June 2019 Senior Spectrum Newspaper

Editor’s Desk | Connie McMullen

Legislative Majority Ignores Concerns of In-Home Care Business

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mall businesses that serve Medicaid patients had a rougher time in this years Legislative Session.

Medicaid providers in the state traditionally have had a difficult time serving some of the most vulnerable popula­ tions because they do so on slim profit margins and because the patients often present when they are very ill because they lack funds to afford care. Still many providers work in clients any­ way if only a small number because the low­income con­ sumer would not receive health care services other­ wise.

Session after session Medicaid providers of all industries come to the table asking for a rate increase so they in turn can pay their employees a proper salary and pay the business bills to keep the doors open. This session was no different, Nevada continues to reim­ burse for service at a cost that is far less than what health care averages in pay­ ment regardless of specialty.

Instead of collectively help­ ing small business the Senate and Assembly approved AB456 and SB312, supported by constituents, many of whom may also be using Medicaid services.

AB456 raises the Minimum Wage beginning in July 2019 until it reaches $12 an hour in 2024, and SB312 which allows employees 40 hours a year in paid time off, either up front or earned. Neither proposal will ultimately help the consumer all at once.

AB456 will take a few years to reach $12 an hour, and SB312 will help only those employees working for small business employing 50 peo­ ple or less.

For companies that employ over 200 caregivers to pro­ vide services for a growing aging and disabled popula­ tion, the number of people employed is not what deter­ mines the size of the corpo­ ration but the amount the company grosses. In today’s day and age, high tech com­ panies can employ 5 people and earn millions. Some caregivers may work part­ time and have only one client and discontinue work­ ing after the job has ceased, but under SB312, that part­ timer is still considered an “employee”, adding to num­ ber 50.

The real irony of the mess has been the lack of states­ manship and civility exer­ cised by the legislative body as a whole to constituents, and fellow legislators who have different ideas and con­ cerns that are not being heard.

32 June 2019 THIS ISSUE

Page 3 ­ Editor’s Desk Page 17 ­ Willie J. Wynn Affordable Housing Page 24 ­ 90+ Celebration Page 24 ­ Seniors in Service Page 25 ­ The Space Between

EVERY ISSUE Page 4 ­ Rebate Rule Page 6 ­ Opinion: US Senator Cortez­Masto Page 7 ­ Opinion: Sparks Councilman Dahir Page 10 ­ Medicare Helps Seniors Use Ophioids Safely Page 12 ­ City of Reno: New Senior Products and Outreach

Page 16 ­ CARE Act ­ Dr. Larry Weiss Page 18­19 ­ Calendar Page 21 ­ Arts & Entertainment Calendar Page 26 ­ Eclectic Observer Page 28 ­ Biggest Little City ­ Farewell Mapes Page 29 ­ Tinseltown Page 31 ­ Crossword Page 32 ­ Smart Travel Page 33 ­ Resources

FINANCIAL

Page 8 ­ Five Key Considerations for Your Estate Plan ­ Gerald Dorn, Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd.

Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, Nv 89510

775-348-0717

email: SeniorSpectrumnv@aol.com Website: Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com

Publishers

Connie & Chase McMullen SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 3

Opinion

Trump Administration’s Rebate Rule Benefits Big Pharma At Our Cost

The Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing

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s prescription drug prices contin­ ue to rise to unsustainable levels, seniors, patients and taxpayers increasingly suffer both medically and financially. Today, millions of patients and thousands of Nevadans who rely on high priced drugs to live healthy lives are forced to make tough choices.

Sometimes that means choosing between buying their drugs or paying the rent, other times it means rationing medication, often with dangerous con­ sequences. With a scary 25 percent of Americans unable to afford the drugs they need to survive, and price increas­ es to record heights every year, the severity of these consequences will con­ tinue to grow.

4 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

That’s why it is so encouraging to see Washington finally taking steps to com­ bat rising drug prices. Congress and the president have recently embarked on a bipartisan effort to hold drug makers accountable for their high prices. Many proposals from the White House and Congress are hard­hitting and aim to address Big Pharma’s anti­competitive business practices and lack of trans­ parency – tools the industry uses to block generic drug competition and keep monopoly power of the market.

Unfortunately, not all of the proposals are winners. The proposed Rebate Rule is misguided and could undo the sub­ stantial progress already made in this

fight while benefitting the industry that caused the problem in the first place: Big Pharma. The Rebate Rule would eliminate the ability of pharmacy bene­ fit managers (PBMs) to negotiate rebates with drug makers for Medicare recipients – an important role in the drug supply chain. Their role not only helps insurers lower out­of­pocket costs for consumers, but they also represent the only check on Big Pharma’s com­ plete control over drug pricing.

Big Pharma has become one of the biggest players of any industry in Washington. Each year they spend mil­ lions deploying an army of lobbyists to fight for policies that serve their­best

interest, rather than that of the con­ sumer. When Washington recently stepped up the pressure on drug mak­ ers for their high prices, Big Pharma used its influence to push the blame on PBMs. At a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, one senator high­ lighted Big Pharma’s political maneuver­ ing, saying, “the pharmaceutical indus­ try has been able to take pressure on their pricing and turn it into, with politi­ cal jiu­jitsu of an almost magical variety, pressure on their greatest adversary, the most powerful force for pushing prices down.”

In many ways, the pharmaceutical industry’s support of the Rebate Rule is proof enough that this proposal is ill­ suited to fix the problem. Big Pharma never advocates for policies that will hurt their bottom lines. In fact, accord­ ing to an analysis of the Rebate Rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Big Pharma stands to earn more than a $100 billion from the rule change and will likely line their

pockets with the money they currently spend on rebates. As one of the most powerful and profitable industries in the world, the last thing Big Pharma needs is another billion­dollar bailout.

What’s worse is Big Pharma’s gains from the Rebate Rule will come at the cost of patients, seniors and taxpayers. CMS estimates Medicare Part D premiums will increase by 25 percent, placing a heavy burden on seniors and people with disabilities, many of whom live on fixed incomes and depend on several medications every day. The study also expects federal spending to increase by nearly $200 billion – an increase so expensive that President Trump decided to leave it out of the budget proposal he submitted to Congress.

The Rebate Rule is bad policy propped up by Big Pharma’s “political jiu­jitsu” to push blame on PBMs. It does nothing to address the high list prices set by drug makers and only benefits the profits and shareholders of billion­dollar drug com­

Impacts of the Rebate Rule: • 25 percent: According to the government’s own actuaries, the Rebate Rule would spike Medicare Part D premiums by 19% in 2020 alone and 25 percent overall.

(Center For Medicare & Medicaid Services Office Of The Actuary)

• $200 billion: If implemented the Rebate Rule would increase federal spending by $196 billion from 2020 to 2029, making it one of the most expensive regulations in U.S. history.

(Center For Medicare & Medicaid Services Office Of The Actuary)

panies by taking from the people who can least afford it. I hope Senator Cortez Masto will oppose this proposal and work with her colleagues in Washington to focus on helping patients, seniors and taxpayers through market­based solutions that increase competition and transparency.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 5

Opinion:

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

R

Climate Change Poses Serious Threats to Nevada’s Seniors

eno experi­ enced its hottest sum­ mers on record the past two years, with 56 straight days of temperatures reach­ ing at least 90 Catherine Cortez Masto degrees last sum­ mer alone.

Scorching hot temperatures are just around the corner again as summer looms, and with that heat comes seri­ ous public health concerns. According to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat causes more deaths in U.S. cities than all other weather events combined and senior citizens are particularly at risk.

Immediate intervention is needed when bodily temperatures reach a lethal 105

6 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

degrees. Exposure to extreme heat also intensifies illnesses common among seniors, including congestive heart fail­ ure, diabetes and other chronic health conditions – all of which already put the body under constant stress. Many med­ ications seniors take further increase susceptibility to heat, pollutants and diseases spread by parasites. All of these factors mean elderly Nevadans are more likely to be admitted to hospi­ tals, potentially facing premature death, as temperatures rise.

As climate change continues to make our summers hotter, the public health crisis posed by climate change will only intensify, particularly for seniors. That’s why I’ve taken immediate legislative action since becoming your Senator. I recently cosponsored the Climate

Change Health Protection and Promotion Act, which would support state and local health departments in developing preparedness plans so all Nevada communities are prepared to fight the health effects of climate change. I’ve also cosponsored the Clean Energy for America Act, which would further Nevada’s green energy produc­ tion, help create good­paying jobs and lower energy costs for Nevadans across the state. I also support new proposals in Nevada like the effort to increase Nevada’s renewable energy portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030. These efforts are important steps to combat extreme climate change and improve the health of communities across the Silver State.

