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Editor’s Desk:
Voter Advisory Question on Senior Services oters will be asked on the November 6th General Election Ballot if Washoe County should increase the Government Service Tax (GST) to support seniors, public safety, and public infrastructure. The Washoe County Commission voted to approve the advisory question July 16, after senior
V
Senior Fest
maximum 5 percent. If enacted, the GST will appear on residents vehicle registration bills from the DMV. The average registration bill will increase $43. Washoe County Senior Services serves 5,000 to 6,000 people a year, and provides seniors with programs to maximize their independence such as Adult Day
20 August 2012 page 27 - Calender/Crossword
This Issue page 3 - Editor’s Desk: Senior Funds
page 32 - this ‘n that - Anne Vargas
on the November Election Ballot
page 33 - Seniors 4 Travel
page 6 - Guest Editorial
Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa
page 12 - New Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs
Health
page 14 - Caregiver Resource Fair page 16 - Fan Club for Seniors page 18 - DHHS Deputy Director page 20 - Senior Fest 2012: health screenings, entertainment, resources page 22 - Social Security
page 10 - Five Lessons to Live By Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. Center for Healthy Aging page 13 - Caregiving: Dr. Marion Tips for Summer Heat page 18 - Ophthalmology:
Senior advocate Martha Gould, 81, testifies before the Washoe County Commission to increase senior service funding. Commissioner John Breternitz listens on.
advocates made a case that the Senior Services Department needed more funding for the growing population needing public assistance. Washoe County currently has a 4 percent GST on the depreciated value of motor vehicles. One percent would increase the GST to a maximum of 5 percent. An increase of 1 percent of the GST would produce $9.4 million annually. The GST of 1 percent can be enacted any time but the County Commission has not raised the tax to the
Health Care, the Senior Law Project, Meals on Wheels, Home Delivered Meals, case management, visiting nurse, home care, and Aging and Disability Resource Center supports. Even though the Department collects a 1 cent ad valorem tax on property enacted in 1985, funding has declined in recent years with the recession. Senior Services has had several budget cuts as has all other Washoe County Departments. Washoe County currently serves 650 Home (Editor’s Desk page 4)
Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D.
Every Issue page 19 - Eclectic Observer Janet Ross page 23 - Eydie Scher - Excerpts page 25 - Art of Living Well Through Books! page 26 - Biggest Little City Harry Spencer
Financial page 7 - Why Your Trust Should Not be Short & Sweet Bradley B. Anderson Wealth Advisors
Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 (775) 348-0717 e-mai l : S eni orspectrumnv@aol . com S eni orspectrumnewspaper. com Publishers: Chris & Connie McMullen Senior Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain. Publication of advertising contained does not constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved.
August • 2012 • 3
4 • 2012 • August
Delivered Meals (HDM) a year. The GTS would serve an additional 300 homebound elders, increasing the number of meals to 70,000 for a total of 180,000 HDM annually. County Manager Katy Simon listens while the The departCounty Commission discusses the ballot question. ment also pro tion management program vides meals to 2,100 at conwould expand to serve 350 gregate meal locations, more seniors, grow case many seniors who report it is their only meal of the day. management to coordinate care for 600 seniors, and The GTS would restore site provide in-home services to managers, clerical and an extra 400 low-income social work support previelders. ously cut. Passage of the GST ballot The GTS would also question would not be provide an additional 10 low-income seniors services binding, but it would give the County Commission in DayBreak, the Adult Day Health Program. The annu- direction regarding funding of critical programs assistal costs for DayBreak is ing the most vulnerable $11,000 per client. Nevada aging in the community. Medicaid Nursing Home The GST is an opportunity costs for the same senior is to help many low-income, about $59,000 per year, an disadvantaged, chronically annual savings of $48,000 ill and disabled people, preper year. dominately women over age An increase in the GTS 65 living in their homes. would also increase Senior There is no better time than law services to 400 more now for us to vote yes on people, and expand inforthe GST ballot question mation and referral to an additional 5,500 seniors and because it will meet the need and save money. their families. The medica-
August • 2012 • 5
Guest Editorial
Supreme Court Ruling is a Victory for Nevada Seniors U.S. Senator Harry Reid The decision of the United States Supreme Court to uphold the Sen. Harry Reid Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a sweeping win for seniors across the Unites States. Nobody, especially Nevada’s seniors, should feel cornered by high-priced health care costs or inaccessible health services. Nevada’s seniors deserve the very best services their government can offer them, and now that the Supreme Court has spoken,
6 • 2012 • August
we must focus on implementing the full extent of the ACA so seniors, and all people in Nevada, can enjoy the highest quality of life possible. Too often, people only visit a doctor when they are sick, hurt, or are affected by serious illness. But by offering new preventative services free of charge, like annual wellness visits for seniors, the ACA is making it easier for people to detect illnesses and health risks early. Nevada seniors on Medicare have also benefited from (Reid page 13)
Why Your Trust Shouldn’t be Short and Sweet Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
Y
ou’ve just returned from your estate planning attorney’s office with a draft of your new Trust. As you read through the document, the first thing you notice is how long it is. You’re not rich or famous. Does it really take pages and pages of legal jargon to accomplish your intentions for your estate? You’ve seen do-it-yourself Trust kits online, and they look like they’re only a few pages long. A short and sweet Trust might be easier to read through, but it is likely not an adequate foundation for a
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
