May 2021 Edition - Senior Spectrum Newspaper by Senior Spectrum Newspapers

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May is Older Americans Month: Celebrating Communities of Strength

May 2021 THIS ISSUE

he theme of Older Americans Month (OAM) 2021 is Communities of Strength and no time like now have older adults demonstrated their resilience and strength over the course of their lives than now, through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others. In May, the Administration for Community Living and local advocates will celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. There are many things we all can do to nurture ourselves, reinforce our strength, and continue to thrive. Connecting with others is one of the most important—it plays a vital role in our health and well-being, and in that of our communities. But during the pandemic, local officials are encouraging seniors to remain strong. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) Senior Services Division, the Cities of Reno and Sparks, are all coming together in an effort to encourage the community to join us in recognizing May as Older Americans Month. When the COVID-19 outbreak concludes and health officials say it is safe to do so, HSA will continue to promote the importance of taking part in activities, avoiding isolation, and encouraging the elderly to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. This year HSA is not promoting or hosting in-person Older Americans Month 2021 programs and activities. However, several events will be offered virtually. The public can take part in those events by watching our Washoe County Television YouTube Channel. We ask the community to join us in recognizing seniors this month in a safe and special way.

Page 3 - Older Americans Month Celebrations - 2021 Page 6 - American Jobs Plan Page 10 - Am I Blue?

Page 27 - Recognize a Senior

Every ISSUE

Page 11 - Reno to Honor

Page 4 - Sparks City Councilman, Khristopher Dahir

Seniors in May

Page 8 - Loneliness & Isola-

Page 13 - Stuff A Bus

tion - Center for Healthy Aging

Page 20 - Last Chance

Page 14 - Calendar

to see Pre-Raphaelites

Page 26 - This ‘n That

Page 21 - Feeding Your

Page 28 - Biggest Little City

Loved One Tips

Page 29 - Resources

Page 23 - Sick Leave Bill Page 24 - CMS Lowers

Page 30- Simply Smart Travel

Health Care Costs

Page 31 - Crossword

Page 25 - Save Your

Page 32 - Tinseltown

Memories Forever

Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 775/348-0717 email: SeniorSpectrumNV@aol.com Web: SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com Family Publishers Connie McMullen • Chase McMullen Editorial not necessarily the opinion of SSN www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Opinion

Exciting News for Nevada Veterans Memorial – It is time to build Kristopher Dahir Sparks City Councilman

Many of you have heard about the Nevada Veterans Memorial being built at the Sparks Marina. It is a state wide memorial that will honor the 897 men and woman whose lives were taken in the line of battle. This memorial is about to undergo the second and main phase of the project. If you went down there right Kristopher Dahir now, you would see that there is a portion of the memorial done. This is the area that shows the donors, has a couple statues and some bricks in the ground. The second phase will have a bench in place for each branch of the military, the 2000 plus bricks that share the support from our community and most importantly the names of every fallen soldier memorialized for all to see. A big thank you to Q and D Construction for stepping up and committing to completing this main phase.

Elected officials break ground for the Nevada Veterans Memorial.

A few exciting things you may not know about is the upcoming telethon airing on Saturday, May 15 at 4 p.m. on KOLO 8. They have donated an hours worth of time in order for us to tell our story and the Grand Sierra was so wonderful to let us use their Grand Stage to do our filming. This exciting time will have entertainment from various performers and tell the whole story of how the memorial came to be. One of the exciting announcements we also have is that we will have an educational path around the whole memorial. This path has been named after our founder the late Mayor (Veterans Memorial page 5)

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May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

Veterans Memorial / from page 4

Former Sparks Mayor Ron E. Smith and Sparks Councilman Kristopher Dahir at the memorial site.

Ron E. Smith. The path will share the history of how our nation began, how Nevada became a part of the union and then many battles that our men and women took part in as they protected our freedom. Once this memorial is complete, it will be a place of reflection, education and celebration. Upcoming Veterans Memorial telethon airing on Saturday, May 15 at 4 p.m. on KOLO 8 from the We will have a ceremony every year on Gold Star family weekend honoring the lives of each Grand Sierra, Grand Stage, hosted by Rebecca Kitchen and Wendy Damonte. fallen soldier. Our biggest dream is that this memorial would allow our future generations understand the sacrifices made for them and that they would see why we remember the names of those who paved the way for our future. On a personal note, when our founder and director Ron Smith graduated to heaven in September of 2020, I made a commitment to help finish this project. I am currently the Director of this effort and available to answer any questions you may have.

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(775) 322-9200 CremationSocietyNevada.com If you want to learn more about the memorial please visit NVMP.US.

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

National Council On Aging: Public Policy for Advocates

Home Care Gets a Boost in American Jobs Plan

Howard Bedlin Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

Key Takeaways

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan includes $400 billion to improve home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities.

The proposal also would increase wages and benefits for home care workers.

Another $100 billion would go toward providing universal access to broadband, through the Emer gency Broadband Benefit, and reducing internet prices for all Americans.

resident Biden’s American Jobs Plan, released on March 31, has been called an “infrastructure” proposal. But that definition is broader than roads and bridges. The presi-

dent’s plan also seeks to improve “the infrastructure of care” across the country, especially for older adults.

Home and Community-Based Services

The American Jobs Plan features a $400 billion investment to expand access to Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults and people with disabilities. NCOA strongly supports the proposal, as this will be a significant boost to programs that allow individuals to receive care at home, instead of in a nursing home. The proposal also extends the Money Follows the Person program, which supports innovations in the delivery of long-term care. The home care workforce also would get a boost through increased wages and benefits. Nearly 88% are women, 28% are Black, 22% are Latinx, and 47% have incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. The plan’s HCBS expansion includes a raise for these workers, plus benefits and the ability to collectively bargain.

Workforce

Beyond home care, the American Jobs Plan invests $100 billion in proven workforce development programs targeted at underserved groups. While there is no specific language on older workers, NCOA will advocate that older adults be included in provisions to: • Invest in evidence-based approaches to support workers, including wraparound services, income supports, counseling, and case management, paired with high-quality training. • Provide a new Dislocated Workers Program and sector-based training. • Create workforce development opportunities targeted to underserved communities. • Address long-term unemployment and underemployment through a new subsidized jobs program. • Expand registered apprenticeship programs to ensure greater access to new infrastructure jobs, support community college job training, and invest in Expanded Career Services and the Title II adult literacy program.

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

NCOA / from page 6 • Invest in worker protection systems, including those that address age discrimination.

Equity Investments

NCOA also supports several provisions that would advance our goal of equitable aging. These include: • Broadband: Invest $100 billion to provide universal access to high-speed broadband and reduce internet prices for Americans in rural and urban areas. • Housing: Target $213 billion to produce, preserve, and retrofit more than two million affordable places to live. • Rural: Rebuild crumbling infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems. • Transportation: Spend $20 billion to ensure new projects increase opportunity, advance racial equity and environmental justice, and promote affordable access. • Veterans: Upgrade Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics. • Natural disasters: Invest in infrastructure and disaster resilience to help communities of color and low-income people

who are more severely impacted by climate change-related weather events.

Next Steps

The president’s proposal still needs to take shape as legislation for Congress to consider. In the coming weeks, the White House is also expected to release its American Families Plan to provide additional relief such as expanded health care, childcare, and family leave. While the proposals are expected to move forward as one or two large bills, some provisions may be broken out and addressed separately. Americans can expect the debate to heat up over the summer.

STROKE DOESN’T WAIT-

You Shouldn’t Either Think It’s a Stroke?

The faster you recognize a person is having a stroke and call 9-1-1, the faster the person can receive treatment.

The National Stroke Association® offers B.E. F.A.S.T., an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. 911

BALANCE

Does the person have a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

EYESIGHT

Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes or have they had sudden double vision?

