Due to COVID-19 and the Shelter In Place order issued by the Berkeley Health Officer, BERKELEY SENIOR CENTERS REMAIN CLOSED for the safety of our ...
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Due to COVID-19 and the Shelter In Place order issued by the Berkeley Health
Officer, BERKELEY SENIOR CENTERS REMAIN CLOSED for the safety of our patrons.
For the latest news about the COVID-19 response in Berkeley, go to:
https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid-19/
Here we are, in the early days of a new year. After months of
tumultuous change, our paths ahead may seem uncertain and
our struggles can feel overwhelming. But as Tina Turner said
in a recent interview, "…real joy doesn’t mean having a
problem-free life. True and lasting happiness comes from
having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no
matter what." So rather than focus on our hardships, for now
let us take some time to give thanks for some of the ways
that we, as a community, have helped each other through
challenging times and created possibilities for clearer future
paths.
Over video links and telephone calls we have shared laughter and tears and everything in
between. These shared moments can’t be measured or given a neat label, but a simple
moment of understanding can change our whole outlook. We’ve also spread word with each
other about how to get necessities like food and transportation. Mutual aid groups have been
formed and volunteers have stepped up to staff food banks. Neighbors and friends have taken
to regularly checking up on each other, distributing masks and helping with household
tasks. Movements for social justice have risen in a continuation of the spirit of growth and
equity. During elections, many people who stood in voting lines for hours refused to leave
before their vote was cast, knowing that prior generations of people had made hard sacrifices
in order to gain the right to vote. We are now seeing the roll out of vaccines and we can take
some moments to take a breath, summon our courage yet again, and imagine the eventual
re-opening of our treasured community spaces.
With perseverance and resilience, we have held together and worked to keep each other as
safe as possible. It hasn’t been easy, and our journey isn’t over. But thanks to each and every
kind deed and expression of care, every committed action for justice, every quiet moment that
honors our ancestors, we have a future to reach towards. Looking forward with hope in the new
year! -Gregory Hagan
Source: V (formerly Ensler, E.) (2020, Dec. 8). Tina Turner: 'When I was in the zone, it was like I was fly-
ing' The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/
Page The Nugget, January 2021
Give us a call or send an e-mail! Dear Aging Services volunteers,
While both Berkeley Senior
Centers remain closed, due to I want to acknowledge and thank you for your
the COVID-19 shelter in place incredible acts of service in 2020. I know your
volunteerism was abbreviated due to the pandemic,
order, staff continue to provide
but please know that WE APPRECIATE what
information and assistance to participants.
you’ve been able to do to help our seniors, our
Over the phone, we can help you to connect senior centers, and Meals on Wheels.
with community services and resources. We I miss seeing your cheerful faces, and I hope to see
also help to fill out applications such as you in the New Year.
HEAP, East Bay Paratransit, Berkeley Rides,
Section 8 renewal, housing applications, IHSS Please stay safe and healthy. Happy New Year to
and CalFresh. We look forward to assisting you all!
you!
Warmly,
Tanya Bustamante
Email anytime: Seniors@cityofberkeley.info Aging Services Manager
Although our programs are CLOSED TO THE
PUBLIC by order of the City of Berkeley
Health Officer, we are still working to serve
you! Program contact information is listed here. We want to hear from YOU! This a friendly
reminder to complete, and send your Senior
Senior Centers Center Satisfaction survey back by January 15th
for a chance to be entered
into a raffle for a $25 gift
card!
Once you’ve completed the
Meals on Wheels, (510) 981-5250 survey it can be mailed
Social Services, (510) 981-5180 back in the enclosed
stamped envelope; returned
Email: Seniors@cityofberkeley.info to your meal delivery
You may email, or call us any time to leave a driver; or dropped off at any curbside program
message, but please be aware that staff will such as Grab & Go or Mercy Brown Bag!
not be able to respond to messages until the
hours listed above. We appreciate your We look forward to hearing from you!
patience!
Page 2 The Nugget, January 2021
Due to COVID-19 and in an effort to keep everyone safe, we will take up to two (2) people at a time food
shopping. Shopping trips are offered on a first come, first served basis and you will be picked up from and
dropped off at your home by our bus driver.
Participants are expected to follow CDC and City of Berkeley COVID-19 guidelines by wearing a mask,
sanitizing their hands and practicing physical distancing of 6-feet from each other.
