October 2019 Senior Spectrum Newspaper

National Council on Aging

House Leadership Unveils Prescription Drug Legislation

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33 October 2019 THIS ISSUE

House legislation (H.R. 3) was released last week which includes improvements to the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Like the bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee in July, H.R. 3 includes a provision to cap beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket spending, and a provision requiring drug manufacturers to pay rebates if they increase brand-name drug prices beyond inflation rates. Also included are improvements to the Part D Extra Help LowIncome Subsidy advocated for

by NCOA. House action on the bill is expected to ramp up soon, starting with an Energy and Commerce hearing on Sept. 25.

Senate FY20 Appropriations Proposals Released Although the markup of the FY20 Senate Labor-HHSEducation Appropriations bill was canceled, the Committee released the bill details the last week in Sept. Other bills that fund aging services related to nutrition, housing and transportation were released, too.

Congress will not be able to

pass all twelve appropriations bills before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, so a continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21 has been passed by the House and is expected to be adopted by the Senate.

Included in the appropriations bill are several programs funded by the Administration for Community Living. Those programs include funding for Supportive Services and Senior Centers, Congregate Nutrition, Home-Delivered Nutrition, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, Preventive Health, the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Protection of Vulnerable Older Americans, Elder Rights Support Activities, Adult Protective Services/Elder Justice Initiative, Chronic Disease Self-Management Education, Aging & Disability Resource Centers, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstrations, Lifespan Respite Care and Elder Falls Prevention.

Page 3 ­ National Legislation Page 7 ­ Nevada Attorney General Ford Warns of Social Security Scams Page 9 ­ FTC Flags TV Ads Page 14 ­ Subcommittee Renews Fight on Alzheimer’s Page 16 ­ Program to Build Capacity in Geriatric Care Page 23 ­ Mission Senior Living Recognized for Care Page 26 ­ Choices for Change Page 32 ­ NV Women’s Expo

EVERY ISSUE Page 4 ­ Opinion: US Senator Cortez­Masto Page 6 ­ Opinion: Sparks City Councilman Kristopher Dahir Page 10 ­ CMS: Two Ways to Get Your Medicare Page 12 ­ Communication Between Elders & Children

­ Dr. Larry Weiss Page 22 ­ Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee: Reaching Seniors Page 18 ­ Senior Calendar Page 20 ­ Entertainment & Arts Calendar Page 24­ Biggest Little City ­ Harry Spencer Page 24 ­ This ‘N That Page 25 ­ Eclectic Observer Page 28 ­ Resources Page 29 ­ Tinseltown Page 31 ­ Crossword Page 33 ­ Smart Travel

FINANCIAL Page 8 ­Loaning Family Money ­ What You Need to Know ­ Gerald Dorn, Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd.

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

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Connie & Chase McMullen SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 3

Opinion:

US Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Protecting Nevada’s Seniors from Fraudulent Robocalls

E

very month, Americans Catherine Cortez Masto receive nearly 5 billion unwanted automated calls. Every Nevadan has experienced being inter­ rupted by nuisance robocalls from the ever­rising tide of telemarketers, debt collectors and scammers invading our phone logs. Nevada’s nearly 400,000 seniors are particularly susceptible to these calls.

That’s no coincidence. Scammers are intentionally targeting seniors across the nation, in part because seniors are more likely to have traditional landlines that lack robocall­blocking options and

4 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

tend to be less familiar with the latest technology. And the consequences for our seniors are devastating. Nevada saw over 400 substantiated reports of elder exploitation from 2017 to 2018. Our seniors are estimated to lose $742 mil­ lion every year in fraudulent schemes.

For seniors on fixed incomes, all it takes is one fraudulent transfer of money to cripple their bank accounts.

As Nevada’s Attorney General for eight years, protecting seniors from fraudu­ lent schemes was a top priority for me.

Now that new technology has made robocallers’ jobs easier, it’s time for Congress to change the law to better

safeguard Nevadans and punish those defrauding elderly Americans. That’s why Representative Susie Lee and I recently introduced the DO NOT Call Act of 2019, which improves enforcement and enhances penalties for violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). If passed, robocall scammers could face fines like $20,000 for falsify­ ing Caller ID and up to three years in prison for intentionally breaking TCPA regulations. Additionally, I’ve cospon­ sored the TRACED Act to crack down on illegal robocalls. The TRACED Act gives regulators more time to identify scam­ mers, increases punishments for viola­ tors and promotes robocall­blocking

Robocalls / page 4 technology. It also brings together federal agencies and state attorneys general to strengthen criminal prosecu­ tions of scammers. I’m pleased to say this bill passed the Senate in May and I look forward to ensuring it is signed into law. These bills mark important progress, and I’ll continue working in the Senate to protect vulnerable communities and empower law enforcement with resources that hold robocall predators accountable.

I’m also proud to be in this fight alongside Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, who recently joined an agree­ ment with 51 attorneys gen­ eral and 12 phone companies to combat illegal robocalls.

The agreement empowers attorneys general to investi­ gate and punish scammers, as well as establishes guidelines for phone companies to pro­ tect phone users through tools like free call­block and authentication technologies.

I’m also grateful for the work of Representative Susie Lee, who recently held a round­ table with senior advocates to discuss how senior citizens are unfairly targeted by the robocall epidemic. Our Nevada delegation is also fighting in the House of Representatives for the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act that requires call authentica­ tion technology to help law enforcement identify and punish scammers. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues who are working to ensure Nevada’s seniors are protect­ ed from scammers.

I also encourage seniors to take steps to shield them­ selves from deceitful robo­

calls. The best practices are to never give personal infor­ mation over the phone and avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. When a scammer’s call is answered, that number is marked as “live” and is more likely to receive future calls. When assessing whether an auto­ mated message is legitimate, don’t be fooled by caller ID. New technology allows scam­ mers to fake the caller ID information that appears on the phone, and they often display a local phone number similar to their targets’ to establish false trust. It’s also helpful to consider if the automated message is per­ sonalized. Generic messages meant to scam wide audi­ ences will lack specifics like names or the time of upcom­ ing appointments. It’s a red flag if the automated mes­ sage pressures any kind of immediate decision. If you think you’re a victim of a robocall scam, contact the police immediately. You can also call the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection hotline at 702­486­3132 or toll free at 888­434­9989.

As technology continues to change, it’s crucial that our seniors are armed with the resources and knowledge to keep themselves safe from robocall predators. Robocalls are not only a nuisance to Nevadans; they’re also tools for fraudsters to target some of our most vulnerable com­ munities and rob them of their hard­earned savings.

Preying on seniors is unac­ ceptable. I’ll continue fighting against these bad actors that target seniors so that Nevadans may have peace of mind.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 5

Opinion:

Sparks City Councilman Kristopher Dahir

Census 2020: Everyone Counts! pens every 10 years. This census will have an effect on a few key areas that may concern you ­ as it will defi­ nitely affect you.

Y

Kris Dahir

ou Count! The year 2020 will be a signifi­ cant year for our nation, state, our region and the cities you live in. Not just because it is election season, but it is also time to take the nationwide census that hap­

• It will determine how many seats we have in the US Congress representing you from the state of Nevada.

• It will affect the amount of finances we receive to cover many of the resources that are utilized by our senior citi­ zens. In 2016, every person counted in Nevada was equal

to $2,086.00 equaling a total of $6.1 billion dollars.

• It affects the amount of housing assistance we receive from HUD. After the last census in 2010 we gained 13,000 housing units for the state of Nevada.

• There is about $675 billion dollars that will be distrib­ uted to each state by per­ centage of population in the state. Every person we miss hurts everyone.

Important questions answered: • When does the Census 2020 begin?

Preparation for this count has already begun. We will actively be sending informa­ tion and open the many opportunities for all citizens to be counted on March 12 but Census Day is April 1 of 2020.

• When does the Census end?

We will have a full count ready to turn into our federal government by the end of 2020.

• Is my information safe?

Yes! All information is pro­ tected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. The Census Bureau is required by law to

6 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

protect and secure all infor­ mation gathered. All informa­ tion will be encrypted and removed from online access.

What are the different ways you can be count­ ed?

• You will receive informa­ tion in your mail box.

• You will have the opportu­ nity to complete the Census 2020 on line.