solid estate plan. One purpose of a Trust is to anticipate issues that might arise after your disability or death; another is to provide instructions for what should be done with your assets in different situations. A few pages of simple instructions just are not sufficient to address all – or even most – of the potential situations that might arise. Empowering Your Trustee Much of your Trust is devoted to defining the powers and duties of your Trustee, the person in charge of managing your Trust
assets. Your Trustee may be faced with any number of situations to deal with, and a well-planned Trust will empower him or her to manage the Trust in a way that best suits the Trust beneficiaries while complying with your wishes. When your Trust does not specifically empower your Trustee to take certain actions on behalf of the beneficiaries, your Trustee’s hands can be tied. For example, do you want your Trustee to be able to mortgage your home to pay for your children’s education or for medical expenses? If your Trust does not
explicitly authorize your Trustee to do this, the bank might be concerned that your Trustee is not permitted to sign the mortgage documents Identifying Beneficiaries Another portion of your Trust identifies your beneficiaries. At first blush, it seems like this should be the shortest part of the document. After all, you just need to list a few names, right? Not necessarily. Imagine you want to make Amanda, Ben, and Charlie your Trust beneficiaries. If your Trust document simply names these (Trust page 8)
August • 2012 • 7
Trust / page 7 beneficiaries and goes no further, a spectrum of potential problems arises. What if Amanda dies before you, and she leaves behind children? Should her children inherit her share of the Trust assets, or should Ben and Charlie divide the Trust assets evenly? If you want Amanda’s children to inherit her share of the assets, in what proportion? What if Amanda has adopted children or step-children – should they be treated the same as her biological children? This is just a taste of the many issues addressed by a good Trust. A well-drafted Trust document anticipates as many potential questions and problems as possible, and resolves them according to your wishes. This simply can’t be done in a handful of
8 • 2012 • August
pages. An experienced estate planning attorney will delve into your financial and personal situation, help you clarify your hopes, wishes, and intentions for your loved ones, and then draft a detailed Trust designed to bring your plans to life. The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd, is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice in every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or to attend an upcoming seminar, contact us at (775) 823-9455 or at www.probatebusters.com.
August • 2012 • 9
Adding Life to Years
Five Lessons to Live By Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging thought I would share these lessons to live by with you in my column this month given all the negativity and human atrocities that are occurring around us, such as the Colorado massacre and the political mudslinging happening. I do not know where I found them and I apologize for not having the source, but I thought they were inspiring enough to pass them on. I hope you enjoy.
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First Important Lesson Cleaning lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
10 • 2012 • August
and had breezed through the questions until I read The last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely", said the professor. "In your careers, You will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and
care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. Second Important Lesson Pickup in the rain. One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflictfilled 1960s. The man took
her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he (Life to Years page 11)
Life to Years / page 10 passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. Third Important Lesson Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. Fourth Important Lesson. The obstacle in our path. In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear,
but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was
for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. Fifth Important Lesson Giving when it counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her
5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing (Life to Years page 12)
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Life to Years / page 11 the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
12 • 2012 • August
Most importantly… “Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching." What better way to “add life to years”. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging, welcomes your comments. Write to larry@addinglifetoyears.com.
Governor’s Executive Order Creates Interagency Council On Veterans Affairs Governor Brian Sandoval has signed Executive Order 2012-15, establishing the Governor’s Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs. Governor Brian Sandoval’s order creates the council to work to identify and prioritize the needs of Nevada’s veterans. The council “shall further work towards increasing the coordination of State government’s efforts to meet the needs of veterans with the efforts of Federal and local governments, non-profit organizations and any other entities working towards meeting the needs of veterans.” “The Governor’s
Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs is a crucial aspect of our efforts to optimize the delivery of veterans’ services in Nevada,” Caleb Cage, Director of the Office of Veterans Services said. “Governor Sandoval’s leadership on this and other veteran and military related issues will greatly improve our ability to coordinate statewide services for veterans and their families, and we appreciate his foresight in enacting this order.” The council will meet at least four times before December 31, 2013, and will deliver a report to the Governor on or before that date.
Ask Dr. Marion Dr. Marion Somers. Ph.D.
Caregiving: Tips for Hot Summer Days With many hot days on the calendar, I worry about my father who is in ill health. I take care of him on the weekends. Do you have any suggestions on how to “beat the heat”? Florence, 59, North Carolina. ummer is here and it’s time for Dr. Marion Somers some fun in the great outdoors. But if you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you must remember that the heat can be a very serious issue. I recently played a part in a close call. I’m happy to say everything turned out just fine, but it was scary.