FACE

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH

Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

TIME

If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing signs of a possible stroke. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northern Nevada Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 210055-0479 4/21

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

“Adding Life to Years” Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging

Larry Weiss

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Loneliness and Isolation: Huge Public Health Problems

oneliness can affect anyone of any age and background - from an older person mourning the loss of a life partner to a young person who simply

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

feels different and isolated from their friends. Furthermore, as our society continues to evolve and experience pandemics we introduce advances that also increase the risk of developing loneliness. From working more flexibly, often more remotely, to doing our shopping online, the actual warmth of human contact recedes from our lives. COVID-19 has made loneliness even more prevalent. Across our communities there are people who can go for days, weeks or even a month without seeing a friend or family member, and more recently a year. There are people who miss the camaraderie of some company, the support of a friendly voice, or just someone who can make them smile or laugh to lift their spirits. The loss of social contact is incredibly damaging to our humanity and to the health and wellbeing of everyone affected. Indeed, research now shows that loneliness is as damaging to our physical health as much as smoking. The strategy to deal with this issue has to enable all parts of society to play their role. It includes supporting the development of business champions who will tackle loneliness in the workplace and tech companies who are addressing the challenges of isolation and bullying in cyberspace. It will help create new community spaces, for example by creating new community cafes, gardens and art spaces. It will also continue to grow the vital work of voluntary and charitable organizations. For one of the best ways of tackling loneliness is through simple acts of kindness, from taking a moment to talk to a friend to helping someone in need. Loneliness isn’t new but the pandemic has compounded it. The way our society works is changing rapidly. This brings great opportunities – including new ways of connecting and communicating with others. But it also means it’s now possible to spend a day working, shopping, traveling, interacting with business and with public services, without speaking to another human being. And for some people that can be repeated day after day. So, as we continue to make the most of new technologies, ways of working and delivering services, we need to plan for connection and design in moments of human contact. The ways we live, work and relate to each other are shifting as we move towards a more digital society. Employment practices are changing and people are participating in society in different ways, like utilizing Zoom.com to connect virtually. We can work, shop, travel, and interact with businesses and public services utilizing email and/or texting rather than through talking to each other. Alongside these changes, we understand now more than ever before about the negative impacts of loneliness. Loneliness is not new but we do increasingly recognize it as one (Adding Life page 9)

Loneliness / from page 8

of our most pressing public health issues. Feeling lonely often is linked to early deaths – on a par with obesity. Even health care costs for the federal Medicare program have been reported to increase by $6.7 billion in skilled nursing facility care and longer stays in hospitals due to loneliness. It’s also linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke; depression, cognitive decline and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Our vision needs to be for the country to be in a place where we all can have strong social relationships to decrease loneliness. Where families, friends and communities support each other, especially at vulnerable points where people are at greater risk of loneliness. Where institutions value the human element in their interactions with people, and where loneliness is recognized and acted on without stigma or shame, so that we all look out for one another. Today there seems to be more hatred and division than love, understanding, and giving. Loneliness and social connections are deeply personal. Everyone feels lonely from time to time. But when people are always lonely they are likely to suffer significant ill health and other negative consequences. We need to focus on preventing people from feeling lonely all or most of the time. Human beings are social creatures. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. This in turn contributes to health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract these negative effects. People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation are at particular risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has blown this out of sight. However, people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. These activities help maintain well-being and improve cognitive function. Even during the pandemic, we can socially interact, although it is more difficult. For example, I joined Donna Clontz, Lead for Age Friendly, Livable Communities, Reno, Nevada, in creating a friendly visiting call program to where we contact isolated elders by calling them and have a friendly conversation. This activity has been very rewarding for me as well as the isolated elders we are calling. Certainly, losing a sense of connection and community changes a person’s perception of the world. Those of us experiencing chronic loneliness feel threatened and mistrustful of others, which activates a biological defense mechanism. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. The misery and suffering caused by chronic loneliness are very real and warrant attention. As a social species, we need to help each other, including our lonely parents, neighbors, and even strangers in the same way we would treat

ourselves. Treating loneliness is a public health issue which we need to deal with. A National Institute on Aging researcher, Dr. Steve Cole, deals with the biology of loneliness and discusses how it acts as a fertilizer for other diseases. Dr. Cole presents how the biology of loneliness can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries, which helps cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease. His research shows that loneliness promotes several different types of wear and tear on the body. Therefore, people who feel lonely may also have weakened immune cells that have trouble fighting off viruses, which in turn makes us more vulnerable to some infectious diseases. Research shows that having a sense of mission and purpose in life is linked to healthier immune cells. Helping others through caregiving or volunteering also helps people feel less lonely. In short, clearly isolation and loneliness need personal and policy interventions that increase older adults’ social integration which addresses not only their behaviors, but their overall surroundings. We need to concentrate our attention on the influence of social policies, institutions, and ideologies in the everyday experience of isolated older adults, which will “add life to years!” Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for HealthAging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to him at larryjweiss@gmail.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.

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www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Am I Blue?

Dr. Traci Biondi, Chief Medical Officer Prominence Health Plan

When I think of people who live in the ‘Blue Zones’ of the world I imagine glowing, good-natured senior citizens walking down cobbled streets in the sunshine; the ocean breeze softly blowing as they greet friends along their path.

lue Zones are specific places or regions where many people live to a very old age – in fact, it’s not uncommon for people who live in these regions to reach 100-yearsold. Blue Zones are found throughout the world, in places like Sardinia, Italy, where a large proportion of men live to be 100-years-old. If you consider that 76-years is the average life expectancy of a man in the U.S., living to be 100-years-old is a substantial increase. Along with the numerical average length of life, people living in these regions also experience healthier and presumably more enjoyable lives. While Nevadans don’t have the luxury of living in a Blue Zone, it’s clear to me that these so-called Blue Zone secrets are actually replicable. When distilled down, there are a few

ways to duplicate the way people who inhabit Blue Zones live their lives. • Exercise is built into their daily lives. Create a routine where you spend 15-20 minutes at the same time each day walking –– even if it's just a single walk around the block. • Sleep is a priority. Getting enough sleep is important for your body to recover and function properly. Set a schedule where you get seven to eight hours of sleep at night, and naps of no more than 30 minutes. This will keep you feeling good and energized throughout the day. • Human connection is vital. Creating a shared connection with family and friends may foster a deep understanding of our ability and willingness to care for each other, expanding our sense of purpose and duty. You can get involved in your community by joining different clubs and groups of people to meet up with. • Food consumption is not a contest. Eating only a moderate amount of calories at every meal, mainly as a part of a plant based diet with foods like legumes, dark leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, steel-cut oatmeal, blueberries, and barley, is better for your health and digestive system. And, avoid overeating! • Alcohol indulgence is overrated. Consume alcohol in moderation, people in some Blue Zones drink one to two glasses of red wine a day which could help prevent heart disease. • An active mind is a healthy mind. Find a new hobby or nurture an old one to assist in finding your purpose.

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May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

As we age, we become more aware of things that begin to bother us. These are the kinds of issues we didn’t seem to notice when we were younger – aches and pains, difficulty sleeping and feelings of unease. At the same time we may start to appreciate simple aspects of day to day life that we never thought about before – such as maintaining physical independence and mental health. In the Blue Zones, the elderly and aging communities are the embodiment of excellent physical and mental health. By adopting some of the not-so-secret Blue Zone lifestyle fundamentals, you may find yourself pairing down and simplifying your life leading to a new transformation. It may be worth trying to understand just what goes into the quality of our minutes, hours, days and ultimately our lives. Perhaps the motivation to do this will come from out of the blue. Dr. Traci Biondi is Chief Medical Officer at Prominence Health Plan, which serves Washoe, Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Lyon, and Churchill counties in Nevada. To learn more about Prominence Health Plan, call 800-880-7457, Monday-through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reno to Honor its Seniors By Paco Lachoy Special to Senior Spectrum

t has been a very long 15 months since the pandemic began and changed how we do things. Last year Older Americans Month was canceled. This year, the City of Reno is working on having an event every week during May for Older Americans Month. Communities of Strength is this year’s national theme. In Reno, we are a resilient and vibrant senior community to celebrate that is truly a Community of Strength. Paco Lachoy

Older Americans Month in Reno will start with an event in Somersett West Park at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 3. One of Reno’s newest parks will host Tai Chi for seniors on select Mondays in May. At the deadline for Senior Spectrum, dates, times and details were still coming together. You can check out the City of Reno’s Facebook page (City of Reno Government) or visit Reno. gov/Seniors. Details and events will be posted as they become available. Some of the possible events being planned are: • A Garden Walk and talk on local flora and fauna by a naturalist.

