LIGHTS OF LIFE

Lights of Life has been a joyous celebration of the memories of our loved ones for ten years at West Marin Senior Services.  In 2000, it started as a tribute honoring the memories, dreams and spirits of those who have passed on, and donations have benefitted West Marin Senior Services. On Friday, Dec. 3, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. we invite the community to a brief candle lighting ceremony in front of the Wells Fargo Bank.  Aftera few holiday songs from Harmony Grisman and Heart Song Circle, we all blow out our candles, and the tree magically lights with lovely decorations. We thank Pacific Slope for continuing to install these decorations that are enjoyed throughout the holidays. Donations in memory of your loved ones are welcomed, benefitting West Marin Senior Services.  

CARING FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS
As we move into the holiday season, reflect, pause and give thanks, for we have a lot to appreciate. Take time out for yourself, knowing that the work continues. We appreciate the caring people in this community who graciously give their time, talent and treasures to enrich the lives of elders in West Marin. If you, or someone you know, needs a caregiver, assistance with meals, transportation, or companionship please call us, especially during this holiday season.   The WMSS staff are caring, competent, compassionate and ready to help. Together, we make a difference. 

Natalia takes Jimmy out for a ride.
Photo - Laura Sherman

TRANSPORTATION – Solutions are Coming
Losing a driver’s license is often the biggest fear seniors experience in trying to stay in their West Marin home. For years, transportation has been identified as the number one challenge for seniors in our community. Now, we finally have some relief. WMSS has just received a federal grant through Marin Transit to provide mileage reimbursements to volunteer drivers who take seniors to medical appointments and errands.  We encourage seniors to find their own drivers, and we will reimburse mileage expenses incurred by a friend, neighbor, or IHSS worker who provides the transportation. Whether someone needs transportation locally in West Marin or for trips “over the hill”, this program can make the difference in keeping West Marin seniors in our community. Details regarding reimbursements and procedures will not be available until the end of December. Implementation begins January 1, 2011. Please call Chloe Cook, Volunteer Coordinator, at 663-8148 to volunteer.  We will need drivers and volunteers to help coordinate the program.

MATCHING GRANT
We are pleased to have received a two-year $25,000 matching grant from the Mardelle Buss Fund. We have the pro-bono support of landscape architects Meeks, Coates and Eaton, Inc. to create a landscape design for Stockstill House and include a donor recognition patio/path for West Marin Senior Services. We will begin by honoring new and previous donors who have contributed $1,000 or more in a fiscal year during the last ten years. We will use this grant money to match new donations of at least $500. Next year we will celebrate the 35th year of West Marin Senior Services, and this is our way to thank previous and new donors for their support.