Our Calendars Turn to January 2022
Hello everyone, 

The holidays are behind us, and a new year begins. And the rain has certainly been a delightful way to slip into winter. Our two educational events this month focus on climate change, an on-going concern, and getting smarter as we age, also an on-going concern! The present is always a good time to get further informed about our ever-changing world and strategize creatively on how to give and get the most out of life. Two important resources we want to share: first, a flyer listing information and contacts for low-income folks, especially those at risk for homelessness, and second, another flyer that details a program that may assist you in reducing your electric bill. Being safe and secure are often on our minds these days-do take care and stay engaged!


The Age Friendly Fairfax Task Force: Jody Timms, Barbara Coler, Susan A. Brandborg, Francie Bedinger, Anne Mannes, Jessica Price,
and Jackie Engstrom. 
Aging in Fairfax, everybody's doing it!
Upcoming Events:

January 6:  Commission on Aging
January 6:  Ross Valley Seniors
January 19: Breakfast with Friends
January 26: Age Friendly Marin Forum
January 28: Age Friendly Fairfax Task Force Meeting
Marin County Commission on Aging

January 6, 10-11am

“Under the Weather Climate Change Impacts on Older Adults.” Climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. In a 2019 assessment conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, it was one of the most frequently indicated concerns of all older adults in Marin. This presentation will show that while temperature fluctuations, extreme weather events and climate change impact all populations, they disproportionately impact older adults. By attending, participants will: understand the impacts of California's wildfires and smoke on health and COVID outcomes; learn about the mental health aspects of disasters associated with climate disruption; and understand the impacts of extreme heat on mood, behavior and cognition. Featured Presenters: Dr. Mary Prunicki, Director of Air Pollution and Health Research, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Dr. Robin Cooper, Associate Clinical Professor, University of California San Francisco. 


Join Zoom Meeting-Closed Captioning Available
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81902006054?pwd=aE1nT3VUOFl2VFNrZVEzU0NJVXNBQT09 

Meeting ID: 819 0200 6054   Passcode: 542097   
Dial in number 1+ (669) 900-6833 
Ross Valley Seniors

January 6, 11-2pm

Please e-mail Kevin MacLeod at kmacleod@townofsananselmo.org or call 415-258-4669 to RSVP or for more details.
Age Friendly Marin "Breakfast with Friends"

Wednesday,January 19, 9:30-10:30am

Socializing is important for all and it's fun to connect. Join us for coffee, tea and/or breakfast and a friendly and enjoyable chat at Barefoot Café, in person!  
Age Friendly Marin Forum

January 26, 10:30 - 11:45 am

“Getting Smarter About Getting Older: A Conversation.”  We are living longer. Today, 28% of Marin residents are over 60 years old. This number is expected to increase to 34% by 2030. The number of people 80 and older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050. As we start the New Year, please join us for a conversation about strategies and ideas that you are using to get smarter as you age! Topics may include: Nurturing strong and stable relationships that continue to serve us (and letting go of those that don’t); Asking for and getting help; Hacks – simple, clever, and elegant tips, shortcuts, or techniques for accomplishing some familiar tasks more easily and efficiently; and Addressing ageism and the indignities of old age.  

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 520 207 8153   Passcode: 572332   
Join by phone at 1-669-900-9128

Please Note: Prior Age Friendly Marin Forums are available on our You Tube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2hzXPyuTSKm2N6pYdkmGw/featured

Age Friendly Fairfax Task Force Meeting

January 28, 9:15-10:30 am

Curious about Age Friendly Fairfax? You’re welcome to attend our monthly meeting, bring your questions, feedback, ideas and energy!  

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 935 7484  Passcode: 398715  
Dial in number 1+ (408) 638-0968 
Fairfax Recreation Classes

Free online classes for older adults such as our popular yoga classes. We are offering six classes per week!

Mondays 
Mat Yoga 9:30-10:45
Chair Yoga 12:00-1:00

Wednesdays 
Mat Yoga 9:30-10:45
Chair Yoga 12:00-1:00

Fridays 
Mat Yoga 9:30-10:45
Chair Yoga 12:00-1:00


For a full list of current classes and how to register, click here.