• You will be called and asked to complete the Census if you did not.

There is much more informa­ tion that is forth coming and this article will hopefully pre­ pare you with information about how to be counted and assure that we as a state and a region have every pos­ sible federal dollar in order to serve you and our commu­ nity.

If you want more informa­ tion, please go to 2020cen­ sus.gov. We will continue to give updated information as the Census Bureau and our state Complete Count Committee have updates to share.

We cannot do this count without you. Thank you in advance for taking part in your civic duty and realizing the importance of this upcoming year.

Attorney General Warns of Social Security Scams Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford is warning con­ sumers about a growing phone scam involving individ­ uals impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain victims’ Social Security numbers, personal information and access to financials. In many instances, these scammers are able to spoof or impersonate the SSA’s caller ID to appear more legitimate.

Reports of this scam include many variations, all with the same goal of obtain­ ing your personal informa­ tion. In one version, the caller may claim your Social Security number has been blocked, suspended or can­ celed because it has been linked to suspicious activity.

The caller then asks you to pay a fee to reactivate it, or to receive a new number. In another variation, the caller may claim that your Social Security number has been used to apply for credit cards, and you are in danger of losing your benefits.

Oftentimes, the initial call is a serious, pre­recorded person attempting to create a sense of urgency to contact the so­ called SSA. In all variations of this scam, the imposter may also ask you to verify your Social Security number. Keep in mind that your Social Security number is a unique identifier that should be kept private, as it can be used to open accounts or to receive benefits in your name. Callers may also leave voicemail messages for their victims, urging them to immediately call back.

“Scammers are using

scare tactics and the trusted name of Social Security to steal your personal informa­ tion,” said AG Ford. “The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported over $17 million in losses this year resulting from this scam.

Nobody’s phone number is safe, and it’s important for all Nevadans to be cautious when speaking to unknown callers, even if they recognize the caller ID. Legitimate gov­ ernment agencies will not threaten you or demand access to your financial infor­ mation over the phone.”

The AG Bureau of Consumer Protection offers the following tips to recog­ nize this dangerous scam: • The SSA will never call and ask you to confirm your Social Security Number, ask you to pay or threaten your benefits; • Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recog­ nize. Be aware that even though your caller ID might show that the SSA is calling, numbers are easily spoofed; • Avoid giving your Social Security number, the last four digits, or financial infor­ mation; and • The SSA will never call and ask you to wire money, send cash, or provide gift cards.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the SSA, hang up and report the information to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General on its website at https://www.ssa.gov/frau­ dreport/oig/public_fraud_rep orting/form.htm.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 7

Loaning Family Money – What You Need To Know By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Gerald M. Dorn, J.D., EPLS, AEP Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. Legacy and Wealth Planning Attorneys www.wealth-counselors.com

P

eople lend money to family mem­ Gerald Dorn bers for a variety of reasons. For example, lending your son money to buy his first home, or

lending your daughter money to start a new business. At some point, you may find yourself in a similar situation.

Therefore, it is important to know how this will impact you from a tax stand­ point.

Are you charging the borrower interest on the loan? If so, you must pay income tax on the interest you collect.

If you lend money, despite the fact that a family member is the recipient, the IRS expects you will charge interest, just the same as a bank would. With this in mind, the IRS has set the “Applicable Federal Rate” (or “AFR”), which varies based on the month of the loan as well as the term. A list of Applicable Federal Rates, by the month, can be found by visiting the IRS website.

In the event that you do not charge interest, it is considered a “gift loan” by the IRS, meaning that special rules apply.

Any loan between individuals less than $10,000 is disregarded. If you charge interest less than the Applicable Federal Rate for a loan between $10,000 and $100,000, the difference is considered a gift for which you may have to pay a gift tax if your total gift tax for the year exceeds 14,000.

What if the loan is in excess of $100,000? Not only is the forgone interest considered a gift, but the IRS automatically assumes that the for­ gone interest was paid to you as inter­ est, meaning that you have to pay income tax on the money.

Say for instance you lend your daugh­ ter $200,000 in a five­year interest­ free loan with an Applicable Federal Rate of 2.85 percent, the IRS will assume that you received interest of $5,700 each year. Subsequently, you must pay income tax on that amount each year. For someone with a com­

8 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

FTC Flags Potentially Unlawful TV Ads for Prescription Drug Lawsuits The Federal Trade Commission staff has sent letters to seven legal practitioners and lead generators expressing concerns that some television advertisements that solicit clients for personal injury lawsuits against drug manufacturers may be deceptive or unfair under the FTC Act. The FTC is not publicly identifying who received the letters.

The letters state that some lawsuit ads may misrepresent the risks associated with certain pharmaceuticals and could leave consumers with the false impression that their physicianprescribed medication has been recalled. According to the letters, some of the lawsuit ads may make deceptive or unsubstantiated claims about the

Loaning Money / from p.8

bined 40 percent federal and state income tax rate, the end result would be $2,280 in additional tax each year.

There are ways around this, such as an Irrevocable Trust.

You could set up the Trust so the transactions between you and your Trust are not con­ sidered income. For this rea­ son, if you lent $200,000 to the Trust, the IRS would ignore the forgone interest when calculating your tax lia­ bility. The forgone interest may still be considered a gift, but the Trust can be designed so that the gift to the Trust will be considered a gift to your family member. The annual gift tax exclusion for 2019 is set at $15,000.

Thinking of loaning someone money? Be sure to consult

risks of taking blood thinners and drugs for diabetes, acid reflux, and high blood pressure, among other conditions. The letters explain that advertisers must have competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate their claims about these purported risks.

The letters note that the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System contains reports of consumers who saw lawsuit ads about the prescription drugs they were taking, discontinued those medications, and suffered adverse consequences as a result. The letters say that lawsuit ads that cause, or are likely to cause, viewers to discontinue their medications might constitute an unfair act or practice.

with a qualified estate plan­ ning attorney to ensure that your loans are structured in a manner that will not generate additional income taxation.

Gerald M. Dorn has been practicing estate planning law for 23 years and is the man­ aging shareholder of the law firm. Mr. Dorn is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning Law and an Accredited Estate Planner by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils.

The law firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. is devoted exclusively to estate planning & estate & trust administra­ tion. For more information or to attend an upcoming semi­ nar, contact us at (775) 823­ WILL (9455) or visit us at www.wealth­counselors.com.

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SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 9

Medicare and Medicaid Services

Two Ways to Get Your Medicare Greg Dill, Regional Administrator Medicare District 9

D

id you know that there are two different ways to receive your Medicare bene­ fits?

Greg Dill

The most popular way is Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can choose any doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider you want, as long as they accept Medicare. When you receive medical services or goods, Medicare pays the provider directly.

The other way is Medicare Advantage,

which is a form of managed care, like an HMO or PPO. Medicare Advantage plans are sold by pri­ vate insurance companies approved by Medicare. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you generally must go to doctors and other providers within the compa­ ny’s network.

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans may cover some benefits – such as dental, hear­ ing, and vision – that Original Medicare does­ n’t.

Most people with Original Medicare pay a monthly premi­ um. Some Medicare Advantage plans charge an additional monthly premi­ um; others don’t.

With Original Medicare, you

10 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

must pay deductibles and/or coinsur­ ance when you get care.

To cover these “gaps” in Medicare, some people buy supplemental insur­ ance called Medigap. If you have a Medigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the covered costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share.

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you can purchase a Medicare Part D plan. Like Medicare Advantage, Part D plans are sold by pri­ vate insurers, which charge a monthly premium for them.

About 70 percent of Medicare benefici­ aries are currently in Original Medicare; the rest get coverage through Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage companies must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers, except hospice care and some care in qualifying clinical research studies. (Original Medicare covers these items even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.) Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency and

urgent care, and many include some prescription drug coverage. But the plans can charge different out­of­pocket amounts and they have different rules for how you get service. For example, you may need a referral to see a spe­ cialist. And you may need to stay in their provider network, unless you’re willing to pay more to go outside the network.

You should always check with the plan before you get a service to find out whether it’s covered and what your costs may be. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you can join another Medicare health plan or return to Original Medicare.

How can you decide whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is bet­ ter for you? There’s a more detailed explanation of the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in the “Medicare & You” handbook, which is mailed to all Medicare households every fall. The handbook is also available through our

website, www.Medicare.gov. (Go to “helpful links” at the bottom of the page.)