I’m excited about these federal and state initiatives, but we must bring together communities across our state, especially sen­ iors and our most vulnerable populations, to holistically address climate change.

Nevada’s voice is important as our nation brainstorms collabo­ rative solutions, and I’m honored to have a platform to amplify Nevada’s role through my appointment to the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. This com­ mittee is the first of its kind, and the only congressional body ded­ icated solely to investigating and resolving the far­reaching conse­ quences of climate change on jobs, public health and America’s economy. I pledge to use my seat at the table to make sure Nevada, its seniors and the voic­ es of those who have often been sidelined in this debate, are (Climate page 12)

Investing in Your Legacy Sparks City Councilman Kristopher Dahir City Council Ward 5

allow me to give you a few ideas where you and your experiences will be very helpful to our society.

Sparks Councilman Kristopher Dahir

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aking an investment with your time will leave a legacy.

Since I was a young man, there have been people older than me who have taken the time to speak into my life and be an example of how to act, how to make decisions, and how to honor those around me. I strongly believe that without these voices of wisdom in my life I would not be the person I am today. What if I told you that you are that voice of wisdom and that there are young people walking out their journey that need to know about your experi­ ences?

Over my last 26 years of pas­ toring and caring for people of all ages, at times it is our senior citizens who can easi­ ly find themselves looking for a purpose. Whether you feel that void or could use an encouragement please

Your Family ­Just because your children may not be running to you all the time asking for advice does not mean the lessons you learned are not invalu­ able to them. Find a few of those life lessons you learned along the way and share your story. I find when people tell their stories of both success and failure that I am much more prone to listen than when someone just tries to tell me what I should do. ­Your grandchildren are looking for love and consis­ tency. We live in a world where children spend more time in a day care center or school setting than with par­ ents. Find something that is special once a month that you can do with your grand­ kids. This does not need to cost money. What if once a month you came over and read to them, took them to a park, wrote them encour­ aging letters? Many kids are longing for attention and those who invest wisdom into children when they are young will create a relation­ ship that has deep roots.

There may be even times your grandchild will go to (Legacy page 20) SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 7

Five Key Considerations for Your Estate Plan

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By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Luke Welmerink Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. Legacy and Wealth Planning Attorneys www.wealth-counselors.com

aintaining your estate plan can feel over­ Luke Welmerink whelming when faced with all the changes life can bring.

Calling your attorney may not be your first instinct when you’re faced with a significant shift in income, investments, or employment, but consulting with us is a wise way to ensure your legal health is always maintained. Read on for five events that should capture your atten­ tion and prompt you to reach out to us for some personalized advice.

8 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

1. You’ve opened a new retirement account or established a new retire­ ment plan.

As we all know, planning for one’s retirement is crucial. The peace of mind provided by a solid retirement plan is irreplaceable. The way you and your financial advisors choose to structure your retirement plan and invest your retirement assets will vary, as they are designed to meet your particular needs, wants, and goals. Keep in mind that if you open a new account, your estate plan will need to be reviewed and possi­ bly updated as well. A new taxable

investment account may need to be “funded” into your trust. If you’ve set up or started contributing to a tax­ deferred account, such as a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, employee stock ownership plan, or another type of retirement plan, contact us about your estate plan, too, since we want to be certain that your beneficiary designation is exactly what you intend.

2. You’ve started a new job.

Congratulations! A new professional opportunity is exciting, and it is accom­ panied by plenty of financial change. As

Estate Plan / from p. 6 we’ve discussed, taking a new retirement plan or account into consideration is quite important, and a new company often means a new account. You may also have new employer­sponsored life insurance, so it’s impor­ tant to seek our help to veri­ fy that your life insurance beneficiaries remain up to date.

3. You’ve kept the same job.

Even if this year finds you in the same job as last, open enrollment for life insurance from last fall is now in full effect. This means that veri­ fication of your life insur­ ance beneficiaries and retirement plan benefits is also in order. We can help ensure that everything is as it should be.

4. You have teenaged children.

Your child’s 18th birthday is not only a rite of passage but also a significant change in legal status and planning needs. Be sure to schedule a meeting with us to learn what you and your teen need to do as your teen becomes an adult.

5. You started a business.

Whether you’ve fully jumped in or kept your day job, starting a business is a

bold step! It’s in your best interest to take precautions to ensure your business is fully protected. In addition to the business entity issues, tax planning, and growing your business, there are estate planning implications with a new business. We can help you coordinate your new business with your estate plan.

We are here to help and to ensure the health of your estate. Let us bring our attention, experience, and care to the big changes in your life. Together, we can develop or enhance your estate plan to meet your goals and secure your fami­ ly’s future.

Gerald M. Dorn has been practicing estate planning law for 23 years and is the managing shareholder of the law firm. Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. is devoted exclu­ sively to estate planning and estate and trust administra­ tion. The attorneys at offer guidance and advice to clients in every area of estate planning and estate and trust administration. For more information or to attend an upcoming semi­ nar, please contact us at (775) 823­WILL (9455) or visit us online at www.wealth­ counselors.com.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 9

Medicare and Medicaid Services

Medicare Helps Seniors Use Opioids Safely Greg Dill, Regional Administrator Medicare District 9

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f you get injured or have surgery, your doctor may prescribe opioids, a class of drugs used to treat pain.

Greg Dill

Although opioids can be an important part of treat­

ment, they carry serious risks of addiction, abuse, and overdose, especially if used continuously.

This is true even for seniors and other people with Medicare cov­ erage.

an alert to monitor the safe use of opioids and certain other medica­ tions.

While illicit use is part of the opi­ oid epidemic, prescription opioids provided by physicians can also be a problem when not used careful­ ly. Since Medicare pays for a sig­ nificant amount of prescription opioids, we strive to ensure appropriate stewardship of these medications that can provide a medical benefit but also pose risks.

∙ Possible unsafe amounts of opi­ oids. The pharmacist or Medicare drug plan may need to more closely review a prescription with the prescribing doctor if a patient has one or more opioid prescrip­ tions that total more than a cer­ tain amount.

That’s why Medicare has devel­ oped new policies for Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plans, doctors, and pharmacists to help you use opioids safely. Medicare is also using new drug­manage­ ment programs to look for poten­ tially high­risk opioid use.

The new policies aren’t “one size fits all.” Instead, they’re tailored for different types of Medicare prescription opioid users. These policies don’t apply to people living in hos­ pices or long­term care facilities, receiving pal­ liative or end­of­life care, or being treated for active cancer­relat­ ed pain.

When a prescription is filled, Medicare drug plans perform addition­ al safety checks and may send pharmacies 10 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Safety checks may cover situa­ tions like:

∙ First prescription fills for opi­ oids. These may be limited to a 7­ day supply or less for acute pain if a patient hasn’t recently taken opioids (like within the past 60 days). This safety check applies only to new users of prescription opioids. ∙ Use of opioids with benzodi­ azepines. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs commonly used for anxiety and sleeplessness, which can be dangerous when taken in combination.

If a prescription can’t be filled as written, the pharmacist will pro­ vide a notice explaining how the patient or doctor can contact the Medicare drug plan to ask for a coverage determination (the first coverage decision made by the Medicare drug plan). The patient or doctor also can ask the plan for an exception to its rules before the patient goes to the pharmacy, so they know whether or not the prescription will be covered.

If a beneficiary gets opioids from

pharmacies, prescribers, and patients in order to improve opioid management, prevent misuse, and promote safer prescribing practices.

multiple doctors or pharma­ cies, the beneficiary may need to receive their medica­ tions from specific doctors or pharmacies to ensure appro­ priate care coordination. The plan will send the beneficiary a letter if it will limit their access to these medications under its drug management program. If so, the benefici­ ary and his or her doctor have the right to appeal.

Medicare’s new opioid poli­ cies encourage collaboration and care coordination among Medicare Part D drug plans,

Medicare is committed to addressing the opioid crisis and helping our beneficiaries use prescription opioid pain medications safely. More information about safety checks and drug manage­ ment programs is available on Medicare.gov at Medicare drug plan coverage rules.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions by visiting www.Medicare.gov or calling 1­800­MEDICARE (1­800­633­ 4227).

