page may 2019 //...some trips may include walking on unpaved or uneven surfaces or may have other...

Page May 2019 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/aging

Nearly one in every six older adults in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options. The issue is severe enough that the AARP reports that sen-iors face a healthcare bill of more than $130 billion every year due to medical issues stem-ming from senior hunger.

In 2017, there are just more than 49 million Americans age 65 and over, and about 8 million of them can be considered facing the threat of hunger.

Not only is senior hunger such a large issue now, the threat of it persisting as a problem into the future is high because of the high rate of seniors expected to exist. As seniors lost mil-lion dollars in the stock market through the 2007 economic recession, their wealth–including retirement funds, insurance payouts, and pension checks–plummeted. This increased the rate at which seniors spent money on lesser quality food in favor of other things like insur-ance.

Source: https://www.aginginplace.org/the-facts-behind-senior-hunger/ The following are programs that Berkley Senior Centers have put in place to lessen the effects of food insecurity for our participants.

Tri City Café Lunch Program A delicious and nutritious hot lunch is served at both Berkeley Senior Centers, Monday-Friday at 12:00 noon. $3 suggested contribution for members 60 and

older (No one is turned away for inability to contrib-ute)

$5 per meal for mem-bers under 60

Ask staff at your senior center about how, and what time to check in for lunch. Must be a senior center member to participate.

Mercy Brown Bag The Mercy Brown Bag Program distributes a grocery bag of nutritional food, such as bread, pasta, fresh produce, assorted canned foods, and other items depending on availability, to low-income seniors. Distribution is twice a month at both North and South Berkeley Senior Center. Income and residency guidelines apply. Po-tential participants must apply during the annual application pe-riod in February. Ask staff about how to ap-ply. Must be a senior center member to par-ticipate.

Mobile Food Pantry FREE groceries! Patrons receive a bag of produce, bread, and shelf stable items on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 2:00—3:30 pm at the South Berkeley Senior Center, while supplies last. Shuttle transport from the North Berkeley Senior Center is available. Must be a senior cen-

Field Trips, Shopping, Errands

4

Volunteer Spotlight 8

Caregiver Corner 9

Events & Presentations 10

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

May 2019 http://www.cityofberkeley.info/aging

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019 City Holiday (Malcolm X Birthday) MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 City Holiday (Memorial Day) North Berkeley Senior Center South Berkeley Senior Center City of Berkeley facilities

FREE produce, bread, and shelf stable items distribution! Open to members of the North and South Berkeley Senior Centers, and to families of students at John Muir and Mal-colm X Elementary Schools.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAGS

In this workshop you can learn more about CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps); find out if you qualify; and learn about the application process. Starting in the summer of 2019, SSI recipients in California will be able to apply for CalFresh, as is the case in every other state in the country. With CalFresh benefits, recipients can purchase food products, including seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food!

Date Title

Fri, 5/3 Crazy Rich Asians (Comedy/Drama)

Showtime: 1:00 PM Location: Game Room

Date Title

Wed, 5/8 Grand-Daddy Day Care (Comedy/Drama)

Wed, 5/22 The Mule (Mystery/Drama)

Showtime: 1:00 PM Location: Classroom 3


As we get older we are more prone to dehydration because our thirst reflex does not work as well. We don’t catch the signs of thirst in a timely way because our blood vessels are less flexible. That causes our brains to not realize we are thirsty. Even mild dehydration can make us weak and confused, cause

urinary tract infections, low blood pressure, and can lead to severe health risks like heat stroke. Dehydration is a primary cause of falling among older adults. Also, people with dementia and Alzheimer’s may forget they need to drink, which can cause a major health issue. How you can ensure you are getting enough fluids:

Drink something with every meal, snack or pill you have.

When you feel thirsty, don’t wait; this is your body’s signal that it needs water.

Eat foods with high moisture content like fruits or vegetables.

Generally, 6 – 8 glasses of fluids per day are appropriate (unless medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, rule out this amount). Monitor urine output. If your urine is yellow or has a strong smell, you likely need to drink more!

Drink frequently during the day, rather than drinking large amounts at one time.

Keep glasses of water and/or a water pitcher available throughout the day wherever you are (in bed, on the patio, in a favorite seating area in the house).

Remember, if you are on diuretics (“water pill”), you need to drink MORE fluids and are at higher risk of dehydration.