You can shop for a health or drug plan using the Medicare Plan Finder, also available on the Medicare.gov web­ site. Click on the button that says, “Find health & drug plans.” (More about the new, improved Plan Finder in next month’s column.)

plans can often save money by shopping around.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional adminis­ trator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories.

If you have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s toll­free num­ ber, 1­800­MEDICARE (1­800­633­ 4227). Customer service representa­ tives are available 24/7.

If you’d like to join a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, you can do so during Medicare’s open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

If you’re in Original Medicare and you’re satisfied with it, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment. But we find that people with Medicare Advantage or Part D

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 11

Communication Between Elders and their Adult Children: Achieving Integrity Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging

A

s much as there is Larry Weiss love between elders and their adult children, dealing with an elder’s behavior is fraught with tension and frustration, as a communi­ cation gap occurs. Part of the problem is that adult children tend to think about their elder parents as less capable versions of the people they used to be.

Just as society in general views aging negatively, adult children perceive their elders as “old”, which has a very nega­ tive impact of decline rather than devel­ opment and personal growth. This neg­ ative perception impacts communica­ tion and ultimately the relationship.

12 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Experts who study the psychology of aging, as well as myself as a psycholo­ gist, paint a richer, positive, and more complicated picture of aging. Aging involves developmental stages just as Erik Erikson presented decades ago.

Elders have life tasks that need to be accomplished if we are to end our lives with resolution and meaning. It's true that as we age there is a greater proba­ bility of disease that can bring on many challenges that can be very difficult and painful. But the experience of aging can also be fulfilling and profound if it's approached with insight and clarity and with the support of caring adult children and loved ones. By understanding an elders experience, one is better

equipped to communicate with and help them.

According to theories of human development formulated by psycholo­ gist Erik Erickson, humans go through distinct stages as they grow from infant to adult. These stages are dominated by what Erickson called "crises," that is, the conflicting impulses that drive us and facilitate growth. It's by resolving these crises that we're able to move on to the next developmental stage and eventual­ ly grow into mature adults. Much research has gone into understanding and explaining the stages children go through, but less attention has been paid to the experience of life stages with older people.

Even as we elders struggle to accept and come to terms with our losses, we are engaged in an effort to shape and understand our legacy and meaning. We need to comprehend what our life has meant and the memories that will live on after our death. Erikson’s stage is integrity vs. despair. Coming to terms with one's legacy is not easy, but it has a powerful effect on our actions.

Helping an elder parent identify and create their legacy can also be a tremendously healing process for all. It can mean the difference between lone­ liness, despair, and being alienated in our final years, or being deeply reward­ ing for us elders and adult child alike.

However, given our youth­oriented society, most of us are on a permanent quest to remain young (or at least young­looking). So it's no surprise that we have little tolerance or empathy for those who've already reached the place we have no desire to go. Because adult children tend to be in the dark about what their adult parents are going through, they often interpret their par­

ents' wandering conversational style or stubborn behavior as a sign that they're failing or developing dementia. Because of such misunderstandings, it's common for adult children to become trapped in struggles over issues like housing, health care, and activities of daily living.

These prejudices and miscommunica­ tions not only damage relationships, but distract us from important legacy work that needs to be accomplished. The elder needs to develop self­acceptance and wisdom, a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with life. Having the adult children understand this stage of life and what their parents are going through won't make all the frustrations disappear, but it can improve the com­ munication and help support the elder parent achieve integrity.

The communication techniques need to include making time to interact, lis­ ten, ask good open­ended questions, and think of creative ways to help their parent achieve their life review and develop integrity. We will never regret the time we devote to understanding

each other’s experiences.

Think about this. As we age, a diffi­ cult transition occurs between parent and child. The people who were the authority figures, the ones who fed the children, took care of them and taught them right from wrong, become “old” people who may one day need to be taken care of. It’s the ultimate role reversal, and one that most of us have an extremely difficult time making. One result is a communication gap, a whole series of conversations elders and chil­ dren should be having, but aren’t.

The challenges of communication between an aging parent and adult child can be very intense and multi­faceted.

The difficult topics to talk about can be overwhelming. Anxiety about having dif­ ficult discussions can include everything from the elder’s ability to continue driv­ ing to the challenges of estate planning, finances, long­term care, and even end­ of­life plans and advanced directives.

The best techniques of communication (as mentioned above) is making time, (Communication page 14)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 13

Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Renews Commitment In Fight To End Alzheimer's

T

he Senate Labor­HHS Appropriations Subcommittee have proposed a $350 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of

Health (NIH) for the 2020 fis­ cal year budget. The subcom­ mittee also included $10 mil­ lion in funding to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115­ 406), legislation championed

by the Alzheimer’s Association and its advocacy arm, the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) in the 115th Congress.

“We are very grateful to Chairman Roy Blunt (R­Mo.) for his continued leadership in the fight against this dev­ astating disease,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM Executive Director.

“Alzheimer’s is a triple threat unlike any other disease ― with soaring prevalence, lack of effective treatment and enormous costs. Today’s action is another important step to combat the disease.”

Under Chairman Blunt’s lead­ ership research funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia has increased significantly. If signed into law, total annual funding will reach $2.8 bil­ lion. These increases have enabled scientists across the country to explore new areas of research. As a result, researchers are advancing the understanding of the dis­ ease, exploring biomarkers,

Communication/page 13 listening, asking good ques­ tions, and helping shape the elder’s legacy which, achieves a sense of fulfill­ ment and satisfaction with their life and helps develop self­acceptance and wisdom.

This in turn also helps the adult child achieve a sense of integrity over despair. A win­win for both. What bet­ ter way to “add life to years” 14 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

discovering potential ways to reduce risk, and are working to move promising therapeu­ tic candidates and diagnostic tools forward into clinical testing.

In December 2018, Congress overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. The law directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen the public health infrastructure across the country by implementing effective Alzheimer's inter­ ventions focused on public health issues such as increas­ ing early detection and diag­ nosis, reducing risk, and pre­ venting avoidable hospitaliza­ tions.

The Senate subcommittee and the full Senate Appropriations Committee are expected to pass the spending bill in late September. The Senate and House are expected to con­ ference on the final spending bill in the coming months.

for both the elder and the adult child!

Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is President 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 or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.

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Sanford Center for Aging Launches Program to Build Capacity in Geriatric Care

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y 2025, the U.S. is expected to be short about 27,000 geriatri­ cians to care for its 74 million baby boomers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Local efforts to support Nevada's aging population received a boost thanks to recent federal funding. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) Sanford Center for Aging received a five­year, $3.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement

Program, to provide primary care professionals training and other resources to assist with addressing the complex needs of older Nevadans.

14 percent of Nevada's popu­ lation is over 65, a number that is expected to increase to almost 20 percent over the next 20 years."

Through funding from the grant, the Sanford Center for Aging is launching a new pro­ gram, known as ICECAP Nevada, short for Improving Care of Elders through Community and Academic Partnerships, to benefit Nevada's growing aging pop­ ulation.

According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates from 2016 to 2017, Nevada is the fourth fastest growing state for people aged 65 and older. The other fastest growing states for 65+ are South Carolina, Hawaii and Delaware.

"ICECAP Nevada is especially important in our state," said Peter Reed, Ph.D., director of the Sanford Center. "Around

16 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Nevada's 65+ age population is projected to number 485,851 by 2022, according to data from UNR Med's Office of Statewide Initiatives

(OSI). Elders are typically experiencing multiple chronic illnesses being treated with numerous medications. ICE­ CAP will help address these needs by building compre­ hensive approaches to care and support for the aging population, and we hope it will help shape the future of health care in Nevada.

"What's unique about this grant is that it highlights interprofessional care and the different perspectives required to fully meet the complex care needs of eld­ ers," said Reed. "We're work­ ing with clinical and commu­ nity providers, from family

caregivers to case managers, PAs, advance practice nurs­ es, physicians, social work­ ers, pharmacists, psycholo­ gists and long­term care providers."

Through ICECAP, multiple clinical and community part­ ners including Northern Nevada Medical Center, NV Aging and Disability Services Division, NV Department of Veteran Services and Dementia Friendly Nevada will create an Interprofessional Geriatrics Education Network, offering training and resources for primary care teams and fam­ ily caregivers.