To reserve your spot, call (510) 981-5170 or (510) 981-5190.
You must call at least two (2) business days in advance to schedule.
Day Where Time
Mon, 1/4/21 Safeway (Rose & Shattuck) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues, 1/5/21 Grocery Outlet (Oakland) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 1/6/21 El Cerrito Plaza (Trader Joes’s & Lucky’s) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thurs, 1/7/21 Dollar Store (Berkeley) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Mon, 1/11/21 Safeway (Rose & Shattuck) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues, 1/12/21 El Cerrito Plaza (Trader Joes’s & Lucky’s) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 1/13/21 Berkeley Bowl (West) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thurs, 1/14/21 Grocery Outlet (Oakland) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fri, 1/15/21 Safeway (Rose & Shattuck) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Mon, 1/18/21 Safeway (Rose & Shattuck) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues, 1/19/21 Grocery Outlet (Oakland) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 1/20/21 El Cerrito Plaza (Trader Joes’s & Lucky’s) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thurs, 1/21/21 Berkeley Bowl (West) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fri, 1/22/21 Sprout’s (Albany) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Mon, 1/25/21 Safeway (Rose & Shattuck) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues, 1/26/21 Grocery Outlet (Oakland) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 1/27/21 Berkeley Bowl (West) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thurs, 1/28/21 Dollar Store (Gilman) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fri, 1/29/21 Safeway (Shattuck/Rose) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Mon, 2/1/21 Safeway (Shattuck/Rose 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues, 2/2/21 Grocery Outlet (Oakland) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, 2/3/21 El Cerrito Plaza (Trader Joes’s & Lucky’s) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thurs, 2/4/21 Berkeley Bowl (West) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fri , 2/5/21 Dollar Store (Gilman) 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Page 3 The Nugget, January 2021
Ann Chandler Public Health Center
830 University Avenue, Berkeley 94710
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:30 - 11:45 am & 1:00 - 3:15 pm
Fridays Join Heart 2 Heart in a safe virtual space for
minutes of guided breathwork, led by Jazmin Hicks.
9:30 - 11:45 am & 1:00 - 1:55 pm
This event is open to the public.
Appointment ONLY. Call now! Guided breathwork is when a person collectively
(510) 981-5350 guides people with breaths.
Curative Flu Vaccine Kiosk Breathwork can support so many of the challenges
people experiences. It has the potential to reduce
1900 Sixth Street (parking lot), Berkeley stress, create feelings of openness, love, peace,
Tuesdays & Thursdays gratitude, clarity, communication, and connec-
8:00 am - 5:30 pm tion. Breathwork may also help release trauma or
mental, physical, and emotional blocks, as well as
To make an appointment, visit: anxiety, depression, fear, grief, and anger.
https://flu.curative.com All are welcome to attend, however breathwork may
Walk-ins welcome! not be appropriate for individuals who experience
Please note: This is not a drive-thru clinic certain psychological or physical conditions. Please
see call for further information to help you
decide if this activity is right for you.
svaladezrio@lifelongmedical.org
Anyone who lives or works in Berkeley can get
tested for FREE. Tests are by appointment,
and are available whether or not you have
symptoms. You must pre-register online
or by phone to make an appointment.
FREE 5-part series of virtual classes to provide
YOU, the caregiver, with tools and resources to
help take better care of YOU and your senior.
Learn about home safety/fall prevention; sleeping
well; behavior management; communication; man-
aging emotions; memory loss/cognitive decline;
https://lhi.care/covidtesting and future/end of life planning.
Classes will be hosted via Zoom on Tuesdays from
10:00—11:30 am. Zoom link will be provided once
you sign up.
Find out about more testing options in Berkeley:
https://www.cityofberkeley.info/covid19-
testing/
Page 4 The Nugget, January 2021
One of the many training courses that I teach in the community focuses on caring for the
caregiver. I give each participant a “Caregiver First-Aid Kit” as a reminder of the special
significance they have in their role as a caregiver for their loved one.
The kit includes the following items:
The MATCH is to strike up and rekindle friendships and call on those friends
when needed. Friends can help you when you need a break from the demands
of providing care to your loved one.
By touching the match to the CANDLE, you are able to let the light shine through in
your daily role as a caregiver.
The POST-IT PAD is for you to be creative and draw.
The CRAYON is for you to use in play, to color your world and to be creative.