Dance a la Moxie

This class is taking a winter break. Classes will resume in early 2022. Check the website for updates.
Questions about services for older adults?  
Call 415-473-4636 (INFO)
Local News & Resources:

Marin County:
Age Friendly Sausalito is offering free on-line courses, “Tai Chi for Arthritis.” To enroll, go to: http://www.sausalito.gov/adultclasses. For questions, contact: agefriendlysausalito@gmail.com or call (415) 331-1393.

Emergency Preparedness! Sign up for Alert Marin and Nixle.

ALERT MARIN
The Alert Marin Emergency Notification System delivers incident-specific information or potentially life-saving instruction to the precise geographic area(s) affected. Emergency situations may include:
  • flooding, wildfires, and subsequent evacuations;
  • public safety incidents including crimes that affect your neighborhood;
  • post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies.

When do we use Alert Marin?
When ACTION is needed at a SPECIFIC ADDRESS or NEIGHBORHOOD
  • Imminent flooding, wildfires, and evacuations with life safety implications
  • During-event information about evacuation routes, shelters, transportation
  • Other public safety incidents where lives may be at risk


NIXLE
Nixle is an emergency notification system. Nixle is used: 
  • When INFORMATION is needed in a ZIP CODE 
  • Road closures, general updates, issues affecting larger areas 
  • Post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies 
  • Police activity and general public safety information 



Free Rides for Seniors & ADA: https://marintransit.org/farepromotions  Free rides on local fixed route service countywide are available for older adults (age 65 or older) and persons with disabilities. This will be a 6-month pilot starting from October 1, 2021 and will continue through March 31, 2022. Paratransit, Catch-A-Ride, Dial-A-Ride, Connect and Muir Woods Shuttle will be exempt from the free fare offerings. This offering is not valid on Golden Gate Transit routes. Seniors must have a valid Medicare Card, DMV ID card/license, valid LIFA Bus Pass or senior ID from another California transit service. Persons with disabilities must have a DMV Disabled Placard ID, RTC card, Medicare card, valid LIFA Bus Pass or ID card for persons with disabilities from another transit service. Personal service assistants will not be eligible for free rides and will continue to pay 50% off the adult cash fare ($1) when accompanying a person with disabilities.

Town of Fairfax: 
Are you receiving the weekly Town of Fairfax Newsletter? If not, we really encourage you to do so as there is LOTS of news, information and events listed including: 


  • The Climate Action Plan 2030 was adopted at the July 7th Town Council meeting with a goal of getting to zero emissions by 2030. If you aren’t already, consider signing up for 100% renewable energy through MCE Deep Green.  Sign up here - it is super easy and takes less than five minutes.

  • New vegetation management and home hardening grants will become available soon through the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority—keep an eye out for them in the Town newsletter to see if you qualify.

  • Click this link to start receiving the Town’s newsletter asap!
Fairfax Library: 

Check out these three new resources through the library for computers and training: 

  • Our Computers for the Community Program was created to provide discounted desktop and laptop computers to members of our community who may not be able to afford a full price machine. These computers are the same as our standard Renew builds except we are now able to offer them at a reduced cost to you (under $200).  Renewcomputers.com
  • If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed. FREE, To access these brief tutorials you'll need a strong internet connection and a computer with speakers or headphones. https://www.digitallearn.org/

  • All Things Apple: learn how to get the most out of your Apple devices by joining Beryn Hammil on Zoom every Tuesday at 2-3 pm and 4-5 pm.  Pre-registration is required for each 1-hour class. Invitations to register will be emailed each Thursday for the following Tuesday’s class. You must register for each class individually. New students, please email Shereen at: sash@marincounty.org to get started. Each topic is relevant for the Apple iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer. https://marinlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events


Check out the California Chronicles, an initiative that shines a light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of our older population! The project will collect stories from older Californians in the form of audio and video recordings, oral histories, written histories and photographs. It is a project of the State Library which has partnered with the California Department of Aging and our Fairfax librarians are available to assist you in being part of this project. Call the library or stop at the desk to find out more.
Wondering what IS Age Friendly Fairfax??