With improved interprofes­ sional training, patient out­ comes among elder Nevadans will improve.

"To better address the aging population's unique needs, we are working to improve processes that screen for cognitive impairment, depression and falls, and try­ ing to reduce high­risk med­ ications," said Reed.

"Considering each of these elements leads to a compre­ hensive approach to elder care and improves quality of life."

"As the primary care partner for ICECAP Nevada, Northern Nevada Medical Center and

Group is committed to patient excellence," said Alan Olive, chief executive officer of Northern Nevada Health System. "Through partnering with UNR Med and other community organ­ izations, we will leverage and expand our expertise in geriatric care while improv­ ing patient outcomes for one of the region's most vul­ nerable populations."

The UNR Med Sanford Center for Aging was found­ ed to enhance the quality of life and well­being among elders through education, translational research and community outreach. A vari­ ety of programs, services, educational coursework and clinical services, are avail­ able for elders in the com­ munity, all designed to improve quality of life.

"Our students have tremen­ dous opportunities at UNR Med for world­class educa­ tion in the field of aging and aging studies," said UNR Med's Dean Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. "This dedi­ cated funding is evidence that UNR Med is at the fore­ front of innovative solutions for developing training and resources for a wide range of health­care professionals, and improving health care across all populations."

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 17

OCTOBER CALENDAR Monday & Friday.

• October 7 ­ Bingo, 12­1:30 p.m., WCSS, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• October 7 ­ Line Dancing and Lessons: Advanced Class, 1­3:30 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 21, 28.

• October 2 ­ Clogging, 1:30­ 3:30 p.m., WCSS, also Oct. 9, 16, 23, and 30.

• October 2 ­ Scrabble, 10­4 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30.

• October 3 ­ Blood Pressure Clinic, 9­11 a.m., WCSS. Also Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31.

• October 3 ­ Line Dancing and Lessons: Advanced Class, 1­3:30 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31.

• October 3 ­ Mah­Jongg, 12­ 4 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31.

• October 3 ­ Stretch & Tone Exercise, 9­10 a.m., WCSS. • October 4 ­ Senior Dance Club, 7:30 p.m., WCSS. Also Oct. 12, 19, 26.

• October 4 ­ Catholic Charities Outreach, 10­noon, WCSS. Also Oct. 11, 18, 25.

• October 7 ­ SHIP Medicare Counseling, 10­1 p.m., WCSS, every Mon.­Thurs.

• October 7 ­ AA Meeting, 10­11 a.m., WCSS, every

• October 7 ­ Stretch & Tone Exercise, 9­10 a.m., WCSS; also Oct. 14, 21, 28.

Wednesdays and Fridays.

• October 7 ­ Pickleball, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9­10 a.m., EMNECC, $10.

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

• October 8 ­ Tai Chi Class, EMNECC, $5, every Tuesday, Thursday, 1­2 p.m.

• October 8 ­ Crochet Club, 8­11:30 a.m., WCSS; also Oct. 15, 22, and 29.

• October 8 ­ Western Squares, 6:30 p.m., TPPAC.

• October 7 ­ Pickleball, NRRC, 1:30­ 3:30 p.m, every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

• October 8 ­ Sit and Get Fit, every Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10­11 a.m.; Oct. 3, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31, EMNECC, drop in fee. Also Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28, every Mon., Wed., and Fri., TPPAC. • October 8 ­ Qigong, 5:30­ 6:30 p.m., EMNECC, $5.

• October 8 ­ Bean Bag Baseball, 2­3:30 p.m., WCSS, Tuesdays & Fridays.

18 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

• October 9 ­ Board Game Day/Puzzle Corner, 10 a.m., TPPAC. • October 9 ­ Ceramic Workshop, 9:30­12:30 p.m., McKinley Arts & Culture Center, $45. Register: (775) 334­2417.

• October 9 ­ Cloverleaf Squares, 6 p.m., TPPAC. • October 9 ­ Intermediate Bridge, 10­2 p.m., TPPAC.

• October 7 ­ Mat Yoga, 10­11 a.m., NRRC. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• October 7 ­ Mat Yoga, 12­1 p.m., EMNECC, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, $30 a month.

• October 9 ­ Badminton, 7 p.m., NRRC.

• October 8 ­ Tech Cafe in the Library, 1:30­3 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 15, 22, 29.

• October 9 ­ Vision Impaired Group, 1:30­3:30 p.m., WCSS; also Oct. 16, 23, 30.

• October 9 ­ Mat Yoga, 12­1 p.m., EMNECC, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

• October 9 ­ This­N­That Crafters Group, 1­3 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee, every Wed. • October 9 ­ Chair Yoga, every Wednesday, 1:30­2:15 p.m., EMNCC.

• October 10 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 10­11 a.m., TPPAC, every Tuesday, $10 drop­in fee.

• October 10 ­ Bunco, 12:15 p.m., TPPAC. • October 10 ­ Chair Yoga, every Thursday, 10­10:45 a.m., NRRC, $8.

• October 11 ­ Mat Yoga, 10­ 11 a.m., NRRC, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, $30 a month.

• October 11 ­ Mat Yoga, noon, EMNECC, Mon., Wed., Fri. • October 11 ­ Senior Bingo, 1­2 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

Calendar / from page 18

• October 11 ­ Ballroom Dancing, EMNECC, every Tuesday, 2­3:30 p.m., drop­in fee. Friday, 6­7:45 p.m.

• October 13 ­ Reno Senior Dance Club, 2­5 p.m., NRRC. • October 14 ­ Pickleball, 9­ 10 a.m., EMNECC.

NRRC, every Monday.

• October 16 ­ Senior Tap, 9:30­10:30 a.m., EMNECC. • October 16 ­ Ceramic Workshop, 9:30­12:30 p.m., McKinley Arts & Culture Center, fee $45.

• October 17 ­ Game Day: Any Game, 1­3 p.m., NRRC. • October 17 ­ Tai Chi Class, EMNECC, $5, every Tuesday, Thursday, 1­2 p.m.

• October 16 ­ Intermediate Bridge, 10­2 p.m., TPPAC.

• October 17 ­ Pickleball, 1:30­3:30 p.m., NRRC.

• October 16 ­ Pinochle, 10­2 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee.

• October 21 ­ Basic Art, 1­2 p.m., TPPAC.

• October 16 ­ Mat Yoga, every Wednesday, 10­11 a.m., NRRC.

• October 21 ­ Sunshine Quilters, 1­4 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee.

• October 14 ­ Alcohol Inks: Flowers and Landscapes, 1­4 p.m., TMCC Meadowood Center, $49 + $25 for materi­ al fees, (775) 829­9010.

• October 16 ­ Chair Yoga, 1:30­2:15 p.m., EMNECC.

• October 21 ­ Mat Yoga, 10­ 11 a.m., NRRC. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• October 15 ­ Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30­9:45 a.m., EMNECC, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, drop­in fee.

• October 16 ­ Pickleball, 1:30­3:30 p.m., NRRC.

• October 15 ­ Bread Drop, 10­11 a.m., TPPAC. Also every Tuesday at noon­1 p.m., NRRC, free.

• October 16 ­ Cloverleaf Squares, 6:30 p.m., TPPAC.

• October 14 ­ Pinochle, 10­2 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee.

• October 14 ­ Volunteer Knitting and Crochet, 10­12 p.m., EMNECC.

• October 15 ­ Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1­3:30 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee.

• October 15 ­ Ballroom Dancing, EMNECC, 6­7:45 p.m., drop­in fee.

• October 15 ­ Tai Chi Class, EMNECC, every Monday, 1­2 p.m., $5.

• October 16 ­ This­N­That Exchange, 1­3 p.m., NRRC.

• October 16 ­ Pickleball, 4:30­6:30 p.m., NRRC.

• October 27 ­ Reno Senior dance Club, 2­5 p.m., NRRC, $5.

• October 28 ­ Cribbage and Minnesota, 1­3:30 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• October 21 ­ Mat Yoga, 12­ 1 p.m., EMNECC, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, $30 a month.

• October 21 ­ Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1:30­3:30 p.m., NRRC.