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 11

Climate / page 6 sidelined in this debate, are included as Senate Democrats work to craft leg­ islation that protects our planet, strengthens our economy and ensures that we’re addressing climate change equitably.

I’m using my work in the Senate to support programs in Nevada that shield our seniors from devastating heat waves. Seniors looking to ensure their homes stay cool and reduce their elec­ tricity costs as it heats up this summer can apply for assistance through the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, which improves the energy effi­ ciency of homes for free.

From insulation and ventila­ tion to moisture control and home energy audits, weath­ erizing homes not only improves home health and safety, but also saves money on energy bills. WAP is administered through the Community Services Agency in Washoe County, as well as the Nevada Rural Housing Authority and the Rural Nevada Development Corporation for rural com­ munities throughout the north. This program has resulted in reduced energy costs and improved the health and safety of more than 1,800 Nevada homes for free. I’ve been a staunch advocate for WAP funding, and just last month I sent a letter to the Trump adminis­ tration condemning its pro­ posed funding cuts to WAP. Across the state, NV Energy and nonprofits also provide assessments to increase energy efficiency in homes.

12 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

From weatherizing the house to switching out light bulbs, almost 10,000 Nevadans received assess­ ments from NV Energy to help bring down their monthly bills. Additionally, both the city of Reno and Washoe County Senior Services offer recreation opportunities, classes and social events for seniors at community centers across the county. These centers provide exciting avenues for seniors to not only stay active, but also to stay cool as hot summer months approach. I hope our seniors take full advantage of these free resources to improve the safety of their homes and the health of their bod­ ies.

In this debate over climate change, we must all remem­ ber that there is no Planet B. It takes all of us working together, using our voices, to ensure that we find a solution to the crisis con­ fronting us on climate. As Nevada’s United States Senator, I will advocate for our seniors and make sure their voices are heard and respected in this fight.

To learn more about the Weatherization Program offered in the state of Nevada, visit https://housing.nv.gov/pro­ grams/Weatherization/ Contact: Shelly Calvert Weatherization GPA II (775) 687­2227 shelly.calvert@housing.nv.g ov U.S. Senator Cortez­Masto (775) 686­5750

Committee Supports New Senior Projects and Outreach

by Donna Clontz, Chair Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

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n late April, some of our Senior Citizen Advisory Committee (SCAC) members and some of the leaders of our Senior Discovery Donna Clontz TV team met with the City’s Neighborhood Services staff to talk about how we could increase video and television outreach to seniors in the community. The exciting outcome of that meeting is the creation of a video studio at Reno City Hall that can be shared by City media staff and SDTV team members to produce live or taped productions

as well as having some up­to­date editing stations. We’re waiting for the manager’s approval and will let you know when that occurs. If you have been thinking about getting involved as a volunteer with SDTV, now is the time to contact us as we move into a new and improved phase of this fun and creative activity. All levels of experience are needed, and you can put your talents to work and learn new skills. Contacts are: Nelson and Sandy Cyr, Senior Discovery TV Co­ chairs, at nelsoncyr@gmail.com.

At our May meeting, the SCAC’s major funding recommendations (which will go before Reno City Council for (Projects page 14)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 13

Projects / from page 13 approval in June) were to: • Support a new pilot proj­ ect with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada which will provide fresh fruits and veg­ etables along with the

Commodity Supplemental Food boxes to at least 200 seniors at four distribution locations: Vintage Hills Apartments, Silvercrest Apartments, Silverada Housing complex and Sierra Manor Apartments. Food Bank staff will also deliver a nutrition education program to participants with informa­ tion about how to get more nutritious food into their diets and how to use and prepare the food from the boxes in a way to better sup­ port their dietary needs.

They will assess how well the project impacted and improved healthy eating habits of seniors and meas­ ure project success.

14 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Road Recreation Center last year) and a new refrigerator for the seniors at Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center.

On June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the SCAC will meet for a strategic planning session at OUR Center at 1745 S. Wells in Reno. With the SCAC’s transition to Neighborhood Services, it’s time to do some strategic planning on how we want to change our agendas, begin receiving information from a wider variety of staff and agencies and discuss how we can improve how we give our advice to the council on a wider spectrum of issues affecting seniors.

We’ll take a look at our cur­ rent mission, vision, priorities and action plan and recom­ mend needed edits and final­ ize them. Then we will do some brainstorming and analysis to set some new pri­ orities, goals and objectives and actions for a new strate­ gic plan that we can use to guide us for the next 3 to 5 years. This meeting is open to the public and we wel­ come any of our seniors or community service partners to attend.

• Support making the bath­ room facilities at the city­ owned Amtrak Station ADA accessible and senior­friendly and also support using funds to help seniors participate in the City’s Neighborhood Renewal Program which helps low­income seniors do needed home repairs.

If you plan to come, please RSVP to our SCAC liaison, Brad Fitch, at fitchb@reno.gov or call (775) 689­8459 so we can ade­ quately plan for refresh­ ments and room setup. See the current SCAC strategic plan at this link https://www.reno.gov/home /showdocument?id=61075

• Support the purchase of a new water­filtration drinking fountain (similar to the one the SCAC funded for Neil

For more information, please contact Donna at (775) 240­ 2745 or donnanorm1@yahoo.com.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 15

“Adding Life to Years”

The CARE Act Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging

Larry Weiss

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Did you know some 40 states, including Nevada, have enacted the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act? The CARE Act requires hospitals to recognize the vital role of Caregivers when care recipients (of any age) are admitted to a hospital (and after being discharged) by providing Caregivers with resources, train­ ing, and information to ensure that dis­ charge plans are carried out successfully.

he CARE Act passed the Nevada legislature largely with help from AARP in 2015. It employs three simple things to help family caregivers when their loved ones are hospital­ ized. First, caregivers are designated in their loved one’s medical record.

Second, the caregiv­ er is notified before the loved one is dis­ charged from the hospital. Thirdly, the caregiver is instruct­ ed and educated about the medical tasks on the dis­ charge plan that will need to be carried out when the loved one has returned to their home. The hos­ pital discharge staff need to instruct the caregiver on tasks such as preparing the home to ensure the home is safe for the loved one’s return; setting up assistance in the home to prevent complications; clean­ ing wounds; manag­ ing the loved one’s 16 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

pain; managing medications, schedul­ ing and/or helping the loved one with physical therapy; ordering medical equipment; among other tasks.

Exploration of how Nevada hospitals and the other states are implementing the CARE Act and how consumers are responding is an important next step.

If you are an identified caregiver, ask the discharge team for the discharge information and instructions on what you will need to do to responsibly care of your loved one. While this is just one step in one setting, we have the chance to help implement this law in the right way and leverage it into broader changes so that family care­ givers are recognized and assisted in all parts of the health care system.

An estimated 44.4 million friends and family members in our country pro­ vide care for an older person, whether it is help with daily activities like bathing and eating, or long­distance care coordination, or short­term care for an illness or injury. Millions more are caregivers for younger disabled people and those facing serious illness.

A groundbreaking study by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the United Hospital Fund supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation revealed that (Care Act page 22)

The Willie J. Wynn Apartments Reno Housing Authority Groundbreaking

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groundbreaking of The Willie J. Wynn Apartments, a new Reno Housing Authority affordable senior apartment complex, was held May 21, in Reno.

The 44­unit complex, fea­ turing one and two bedroom units, will target residents earning 40 percent or less of the area median income.

One out of four apartments will be dedicated to seniors transitioning from motels and area shelters.

The new affordable com­ plex will be completed in the Spring of 2020. Named in his honor, Willie J. Wynn was a local preacher who was an advocate for the low­income and disadvantaged. He was the first African­American to serve in a cabinet­level posi­

tion in state government and served in the administrations of three Nevada governors.

The Willie J. Wynn Apartments will be accessible and adaptable, allowing eld­ ers to age in place. The com­

plex, located at the intersec­ tion of Sutro Street and Hillboro Avenue, is in close proximity to the Washoe County Senior Center, RTC bus routes, hospitals and medical clinics.

The Willie J. Wynn Apartments are located at 1202 Hillboro Avenue, Reno, NV 89512. For more infor­ mation about the Willie J. Wynn, visit www.RenoHA.org or call (775) 224­2332.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, City Councilmember Oscar Delgado and RHA Executive Director Amy Jones led RHA board members and project officials in the ceremonial ground breaking ceremony.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 17

CALENDAR

• June 1­9 ­ Book Sale, Reno Town Mall, (775) 324­5522, 1­3 p.m., Sparks Library.