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In the midst of a heat wave a few years ago, I was called by an elderly woman’s relatives who lived in a different state from her. The relatives were in regular contact with their grandmother, but
they had been unable to reach her. They first tried to get in touch with the superintendent of her building, but he was on vacation. When they called me, I quickly had them overnight the key to her residence along with a certified permission slip that allowed me to enter the home. Right away, I went to the apartment along with a nursing aide in case we had an emergency. We entered the apartment and called her name, but there was no answer. All of the windows were closed, and the air conditioning
was turned on but not working. Within a minute, we found the grandmother sitting in her rocker in front of the television. She was dehydrated, hallucinating, and looked like a limp rag. She didn’t have the energy to react. We quickly called 911, collected her medications, and brought them to the hospital with us. Because she was a high-functioning individual, she was coherent within 24hours and within a few days, she was re-hydrated and stabilized. But many elderly with weaker constitutions could have met a much worse fate. (Hot S ummer Days page 15)
Reid / page 6 cheaper prescription drugs. Since the ACA was signed into law, more than 20,000 Nevada seniors saved more than $12 million on medication. These seniors would have fallen into the prescription drug “doughnut hole,” a coverage gap forcing seniors to pay for medication out-of-pocket. Seniors will have their worries fully put to rest in 2020 when the doughnut hole is completely phased out. The ACA will continue to pay dividends, but my Republican colleagues in Congress remain committed to rehashing the health care debate to halt progress we are making for seniors. Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, House Republicans voted again to repeal the law and Senate Republicans are similarly steadfast in waging a battle against the ACA, including its Medicare provisions. I hope we can put this fight behind us and work together to make sure seniors in Nevada are taken care of. August • 2012 • 13
Resource Fair Helps Caregivers, Families he Third Annual Caregiver Resource Fair drew many participants seeking community resources. Held at the Continuum in Reno, the Caregiver Resource Fair provided opportunities for family, neighbors, paid and informal caregivers, volunteers, and faith groups seeking services. Sponsored by the Nevada Caregivers Coalition, attendees were able to network with professional community providers for service options and respite care. Continuum owner, Diane Ross, Nevada Caregiver Coalition Chairman, said a survey conducted by the Center for Healthy Aging for Washoe County showed employees thought information and education was the most important to them
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14 • 2012 • August
regarding caregiving of family and friends. “Caregivers need information so they can plan ahead, so they know what to do when there is a crisis,” Ross said. “The most important thing is talking to your children before you pass away, making your wishes known.” Talking to family will stop fighting among siblings. Additionally important, caregivers need to know how to access Social Security and veterans benefits, and how to complete an advance directive. Participants also attended mini classes on medication management, legal and financial concerns, and home safety tips, and received resources on adult day care, in home care, and adaptive equipment.
Diane Ross, The Continuum, Reno, and Monie Cyr, Director of Community Outreach, Circle of Life Hospice, at an information table providing resources at the Third Annual Caregiver Resource Fair.
Hot S ummer Days
/ p. 13
Consider these precautions: • If your father lives alone, arrange daily contact with him via phone, internet, or in person. This allows most heat-related problems to be solved before potentially irreversible damage is done. I often have my clients check in with a local coffee shop or other neighborhood store, too. • Discuss your father’s hydration with his doctor so you know the appropriate amount of daily water he needs to consume based on age, weight, height, and body type. Discuss the facts with your father and be sure he adheres to the program.
• Make sure all air conditioning units are serviced by professional maintenance people. The filters have to be changed and clean, and in the winter, you need to protect the unit if your father lives in cold weather. • If your father is out in the heat, make sure he has suntan lotion on all exposed skin including behind the ears, under the chin, and on top of the feet if open shoes or sandals are worn.
to a theater or restaurant so he won’t be too cold.
• Your father could also carry an umbrella and/or wear a wide-brimmed sun hat to minimize sun damage or the chance of heat stroke.
As long as you use common sense and extra precaution, your father will have a better chance to beat the heat and enjoy his days in the sun.
• Bring along a sweater or jacket if he is going indoors
Dr. Marion Somers, Ph.D. is the author of "Elder Care
Taking precautions to avoid the heat during hot summer days is a good idea.
Made Easier" and has over 40 years of experience as a geriatric care manager, caregiver, speaker, and expert in all things elder care. She offers practical tools, solutions, and advice to help caregivers everywhere through her book, website, iPhone apps, and more. Visit www.DrMarion.com.
August • 2012 • 15
Fan Club Helps Seniors Survive the Summer Heat ashoe County Senior Services continues to receive donations to help
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seniors live comfortably during the hot summer months. Businesses, organizations, and residents have donated
Meet and Greet for the Tonopah Lamb Apartments Las Vegas’ Newest, Premier Affordable Apartments for Seniors 62 and Better Thursday, August 23rd From 3 – 6 p.m. Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Come for refreshments, learn about the new quality, rent subsidized apartment community opening in October. Experienced staff will answer questions and help with applications Call 8004667722 for more information! Applications can be found online at www.accessiblespace.org 16 • 2012 • August
over 140 fans, and more than $2,000 to the annual KOLO Summer Fan Drive for Seniors since July. Sparks resident Cindy Lichty, 36, donated two electric fans to help seniors stay cool. She said she was motivated by the generosity of the community. Ellen Desilva, 64, Reno, is given a fan by Nancy Kerns Fans will be Cummins, Washoe County Senior Services. Desilva is a caregiver to a 97-year-old woman suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. collected recipients must be 60 years through September to meet of age or older. Seniors withthe need during the hottest out air conditioning and months. “Last year, KOLO Fan Club members helped over 200 local seniors who did not have a way to beat the heat," Washoe County Senior Services Director Grady Ashley Brune, Publicist, Atlantis Resort Spa, gives Connie McMullen, Tarbutton Washoe County Senior Services Advisory Board, Senior Spectrum Publisher, a check of $500 to purchase new fans. said. those that have not previousPeople wanting to donate ly participated in the proare encouraged to drop off gram are a priority. new fans at the Washoe County Senior Center, locatTo join the program, sened at 1155 E. 9th Street, in iors can call (775) 328-2575. Reno. Only donations of Drop off or pick up is new fans in the box will be between 9 - 3 p.m., Monday accepted. To qualify for a fan, through Friday.