• October 28 ­ Table Tennis, 7­10 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• October 29 ­ Bridge (expe­ rienced players), 9­1:30 p.m., EMNECC, drop­in­fee.

• October 29 ­ Basic Bridge, 1­3:30 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• October 21 ­ Pickleball, 1:30­3:30 p.m., NRRC.

• October 30 ­ Senior Tap, 9:30­10:30 a.m., EMNECC, drop­in fee.

• October 21 ­ Badminton, all ages, 7­10 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• October 31 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 10­11 a.m., $10 drop­in fee, TPPAC.

• October 17 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 10 ­11 a.m., $10 drop­in fee, TPPAC.

• October 22 ­ Conversation Cafe, 9:30­11 a.m., every Tuesday, NRRC, drop­in fee.

• October 10 ­ Chair Yoga, every Thursday, 10­10:45 a.m., NRRC, $8.

• October 22 ­ November 12 ­ Silver Yoga, 10:30­11:30 a.m., TMCC Meadowood Center, $39, (775) 829­9010.

• November 5 ­ Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers ­ Late Stage, 1­3:30 p.m., Northern Nevada HOPES Clinic, (800) 272­3900 or email dhund@alz.org.

• October 16 ­ 23 ­ IPhone for Beginners, 10­12 p.m., TMCC Meadowood Center, $59, (775) 829­9010.

• October 17 ­ Bunco, 12­2 p.m., NRRC.

• October 15 ­ Square Dance, 6­8:30 p.m., TPPAC, $6 per person/weekly, every Tuesday.

• October 17 ­ Open Lab, 12­ 2 p.m., computers, NRRC, $5.

• October 16 ­ Learn to Play Pickleball, 11:30­1 p.m.,

• October 17 ­ Cribbage, 1­3 p.m., EMNECC, drop in fee.

• October 25 ­ Chair Volleyball, 1­3 p.m., TPPAC, drop­in fee.

• October 25 ­ Senior Bingo, 1­2 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• November 12 ­ Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning & Long Term Care Planning, 1­3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association, 639 Isbell Rd., Ste. 240, Reno, (800) 272­ 3900.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 19

ARTS & Entertainment • October 1 ­ 18 ­ Art Matters, Washoe County School District Art Teachers, 925 Riverside Drive, McKinley Galleries.

• October 1 ­ 24 ­ Icons of Mid­Century Nevada, Metro Gallery, Reno City Hall.

• October 2 ­ Van Morrison, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 4 ­ America, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 4 ­ Paul Anka, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 4 ­ 5 ­ The Legend of Georgia McBride, Bruka Theatre, comedy and kicks, $22 general, $20 students/seniors, $25 at door. Also Oct. 10­12, 17­19, 23­26.

• October 5 ­ Sammy Hagar & The Wabos, South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

• October 5 ­ The Experience Hendrix Tour, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 5 ­ Society of Seven, combines a night of comedy and celebrity imper­ sonations, 8 p.m., Atlantis Ballroom.

• October 5 and 6 ­ The Dawn of Beethoven, the Classix Series, Reno Phil, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 6, 4 p.m., tickets

start at $33.

• October 5 ­ 6 ­ Reno Decompression 2019, art, music, dance, fire arts, mutant vehicles, 555 E. 4th Street, Reno.

• October 5 ­ 6 ­ Fall Fish Festival, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Lake Tahoe, 10­4 p.m.

• October 5 ­ 6 ­ World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City, C Street in Virginia City, regis­ ter online.

• October 12 ­ Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 6 ­ Alexander von Humboldt ­ The Forgotten Scientist, 12:30 p.m., down­ town Reno Library.

• October 12 ­ Wolf Pack Football, plays San Jose State Spartans, Mackay Stadium, kick­off at 1 p.m.

• October 9 ­ HRPS Old Movie Night, Historic Reno Preservation Society, “A Captive City,” filmed in Reno, Kefauver Committee hearings on organized crime, Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo Street.

• October 12 ­ Hands ON! Second Saturdays, Nevada Museum of Art, fun family day at museum, free admis­ sion, 10­6 p.m.

• October 11 ­ Engelbert Humperdinck, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 11 ­ Godsmack, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 11 ­ 13 ­ Lake Tahoe Marathon, several running events, visit https://www.laketahoe­ marathon.com/calendar.

• October 12 ­ Tony Danza, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

20 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

• October 12 ­ Science Saturday at the National Automobile Museum, pre­ registration required, adven­ tures, $12, (775) 333­9300.

• October 12 ­ 13 ­ Great Italian Festival, outside festi­ val celebrating Italian food, music, entertainment, sauce cook­off, grape stomp, and crafts. Located on S Virginia Street between 2nd and 6th.

• October 13 ­ Lincoln Highway Tweed Ride, bike ride, costume party, Sierra Water Gardens to Idlewild Parks, Truckee Meadows Bike Alliance.

• October 15 ­ Vivamomix, 7:30 p.m., Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a com­ pany of dancer­illusionists founded and directed by Moses Pendleton, tickets start at $27.

• October 16 ­ The Saga of the Alfred Doten Diaries, diarist of Nevada and California history, Northwest Reno Library, Donnely Curtis, Librarian UNR IGT Knowledge Center.

• October 17 ­ Tyler The Creator, 7 p.m., Reno Events Center.

• October 17 ­ 3rd Thursdays in Sparks, 4­9 p.m., Sparks Museum and 39 North, Victorian Square, fun events, food trucks, vendor booths, free.

• October 18 ­ J Balvin, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 19 ­ Riverwalk Merchants Association Wine Walk, 2­6 p.m., downtown River Walk District, Reno.

• October 19 ­ Nevada Field Day, 9­3 p.m., learn about fall planting, pruning, veg­ etable garden, and other top­ ics, UNR’s Main Station Field Lab, 5895 Clean Water Way, Reno.

• October 19 ­ Benise ­ Fuego!, 8 p.m., Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, features Benise, “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” tickets start at $40.70.

• October 19 ­ Theory of a Deadman, South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

• October 19 ­ Jerry Seinfeld, 7 p.m., Reno Events Center.

• October 19 ­ 20 ­ Grand Sierra Beer & Chili Festival, doors open at noon, casino.

• October 20 ­ Pumpkin Palooza, 11­5 p.m., Victorian Square, family fun.

• October 22 ­ For King and Country, 7 p.m., Reno Events Center.

• October 24 ­ One Amazing Evening!, 20 Years of Opera Las Vegas’ Greatest Hits, 7:30 p.m., Myron’s Cabaret Jazz, The Smith Center, Las Vegas.

• October 25 ­ David Brighton’s Space Oddity, the ultimate David Bowie experi­ ence, 8 p.m., Atlantis Ballroom.

• October 26 ­ Double Dare Live, 8 p.m., Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, host­ ed by Marc Summers, the messiest game show on the road.

• October 26 ­ Reno Zombie

• October 31 ­ Halloween Harvest Festival at Idlewild Park, ages 5 and older, $5.

• October 31 ­ Trick or Treat, National Automobile Museum, 4 p.m., (775) 333­ 9300.

• October 31 ­ Trick or Treat, Reno Town Mall, 3­6 p.m.

Ferrari Farms Fall Festival, open all October, admission free.

Crawl, costumed Halloween parties, downtown Reno, $10.

• October 26 ­ 2019 Thriller Under the Arch, 6­8 p.m., 345 N. Virginia Street, flash­ mob style costumed public performance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, all ages.

• October 26 ­ Rick Springfield: Stripped Down, South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

Cabinet Taproom and finish­ ing at the Brewers Cabinet Warehouse, 475 S. Arlington Ave., Reno.

• October 27 ­ ParaNorman in the Park, 5­8:30 p.m., Robert Z Hawkins.

• October 28 ­ Safe Trick or Treat at the Summit, 4­6 p.m., ages 2­12, Summit mall stores.

• October 31 ­ Goblin Halloween Parade & Safe Trick or Treat, 5 p.m., C Street, Virginia City.

• November 2 ­ In the Shadows, The Reno Pops Orchestra, 7 p.m., UNR Nightingale Hall.

• December 6 ­ 8 ­ Hansel and Gretel, Windmill Library Theater, 7080 Windmill Lane, Las Vegas.