• Senior Art projects and a show hosted by the City of Reno Arts and Culture. • The “BINGO” of all Bingos hosted by the City of Reno Parks and Recreation Department. (Bingo will be in English and Spanish) • Learn how to play Loteria, Mexican Bingo, learning a new culture and new game. • Senior Recognition Day on the City of Reno Charter Channel 194, along with programming of interest to seniors. • COVID-19 Vaccination and Information event, where you can talk with an expert if you have questions and if you choose to be vaccinated. • Music in the Park: a mini concert in one of the City of Reno Parks. Do you know a Senior… the City of Reno is asking for submissions of pictures and a brief description of our Reno seniors. (Honoring Seniors page 12)

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Honoring Seniors / from page 11 Seniors can be submitted by anyone. A Senior can be anyone age 60 or older who is special to their kids or grandkids or community members. All seniors have contributed to making Honoring Seniors / from page 11 the world better in their lifetime by just being themselves. Seniors can be submitted by anyone. A Senior can be anyone Check out Reno.gov/Seniors for how to participate.

Reno Parks and Recreation has been offering senior-friendly activities at the Neil Road Recreation Center. Among the offerings are shuffleboard, pickleball, bean bag baseball, yoga, chair yoga, gentle yoga, sit and get fit, bingo, badminton, table tenReno Parks has been offering senior-friendly nis and tai and chi. Recreation These programs are for the drop in fee or have activities at the Neil Road Recreation Center. Among the offera fee associated with them. More information can be obtained ings are shuffleboard, pickleball, bean bag baseball, yoga, chair by calling Neil Road Recget Center at (775) 689-8484 ortenEvelyn yoga, gentle yoga, sit and fit, bingo, badminton, table Mount at (775) 334-2262 or visiting Reno.gov/ParksandRec. nis and tai chi. These programs are for the drop in fee or have

quirements will also be in place.

Ifbyyou have City of Parks and 689-8484 Recreation scholarship calling Neila Road RecReno Center at (775) or Evelyn aMount list ofatactivities are included forReno.gov/ParksandRec. free in your Health and (775) 334-2262 or visiting Wellness pass that comes with your scholarship. The pass also If you have a City Renoswimming Parks and Recreation includes lap andofopen at the Cityscholarship operated pools: a list of activities included for free in your Health and Northwest Reno,areEvelyn Mount Northeast Community Center.

age 60 or older who is special to their kids or grandkids or community members. All seniors have contributed to making Masks will be required all City of Reno Older the world better inattheir lifetime by just beingAmericans themselves. Month Check activities where people gather. Social distancing reout Reno.gov/Seniors for how to participate. Masks will be required at all City of Reno Older Americans

activities where people gather. distancing SeniorsMonth comprise nearly approximately 20Social percent of the requirements also be into place. population in Renowill according estimates from the State of Nevada. The estimate of Seniors (age 60+) in Reno is about comprise County nearly approximately 20 percent of the 65,000 Seniors and in Washoe about 110,000.

population in Reno according to estimates from the State of Nevada. The estimate of Seniors (age 60+) in Reno is about In a recent report from the State Nevada Immunization 65,000 and in Washoe Countyofabout 110,000.

office an estimated 38,000 seniors in Washoe County have not been vaccinated. With Seniors, thoseImmunization with underlyIn a recent report from the especially State of Nevada ing conditions, being most vulnerable to the virus, it is importoffice an estimated 38,000 seniors in Washoe County have not been vaccinated. With Seniors, especially underlyant to make sure you are protected against it.those The with Coronavirus ing conditions, being mostItvulnerable to the is import(COVID-19) is not going away. is something wevirus, will itlive with antto totake makesteps sure you aresafe. protected against it. The Coronavirus and need to be

a fee associated with them. More information can be obtained

Wellness pass that comes with your scholarship. The pass also includes lap and open swimming at the City operated pools: You can visit Reno.gov/ParksandRec for more information or Northwest Reno, Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center.

email them at healthandwellness@reno.gov.

You can visit Reno.gov/ParksandRec for more information or

The Recreation Department will also be offering its emailParks themand at healthandwellness@reno.gov. Recreation-in-a-Bag in May with the last one set for distribuThe Parks andThey Recreation Department will also offering tion in June. are usually available the be third weekitsof the Recreation-in-a-Bag in May the last one set for distribumonth and available on awith first-come, first-served basis. tion in June. They are usually available the third week of the

month and available on a than first-come, first-served basis. for anyone Finally, Reno has more 80 parks and parklets to explore, go hiking or make discoveries. In fact, the City of Finally, Reno has more than 80 parks and parklets for anyone Reno is in the process of updating its Parks, Recreation, and Department. Information about clinics can be found on Reno. to explore, go hiking or make discoveries. In fact, the City of The City of Reno is offering vaccination clinics through its Fire Open Plan. a first phase ofand general gov. TheDepartment. County hasInformation a website about whereclinics you can get information Reno isSpace in the (PROS) process Service of updating its As Parks, Recreation, can be found on Reno. public input and in lieu of in-person gatherings, a community about where to get a vaccination. You can visit covid19washoe. Open Space (PROS) Service Plan. As a first phase of general gov. The County has a website where you can get information will be to the public through May. The survey com or about call (775) 328-2427. public input andavailable in lieu of in-person gatherings, a community where to get a vaccination. You can visit covid19washoe. survey is available Reno.gov/ParksandRec. survey will beatavailable to the public through May. The survey com or call (775) 328-2427. (COVID-19) is not going away. It is something we will live with stepsvaccination to be safe. clinics through its Fire The Cityand of need Renotoistake offering

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R R R NSTH NS NS H activities TH TH throughouth the month of May. For activities or more information visit Reno.Gov/Seniors or TH TH TH call 775-334-4636. 2019 2019 2019 For activities or more information visit Reno.Gov/Seniors or R call 775-334-4636. 2019

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2019

Stuff A Bus for Seniors DriveBy Donation Drive May 21 New, unused donations being accepted

his year’s Stuff-A-Bus Drive-By Donation Drive is back to help Washoe County seniors in need. Those wishing to donate, can drop-off unused items to staff at Sam’s Club, outside the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus, Friday, May 21, from 2 p.m.–7 p.m. As part of Mays Older Americans Month, regional government organizations and local businesses are teaming up to fill an entire bus with community donations for area seniors. New, unused donations will be accepted at the drive-by donation event.

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Needed items include: • Sweatshirts • Sweatpants • Bus passes • Jackets • Gift cards • Cleaning supplies • Hygiene products • Adult diapers • Coloring books • Large print word books • Reading books • Movie passes “The Stuff-A-Bus Donation Drive goes a long way in helping serve the thousands of vulnerable seniors in the community,” said Washoe County Senior Services Division Director Steve McBride. “A special thank you to the community, our partners, and staff for coming together and making this extraordinary effort so valuable every year.”

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Stuff-A-Bus is a signature Older Americans Month event. Additional events will be offered virtually throughout the month. The public can take part by watching those activities on the Washoe County Television YouTube Channel. The fund drive is made possible by KOLO Cares, Sam’s Club, Washoe County, the Regional Transportation Commission, Washoe County Human Services Agency, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks. Participating partners will practice social distancing and where masks during the drive.

www.MountainLakesEstates.net www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Retirement Comm

Calendar 1:45-3:45 p.m.; Session 3: 6:15-8:15 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 11,18, 25. May 3 - Sit n Fit (Robin), 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. May 10, 17, 24, 31.

May 4 - Sunshine Quilters, 12-3 p.m., TPPPAC. May 11, 18, 25.

May 3 - Pickleball, 9-11 a.m., EMNECC. Also May 10, 17, 24, 31.

May 4 - Gentle Yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 11, 18, 25.

May 3 - Tai Chi (Jiggs) Gail, 11-12 p.m., EMNECC. May 10, 17, 24, 31.

May 4 - Restorative Yoga, 1:45-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 11, 18, 25.

May 3 - Jazz Dance Class (Jiggs), 4-5 p.m., EMNECC. May 10, 17, 24, 31.

May 4 - Zumba (Jiggs), 4-5 p.m., EMNECC. May 11, 18, 25.

May 3 - Creative Ballet (Jiggs), 5-5:45 p.m., EMNECC. May 10, 17, 24, 31.

May 4 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 11, 18, 25.

May 3 - Sit and Get Fit, 9-9:45 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24.

May 4 – It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96269295417 By phone 669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417. Renown Health’s Sterling Silver Club. Sign up to be a member at renown.org/SterlingSilver.