What are good drink choices? Water is your best choice for drinking, whether plain, carbonated, or with added flavors. We in the East Bay have access to excellent water, so bottled water is unnecessary. Coffee and tea will actually count towards your fluid needs, despite the fact that they have caffeine. Make a healthier choice! Water is the best! – Add a slice of orange, lemon, lime, berries or

cucumber to your water for great flavor and no calories. Non-fat or low-fat milk 100% fruit juice (limit juice to ½ cup) Unsweetened tea Diet soda (occasionally)


Members participating in field trips

Please DO NOT park in the Senior Center parking lots. Be mindful of any parking restrictions in the areas surrounding the senior centers, such as: street cleaning; area

time limits, etc.

Excursions Leaving from NORTH Berkeley Senior Center Fill out a Field Trip Request and turn it in to the front desk, or call North Berkeley Senior Center by 4:30 pm on the first business day of the month to sign up for the lottery.

A lottery will be held on the second business day of the month to determine trip participant place-ment. Late sign-ups will be listed on a first-come, first-served basis depending on space available.

Participants must call to determine their spot on the trip list.

Excursions Leaving from SOUTH Berkeley Senior Center Fill out a Field Trip Request and turn it in to the front desk, or call South Berkeley Senior Center starting at 9:00 am on the first business day of the month.

Spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. Once spaces on the bus are filled, participants will be placed on the wait list.

Participants may only make trip reservations for themselves.

RETURN TRIP: Drivers will wait no more than 15 minutes after the agreed meeting time for field trip participants to board the bus. Once the bus departs, participants will be responsible for their own return transportation. Please plan accordingly!

For complete information about signing up for trips, please see senior center staff.

Some trips may include walking on unpaved or uneven surfaces or may have other challenges. The key below will help to identify walking condi-tions.

Light walking: Minimal walking. Usually a short distance directly from the shuttle to a venue like the movies or a restaurant.

Moderate walking: May include a longer distance from the shuttle to the venue. Walking such as part of a tour or browsing a shopping mall may be included.

Heavy walking and/or uneven surfaces: Trip may largely consist of walking around and/or may be outdoors such as the county fair or botanical gardens.

Accessibility

Transportation to our trips is accessible to all participants. Most assistive mobility devices are allowed on the shuttles. Wheelchair bound passengers MUST occupy their wheelchair while

aboard the shuttle at all times.


Golden Corral (Concord) Date: Tuesday, 5/7/19 Time: 10:30am—3:00pm Admission: $11.19 buffet (65+), $2.69 beverage Transportation: $2.00 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking

Oakland A’s vs. Cincinnati Reds (Oakland) Date: Thursday, 5/9/19 Time: 11:00 am—3:00 pm Admission: Free Transportation: $5.00/parking Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: moderate; heavy walk-ing/stairs

Go to the Movies! (To be determined) Date: Tuesday, 5/14/19 Time: To be determined Admission: $6.00 Transportation: Free Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Short; Light walking

Cherry Picking (Brentwood) Date: Wednesday, 5/22/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:00pm Admission: No cost to enter/ PAY THE PRICE OF WHAT YOU PICKED! CASH ONLY. Transportation: $2.00 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Heavy walking & uneven surfaces

Pier 39 (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 5/28/19 Time: 10:30 am—3:00 pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2.00 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Heavy walking and/or uneven surfaces

Bedford Gallery / Downtown (Walnut Creek) Date: Tuesday, 5/7/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm Admission: Free Transportation: Free Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking

Crocker Museum / Downtown (Sacramento) Date: Tuesday, 05/14/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking

Cherry Picking (Brentwood) Date: Wednesday, 5/22/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:00pm Admission: No cost to enter/ PAY THE PRICE OF WHAT YOU PICKED! CASH ONLY. Transportation: $2.00 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Heavy walking & uneven surfaces

Sausalito Ferry to SF (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 5/28/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm Admission: Senior 65+ $6.25 / Adult $12.50 Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (San Francisco) Date: Tuesday, 6/4/19 Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm Admission: Free Transportation: $2 Lunch: On your own Trip Length & Walk Score: Long; Moderate walking


ATTENTION: Members may sign up via the Field Trip sign-up to participate in shopping trips departing from South Berkeley Senior Center.