• October 26 ­ 81st Annual Nevada Day Parade, activi­ ties and celebration in Carson City, Parade at 8 a.m., March at 10 a.m.

• October 26 ­ Monthly Reno Beer Crawl, downtown Reno bars, pubs, restaurants, 2­6 p.m., $5.

• October 26 ­ Tenacious D, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 26 ­ Trick or Treat at The Discovery, 3­5 p.m. for members, 5­8 p.m. gener­ al public.

• October 26 ­ Trick or Treat, Sparks United Methodist Church, 4­7 p.m.

• October 27 ­ Dirty Wookie 10K, starting at the Brewers SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 21

Let’s Talk: Reaching Seniors to improve Lives!

By Paco Lachoy, Vice Chair Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

T

he Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee (SCAC) has been working on updating its strategic plan for Paco Lachoy the next three years, identifying Communications, Food Insecurity and Housing as major issues facing the growing Senior population locally. The current estimate is that 35 percent of the population is age 50 plus.

Talking and chatting with area seniors it was discovered many seniors do not have cable television, the Internet or a smartphone, especially those who are on fixed incomes, because of the cost. Some even don’t want to move into the technology age. And rural seniors use the internet much differently from urban seniors.

22 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Many seniors who do use social media do it to stay in touch with friends and family who are miles away, but not every day like the younger generation. This makes communication a priority for the SCAC to reach as many seniors as possible.

In a recent survey, Senior Spectrum (the only local publication strictly for seniors), local television, and Members of the SCAC with Reno City Council members (center back the City of Reno’s Parks and row) Neoma Jardon and Naomi Duerr at Senior Fest.

Rec’s Senior Connect Services and Resources can be found in topped the ways many seniors get inforthe annual Senior Spectrum Golden mation on activities, events and issues.

Pages.

SCAC will be working with these inforThe Elder Services Guide and mation sources to increase the amount of Resources is available online on the City information available to seniors about sen- of Reno’s Senior page: www.reno.gov/ iors. seniors and at the Center for Healthy Many seniors like to have something Aging’s website: www.addinglifeto in their hands to years.com. The Senior Spectrum Golden read, making the Pages is available online at: www.goldeninformation in print pagesnevada.com. from Senior Many seniors don’t know about Senior Spectrum critical in Discovery Television. SDTV, as it is most getting information often referred to, is seniors interested in out to those 50+. television or video production. They have Seniors need to a monthly meeting (the first Tuesday of know what is availthe month) and discuss projects volunteers able and where to go are interested in pursuing. The SCAC and get help, if wants to get them more involved with needed. producing informational pieces on seniors SCAC, in conand short one-minute information pieces junction with the of useful information seniors can use. City Center for Aging, of Reno Neighborhood Services is in the and City of Reno process of creating a television studio for Neighborhood production purposes. SDTV videos can be Services has updated seen on their You Tube channel or the the quick Elder City of Reno Charter Channel (192/194).

Services Guide and As more programming for seniors Resources pamphlet. becomes available the information will be The Northern made available.

Nevada BuildingWe invite all seniors to come find out Construction Trades what issues are facing seniors locally and Union, with the discuss these issues among the senior advihelp of former Reno sory groups of Reno Sparks and Washoe City Councilman County. The Reno SCAC will be hosting Paul McKenizie, is the next joint meeting between the Senior donating the printCitizen Advisory Committees on ing. A very complete Wednesday October 2 at 3 p.m. in the guide to Senior (Reaching Seniors page 23)

Mission Senior Living Communities Recognized for Outstanding Care, Achievement in Long-term Care

D

MSL team members awarded by the Perry Foundation.

uring the annual Perry Foundation Endeavor Awards dinner on Aug. 20 at The Grove at South Creek, Carson City-based Mission Senior Living (MSL) team members were presented four Endeavor Awards for outstanding care and achievement in post-acute and long-term care in Nevada.

MSL offers assisted living and memory care services at locations in Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona.

The Perry Foundation honored the following MSL communities and team members: Amanda Jenkins, Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care, was named Administrator of the Year, Assisted Living Community.

Fernley Estates Senior Living and Memory Care received the Gold Endeavor Award for Quality of Care in an Assisted Living Community. Team member Gemma Johnson was named Caregiver of the Year.

Girette Barnes, Mission Senior Living, was named Distinguished Nurse Educator.

“We could not be prouder of our team member and leaders,” said Darryl Fisher, president of MSL. “The Perry Foundation’s recognition confirms the caliber of our team and their commitment to improving the lives of our residents; not for accolades, but because they are dedicated to their profession and to improving themselves every day.”

Reaching Seniors / page 22 Tuscarora Room at Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center on Valley Road in Reno. Joint meetings are held in January, April, July and October.

Reno SCAC information can be found on www.reno.gov/seniors. A meeting schedule can be located on the Reno.gov seniors page.

Washoe County’s board information:

www.washoecounty.us/seniorsr v/senior_services_advisory_boar d/index.php for more specifics.

The Sparks group meets every other month. Its next meeting is November 20 at 9 a.m. at the Larry D. Johnson Community Center across from Sparks Library. For details, check www,cityofsparks.us/boards -commissions/sparks-senior-citizens-advisory-committee/.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 23

BIGGEST little City

Harry Spencer

Tennis and Arm Wrestling Harry Spencer

W

atching this year’s September tennis event known as the Laver Cup, I was glad to see Rod Laver there in per­ son. It brought back the time I first met the tennis legend known as “The Rocket”. As far as I know, Laver’s only appearance in northern Nevada occurred in 1965 at the opening of the Tahoe Racquet Club at Incline Village, Lake Tahoe. At that time, pro tennis players were

not eligible to compete at Wimbledon and because the Tahoe tournament was played at the same time in early July as the English event, the competitors at Tahoe spent most of their free time watching the black­ and­white telecast from England.

The Tahoe tournament finals were played between tennis legends Laver and Pancho Gonzales. The taller Gonzales, who was a serve­ and­volley master seemed far more imposing than the average­sized Laver.

24 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

However, Laver had devel­ oped a new shot on the ten­ nis scene which consisted of a fierce service return.

Previously, most tennis play­ ers had only sought to block a big serve.

In an early exchange, responding to one of Gonzales’ most powerful serves, left­handed Laver struck the ball so hard that it pierced a hole in the new net which caused club owner Peter Paxton to exclaim, “Hey, Guys! That’s a brand new net!” Laver went on to defeat Pancho in an exciting finals match.

A recent Comstock Chronicle column by McAvoy Layne (The Ghost of Mark Twain), was devoted to his training for arm wrestling. It reminded me of the many adventures that occurred during the time arm wrestling was in vogue. My first experience in the manly art happened during my time in the Army. As recreational opportunities seldom existed for GI’s, arm wrestling con­ tests were frequent events in the barracks.

Following my WW II serv­ ice, I learned of a very special type of arm wrestling cour­ tesy of Benny Raggio, uncle of Washoe County DA Bill Raggio. He called it “Italian” arm wrestling. In this ver­ sion, rather than grasp your opponent’s entire hand, you only interlock little fingers so that it is more a contest to see how much pain you can stand rather than one of

brute strength.

I didn’t encounter many athletes who practiced the Italian version until I hooked up with former Washoe County DA Jack Streeter.

Streeter was a towering physical specimen and our last encounter occurred at the five Pagni brothers’ Jubilee Club on old 395 South. We decided to aban­ don the sport after we man­ aged to turn over one of the club’s 21 Tables in a standoff match.

Later on, when I became active in the Tahoe Racquet Club at Incline Village, many post­tennis matches were highlighted by arm wrestling at the adjoining bar. I quickly learned that tennis players have exceedingly strong arms. My most embarrassing encounter in the sport was also my last. It occurred at the conclusion of the Clint Eastwood Celebrity tennis tournament, which I pro­ duced at the Tahoe Racquet Club Labor Day Weekend of 1975.

The celebrity­filled tour­ nament had come to an end and our post­tourney night­ time celebration was hosted by the Pritzker family (own­ ers of the Hyatt Regency Tahoe), in their exquisite Hugo’s Rotisserie lounge and restaurant situated on the Incline shoreline with a peer­ less view of Crystal Bay in the foreground and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range in the background.

