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Meals on Wheels seeking donations to support March for Meals serving seniors

March 23, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Part of 50th anniversary celebration of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

This is the last week of March for Meals, a month-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. It is also the fourth week of our March Safety Bag Madness to collect items to fill a bag for our seniors to have on hand in case of power outages, fires, or an earthquake.

Even though the challenge for the brackets is coming to an end, as is March for Meals, we still need more items to fill 1,000 bags! So please consider donating these essential safety items throughout the month of April, too:

  • Non-slip socks
  • Whistles
  • Small flashlights with batteries
  • Extra batteries
  • Small garbage bags
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Band-aids, gauze, and alcohol wipes
  • Glow sticks
  • Hand sanitizer

Items can be purchased through Amazon or other retailers and shipped directly to us or can be dropped off at our office at 1300 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. To arrange a drop-off time, please call us at 925-937-8607.

For those who are participating in our March Madness Brackets, below are the target numbers for this week’s donation goals:

Week 4: Donate 20+ items

  • Donation example: 3 packs of batteries + 3 flashlights + 4 hand sanitizers + 24 packs of non-slip socks = 34 items

The seniors in our community are the most vulnerable among us and depend on MOW Diablo Region for meals to keep them from going hungry, and our supportive services keep them healthy and less isolated.

Providing them with safety bags ensures that we can keep our seniors safe in case of a natural disaster, but we can only do it with your help!

 

Filed Under: Community, Seniors

Bay Area crime wave impacts San Ramon over holiday weekend

December 1, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: San Ramon Police Department

By San Ramon Police Department

Over the holiday weekend, a very specific crime trend took place throughout the Bay Area, targeting elderly victims. Unfortunately, San Ramon was not exempt. Please take a moment to review the incidents outlined below and please, pass the information on to your friends and family as soon as possible. As always, if you see anything suspicious, call us immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or through our non-emergency line at 925-973-2779.

On Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 24), at roughly 3:30 pm, an elderly female was walking on S. Wedgewood Road near Mosaic Park when she was approached by two individuals in a white Mercedes-Benz SUV. The SUV was driven by a heavyset male (caucasian) in his 50s when a female in her mid/late 30’s (caucasian) spoke to the victim through the rear passenger window. After a short conversation, the suspect exited the vehicle and used a sleight-of-hand technique to remove the victim’s necklace and bracelets before getting back into the car and driving away.

Yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 28), at roughly 12:15 pm, an elderly female was walking along Cinnamon Ridge Road when she was approached by a female in her 30’s (Asian Indian with black hair in a ponytail). The female exited the passenger door of a newer model black BMW X3 SUV driven by an Asian-Indian male in his 30’s. During this incident, the suspect engaged the elderly victim in conversation. Again, a sleight-of-hand technique was used to remove the victim’s highly valuable watch from her wrist before the suspect got back into the vehicle and left the area.

As mentioned before, this crime trend was not specific to San Ramon. Multiple cities throughout the Bay Area had similar crimes occur over the holiday weekend. As you can see, although the suspect’s descriptions may be different, their theft methods are the same and were consistent with other thefts committed in Bay Area cities. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported during these crimes.

Our concern is the specific targeting of elderly individuals wearing expensive jewelry and watches while out for walks by themselves. Detectives from our agency are actively pursuing investigative leads to identify those responsible for these crimes. In the meantime, please take a few moments and make sure this information is passed on to your family, friends, and loved ones. Please encourage them to walk/exercise with someone else, or if they do go out on their own, to leave their valuables at home during their daily exercise.

And always, call us immediately if you see anything suspicious!

 

Filed Under: Crime, News, San Ramon Valley, Seniors

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office searches for missing 87-year-old Bay Point woman

November 18, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Adela “Dela” Peña

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff has been searching for a missing woman in Bay Point since Wednesday morning, Nov. 17:

Adela “Dela” Peña

87-years-old, 5’1″, 90-100 pounds, with brown colored eyes and brown/gray hair. She was last seen wearing a light blue robe with snowmen on it, black or velvet colored sweat pants, and white sandals.

She is considered at-risk and family members said she is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was last seen yesterday at her home on the 600 block of Victoria Court in Bay Point at about 8:40 PM.

