[Left to Right] Sean Bellach, Lisa Brinkmann, Marc Levine, Kristi Denton Cohen, Mary Jo Lafaye, Rolf Selvig
There are many things to consider when you are deciding to “age in place” (staying put) or move on to someplace new. On Thursday, March 15, Lise Salmon and the Vanguard Properties Seniors Team in Marin County, CA, pulled together a compelling panel discussion on this topic. In spite of a stormy afternoon, nearly 70 people filled the room. As Founder of Staying Put or Moving On, I was honored to be invited to speak. The panel was chaired by Marc Levine, California Assembly Member from the 10th District. As a member of the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, he is a stalwart supporter of the issues facing seniors.
Panel members spoke about diverse topics for seniors
After my overview of what options are available as outlined on our websitewww.stayomove.org, Marc invited panelist Lisa Brinkmann, the Executive Director of Marin Villages to talk about the very successful Village movement in Marin and how that came to be. Much credit was given to their hard-working volunteers.
Following Lisa, Sean Bellach, the Government Affairs Field Representative/Local Issues Coordinator for the California Association of Realtors gave updates on state legislative matters that impact homeownership, including the Property Tax Fairness Initiative.
Mary Jo Lafaye spoke next. She’s a certified Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Specialist and manager with Retirement Funding Solutions. Working with senior homeowners, her goal is to secure long-term sustainable retirement solutions, especially since many seniors have 65-75% of their net worth in their homes.
Lastly, Rolf Selvig, of Selvig Development spoke. He is a Certified Age-in-Place Specialist meaning he renovates homes for seniors to allow them to safely and easily remain in them as they grow older. Marc Levine led the informative discussion that followed as audience members submitted questions to the panelists.
A big thanks to the Vanguard Seniors Team for arranging this event.