(Biggest Little page 27)

ECLECTIC OBSERVER Janet Ross

Exhibits and Fun Holiday Activities

Y

ou have until October 20th to see a trio of exceptional and unique Janet Ross exhibits.

Two are currently housed in the Nevada Museum of Art. The first, by Native American and Nevada­born artist Jack Malotte, fills the Robert Z. Hawkins Gallery on the Museum's third floor. On dis­ play, his paintings, drawings, and prints literally fill each wall from floor to ceiling in a major retrospective of Malotte's career.

Georgia O'Keeffe: Living Modern is housed in the larg­ er John Hawley Olds Lagatta Gallery, also on the Museum's third floor.

Drawing large crowds, the O'Keeffe exhibit is all about Image, hers. Known to many only for her paintings, here you will find Georgia O'Keeffe as she wished to be seen – always dressed in black and/or white, pho­ tographed by the likes of Stieglitz, Ansel Adams, Halsman, Beaton and others, in settings of her choice. The exhibit is a fascinating por­ trait of this renowned American artist with many of her personally created outfits on prominent display. (The Nevada Museum of Art is open Wednesday­Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 8 p.m. Thursday. Senior admis­ sion is $8, free for Members.)

Host for the third exhibit is the Wilbur D. May Museum

in San Rafael Park. Art of the Aloha Shirt – the History of Hawaii's Enduring Fashion Statement demonstrates the main era, 1938­1951, of the popular and colorful gar­ ment. On display you'll find vintage shirts, fabric swatch­ es, original textile work and advertisements. The May Museum is open Wednesday­ Sunday, 10 a.m.­4 p.m., noon­4 p.m. Sunday. Senior admission $4.

October's big holiday may be Halloween, but it's also time to think of the holiday season to come. Truckee Meadows Community College has a great line­up of classes to get you up­to­speed, whether you need help in the kitchen or creating gifts. Now is the time to register for educa­ tional opportunities like Gourmet Holiday Chocolates with evening sessions on October 23rd or November 13th. Get ready for Turkey Day with Thanksgiving 101 on November 14th from 6­8 p.m., or try a Taste of Scandinavia on November 2nd with the Daughters of Norway as they demonstrate the secret of Christmas Krumkake. Still in the kitchen? Consider Holiday Cookie Decorating on November 6th or December 3rd. Fees for cooking classes range from $39­$49 and loca­ tions vary.

If you're inclined to create your own gifts, TMCC has a variety of classes, some offered in a single session, others for a longer period.

Choose from selections like

Folded Fabric Ornaments on October 8th and 22nd, Needle Felting: Santa Clause on October 17th and 24th, Japanese Silk Gift Wrap on November 9th, Holiday Cards in Watercolor on December 5th and 12th, or Holiday Art in Pastels on December 6th and 13th. Fees range from $59 to $129, plus materials.

Location for these classes is the TMCC Meadowood Center. For more information call 775­829­9010 or register on­line at wdce.tmcc.edu.

As October ends, make plans to be a part of the first Day of the Dead Parade and

Theater in Reno, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 2nd. A day that celebrates our ancestors, el Dia de los Muertos, is a beloved tradition in Mexico.

(View a copy of the award­ winning animated film, “Coco” to see the beauty of this annual celebration.) For information call 775­358­ 1779 for details and loca­ tions. Washoe County Libraries will also celebrate Dia de los Muertos October 23rd through November 2nd at five of its branches with activities for the whole fami­ ly. (Visitevents.washoe­ countylibrary.us for details.)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 25

Choices for Change

C

Informative Senior Seminars on Difficult Issues

hoices for Change is a series of senior focused seminars that help elders get answers to difficult questions as they enter the Golden Years.

Facilitated by Teri Bartl, Choices for Change seminars feature two or three experts who give presentations on issues seniors often face as they age.

Each presentation is followed by a ques­ tion and answer session that helps attendees better understand the subject matter.

“This is a great service because after the presenters are done, the guests wander around and talk to experts from a vari­ ety of professions, while enjoying refreshments and socializing,” said Bartl.

26 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Bartl said that far too many seniors do not have inter­ action on a daily basis with other people. Choices for Change “gives everyone a chance to meet and socialize while learning valuable informa­ tion about navi­ gating through the changes that Seniors attending a presentation of Choices for Change. happen in our later years, whether we want the Presenters volunteer their time and changes or not.” speak on subjects reflecting experience and knowledge. Bartl says the speakers Information presented at the seminars are hoping to build relationships with range from finances to Medicare, often attendees, but the emphasis is not on accompanied by business but assistance. stretching for strength after lis­ Choices for Change will be held monthly tening to the for seniors, baby boomers, and adult­ presentation. children of aging adults. The website “We try to www.yourchoicesforchange.com pro­ include a physical vides information about speakers and or nutri­ tional section each event because we know a healthy body enhances the qual­ ity of life, alongside emotion­ al and financial well­ Teri Bartl and Cameron. being.” subjects of upcoming seminars. If you Choices for are interested in any topics that could Change is a free help seniors, contact Teri Bartl at 774­ seminar.

750­4414 or teribartl44@gmail.com.

Biggest Little / from page 24 My tennis partner, Peter Paxton and I were engaged in a spirited contest of arm wrestling.

In between bouts, we were joined by a husky young fellow who had been hired to bartend during the tournament. He was a personable guy, some 20 years younger, from San Francisco, and he asked if he could take on the winner of the next match.

Unfortunately, I won and in sizing up my next opponent, I was reminded of a trick that one of my previous tennis partners had said he always employed when arm wrestling. It was a simple maneuver that had you using your left hand to tap your opponent’s cheek just as you said the word, “Go!” Due to the disparity of age between me and the burly bar­ tender, I decided to employ said technique. Again, unfortunately, my left hand was below the table top, so instead of delivering a light tap, I must have swung a lit­ tle too vigorously and the result of the blow was that it knocked my opponent off the chair as his right arm was slammed upon the table. Red­faced and furious, he leapt to his feet and said, “OK, outside!”

I managed to cajole him by telling him that I had been a semi­pro boxer and I apologized for striking him and couldn’t we just sit down and have another round of drinks? He finally cooled down and we had several more rounds.

A few months later, I hap­ pened to be in the Bay Area and visited the bar where he worked.

It was a busy place and I asked the bartender at my end to ask her fellow co­worker if he would be interested in a bit of arm wrestling. He immediately came down the bar, shook hands and bought me several drinks on the house.

A very nice guy!

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 27

Tinseltown

Growing up with ‘Dracula’ in your blood

By Nick Thomas

B

éla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó was a veteran of over 170 stage plays and several silent films in his native Hungary when forced to flee to Germany in 1919 for political reasons.

Known under the stage name Arisztid Olt, the 6’ 1” actor with piercing blue eyes re­branded himself after his home­ town of Lugos and appeared in a dozen German films billed as Bela Lugosi before moving to the United States in 1920.

A decade later and approaching 50, Bela Lugosi’s name would become forever etched in Hollywood history when the mesmerizing actor portrayed bloodsuck­ ing Count Dracula in Universal’s 1931 horror masterpiece, “Dracula,” a role he previously played in theaters across America for 3 years (see www.belalu­ gosi.com).

Married five times, his only son – also named Bela Lugosi – may have inherited the Lugosi genes, but not the craving to act.

“I actually took my dad's good advice and stayed away from the camera because he thought actors were too dependent on producers and agents,” said Lugosi, now in his early 80s, from Los Angeles. “He hoped I would follow some other career path, so I went to law school and worked in the area of celebrity rights.”

Nevertheless, the younger Lugosi could­ n’t escape the famous name throughout life and even attempted to minimize the attention for a while growing up.

“Until I started law school, I went by Bill

Bela Lugosi Jr.

instead of Bela,” he said. “But it didn’t deflect the recognition. So I’ve gone by Bela G. Lugosi or Bela Lugosi Jr. most of my life and am proud of it, of course.

Hardly a day has gone by that someone hasn’t recognized the name. But people (Tinseltown page 30)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 29

Tinseltown / from page 29

had to conjure up the menacing stare of his most famous character.

“Oh yeah, that look was all it took!” he said, laughing. “And no, he didn’t dress up as Dracula for Halloween which I don’t really even remember because I

was away at boarding school a lot.”

Bela Lugosi only appeared twice as Dracula in feature films, the second being 1948’s “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.”

are very nice, although some still think I’m actually my father!”