August • 2012 • 17
Ophthalmology
Pink Eye Blues Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
Just one look in the mirror is usually all it takes to make people afflicted with “pink eye” to go running for their sunglasses.
There is nothing pretty about this inflammation of the translucent mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the underside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye. “Conjunctivitis” (the
medical term for this inflammation) may be the result of a bacterial infection that causes the eyes to look bloodshot and discharge thick mucus that can make the eyelids stick together (a
symptom that can be helped with warm compresses). Once bacterial conjunctivitis has been properly diagnosed, it may be treated with an antibiotic ointment. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, usually disappears on its own. It should be noted that another type of conjunctivitis, “allergic conjunctivitis,” may disappear on its own when the allergen that caused it is removed. If you experience any difficulties with your vision, see your eye doctor or call us at 775-882-2988. We are located at 3839 N. Carson Street, Carson City. Hours are 8-5, Monday - Friday by appointment. M/C, Visa, Medicare Assignment accepted.
New DHHS Deputy Director
call775.858.1900 or
18 • 2012 • August
Mike Willden, Director of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has appointed Jane Gruner, as the new DHHS Deputy Director of Programs. Gruner is currently the Deputy Administrator for the Mental Health and Developmental Services Division; a position she has held since February 2011. In her new role, Gruner is responsible for oversight of Director’s Office programs to include the Grants Management Unit, Governor’s Office for Consumer Health Assistance, Suicide Prevention Office and Early Childhood Systems. In addition, Gruner will continue assisting in the transition of programs into the Division of Aging and Disability Services.
ECLECTIC OBSERVER Janet Ross rin Breen had a column in the June 12th Reno Gazette Journal about how “sometimes things just speak to you.” In Erin’s case, the object that spoke to her was a large, yellow dahlia plant. The idea that things speak to you struck home. Back in March “Pedro” not only spoke to me, he spoke directly to my heart. More about Pedro later, but first I need to provide some background. My daughter, Lisa, and I are cat lovers. Her favorite cat, Grumpy, died three years ago at 16. Grumpy, despite his name, was an outgoing, super-lovey fellow. He greeted the mailman every day, roamed the neighborhood making friends, and loved nothing more than lots of hugs and petting. Grumpy reluctantly shared his living space with a pair of strays we’d adopted. Max had been abandoned by neighbors who moved, but as an autistic animal he’d never been socialized with other cats or people. We fed Max, gave him shelter, and what little affection he would tolerate. Mau was a purebred Savannah, also abandoned, who showed up on our patio two summers ago starving and traumatized. Mau’s behavior is best described as wiggy; he’s totally frantic at mealtimes and tolerates only the occasional affection. After Grumpy headed to kitty heaven we sorely missed having a cuddly cat, but seeing as strays had found us before, we expected the “right” cat would appear
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before long. Two years went by and we were still waiting. The beginning of March I stopped at the Nevada Humane Society to leave a donation of towels. The NHS was having a black cat adoption event and, out of curiosity, I decided to walk the aisle of caged, black cats. I made it only a few feet before I spotted Pedro, #163758. Pedro had been at the NHS since October 2011 (after a previous 30 days in Animal Control). He was estimated to be about 8years-old, to weigh about 9 ½ pounds. His ID card noted “I’m a pretty cool looking cat, and I have a great personality too! I’m calm and affectionate; all I need is a quiet home and somebody to love, and I’ll be a happy cat!” Pedro truly tugged at my heart strings, but I worried how he’d be accepted by our pair of less-than-friendly fellows. With that in mind, I left NHS without adopting him. As the week went on I kept thinking about the cat that captured my heart. I told Lisa about Pedro, and five days later we agreed to see if he was still available for adoption ... also, if Lisa liked him. Pedro won a piece of Lisa’s heart, too. Then to make sure he could cope with other cats, we observed him in a situation with (Eclectic page 22)
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Health Screenings at Senior Fest Big Band Music, Eldorado Entertainment, Networking he 17th annual Senior Fest 2012 will be held September 4, 9-2 p.m. at Reno ‘Old’ Town Mall, on Peckham Lane, in Reno. Organizers of the special event anticipate the day to be just as busy as previous years, meeting the communities needs for information and referral, resources, and fun! Renown Health and Senior Care Plus (SCP), Senior Fest dynamic sponsors, have teamed up once again to bring health screenings to the event. A major undertaking by the health care providers, hundreds of seniors will be screened and tested during the days event. Those who fast for blood draws can arrive at
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20 • 2012 • August
the mall parking lot health tent early to check in (between 7:30 8 a.m.). Screenings offered include: Wellness Blood Profile: (10 hours fasting required for accurate assessments) • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) includes: Calcium, Chloride, CO2, BUN and Creatinine, (for kidney function), Glucose (for Diabetes), Potassium, Sodium • Lipid Panel: includes Cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides, and Calculated LDL Cholesterol (for heart health) • Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) for known diabetics * Laboratory results are mailed
Renown Health and Senior Care Plus at Senior Fest.
to each participant within 2 weeks after the event Physical Measurements: • Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, Cardiac Risk display, handouts
• Body Mass Index, Nutrition display, handouts • Bone Density Screening - SCP members only (First come first serve/100 members/4 machines.)