• June 3 ­Veterans Resource Officer, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • June 3 ­ 24 ­ Bingo, 9­11 a.m., SSC. Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • June 3 ­ Medicare Counseling­SHIP, every Mon.­Thurs., 10­1 p.m., WCSS. • June 3 ­ Stretch & Tone Exercise, 9­10 a.m., Mon., Wed., and Fri., WCSS. • June 3 ­ Line Dancing and Lessons: Advanced Class, 1­ 3:30 p.m., Mon. and Thurs., WCSS.

Center locations

Cold Springs Community Center (CSCC): 971-8542 Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center (EMNECC): 334-2262 Gerlach Senior Center: 1-775-557-2206 Incline Community Center: www.washoecounty.us/ seniorsrv/incline_community center Lazy 5/Spanish Springs: 1-775-328-2786 Neil Road Recreation Center (NRRC): 689-8484 Sparks Senior Center (SSC): 353-3110 Sun Valley Senior Center (SVSC): 673-9417 Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center (TPPAC): 356-3176 Washoe County Senior Services (WCSS): 328-2575

Support, 2­3:30 p.m., SSC. • June 4 ­ Hawaiian Music, 10:30­12:30 p.m.,WCSS. Also June 11, 25.

• June 5 ­ Grumpy Old Men, music and dancing, 10 a.m., WCSS. Also June 12, 19, 26.

• June 5 ­ ADRC Benefits Assistance, 10­11:15 a.m., SSC. • June 5 ­ Renown Grief Support, 6:15­8:15 p.m., WCSS. Also June 19.

• June 6 ­ SNAP Workshop, 8012 p.m., WCSS. • June 6 ­ Tech Assistance with David Perez, 12­1 p.m., CSCC. Also June 13, 20, 27.

• June 3 ­ Bingo, 12­1 p.m., Mon., Wed., and Friday, WCSS.

• June 6 ­ NV HOPES Blood Pressure Clinic, 9­11 a.m., WCSS. Also June 13, 20, 27.

• June 3 & 5 ­ Boxing with Parkinson’s, 2­3 p.m., Saint Mary’s Fitness Center.

• June 7 ­ AARP Board Meeting, 10­12 p.m., WCSS.

• June 4 ­ Bean Bag Baseball, 2­3:30 p.m., Tues. and Fridays.

• June 4 ­ Vision Support Outreach, 10:30­12:30 p.m., WCSS. • June 4 ­ Renown Grief

• June 7 ­ Catholic Charities Outreach, 10­noon, WCSS. Also June 14, 21, 28.

• June 7 ­ Senior Dance Club, 7:30 p.m., WCSS. Also June 14, 21, 28.

• June 7 ­ Sparks Special Seniors, 10­11 a.m., SSC.

18 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

• June 10 ­ RPEN Board Meeting, 12:30­2 p.m., WCSS. RPEN General Meeting, 1­3 p.m.

• June 10 ­ Nevada HOPES Blood Pressure Clinic, 11­1 p.m., CSCC. • June 11 ­ Kids to Senior Korner, 11 a.m., CSCC. • June 11 ­ Dance Club Board Meeting, 2­4 p.m., WCSS. • June 9 ­ Movie Matinee: East of Eden, 11­2 p.m., Auditorium, Downtown Reno Library.

• June 12 ­ Star Tours, Courtside Room, South Valleys Library, 8:30­9:30 p.m.

• June 12 ­ Veterans Resource Outreach, 10­12 p.m., SSC. • June 12 ­ 20th Anniversary for Northwest Reno Library, Mon., 10­7 p.m.

• June 12 ­ Veterans Suicide Prevention, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • June 12 ­ Washoe County Senior Services Meeting, 11:30­12:30 p.m., CSCC. • June 13 ­ Washoe County Senior Services Meeting, 10­ 11 a.m., SSC.

• June 13 ­ Catholic Charities Food Pantry, 11­noon, CSCC. • June 13 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Distribution, 10­ 11 a.m., CSCC. • June 13 ­ Movie Day, 12:15­3 p.m., SSC. • June 14 ­ Computer Classes: Beginning Internet, 1­3 p.m., Meeting Room, Sparks Library.

• June 14 ­ Nevada HOPES Blood Pressure Clinic, 11­ 1:30 p.m., SSC. • June 15 ­ Dads and Donuts, 10­11 a.m., Northwest Reno Library.

• June 15 ­ Dads and Donuts, 11:30­12:15 p.m., Sierra View Library.

• June 17 ­Veterans Resource Officer, 11:30­1:30 p.m., CSCC. • June 17 ­ Learn to Play Pickleball, 11:30­1 p.m., Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Two, three or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net, NRRC, $10. Also June 24.

• June 18 ­ Assistance League Food Pantry, 8 a.m.,

Calendar / from page 18 (come early), WCSS.

• June 18 ­ Washoe County Animal Services Pet Food, 8­ 10:30 a.m., WCSS. • June 18 ­ SNAP Food Stamp Sign­up, 8­12 p.m., WCSS. • June 18 ­ Renown Grief Support, 2­3:30 p.m., SSC. • June 18 ­ Assistance League Food Pantry Annual Re­Registration, (775) 328­ 2575.

• June 18 ­ Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, 3 p.m., NRRC. • June 18 ­ Bread Drop, 9 a.m., TPPAC. Also June 25.

• June 18 ­ Bread Drop, noon, NRRC, every Tues. Also June 25.

• June 18 ­ Ballroom Dancing, EMNECC, every Tuesday, 2 p.m. Also every Friday, 6­7:45 p.m.

• June 18 ­ Beanbag Baseball Practice, Tues., 1­3:30 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee; also every Monday, and Friday, NRRC, 1:30­4 p.m.

• June 19 ­ Veterans Suicide Officer, 10­12 p.m., SSC. • June 19 ­ Friends on the Go, 11­1 p.m., SSC. • June 19 ­ This­N­That Crafters, 1­3 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee, every Wed. • June 19 ­ Mat Yoga, 10­11 a.m., NRRC, Mon. and Fri. Also Mon., Wed., Fri., 12­1 p.m., EMNECC, $30.

• June 19 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Distribution, 9­10 a.m., SVSC. • June 19 ­ Chair Yoga, 1:30­ 2:15 p.m., EMNECC, and June 26. Also Thurs., 10­10:45 a.m., NRRC, June 20, 27.

• June 20 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Distribution, 8­12 p.m., WCSS. • June 20 ­ Veterans Service Officer, 10 a.m., SVSC. • June 20 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 10­11 a.m., TPPAC, $10 drop­in fee. Also Tues., EMNECC, 11:15­12:15 a.m.

• June 20 ­ SNAP Food Workshop, 8­12 p.m., WCSS. • June 20 ­ Discover Your Park Walks, 6 p.m., Galena Creek Regional Park.

• June 21 ­ Computer Classes: Beginning Email, 1­3 p.m., Meeting Room, Sparks Library.

• June 21 ­ Tai Chi Class, 9­10 a.m., NRRC, every Friday, $5.

Also June 28.

• June 22 ­ Universe of Gems from Reno Gem & Mineral Society, 11 a.m.­12 p.m., Auditorium, Downtown Reno Library.

• June 22 ­ Men’s Luncheon and Wear­A­Shirt­And­Tie Day, 11­1 p.m., EMNECC, Tuscarora Room.

• June 22 ­ Student Outreach Clinic, 6­9 p.m., UNR, (775) 682­8646.

• June 24 ­ Jeff Wayne Sings, 10:30­11:30 a.m., WCSS.

• June 24 ­ Tai Chi Class, EMNECC, $5, Monday, 6­7 p.m.; and Tues., Thur., EMNECC, 1­2 p.m.

May Museum.

• June 24 ­ Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30 a.m., EMNECC, every Tues., Thurs., Fri. • June 23 ­ Universe of Gems from Reno Gem & Mineral Society, 11 a.m.­ 12 p.m., Paiute Room, Washoe Room, Spanish Springs Library.

• June 24 ­ Star Tours, 8:30­ 9:30 p.m., Meeting Room, Incline Village Library.

• June 26 ­ Tahoe Star Tours, 8:30­10:30 p.m., Meeting Room, Sparks Library.