May 3 - Heart to Heart Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Renown, virtual class, call 775-982-7787, or log on to get the Zoom link. May 3 - Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24. May 3 - Beanbag Baseball, 12-2 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24. May 3 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24. May 3 - Pickleball: Session 1: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24. May 3 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 10, 17, 24. May 4 - Sit n Fit (Jiggs) Gail, 9-10 a.m., EMNECC. May 11, 18, 25. May 4 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 11, 18, 25. May 4 - Pickleball: Session 1: 11:30-1:30 p.m.; Session 2: 14 | May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

May 5 - Sit n Fit Robin, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Pickleball: Session 1: 9-11 a.m.; Session 2: 12-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Pickleball: Session 1: 9:15-11:15 a.m.; Session 2: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Tap Dance (Bullfrog), 9:30-10:30 a.m., EMNECC. May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Heart to Heart Yoga, 10-11 a.m., recurring virtual event, call 775-982-7787 for Zoom link. May 5 - Zumba, 10:30-11:30 a.m., TPPPAC. May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Tai Chi (Jiggs) Gail, 11-12 p.m., EMNECC. May 12, 19, 26.

at https://zoom. us/j/96269295417. By phone (669) 9006833. Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417. Renown Health’s Sterling Silver Club, renown. org/SterlingSilver. May 6 - Pickleball, Session I: 12:152:15p.m., Session 2: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13, 20, 27.

May 5 - Chair Yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Chair Chi, 2-3 p.m., EMNECC. May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Washoe County Senior Advisory Board, 3-5 p.m., meeting ID: 782 0794 4707, passcode: 600758, call 669 900-9128, http://tinyurl.com/SABOAM21. May 5 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 12, 19, 26. May 5 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6:15-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 12, 19, 26. May 6 - Chair Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13. 20. 27. May 6 - Shuffleboard, 11-1 p.m., stage, Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13, 20, 27. May 6 - Bunco, 11-2:30 p.m., TPPPAC. May 13, 20, 27. May 6 - Zumba, 11-12 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13, 20, 27. May 6 – It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom

May 6 - Learn to Advocate for Seniors, 2:30-3:30 p.m., meeting ID: 822 0694 0279, passcode: 319344, Phone: 669 900 9128 US (PST), https://tingurl.com/LASOAM21. May 6 - Hatha Yoga, 5-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13, 20, 27. May 6 - Badminton/Table Tennis: 6:15-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 13, 20, 27. May 7 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - Pickleball, Session 1: 10:30-12:30 p.m., Session 2: 1-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - Pickleball, Session 1: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 14, 21, 28. May 7 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 14, 21, 28. May 10 - Sit n Fit (Robin), 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. May 17, 24, 31. (Calendar page 16) www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Calendar / from page 15

May 10 - Pickleball, Session 1: 9-11 a.m., Session 2: 12-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 17, 24, 31. May 10 - Heart to Heart Yoga, 10-11 a.m., recurring virtual event, call 775-982-7787 for Zoom link. May 10 - Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 17, 24. May 10 - Tai Chi (Jiggs), 11-12 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 17, 24, 31. May 10 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 17, 24. May 10 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 17, 24. May 10 - Pickleball, Session 1: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 17, 24. May 10 - Jazz Dance Class (Jiggs), 4-5 p.m., EMNECC. May 17, 24, 31. May 10 - Creative Ballet (Jiggs), 5-5:45 p.m., EMNECC. May 17, 24. May 10 - Badminton/Table Tennis: 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 17, 24. May 11 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 18, 25. May 11 - Pickleball, Session 1: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Session 2: 1:45-3:45 p.m., Session 3: 6:15-8:15 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 18, 25.

p.m., EMNECC. Also May 19, 26. May 12 - Pickleball, Session 1: 9:15-11:15 a.m., Session 2: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 19, 26. May 12 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., EMNECC. Also May 19, 26. May 12 - Zumba, 10:30-11:30 a.m., TPPPAC. May 19, 26. May 12 - Tap Dance (Bullfrog), 11-12 p.m., EMNECC. May 19, 26. May 12 – Heartfulness Meditation, learn how to meditate, virtual only, 10:30-11 a.m. To join please click: https://bit.ly/2XqneUN or by calling 775-325-5409 and when prompted, type in the conference ID: 531 903 850# May 12 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. May 19, 26. May 12 - Chair Yoga (Jiggs), 12:30-1:30 p.m., EMNECC. May 19, 26. May 12 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 19, 26. May 12 - Chair Chi (Jiggs), 2-3 p.m., EMNECC. May 19, 26. May 12 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 19, 26. May 12 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 19, 26. May 13 - Sit n Fit (Jiggs), Gail, 9:30-10:30 a.m., EMNECC. Also May 20, 27.

May 11 - It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96269295417 By phone at 669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417 Part of Renown Health’s Sterling Silver Club, sign up at renown.org/SterlingSilver.

May 13 - Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s (Registration Required), 10-11 a.m., https:// tinyurl.com/KTS21MAY13.

May 11 - Sunshine Quilters, 12-3 p.m., TPPPAC. May 18, 25.

May 13 - Alzheimer’s Association, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body (Registration Required), 11-12 p.m., https;//tinyurl.com/HBB21MAY13.

May 12 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. Also May 19, 26. May 12 - Pickleball, Session 1: 9-11 p.m., Session 2: 12-3 16

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

May 13 - Chair Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 20, 27.

May 13 - Zumba, 11-12 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 20, 27.

May 13 - Shuffleboard, 11-1 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 20, 27. May 13 - Bunco, 11-2:30 p.m., TPPPAC. May 20, 27. May 13 - Pickleball, Session 1: 12:15-2:15 p.m., Session 2: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 20, 27. May 13 - Gentle Yoga, 12:301:30 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 20, 27. May 13 - Restorative Yoga, 1:453 p.m., EMNECC. May 20, 27. May 13 - It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96269295417 By phone at 669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417 Part of Renown Health’s Sterling Silver Club, sign up at renown.org/SterlingSilver. May 13 - Age Friendly Reno, 2:30-3:30 p.m., meeting ID: 822 0694 0279, passcode: 319344, Phone: 669 900 9128 US (PST), https://tinyurl.com/AFOAM2 May 13 - Hatha Yoga, 5-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 20, 27. May 13 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6:15-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 20, 27. May 14 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. Also May 21, 28. May 14 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 21, 28. May 14 - Alzheimer’s Association, 10-11 a.m., Registration Required, https://tinyurl.com/SKTS21MAY14. May 14 - Pickleball, Session 1: 10:30-12:30, Session 2: 1-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 21, 28. May 14 - Pickleball, Session I: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 21, 28. May 14 - Beanbag Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. Also May 21, 28. May 14 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 21, 28.

May 14 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 21, 28. May 17 - Pickleball, Session 1: 9-11 a.m., Session 2: 12-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 24, 31. May 17 - Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 24. May 17 - Heart to Heart Yoga, consent form required, 10-11 a.m., https://tinyurl.com/HTHOAM3. May 17 - Tai Chi, 11-12 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 24, 31. May17 - Beanbag Baseball, 12-2 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 24. May 17 - Gentle Yoga (Jiggs), 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 24. May 17 - Pickleball, Session I: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 24. May 17 - Jazz Dance Class (Jiggs), 4-5 p.m., EMNECC. May 24, 31. May 17 - Creative Ballet (Jiggs), 5-5:45 p.m., EMNECC. May 24, 31. May 17 - Badminton/Table Tennis: 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 24. May 18 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 25. (Calendar page 18) www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Calendar / from page 17 May 18 - Pickleball, Session I: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Session 2: 1:45-3:45 p.m., Session 3: 6:15-8:15 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 25. May 18- It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96269295417 By phone at 669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417, sign up at renown.org/SterlingSilver. May 18 - Gentle Yoga (Jiggs), 12:30-1:30 p.m.; EMNECC. May 25. May 18 - Restorative Yoga, 1:45-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 25. May 18 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 25. May 18 - Zumba (Jiggs), 4-5 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 25. May 19 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. Also May 26. May 19 - Heartfulness Meditation Virtual Class, 10:30-11 a.m., 775-982-RSVP (7787), Renown-RSVP@ renown.org. May 19 - Pickleball, Session 1: 9:15-11:15 a.m., Session 2: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 26. May 19 - Zumba, 10:30-11:30 a.m.,TPPPAC. Also May 26. May 19 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. Also May 26. May 19 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 26. May 19 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 26. May 19 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 26.