(Senior Fest page 28)
August • 2012 • 21
Rita Meier
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Make Social Security Online Services ‘PAR For The Course’
or many retirees (and near retirees), there is nothing that they look forward to as much as a day on the golf course. The game recently has been made more pleasurable by the
use of computers and GPS technology. A hand-held electronic unit acts just like a personal caddie, providing quick and accurate yardage information — and much more. It saves time … as well as
mental and physical effort. So golfers should be among those retirees (and near retirees) to recognize the value of technology in other aspects of life, such as Social Security’s online services. By logging on at www.socialsecurity.gov, you can handle important Social Security business as: Applying online for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits. One thing that golfers everywhere hate is slow play — waiting on the tee box, and then waiting again in the fairway. While we can’t eliminate waits on the golf course, going online to www.socialsecurity.gov can eliminate the time you would spend waiting in lines at an office.
Eclectic / page 19
22 • 2012 • August
another shelter cat at NHS. All doubts erased, we headed home with Pedro who made not a sound during the entire trip. Once in the house he headed immediately for the space under a living room couch - typical cat behavior in new surroundings. It took only a few weeks for Pedro to settle in. He and Mau are the kind of buddies who often sleep together and, just as often, fight like siblings. Max ignores Pedro, but Pedro continues to make friendly overtures. Pedro didn’t come to us weighing 9+ pounds - those months in a cage gave him what we call a “basketball belly.” (I’d guess he tips the scales at close to 15 pounds and we really should find a way to help him lose a little weight.) Pedro will never replace Grumpy in our hearts, he’s made his own place there ... we have our cuddly cat who adores being on a lap, having his silky coat brushed and his ears scratched. I’m so glad I listened when Pedro spoke to me.
Eydie’s Excerpts
Start Spreading the News Eydie Scher ur next foray into New York once again takes us over the GW Bridge. We are meeting our friends at the Intrepid, a WW11 aircraft carrier and a museum. Parking is a mere $24. This day is special. The Shuttle Enterprise is coming up the Hudson River for its permanent home on the Intrepid. Cameras line the entire area. I get one good shot. It’s a joyful sight. The news channels give precedence to the shuttle’s arrival. We tour the ship and climb the narrow stairways as David hosts
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David’s Bucket List...in New York information from his Navy days. On David’s bucket list, he includes a visit to a real New York Deli. Our friends know just the place. They don’t mention it is a mile walk. Crossing New York streets is scary. Traffic stops right in the middle of an intersection. Hold your breath as you maneuver in front of vehicles. Yes, the crosswalk sign flashed but it doesn’t make a difference. Horns blast. Pedestrians crush one another. Surprisingly, there are no accidents. (Bucket List page 24)
Part 2
The Shuttle Enterprise on its way to the Intrepid.
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Bucket List / page 23 Sweat drips down my face as we finally enter the deli. Bowls of sour pickles are placed in front of us. A salad on this particDavid’s pastrami sandwich. ular day is Newark airport is our 40 cents. Yes, you read that embarking point. Another right. The place is celebrating 40 years in business with pat down and I am again specials like that. The size of asked if I want a private David’s pastrami sandwich is room. This gets old. The flight takes off on daunting. time and we are served queThe car takes us to view the new World Trade Center sadillas and warm nuts. But building. There’s no place to it is the final flight out of Dallas that is the best. get out. Once you’re on the Dinner is tortellini in mushWest Side Highway or FDR room sauce, a salad, wine, Drive in Manhattan, you fresh buttered bread and an keep going no matter what. ice cream sundae for dessert. Free time takes us to our If you have never traveled first house in Rockland County. It has been repaint- first class, you have got to try it but be aware that going ed. The tree we planted 46 back to coach will be disasyears ago to hid a rock is trous. We are not planning now worthy of Rockefeller to fly again any time soon. Center. It is enormous. We What a trip. Everything visit our neighbors who still went better than expected! live there. Gosh, it’s good to The landscape is so difhang with old friends. ferent. Lush green is the Also on David’s Bucket color of New Jersey. Huge list is dinner at a NJ diner. trees are everywhere. What Again, our friends Irene and a contrast to Nevada. But Harold know just the place. you know something, we are David has a running joke happy to be home and we about diners. He says he love our adopted State. always asks for Nick or Gus Farewell New York! and they are always part of the diners. The surprise David’s Bucket List comes when he asks our - Yankee Game at the new waitress if there is a Nick or Stadium Gus at this diner and she - Lunch at a New York Deli says they are brothers who - Visit the Intrepid own the diner, and which - New World Trade Center one would he like to see. - Dinner at New Jersey Diner Score one for David! He is - Visit his old Neighborhood right about the food. It is - Visit our first house incredible. No downsizing the meals here in New All done! I love comments, Jersey! e-mail to eydies@aol.com. We’re heading home. 24 • 2012 • August
