-going case management. We hope people will call for free home assessments.

Q. Do you have paid staff or volunteers or both?A. Our caregivers are our paid employees. Our entire Hired Hands staff serves as volunteers in many organizations throughout Marin County.

Q. Anything else you’d like to say?A. In the spirit of the season and hopefully throughout the year, many reading this ar-ticle will pick up the phone and volunteer in some capacity. But give a greater gift to those in need: be a volunteer year-round. I gain so much when working alongside others to serve our community. I wish everyone a happy holi-day season and a splendid 2013! ✦

Compassion Important to New Whistlestop Board Member

“Being compassion-ate and having a heart for older

adults,” was the fi rst thing Lenice Cally Smith said when asked about her primary responsibilities as Director of Hired Hands Homecare of Marin. In an interview, Smith, new Whistlestop Board member, added that she is responsible for “Quality assurance of the agency, client relations, outside sales and marketing, community relations, networking, client assessments and formu-lation of client care plans.” She has headed Hired Hands since January 2011.

Q: What made you say “yes” when you were invited to join the Whistlestop Board?A: Whistlestop is an invaluable resource for older adults here in Marin County. I wanted to continue my volunteer efforts on a broader scale serving seniors.

Q. What are important ways that Whistlestop serves the community?A. Meals, education, transportation, multi-cultural gatherings, and working closely with community partners such as Marin Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Marin Foodbank, Home-ward Bound, Legal Aide of Marin and various others. I am so excited for Whistlestop and how we will be serving our community in the future.

Q. What are some of the main benefi ts that clients receive from Hired Hands Homecare?A. We are a family-owned and operated home-care agency that began in Mill Valley back in 1994. We are a full-service homecare agency, which means we handle all the employer-related responsibilities, which includes hir-ing, recruiting the right caregiver, payroll requirements and insurance liabilities, 24/7

2012/13

1003 Third Street, San Rafael

Blue Door Seminar Schedule

Reserve a Seat Today on Our Website at www.jrhastingslaw.com/event.php

or Telephone 415-459-6635

FREE seminars - Not to be missed!

JANUARY 29, 30, 31 5pm-7pmSPECIAL SEMINARRECEPTION &5TH ANNUAL FAMILY & FIDUCIARY LEGACY SYMPOSIUMSpecial Seminar for Clients & Guests 5-6pm Wine & Cheese6-7pm SeminarSpeaker: J.R. Hastings, JD

DECEMBER 12 2pm-4pmTAXES AFTER THE ELECTIONPart 1: Planning for Estate, Gift & Generation Skipping Taxes; andPart 2: Rethinking Individual & Corporate Income Tax Planning Speakers: J.R. Hastings, JD &J. Ryan Hastings, JD, LLM, CPA


Grand MOMby AUDREY METTEL FIXMER

Feeding a Family

“Okay, everybody, pick out your dinner for tonight,” the mother instructed her three young children, who were stand-

ing in the freezer aisle. It startled me. Was this a “sign of the times?” A working mom’s routine? How unhealthy is this? And how expensive! Apparently, my concern is shared by millions of readers and viewers. You can’t pick up a maga-zine or turn on the TV these days without getting a lesson in nutrition or a cooking demonstration, often with the emphasis on low cost and/or low fat. From segments of every news and talk show to the fl ames and drama of Hell’s Kitchen, televi-sion producers are fi ghting the battle of the bulge. And our First Lady is getting kids into vegetable gardening. When I got married at 19, I confessed to my husband that I knew nothing about cooking. He replied, “Cooking is either an art or a science. For you it will be a science. Get a cookbook.” I learned quickly not to trust a young smart-aleck butcher when he disgraced me in front of my fi rst dinner guest, my brother-in-law. I had asked the butcher

how I should fi x bullhead fi sh and he replied, “Just fl ip ‘em in fl our and fl ip ‘em in the frying pan.” Well, that was easy enough, so that’s what I did. And I proudly set those golden beauties down before my guests, expecting praise. A moment later our guest jumped up from the table and screamed, “Guts!” and ran out of our apartment, down the stairs and out the front door. I cried. How did I know the store would sell them with-out cleaning them? Fortunately, I had much better advice from my neighbors in Holdingford, where Bob got his fi rst teaching job. They not only helped me learn to cook, but to can and freeze and bake bread. I became a producer of food, “feeding the Lord’s masses.” Our family, which grew to 12 in no time at all, always sat down to an evening meal together, and I am happy to say they have contin-ued the practice with their own families. Just yesterday I told one of them to put their offering in the refrigerator, “if you can fi nd room.” Then I laughed at the oddity of a woman living alone with a bulging refrigerator. My daughter assured me that I would always be “everyone’s nurturer.” Audrey Fixmer is a longtime writer who lives in Wisconsin. ✦