The LIFESAVER is to remind you that you are a lifesaver to your loved one by
your willingness to be a caregiver and that others can be a lifesaver to you
when you need it. Just ask for help, and you’ll be happily surprised at the
results.
The MINT is to remind you that you’re worth a “mint” to those who know you.
The HERSHEY’S KISS is a reminder that you are loved and appreciated.
The HEART-SHAPED GEMSTONE is a symbol of how SPECIAL you are to
your loved ones.
I remind each person that they DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE and I THANK them
FOR ALL THAT they DO!
For all of you caregivers who are tirelessly providing care for your loved one every single day,
you are appreciated! Remember to ask for help if you need it, even for an occasional break.
Studies show that those who receive an occasional respite break come back refreshed and re-
charged, and are better able to cope with the demands of daily care.
Source: https://caregiver.com/articles/caregivers-first-aid-kit/
Page 5 The Nugget, January 2021
The Importance of Vitamin D
As we enter into the winter months, and as we reach nearly a year of
sheltering indoors, there’s one vitamin we should pay extra attention
to: Vitamin D. Our body produces this vitamin when we’re in the sun,
but a variety of factors can decrease how much we make, such as dark-
er skin, older age, or obesity. A large percentage of the population is
deficient in Vitamin D, but you’ll need to have a doctor check your
serum 25(OH) D levels to know your status.
What Vitamin D Does:
Works as a team with calcium to keep bones strong and help prevent osteoporosis.
Reduces inflammation and supports a healthy immune system.
Promotes heart health and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Helps regulate proper cell function.
How to Get Vitamin D:
Exposure to the sun, without sunscreen, for anywhere between 5-30 minutes per day, depend-
ing on age and pigmentation of the skin. The kind of UV ray needed to produce vitamin D in
the body, UVB, does not enter through windows, so make sure to go outside to get your
vitamin D. In the winter months, sun exposure may be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.
Consuming vitamin D rich foods and/or taking a supplement may be better options in this
case.
Foods that contain Vitamin D: fortified milk (dairy or non-dairy options), fatty fish such as
trout, salmon, and tuna, fortified cereals, eggs, mushrooms exposed to UV light (look for this
on the label), and orange juice fortified with vitamin D.
Dietary supplements can help if you’re not able to get adequate sunlight or eat enough
Vitamin D rich foods. Supplements containing Vitamin D3 seem to increase your levels more
than Vitamin D2, but both are well absorbed. The RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for
those 70 years and above is 800 IU, or international units. A standard multivitamin often con-
tains 400 IUs. Vitamin D supplements, and calcium supplements containing vitamin D, usually
have around 500-1000 IUs.
Vitamin D is just another part of a healthful diet! Make sure you’re
eating foods that taste good, and are good for you. And try going
outside when it’s sunny, whether it’s for a masked-up walk or a sit
on your porch or balcony. It’ll boost your vitamin D status, and
promote overall well-being.
Reference:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
Page 6 The Nugget, January 2021
The ability to perform daily essential activities like
grocery and home goods shopping and getting to and
from medical appointments is important! Berkeley
Rides for Seniors & the Disabled (BRSD) assists City
of Berkeley seniors and disabled adults with
travelling throughout Berkeley and neighboring cities
by supplementing their transportation costs with
free Taxi Scrip or Wheelchair Van Vouchers. The
program includes:
The Taxi Scrip Program: Provides payment scrip
to ride in taxis within Berkeley and surrounding
cities.
The Wheelchair Van Voucher Program: Assists
with additional transport services for Berkeley
residents in wheelchairs within Berkeley and surrounding cities.
High Medical Need Program: Provides taxi scrip or van vouchers to Berkeley seniors and
disabled residents with transportation needs associated with frequent medically related
appointments. Medical appointments include, but are not limited to, dialysis, physical
therapy and cancer treatment appointments.
East Bay Paratransit Tickets: Provides for a limited number of free East Bay Paratransit/
ACT tickets to individuals certified by East Bay Paratransit.
Eligibility: Any Berkeley resident over the age of 80 is eligible to participate in BRSD!
Seniors aged 70 to 79 who have a monthly income less than $3,808 for one and $4,350 for
two, are eligible. Additionally, any East Bay Paratransit registered customer of any age and
income, is also eligible to apply for BRSD.
