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Home > Wine Country Games > Registered Teams Registered Teams 2024 ​ Updated weekly after April 1, 2024 ​ BOCCE Bocce Babes Coastal Rollers Go-Getters Shooters Sonoma Silverbacks Sonoma Team 1 Sonoma Team M Sonoma Team N Sonoma Team W Sonoma Valley Pumas The Oakmonsters Trekkers Varenna Team 1 Varenna Team 2 Varenna Team 3 Village People LAWNBOWLING 49er Faithfuls Mission City Rollers Rollin' Stone Three's Company Team Triple “R” Winning Wicks ​ WOMEN’S SOCCER 50 - Closed 3rd Street Allstars Hot Flash Fast & Fabulous Krush Leahi Salty Sisters SBP United Social Hour ​ 60 - Closed Breakaways Saltier Sisters Sassy Seniors Silver Belles Sea Can plus 1 The Wine Cartel ​ 65 - Closed Breezzz Express Forever Young Forget me not Kinky Boots Rock On Sealanta Still Kickin’ 65 70+ High Mileage Soccer Sisters Still Kickin’ 70 ​

Home > News > Sonoma Seniors Today Council on Aging’s Monthl y Newspaper ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sonoma Seniors Today is a monthly publication of 13,000 copies. We distribute it in over 175 locations thr oughout S onoma County. To subscribe, please email: SST@councilonaging.com If you would like to know more about advertising with us, please cont act: Rachel Jones 707-525-0143 ext. 146 rjones@councilonaging.com Inside 2024 Issues - Sonoma Seniors Today May/June 2024 The Double Duo Volunteer Team, On the Ice with the Vintage Figures, A Shot Above the Others, Senior Resources, Nutrition News, Puzzles, Accessing Respite Care for Vets, Strength in Unity March/April 2024 Caregiver Corner, AARP Tax-Aid, For the Love of the Games, April Fools’ Day Tradition, Nutrition News, Puzzles, Poetry, Volunteer Portal, Pearls Testimonial, CEO Corner January/February 2024 The Art of Giving — Volunteerism, Benefits of Physical Activity, CEO Corner, Nutrition News, Puzzles, Senior Resources, Creative Collage Class and Lunch, Movies to Celebrate Inside 2023 Issues- Sonoma Seniors Today November/December 2023 CEO Corner, Donors, Taking Care of Mental Health, Nutrition News, Puzzles, Senior Resources, PEARLS Program, Kibbles of Kindness, Movies to Celebrate September/October 2023 Donors, Nutrition News, Puzzles, Senior Resources, Lunch and Learn, PEARLS Program, Upcoming COA Events, Creating Community with Activity, Movies to Celebrate July 2023 Donors, Nutrition News, Movies to Celebrate, 7 Mind and Body Podcasts, Puzzles, Senior Resources, Lunch and Learn June 2023 Lunch and Learn, Donors, Nutrition News, Movies to Celebrate, This Aging Skin, Puzzles, Meals on Wheels Testimonial, Senior Resources May 2023 10 Simple Things to do for your Legacy, Donors, Nutrition News, You are not Alone, Connecting Generations, Movies to Celebrate, Puzzles, Sonoma Wine Country Games April 2023 Is April more than Death and Taxes? The Future of your Family Treasures, Donors, Nutrition News, Movies to Celebrate, Senior Resources, Volunteer Spotlight, Puzzles, Randy’s Racket March 2023 Women’s History Month, Nutrition News, Movies to Celebrate, Senior Resources, Joy of Music at Any Age, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez February 2023 Pets and Seniors, Caregiving: Caring for Yourself, Movies to Celebrate, Senior Resources, Pet Body Language, Puzzles, Nutrition News January 2023 Your Life in Summary, Bling, Bubbles and Self Care in the New Year, Please Pass the Wisdom, Movies to Celebrate, Growing Elder, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Poetry from Readers, Nutrition News Inside 2022 Issues- Sonoma Seniors Today December 2022 Help us Help you, New Intergenerational Program, Using your walker correctly?, Movies to Celebrate, Closet Musings, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Nutrition News November 2022 Not all Gifts are created Equal, Safely Managing your Medications, The Importance of Gratitude, Movies to Celebrate, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Nutrition News, Growing Elder October 2022 Medtronic's commitment to Meals on Wheels, Healthy Aging & Exercise tips, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Nutrition News, At the Movies, Growing Elder September 2022 COA Fiduciary Services, Stretch it out! Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Growing Elder, Nutrition News, A Testimonial for Meal on Wheels August 2022 But how do you know? Growing Elder, Balance – Everything you need to know - Part III, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Nutrition News July 2022 Celebrate your Independence, Growing Elder, Balance – Everything you need to know - Part II, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez, Nutrition News June 2022 Ethics – The Gray Area, Growing Elder, Balance – Everything you need to know, Free Tax Assistance Program, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez May 2022 Creating a Spending Plan, Growing Elder, All are Welcome with Visibility, Flowers offer a Mental Health Boost, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez April 2022 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures, Sunshine & Music for Shutdown End, Connections are Respite Top Priority, Relationships Shift with Dementia, Senior Resources, Puzzles, Grandpa Sez March 2022 Investment Management, Donors, Remembering Grandma's Legacy, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Free Tax Aide, Nutrition Education, Vitamin E February 2022 Caring for Ourselves, 4 Estate Planning Documents, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Benefits of Dark Chocolate, Grandpa Sez January 2022 Webathon Success, Your 2022 Self, Puzzles the Lol Before the Storm, Resources for Seniors, Grandpa Sez Inside 2021 Issues- Sonoma Seniors Today December 2021 Will: a “four Letter Word”, for Giving, Five Healthy Tip to Thrive During Holidays, Grandpa Sez, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Nutrition News November 2021 Leaving Your Legacy, Heritage Circle Plaque Dedication, Special Needs Trust, Nutrition Nuggets, Grandpa Says, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Day Respite Program, Senior Peer Support Program, Culinary Corner October 2021 Community Dining Is Back! Nutrition Nuggets, Naming the Perfect Fiduciary, Grandpa Says, caregiver Corner, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Senior Peer Support Program, Culinary Corner, Day Respite Program September 2021 Coa Community Dining Sites, Nutrition Nuggets, Pet Contest Winners, Why Do Seniors Tell Stories,caregiver Corner, Puzzles, Resources for Seniors, Senior Peer Support Program, Culinary Corner, Day Respite Program August 2021 Nutrition Nuggets, Caregiver Corner, Puzzles, Coa Fiduciary Services, Resources for Seniors,hydration:water Fruits and Vegetables, World Senior’s Day senior Peer Support Program, Culinary Corner July 2021 Keep Cool – Stay Hydrated, Nutrition Nuggets,caregiver Corner, How to Stay Cool in Summer Heat,puzzles, Coa Fiduciary Services, Resources for Seniors,senior Peer Support Program, Pandemic Weight Gain,culinary Corner June 2021 Elder Abuse Prevention, Caregiver Corner, Puzzles, Dementia in Films, National Days, Weeks, & Months,senior Peer Support Program, Tangible Personal Property,nutrition Nuggets, Resources for Seniors, Culinary Corner May 2021 Caregiver Corner, Mental and Physical Health during Covid, Culinary Corner,2 Full pages of Puzzles, Mental Health Benefits of Having Pets,Senior Peer Support Program, Benefits of Exercise,Nutrition Nuggets, Taxes – Still Due after Death, Resources for Seniors April 2021 The Secret to Added Years, Addressing Urgent Senior Needs, Culinary Corner, 2 Full pages of Puzzles, Senior Peer Support Program, Spring Has Almost Sprung,Nutrition Nuggets - Vitamins, Resources for Seniors, Fire Safety Tips, Senior Moments March 2021 Heaven on Earth? A new Documentary Looks at Life in the Villages, Partner in Aging, 2 Full pages of Puzzles, Jerry’s Journey, Senior Peer Support Program, New Windsor Drive-Up Pick Up, Vitamins A and B, Resources for Seniors, Covid Changed Makeup, Women’s History Month, 6 Mindful Strategies for Positivity, Benefits of Leg Stretching, Online Glasses, Sharing the Love. February 2021 February 19th is National Caregivers Day, Sleep, Women & Heart Disease, 2 Full Pages of Puzzles, Volunteer Mark Parsons, Painting:Goodbye 2020!, Love Yourself, First, Senior Peer Support Volunteers, De-Clutter. NOW!, A Grand Relationship, POEM:Farmers' Market, What Can I find at the Farmers' Markets During the Winter? Year-round Sonoma County Farmers' Markets January 2021 New Years, Same You? That’s OK!, 2020 Holiday Webathon a Success, Aging with an Edge,2 pages of Puzzles, Volunteer Spotlight, Etude for Democracy, Adult Day Program,Spice up your Holidays, Resources for Seniors, COA Executive Chef, Persimmon Cooking RecipeHoney for a Cold, Vaccine Update, Book Corner, Soft and Supple Hands, Client Testimonials Inside 2020 Issues- Sonoma Seniors Today December 2020 Benefits of Crossword Puzzles, 2 Pages of Puzzles, Stay Warm and Social this Winter, Drive-Up Pick-Up Meals, Meet COA's Newest Chef, Jan's Cranberry Sauce Recipe, Resources for Seniors Care, Don't Share the Flu, Where to Get your Flu