SHOPPING

Day Where Time

Wed, 5/8 Foods Co./ Meat Market

12:30 - 3:30 pm

Wed, 5/15 Safeway 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Tues, 5/21 Walmart 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Wed, 5/29 Food Maxx/Big Lots

12:30 - 3:00 pm

Tues, 6/4 Costco 10:30 - 1:00 pm

Day Date Time

Monday 5/6; 5/13 10 am - 12 pm

Thursday 5/2; 5/9; 5/16; 5/23; 5/30

1:00 - 3:00 pm

ERRANDS

SHOPPING

Day Where Time

Mon, 5/6 Safeway 11 am - 2 pm

Thurs, 5/9 Costco* 11 am - 2 pm

Mon, 5/13 Lucky’s / El Cerrito Plaza

11 am - 2 pm

Tues, 5/23 Costco* 11 am - 2 pm

Mon, 6/3 Berkeley Bowl 11 am - 2 pm

*ATTENTION: Members must sign up via the Field Trip lottery to participate in trips to Costco, departing from North Berkeley Senior Center. Must have a Costco Membership to participate.

Day Date Time

Friday 5/10 1:30 - 3:30 pm

SBSC Mobile Food Pantry

Friday 5/24 1:30 - 3:30 pm

*Folding carts OK. Must be folded while on the bus.


ter member to participate. Bring your own gro-cery bag!

Trader Joe’s Lottery Trader Joe’s donates of variety of food which consists of produce, dry goods & perishables. The groceries are given away at lotteries held at both Senior Centers. Must be a senior center member to participate. Ask staff at your senior center about how to participate.

South Berkeley Senior Center Monday & Tuesday 11:00 AM

North Berkeley Senior Center Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 11:00 AM

Other Community Food Resources

There are other community resources to help lessen the effects of food insecurity.

Berkeley Food Pantry 1600 Sacramento Street in Berkeley

2 - 4 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

What you will receive from the pantry depends on the size of your family. Everyone receives a selection of USDA food as long as it is availa-ble. Households of adults only will also receive a selection of items purchased by or donated to the pantry. This includes shelf stable sta-ples, frozen meat, and a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and bread.

Identification: To receive food you need to bring a photo ID each time you come to the pantry.

Proof of Residence: On your first visit you will also need to bring something to confirm your Berkeley or Albany address. Acceptable documentation

could be: Piece of mail with your current address; Rental or lease agreement; Utility bill; Another recent document with your cur-rent address.

CalFresh (formerly food stamps, also known as SNAP)

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase food products for human consumption, including seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food. In Alameda County, the average monthly benefit amount is approximately $140.

For the first time EVER in California, hundreds of thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who receive SSI/SSP benefits will be able to apply for CalFresh food benefits beginning June 1, 2019.

To contact CalFresh directly, call: (800) 870-3663 or via the web: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh

Keep an eye out at your senior center in the coming months, for CalFresh Eligibility Workshops to learn more about this important benefit! (see page 2)

Please complete our brief Transportation Survey! Your input will help us provide useful and reliable transportation for you. Surveys will be available in early-May, at the front desk at both the North and South Berkeley Senior Centers and mailed to those who are current BPS users. Complete and return the survey by May 20th, and you will be eligible to enter a RAFFLE and win a GIFT CARD!


Shida Shirkhani (pronounced Shee-dah), wasborn in 1963. She grew up in Tehran, the capital of Iran. In her adult years, Shida worked as a childcare provider for over 10 years, and enjoyed working with young children. Wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of the crowded city of Tehran, she migrated to the United States in 2000. Shida later began a new career as an In-Home Supportive Services caregiver in 2014. It was no surprise that she enjoyed help-ing older adults in their homes as much as she did caring for younger children back then.

Shida has been involved with North Berkeley Senior Center since 2014 as a Trader Joe’s Volunteer. On Wednesday through Friday, you will find her smiling and helping with setting up, sorting, and distributing Trader Joe’s dona-tions.

In her free time, Shida enjoys listening to music and helping others, especially seniors! As she puts it, “I am most energized when I help seniors!”

We thank Shida for her continued dedication and contributions to the North Berkeley Senior Center.

The Berkeley Senior Centers are looking for volunteers to help with several of our programs. Join our volunteer workforce and make a difference in the lives of your fellow Berkeley community members!