The Art of Living Well Through Books
Can You Hear Me Now? Emily Headley, Executive Director Sierra Place, Carson City Janice Jagoda, R.N., Director of Assisted Living
e are born (most of us) with this ability, yet we rarely make full use of it. If even 10 percent of us made better use of it, our world would be a different place. Like breathing, it is taken for granted and most folks believe that they do a good job of it (and therefore rarely put effort into improving it). We’re talking about listening. Do you feel really listened to? Think of the difference it would make if each of us could emphatically answer yes to that question. In her book “Practicing the Sacred
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Art of Listening,” Kay Lindahl states “The simple act of listening to each other can transform all of our relationships. Indeed, it can transform the world, as we practice being the change we wish to see in the world.” She presents some interesting statistics about people’s listening habits. Marketing studies indicate that the average attention span for adults is 22 seconds. When someone has finished speaking, we remember about half of what we heard. Within a few hours we can recall only about 20 percent. The number of adults who have had any training in listening skills is
less than 5 percent. One of her clients, a business executive, states “I just realized that I spend a great deal of time preparing myself to speak, I don’t think I have ever prepared myself to listen.” Just let that one sink in a minute. Lindahl considers three ways to define listening, and asserts that “each one is more of a way to think about listening than the “right” answer.” Her first offering is that it is a choice, a decision that is, admittedly, often outside of our awareness but it is still a choice. Think of a time when you’ve supposedly listened to someone, but can’t recall a
word they said for the last five minutes. Conversely, it doesn’t take long to realize that someone is not listening to us! Her second definition is that listening is a gift. Even though it doesn’t cost any money, the gift of one’s time and attention in listening – like the commercial says – is priceless. Feeling that connection, knowing the other person cares about what you’re saying….there are few feelings that are better than that. Listening as an art is Lindahl’s third definition. Beyond the development of a skill or the acquisition of (Hear Me Now page 30)
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Reno’s Western Roots
BIGGESTlittle City
Harry Spencer
n its search for a new identity the city of Reno would do well to emphasize its Western culture. Many years ago there was a movement afoot to construct wooden sidewalks and fake fronts for the buildings on Virginia Street. This in effect would create a modern day Virginia City for tourists to enjoy. At that point in time Reno was a wide-shouldered small town that apologized to no one. In fact The Biggest Little City was a place where the rugged individual felt most at home. Many expatriates from the East found it a safe haven, particularly if they were a little more eccentric than their fellowmen. Show business, politicians, and other celebrities from all walks of life crowded into the tiny 24-hour town. Miners, cowboys and Indians roamed the streets at will. Prior to the legalizing of gaming, divorce was the main industry and many guest ranches populated the area. Of those Harry Drackert’s Donner Ranch was the most prestigious. The gay divorcees appreciated the Western way of life that they had only previously seen in motion pictures. When gaming came to the fore, Reno quickly turned into a 24-hour a day operation. As the casinos grew in popularity big-time entertainment was added. It was at this time that the idea of making Reno a quasi-Western town, ala Scottsdale, Arizona, was floated about. Unfortunately the idea
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never took hold and Reno became a mish-mash of several competing architectural styles. A big tourist draw that surfaced was the creation of major special events. The most prominent of which was the annual Silver Spurs award. Following is a history of the Spurs that I penned for the 2011 Reno Rodeo program. “One of Reno’s most successful Western styled promotions was the annual award of the “Silver Spurs” which ran from 1950 to 1965. The original presentation was made by the Reno Chamber of Commerce in 1950 to John Wayne and Director John Ford. The idea was to create a Western “Oscar” to be awarded to the most popular cowboy movie star in America for the preceding year. Later, as Western motion pictures fell out of favor it was awarded to the most popular TV Western stars. Many of the locals who participated in the 16-year run of the “Spurs” have long advocated that if a Celluloid Cowboy Hall of Fame is ever established the logical location would be somewhere in Reno, Nevada. The initial award was an easy choice for the Chamber since Wayne and Ford had worked together on such epic films as “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”, “Fort Apache”, “The Searchers”, “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, “The Horse Soldiers”, and “Rio Grande”. Even today Wayne still reigns as the top iconic (Biggest Little City p. 29)
August Calendar Aug. 7 - Nevada Attorney General to speak at NV Women’s Lobby Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Rapscallion’s Seafood House and Bar, (775) 827-2481.
Cardiovascular Disease, www.medicine.nevada.edu /cehso/cme/index.html
Sept. 8 - Second Annual Great Yerington Yard Sale, Jeanne Dini Center, downtown Yerington, (775) 463-3699. Sept. 16 - Vegan Cooking Class, Mexican food, Stonehouse at Riverview, 1- 4 p.m., $20, (775) 3274500.