Shot, Sonoma County Secret Santa, Staying Connected, Book Corner November 2020 Nutrition Nuggets: Holiday Tips, 2 Full Pages of Puzzles, Drive-up Pick-up Meals, Day Program Update, A Story from Grandma Peebles, County Library Digital Collection, Resources for Seniors, Where to Get your Flu Shot, Book Corner, Puzzle Solutions, Money Sense: Are You the “Family Bank”?, Oops!, A Different Thanksgiving, Secret Santa October 2020 Aging Together Initiative, Volunteer Spotlight - Trish Collins, Tea and Heart Health, Nutrition Nuggets: Kaniwa, Updated Resources for Seniors, Reverse Mortage Myth Busters, Book Corner, 2 Full Pages of Puzzles!, Keeping Active During Pandemic, Gym closed: Senior Keeps Active, New COA Financial Services Head, Trapeze Artist at 86 September 2020 It Might be More than the 'Blues,' County of Sonoma Launches Warm Line for Emotional and Mental Health Support, Money Sense: Checklist - 7 Things every Alzheimer's Caregiver should know, 2 full pages of Puzzles, Recipes by Sheana: Cornbread Muffins, Senior Moments: Birthday Drop-offs, Nutrition Nuggets: How much Sodium do I need?, Helpful Contacts for Seniors, Suicide Prevention, NEW! Book Corner - What we're reading, Leave your Legacy, My Mom, at 86, Has Alzheimer's and a Boyfriend in Assisted Living August 2020 Birthday drop-offs, Recipes by Sheana, Youthful volunteers, Hydration, Helpful Contacts for Seniors, County COVID-19 reopenings, Key to Prosperity After COVID, SpaceX Launch, National Sisters Day July 2020 Mr. Handshake's obituary, Full 2 pages of Puzzles, Multigenerational Households, COA & MOW volunteer photos, Recipes by Sheana, Quell the fire of heartburn, Role Reversal during COVID-19, PLUS COVID-19 Contact Information: Helpful Contacts for Seniors, Agency & Support Services, Coronavirus Contacts, COVID-19 viral testing sites, County COVID-19 reopenings and Before you head out June 2020 Helpful Contacts for Seniors, Coronavirus Contacts, Wearable heart monitors, 2 pages of Puzzles, The Buck on COVID-19, Thank You Day Respite!, Global Gay Pride online, Agency & Support Services, Health Benefits of Gardening, Control caregiver COVID-19 stress, Top 5 health SIP tips, Telemedicine Guide, MOW volunteers' SIP stories May Special Edition 2020 COVID-19 & Your Pets: Guidance & Information, Helpful Contacts for Seniors, Education/entertainment,Big Puzzle Issue, Agency & Support Services, Choosing gratitude, Stress and coping, Stay connected, Safety while shopping, Senior Transportation, Grocery Store Listing, Boosting Immune system, Telemedicine, Pharmacy List, Adult Day Respite calls, Girls create art for seniors April 2020 Coronavirus Uncertainty, PG&E: Phone scams doubled, Senior Moments, Letter to the Editor, Wine Country Games archery, Intergenerational benefits, Senior Events, Never too late to start, COVID-19 Coronavirus, Breaking the estrangement, Blue Zone life lessons March 2020 Nutrition Nuggets, Poem: Mind Games, Senior Moments, US Census Counts, Dressing a grownup figure, Senior Events, Mediterranean breakfast, Adult Day Respite studies, Organize your home, Women's history month, Thanks to Foley Family Wines February 2020 Blue Zones, Nutrition Nuggets, CalFresh Myths & Facts, Holiday Parties, Secret Santa, Senior Events, Puzzles, Treat Yourself, The Census is Coming, Age-Friendly Petaluma, Alzheimer’s vaccine?, Make a Senior Smile, Jerry's Testimonial January 2020 The season thrives with community giving. Inside 2019 Issues - Sonoma Seniors Today November 2019 Aging Together Day Walk, Rally and Proclamation, Portrait of a Graduate, CBD & Parkinson's Part I, Cloverdale Bistro Brunch, Covia Market Day, Senior events, Puzzles, What's a Fiduciary?, Employee Spotlight: Steve Ford, Scamp at Sebastopol Day, Vintage Fashion over 50, Volunteer Spotlight: Steve & Carolyn Poggi, Senior Moment: Burrell Wyle October 2019 Active Aging Together Day, California’s Master Plan for Aging, Unique Challenges LGBT Older Adults, Grandparents Embrace Technology, CBD Dosage Guide Part II, 10 Ways to Give Classic Clothes a Trendy Lift, RCU and MOW, Senior events, Puzzles, Mental well-being, Retirement Savings, Older or Elder, Mental Health Panel, Healing Power of Gardens, Garden & Art Festival September 2019 Take Yer Medicine band plays at Adult Day Respite, Adult Day Respite testimonial by Don Edwards, Imposter scams, Elderly Suicide, Depression in older persons, Matte, shine or gloss lipstick?, Affect of dancing on aging, Sense of control feels younger, Senior events, Puzzles, CBD dosage - Part I, DASH Rides for Seniors, West County shuttle, Summer fun: Healdsburg Day, Cloverdale River Walkers, Do you need 10,000 steps? ​ August 2019 Sonoma Wine Country Games, Helen Kivel's 101st Birthday, Jill Zimmerman and Oakmont Day Respite, Signs of self-neglect, Oakmont Day Respite party, Avoiding caregiver burnout, Grandparents connecting through technology, CBD myths - Part II, 5 retirement questions, 6 white must-haves for summer, COA honored as Nonprofit of the Year, Giving to seniors ​ July 2019 The value of socialization, Keep your brain young on music, Senior moments - Guy Davis Concert, CDC seeks equity in housing, The Greenblatts, Alzheimer’s Research, Older adult health facts, Medical Minute - hydration, When do we lose our parents?, Zap your brain for memory, Mental health app, Mike Fanelli at Sonoma Wine Country Games ​ June 2019 Registration opens for the 2019 Wine Country Games, Senior moments - Windsor Garden Club's Mother's Day Bouquet, Volunteer spotlight - Amy Neel, Adult Day Respite opens, Pastor Cindy Alloway and her Mom, CBD myths & misconceptions - Part I, Style secrects for men, Older adult health facts, CalFresh for SSI, Senior Farmer's Market Program, ADU (granny units) update, Men's health month ​ May 2019 Senior moments - Vernae Adams, Trends in aging: wearables , CBD oil for pain management, Volunteer spotlight - Margaret Bonkowski, Thanks to all our volunteers!, Volunteer after retirement, Beauty: Handbag clutter, FAIRE & Kibbles for Kindness,, Retirement living Myths, Reconciling with your mother, AAA Survey ​ April 2019 Caring for the caregiver, Cannabis therapy, Senior Moments, Volunteer Spotlight, Tempted by trendy diet, Beauty - Turkey neck, Earth Day tips, Senior events, Volunteer Spotlight, End-of-life plans, Health Ministry, Lisa Wittke Schaffner and Meals on Wheels ​ March 2019 Neighbors helping Neighbors, Will coffee, tea or CBD help Alzheimer’s?, Nancy Barnes and Helen Kivell, Poem: Age and Me, Welcome Spring with fresh eyes, Smart grocery shopping, The only 'diet' you need for weight loss, Why your 2018 tax refund may be smaller, Become an adult literacy volunteer, Senior art show registration, Early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases ​ February 2019 Age-Friendly Communities - Connectivity, A CBD primer, Beauty - What to wear on a date, Valentine's - Start over with dating, End-of-Life checklist, Take care of your bones ​ January 2019 Age-friendly housing: it takes a community, MoneySense: Volunteer vacations, MOW infographic, Senior Moment, Holiday Cheer, It’s not how long you live, It's how you live!, Beauty - Fashion over 50, Retirement living - myths & facts, 2019 advance care planning, Update estate documents Inside 2018 Issues - Sonoma Seniors Today December 2018: Becoming Independent & MOW, Adult Day Respite Program, Beauty – Ads vs. realism, Predictors of Loneliness, “Trunk or Treat” Senior, Influenza and flu shots, Tribal Elders, Night to Remember November 2018: Property tax deferment, Free movies for seniors, Fiduciary as trustee, Senior Moments, Cutest baby, Beauty – Jeans after 50, Bubbles & Bocce, Art Niebrief: Long-term care plans, CA HOPE: a year after the fires, Flu Shots, Graton Rancheria October 2018: Transportation for Seniors, Downsizing your home after 60? Get ready to live!, Free Advance Care Planning Workshop, Beauty – Alida Rubin’s Makeover Mission, Maria Stetler, Author, Nutrition – Heart Healthy Eating: Good Fats & Bad Fats by Liz Drake, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian, Letting Go of the Wheel, an American Dilemma by Rabon Saip, Create A Peaceful Hospice Room at Home by Paula Wrenn and Jo Gustely, What is Isolation? September 2018: Understanding Men by Dr. Shepherd Bliss, Martin Zdybel, Nola Eisenberg, Beauty – Body Image & Aging, Senior Moment Judy Edmonds, Don’t be scammed, Medical Minute by Dr. James DeVore, Habit of Living by Donna Love, Noble Spoon Oakmont Thank you August 2018: 2018 Sonoma Wine Country Games Roundup, Honoring Fred Bernhardt, Beauty – Organize your products, Senior moments, Senior art show, Reframing technology, Nutrition – celebrate summer: Jennifer Mangosong-Shankle, Watching out for neighbors, Fire safety, Trustee report on social security July 2018: The Pickleball Phenomenon, Elder abuse, Beauty Spotlight – 4 tiny make-up tips, Derby Day thank you, Partners in hospice, 3 Caregiver models June 2018: Derby Day Hero Awards and party pix; Accepting a caregiver and Choosing a caregiver; People on the move; Beauty spotlight – Going Grey; MOW volunteer driver Bruce Meadows; Benefits of hiring seniors May 2018: Audré Steinhoff, volunteer