The following programs could REALLY use YOUR help:

Mobile Food Pantry GroceryDistributionLocation: South BerkeleyDay(s)/Time: 2nd & 4th Fridays

2 - 3:30 pm Coffee Bar

Location: North & South Berkeley sitesDay(s)/Times: Monday - Friday

9:30 am - 1:30 pm Trader Joe’s Distribution

Location: North & South Berkeley sitesDay(s)/Time: Monday - Thursday

11 - 11:30 am Mercy Brown Bag Distribution

Location: South BerkeleyDay(s)/Time: 1st & 3rd Fridays

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The days and times listed are meant to demonstrate the general time frames during which you can volunteer.

For more information, call: (510) 981-5194 Or email: [email protected]


The following organizations, groups and agen-cies offer caregivers a variety of resources, ranging from support services and webinars to tip sheets, care guides and how-to videos.

AARP Family Caregiving www.aarp.org/caregiving/ Find free care guides, legal checklists, care op-tions and an online community that supports all types of family caregivers.

Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org 800-272-3900Information and support for people with Alzhei-mer's disease and their caregivers. Operates a24/7 helpline and offers care navigator tools.

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center www.archrespite.org Find programs and services that allow caregiv-ers to get a break from caring for a loved one.

Caregiver Action Network www.caregiveraction.org Formerly known as the National Family Caregiv-ers Association, it provides information and ed-ucation for family caregivers, including a volun-teer support network in over 40 states.

Community Resource Finder www.communityresourcefinder.org Easy access to a comprehensive listing of Alzhei-mer’s and dementia resources, community pro-grams and services.

Eldercare Locator www.eldercare.gov 800-677-1116Connects caregivers to local services and re-sources for older adults and adults with disabili-ties across the United States.

Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org 800-445-8106Information, education and services for familycaregivers, including the Family Care Navigator,a state-by-state list of services and assistance.

Hospice Foundation of America www.hospicefoundation.org 800-854-3402

Provides information on issues related to hospice and end-of-life care

Medicare www.medicare.gov 800-MedicareProvides information about the parts of Medi-care, what's new and how to find Medicare plans,facilities or providers.

National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org A coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues.

National Institute on Aging Information Center www.nia.nih.gov 800-222-2225Research leader on aging issues; information oncommon age-related health problems.

The National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Information www.longtermcare.gov Information and tools to plan for future long-term care needs.

Social Security Administration www.socialsecurity.gov 800-772-1213Information on retirement and disability bene-fits, including how to sign up.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program www.shiptacenter.org A program that offers one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medi-care and their families.

Veterans Administration www.caregiver.va.gov 855-260-3274Support and services for families caring for veter-ans. Maintains a VA caregiver support line.

Well Spouse Association www.wellspouse.org 800-838-0879Provides support for spousal caregivers.

Source: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/local/info-2017/important-resources-for-caregivers.html

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/local/info-2017/important-resources-for-caregivers.html


SBSC Advisory Council Meeting Day: Wednesday, 5/1/19 Time: 10:30 – 11:30am Location: Conference Room A

SBSC Trip Planning Committee Day: Thursday,5/2/19 Time: 10:00 – 10:30am Location: Office A

Alameda Alliance Information Table Day: Thursday, 5/2/19 Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm Location: Dining Room

Movie Day: “Crazy Rich Asians” Day: Friday, 5/3/19 Time: 1:00pm Location: Game Room

Brown Bag Program Distribution Donated by Mercy Retirement Care Center Day: Friday, 5/3/19 & 5/17/19 Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm Location: Front Desk

Alameda Alliance Presentation Day: Monday, 5/6/19 Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm Location: Multipurpose Room

Free Blood Pressure Check provided by Lifelong Medical CareDay: Mondays, 5/6/19 & 5/13/19 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Dining Room

Herb Potting and Planting Class Day: Tuesday, 5/7/19 Time: 10:00am – 11:00am Location: SBSC Patio

Mobile Food Pantry Donated by The Seed to Flower Collaborative Day: Friday, 5/10/19 & 5/24/19 Time: 2:00 – 3:30pm Location: Parking lot

CalFresh (Food Stamps) Eligibility Workshop for SSI/SSP Recipients Day: Monday, 5/13/19 Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm Location: Dining Room

More Than Food Cooking Demonstration by UC Berkeley’s Blood Pressure Project & City of Berkeley’s Heart 2 Heart Program Day: Friday, 5/17/19 Time: 11:00am -1:00pm Location: Dining room

Gray Panthers Meeting Topic: Affordable Housing Day: Wednesday, 5/15/19 Time: 1:30 –3:30 pm Location: Harriet Tubman Terrace

2870 Adeline St., Berkeley

Commission on Aging Meeting Day: Wednesday, 5/22/19 Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm Location: Conference Room A


Alameda Alliance for Health (the Alli-ance) is a public, not-for-profit managed care health plan committed to making high quality health care services accessi-ble and affordable to lower-income people of Alameda County. Come to the presentation to learn about the services for seniors.