Sophie, 14, granddaughter

of Marcia Hagen of Fairfax,

is from Atlanta, GA. Sophie's

Spanish class provided

the opportunity to spend

a week in Peru. This is one

in a series of photos that

the Whistlestop Express is

publishing of grandchildren

of Marin residents. If you

have a photo of a grandchild

who is doing something

interesting, please send

it to Whistlestop and we

will consider publishing

it. Email a jpeg to Editor

John Bowman at john.

[email protected].

Or drop the photo off at

Whistlestop, 930 Tamalpais

Ave., San Rafael.

whistlestop.org 15

Housing in MarinB y L E S L I E K L O R

I want to take this op-portunity to introduce you to a new provider

of senior services in Marin County — Episcopal Se-nior Communities. ESC’s Community Programs and Senior Resources improve the lives of more than 10,000 low-income and isolated older adults from Monterey through San Francisco, East Bay, Sonoma and now, Marin Counties. Services range from information referrals and safety net fund-ing (for rent, food and prescription medications) to healthy meals, senior produce markets, compan-ionship, free telephone classes and support groups for homebound older adults, transportation and wellness support. Our latest program is our HomeShare Pro-gram, which was designed to increase affordable housing options for older adults. It was spurred by the concerns of the welfare and safety of older adults who live alone and want to “age in place.” Shared housing is defi ned as two or more unrelat-ed people who share a home (house, townhouse, apartment, condo, mobile home). Each resident has his or her private bedroom and shares the common areas of the home. Homesharers can pay rent only or negotiate a service exchange (house-keeping, cooking, shopping, errand running, driv-ing, pet care, etc.) for all or part of the rent. To fi nd out more about this new program and our other established ones, please call 456-9062, ext. 132 and ask for Leslie. ✦

Woman Credits Jackson Café Food with Helping Her Heal

Maria West consid-ers herself one of the lucky ones. “I

bounced back from major surgery for colon cancer two years ago.” And she credits Whistlestop’s Jack-son Café with helping her come out of it as if nothing had happened. She also gives credit to her terrifi c female surgeon. “When I fi rst came home from the hospital, I shopped for groceries, but I found I couldn’t cook for myself everyday. I couldn’t lift more than fi ve pounds.” Her solution was to get to the Jackson Café, where she ate healthy, tasty meals in the company of friendly tablemates. “I gained all my weight back — be-fore, I was skin and bones. I can’t say how helpful it was to me.” And now she says, she’s happy to still be going to Whistlestop for excellent meals. Maria, who is proud of her Italian heritage, was a waitress for 30 years in Marin County. She worked at San Rafael Joe’s on Fourth Street and at the former Alta Mira in Sausalito, as well as a stint at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francis-co. She says people tell her she doesn’t look it, but she’s about to turn 88. She lives in Corte Madera in a home she bought 50 years ago. ✦

Maria WestLeslie Klor wants older adults to "age in place.

In October, Whistlestop clients got a chance to become weavers. Ana Mendoza receives help from Gladys and Linda of Cedars of Marin Textile Center. Thank you Cedars!!

Your One-Call / One-Click Transportation Resource:

(415) 454-0902 www.MarinAccess.org

Independence Through Mobility


Marin Senior Coordinating Council

930 Tamalpais AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94901-3325

Whistlestop.org

E PRESSWhistlestop

ACCREDITEDBUSINESS

Recognized experience and excellence .

Family owned and operated since 1994.

These honors are a source of pride for us, security and

peace of mind for you.

415-884-4343HIREDHANDSHOMECARE .COM

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For more information on the leading personal medical response service for more than 38-years call:

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Whistlestop Express December 2012