of the month; COA’s new program – California HOPE Fire Recovery Support; Beauty spotlight – Don’t be afraid of color!; Special Topic: Combating loneliness and Making new friends; New Medicare cards April 2018: Teri Simpson, Soccer Commissioner, Sonoma Wine Country Games; New Beauty Series: Beauty by the decade; Shepard Bliss: Falling down; Job hunting for seniors March 2018: Senior Social Club comes to Oakmont; Friday Brunch in Healdsburg page; Matter of Balance classes; SST editor, David Abbott, steps down; Meet new editor, Laurie Wachter; Carol Lee Ternullo: College my way February 2018: New Director of Kitchen Operations; Shepherd Bliss: Death Cafes; Hot topic: Seniors and pets; Rabon Saip: Wholeness; Have you been scammed through Western Union? January 2018: Couple reunited with chickens thought to be lost in fires; Senior Social Club saves the day; COA programs help fire victims; Age-Friendly makes progress in 2017; Hot topic: Hidden epidemic of drug and alcohol misuse; Belinda Riehl: Wallet Karma. Inside 2017 Issues - Sonoma Seniors Today December 2017: Fires change holidays for local family; Rita Nichols: Christmas past; New Horizons Band gears up for holiday performances; The Sofa: Lenore Pimental; Rabon Saip on aging in the 21st century; Hot topic: Holiday potpourri featuring, “Festivus for the rest of us”; Mary Burns: Rehabilitating the S.F. Beach Chalet. November 2017: Council on Aging deals with fallout from fires, keeps food moving; WWII Nazi work camp survivor Amos Coli tells his story; Photos from COA’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. October 2017: Volunteer Karen Lewis steps up; Social Security on the go; Upstairs: Lenore Pimental recounts a story from her childhood growing up in Brooklyn; Rabon Saip on aging in the 21st century; Hot topic: LGBTQI seniors. September 2017: Derby Day winner takes life changing backpacking trip; Applying for Social Security easier than ever; Dessert with Two spoons: a story by John J. Lesjack; Read about the history of Grandparents Day; Hot topic: Falls prevention awareness. August 2017: Meals on Wheels volunteer on a classic ride; Noble Spoon helps fund Meals on Wheels; Get involved: Age-Friendly survey; Meet the 2017 Tiny house winner; Hot topic: History of volunteering. July 2017: Santa Rosa health advocate wins recognition; Let’s Celebrate Y-O-T-S: Year of the Senior; Senior Art Show opening July 18; Local writer commits priceless memories to the written page; Hot topic: Adventurous senior citizens; and more. June 2017: Ruth ‘Noni’ Halleck defies aging stereotypes; Don’t miss the chance to win your tiny dream home; Planning for long-term care: types of coverage; Holly Clarke of Kaiser Permanente: valued friend of the Sonoma Wine Country Games: Something kind, ordinary and memorable; Hot topic: Elder abuse awareness month: Finding a peak travel experience; Derby Day offers feast for the eyes and more. May 2017: Functioning in the world without eyesight; The power of looking good at any age; Vietnam veterans presses case for his and other veterans’ rights; Hot topic: Levels and types of elder care: Senior Social Clubs; A place where everyone knows your name; Wine Country Games kicks off next month: Celebrate Older Americans Month, county parks; and more. April 2017: Oakmont couple shares joyfully sculpted life; Calling all altruistic tiny house enthusiasts; Why I donate to COA; National Healthcare Decisions; Hot topic: Managing medications; COA interns prepare for launch into human services careers; Center for Well-Being classes; Helping seniors manage heart disease and diabetes; and more. March 2017: Women’s History Month: Helping girls develop grit; COA information referral: The first place to go for answers; Tickets now on sale for MOW Derby Day; Sonoma Academy students help out in kitchen; Heating bills becoming unmanageable?; Hot topic: The economic upside of an aging population; Stopping debt collection calls; and more. February 2017: Researching your roots; And the (heart) beat goes on; Arthur Janssen – living the good life at 107; Hot topic: Age-Friendly Communities; Meals on Wheels volunteer Bill Iberti: Paul Troppy – a man who likes to throw his weights around; and more. January 2017: Sonoma County accepted into Network of Age-Friendly cities; the “tin man” with a heart; Teddy bear turn down; Bonding over a shared passion for volleyball; Hot topic: remaining independent; COA to add “senior bistros” at new dining sites: Top 10 tips for making and keeping resolutions; Meals on Wheels clients now have choice of entrees; And more.

