Well, I'm back from my annual vacation, this year spending it with friends and family in Germany and Switzerland. Though the weather wasn't the best - sun, rain, fog, wind, snow - we nevertheless enjoyed the "Kuchen" (cake) with relatives, hikes through the alpine forests and local specialties that brought back culinary memories. While the time together was (always) too short, it is nice to be back home.

 

Arriving at my house, I was quickly challenged with the prospects of a power outage and preparations. The messages on my voicemail were from PG&E, explaining the probability of a blackout. The lights in our garage blew out as I first turned them on, leaving me scrambling to find a flashlight to do my four loads of wash. Our car had a flat and the bin of mail, held at the post office, sat by the doorstep, loaded with bills (which I pay online.) The reality of life and the possibility of not having electricity hit and I had to immediately turn my thoughts to "what do I need if the electricity goes out?"

 

For some of you, you may not be reading this until your power comes back on, but for those who can, you may want to consider the following:

 

1. Locate your flashlights AND make sure the batteries are working. Place them where they are easy to locate and where you need them most.

 

2. Charge, charge, charge those batteries of smart phones, laptops, and any other device (hearing aid powering stations) that you may need. Check your emergency alert devices as well to understand if they will respond without electricity (landline vs. internet connection)

 

3. Make sure you have gas in your car. Don't let it go below ½ full.

 

4. Have water on hand. If you have glass dispensers, fill and chill them now.

 

5. Review your individual emergency plan. These are important for major emergencies, but having your power out for a few days, could cause other unplanned issues. Where can you go if the power is out for a while? What do you need if you want to stay at home? (See some resources below.)

 

6. If your phone goes down when the electricity goes out, is there someone who will check in on you? Call a friend or family member now and decide upon a plan.

 

7. Have some cash on hand - make sure some are lower denominations ($1, $5, $10's)

 

I know there are many more things to think about, but this is just a start.

 

If you would like Marin Villages to set up a "check in" call, let us know. While we cannot respond to immediate emergencies, we are working through processes that can help members stay and feel safe.  

There are some very good emergency information alerts available online.  These will send you a text, notifying you of power outages, fire alerts or other safety alerts in your specific areas.  Below are a few for which you can sign up to receive notifications:

Also, as the power outages hit different areas, many of the community centers and libraries will serve as charging stations, allowing residents to chance to come in, feel safe, use the internet and charge batteries.  Obviously, these can change as conditions do, but keep them in mind as a resource. 

In Memory
  

Events "Around the Villages"

Marin Villages Volunteer Training

Twin Cities Villages and Age Friendly Speaker Series - New Ideas for Those Aching Joints

Wednesday, October 16        11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Where: Corte Madera Intergenerational Center

498 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera

Are hip or knee problems holding you back? Come and find out how to reclaim your quality of life, and learn the secrets to unlocking your full potential. Corte Madera Physical Therapist, Danielle Sartori, will give you tips on how to reduce pain and improve mobility with exercises that can be done in the comfort of your home. Danielle's team of experts believes in a modern approach to physical therapy with a combination of movement-based individual sessions, a home exercise program, Healthy Joints small group exercise classes, and an open gym community. Presenter: Danielle Sartori, PT, DPT, CSCS

Wednesday, October 23, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Marin Center Exhibitor Hall, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael

The Marin Senior Fair presents a fun and varied collection of vendors, activities, information, services, and entertainment of interest to retirees, older adults, their families and caregivers.  This is a great venue for learning about services, programs and organizations focused on the needs and interests of older adults. 

Marin Villages will be participating at this event in our own booth, so come on by and say hello!     Click here for more info.

Social Connection: The Key to Aging Well

Monday, October 14th at 6:30

Jason's Community Room, 300 Drake's Landing, Greenbrae

Learn how the lack of social connection increases the likelihood of dementia, anxiety,
high blood pressure and more, and how you can take control of your health as you age.  

Free to the public.  No need to register.  Click here to read the flyer.

Volunteer CFP® professional will be available one-on-one to answer questions on personal
finance topics, including investing, budgeting, estate planning, paying for college, taxes,
retirement planning, buying a home... you name it! This is an opportunity to speak with a
financial professional in a safe environment, free of charge. Volunteers will not engage in
marketing or promotions. This once-a-year event is the perfect time to achieve mastery over
your finances.

The event will simultaneously include group seminars on the following topics: "Estate Planning is for Everyone!," "What the New Tax Law Means for Individuals," and "Re-evaluating Insurance after the California Wildfires." Consultations will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Walk-ins are welcome. Learn more at www.bafpd.org and register on Eventbrite
at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marin-financial-planning-day-2019-tickets-72874400293.

CLICK HERE FOR the FLYER

Be part of this  online summit about Trauma. See how understanding and learning how to manage trauma can make a positive change in individuals and the world. Trauma affects everyone, even those who aren't directly impacted.  Join to get full access to the First Ever Collective Trauma Online Summit to Learn from 25+ Leading Visionaries, Psychotherapists, Mediators, Researchers & Peacemakers

A huge "thank you" to our 10th Anniversary Sponsors!