Young Bela Jr. spent much of his early life at military school, but the memories of his dad remain vivid.

“He was a very caring father, but also an authority figure,” he explained. And when mischief was afoot, his father only

Bela Lugosi in 1948’s “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.”

“I visited him during the produc­ tion,” said Lugosi. “I remember they hired a comedian to come on set to make everyone laugh and relax. I also remember every­ one treating my dad with so much respect, just as I’ve heard he always treated the cast and crews he worked with.”

Despite working for two more decades after the original “Dracula” film, Lugosi says his father could never escape the role he famously created.

“He was such a versatile actor before that movie and it typecast him, but he was proud to have made the character his own,” he said. “I’m sure he’d be totally amazed to know his popularity today and how fondly he’s still remembered.”

30 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Nevada Women’s Expo

N

evada Women’s Expo is back in Reno on November 15 and 16 at the Firecreek Crossing Mall on Kietzke Lane (The old Sports Authority building next to Starbucks, Sam’s Club, and TJ Maxx). The show begins on Friday at 12 and ends on Saturday at 6 with lots of entertainment, food, gifts, prizes, and plenty of businesses that are owned by women or love women, offering services especially for women. It’s truly a shop­ ping extravaganza.

This one­of­a­kind family ori­ ented show has something for every member of the family and the whole family is welcome. Even men enjoy this event and it’s just in time for Christmas. It’s a great

Solution

place to find that special gift.

The Nevada Women’s Expo has been making steals and deals available in Reno for over 15 years. Christy Hawk, the founder, started the show in the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. The Expo moved because it was simply a better deal. Free parking and the ability to offer out­ side exhibits as well as hun­ dreds of inside booths and entertainment to the public allows for more economical pricing to exhibitors, crafters, and non­profits who pass that savings along to every Expo attendee.

New owner, Joye Kinkade, has a special reason for wanting the Nevada Women’s Expo to be a suc­ from page 31

32 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

cess. Joye’s son, Ben Kinkade has Trisomy 18. Most people are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes but Ben has an extra chromosome on the eighteenth pair. The most familiar form of Trisomy is Trisomy 21, Down’s Syndrome.

non­profit Supportive Hope Network (SHN). SHN was founded as a resource for special needs—a clearing house for resources and encouragement to those who have special needs and feel they have exhausted what

From the moment the diagnosis was made while he was still in his mother’s womb, most medical pro­ fessionals gave up car­ ing for him and his mother.

Many said he was bet­ ter off dead. Ben Kinkade, poster child for Supportive Hope Network.

With prayer, encouragement, and the medical community, vet­ resources, his mother per­ eran’s community or senior sisted. When he was born community has to offer. Ben alive once again his parents Kinkade, the poster child for were advised to provide Supportive Hope Network, comfort and let him die. But has survived and thrived Ben is a fighter. He defied largely because of many the diagnosis and is now a resources that SHN was able happy three­year old. to show his parents were available. So often those who Although Ben has chal­ need resources most aren’t lenges, he never loses his aware of them or how to smile or his love for life. Ben access them. That’s why will be at the Nevada Supportive Hope Network Women’s Expo in his Ben was founded. By attending mobile to put his special the Nevada Women’s Expo autograph on copies of his you can help Supportive story, Defying Diagnosis: Hope Network continue its Choosing Faith over Facts. unique work. Tickets and exhibitor booths are still The Nevada Women’s Expo available at donates all of its profits to a NevadaWomensExpo.com locally managed 501(c)3

Simply Smart Travel Jeff & Virginia Orenstein

Oakland, California

N

ext time you find yourself in the San Francisco Bay area, be sure to make time for at least a day trip to Oakland, just across the bay. Better yet, spend a few days there to explore its many charms.

Just as New York has its for­ merly somewhat seedy but now­trendy Brooklyn, San Francisco has its Oakland, a vibrant sister city just a bridge away but with a whole different feel.

Replete with gorgeous views, a great food and wine scene, trendy shopping, an emerg­ ing art scene and a culturally­ dynamic diversity, newly­chic Oakland deserves its emerg­ ing reputation as a Bay Area attraction. Add in a check­ ered history, a busy port, a mix of familiar and exotic cul­ tures, lower rents than in San Francisco and an influx of young locals and the coffee bars, cafes, galleries, and clubs that follow them, and you have today’s Oakland, a simply smart destination.

Shopping is burgeoning in Oakland too. Beyond the usual coterie of trendy shops and souvenir emporia, there are many unique local shops.

There is also a lively farmers market at Jack London Square every Sunday and the huge monthly Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire draws antique collec­ tors from all of Northern California.

Alameda Island is adjacent to downtown Oakland, reachable by tunnel.

Formerly, a sleepy and slightly seedy village, It, too, is undergoing an urban ren­ aissance with its share of trendy shops, boutiques, craft breweries and eateries.

For sports fans, the area is a magnet for both profession­ al and amateur sports. If you are interested in basketball, baseball or football, Oakland has it in abundance.

Oakland’s skyline is impressive from the path around Lake Merritt.

Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

Greater Oakland has an abundance of natural beauty as well. From downtown’s beautiful Lake Merritt urban oasis to the nearby spectacu­ lar bay views and redwood grove in the Oakland Hills, visitors will delight at how picturesque the east bay can be.

/2017/03/03/10­things­to­ do­in­oakland/

Francisco, 12 miles distant via I­80.

• https://www.sftravel.com/ explore/visit­oakland

Must­Sees For A Short Trip: • Lake Merritt. If you are the hiking sort, the 3.25 mile walking path around the lake is very rewarding, with many attractions along the route.

Throw in Old Oakland’s restored Victorian architec­ ture and Chinatown, Oakland is well worth exploration for Simply Smart Travelers.

• By air, the nearest airport is Oakland International (OAK), just 8.5 miles from Jack London Square. San Francisco International (SFO) is 25 miles away.

Before You Go Check Out: • https://Visitoakland.com/ • https://www.visitcalifor­ nia.com/destination/spot­ light­oakland • https://www.architec­ turaldigest.com/story/oak­ land­california­travel­guide • https://mashable.com

Getting There: Oakland can be easily reached by highway, air, cruise ship or train.

• By train, Amtrak has a sta­ tion right at Jack London Square. It offers frequent service to the entire west coast and beyond. BART regional trains run through­ out the bay region.

• By car, Oakland is on inter­ states 80, 880 and 980.

• Cruise ships sail from San

• Jack London Square, a shopping center on the Oakland Estuary, offers a marina, shopping wine tast­ ing and day cruises.

If You Have Several Days, Some of Your Best Options: • The Oakland Museum of California.

• Views of San Francisco Bay from the Oakland Hills and the majesty of nature at the Redwood Regional Park.

• A wine tasting trip to near­

by Napa and Sonoma Co. (Smart Travel page 34)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / October / 33

Smart Travel / from page 33 • A bay cruise on the Presidential Yacht Potomac from Jack London Square.

Other day cruises are avail­ able • A day trip to San Francisco.

Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For Oakland: The entire bay area is fairly style­con­ scious. Resort casual dress is fine for most things in Oakland.

This gondola is on Oakland’s scenic Lake Merritt, not Venice.

Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

Amtrak trains stop at the Jack London Square station, providing frequent service to the entire west coast. Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

• A day trip to Sausalito.

• The Chabot Space and Science Center in the Oakland Hills.

• Treasure island, off the Oakland Bay Bridge.

This Destination At A Glance Over 50 Advantage: An emerging world­class culinary scene and good museums.

Mobility Level: Low, except some steep paths in the Oakland Hills around

Scenic lake Merritt, in the center of Oakland, combines an urban ambiance with the beauty of a lakeside park, a children’s Fairyland and a boat house.

Redwood Regional Park.

Simply Smart Travel Tip: A stroll around Lake Merritt is free and has some fascinat­ ing urbanscapes and great people­watching.

When To Go: Year­round.

Winter can be cold and rainy and summers are hot but not humid. September and October are busy but with near­ideal weather.

Where To Stay: Downtown and the Jack London Square area both have many good hotel choices.

34 / October / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Jeffrey Orenstein, Ph.D. and Virginia Orenstein are travel writers. Reach them at joren­ stein@SimplySmart