Home > Support Us > Volunteers Opportunities We c an’t do it without YO U! Council on Aging has numerous programs in which volunteers are needed. We could not even begin to take such good ca re of this community’s older adults without our more-than 1300 volunteers each year. To learn what volunteers opportunities are available and to start the application process, please click here: ​ https://councilonaging.galaxydigital.com ​ Volunteer Opportuniti es Include: ​ Meals on Wheels Drivers deliver meals to home-bound seniors. ​ Adult Day Respite Program Volunteers assist with discussion, exercise, entertainment, crafts and/or food service. ​ Senior Peer Support Volunteers work with seniors who need emotional support. Training Included. ​ Community Dining Site Helper Assists in food prep, setting tables, acting as a host/hostess, serving meals to participants or cleaning up after meal service. Inter-generational Volunteer Opportunities Those who may be interested in dining with home-bound seniors. ​ Chef Prep A ssists the Meals on Wheels kitchen staff with meal prep and packaging . This is the only volunteer position that counts towards community service hours for court referral. ​ Special Events Volunteers help us accomplish successful fundraising events. ​ To learn what volunteers opportunities are available and to start the application process, please click here: https://councilonaging.galaxydigital.com ​ Each volunteer applicant is interviewed, receives an orientation to Council on Aging’s services, and training pertaining to their placement. ​ All volunteers who will work directly with senior clients must have a criminal background check. ​ Internship Opportunities Contact lgalten@councilonaging.com to learn about our internship opportunities in our Nutrition Department. Typically geared towards Nursing, Gerontology and Nutrition students. ​

Home > Wine Country Games > Volunteers VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Sonoma Wine Country Games are really a community production, directed by Council on Aging . As such, it wouldn’t happen without the hard work and support of many volunteers. ​ Volunteers are needed to greet, register and direct athletes. We staff our athletes’ snack & water tables with volunteers. Timers, scorers and referees are needed to accurately monitor and record various competition outcomes. ​ If you’d like to join us in hosting the 2024 games as one of our volunteers, please reach out to: ​ Coby LaFayette at 707-525-0143, x 117 or clafayette@councilonaging.com ​ Thank you! ​

Home > Aging > Healthy Aging “Some people spend more time planning a two-week vacation than they do for their second half of life.” ~anonymous Planning a vacation is a lot of fun! We ask ourselves such questions as: Where will we stay? What will we do? Where will we dine? Planning for our second half of life can and should be just as fun. What do you want your second half to look like? As we work with the most isolated and vulnerable seniors in our community we have also learned a few lessons along the way. We find that these seniors are many times socially isolated, in failing health and emotionally strained. Connect Socially ​ Ruth, 93, still lives in her own home, drives and is actively involved in her community by attending the senior center to play cards and dine, visiting friends at the assisted living facility, quilting and visiting with her neighbors. “I am always looking for new friends to connect with, unfortunately the older you get the more often you lose friends due to death,” she explains. “You can never have too many friends.” Stay Active ​ Find an activity that keeps you moving. Sheri, 76, plays bocce two times a week in a competitive league. “The fresh air and sunshine do my body good and the laughter and friendship do my soul good,” Sheri shares. Daily walks and jogs, time at the gym or even an organized aerobic class will make for stronger bones and cardiovascular system. Focus on Nutrition Eating a balanced diet of fresh produce and grains has never been easier than right here in Sonoma County! Healthy eating reduces our risk for chronic illness, decreases our risk of obesity and gives us the energy needed to have full lives and full days. Learn more HERE! Financial Fitness Practicing financial fitness may be one of the most important daily activities you undertake! Putting a little back each day and living within your means can put you on the right track to financial freedom in your later years. A great resource is HERE ! ​ Mind your Emotional Health ​ “Buck up!” “Tighten up that lower lip!” “Turn that frown upside down!” We were taught that asking for help when it comes to emotional and physiological issues may be a sign of weakness – but the truth is – it takes an enormous amount of strength to reach out and seek help when your world isn’t like it should be. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you aren’t quite feeling like yourself and get the help you need. ​

Home > Support Us > GivingTuesday Help us provide 2,500 meals for home-bound seniors! When thinking about how to spend your hard-e arned doll ars this holiday season, consider investing in your community on the biggest philanth ropic day of the year, GivingTuesday, November 28, 2023. GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. When you are choosing the organization that will receive your very generous gift, please consider Council on Aging. We’ve got a GivingTuesday goal this year of raising $10,000—enough to provide 2,500 additional meals for seniors, who, due to illness or injury, can’t cook for themselves or shop for groceries. Thanks for helping out hungry seniors during this holiday season! Donate online, or please send a check to: Council on Aging, 30 Kawana Springs Road, Santa Rosa CA, 95404 ​Don’t forget to share your GivingTuesday story on your social media accounts by including #GivingTuesday in your post and tagging Council on Aging!