Family members searched for Pena but could not find her. They later notified the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Sheriffs and the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team are continuing the search for her.

Anyone who has seen Pena or has any information is asked to contact Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441.

Filed Under: East County, News, Seniors, Sheriff

Learn about dementia caregiving during the holidays from Tre Vista Antioch Nov. 18

November 9, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

CLICK HERE TO RSVP: https://bit.ly/HolidayCaregiving

Filed Under: Community, East County, Health, Holiday, Seniors

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region seeks volunteers to deliver grocery bags to seniors

October 30, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Meals on Wheels volunteer Ted Dason. Photo: MOWDR

By Rachel Heggen, Community Relations & Development Specialist, MOWDR

At 66, Dianne never imagined she would depend on others to do her grocery shopping.  Walking is difficult for her, which makes going to the supermarket challenging, and because she lives on a fixed income, she faces yet another obstacle to obtaining healthy food.

“I didn’t plan on my life coming down to this.” says Dianne. “I had a well-paying job, but now, I’m on disability. With the high cost of living nowadays, it’s really been tough.”

In 2020, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR) partnered with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to launch the Grocery Bag Program to help seniors like Dianne who face food insecurity. Twice a month, a MOWDR volunteer is able to deliver healthy groceries and fresh produce along with her weekly meals.

“It’s a wonderful program,” says Dianne. “It’s been life-saving.”

The Grocery Bag Program provides food to low-income seniors in Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek. MOW Diablo Region Grocery Bag Coordinator Casey Claibourne says, “the program currently serves 160 clients, but there are many more people who need the service. The only way we can offer it is to find more volunteers.”

“You can tell most of the seniors are struggling, and from the looks of things, most likely they do not have a lot in their refrigerator,” says Ted Dason, who’s been volunteering since February. “If anyone is considering being a volunteer, I tell them, it’s super rewarding and it literally only takes about two hours every month.”

If you would like to learn more or volunteer for the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Grocery Bag program, contact Casey Claibourne at cclaibourne@mowdr.org.

About

MOW Diablo Region delivers meals to seniors, 60 years or older, who are homebound, not able to drive, unable to prepare food themselves, and do not have a caregiver that prepares their meals. Meals are provided based on need, not on income. Volunteer drivers deliver over 1,000 hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors every day. Meal deliveries also provide a needed safety-check and is often the only human interaction a senior will have all day.

Filed Under: Central County, Community, East County, Health, News, Seniors

Learn the ABC & D’s of Medicare at TreVista Antioch Oct. 23

October 5, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Filed Under: East County, Health, Seniors

Meals on Wheels offers program to prevent falls by aging parents

May 1, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Aging in place: Caring for an aging parent

By Rachel Heggen, Community Relations & Development Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Yvonne Tweeten and her mom, Gloria. Photo: MoW

In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month Yvonne Tweeten, Occupational Therapist with Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Fall Prevention Program, talked about the work we do with seniors to keep them safe at home.

Difficulty climbing stairs, feeling unbalanced, or being unsure about getting in and out of the bathtub are everyday problems that Yvonne has addressed for the past ten years at MOW Diablo Region. These are common issues for aging seniors who have difficulty accepting that everyday tasks that once were simple are now challenging. For many seniors, this can be extremely frustrating and for their adult children, it can be worrisome. The Fall Prevention Program focuses on helping seniors age safely in their home.

“We are an ally to the adult children,” said Yvonne. “I assess the home and point out potential fall risks. I also observe how the senior is getting around.” Once the assessment is completed, Yvonne works with a licensed contractor to make needed home modifications “We might recommend a ramp, railings, or a tub transfer bench. We develop trust with the senior and the adult children who are often the main caregivers. We also provide education to keep the senior safe.”

An analysis by the Center for Retirement Research found that 10 percent of adults ages 60 to 69 serve as caregivers to their aging parents, as do 12 percent of adults aged 70 and older. Having an Occupational Therapist as a part of the support team is important when it comes to caring for an older parent and helps the elderly parent maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Yvonne has a special understanding of concerns many may have with an aging parent. Her mom is 90 and lives in Wisconsin. “It’s important that a senior age with dignity, and that’s what Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Fall Prevention Program helps them to do.”