• June 26 ­ Veterans Service Officer, 11­1 p.m., GSC. • June 27 ­ Accordion Players, 10­11 a.m., WCSS. • June 27 ­ Discover Your Park Walks, 6 p.m., Idlewild Park.

• June 27 ­ AARP Driver Safety, 12:30­4:30 p.m., SSC.

• June 24 ­ Sunshine Quilters, 1­4 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee. Every Monday.

• June 28 ­ Care Chest of Northern Nevada, 10­noon, WCSS.

• June 24 ­ Sit and Get Fit, 8:30­9:30 a.m., every Mon., Wed., Fri., TPPAC. Also Tues., Thurs., 10­11 a.m., EMNECC, drop­in fee.

• June 28 ­ Karoke with Allen, 10:30­1:30 p.m., WCSS.

• June 25 ­ Ostomy Support Group, 5:30­8:30 p.m., WCSS. • June 25 ­ The Voices, 12­2 p.m., EMNECC.

• June 28 ­ Blood Pressure Check, 10­12 p.m., SVSC. • June 28 ­ Sparks Fire Department Blood Pressure Check, 11­12 p.m., SSC. • July 9 ­ Student Outreach Clinic, 6­9 p.m., UNR, (775) 682­8646, free.

• June 26 ­ Veterans Suicide Officer, 11­1 p.m., CSCC.

• July 11 ­ Discover Your Park Walks, 6 p.m., Virginia Lake Park, Reno.

• June 26 ­ Spaghetti Dinner and the Reno Rodeo, 5­9:30 p.m., EMNECC, Tuscarora Room, $52. Shuttle to Rodeo at 6:30 p.m.

• July 12 ­ Computer Classes: Beginning Word, 1­3 p.m., Meeting Room, Sparks Library.

• June 26 ­ Blood Pressure Check, 12:30­2:30 p.m., EMNECC, free.

• June 26 ­ Healthy Walking Program, 8:30, Meadowood Mall, meet at kiosk near Macy’s Men’s Store. Also Thurs., 9:45 a.m., Rancho San Rafael Park, meet at picnic tables in front of Wilbur D.

• July 17 ­ Star Tours, 8:30­ 9:30 p.m., Auditorium, Downtown Reno Library.

• July 18 ­ Discover Your Park Walks, 6 p.m., Crystal Peak Park.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 19

Legacy / from page 7 you because they do not know where to turn. Just be careful to make sure you are listening as much as you are offering advice.

Your Friends We live in a very strange world where people gather in large groups but still stand very much alone. I spend a lot of time counseling people through some of their most difficult moments. The ones who struggle the most are those who find themselves journeying alone. In order to find friends, you must first prove to be friendly. I know this is a deep thought that has been said to many peo­ ple over many years. It is truer today than any other day. Due to social media there are some who have traded real life interaction with a computer screen.

Please know that this will never translate into finding the help of true friends in those deeper seasons of need.

Strangers I know this may seem odd to add strangers into the mix of this conversation. How can you possibly invest your life into those who do not know you? There are some won­ derful opportunities to get out there and purposefully invest in others. My next article will highlight a few of these groups but to begin the conversation I will share a couple of examples. ◊ Big Brothers and Big Sisters ◊ Service Clubs (Rotary, Kiwanas, Lions, Seroptimus, 20 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Sertoma) ◊ Local Elementary Schools ◊ Local Hospitals ◊ Church settings These are all groups of peo­ ple who have many path­ ways or ideas on how you can give back to the commu­ nity. I was talking to a friend who had just retired the other day and he was telling me why he is done volun­ teering and helping others. I walked away from that con­ versation a little sad for him and very sad for us as a com­ munity. You see when we give back to the community it saying I am still here with a great purpose and it also brings a wealth of experience and wisdom.

The reason we want our stu­ dents to study history is because we want them to know of our past experi­ ences. We want them to know where we have suc­ ceeded and have failed. This way they can avoid unneces­ sary pitfalls. When the younger generations get to spend time with you it possi­ bly could even be better than taking that history class.

When you take the time to invest in others it is that great opportunity for you to assure your legacy and help make us all a little wiser.

Blessings.

Contact: Kristopher Dahir (775) 770­0360 P.O. Box 2996 Sparks, NV 89432 kristopher@dahir.net

ARTS & Entertainment • June 15 ­ Riverwalk Merchants Association Wine Walk, 2 p.m.

• June 6 ­ A Toast & Taste of Summer, wineries, micro­ breweries, taste of fine cui­ sine and silent auction, Atlantis Resort, 6 p.m.

• June 6 ­ 8 ­ Dusty Miles and The Cryin’ Shame, Peppermill Casino, Terrace Lounge.

• June 7 ­ 9 ­ Rebekah Chase Band, Atlantis Resort, 10 p.m., Sunday at 8 p.m.

• June 12 ­ 14 ­ Reno Chalk Art & Music Festival, Atlantis Resort, chalkart@atlantiscasi­ no.com.

• June 13 ­ 16 ­ BBQ, Brews, and Blues Festival, 8­8 p.m., Virginia Street, Reno.

• June 14 ­ The Cult, 9 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• June 14 ­ Reno Street Food ­ Food Truck Friday, 4 p.m., Idlewild Park. Also June 21, 28.

• June 14 ­ Latin Dance Social, Peppermill Casino, 7:30 p.m.

• June 15 ­ Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX, Atlantis Casino Ballroom, 8 p.m.

• June 21 ­ Aaron Lewis, State I’m In Tour, Silver Legacys Grande Exposition Hall, 8 p.m.

• June 22 ­ Jim Jefferies, Silver Legacy, 8 p.m.

• June 23 ­ The Great American Craft Fair, 9 a.m., Wingfield Park, Reno.

• June 27 ­ Masters of Illusion, 8 p.m., South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV. See schedule.

• June 29 ­ Carly Rae Jepsen, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

Sugarland, Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• July 6 & 7 ­ Boneyard Blast XIII, 6 p.m., softball tourna­ ments, Reno Sports Complex.

• July 19 ­ Steve Martin & Martin Short, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• July 12 ­ Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, Silver Legacy, 8 p.m.

• July 20 ­ 52nd Annual Reno Basque Festival, 9 a.m., Wingfield Park, Reno.

• July 13 ­ POPS On The River, 5­9:30 p.m., A Night at

• July 20 ­ Riverwalk Merchants Association Wine Walk, 2 p.m.

• June 29 ­ Bass Camp in The Park 2019, 4­10 p.m., Wingfield Park.

• July 21 ­ Boyz II Men, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• June 30 ­ Bit Bull, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• July 21 ­ Art Paws, 10­5 p.m., McKinley Arts & Culture.

• June 30 ­ Skid Row and Great White, 7:30 p.m., The Plaza at Harrah’s Reno.

• July 21 ­ Gospel Fest 2019, 6­9 p.m., Wingfield Park.

• July 5 ­ Reno Street Food ­ Food Truck Friday, 4 p.m., Idlewild Park. Also July 12, 19, 26.

• July 26 ­ Sugarland, 9 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• July 5 & 6 ­ Reno’s Biggest Little City Wing­Fest 2019, 11 a.m., downtown Reno, S. Virginia Street.

• July 6 ­ Ronald Cheng, 8 p.m., Reno Events Center.

Carly Rae Jepsen, Grand Sierra Resort.

Woodstock, Wingfield Park, celebrate Joplin, The Who, Hendrix, call (775) 323­6393 for tickets.

• July 13 ­ Rascal Flatts, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

• July 26 ­ Rodrigo y Gabriela, 7:30 p.m., The Plaza at Harrah’s Reno.

• July 27 ­ Michael McDonald & Chaka Khan, 8 p.m., Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 21

Care Act / from p 16

nearly half of these family caregivers are performing complex medical and nursing tasks such as cleaning wounds, giving injections, and managing multiple med­ ications. Little training, if any, is provided for these difficult tasks and this can be particu­ larly dangerous after a hospi­ talization. Unfortunately, the CARE Act has no enforce­ ment or penalty if it is not enacted.

These millions of people pro­ vide informal caregiving to adult family and friends. In 2000, informal caregiving had an estimated national eco­ nomic value of $257 billion per year, greatly exceeding the combined costs of nurs­ ing home care and home health care. Certainly today, that figure has expanded phenomenally.