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Home > Wine Country Games > Faqs When does registration open? March 1st, 2024 ​ ​ How much does it cost to register for an event? ​ There is a$60 one-time, individual registration fee for each athlete. Additionally, all sports have event fees that range from $7.50-$20 per event. ​ There are NO team fees, but captains/capos must register their teams in our system. ​ Why does it cost so much? Registration and event fees help defray the costs of organizing the games, renting venues, providing portable restrooms and sanitation services, paying for liability insurance, m edical personnel, officials, medals, snacks, water, sports equipment, t-shirts, permits, sa ncti ons, and results logistics. ​ I am playing pickleball and another sport. Do I need to pay registration twice? No. You only have to pay the registration fee once. If you are playing pickleball and any other sport, please contact Coby at 707-525-0143, x 117. She will give you a code for registering that will allow you to bypass the mandatory registration fee in the non-pickleball registration software. You will still have to pay the sports fees for all events you want to compete in. ​ What is the COVID policy as related to the Games? Moving forward, our COVID policy will be aligned with that of the Coun ty of Sonoma. That information can be found at: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/novel-coronavirus/ What about my partner player? Each partner in a doubles competition must register as an individual and write in the full name of his or her partner. We are unable to find partners. The exception to this is pickleball. How do I register a team? Team captains must register their team/s at: https://winecountrygames.seniorgamesregistration.com/ Once registered, the captains receive an email with their team’s ID number. Captains then forward the team ID # to all their players for their use during registration. Each player must register and pay their fees at: https://winecountrygames.seniorgamesregistration.com/ I want to play a team sport but don’t have a team – what can I do? Contact the sports commissioner OR the Games Coordinator, Coby LaFayette at 707-525-0143, x 117 or clafayette@councilonaging.com Either person should be able to help you. ​ How do I contact a sports commissioner? Sports commissioner’s contact information is listed at the top of each sport page on our Games website. ​ Can I mail in my registration? We no longer accept mail-in registrations. IF you are having trouble using our online system, please contact Coby LaFayette at 707-525-0143, x 117 or clafayette@councilonaging.com ​ Who is eligible to participate in the games? All participants must be 50 on or before December 31st, 2024. There is no upper age limit for athletes. How are age groups for awards determined? Age categories are determined by a national standard, in five-year age groups: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, etc. unless noted on the sports page. Lawn Bowling and Bocce are awarded gold, silver, & bronze team medals. How are medals awarded? Medals are awarded to the top three individual or team finishers in each category/division. Athletes must pick up their medals on-site or designate someone to do that for them. Medals will not be mailed. What if I want to participate in more than one sport on the same day? We don’t recommend you do this unless you are competing in events offered on different days or weekends. Venues are far apart and parking can be challenging. What happens after I register online? Once you’ve completed the online registration, an email confirmation will be sent to you. If you haven’t seen that confirmation after a few minutes, check you junk mail or spam folder. Your confirmation notice will explain check-in procedures for your particular sport, keep it handy so you can reference it when you arrive on-site. All athletes and team members must check-in on-site prior to their first competition. At check-in please be prepared to show proof of age. This is a requirement in order to receive your credentials and your games t-shirt. Where do I go to check in for my event? Athletes check-in on-site at the sport event locati on. Event location information is listed on your on-line registration receipt. This information will also be listed, along with the most current competition details, on the sport page for that particular event. ​ Go to: https://www.councilonaging.com/choose-a-sport & c lick on the sport icon for your event. ​ Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to your fist competition, especially where parking is limited. What equipment do I need to bring with me? Athletes should plan on bringing their own equipment and w earing appropriate competition apparel. Large team sports require a team-identifier--usually a numbered shirt/jersey of like-color and style. For smaller teams (Basketball, Bocce & Lawn Bowling) like colored t-shirts are fine. Note: Game balls are provided for Pickleball and Table Tennis. Is water or food provided? Water and healthy snacks will be available at all venues for athletes, officials, and volunteers only . Lunch is not provided unless otherwise noted, so athletes, officials, and volunteers are encouraged to bring their own food. Please bring a re-fillable water bottle as we will not be providing single-use water bottles at any venue. Where are the games held? Games are held all over Sonoma County during the first two weekends in June. You can find these locations by checking out the Master Schedule at: https://www.councilonaging.com/master-schedule OR by going to the sport page of the games’ website: https://www.councilonaging.com/choose-a-sport Can my family and friends come watch me compete? Family and friends are encouraged to watch athletes compete. There is no fee for this. Please