Learn about nutrition and how to cook healthy cultural foods. Sample what is prepared!

Join us in the garden! We will be planting herbs and tending to the garden beds. Tools and supplies will be provided. No prior gardening experience necessary.

Celebrate April, May, & June birthdays with cake, live music, friends, and FUN! Everyone is welcome!


Prevent Bone FracturesDay: Thursday, 5/2/2019 Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Location: Classroom 1

Groundbreaking Ceremony: North Berkeley Senior Center @ HearstDay: Thursday, 5/2/2019 (subject to change) Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm Location: 1901 Hearst Street Description: Celebrate the beginning of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony for the North Berkeley Senior Center.

NBSC Trip Planning Committee Day: Thursday, 5/2/19 Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Location: Alcove 1

Brown Bag Program Donated by Mercy Retirement Care CenterDay: Fridays, 5/3/19 & 5/17/19 Time: 12:00 - 2:00pm Location: Classroom 1 Additional: If you would like to register, please bring proof of Income and ID.

NBSC Advisory Council Meeting Day: Wednesday, 5/08/19 Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am Location: Classroom 3

Movie Day: “Grand-Daddy Day Care” (2019) Day: Wednesday, 5/8/19 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Location: Classroom 3

FREE Blood Pressure Checks Provided by Life Long Medical Care Day: Wednesdays, 5/08; 5/15; 5/22/19 Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Alcove 1

Adult Abuse Prevention Workshop: Trivia Game With PrizesDay: Thursday, 5/9/19 Time: 1:00 – 2:30pm Location: Dining Room

Clothing Giveaway Day: Friday, 5/10/19 Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Location: Classroom 1

Eviction Defense Information Desk Day: 2nd Monday of Month – 5/13/2019 Time: 10:30 - 11:30am Location: Dining Room

May Birthday Party Day: Wednesday, 5/15/19 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm Location: Dining Room

Travel Training (Part 1): Workshop Day: Wednesday, 5/15/19 Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: Classroom 2

Travel Training (Part 2): Field Trip Day: Thursday, 5/16/19 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Location: In the Field

CalFresh (Food Stamps) Eligibility Workshop for SSI/SSP Recipients Day: Friday 5/17/19 Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Location: Classroom 2

Movie Day: “The Mule” (2019) Day: Wednesday, 5/22/19 Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm Location: Classroom 3


Afro-Cuban Song & Basic Rhythms With Judith Justiz, and her husband, Cliff Day: Every Wednesday Time: 10:00 – 11:30am Location: Classroom 4

Expand your horizons and travel options! Learn to ride Alameda County’s public transit to get where you want to go with confi-

dence, independence and ease. Learn safe-ty tips, how to transfer between transit systems and many more of the necessary skills to ride AC Transit, BART and other Bay Area forms of public transit. FREE Lunch provided both days! Receive a FREE Clipper Card to use on the field trip!

Learn how medical conditions, medications, and family histo-ry can affect your risk for fractures.

Learn how to spot signs of abuse and other helpful strategies through an inter-active trivia game!

Get information on how to protect yourself from eviction.

Celebrate May birthdays with music, cake, friends, and fun! Everyone is welcome!


Aging Services Division 1901 Hearst Avenue Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 981-5200

The City of Berkeley Aging Services Division welcomes participants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, veterans’ status, disabilities (physical & mental), and medical condition (including cancer & HIV status).

Tri City Café Lunch Program Lunch is served daily at both Senior Center locations at 12:00 PM (unless otherwise noted)

$3 for members 60+ (suggested contribution) $5 for members 55 - 59

Cash, and weekly or monthly checks accepted. No one 60+ is turned away for inability to contribute.

Senior Center membership is FREE and EASY for community members aged 55 and over! Call or visit your senior center today for more information about how to join.

Email: [email protected] Web: www.cityofberkeley.info/aging

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