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Greetings, Alayne,
“Our relationships and connections with people are what maintains our vitality.” — Dr. Thomas Cudjoe, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
In this issue, we feature a local home sharing service that might be of consideration for some. With housing costs throughout the Bay Area increasing by the day, there are lots of people looking for suitable housing arrangements that won't break the bank.
Maintaining social connections is vital to all of us at any age, but even more important after we retire. You probably recall the television show, Golden Girls. The cast of Betty White, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan and Bea Arthur shared a home together and comedy ensued! More recently, Grace and Frankie, produced by Netflix, features Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin whose characters are joined together when their husbands' leave them (for each other!). Of course, they live in a beach house somewhere on the southern California coast but nonetheless have found themselves in the situation of sharing a home.
When you've decided to stay in your home, partnered or not, you may find that sharing your space can bring you some additional benefits aside from the social connections. You may receive extra help around the home on a more regular basis (helping with light cleaning, taking the trash bins to the curb, preparing meals) and may even add to your transportation circle. Learn about Home Match in our main article.
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Home Match opens its doors in Contra Costa
By Max Moy-Borgen, Home Match Contra Costa
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Home Match, a Covia Community Services program, is a shared housing program now available in Contra Costa.
Home Match and other home sharing programs help a homeowner with extra space to connect with home seekers who need an affordable place to live, creating a win-win situation and making it easier to age in place.
The Home Match program connects people based on lifestyle, personal preferences, and interests to ensure a compatible match for both parties. The program screens applicants through interviews, background checks, and home visits, and Home Match staff are available even after the match is made, offering on-going support.
Working with Home Match, both partners develop a Living Together Agreement that clarifies roles and expectations. This may include services such as grocery shopping or pet care in exchange for rent that is lower than is typical for the Bay Area.
Shared housing or home sharing programs like Home Match have been growing as a solution to the housing problem in the Bay Area and elsewhere. More than a housing solution, it’s a program that builds community. Max Moy-Borgen, Director of Home Match Contra Costa, says, “We’re excited to bring Home Match to Contra Costa County and Lamorinda Village. We’ve seen how this program has not only made it easier for seniors to stay in their homes but has created lasting friendships and true companionship.”
Although the Home Match program is new to Contra Costa County, Covia, headquartered in Walnut Creek, and its home sharing program have a strong track record. Formerly known as Episcopal Senior Communities, Covia is a non-profit organization that has focused on serving older adults for over 50 years in the Bay Area. Among its other communities and programs are St. Paul’s Towers in Oakland; Well Connected, a phone-based program available nationwide; and Market Day, offering fresh produce to seniors at cost in accessible locations.
Covia first started its Home Match program in Marin County 9 years ago and has since expanded to San Francisco and Contra Costa County, as well as Fremont, Newark, and Union City.
To find out more about Home Match Contra Costa, please contact Max Moy-Borgen at mmoy-borgen@covia.org or (925) 956-7385. You can find the Home Match website at https://covia.org/services/home-match/.
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VOICES OF THE VILLAGE
SEP/OCT 2018
In This Issue
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MEMBERS:
For service requests
call us at this new number!
(925)322-0133
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Alayne Balke
Meals on Wheels
Fall Prevention Program Manager
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The greatest thing about Lamorinda Village is making a new friend like you!
By anonymous member |
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One of the benefits of the Village is our small group gatherings called "Coffee & Conversation". We have both a women's and men's group. Both have flourished in the last year as they meet monthly in Orinda. As the group has gotten to know each other, they've also learned about things going on with other members. Recently, we received an acknowledgment from a member who has been unable to participate in many of her regular activities. She was visited by a member of the women's group, along with her spouse, and we felt this response was the perfect expression of what the Village is all about:
 "When speaking of the spirit of Lamorinda Village and what we all strive for, we can look to folks like you as perfect examples. You not only fed my ailing body with your delicious "Chinese" chicken soup (we must have the recipe) but instead of hurrying away, you stayed and let me bombard you with all my aches and pains. My doctor doesn't even allow that! The greatest thing about Lamorinda Village is making a new friend like you."
We agree! Thanks to this couple for their support and care of their community. |
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Aging Experience Health Fair, September 12
Kaiser Permanente
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Kaiser Permanente is offering an informational fair on senior health issues. Learn how to navigate the tools, resources, and services offered to seniors at Kaiser Permanente and in the surrounding community.
 Topics include health education, fall prevention, memory care, advanced planning/palliative care, food as medicine, eye care, high-risk medications, technology tools, safety in the home, skin care, community resources, and best practices in geriatric living.
You do not have to be a Kaiser Permanente member to attend, and no RSVP is required.
When: Wednesday, September 12, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Kaiser Permanente, Park Shadelands Medical Offices, Building 2 (Yosemite), Conference room 1. Shadelands is at the corner of Mitchell Drive and Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek.