Sept. 19 - Washoe County Obesity Forum, Joe Crowley Student Center. Sept. 26 - 27 - NHCC/HSC Health Care Conference, Diabetes Prevention and Control, Atlantis Resort. Visit for more information: http://nhccreno.org/health-care-conference/
Aug. 8 - NV Legal Services, Free Foreclosure Class, call (775) 284-3491. Also Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. Aug. 9 - 16 - Rhythm and Sight Reading Piano Workshop, 10 a.m., TMCC Meadowood Center, $69, (775) 829-9010. Aug. 11 - NV Urban Indians’ Summer Health Fair Celebration, 11 - 4 p.m., Boys and Girls Club, (775) 788-7600, ext. 119. Aug. 14 - Knitting Group, 5:30 - 7 p.m., South Valleys Library, (775) 851-5190. Aug. 14 - 30 - E-mail 101, 9 a.m., TMCC Meadowood Center, $59, (775) 829-9010. Aug. 15 - Lifescapes, Northwest Reno Library, 1-3 p.m., (775) 787-4100. Aug. 16 - E-Book Help Getting Started with Overdrive, 3 - 4 pm., Northwest Reno Library, (775) 787-4100. Aug. 17 - Bridge, 1-4 p.m., South Valleys Library, (775) 851-5190. Aug. 18 - Knitting Club, 1 -3 p.m., Northwest Reno Library, (775) 787-4100. Aug. 24 - Sept. 14 - Fun with Social Networking, 12 noon, TMCC Meadowood Center, $39, (775) 829-9010. September 4 - SENIOR FEST, Reno Town Mall, 9-2 p.m., Renown health screenings, information, entertainment, free parking, Atlantis Resort lot, (775) 348-0717. Sept. 6 - 7 - Grant Writing USA, workshop in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Fire Rescue Training Center, 633 North Mojave Road, Las Vegas, (800) 8148191. Sept. 7 - Annual Diabetes Conference: Breaking the Link Between Diabetes &
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Fest / p. 20 People who participate in the health screenings are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear a hat for sunny
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September days! The Eldorado Hotel Casino will be back with its Showroom entertainment, celebrating the hit songs of
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. “Jersey Nights” will take Senior Fest audiences on a nostalgic trip. (Eldorado scheduled Aug. 7 - Nov. Jersey Nights cast singing Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons songs. 4.) ries such as “Satin Doll”. Senior Fest entertainment Senior Fest is a one-stop will also feature the shop for resources and inforBarbershop Express Quartet with harmonized performanc- mation. Over 50 vendors will be available to provide es. Barbershop Express memresources and referral, materibers are: Tenor- Jay Ciccotti, als and services inside the Lead-Chris Sciarrotta mall. So remember to visit! (Melody), Baritone- Donnie Senior Fest is free and open Miller, & Bass- Norm Howard. to the public. Parking is They will delight audiences at offered at the mall and at the 9:30 a.m. on the Senior Fest Atlantis parking lot. Look for stage. Additionally there will the bus shuttle! Information be Big Band Music beginning can be obtained by calling around 11 a.m. Catch classic 348-0717, ask for Chris. tunes that bring back memo-
Biggest Little City / page 26 American cowboy. The awards themselves gained national and world-wide notoriety when the late Judd Allen became CEO of the Reno Chamber of Commerce. Allen had been a Press Agent in Hollywood and was well connected with the Movieland Press. He hit upon the idea of polling those writers in Hollywood and then counting the ballots, ala the “Oscar”, and announcing the winner. That move alone gave the awards greater credibility and prestige. Oft times the winner of the “Spurs” would serve as the Grand Marshall of the Reno Rodeo parade. Working with the Chamber’s Promotion committee on numerous “Spurs” awards I can recall one of the highlights of the presentation days was to take the recipient to Sundown Town, which was located halfway to Carson City up in the hills west of the highway. It was operated by Bob Talmadge, the son of Buster Keaton and Norma Talmadge. Constructed much like the false front sets in Hollywood it featured a saloon, quick draw booth, live stagecoach rides, a small lake and several other buildings and corrals. Former Governor Paul Laxalt and Lt. Governor Rex Bell were usually in attendance. The “Spurs” themselves were a work of functional art. Mounted on a handsome wooden plaque they could be removed and actually worn by the recipient. They were handcrafted by Newman’s Silver Shop in Reno. The list of “Spurs” winners reads like a pantheon of prestigious performers. It includes Wayne and Ford (1950), Gregory Peck and Henry King (1951), Jimmy Stewart (1952), Gary Cooper and Fred Zinneman (1953), Alan Ladd and George Stevens (1954), Spencer Tracy (1955), Jimmy Stewart again (1956), Glen Ford (1957), Glen Ford and Jack Lemmon (1958), Fred McMurray (1959), Jim Arness (1960), Richard Boone and Ward Bond (1961), Dan Blocker (1962), Lorne Greene (1963), Michael Landon (1964), and Glen Ford (1965). Ward Bond’s award was posthumous and was accepted by his widow and John Wayne, his longtime friend. Glen Ford’s award in 1965 was changed to the “Golden Spurs” since he was a three-time winner.” August • 2012 • 29
Hear Me Now / page 25 knowledge – the art of listening implies “that extra something, something special that elevates the experience or act to an art”. A masterful listener can be likened to the masters in other areas of life, and there is good news in this observation: by making the choice to offer your gift of listening, you can elevate your practice to an art form and therefore make a real difference in any relationship and, dare we say, the world. There is unlimited potential out there for making a difference in this area of life. Should you be duly inspired to pursue the path of listening artist, Lindahl’s book is a valuable resource. She points out that, like anyone who wants to be good at anything, you need to practice. She continues, “We want to create the equivalent of muscle memory, a state when our response is automatic and we no longer have to think about
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it because we have practiced regularly”. So off you go, engaging in as much or as little of Lindahl’s suggested exercises and practices as you wish. Listening deeply one minute, allowing your mind to wander the next. For as with everything, it is indeed your choice. It’s just nice to know about another way of giving, for nothing feels better than tapping into an authentic feeling of generosity and connection to others. On a related note, it is with heartfelt generosity and the desire to connect with our community that the residents and staff of Sierra place have created Carson City’s first Little Free Library. Stocked with our favorite books, this little structure is always open for business. It is part of an international movement to promote literacy and build community – details at www.freelittlelibrary.org.