**PLEASE NOTE: Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the local public transit system, we
have temporarily (through May 31, 2021) expanded the age eligibility from “60 to 79”
years old with the same income eligibility requirements as noted above.
If you are interested in applying to BRSD or would like more information and/or an applica-
tion, please call (510) 981-7269 or download an application at www.cityofberkeley.info.
** Berkeley Rides for Seniors & the Disabled is funded by Alameda County Measure B and
BB and City of Berkeley General Funds**
Page 7 The Nugget, January 2021
PLEASE NOTE: Participants may not be enrolled in more than one meal program
(Café Delivery, Grab & Go, or Meals on Wheels) at a time.
If you are a Berkeley Senior Center member who If you are a Berkeley resident who is 60 years of age
lives in Berkeley, you may be eligible to receive five and above, you can register for “limited
(5) meals per week delivered to your home! Recipi- contact”, curbside meal pickup at the South Berkeley
ents must be present to receive the delivery. Senior Center located at 2939 Ellis Street in
Berkeley. You must wear a mask when picking up.
Delivery schedule: Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:00 am Pick-up Schedule: Tuesdays, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Participants who are 60 years of age and above are encouraged to make the suggested contribution of $3 per
meal. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute. For those who are between the ages of 55 - 60,
the cost for lunches is $5 per meal.
CALL (510) 981-5190 or Email Seniors@cityofberkeley.info to sign up for these meal programs.
Meals on Wheels continues to provide seven (7) meals per week to participants. To reduce the
possibility of exposure to COVID-19, deliveries are scheduled for Mon—Wed—Fri, 10:30 am to 1:00
pm. If you live in Berkeley and want to find out if you qualify for Meals on Wheels, call
(510) 981-5250, or email Seniors@cityofberkeley.info.
Other Local Meals on Wheels Programs
Albany: (510) 524-9122
Emeryville: (510) 209-1028
Oakland/San Leandro/Hayward/Castro Valley/San Lorenzo: (510) 582-1263
West Contra Costa County: (510) 412-0166
If you are a current Mercy Brown Bag recipient living in Berkeley, and need food during this time,
please call (510) 981-5170 or (510) 981-5190 by 12:00 noon on the Monday prior to the
designated delivery day. Please provide us with your Mercy Brown Bag card number, name,
address, and phone number and we will deliver your bag to you. Recipients must be present to
receive the delivery. PLEASE NOTE: Participants can also make prior arrangements to pick up their
brown bag by calling one of the numbers listed above.
The next scheduled delivery for Mercy Brown Bag participants are:
Friday, January 15th, thru the week thereafter
*due to the holiday on New Year’s Day, January 1st, there will be only one Mercy Brown Bag distribu on for the
month of January.
Page 8 The Nugget, January 2021
Subsidized Housing for Seniors
Resources for Community Development Satellite Affordable Housing Associates
2220 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 1835 Alcatraz Avenue
Phone: (510) 841-4410 Berkeley, CA 94703
Email: contact@rcdhousing.org Phone: 510.647.0700
Web: https:/ / rcdhousing.org/ Web: https:/ / www.sahahomes.org/
Properties include: Properties include:
Mable Howard Apts., 1499 Alcatraz Avenue Sacramento Senior Homes, 1501 Blake Street
(510) 658-7492 Shattuck Senior Homes, 2425 Shattuck Avenue
Margaret Breland Apartments, 2577 San Pablo Helios Corner, 1531 University Avenue
Avenue (510) 981-9802
Lawrence Moore Manor, 1909 Cedar Street
(510) 704-8557
Stuart Pratt Manor, 2020 Durant Avenue
(510) 704-9886
Individually owned and managed housing Other Resources to Find Housing
developments for independent seniors in Alameda County Social Services Agency
Berkeley: maintains a senior housing guidebook. The cur-
Amistad House, 2050 Delaware Street rent version is available for download at:
(510) 548-5189 https://www.alamedasocialservices.org/
Harriet Tubman Terrace, 2870 Adeline Street public/services/elders_and_disabled_adults/
(510) 843-0134 docs/SENIOR_HOUSING_GUIDE_18%20rev4-
Oregon Park, 1425 Oregon Street 19.pdf
(510) 848-8554
Alameda County’s 211 program, operated by
Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby Street
Eden Information and Referral, 2-1-1 is a free,
(510) 549-2210
non-emergency, confidential, 3-digit phone
Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison Street number and service that provides easy access
(510) 841-8330 to housing information, and critical health and
human services. 24/7 with multi-lingual capa-
bilities. Simply dial 2-1-1.