By phone at 669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417, renown.org/SterlingSilver. May 20 - Gentle Yoga (Jiggs), 12:30-1:30 p.m.; EMNECC. May 27. May 20 - Restorative Yoga, 1:45-3 p.m., EMNECC. Also May 27. May 20 - Friendly Visitor Calling Project, 2:30-3:30 p.m., meeting ID: 822 0694 0279, password: 319344, Phone: 669 900 9128 US (PST) https://tinyurl.com/ FVCPOAM21. May 21 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. Also May 28. May 21 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 28. May 21 - Pickelball, 10:30-12:30 p.m., 1-3 p.m., EMNECC. May 28. May 21 - Pickleball, Session 1: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 28. May 21 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. May 28. May 21 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28. May 21 - Stuff A Bus, 2-7 p.m., Sam’s Club. May 21 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28. May 24 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. Also May 31. May 24 - Heart to Heart Yoga, 10-11 a.m., https://tinyurl.com/HTHOAM42. May 24 - Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 24 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center.

May 20 - Sit n Fit, 9:30-10:30 a.m., EMNECC. May 27.

May 24 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center.

May 20 - Chair Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. Also May 27.

May 24 - Pickleball, Session 1: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center.

May 20 - Bunco, 11-2:30 p.m., TPPPAC. May 27.

May 24 - Badminton/Table Tennis: 6-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center.

May 20 - It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96269295417 18

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

May 26 - Heartfulness Meditation Virtual, 10:30-11 a.m., 775-982-RSVP (7787), Renown-RSVP@renown.org.

April 21 - It Starts with Hello – virtual gathering series, 12-12:45 p.m., by Zoom at https://zoom. us/j/96269295417 By phone at 669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 962 6929 5417 Learn more at renown.org/SterlingSilver. May 27 - Chair Yoga, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Book Club, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Zumba, 11-12 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Shuffleboard, 11-1 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Bunco, 11-2:30 p.m., TPPPAC. May 27 - Pickleball, Session 1: 12:15-2:15 p.m., Session 2: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Hatha Yoga, 5-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 27 - Badminton/Table Tennis, 6:15-9 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28 - Sit n Fit, 9-10 a.m., TPPPAC. May 28 - Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28 - Pickleball, 10:30-12:30 p.m., 1-3 p.m., EMNECC. May 28 - Pickleball: Session 1: 11:30-1:30 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28 - BB Baseball, 12-2 p.m., TPPPAC. May 28 - Gentle Yoga, 2-3 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 28 - Karate, 4-6 p.m., Neil Road Rec. Center. May 31 - Pickleball, 9-11 a.m., 12-3 p.m., EMNECC. May 31 - Tai Chi, 11-12 p.m., EMNECC.

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

From Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts & Crafts Movement

Washoe County Library Our Safe Reopening

Washoe County Library offers limited walk-up or drive-up hold pickup at nine locations. Visit our schedule and hours page to see all the drive-up and walk-up hours. Book drops are now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at all locations except the Duncan/Traner, Verdi, and Senior Center libraries. Return your items only to book drops; staff are unable to personally accept returns.

Virtual Events • May 5 - Revenge of the Fifth Trivia, Star Wars Trivia Night, 6-6:45 p.m. Registration required. • May 10 - Movie Minute, 7-7:15 p.m., digital library, Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month: Life of Pi, The Farewell, The Namesake, Enter the Dragon, Moana. • May 14 - Library Pro Tips - Power Searching. Explore thebrand-new library catalog. Physical copies and downloadable ones, discover your next favorite book, 1-2 p.m. • May 15 - How Do You Solitaire? 10-10:15 a.m., demonstrating different variety of solitaire games. Must register. • May 17 Movie Minute, 7-7:15 p.m., digital library, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month: Life of Pi, The Farewell, The Namesake, Enter the Dragon, Moana. • May 20 - Nevada Historical Society, 12-1 p.m., digital library. High Noon with Neal Cobb: Preserving one of the UNR Gateway District Homes. Saving a 1890s Queen Anne cottage, the UNR Gateway District Adopt-A-House program. • May 20 - Washoe County Library Virtual Book Discussion: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. Register by Zoom, title is in Overdrive, the library’s downloadable e-book catalog.

• June 17 - The Lost Children Archive, 2-3:30 p.m., by Valeria Liuselli. May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

TALK: May 13, 4-5 p.m. Melissa Leventon, a co-founder of Curatrix Group and former Curator-in-Charge of Textiles at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, takes audiences on a journey to the unconventional creativity of the British Aesthetic Movement, a revolution in fashion and decorative arts. Hosted on Zoom, email christian.davies@nevadaart.org.

n the second half of the nineteenth century, a group of iconoclastic creators pushed against industrialization to enlighten humanity with their revolutionary take on beauty. Drawn from the collection of the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom, Victorian Radicals brings together more than 145 paintings, works on paper, and decorative objects—many of which have never been exhibited outside the U.K.—to illuminate this dynamic period of British art. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the champions of the Arts & Crafts Movement offered a radical vision of art and society inspired by pre-Renaissance culture. Works by pioneering artists Ford Madox Brown, Kate Elizabeth Bunce, Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and others, represent the response of Britain’s first modern art movement to the industrialization of the period. Artists and designers explored vital concerns of their time— the relationship between art and nature, religious themes, questions of class and gender identity, the value of the handmade versus machine production, and the search for beauty in an age of industry. This is the final opportunity to see this unparalleled exhibition before it leaves the West Coast. JOHN HAWLEY OLDS LAGATTA GALLERY | FLOOR 3 ROBERT Z. HAWKINS GALLERY | FLOOR 3

Feeding Your Loved One: Tips for Caregivers Approximately 85 percent of people with dementia and chronic illness are cared for exclusively in their own homes, and one major worry for caregivers can be ensuring that their loved one is eating healthfully. Good nutrition is important for managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, preserving stamina and independence, and maintaining a strong immune system that can fend off illnesses. However, special dietary needs, reduced ability to eat independently or recognize hunger, reduced appetite, difficult behaviors, and other issues all can make providing a healthy diet challenging, and malnutrition is a real risk. Looking for strategies to improve nutrition and reduce stressful mealtimes? The What’s on Your Plate? guide from the National

Institute on Aging Resources can help with choosing foods and planning meals, and the following ideas may help meals go more smoothly: (Meals page 22)

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www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

FEEDING TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS  Offer one food at a time. Too much food on a plate can be confusing and overwhelming.  Eat with your loved one. Model eating behavior and have pleasant conversations during meals. Talk about the smell and enjoyment of each food.  If chewing or swallowing are a problem, prepare soft, chopped or bite-size like cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, applesauce, etc. Watch for choking hazards like small hard objects (grapes, raw carrot pieces). Make sure dentures are in place and fit well.  Keep table settings simple to avoid distractions. Don’t worry about messy eating.  Serve finger foods like sandwiches (in quarters), carrot or cheese sticks, fruit slices.  Optimize appetite for meals by offering opportunities for physical activity and avoid constipation with plenty of fluids and fiber.  Offer small, frequent meals rather than three large meals. To find more ideas for feeding people with dementia or to prevent malnutrition in your older loved one, consult your healthcare provider, contact a dietitian, or visit the nutrition resources created by the Alzheimer’s Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Academy

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

of Nutrition and Dietetics. Need additional assistance? Through grants to states and community organizations, the Administration for Community Living funds several programs that provide support to family caregivers. Find out what’s available in your community by contacting the ElderCare Locator online or at 800-677-1116, or by visiting the caregiver resources pages on ACL.gov.

Caregiver Sick Leave Bill Advances in Legislature

The Caregiver Sick Leave Bill as it is called or AB190, is working its way through the 2021 Nevada State Legislature with little difficulty this session. AB190 had been introduced in two previous sessions, but stalled when another bill regarding paid time off gained leadership support. AB 190, supported by AARP Nevada, will allow unpaid family caregivers who are still working to have the flexibility to use their already earned sick leave to care for their family members. The time off option applies to only those employees who already earned sick leave, and does not add or require any new benefits or time off from employers. “This legislation will benefit Nevada employees who care for their immediate family – including aging parents, spouses, adults with dementia/disabilities/or other chronic conditions, children with disabilities or chronic conditions, or a family member who may have COVID-19,” said bill supporter Barry Gold, Director of Government Relations, AARP Nevada.