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this ‘n that annevargas3@gmail.com
t was two o’clock in the morning by the time we got to our house. Our flight from London to Reno had involved several connections, one of which we missed, and we had been traveling for 32 hours. We were relieved to be home and very anxious to get to bed. Then we opened the garage door. While we were cruising in Europe, sailing off into Scandinavian sunsets to the next port of call, our freezer sailed off into the appliance sunset leaving behind its con-
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Behind every cloud… tents, all of which had defrosted. The mess was dreadful beyond description so we did what any sensible person would do, we went to bed. When we got up a few hours later, it was still there (no, it wasn't just a bad dream) waiting to be dealt with so the subsequent days were somewhat different from those of the preceding week. Instead of lounging around the ship nibbling, sipping, reading a book and deciding what to wear to dinner I was sitting on the garage floor in filthy clothes, wearing gloves and a face mask, surrounded by Clorox and Ammonia bottles. First we had to bag all that
rotten food (which took more time and trash bags that I care to count), get it into the trunk of the car and haul it to the Waste Management drop site. Then we started to clean the freezer and the floor, a task interrupted by numerous trips to the store for more supplies. By day five we still hadn’t even unpacked the suitcases. The clean-butlifeless freezer was in the middle of the not-yet-quite-cleanenough floor awaiting arrival of the repairman. Meanwhile, this unanticipated project had suddenly headed in a new direction. First my spouse announced that we would henceforth be freezer-less. If it were repairable it would be sold; if not, it would be hauled away. He said it had been ridiculous to have that much food in the freezer in the first place and it was actually a good thing this had happened. Since the freezer was his, this was astonishing news. A product of his mother’s Italian kitchen where food and hospitality were synonymous, he enjoys cooking and likes to keep things on hand for entertaining. He is the one who kept that freezer full. Had I heard him correctly? And that was just the beginning. If trophies were awarded for the messiest garage we would be strong contenders, something that has been a bit of an issue in our otherwise harmonious marriage. Shelves and corners
have been stacked with accumulated “stuff ”, defined by me as things we should get rid of, defined by my spouse as things we absolutely must keep because we might need it some day. He hasn’t seen most of it in years and probably doesn’t even know what a lot of it is but I knew better than to touch it. Ever. But now… Maybe the ammonia fumes were affecting him. He started looking around and then he moved something. Then he moved something else. Then he started pulling things off the shelves, tossing all that “stuff ” onto the floor and uttered the words I’d been longing to hear since we’d moved in here: “let’s get rid of this”. I stared at him for a moment and said “who are you and what have you done with my husband?” It didn’t stop there; two days later the “stuff ” was arranged neatly into stacks and transported to donation centers or trash bins. I couldn’t’ believe it. There are empty shelves in that garage now, and space. And a clean floor (although it reeks of Clorox) so there really was a silver lining in that hideous homecoming cloud. Oh, and there is also a freezer in there; clean, cold and empty. The repairman quickly found the problem and fixed it, assuring us it’s in great shape. Will it stay or go? Can my spouse really live a freezer-less life? Only The Shadow knows—and he’s not telling.
Seniors4Travel
On the Trail of Thomas Jefferson Robert Boyd and Carolyn Prusa
visit to Washington D.C. that doesn’t include the Smithsonian Museums would be a mistake. The Smithsonian Institution happens to be the world's largest museum and research complex that includes 19 museums and galleries. Regarding the history of our nation’s capital, here are some tidbits we found interesting. We’d recently completed extensive research on Thomas Jefferson for a program we presented at OLLI, so every bit of Jefferson history, the first president inaugurated in Washington, was still heavy on our minds during our holiday. When President John Adams and his family moved to the White House in 1800 the interior of the building was not quite finished. Construction was completed during Thomas Jefferson's term (1801-1809). Two exhibits on our nation’s third president were of particular interest to us: It wasn’t until the age of 77 that Jefferson began a project he titled “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth”. But, we are told it was one he’d been contemplating for at least two decades. Page by page, verse by verse, Jefferson meticulously read the New Testament, comparing editions in four languages - English, French, Greek and Latin – and clipping out verses he thought Jesus actually may have said. These he pasted onto blank paper, which he then had bound into a book. Shortly before our trip, we learned that in1895 the Smithsonian Institution pur-
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chased the Jefferson Bible from the President’s greatgranddaughter Carolina Randolph. Earlier this year, the completion of its yearlong refurbishing and exhibition at the American History Museum was announced. Fortunately, we were able to see the exhibit before it closed. (The exhibit is available online at the Smithsonian website.)
The other National Museum of American History exhibit we went to is called “Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty”. It was organized in conjunction with the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and called slav-
ery an “abominable crime”. Yet, like most other founding fathers, he was a lifelong slaveholder. The focus of the exhibit is on six Monticello slave families and includes evidence suggesting Jefferson fathered children with his slave, Sally Hemings. Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty runs through October 14, 2012.
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