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LUNCH 'N' LEARN PROGRAM
Use it or Lose it! Which Path Will You Choose in Fall Prevention?
Alayne Balke, Fall Prevention Program Manager,
Meals on Wheels/Diablo Region
You’ll learn:
- The top three ways to prevent falls
- Recommendations for safer behaviors
- Home safety modifications you can make
- Simple exercises to improve balance
- What to do if a fall should happen
Please join us for this brown-bag lunch session to learn from a fall prevention expert how we can maintain our independence and avoid injury as we age!
Alayne Balke has been with Meals on Wheels Diablo Region for four years as the Fall Prevention Program Manager. She has a degree in Health Science with an emphasis on Community Health Education from San Jose State University, and is a Master Trainer for the “A Matter of Balance” fall prevention program.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 27, 11:30 am—1:00 pm
LOCATION: Clayton Community Library/Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton
PARKING: There is a large lot to the left of the library with ample parking
COST: Free, but spaces are limited to 50 so you must RSVP by Monday, September 24
RSVP: Please register on Clayton Valley Village’s website; or call 925-626-0411 for more information
PLEASE NOTE: This is a brown bag session – please bring your own lunch; beverages and cookies will be provided.
This program is presented by the Diablo Valley Villages: Clayton Valley, Lamorinda and Walnut Creek Villages.
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Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents “Mozart: The Grandeur” |
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Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents “Mozart: The Grandeur”
September 16, 7:30pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive
Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Lawrence Kohl, presents “Mozart: The Grandeur” with Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony and his “Haffner” serenade with Igor Veligan as Violin soloist. Performances will be in the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 15th at 7:30 pm; and in the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on Sunday, September 16th at 3:00 pm. Enjoy how Mozart simultaneously pours forth beautiful music entwined with the complexities of human emotions. Tickets are available at PacificChamberOrchestra.org and additionally for Livermore at the Bankhead Box office, 2400 First Street in Livermore 925-373-6800. |
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Lamorinda Village is a community led by older adults who share their skills, support and expertise with each other to navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging. We believe a better experience of aging is possible when we can grow with and rely on each other.
Every day, our members come together to create new possibilities for what comes next as we age. When we unite as peers, we create a purposeful and powerful space for learning, laughter and courage as we take on the future.
Why not make your home part of our Village? Join us at one of our upcoming informal gatherings to learn more; these small gatherings are wonderful for those newly interested as well as those who are new members.
Wednesday, September 12 - 10:00 AM
Hosts: Ruth & David McCahan, Lafayette
RSVP online or call (925) 283-3500
Wednesday, October 3 - 2:00 PM
Hosts: Maureen & Skip Bradish, Moraga
RSVP online or call (925) 283-3500
Wednesday, November 7 - 10:30 AM
Hosts: Jane Tiemann & Tom Rundall
RSVP online or call (925) 283-3500
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Bay Magic Tours - "Sonoma Strong" Getaway |
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Many of our Villagers love to travel but have commented that they don't want to go alone. Recently, we met David Rubens from Bay Magic Tours, a locally-owned and operated tour company that specializes in trips accommodating the needs of an older traveler. Here's a video you can watch with testimony from their clients. We will be hosting Bay Magic Tours in October to plan a Lamorinda Village spring travel event, so please stay tuned! In the meantime, should your fall travel schedule be open, check out this local tour:
"SONOMA STRONG” TOUR
November 12 - 14, 2018 (sign up by October 1!)
Join us on this 3 Day tour as we celebrate the beauty, hospitality, and history of our world-renowned Wine Country. Help provide support and encouragement to our North Bay neighbors as they continue to deal with economic effects from the devastating wildfires. This is NOT exclusively a Wine Tour but a tour of many of the amazing sights and experiences available in the region!
A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to fire relief efforts.
Highlights of the tour include:
• A ride from Marin to Santa Rosa aboard the North Bay’s new “SMART Train”
• Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa
• Wine tasting in beautiful Dry Creek Valley
• Safari West – An authentic wild animal preserve, featuring natural exhibits and wildlife from around the world
• Fascinating geology and scenery at the unusual “Petrified Forest” of California
• The exciting “Old Faithful Geyser of California” in Calistoga
• Time to explore and shop in both Healdsburg and Calistoga
• The beautiful Di Rosa Art Preserve in the Carneros wine region
• Deluxe accommodations near the plaza in charming Healdsburg, home to dozens of cafes, shops, galleries, and tasting rooms
• As always on a Bay Magic Tour, professional transportation, fine dining, and everyone’s favorite tour director - the incomparable Margaret Wallace!
For more information contact Bay Magic Tours: (925) 932-8687 or tour director Margaret Wallace at (415) 717-6455. You may also email David Rubens at david@baymagictours.com
Licensed California Seller of Travel #2116790-40
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