In working to advance AB190, Gold said, “No one should worry about losing their job because they have to take their Mom or spouse to the doctor, or their family member who has COVID-19– please support AB190.” More than 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to someone who is over the age of 18 years and ill or disabled, and approximately 4 out of 10 caregivers consider their caregiving situation to be highly stressful, and report difficulties with managing emotional and physical stress, balancing work and family responsibilities and finding time for themselves. www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Affordable Care Act

CMS to Adopt Rules to Lower Health Care Costs in 2022 Federal Health Insurance Marketplace Plans The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted new provisions to lower maximum out-of-pocket costs to consumers by $400, while increasing competition and improving the consumer experience for millions of Americans who will rely on the Federal Health Insurance Marketplaces in 2022. The actions demonstrate a strong commitment to protect and build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reduce health care costs, and make the health care system easier to navigate. The second 2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters final rule (also known as the “2022 payment notice”) includes several provisions to help consumers more easily distinguish between plan options and increase opportunities to qualify for future special enrollment periods (SEPs), when consumers are eligible to enroll in marketplace plans outside annual open enrollment. These SEP policies will offer greater flexibility for those who need coverage—particularly those communities hardest hit by COVID-19. Already, an additional 800,000 Americans have enrolled in the ACA under the SEP enacted by the Administration. “Families deserve to have access to health care coverage that doesn’t break the bank. That’s why today we’re acting to lower consumers’ maximum out-of-pocket costs by $400 and why President Biden has a plan to reduce families’ health care costs for the long run,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Health care access is personal to me as it is for families across the country. The Department of Health and Human Services is committed to building on the ACA to make sure our health care system is more accessible for every American.”

New Benefits: With the American Rescue Plan Act, Nevadans are already seeing advantages in their heath insurance under the Afforable Care Act. Uninsured Nevadans can now enroll under this Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and will have until 11:59 p.m. on August 15 to submit an application for health insurance on Nevada Health Link. Additionally, monthly premiums are now based on yearly estimated household income. No Nevadan will pay more than 8.5 percent of their income in premiums for the second lowest cost silver plan (or benchmark plan) in the county where they reside. Plan premiums may go up and down annually depending on income changes, but increased subsidies are set for two years. The American Rescue Plan calculates the amount of the reduction using the cost of the second lowest silver plan, income, and age to determine monthly premium reductions.

The annual payment notice makes regulatory changes in the individual and small-group health insurance markets, and outlines parameters and requirements issuers need to design plans and set rates for the upcoming plan year. The notice also includes regulatory standards to help states, the marketplaces, and insurance issuers in the individual and small-group markets better serve consumer needs. This year, CMS is finalizing the payment notice in multiple phases. The first 2022 payment notice final rule was released in January 2021, as outlined in a fact sheet available at: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/notice-benefitand-payment-parameters-2022-final-rule-fact-sheet. The second 2022 payment notice final rule, released April 30th, 2021, continues CMS’s trend toward stabilizing the insurance market, promoting program integrity, and reducing regulatory burden.

24 |

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

For consumers, the second phase of the 2022 payment notice expands options for accessing coverage. It also breaks down barriers—like high costs—that too often have put health care out of reach, particularly in underserved communities.

New Website Saves Your Memories Forever Living Legacies has launched a creative website that offers a revolutionary way to write or video record a person's greatest memories! And their family's too!

he user can record their personal history with ease by using the website's built-in HD video recording feature that uses the camera from a laptop, tablet or phone. It's possible to add pics, videos, docs, music and more from their device, the cloud or their social sites. There are more that 100 thoughtful questions they call Story Starters that will guide the user through every important moment in their life.

"It's a great way to document a life. Our website

lets members stay connected with their family and friends for generations to come. Their content will tell their family history. It will also ensure that they will never be forgotten."

The user can invite their family to answer questions like, "What were you like in High School?" They will simply click to record their responses for free without ever having to sign up or sign in. Other features include: Creating pages for weddings, vacations, creating tributes to lost-loved ones, time capsules, future messages, personal journals and more. The user can invite anyone to contribute to each page via Facebook or email. Every stunning page creation is securely stored forever in their online Memory Vault. “Too many of our loved ones pass on without sharing their lives with us,” said Founder, Howard Hanna. “The few pictures we have don’t tell the stories behind them. Social platforms offer instant messages that act like news feeds, but don’t archive well.” “My beautiful wife, Chirelle and I started talking about the loss of her grandmother and my father and how our lost loved-ones didn’t have an outlet besides social media to tell their stories. Their history was simply erased.” Hannah spent the last 3 years crafting an online creative tool that allows anyone to video record, save and share memories. Visit: https://livinglegacies.com www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

this ‘n that by Anne Vargas annevargas3@gmail.com

“Tales of a Timid Traveler” is the title of the book I am writing for our grandchildren, a collection of stories about our adventures and experiences during the 24 years we spent as guest passengers on cruise ships. Some of chapters will continue to appear in Senior Spectrum. Here is another, about Mort, the gentleman who has been a permanent passenger on a Regent Cruise Ship for years.

Doing it his way...

e is 92. His name is Morton Jablin but is affectionately just known as “the Captain”. He is nicely dressed, well groomed and rather handsome. His Anne Vargas smile is warm and friendly and his face lights up when anyone stops to chat. He carries a cane but manages to walk two hours a day, in 30-minute increments. He has lost 75 percent of his vision due to macular degeneration so he can no longer read, watch television or recognize people. He has been widowed since 2005. Most of his friends in Florida live in senior care facilities. He lives on a cruise ship. We had sailed on ships with him before but had never had the opportunity to meet. On a recent cruise I introduced myself, told him I would like to know more about his life and asked whether we could meet for coffee. He immediately said he would love to visit with me but that he never veers from his rigid daily schedule. He would be in the lounge at the top of the ship between 10 and 11 a.m.; would I care to meet him there? Of course! I found him at his “regular” table with a glass of tonic water and a bowl of peanuts in front of him. When I sat down he explained that he could see me only as a shape wearing white but could not really see my face. He said he used to know every crew member by name and he misses being able to read their name tags but that they all know him and they identify themselves when they come close, something I also did from that point on. He and his wife started cruising frequently and regularly with Regent Cruise Line three years before she died, taking several around the world voyages. After her death his sons suggested he take another cruise as a means of dealing with his loneliness. It was the perfect solution and he has literally lived on one or another Regent ship ever since...for the past 13 years! His two sons, each separately, take two 3-4 week cruises with him every year so he has company often. The creeping calendar has dealt challenges beyond failing eyesight but he fights his limitations valiantly and with humor. He was delighted to tell me about his day, each being exactly the same. He is up at six-thirty, gets showered and dressed. Break-

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

fast (fresh fruit and oatmeal) is delivered to his cabin at eight o’clock. He then takes his first 30-minute walk. (The second one is after lunch, the third before dinner and the fourth after that.) When walking outside on the deck is not possible, he walks the corridors. The ships all carry around 600 passengers and he knows exactly where everything is on each of the three ships he sails so he manages well. From ten until eleven every morning he is upstairs in the lounge where I met him. He enjoys sitting in the “room with the view” even though he can no longer see it. Lunch and dinner are taken in the dining room at a quiet table in the corner. I was fascinated to learn he eats the exact same food at both, every day. Filet of Sole (which the waiters cut for him) and steamed vegetables. When I asked what determines the moving from one ship to another, he told me it is the itinerary. For years he enjoyed walking around in all the ports of call but he no longer feels comfortable doing that with his limited vision. Alaska is the exception; he has visited the small towns on that itinerary so often the residents there greet him by name, take time to chat and offer assistance. He is not the only senior who has chosen to live on a cruise ship as a permanent passenger. The most highly publicized was a British woman, Beatrice Muller, who lived on the QE2 for years. After her husband died she moved into a cabin on the legendary liner, paying about £3,500 a month. A British magazine wrote: With elegant surroundings, lavish meals, cocktails and dancing every night it is easy to see why Mrs. Muller fell in love with the ship. She said: “I’m spoiled to death, I get to see the whole world and meet the most incredible people.” Every morning she would read a print-out of The New York Times, work on her memoirs and then play bridge until tea, followed by cocktails and dancing. (This ‘n that page 27)

Recognize a Senior You Know for Older Americans Month!

this ‘n that / from page 26

An oft-heard theory is that living on a cruise ship is not only much nicer than a nursing home it’s cheaper. That would be difficult to evaluate because there are so many variables; what kind of nursing home vs. which cruise ship with what type of cabin, amenities, etc. Dr. Lee Lindquist, an instructor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine conducted a comparison study; she said the cruise ship plan would work best for seniors who need a minimal amount of care. “Seniors who enjoy travel, have good or excellent cognitive function but require some assistance with activities of daily living are the ideal candidates for cruise-ship care. Just as with assisted living, if residents became acutely ill or got to the point that they needed a higher level of care, they would have to leave.” Presumably that factor might be the basis for “The Captain’s” resolve to remain active and healthy...so he can continue to “do it his way”. I look forward to meeting him again.