To learn more about Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Fall Prevention Program, visit https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/fall-prevention

Filed Under: Health, Seniors

Well-loved octogenarian Lafayette bicyclist dies as police investigate Tuesday traffic collision

April 17, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: Mount Diablo Cyclists

Known as the “Legend of Mount Diablo” for his 600 rides to the top of the peak

By Lafayette Police Department

On Tuesday morning, April 13, 2021, at 6:48 a.m., Lafayette police officers were dispatched to a report of a collision between a vehicle and a bicycle at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette.

A nurse and a doctor from John Muir Medical Center and a firefighter from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, who happened to pass by, immediately began to render aid to the bicyclist. Officers arrived on scene along with the fire department which took over medical care for the victim. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died overnight.

An investigation into the collision is ongoing. The driver of the vehicle has been cooperating with police. The Lafayette Police Department is asking anyone with information on this collision to contact detectives at (925) 283-3680 or (925) 299-3234. Tips could also be emailed to the Lafayette Police Department at: 94549TIP@gmail.com.

Lafayette Mayor Susan Candell’s Statement

On April 13, 2021, a collision took place involving a vehicle and a bicyclist, Joe Shami, a Lafayette resident, at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette. It was with great sadness that I learned Mr. Shami, although quickly transported to a local hospital, died yesterday (Wednesday, April 14).

While details of the collision are not fully known at this time and the investigation is ongoing, I do want to recognize that Mr. Shami, 86, was much-loved by the local bicycling community. He was an accomplished rider, particularly known for his numerous bike trips to Mt. Diablo.

The City’s thoughts are with Mr. Shami’s family and his many friends.

Any question concerning the investigation of this tragic accident should be directed to the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 283-3680.

About Joe Shami

Shami, a retired AT&T engineer, was known as the “Legend of Mount Diablo” for riding to the top of the East Bay’s tallest peak for 600 straight weeks, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He completed his 11-year, 28-week streak in 2019 at the age of 85. Shami was a member of the Mount Diablo Cyclists. See a tribute to him on their website. (See video of his 500th ride up Mt. Diablo)

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Lamorinda, News, Seniors

Free document shredding event for seniors at TreVista in Antioch and Concord March 27

March 9, 2021 By Publisher 1 Comment

In coordination with An Elderly Wish Foundation

Please join in this free drive-through mobile shredding event at TreVista in Antioch at 3950 Lone Tree Way or TreVista in Concord at 1081 Mohr Lane on Saturday, March 27, 2021 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm!

Freewill tax-deductible donations will be accepted for An Elderly Wish Foundation a non-profit granting wishes to seniors in Contra Costa County. Our website is www.elderlywish.org.

Thanks to Tamsen and Anne of TreVista for their support!!

Filed Under: Central County, Community, Concord, East County, Seniors

Mangia!!!! Tips for Change Italian dinner fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Jan. 20

January 15, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On January 20th, you can enjoy a fabulous Italian meal and support both Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and a local restaurant at the same time!  Tips for Change is a generous program offered by Gianni’s Italian Bistro in San Ramon to help support local nonprofits.

Here’s how it works – MOW Diablo Region will receive all tips and 10% of sales on take-out orders, but meals must be preordered by Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM.  To place an order, go to www.giannissanramon.com or call 925-820-6969. For online orders, click the “order online” button, then click on deliver or pick-up (delivery is limited).  Be sure to click on the appropriate date – Wednesday, Jan. 20th, then choose your menu items (wine and cocktails are also available for take-out) and your desired time for pick-up at Gianni’s Italian Bistro, 2065 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is the only meals on wheels that delivers both meals and services in the entire county.  Since March, the agency has seen a 40% increase in clients needing delivered meals, but with the support of the community, no senior has missed a delivered meal or a needed life-improving service.  Participating in Tips for Change is a win-win-win. It helps support a local restaurant, helps support Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and funds raised impacts the lives of vulnerable seniors.

Orders can be placed as early as today! Preorders must be in no later than Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM for pick-up on Wednesday!

Filed Under: Community, Dining, San Ramon Valley, Seniors

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