Legal Aid at Work
A nonprofit legal services organization that has been assisting low-income, working families for
more than 100 years. They use four main strategies to enforce and strengthen workers’ rights:
free clinics and helplines; free legal information; litigation; and policy advocacy. Some of their
legal clinics for consumers include workers’ rights; wage claims; disability laws; and racial
equality.
For workers’ rights information contact: (866) 864-8208
For information about other listed clinics contact: (415) 864-8848
Website: https://legalaidatwork.org/
Page 9 The Nugget, January 2021
Check out these ways to stay active and connected even when you are at home. Be sure to only
do exercise according to your ability level and consult a doctor before starting any new fitness
program.
SBSC Coffee Hour
Monday, 10:30 – 11:30am
Caring for the Caregiver
Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30am
*Zoom link provided upon registration. See pg. 4 for more information.
Our Story Group
Thursdays, 10:30am - 11:30am
Exercise & Fitness
Full Chair Workout—No Equipment Needed
Completely Seated Full Chair Workout For Over 60s. Get stronger, improve your flexibility and
fitness. Move better, feel better. This session goes for 40 minutes.
https://youtu.be/hzYCL86BFH8
Senior Gold Dance Fitness Workout: Old School Funk
Senior Gold Dance Fitness Workout is a low impact low intensity dance exercise workout for baby
boomers, seniors and anyone else who love to dance their way to health and fitness to old school
funk.
https://youtu.be/aT7JQ0E5nXw
Learning Resources & Staying Connected
Easy Things to Draw: Where to Start as a Beginner
https://youtu.be/uYYCxzX1OzY
Ted Talks: 3600+ Talks to Stir your Curiosity
https://www.ted.com/talks
Page 10 The Nugget, January 2021Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) is Do you need help with learning the
the parent agency for Alameda
County’s HICAP. We help people on basics (and beyond) with your
Medicare and pre-retirees to navigate computer and smart phone?
the health insurance maze. HICAP provides free, Through our partnership with Berke-
unbiased Medicare counseling to anyone in ley Reads, we will be offering virtual comput-
Alameda County. We help Medicare beneficiar- er and/or cell phone technical support to you!
ies of any age make informed choices and provide
advocacy when their health care benefits and You can receive help learning the basics of
rights are threatened or denied. If COVID-19 using your computer and/or cell phone, how
caused someone to lose their health insurance or to set up and use an email account, using the
reduced their income a HICAP Counselor can internet, downloading and navigating Skype or
provide information about Medicare options. Zoom for virtual visits and more!
Individual phone appointments with Counselors
and virtual educational presentations to groups
are available throughout the county. There is no For more information about how to access this
cost to meet with our volunteer HICAP Counselors. program, please call (510) 981-5190 or email
seniors@cityofberkeley.info.
Call for an appointment today:
HICAP: (510) 839-0393 LAS: (510) 832-3040
For more information about HICAP (Health
Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program)
and LAS (Legal Assistance for Seniors) visit:
www.lashicap.org
Anyone 18+ who is ready to quit smoking for
good can join our FREE, 8-session smoking
cessation program, proven effective by the
American Lung Association.
COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most
important tools to end the COVID-19 pandem-
ic. The State of California is providing priori- *Classes are on Thursdays except for Monday, 2/8
tization and allocation guidance to local
health jurisdictions and health care providers Sessions will be conducted via online video
so that the vaccine can be equitably distrib- conference.
uted and administered at the community
level to everyone in California who wants it.
For current information about COVID-19
vaccination distribution in California visit: QuitNow@Cityofberkeley.info
https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/#When-can
-I-get-vaccinated
Page 11 The Nugget, January 2021Aging Services Division
1900 Sixth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 981-5200
Email: seniors@cityofberkeley.info Web: www.cityofberkeley.info/seniors
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.
Tri City Café Lunch Program
Lunch for members is served daily at both Senior Center locations at 12:00 PM, while supplies last
(unless otherwise noted). Contact your senior center for check in times.
$3 for members 60+ (suggested contribution) $5 cost for members 55 - 59
Cash, and weekly or monthly checks accepted. No one 60+ is turned away for inability to contribute.
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).
Page 12 The Nugget, January 2021You can also read