Do you have a special Older American in your life that you’d like to honor? Join us in showing your appreciation by submitting a picture and brief description of the impact they’ve had on your life or community. Seniors can be submitted by anyone (using the link at Reno.gov/Seniors) and will be featured during a day in May on Charter Channel 194.

NOTE: I wrote this several years ago, glad I had the chance to get to know this delightful man. Wondering how he has fared during Covid, I looked him up on the web and found other articles similar to mine; apparently he is waiting to get “back home” on the Regent Voyager.

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

BIGGEST Little City by Harry Spencer

Down Memory Lane

nyone interested in the history of the University of Nevada should avail themselves of a copy of the centennial issue of the Sagebrush.

The publication was a well-organized affair as it was divided into decades. The first two were 1893-1900 and 1900Harry Spencer 1910. In the first decade there was a half page picture of a very large Sagebrush staff that served from 1993-1994. Also on October 15th 1894 the University of Nevada alumni club was formed in addition the Artemisia, the University year book, was first published in 1898. Highlight of the 1900s was the donation of the John Mackay statue, which still graces the quad, by his son Clarence Mackay. In 1902 the University was quarantined for smallpox. Another interesting story in 1909 was one written by Silas E. Ross that was entitled, “Prohibit gambling for the good of the state”.

The centennial edition of the Sagebrush, which was printed in the fall of 1993, features a picture of the Mackay statue facing the verdant Quad on the cover. The publication has the important stories that appeared in the U of Nevada newspaper during its first 100 years.

The first of a long line of famous visitors to the campus occurred when Teddy Roosevelt showed up in 1903 and William J. Bryan arrived on 1904. The first sorority at the school was formed in 1900 and the work on the famous quad began in 1908.

In the 1910-1920 decade Teddy Roosevelt showed up again in 1911. That same year Manzanita Lake was filled for the first time. In 1913 the annual Mackay Day celebration was inaugurated. In 1929 three University of Nevada students won Boxing championships. They were Bill Kinnon, heavyweight, James Foran, middleweight and Conlin Ross, welterweight. In 1925 Proctor Hug was elected student body president. The first Homecoming on the hill was held in 1920. First grid star at the U. who received national recognition in 1921 was James ‘Rabbit’ Bradshaw. In 1938 there was a story by Frank McCulloch about the death

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

of Clarence Mackay. In 1934 the University yearbook editor received an autographed photo of Franklin D. Roosevelt to be published in that year’s yearbook. In 1939 the Dean of women at the U. criticized majorettes for wearing skirts that were too short. Former heavyweight boxing champ, Jack Dempsey, gave a lecture at the A.S.U.N. A new University branch was suggested for Las Vegas in 1934. In 1941 one of the most famous football stars, Marion Motley, was cavorting on the gridiron for Coach Jim Aiken. One of America’s greatest comics, Bob Hope, appeared at the U of N gym with his entourage that included Jerry Calonna, Frances Langford, Skinny Ennis and Wendell Niles, announcer, and the British star, David Niven. In 1949 the Nevada football team, under Coach Joe Sheeketski, lost the Harbor Bowl game to Villanova, 21-7. Boxer Ted Contri, of the U., finished second in boxing nationals in 1955. In 1950 this writer had an article on film events that had been held on campus. I have often wondered why Hollywood quit coming to Nevada for films but later in the edition of the Sagebrush I came across a story that said the Board of Regents felt that using students as “extras” was interfering with their studies. They voted that the film companies would have to bring their own crew of extras. This of course was a non-starter and killed what had been a lucrative deal for the University. In February of 1960, a number of Olympic athletes who were to appear at Squaw Valley toured the University campus. In 1963 J.F.K’s death shocked the University. Highlighting the Mackay Day celebration in 1960 Dave Brubeck and his jazz band entertained students. Another famous President of the United States, Harry Truman appeared at the University in 1960. My old journalism professor, Al Higginbotham was honored in 1963 for 40 years of teaching at the U. Former judge and boxing referee, Mills Lane, received the athlete of the year award in 1960 for his boxing prowess at the U. In 1970 Frankie Sue Del Papa was elected University Student Body President. Sagebrush editor Gary Jesch was fired for an ethics violation. In 1970 Dr. Fred Adamian, Professor of English was fired for leading a peace march. In 1977 famous Nevada golfer Patty Sheehan fired a score of 75 at Haben Oaks golf course in Sacramento. In 1980 actress Debbie Reynolds made a visit to the campus. She was followed by President Ronald Reagan on October 7, 1982.

- Direct # 702-868-5179

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Simply Smart Travel

By Jeff and Virginia Orenstein

Everglades National Park Note: COVID-19 precautions and restrictions are beginning to lift in Florida but it is prudent to wear a mask in all places not outdoors, maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently. Everglades National Park is open with “modifications in place for COVID-19”. Some concession-operated tours and services have modifications in place for public health.” Check https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm for the latest updates.

lorida’s Everglades, often referred to as the glades or the river of grass, runs about 400 miles, from the Orlando area to Florida Bay, on the state’s southern tip. It is a unique ecosystem combining huge wetlands, sawgrass marshes, freshwater sloughs, mangrove swamps, pine rocklands and hardwood hammocks (forests). Once covering a huge swath of the state, the glades averaged about a depth of four to five feet of very slowly-moving water, although there were/are many dry areas naturally occurring within it. Today, vast swaths of it have been drained, dammed and replaced by massive commercial agriculture (mostly sugar) and residential development. Fortunately, more than a million and a half acres are preserved in Everglades National Park and even more are preserved at adjacent state and national preserves such as the Big Cypress National Preserve or Florida’s Fakahatchee Strand preserve. Started in 1934, Everglades National Park is the tenth largest U.S. national park. Unlike most of them, its three entrances are not connected and are located in different areas of southern Florida. Since no public transportation links them, access by car is the only practical way to see it all. On the east coast, the main entrance is found at Homestead, between Miami and the Florida Keys, near Florida City along U.S. 1. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is located at this entrance, as well as the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas. The Flamingo Visitor Center is the southernmost visitor center in Everglades National Park, located about an hour’s drive from the park entrance in Homestead. Closer to greater Miami is the Shark Valley Visitor Center off U.S. 41, the Tamiami Trail that runs down the west coast of the state from Tampa and across to Miami. It is about 25 miles west of Miami and 70 miles east of Naples. From Florida’s west coast, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at S.

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

A pelican sits on a piling while a kayak glides by near the visitor center at the Gulf Coast entrance to the park off U.41 at Everglades City. Credit: Jeff Orenstein

Everglades City is 36 miles east of Naples. Once you enter a park entrance, your first stop should be at the visitor center for an opportunity to talk to a ranger, get a map and absorb some idea of what lies around you. Each center offers a variety of activities and ample opportunities to camp or just observe some interesting plant and wildlife, hike, canoe, kayak, ride on a tour boat and take in the ambiance of this tropical wilderness. Yes, you should see alligators and/or crocodiles, turtles, exotic birds, and other wildlife. Your chances of seeing a Florida black bear, an invasive species like a python or a reclusive panther are remote but not The sign along a trail at the Fakahatchee Strand state park adjacent to the national park sums up impossible, as well. (Park page 34)

the amphibious critter danger well. Credit: Jeff Orenstein

5/21 Crossword

Let’s Play Across 1 Half a fish? 5 Spare tire 9 Rapa ___ (Easter Island) 12 Largest island in the West Indies 16 Egyptian solar deity 17 Bay of Naples isle 19 Droops 20 Get out of bed 22 Harbor 23 He played Uncle Fester in “Addams Family Values” 26 Limerick, e.g. 28 Expressionist Nolde 29 Moray, e.g. 30 Two-year-old sheep 31 Fit for a king 35 Skiing mishap 38 Legislative body 40 Long-jawed fish 43 They might be geodesic 45 Invoice word 46 Gilbert & Sullivan princess 47 She played June Carter in “Walk the Line” 52 Children’s game 55 City on the Loire 56 First family member 57 It may be easily bruised 58 Ancient greetings 60 “Naked Maja” painter 61 Precipitates 63 Make a choice 65 “Unfaithful” actress Diane 66 Bird’s beak 69 Tolkien cannibal 70 Old Mideast inits. 72 Cereal fruit 74 Building material 77 On easy street 78 Master’s degree in science 79 Narrow mountain ridges 80 Intermittently dry creek 81 Nigerian language 82 Duffer’s dream 83 Kit mitt 84 Communicate silently 85 It’s similar to a Balmoral 87 Take another stab at 89 Missouri River native 93 “Nana” star Anna 94 Louisville Slugger 96 Paul’s “Exodus” role 97 Mandrills 100 Language suffix 101 She played Miss Ellie Ewing on TV’s “Dallas” 104 Vitamin bottle info 106 “Jurassic Park” mathematician ___ Malcolm 107 Mideast leaders 108 It needs refinement 109 “Little Miss Marker” writer Damon 112 Bell heather