Given Medicare penalties for 30­day hospital readmissions, which can be up to 4 percent of all Medicare revenue for that hospital, it may seem obvious that it's in the best interest of hospitals to have family caregivers well­pre­ pared. However, changing behaviors and habits is incredibly hard, especially in the often chaotic and fast moving world of hospital admissions and discharges. I have personally talked with

several family caregivers of hospital discharged elder patients who have not been taught the details of the dis­ charge plan by the hospital staff. This is why an enforce­ able law and public account­ ability are needed.

In addition to continuing to press for passage of the CARE Act in other states, there are many important areas of work ahead in implementa­ tion of Nevada’s 2015 law.

We need strong outreach and education to the public, adequate training of hospital staff, and the appropriate development of regulations to help monitor and enforce the laws. Probably most importantly, states that have the CARE Act experience need to share their lessons and learning with other states that have more recently enacted the legisla­ tion. AARP is facilitating much of this sharing.

Lack of sufficient time might be a major reason why the 3 care elements identified in the CARE Act are not routine­ ly addressed by the discharg­ ing team (which may include hospitalists, nurses, pharma­ cists, social workers, and other clinicians). However, there may be other reasons as well, including a lack of knowledge, confidence, or tools for how to best prepare

22 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

the patient and family care­ giver. This is compounded by the absence of routine feed­ back loops for gauging the effectiveness of discharge preparation beyond a patient’s readmission to the same facility. If hospital­ based clinicians were asked to rank in order their daily tasks from greatest sense of professional gratification to lowest, discharge prepara­ tion would likely appear toward the bottom of the list.

Although current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Hospital Conditions of Participation for Discharge Planning do not require recognition or prepa­ ration of family caregivers, CMS’ newly proposed revi­ sions emphasize better preparation of family care­ givers to be active partners upon hospital discharge. New resources may be needed to implement the CARE Act. In the absence of a user’s guide, hospitals may wish to take advantage of valuable publicly available resources that encourage more effec­ tive collaboration between family caregivers and health­ care professionals.

Operationalizing the CARE Act may initially appear sim­ ple but in practice it is not necessarily easy. The first care element focuses on identifying the family caregiv­ er, which hopefully hap­ pened before or at time of admission. The second CARE Act element entails informing the family caregiver when the patient will be dis­ charged. At present there is no standardization of this practice. Many hospitals con­

duct interdisciplinary rounds, during which a discharge date is frequently estimated, this date needs to be com­ municated to the identified family caregiver. The third care element needs to have educational tools designed to facilitate more productive interactions and guide the care team in understanding what common transition­ related areas family care­ givers would like to feel more prepared for or confident with. Hospital leaders might consider creating an interdis­ ciplinary team charged with facilitating the implementa­ tion of the CARE Act. Similarly, for ongoing input and suggestions for how to further improve all aspects of hospital care, including the discharge experience, hospi­ tals are encouraged to form and foster patient and family advisory councils.

Finally, when it comes to ful­ filling the CARE Act and improving the hospital dis­ charge experience for family caregivers, we have to be involved as health advocates.

Be aware of the CARE Act and its functions, especially as a caregiver. Point out gaps in the hospital discharge planning process and, as a caregiver, request informa­ tion and education on the plan of care. In this regard, we are all invested in improv­ ing the discharge experience, so speak up! What better way to “add life to years”.

Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is Founder and CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your com­ ments on this column. Write to him at larry@addinglife­ toyears.com

Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson on the bench.

May 2nd, the 12th Biennial Battle of the Legislature took place. This event, which has been a tradition now for 24 years, is organized by the Nevada Secretary of State’s office and raises funds for the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs of Seniors in Service.

It was great seeing so many

Chase McMullen

of our elected officials participating, and a large representation of our female legislature.

Fans brought in signs, had cheering sections and it was a really close game. The Republican players won the game in the last few seconds.

Many thanks to all of our elected officials who participated, the fans and volunteers.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 23

90-Plus Celebration

Reno Housing Authority staff celebrate the 90+ Club with a special salute to Ella Gimblin who is soon to turn 100.

L

ocal seniors who have passed the 90­year mile­ stone joined for a group celebration at Silverada Manor, a Reno Housing Authority (RHA) complex of senior duplexes. It’s an annual event for all RHA resi­ dents who are 90 or older.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, who serves as an RHA board member, present­ ed a proclamation that offi­ cially made the day “Ella Gimblin Day” in honor of Ella’s impending 100th birth­

day. The Mayor chatted with the honorees as they enjoyed lunch, birthday cake and a game of seated bowling with a light plastic bowling ball and pins set in the dining room. Ella Gimblin, the old­ est attendee, bowled a strike.

“We do this because they enjoy it,” explains RHA Elderly Services Administrator Cathy Steed.

“They become family.”

This year’s theme was the Kentucky Derby.

Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung speaks about Older Americans Month Ceremonies.

Opening ceremonies for Older Americans month were held at the Washoe County Senior Center May 1.

Hundreds of seniors turned out to attend the event which included a special information fair, proclama­ tions by dignitaries, and lunch.

The Washoe County Senior Center has hosted the event to help kickoff activities held

Chase McMullen

at many locations including the city of Reno, Sparks, Cold Springs, Spanish Springs, and Sun Valley community cen­ ters.

Older Americans Month was officially proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, to honor contribu­ tions made by older Americans.

Volunteers Recognized at Annual Seniors in Service Luncheon

O

lder Americans Month was filled with meaningful fun and educational events offered by the senior service commu­ nity. Seniors in Service cele­ brated by hosting the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks on May 14th.

Noah Bond, KOLO­TV, emceed the event as volun­ teers were honored for the contributions they make to help seniors remain inde­ pendent, and assist children to meet academic and social goals. Congratulations to Rosalie Nolan and Shirley Salika, 2019 Volunteers of the Year with the Seniors in

24 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Service, Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Programs.

They are amazing vol­ unteers who lead by exam­ ple.

Shirley Salika is 2019 Volunteer of the Year.

Chase McMullen

The Space Between Deb Girard Circle of Life Hospice

H

ave you ever thought how we often live in the space between? Wonder turning to spring, spring to summer Deb Girard and summer to fall.

We also live in the space between holidays. We just celebrated mother’s day, a day that can be hard for a mother who has lost her daughter or a daughter who has lost her mother.

Father’s day is approaching.

A day that is hard for fathers who have lost a son or a son who has lost his father. Sandwiched between is Memorial Day. A day when we remember the brave men and women who have been killed in the line of duty at home or abroad.

losing a child when I would return to that gut wrenching moment when she took her last breath. When I counted the months since the loss I would find that it was three months, then six months, then nine months and a year.

Like clockwork. The spaces between these monthly moments disappear over time. The annual anniversary of the

death never does.

Grief is not a disease or something to be fixed. It is important to know that we each mark our “spaces” in different ways and times. We may have friends who are trying to be helpful who advise us to “move on” or ”get over” or stop (Between page 27)

The bereaved have “spaces between” that are known only to them. Birthday’s, anniversaries and any other days that were special to them. Our bodies seem to be programmed to open ourselves to grief. The first, third, sixth and ninth month after the loss reopen our hearts to the pain of that loss. It happens like clock work. For years I counseled someone who has just expe­ rienced a loss to not be sur­ prised if their grief reoccur as strong as it does right after the death of a loved one. I didn’t realize how true that actually was until my daughter died. I would be feeling as good as one can in the circumstance of SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 25

ECLECTIC OBSERVER Janet Ross

June is bustin' out all over and, seeing as the entire month of July Janet Ross belongs to Artown, June is the perfect time to gear up for a hectic summer season.

The Friends of Washoe County Library can get things started for you with one of their big book sales, begin­ ning on June 1st at the Reno Town Mall. There are books, DVDs, videos and CDs, all at bargain prices. The sale runs

daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until June 9th (a super­bar­ gain day).

June is also the month when Farmers' Markets return to the region. My favorite – and possibly the smallest – will be open for business on Tuesday, June 4th . The loca­ tion is at the Northwest cor­ ner of Pyramid Way and Oddie Boulevard, in the park­ ing lot of the Methodist Church. There's lots of free parking next to the market itself. Produce abounds with a large selection of stone fruits that come from California. You may find a few craft booths and a baker,

possibly even a coffee wagon. The market usually opens at 8 a.m. and closes about 1 p.m.

Reno. (More information at www.artspotreno.com.)

Put on your walking shoes on June 6th for the Art Walk Reno.