bear in mind that in some venues where quarters are close (Table Tennis and Pickleball), watching may necessitate you being farther away then you like. For your own comfort, consider bringing a camp chair to all outdoor events. Our games are about friendly competition, so we ask that you spectate with that in mind. Are the Sonoma Wine Country Games a qualifying meet? No, our games are not qualifiers for any of the sports offered. However, any qualified athlete can compete in the California State Senior Games Championships. Information about that event can be found at: https://californiaseniorgames.org Winners and qualifiers from the state championship can compete at the National Senior Games. That information can be found at: https://nsga.com/howtoqualify/ When does registration close? Registration closes for all sports* on Friday, May 24th at 5 pm. *Note: Pickleball is the only exception to this deadl ine. Registration closes for Pickleball on Friday, May 31st at 5 pm. What is the refund policy? Depending on the situation, a refund might be possible. Contact Coby LaFayette for more information. Refunds must be requested at least 2 weeks before event. Please do not register for overlapping events. No schedule changes will be made to accommodate multi-sport or multi-event entrants and refunds will not be given. How can I find out who I am competing with? We don’t share individual sport competition details. When is the Celebration of Athletes event? Due to fiscal realities, we no longer host a Celebration of Athletes. ​ A Word about “Fair Play.” These games are about fun! They are about friendly competition. And, we are very protective of the spirit of these games and the athletes that compete in th em. Please understand that any behavior on the part of a c ompetitor, team captain or coach, a non-playing person or spectator that is deemed inappropriate may result in immediate disqualification and/or removal from competition. Presiding sports commissioners and/or any on-site games coordinator have the authority to make that call. We do keep a list and record names. Fees will not be refunded. Yup, we’re serious about fair play and hope you will join us in keeping that spirit alive in our games! ​ Where can I get answers to other questions I have? Call our office 707-525-0143 X117 or email Coby Lafayette ​

Inter-generational Program Stay Connected to the Community with our Lunch Companion Programs! ​ ​ ​ The Surgeon General recently declared social isolation in seniors an epidemic. In response, we introduced the Tellegacy and Lunch Companion Programs to Sonoma County. The goal is to connect younger and older populations through conversation to combat the widespread issue of loneliness and isolation among seniors. It creates a space for older adults to reminisce and reflect on their lives by sharing their beliefs, history, and life lessons. If you are a senior looking for ways to stay active and connected then one of these programs is for you! Lunch Companion Program: A volunteer will visit a senior’s home, have lunch, and engage in conversation. The volunteer can choose their own visiting schedule - once a week, once every two weeks, or once a month. Tellegacy Program: The main goal of Tellegacy is to assist seniors feeling isolated and alone in our community back to living a more happy, fulfilled life. A volunteer will visit the senior once a week for eight weeks, have lunch, and conduct stimulating conversation. One of the things participants appreciate most about the program is the ability to look back on their life from a different perspective. At the end of the 8 weeks a short book detailing that senior’s life legacy will be printed and gifted to the senior. Senior Participant Requirements: Age 60 or better A desire for company and conversation You do not need to be a Meals On Wheels client to participate in these programs Testimonials: While looking through her completed legacy book, Joan P. expressed her gratitude and reflected on her experience in the program, saying, "It makes me feel like your life is worthwhile, and it has been. Every minute of it. The good times as well as the b ad." Another client said, "The program would be great, especially for a senior who's alone or kept out from the general community; it could mean a lot to that senior, making him or her feel a lot better about themselves. You reminisce and go over things throughout your life that maybe you forgot." - Terry H. One of our volunteers expressed, "The experience has been a real gift to me." When asked why she would recommend this program to older adults, she said, "..it helps the older adult to possibly reframe difficult times in their lives by also seeing the good times and remembering those times." ​ ​ T o learn more about how to sign up, as a senior or volunteer please contact Brooke Rosell, our Intergenerational Coordinator, at 707-525-0143 ext. 129 or brosell@councilonaging.com

Home > About Us > Our Strategic Plan Every three years, we complete a Strategic Plan process for Council on Aging. The Goals consist of many hours of brainstorming and refining our vision. Our staff, management team, and board of directors all participate in the process. These goals reflect the heart and mission of this organization. We are excited to announce that FY 2024-2028 is in production! Strategic Plan FY 2020-2023 Focus on increas ed revenue generation from e xisting and new opportunities Year 1 Go al Implement two new vetted strategies that increase revenu e by $100,000 Enhance measurable program impact through evaluation and course correction. Year 1 Goal Complete a report card on all existing Council on Aging programs with adjustment recommendations Commitment to proactive Talent management Year 1 Goal Create a strategy that will produce an 80% positive response from staff on a job satisfaction survey. ​