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Fop’s footwear Botanist Gray Mail abbr. Handle roughly Plumlike fruit She had the title role in “Joy” (2015) Old-time oath Links legend, informally Recipe direction Mary of “The Maltese Falcon” Socialite Maxwell Linguistic units, in brief Drench Sabot, e.g. Overflow

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 18

Glove compartment item At the peak of Sizable sandwich Lay to rest TV monitor? “Well, ___-di-dah!” Visa statement abbr. Cheese on crackers Short snooze “That’s disgusting!” Fortuneteller’s opening Phoned WWW address Regional flora and fauna Up to now Schools of thought

132 134 135 136

19 21 24 25 27 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 42 44 48 49 50 51 53 54 59 61 62 64 67 68 71 73

Not liquids Halftime lead, e.g. Tout’s offering Pine exudation Jiltee of myth Fancy dress French friends Authorize Mexican actress Velez He played Slip Mahoney in “The Bowery Boys” She played Judy in “Rebel Without a Cause” Rum drink Dynamic beginning Be dependent Fleeced He played Michael McBride in “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” Kick-out specialist TV Chihuahua “Alley ___!” “Halt!” to a salt Barbara Eden played one D.C. group She played Sally Rogers on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” Where to find Mt. Sinabung Sting operation Frigid Car’s trunk, in Britain Attribute First name in Notre Dame football

74 75 76 86 88 90 91 92 95 97 98 99 101 102 103 105 109 110 111 113 114 116 119 121 123 124 126 127 128 129 130 131 133

Back talk Hackneyed Impulses Legal org. Mr. Potato Head piece List heading Humdinger Latin infinitive Alpine transport Radar signal Taj Mahal locale Trumps Canadian Rockies destination Sloth, e.g. German river Small boats Indian prince ___ manual Julie Andrews played one in “Mary Poppins” Aviary sound Mystique Winter forecast Young socialites Minus Eye amorously Lap of luxury Lacking value Milne marsupial Mouth piece To the ___ degree Bill’s partner in love Before, of yore Public works project

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Tinseltown

Ruta Lee put the ‘pro’ in professional

By Nick Thomas

hile some entertainers are renowned for their personal and professional demands while working, Ruta Lee never aspired to be a diva. Acting nonstop in film, TV, and theater since the early 1950s, she tackled projects with professionalism.

Ruta Lee’s autobiography “Consider Your Ass Kissed.”

“There was no time to throw fits because you had to work quickly as you rapidly went from job to job,” recalled Lee from Los Angeles.

Off-screen tasks were also approached with her trademark zeal. In 1964, she called the office of the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to secure the release of her 90-year-old Lithuanian grandmother held since World War II in a Siberian internment camp. A decade earlier, Lee approached her first film role as one of

SOLUTION FROM PAGE 31

the brides in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with similar resolve. “During the dance audition, the producers and director asked me to show them something folksy. Because of my Lithuanian descent, I danced up a storm with a polka and got the role.” She was paired with gifted dance partner Matt Mattox in the beloved MGM musical and remembers one rehearsal. Lee shown dancing with partner Matt Mattox, in the “He lifted me high off a bench musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” and I sprained my ankle when I landed. So I learned most of the choreography from a sitting position, but still managed to do most of the dancing in the big barn-raising number.”

Many stories from the actress’s career and life can be found in her April 5 autobiography “Consider Your Ass Kissed,” the edgy-sounding title merely reflecting the genuine gratitude she feels for the people she worked with. She also celebrates a birthday, turning 86 on May 30. A quick study, Lee learned an early valuable lesson in on-set protocol when she boogied her way into one of her first TV roles – a 1953 episode of “The Adventures of Superman.”

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

“It was a short dance scene in a café and I decided to rehearse during lunch hour,” she explained. “But when I plugged in the record player, someone grabbed me and said, ‘you can’t do that, you don’t belong to the electrician’s union!’”

Tinseltown / from page 32 Lee went on to make hundreds of appearances in TV series as well as games shows such as “Hollywood Squares” and “High Rollers” (as Alex Trebek’s dice roller), but westerns were a favorite (see www.rutalee.com). And while many cowboys chased her, only one came close to catching her off-screen.

America. So I’ve had an interesting life and I’m always involved with something. It’s been a long, wonderful, and fruitful career.”

“Most of the dating I did was for publicity purposes and never had any real romances with actors except Eric Fleming from ‘Rawhide.’ What a darling man, but the most he got was a goodnight kiss!” Her serious relationships were always with businessmen, she says, not show businessmen. In the midst of her rising career, Lee met Texas restaurant executive Webster B. Lowe, Jr., and the couple soon married. They were together for 46 years until his death last year. Lee has also been a tireless voice for charitable organizations such as the Thalians raising millions of dollars through her leadership role to support people with mental health problems, including returning veterans (see www.thalians.org). And then there was that phone call to Khrushchev’s office to rescue her Siberia-bound grandmother. “Within 48 hours we were flying over to bring her back to

Lee appeared in “High Rollers” and worked as Alex Trebek’s dice roller. Shown here, Lee with Trebek on the set.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and writes features, columns, and interviews for magazines and newspapers.

www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // May 2021

Smart Travel / from page 30 Before You Go, Check Out: • https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park • https://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/everglades-national-park • Be sure to bring sunscreen (at least SPF-30) and insect repellent. • Understand that you are visiting a wilderness environment that is hot, sticky, filled with insects and home to many wild and potentially dangerous critters. If you use common sense, stick to designated areas and obey posted warnings you should be fine. Getting There The vicinity of the Everglades can be easily reached by highway, air or train. From there, you need to be on an escorted tour or rent a car. • The closest two major airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) on the east coast and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) at Fort Myers on the west coast. Both offer frequent connections and rental cars.

Wood Storks feed in a pond along a nature trail in the park. Tropical and sub-tropical birds are found in great numbers in the everglades. Credit: Jeff Orenstein

When You Are There For A Short Trip • Check out the resources at one of the major visitor centers and explore the surrounding region on foot or tour boat, following the advice of the ranger on duty. • Take one of the many marked and relatively tame nature walks in the national park or in adjacent state parks.

• By train, Miami is the nearest Amtrak station. It has daily service from New York and points south. Commuter train service is available from West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

If You Only Have Two or Three Days: Must-sees for a short stay are: • An airboat or tour boat excursion.

• By car, 1-75 crosses the state north of the park and U.S. 41 runs along its northern border.

• Hiking as many trails as practical at different times of day to see as much wildlife as possible. Destination At A Glance Mobility Level: Moderate. Walking is necessary to see many of the attractions, although some can be seen by tour boat. When To Go: Winter is best since the weather is milder. Summers in the tropics are hot and sticky. Dry season lasts Nov. to March, wet season from April to Nov. Special Travel Interests: Sub-tropical flora and fauna.

May 2021 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

Jeffrey Orenstein, Ph.D. and Virginia Orenstein are husband and wife travel writers from Sarasota, Florida. Reach them at jorenstein@ SimplySmartTravel.com or at www.SimplySmartTravel. com.

May 2021 Edition - Senior Spectrum Newspaper

Articles inside

Tinseltown

Recognize a

Simply

Biggest Little City

This ‘n That

Save Your

Feeding Your

Sick Leave Bill

Calendar

Last Chance

CMS Lowers

Stuff A Bus

Am I Blue?