This popular stroll through Native American artist Jack Malotte. local galleries and sites begins at 5:30 p.m.

You can add to your art at the Metro Gallery, 1 East adventure beginning June First Street, and lasts about 8th at the Nevada Museum two hours. On Saturday, June of Art, 160 West Liberty 8th, you can stroll along with Street, Reno when the exhib­ a docent as your guide for it of Native American artist the Northern route of the Jack Malotte opens. Malotte Midtown Mural Tour. There's was born in Reno, grew up a $10 admission fee and on the Walker River Indian the walk begins at 11 a.m. Reservation, and was a mem­ from Bibo Coffee, 717 ber of the Wooster High South Center Street, (Eclectic page 27)

Between / from p. 25 thinking about our loss.

Although well meaning, these phrases occur because our grief reminds others of their own mortal­ ity. They don’t like to see our expression of grief as they understand that they too one day might experi­ ence that same loss. Grief is not measured by chrono­ logical time and it is differ­ ent for everyone. There are times in the spaces between you may feel like you are loosing your mind.

You aren’t. That is grief expressing itself and it is something to “go through” not get over. Talking about your loss, telling the story of your loved one’s life is helpful. At Circle of Life Community Hospice we 26 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

have a grief support group that is open to anyone in the community. Jesse Blackburn, our lead chap­ lain, creates a safe space where you are free to express yourself surround­ ed by others who under­ stand how you feel. For times and location call 775­ 827­2298.

There is one place where there is no “space between.” That is in our hearts where the memo­ ries of our loved one live until we take our last breath. We are always only a breath away from those who have gone before us.

Until then live each moment instead of in the spaces between.

Eclectic/ from page 26 School class of 1971.

Currently a resident on the Duckwater Reservation and a member of the Washoe Shoshone tribe, Malotte por­ trays Native Americans in the modern world and considers himself a “Sagebrush hea­ then”. NMA is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. Senior admission is $8, free for members. (www.nevadaart.org) There's more Native American culture on tap the weekend of June 14­16 at the Stewart Father's Day Powwow in Carson City. This annual event on the site of the former Stewart Indian School features traditional drumming and dancing, crafts, a self­guided school tour, and Indian Tacos (also known as fry­bread). It's a great experience for all and, if you have never been to a Powwow, the perfect intro­ duction to Indian heritage. (www.stewartindianschool .com) June 15th brings country singer/songwriter Toby Keith to open the new Nugget Event Center in Sparks.

Located on Victorian Avenue, the outdoor amphitheater will seat 8500. Keith, known for his “Should've Been a Cowboy” hit and a number of patriotic songs, is expected to be a sell­out; tickets for his performance begin at $50 and escalate from there.

More information is available at www.nuggeteventcenter .com.

Reno's Eldorado will continue its annual block party in downtown Reno with its

BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival June 14­15. This is a big event, one of three this weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen. (www.eldo­ radoreno.com) For something creative, con­ sider a class offered by TMCC's Community Education. From June 20­ 27th at 7 p.m. you can learn to make a fused glass wind chime at Fused Finery, 1 Booth Street in Reno.

There's a $79 course fee, plus an additional $30 mate­ rials cost. Registration is required and you can do it on­line (www.wdce.tmcc .edu) or call 829­9010.

The month of June ends with a very special event. Reno's Rodeo will celebrate its 100­

year anniversary. From June 20­29th, the Reno Livestock Events Center will be the location for the “richest rodeo in the West”. There's always a carnival and lots of food in addition to the rodeo events – bull riding, barrel races, and more. Check the website for the full schedule at www.renorodeo.com.)

Bet you'll be exhausted by the end of June … take a deep breath, Artown is on the way.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 27

BIGGEST little City Harry Spencer

Farewell to the Mapes

C

ontinuing the Mapes Hotel story: Whether it was Roy Harry Spencer Rogers, sipping decorously from a water tumbler full of vodka­no ice at a Sky Room Press Conference, Shirley Temple taking to the dance floor there to try her skills to the music of Eddie Fitzpatrick or multi­ millionaire Wilbur May laughing at the repartee of comedian Jim Backus (Mr. Magoo) in the corner booth at the south end of the bar or Del Webb’s wedding ceremony in a Mapes’ suite (crashed by premier Reno newshound, Bill Berry) the Mapes was redolent with memories.

Bill Pechart led a cadre of casino caliphs that included Bernie Einstoss, Ruby Mathis, Red Munley, Baldy West, Jimmy Metrovich and countless others. No story about the Mapes would be com­ plete without mentioning at least a cou­ ple of the bartenders—Bud Von Hatten and Jimmy Mask. Likewise some of their “regulars”—Al Barbagelata, Frank McCulloch, Pete Barengo, Hughes Porter and Larry Devencenzi.

If you graduated from High School in Reno in the ‘Fifties or the ‘Sixties, you probably had your Prom in the Sky Room. If you are an alumnus of U of N, then you Homecoming partied in the Fable Room. If you went out to Sunday brunch or Thanksgiving Dinner most likely it was in the Sky Room. If you had your first romantic date for dinner and a show it probably occurred with the stars, among the stars at the top of the Mapes.

Then is the Mapes a mere myth in our minds or is it truly the mystical place where sweet dreams and unforgettable memories were born?

28 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Part IV

During the time the Mapes was vacant, I had occasion to pen the following: “Yesterday I passed an old friend as she was standing by the Virginia Street Bridge.

I don’t think she noticed me because her eyes—that once danced with light and sparkle as she gazed down on the fast­ moving water—now seemed blank and vacant, like the windows in an empty building.

Indeed, her whole appearance was one of seediness and neglect. Oh, the fine lines and imposing mien were still there, but they wore the smudges and stains of grime and exposure to the harsh Nevada elements.

Could it actually be less than fifty years ago that she first burst onto the Nevada scene? Was it only a few decades ago that she had been the darling of Virginia Street: courted by royalty, entertainers, athletes and politicians? Were her memorable parties, fine dining and whirlwind romances gone forever?

As she stood, so forlorn and unwanted at the river’s edge, I felt a pang of sor­ row for her – for what she had once been. She could no longer see. Neither could she hear or respond.

I walked on and left her there—draped in her faded elegance.

Her name?

The Mapes Hotel.”

Over her brief life span, many special events and promotions had their gene­ sis inside her walls. Several of those were hatched at the daily kaffee klatsch in the Coffee Shop. Regular attendees

were DA Bill Raggio, Chamber of Commerce head man Judd Allen along with several newspaper types. One of the most spectacular was when Allen introduced a videographer from Chicago, who was to film a 60­second commercial about Reno and the sur­ rounding area that was to be paid for by the Chamber. It aired in the United Airlines TV schedule. Since I was pro­ ducing a number of local TV commer­ cials at that time, Allen asked me to assemble a cast for the production.

During the meeting I chanced to over­ hear the Chicagoan whisper to Allen, “He’d be perfect.” When I asked if they were referring to me, the videographer said, “Yes, we need an older guy.” I said, “Thanks, but I am not interested. I prefer to stay behind the camera.” He replied, “Too bad. We’d be able to make you a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and you would receive compensation every time the commer­ cial was shown.” That caused me to reconsider.

The only problem with filming was that it was to be done in August and the high point of the commercial was to feature skiing at Squaw Valley. With the help of my friend, Larry Baillargeon, who was a professional ski instructor, we assem­ bled a cast of six men and six women and outfitted them in heavy ski clothing.

The entire cast assembled at 7 a.m. at (Biggest page 29)

Tinseltown

Nick Thomas

A

Congratsamundo to Happy Days’ Anson Williams for saving lives

s one of the most pop­ ular television shows in the late 70s to early 80s, “Happy Days” helped

Henry Winkler, Don Most, and Anson Williams all achieved recognition behind the camera as producers, directors, and/or writers.

Williams played Potsie – the naïve, well­meaning friend to Ron Howard’s Richie Cunningham character – and says the show was almost shelved when the pilot didn’t sell and then aired by ABC for an episode of “Love, American Style.”

Anson Williams as Potsie.

propel many cast regulars into the production side of show business. Ron Howard,

BIGGEST / from page 28 the old Pioneer Lodge and we were bussed to Squaw.

Arriving on a very warm day, we were ushered in to the Lodge for a shot in front of a roaring fireplace. Then we were whisked to the top of the mountain, which was completely devoid of snow. I was given a pair of ski poles and instructed to act as if I was “pushing off” while a mass of soap chips substitut­ ing for snowflakes were blown in my face. I couldn’t figure how this would play out but when the spot was previewed at the Granada Theatre several weeks later in conjunction with the pre­ mier of “The Downhill Racer” starring Robert Redford and Gene Hackman, I was sur­

“When ‘American Graffiti’ came out (in 1973) and was so popular, ABC re­shot another pilot more like ‘Graffiti’ and changed some of the cast,” said Williams

from Los Angeles.

money (see www.bogolist.com). “It’s also important for seniors with limited incomes,” he said.

“Improving their lifestyle is paramount to BOGO List.”

The show became a hit and Williams partly credits the show’s producer and writer for motivating the cast. “I had such an education because of Garry Marshall who inspired us to broaden our horizons.”

Later becoming a successful TV director himself, Williams also branched out into the business world selling dozens of products on QVC. He recently launched BOGO (Buy One Get One) List, a web site to help consumers save

Williams is especially grati­ fied with another business venture, Alert Drops, a sim­ ple spray he developed to prevent drowsy drivers from falling asleep behind the wheel. He notes that thou­ sands of drowsy­driving relat­ ed fatalities and many more injuries occur across the United States each year.

(Tinseltown page 30)

prised to see that the spot opened with the aforemen­ tioned scene and quickly dis­ solved to a snow­covered mountain with a skier dressed in red sweater and black ski pants do a series of ski turns down the moun­ tainside. I found out that my “double” was one Jean­ Claude Killy, who was under contract to the airlines. The next stop was for a nightclub scene at the Cal­Neva Lodge, Lake Tahoe and the closing shot was staged around mid­ night with downtown Reno and Harold’s Club in the background.

The spot was so successful that it ran for two years including two Super Bowl games.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 29

Williams, Don Most, and Marion Ross, cast mem­ bers of Happy Days.

Anson Williams today.

Tinseltown / from page 29 “It’s a common but often neglected problem,” he explained. “Just a spray of Alert Drops on the top of the tongue produces a reflex reaction that causes the body to release a burst of adrena­ line and you’re instantly awake.”

Williams experienced the dangers of drowsy driving back in the late 80s

while working on the “Slap Maxwell” TV series.

“After a rough day directing in the hot Palmdale desert, I was driving home and suddenly found myself bouncing around in the car off the road. I’d fallen asleep and was extremely lucky I didn’t kill myself. It scared the heck out of

me.” He later recounted the incident to his ‘uncle,’ Dr. Henry Heimlich – yes, of the anti­choking Heimlich Maneuver fame.

Heimlich, who was actually Williams’ second cousin, suggested carrying slices of lemon in the car to counter drowsi­ ness. “I did that for years and it worked, but who wants to suck on messy lemons when driving? I called Uncle Hank and asked if the same effect could be achieved by putting the lemon ingredi­ ents in a spray bottle. He said that was a brilliant idea. We’re (now) saving lives every day, which is very satisfy­ ing” (see www.alertdrops.com).

While still appearing in “Happy Days” Williams was inspired to produce the TV movie, “Skyward,” beginning the new phase of his career behind the camera. While he looks back on those early entertainment days with fondness, he’s especially proud of his achievement away from the camera with Alert Drops.

“I left home when I was 18 with just $100 and made it into show business. To get on a hit show like ‘Happy Days,’ then become a director, and to have an ‘uncle’ like Dr. Heimlich who inspired me to create a life­saving product – what are the chances of all that happening?”

30 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 31

Simply Smart Travel Jeff & Virginia Orenstein

Passport To Dry Creek Valley Festival A Weekend of Great Wine, Food and Music

W

hen it comes to wine, the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County California has what it takes.

Located northwest of Healdsburg, the fertile valley of 16 miles long by 2 miles wide is formed by Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. The valley’s terroir encompasses the right soils, microclimates and terrain that creates the conditions for growing excellent wine grapes. The valley is also blessed with a coterie of skilled winemakers who call Dry Creek Valley home.

Solution

These dedicated and knowl­ edgeable men and women have the talent and experi­ ence to take great grapes and make world­class wines with them year after year.

Put it together and the valley produces some of the world’s best zinfandels and many other delicious vari­ etals.

Over 50 wineries are located in the Dry Creek Valley AVA, and over 160 wineries pro­ duce wines that bear a Dry Creek Valley AVA designa­ tion.

Every year since 1989, the

from page 31

The beautiful Ferrari­Carano Vineyards and Winery offered a wonderful feel of being in Tuscany complete with Italian architecture, poplars, valley vistas and, of course, great wine. Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

valley’s wine grower associa­ tion has hosted the Passport To Dry Creek Valley Wine and Food Festival, drawing throngs of wine lovers from around the world to taste the valley’s latest vintages, enjoy great food pairings and be entertained with live music.

The 2019 festival lived up to its billing as a memorable 30th anniversary celebra­ tion of the Dry Creek Passport event. 41 Wineries were open to Passport hold­ ers and each put on quite a show with great wine sam­ ples, food and drink and spectacular vistas.

While it is almost impossi­ ble to visit all 41 wineries during the two­day event, with advance planning, we did our best and managed to hit 16 over the two days.

(We were not driving.)

32 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Fortunately, some were adja­ cent to others, minimizing transport time between them. As illogical as it may seem, each was superb in its own way, with great wines, cordial hosts, enticing food pairings and good music as well as some amazing views.

Participating winery buildings ranged from rustic to elegant and each produced memo­ rable vintages and excellent ambiance to enjoy along with the wine.

Next year’s event will be April 25 and April 26. If you love wine and wineries, it is not too early to set aside the date. Tickets will be available in 2020 and they sell fast.

If those dates are not good for you, the valley’s wineries and tasting rooms are open year­round. It is definitely (Smart Travel page 34)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / June / 33

Smart Travel / page 32 worth the trip.

Before You Go Check Out: • https://sonomawine.com /visit/ • https://www.drycreek valley.org/ • https://winecountryget­ aways.com/wine­ regions/healdsburg/dry­ creek­wineries/ Getting There and Getting Around The Dry Creek Valley can be reached by air, highway, pub­ lic transport, cruise ship and rail.

• By car, the Dry Creek Valley can be reached via U.S. 101.

Start in Healdsburg, 62 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, and explore the back roads from there.

• The nearest commercial airport is Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) at 10 miles distance from Healdsburg. (San Francisco

International (SFO), is 82 miles away and Oakland International (OAK) is approximately the same dis­ tance away.

• The nearest cruise port is San Francisco, at 69 miles distance.

• The nearest Amtrak station is Martinez, 72 miles away, with connecting buses to Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.

Santa Rosa and Charles Schultz airport are also served by the SMART Train which connects to San Francisco via rail, direct bus and ferry.

If You Have Several Days, Best Options Are: • Visiting nearby Napa Valley for more wineries and restaurants.

• Riding the Napa Valley Wine Train (reservations nec­ essary).

• Exploring Santa Rosa.

Almost every evening, a marine layer of foggy moisture settles into the almostarid Dry Creek Valley, bringing needed moisture to the grapes and contributing to the valley’s amazing terroir. Here you can see the marine layer starting to lift.

Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

• Taking a day trip to the Pacific Coast at Jenner (mouth of the Russian River) or Bodega Bay. • Extending your trip by exploring San Francisco.

• Enjoying the vivid Oakland cultural and cuisine scene.

Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For the Dry Creek Valley Passport Festival: Comfortable chic is the order

of the day. While some casu­ al is OK, classy jeans, a sun dress and hats for women are common and men usually wear a dress shirt and slacks.

Dress in layers because weather can be iffy ­­or hot.

Over 50 Advantage: Great wine and entertainment in a relaxing and unhurried envi­ ronment for the Passport Festival.

Mobility Level: Moderately high. While some wineries are accessible, gravel walks and hills and steps are com­ mon.

When To Go: The Passport Festival for 2020 will be April 25 and 26. Visit year­round for the region. Fall and spring are great, winter can be rainy.

Where To Stay: There are scores of B&B’s, guest houses and hotels in the region, many with winery views Jeffrey Orenstein, Ph.D. and Virginia Orenstein are travel writers from Sarasota, Florida. Reach them at joren­ stein@SimplySmart Travel.com.

34 / June / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Generation Boomer Magazine // Generation4Boomers.com

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